To catch those of you up that don't know what is going on, the first part of March while I was putting on my pj's, I found a lump on my breast. I called the doctor immediately the next morning. I got in that morning. Dr. Pfeifer immediately sent me to get a mammogram and ultra sound. The ultra sound indicated not 1 but 2 suspicious spots. So she sent me down to see Dr. Schmidt in Indianapolis. When he did my exam he found an additional spot that was suspicious. So on March 30, I had a biopsy.
Waiting for the results was not fun. It's not that I was anxious for the results. I knew regardless of the outcome, God was in control and I would be fine. But the fact is, I am not good at waiting. It drives me nuts. I have a new appreciation for women who have had children. If I had to wait 9 months for something, I would go crazy. I am just the type of person that has to know what is going on.
The wait ended Monday night. I was getting ready to watch Castle and the phone rang. It was Dr. Schmidt with the results. All 3 spots were cancer. He then set up an appointment to see him the next day at 4pm.
I am not going to lie, it through me for a loop. I think I knew they were cancer, I just had hoped that it might have been 1 or 2 of the spots. I wasn't figuring on all three. I had my "weepy" time. I am thankful for my Mom and best friend Edie for being there to talk too.
I debated on whether on not to go to work the next morning. I am so glad I did. I work with the most supportive bunch of people. They let me talk, cry and prayed with me. Knowing I had such a big support system praying for me helped me during the wait time to see the doctor. We sure felt God's peace.
The meeting with the doctor was like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. I do have a very aggressive form of cancer. But Dr. Schmidt said I am in the middle between very good cancer and very bad cancer. (I do lean a little to the bad side, but it's still in the middle) I have some "biomarkers" that are very good and some "biomarkers" that are bad. There is a risk of this spreading to the lungs, liver and bone. Because of this, he wants to do chemo and hormonal therapy first. After I get done with that, I will be having a mastectomy. They will be checking out the other breast and if there is a great risk of me getting it there, I will be having that one off too. After the mastectomy, I will be having radiation. I told Mom I am going to glow in the dark after this. :)
Another interesting fact I learned at this meeting, my dad's cancer has absolutely nothing to do with this. Most kidney cancers (which was what he had) are caused by chemicals. Since there is no history of breast cancer in our family and I am so young (Woo hoo 43 is young!) they are going to send me to a specialist to see if I have the breast cancer gene.
Today, I did some blood work and had a chest x ray. Tomorrow I go down to Indy to have an MRI (at lunch this evening the insurance co called to try and get me to get a cheaper one. That's not happening) and get my stitches out. Friday, I see my oncologist, Dr. Gupta here in Kokomo.
Needless to say, my head is spinning. Just to give you an indication how much, I was at work a couple of hours today before I realized I have my shirt on backwards. :D But I have a lot to praise God about. I am going to have a hard road ahead of me, but I have a light at the end of the tunnel. I have the best Mom and sister in law a girl can have. (my brother isn't half bad either :D) I have the best friends anybody could have. My church and workplace have been so supportive. The outpouring of love from my Twitter buddies all over the country has just blown me away (you guys rock and I am going to meet all of you in person some day) And above all I am so glad Jesus is my savior. I know I have a long hard road journey ahead, but I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
I will try my best to keep this blog updated. Yank my chain if I don't.
I will be praying for you and supporting you each step of the way. Sending my love.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI'm sending caring thoughts your way. Be strong, be brave. My mother is still happily with us, nearly 30 years later, after finding a lump at the age of, yes, 43. You can do this, have faith. And if you need a supporting hand, we're right here.
ReplyDeleteYou are always in my thoughts but now even more so! I wish I could be there in person to give you a hug and sit and talk to but I'm sending you a huge tight holding virtual hug. Remember, we are twins!! Love you so much T!!!
ReplyDeleteDebbi
Thanks so much Debbi!
DeleteMy peeps and I are on this whole prayer thang, and you know I'm here for you. Show 'em what you're made of, T, and Whose you are.
ReplyDeleteYou're a fighter, and you're going to get through this. All of your friends and family are behind you and will support you. If you need anything at all--don't hesitate to ask.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am no longer in Kokomo, my prayers are with you. You can get through this because you have God walking with you every step.
ReplyDeleteLots of people around here praying for you, Tonya. Your faith is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteTonya, you are an awesome lady! God promises to give us the grace we need when we need it - and your response to this experience shows a multitude of God's grace. Your choice to exalt our Savior by acknowledging His control and power is a real testimony, Tonya, and I know He will bless you for it. Keep that wonderful sense of humor - because laughter is the best medicine! I admire and am challenged by your faith. I see Jesus in you, Tonya! I love you!
ReplyDelete