Thursday, December 2, 2010

Wow, what a day......

What a whirl-wind of a day.  Met with the genetic counselor and drew blood to test for the BRAC gene, which is a gene mutation that causes breast and ovarian cancers.  If I test positive I will have to have my ovaries removed later. 

Then I had a MRI of my breast.  The MRI showed extensive lymph node involvement under my left arm and one lymph node adjacent to the breast mass.  What that means is I have to do chemo AND radiation therapies.  That sucks.  The GREAT news is the mass has not attached to my chest wall, praise God.

Next, off to meet with the surgeon.  I really, really liked him.  He had already contacted the oncologist and plastic surgeon to discuss my case.  My team of doctors are already all in place.  Due to the aggressive nature of this cancer and my family history, I am having a double mastectomy ..... and I'm having it Monday!  Wow, they don't mess around.  Because I will have to have radiation, I won't get any reconstruction until later down the road.  I will also have several other scans to assess my bones, lungs and liver for metastasis, but that won't happen until sometime after surgery.

There is one thing I've learned very quickly.  Cancer is not something that only affects the patient but affects their whole family, especially their husband or signifigant other.  They are really the unsung heros.  They have to be the rock while they are torn to shreads on the inside.  They are there holding our hand every step of the way, our cheerleaders and soft place to fall.  People like my brother-in-laws; Butch and Larry.  People like my wonderful husband Bryan, who I am so blessed to have.  The women that fight for their lives every day could not do it without their wonderful men standing strong next to them.  On behalf of all those women, we love you.

8 comments:

  1. Your blog looks great; I'm so thankful you created it! See you tomorrow!

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  2. First and foremost, I love you so much Connie. I have not tried to call during this difficult time, giving you and Bryan some space to be together. It's easy for me to say God will give both of you strength, but he is taking care of you every step of the way. My prayers are with you. You took care of my mama and my sister, Jean and now it is time for all of us to support you. My arms are around you and my prayers are in my heart. I love you-Gale

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  3. I am so glad you developed the blog! It will help all of us to know what to pray for specifically each day as we follow your progress and cheer you on. Know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you through this journey. God Bless You! Deb Kee

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  4. Hi Connie ... I have known Nicole since she was very young and had her in Bible Study 3 years; she will be a stronghold for you through the days ahead. I, too, have had breast cancer and am now 11 years cancer free. Technology, physicians, and treatments are such a blessing in this field of cancer. "Be still and know that I am God" is an opportunity to see God at work. Will be watching for your blog and keeping you in my prayers. Sharon Hodges, Elk City, OK

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  5. Hi Connie,

    I know your Mom and Samantha from Hope Worship Center in Tulsa, OK. I emailed your Mom today to find out the results, and she sent me your blog address. I am really glad you started a blog, so we can stay up with your progress. I am praying for you, and will ask other blogger & friends to pray also. The Lord hears our every prayer and He will be with you e.v.e.r.y. step of the way. Keep your eyes FIXED on Jesus...May He wrap his arms around you - so you walk in HIS peace.
    Love,
    Julie Huff

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  6. I love you Connie! We are praying for you everyday!

    Love,
    Julia, Donald, & Olivia

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  7. HI Connie...found you through Julie. Praying for you...believing for a miracle..nothing is impossible with Him..

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  8. I love you Connie! We are praying everyday all throughout the day for you. Your blog looks sooo great!
    Love,
    Jason, Kristy, John Owen and Ian

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