The "Call"

On the morning of Monday October 6th, 2008 two days after Julie's fabulous wedding I got the "call" nobody ever wants to get from their doctor's office. I had had a breast biopsy on Friday the 26th of Sept. and had instructed my Dr. not to inform me of the results until Monday after Julie's wedding either way. I was so busy traveling and getting the final details and decorations taken care of for the wedding that I really didn't think about what was waiting for me and that was God's protection to enjoy the celebration with all the family and friends who came all the way to Texas for the marriage of the third and last of our beautiful, lovely daughters!!

The "call" from the Dr's. was to inform that my biopsy had come back positive for IDC (invasive ductal carsinoma) and that I would need to come in for a MRI on that Friday and that Bill and I would need to see the Dr. the following Tues. Oct. 14th to discuss surgery options and treatment.

Even after being a hospice nurse for 22 years, it really does not prepare you for how you personally will take the news! Even though the Dr. told me he had felt it was suspicious when it is confirmed the FEAR of that word CANCER hits and you are in shock until you listen and the Lord tells you in that voice in your head that He is still with you and He is Faithful and He will never leave or forsake you even when you cry in disbelief and you can't protect your loved ones from the fear and worry either. I only let Bill and the girls know that Monday and then gradually called my family and friends. My daughters discussed starting this blog so communication would flow quicker and would be a way for me to share ,ask for prayer and just vent as needed. I love all the prayers and calls but sometimes it's hard to talk when I'm overwhelmed with decisions and just plain "foggy-brained". I've since my Dr's. appointment gone to a Breast Survivors Support Meeting (wonderful women,great sharing,even humor and great resourcing) and a forum at the University of Georgia hosted by keynote speaker Barbara Dooley and a panel of great doctors who answered so many good questions from women having survived cancer and those newly diagnosed.
This first post has become rather wordy so to cut to the chase or dirt.
1. My surgery is scheduled for Monday October 27th.
2. I'm going for genetic testing Wed. October 22 , my risk factors went up after discovering I'm of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and this could affect course of future treatment if I carry the breast cancer gene. All kinds of new great studies going on with this.
3. Depending on my lymph node involvement, pathology, and genetic study course of treament will be determined i.e. radiation, chemo, and adjunct hormone blocking therapy beginning anywhere from 2-6weeks after surgery


PRAYER REQUESTS:
1. That I have no node involement which will be foundout 2 hrs. prior to my scheduled lumpectomy
2. That my genetic study shows that I am negative for the BRACA(breast gene mutation)
3. That I can recover and attend the birth of Trisha's baby before I begin my treatments

I Pray and thank My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for each and every one of you
in my life which has always been abundantly blessed and still is. Praise Him !!