August 20, 2014
Wow. This is more difficult than I thought it would be. Where do I begin? How about....Here we go again. I am about to begin something that I thought I left in my past almost 20 years ago. Unfortunately our past tends to creep up on us and eventually taps us on the shoulder.
As most of you already know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer last month. I went in for a routine mammogram and they found an abnormality. The abnormality turned into 4 hours of ultra sounds, more mammograms and a biopsy. The tests were conclusive and I was left with a "potential" stage one diagnosis.
An MRI confirmed the diagnosis and so it begins....4 months chemo followed by a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. The only upside to all of this is that they will be moving my belly to my chest. Yes, that's right, I will be receiving a tummy tuck as well and potentially a larger rack. Yippee!!!
Next step....surgery was scheduled to insert a port into my chest. I lack greatly in the vein department. The port was implanted just above my right breast. It sucks. It's weird to have a foreign object under your skin. I don't even want to touch it and I'm not looking forward to have the nurse insert something into it.
Which leads me to me to my good friend chemotherapy. Oh how I haven't missed you. YOU SUCK!!! I hate the fact that you will be taking my hair again but I guess it will cut back on prep time for work in the morning and as far as Halloween costumes go, I now have several more options...Mr. Clean, Dr. Evil...perhaps Nick and I can go as twins.
Speaking of Nick...he has been amazing and it really is wonderful having someone to go through this together with me. He even bought me a bell so I can call on him at any time. HE'S IN TROUBLE. ;)
I want to thank all of my family and friends that have been so incredibly supportive at this time. Please understand that it is very difficult for me to ask for help and your initiative has made my life that much easier.
One more thing...please forgive grammar, spelling, etc. I will be posting updates regularly and writing what is on my mind. The chemo will be killing my brain cells and I apologize in advance if I say something that you don't understand or offends you in some way.
Keeping the faith and remembering I am truly blessed. Love you all.
You are such a strong person...you will get through this with the support of all your great family and friends!
ReplyDeleteThank you sister :)
DeleteHi Therese, It's an unfortunate part of life when you’re dealt these inexplicable challenges. Some challenges (like yours) are more difficult than most and you must be asking yourself why. The fact is that they are put in front of you to test your fortitude. As you already know, it's difficult to see this while you're in the midst of it all, but it will undoubtedly make you an even stronger, more resilient person in just a few short months. It also tends to make one more appreciative for this silly little thing called LIFE, which most of us take for granted. The world will seem more vibrant and problems that used to seem to be a concern will seem small(er)… a strange but great side effect of an otherwise raw deal. What this current obstacle doesn't know yet is that it's old hash, and that you’re actually the reigning CHAMP. Your strength to conquer it handedly has already been proven and there’s not going to be much of a fight. Please lean on all of the great support you have around you and let us all help you punch through it. The only real question here is who gets to be Dr.Evil and who will be Mini me? You’ve already got this beat with your great attitude!
ReplyDeleteAmazing...thank you.
ReplyDelete