This is where it starts...

For those of you who don't know, I've just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It was caught early, stage 1 we believe, and is the most common type...Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It is, I've been told, very treatable, even curable with surgery, possibly chemo, and radiation. I have a long road ahead of me. It's not one I ever thought I'd be on. I am still in shock and suffering nearly constant panic attacks that are not under my control to stop no matter how much I tell myself it's going to be ok. My faith in God is deep and long-standing. I know He's got me in the palm of His hand. My brain knows that...my body, on the other hand, is rebelling. This is the beginning of my journey.

To avoid having to constantly repeat myself, or possibly forgot to update someone, I wanted to start this blog so that I can keep you updated with specific things to pray about. I probably won't update it every single day, but I will try to keep it updated when I get new information. I have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support you've given me. I am so thankful for each of you. I am blessed!

First things first, I am still overwhelmed. I love that you want to talk to me and encourage me, but a hug and a whisper that you're praying for me is all I need right now. I'm not ready for survivor stories. Please don't be offended by that. I know it is meant to be helpful, and I appreciate that, truly. I will eventually be ready for it, just not yet. Thank you for understanding.

So, down to business. Here's what I know right now.

1. It is called Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and is the most common type of breast cancer.
2. It was caught early and is most likely stage 1.
3. It is small, measuring about 1.3cm.
4. I am ER positive which means the cancer cells are receptive to Estrogen and that is a very good thing. It means that if the estrogen is cut off from the cells they will die. A drug called tamoxifen can do that. 
5. I am HER2 negative which is also very good and means that it is not aggressive.
6. It needs to come out and right now they are recommending a lumpectomy with a biopsy of the lymph gland just to be certain it's clear. 
7. Monday I will call to get a time to go in and have a cheek swab for a genetic test to see if I have the breast cancer gene. I will also have phone calls from the other Drs. to make appointments and hopefully get my MRI scheduled for this week as well.
8. Providing my MRI is otherwise normal and the genetic test is normal they will schedule my lumpectomy as soon as possible.
9. If either of those is not normal, I will be scheduled for a double mastectomy with reconstruction at the same time as soon as possible.
10. I won't know if I'll need chemo until the tests are in and I meet with the oncologist. I hope I don't have to have it. I know it's vain...but I love my hair!!
11. I will definitely have to have radiation for anywhere from 4-6 weeks, 5 days a week and then take the drug Tamoxifen for 5 years. 

The statistics are in my favor. Once all this is done the recurrence rate after 20 years is only 5%. If there is ever a recurrence, I would have the double mastectomy which would put the recurrence rate down to 1-2% in 20 years. I can choose to go ahead and have the double mastectomy now and I have not completely ruled that out if it seems the better choice. I'll know more once I meet with all the Drs. 

Loved ones, there are going to be days where I am not going to feel or act very strong. Right now, I am one comment, one thought away from tears. I need you to let me do that sometimes. Don't worry, I will eventually pull myself back together. I serve a mighty God. This is not a surprise to Him. I don't want you to think that He caused this to happen to me. We live in a broken world and you can't live in a broken world and escape unscathed. John 16:33 says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." I am placing my trust in the One who has overcome this world and I believe that He will guide the hands of the Doctors and I will be healed. Thank you from the depths of my soul for your prayers.

Here are my prayer requests for this upcoming week:

1. Genetic test negative for the cancer gene.
2. MRI scheduled for this week & no cancer found in other breast.
3. Pray for my family.
4. Pray for peace and strength.
5. Pray for us as we travel to the mountains for a week with family.
6. Pray that the financial burden will be minimal.