This cancer world is a whirlwind! It seems since my last post about it, so much time has passed, when really it was just a few weeks. My world has revolved around a million doctor appointments and tests and lots of stress, heartache, worry, and scheduling.
I have learned so much about my breast cancer. Our (Tyson too) mindset about the cancer and treatment has changed 180 degrees from when we first learned about it. All of our decisions (there's a lot) about how to deal with this revolve around survival for me and to be able to live for Tyson and our kids. All other plans and decisions in our lives seem quite insignificant right now. Honestly, I'd love to get back to the insignifcant decisions!
I did have a surgery about two weeks ago to remove pre-cancerous cells around where the tumor originally was and also to remove a lymph node for testing. The lymph node came up negative, which as wonderful. But the biopsy of the tissue taken from the breast revealed that there was more cancer, not just pre-cancer, and there still is more cancer in me now. We learned a lot more about the type of cancer I have from that biopsy, and it is much more serious than we first thought. It is now categorized as Stage 2, but the treatment is still looking the same. We learned about the proteins attaching on the cancer cells...some good and some bad. I will undergo another surgery probably next week, and then I start chemo about a month after the surgery. I will do about 5 months of chemotherapy, and then there's more I.V. treatment for another 7 months. It's a long road of treatment that looks like it will extend to about 6 years from now, but I know that all of this is to save my life and prevent this from coming back. It does make me feel good that we are doing everything possible to fight this. It doesn't completely prevent it, but its giving me the best shot at it.
So now I'm preparing myself for a bit of a transformation and my hair loss. I really think losing my hair is going to be one of the hardest parts of all of this, not that I'm in love with my hair, but I know it looks better than me being bald! I'm starting to stock up on knit caps and scarfs! I can't knit fast enough.
So many statistics about breast cancer survival are on a 10-year time frame. We haven't seen any statistics beyond that. Ten years just doesn't cut it for me! I need plenty more than that, and that is what all this torture is all about.
universe inside of you
8 years ago
7 comments:
It was good to talk to you the other day! I am sorry I was gone all weekend so I missed out on the GNO! You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Lord knows everything you are going through and you are not alone!
My thoughts and prayers are with you! You are so amazing and I hope everything goes well with all of your treatment. It sure puts life into perspective.
My mom had cancer young too (she was in her early 30's.) Chemo was the worst part.. but she managed to make it fun, i think. She shaved her head before all the hair fell out, bought wigs (really really nice ones), fake eyelashes and even contemplated "permanent makeup" for her eyebrows. But in the end just drew those on. My heart hurts for you and your family. We'll keep you in our prayers that you go into remission soon.
Oh Stephanie, I'm so sorry and I hope that everything you are going to be going through in the next few years works out. You seem so strong and ready to do whatever needs to be done to fight this. You're my idol :) I'm so glad I was able to talk to you the other day. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie--
I can't imagine what you're going through right now--I am so sorry. It must be very hard on you and your family. I wish we lived closer and could help you better. Do you have family, friends, and ward members to help? We will keep you in our prayers.
I love you sister! Stay strong. I thought that maybe Landon, the twins and I should move there for a few months. What do you think? :) Thanks for a great weekend. Miss you already!
love ya Steph
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