The unfortunate part, I suppose, about being in that mindset is how truly...TRULY... blindsided you are when you receive the news that your life is about to change, forever.
The Lead-up:
Mid September, 2012, at a routine new-patient appt with a wonderful physician here in town, I had a bothersome lump--if you will--area of my right breast checked out.
Over the summer, this area had gone from something I had had an ultrasound on that past fall (and was told 'it was nothing') to something roughly the size of an apricot.
As soon as our physician felt it, he ordered another ultrasound. On that world-wind, what felt like life standing-still day, I underwent three separate ultrasounds as well as two thorough mammograms. An hour and a half later, I was told I could go and that they would be getting back to me by as early as possible.
...and sooo... the waiting game began.
That weekend, my three boys and I spent as much time together as possible, scooping up and in absolutely every moment of every day, feeling strongly that scary news was on the horizon.
September 25th, while at Grayson's karate class, my cell phone rang. Seeing that it was my physician I ran out to answer it... knowing that if they were calling me at near closing and were STILL going to be issuing me some news, it couldn't be good.
Sure enough, the secretary muttered 'Can you be here in 30 minutes?'
Standing there in the lobby of the Roseburg Martial Arts Academy, I did EVERYTHING I COULD to respond without tears... but as soon as I went to speak, the dam broke.
Noticing my turmoil, the academy secretary assured me I could leave and as long as someone could be there to pick the boys up, she'd stay as long as she had to.
After a hand-trembling dial to Aaron, we rushed to meet at home and go together.
We already knew. But maybe even then, were still hopeful.
We actually made our physician, who seems like a really 'together' person, cry.
The News:
I have the most common type of breast cancer there is, statistically. However, given that it's about a year progressed, it has spread into some of my lymph nodes.
The Plan:
A team of OHSU doctors & specialists (approximately 25 total professionals) have put together a plan involving chemo, then surgery and finally radiation. You can read further details of each stage of treatment under The Courage Plan link on the home page.
I know, because I've used this question before myself in these circumstances, that everyone around you wants to pray and ask what they can do.
There are a few things people are and can be doing to help at this point...
Go to the Blessing Us link on the home page for ways you can help us in this fight.
...and above all else, KEEP PRAYING!!! We are and continue to take great comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ and though this whole scenario is rough...we are TRUSTING Him. This really can happen to ANY OF US. Knowing that, for my sake, please...the next time you start complaining about your kids, or your bills, or your life in general, just remember that it can all change in a second. It's short and it's fragile so find the good and LIVE for EACH MOMENT!
I love you all and appreciate all the thoughts and prayers as Aaron and I and the boys continue through what is bound to be the most challenging of journeys in our life-time~
