Wanted to pass on the wonderful news: The sentinel node biopsy came back clear.
I haven't cried since before my surgery two weeks ago. I've just been resting and mending.
So, today, my post op exam went well. The surgeon was very pleased with the results and they were able to remove the drain. Now I feel like I can really heal. The lab still hadn't posted the results from the pathology at that point, so the doc said they should know by Wednesday and I would get a call. Then he reconsidered and asked his intern to visit the lab and see if he could strong-arm them into giving us the results. I'm sorry, but I did like that idea. We have all been expecting the results today. Marty and I said we would like to wait and see what the intern could find out.
We went out to the waiting room and within 15 minutes the intern had returned with a smile on his face saying that the pathology came back clear. Very unexpectedly, tears started forming in my eyes. I'm not sure why it surprised me, but it did. It was such a relief. Dr. Soballe came by and "shooed" us off to the Plastics clinic to make an appointment for reconstruction. As we were walking down the hallway, I was overcome with fatigue. I suddenly wanted to take a nap! I guess there had been the underlying stress of not knowing. I know I will sleep well tonight.
We still have more decisions to make for how to handle the higher risk of cancer showing up in the other breast, and how to proceed with that and reconstruction or not. So please continue to keep me in your prayers for those decisions. I will be gathering information and reading up on all this, but now can rest and relax until my next appointment November 15.
I am so relieved that I do not have to head down the path of chemo and/or radiation. I am so grateful to all of you for your support and prayers. Those who sent me books and journals, please know that they have been extremely helpful and comforting. I have been able to share in the thoughts and experiences of others who have gone before me, and feel much more confident that I am making well-informed decisions.
My mind is still on those sisters I know who are continuing to fight a more difficult battle than mine. I love you and am praying for you, too.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A Clear Head
One week past surgery. Most of it I don't even remember. About 2 days ago, I lost the foggy brain and ringing in my ears from the general anesthesia. I'm learning a lot of lessons as the result of trying to do things that I've normally done as I start to feel better. Gotta slow down! Take it easy! Stay on those pain meds!
Wow, and my house is filled with all of these beautiful flowers! Thank you all so much for thinking of me, praying for me, taking time out of your day to write a note, email, text, or send a gift, and to those who have brought food for my family. What a blessing to not have to worry about shopping and fixing meals on top of everything else! A grateful thank you to everyone who has stepped up to keep my girls busy and involved with their normal activities. I am so grateful to my First Baptist family who have prayed, encouraged, trusted and filled in for me while I'm convalescing. To my fellow Heritage Moms who have stepped up to cover my teaching commitments, you are my heroes. Just as Dana Cabral has mentioned before, it is a testament to the quality of people I am privileged to rub shoulders with at Heritage to witness how effortlessly you all step in to stand in the gap. I am overwhelmed with all of your love, feeling very undeserving of it all, but very grateful.
As of today, I am still on a consistent pain relief regime, laying low, staying quiet. Experiencing many strange and unexpected feelings as I heal. The mobility in my arm has been surprisingly good. But I have some cramping in the muscles from time to time. I'd really like to get some exercise, but walking to the post box is about my limit before I start to get light-headed. I'm so glad Marty and my dad have been there to keep me stable.
My post op appointment is scheduled for Monday, Oct 25th, when I find out the results of the sentinel node biopsy. And I am still banned from driving!
The rainy weather is starting to get old. I miss my room with the sun pouring through the windows and giving that golden glow that gives such warmth to the space. Although, today was nice when my mom suggested a fire in the fireplace. I think we should do that again tomorrow.
It's interesting how such challenging events can help us to see just how blessed we really are.
Thanks for traveling this path with me.
Wow, and my house is filled with all of these beautiful flowers! Thank you all so much for thinking of me, praying for me, taking time out of your day to write a note, email, text, or send a gift, and to those who have brought food for my family. What a blessing to not have to worry about shopping and fixing meals on top of everything else! A grateful thank you to everyone who has stepped up to keep my girls busy and involved with their normal activities. I am so grateful to my First Baptist family who have prayed, encouraged, trusted and filled in for me while I'm convalescing. To my fellow Heritage Moms who have stepped up to cover my teaching commitments, you are my heroes. Just as Dana Cabral has mentioned before, it is a testament to the quality of people I am privileged to rub shoulders with at Heritage to witness how effortlessly you all step in to stand in the gap. I am overwhelmed with all of your love, feeling very undeserving of it all, but very grateful.
As of today, I am still on a consistent pain relief regime, laying low, staying quiet. Experiencing many strange and unexpected feelings as I heal. The mobility in my arm has been surprisingly good. But I have some cramping in the muscles from time to time. I'd really like to get some exercise, but walking to the post box is about my limit before I start to get light-headed. I'm so glad Marty and my dad have been there to keep me stable.
My post op appointment is scheduled for Monday, Oct 25th, when I find out the results of the sentinel node biopsy. And I am still banned from driving!
The rainy weather is starting to get old. I miss my room with the sun pouring through the windows and giving that golden glow that gives such warmth to the space. Although, today was nice when my mom suggested a fire in the fireplace. I think we should do that again tomorrow.
It's interesting how such challenging events can help us to see just how blessed we really are.
Thanks for traveling this path with me.
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Steady Recuperation
Firstly, THANK YOU to all of you who have sent flowers, gifts, and an abundance of love to this house. It has been a blessing for each one of us to walk through the house and see all these indications of love and grasp just how much my mom has impacted the people in her life. Thank you for all of your care and compassion.
Now to the update on my mom..
Sleep has definitely been the prevailing activity for my mother over the past two days. All of us have noticed that every time she wakes up she is feeling better. Sleep is a beautiful thing.
On top of showing speedy recovery through simply feeling better, my mom has enjoyed full meals a few times during the day. I don't know a substantial amount of what is good when someone is recovering from a surgery, but I definitely know it is a good sign that my mom is stomaching a nourishing diet. and of course, she's not missing out on soul food thanks to everyone who has brought cookies :)
Please continue to pray that my mom will keep on sleeping, eating, and smiling.
AND that the biopsy will come back benign!
We will be sure to update all of you when we receive the results sometime in the next five days.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. "
Philipians 4:4-7
Now to the update on my mom..
Sleep has definitely been the prevailing activity for my mother over the past two days. All of us have noticed that every time she wakes up she is feeling better. Sleep is a beautiful thing.
On top of showing speedy recovery through simply feeling better, my mom has enjoyed full meals a few times during the day. I don't know a substantial amount of what is good when someone is recovering from a surgery, but I definitely know it is a good sign that my mom is stomaching a nourishing diet. and of course, she's not missing out on soul food thanks to everyone who has brought cookies :)
Please continue to pray that my mom will keep on sleeping, eating, and smiling.
AND that the biopsy will come back benign!
We will be sure to update all of you when we receive the results sometime in the next five days.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. "
Philipians 4:4-7
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Today's Events and Tomorrow's Hope
Today my mom and dad left for the hospital at about 8:30am.
My wonderful grandparents stayed with me and Haley all throughout the day,
taking Haley to classday and making peaceful conversation with the both of
us.
First thing we heard from my mom was that she and my dad were sitting in the
waiting room of the OR. if that's what you call it.
that was about noon.
At roughly.. 1:30pm I received a text from Kirstin (who had driven to the
hospital after she finished classes) saying that the surgery went well and
my mom was in the recovery room.
Praise Jesus.
Anyway, my mom, my dad, and Kirstin are all home now. Please pray for my mom
as she will probably experience a significant amount of discomfort and pain
over the next few days.
Dr. Soballe said that there is a 70% chance that the lymph node will come
back benign. But they will not know for sure until the results come back
sometime next week.
it's 9:24pm and my dad just helped my mom up the stairs to go to bed.
I will never forget the tender love they have shared through all of this.
And I thank God for His shower of blessings upon our family so far.
The journey is not over, but the destination is set.
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the
Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." 2
Corinthians 3:18
My wonderful grandparents stayed with me and Haley all throughout the day,
taking Haley to classday and making peaceful conversation with the both of
us.
First thing we heard from my mom was that she and my dad were sitting in the
waiting room of the OR. if that's what you call it.
that was about noon.
At roughly.. 1:30pm I received a text from Kirstin (who had driven to the
hospital after she finished classes) saying that the surgery went well and
my mom was in the recovery room.
Praise Jesus.
Anyway, my mom, my dad, and Kirstin are all home now. Please pray for my mom
as she will probably experience a significant amount of discomfort and pain
over the next few days.
Dr. Soballe said that there is a 70% chance that the lymph node will come
back benign. But they will not know for sure until the results come back
sometime next week.
it's 9:24pm and my dad just helped my mom up the stairs to go to bed.
I will never forget the tender love they have shared through all of this.
And I thank God for His shower of blessings upon our family so far.
The journey is not over, but the destination is set.
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the
Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." 2
Corinthians 3:18
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Night Before Surgery
Marty and I had a wonderful trip up to Julian yesterday, coming back today. We stayed in a cabin that was a piece of art in itself. We woke up to turkeys and deer! It was a healing and strengthening trip. Thanks Mom and Dad for holding down the fort.
I have received so many texts, messages, cards, phone calls and heart-felt encouragements from so many. They are incredibly powerful for me. Right when I'm beginning to feel a bit discouraged, some message comes my way that says, "I love you," or "Thinking of you," or "Praying for you." They keep me going. I am so grateful for all the love being poured over me.
I am confident that He who began a good work in me, will complete in Christ Jesus.
Marty will let you all know how things go.
The LORD Himself goes before me and is with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. I will not be afraid. I will not be discouraged.
I have received so many texts, messages, cards, phone calls and heart-felt encouragements from so many. They are incredibly powerful for me. Right when I'm beginning to feel a bit discouraged, some message comes my way that says, "I love you," or "Thinking of you," or "Praying for you." They keep me going. I am so grateful for all the love being poured over me.
I am confident that He who began a good work in me, will complete in Christ Jesus.
Marty will let you all know how things go.
The LORD Himself goes before me and is with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. I will not be afraid. I will not be discouraged.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Pre-Op Appointment
Got through the morning, okay. Asked lots of questions about meds, anesthesia, and alternative approaches about which I've been reading and learning. I haven't posted anything this last week or so because it has been very agonizing sifting through lots of information on different approaches to dealing with cancer. I'm still struggling with the reality of it all. I guess it will all sink in when I wake up from surgery.
I am glad for the opportunity to learn more about cancer and the many different possibilities on why we get it and how to deal with it. There are many things I need to consider changing in my lifestyle and how I take care of myself, those I love and on whom I have an influence.
Good friends lost their family pet today. Loss has such an impact on us. It makes time stand still. Hopefully, it reminds us of what's important, what really has eternal value.
I am so grateful for all of the cards, notes, texts, phone calls and messages I am receiving from many of you. I wish I could respond to them all. Please know that they make a difference, encourage me and are more important that you may know.
I am glad for the opportunity to learn more about cancer and the many different possibilities on why we get it and how to deal with it. There are many things I need to consider changing in my lifestyle and how I take care of myself, those I love and on whom I have an influence.
Good friends lost their family pet today. Loss has such an impact on us. It makes time stand still. Hopefully, it reminds us of what's important, what really has eternal value.
I am so grateful for all of the cards, notes, texts, phone calls and messages I am receiving from many of you. I wish I could respond to them all. Please know that they make a difference, encourage me and are more important that you may know.
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