If you want the skinny version, you can skip to the ========= below. For the rest, here’s my story.
Many of you have heard that I had a biopsy procedure on Monday, and you have been praying for me. I thank you for those prayers! I consider it joy to have such a network of prayer warriors, and it is this fact that brings me comfort and peace in a tumultuous time.
As it looks like our lives will be taking a detour for the near future, I thought it might be good to start a blog on this particular category: Medical Curveballs. Even if no one reads it, it will probably be therapeutic for me to write it.
A few years ago I had six biopsies, three in each breast. They were all fluid-filled cysts, and as it turned out, nothing to worry about. But this was different. I sensed it from the first time I noticed it. The mass was solid, and it grew fast.
May 18th of this year I went in to have it checked out. Some redness and soreness prompted me to do so. At that time, a mammogram and ultrasound were performed. It appeared that I had a cluster of cysts. Nothing to be concerned about, but come back in six months just to be sure.
Fast forward to last week. I went in for the follow-up ultrasound. The ladies were ultra-nice. They checked on me every five minutes (probably so I wouldn’t escape) while we waited for additional doctor’s orders. The radiologist found something “suspicious” and asked for a biopsy. A few more days of waiting, but a fairly quick turnaround. As it turned out, the mass grew from “undetected” in May to about a 4 cm (golf ball sized) tumor this week. Another 10 mm mass was on my lymph node. The radiologist had a concerned look on his face when he came in to do the procedure. He took two samples from each tumor, and said he would put a rush on the pathology report, even though it sometimes takes 10 days to come back.
The pathology report was returned today. I was driving to the doctor’s office to have some additional blood drawn when my doctor called. “I’m on my way to do that blood work you asked for,” I reported. (I had been putting that one off. I had some levels that came back abnormal for the first time in my life, and she had asked for a rerun to make sure it wasn’t a false positive. That was pre-biopsy.)
“Oh, you’re on your way here?” she asked.
“Yes.” I apologized for not doing the blood work right away. She didn’t seem concerned about that.
“OK, then I would like to talk to you when you get here. Please let the girls up front know I would like to meet with you when you arrive.” She asked me to come in so we could talk for “a few minutes.”
Hmmm. Sounds serious. “Should I bring my husband?”
“Sure!” she said with a chipper voice, “he can come if you want!” I was fairly certain since the previous golf ball conversation that this would not be good news, although one can always hope. I turned around and picked up Tim, so we could receive the news together.
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The ladies up front didn’t even ask for my name. They knew who I was. They didn’t send me back for labs. They went straight to the doctor to let her know I was there. When your doctor’s assistants know who you are without even “knowing” you, you know it’s going to be bad news.
Sure enough, it’s breast cancer. In the mass as well as in the lymph node. About 8 out 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have the same diagnosis as me: infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Hundreds of websites talk about stages, treatment, and more. It’s a whirlwind of information out there and we’ve decided to trust my doctors. There are some numbers on the pathology report which the oncologist will explain on Friday, and then we find out the stage.
A friend said shock is a good thing. I agree. I’m not sure if it’s shock, surprise, or just numbness, but overall I’m doing pretty well emotionally, in spite of a few tears here and there. Please feel free to leave a comment with words of encouragement. Prayers are support are always appreciated.
Cindy, I’m just now learning of your diagnosis. I’m so sorry to hear you’re having to go through this. It was 2 years ago today that I had a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Be assured we are praying for you. If you need to talk, give me a call. I know it helped me through the many decisions to talk to others who had already been through the journey. Above all, God is faithful and good and He is always with you…even on days when you may not feel that way
Cindy, I am praying for you and your family. May our precious Savior wrap his arms of love, peace, joy and comfort around you and bring you healing.
Wow. I’m just now finding out about this. Of course I’m praying for you and I look forward to hearing the final chapter in your story that tells of how God healed your body and delivered you from breast cancer. It’s great to see you have so many people out there praying for you.
I’m praying God continues to give you peace and the doctors insight as you head into treatment. As I read over your blog, I felt incredible sadness. Please know you are in my prayers.
My good thoughts and prayers are with you, Cindy!
Thank you Sue!
Oh my gosh, Cindy, I see this and don’t even know what to say. I’m sorry that this has happened to you. I will definitely be praying for you and Tim and the kids. I know God has a purpose in everything and this side of heaven it’s difficult for us to understand. But I know he loves you and he’s caring for you right now. Take care.
Hi Marcee, Thanks for your prayers! Well said. We cannot even begin to understand the mysteries of God. We walk by faith. Love you guys. XXOO
Praying for you!
Thank you Jennifer! Hugs and kisses to the family.
I am sorry and saddened to hear this news. I find some comfort in realizing our Father is up-to-bat and He knows how to knock life’s medical curveball out of the park! I believe in the healing power of Jesus. I’m praying for you now.
Hi Elaine. Thanks for your comment, and even moreso your prayers! I agree! That is my comfort. God is in control and in Jesus’ name healing is possible. He is able. Love you guys. Say hello to Terry.
As you know , Sweet Pea, I’m available night or day 24-7. I’ve got your back!!!!
I will be honest with you, I’m in shock over this news. I have several friends who are breast cancer survivors, some who even run with me so I know that this disease can be beat. However it pains me to see someone I love have to go through this. One thing that we know for sure is that we serve a mighty God, who is in control amid any chaos we face in life. So we hang on to Him, the only One that can give us strength and peace. I will be praying for you my sweet friend. Thank you for sharing your journey. There is a website called “Caringbridge” in which you can write of your journey & people can respond. Love you
Hi Maria, I remember when you and Chris and I sat at Sweet Tomatoes a few years ago, and we both saw her go through something similar knowing that God was in control. You are a great friend. I didn’t know at the time how much she would be my inspiration. I know breast cancer can be beat, and we will beat this. Thank you for the reminder. I have seen the Caringbridge website. Do you see any preference to that site over keeping up the blog here? MD Anderson also has a place to journal. Just curious if there is an advantage one way or the other. Thanks! Cindy
Praying
Cindy, I will step up the prayers.
Like I said last week, this is s great time to up nutritian to boost your immune system to shrink this. I’m sending you some books that may be helpful. Love you…with God’s help Wii WILL beat this!
Hi Cindy. My mother was diagnosed with this just over a year ago, and it was a shock for both her and I. It certainly created an existential crisis for the both of us and shock to say the least. In many ways I think she has handled this better than I have over the last year, although she has had her emotional and mental moments (e.g., feeling overwhelmed). For her diagnosis, her treatment was only hormonal therapy (medication to inhibit estrogen production) and her cancer has shrunk and has been “contained” according the doctors’ reports. With her current condition, there has been no need for radiation or chemo treatments; and she will have surgery to remove the shrunken mass. She has another spot that’s located on her hip bone and will be seeking consultation for future treatment. Having said all of the above, several folks have been praying and will send out requests on your behalf as well to them. You’ll be in my continuing prayers as well praying for God’s peace and joy as He surrounds you and your family.
Hi Jerry, I appreciate your post! I’m glad to hear the story of your mother, and how she is doing well! I am learning about a lot of breast cancer survivors that I didn’t know existed. It is a beatable illness. I now understand the hormone therapy you are talking about. This refers to the type (see my next blog), so I will likely do this as well as chemo. My oncologist said I will need to do chemo because the T and N have already progressed to Stage 2. But we will make those final determinations once all the testing is complete and we know the type. It’s a process as you know. Thank you for your prayer support. Cindy