Told Oldest Son and Youngest Son.
I have breast cancer. The good kind. The kind that does not kill you. Totally treatable.
- DCIS - Ductal Carcinoma In Sutra
- Noninvasive
- Intermediate to High Grade
- Found in routine mammogram with follow up stereotactic biopsy
Most information has been collected. No more tests needed. Decision time. Suspect I will once again choose a path less traveled.
So I will talk with all my amazing advisers who are also my friends and many are doctors. I will talk with my family. I will likely schedule "something" for the week of January 7th.
From December 23rd to January 3rd, I will reflect on my decision in Israel (where better?) I will come to peace with that decision.
I will approach with humor and learning. As I told Oldest Son and Youngest Son last night, they got tickled as I talked about my breasts and lumpectomies. We all three laughed and smirked at each other. I can always depend on my 10 and 12 year old boys to provide perspective.
Youngest Son also asked "you are not going to die are you?"
"No sweetheart, I will be just fine."
All is safe in the world of those precious boys.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your attitude and your approach! I will be there in Israel with you and look forward to providing whatever support I can to you and your precious family!
ReplyDeleteWell not the path I would have chosen but one I will take nonetheless. I think Israel will take on another layer meaning ...
DeleteWhat an inspiration you are! Your positive attitude is so great. Thank you for helping us your friends cope with your news knowing that you vow to be strong and faithful. If there is ANYTHING I can do please let me know. You, commuter husband and kids are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you!
ReplyDeleteTracy - thanks so much. I know this is a topic you know too much about ...
DeleteNothing less would I expect from an amazing woman I have come to respect, admire and love. Hugs...
ReplyDeletePart of the woman I have become was shaped by you my friend - seriously. Thanks for all you have been in my life especially during those years as a young woman :)
DeleteYour email to me "I have cancer" was a hard email to get. Lauren was shocked that you would send that in an email. As hard as it was to get and read that email it was so you. Straight, matter of fact and to the point! Me on the other hand being the more emotional one in this friendship cried when I read it. I know you are going to be fine and will get through this. How ironic that just a few months ago we were talking and you said "You know odds are one of us in our group of sorority sisters will most likely have breast cancer." and then it turns out to be you. SUCKS! You are strong though and this will only make you stronger. I will be there beside you through this journey! I need you in the home with me when we are 80!
ReplyDeleteLove you dear friend!
xoxoxoxoxo
DeleteThe Yin and the Yang of our friendship - thank goodness!!
Making this treatment decision is really tough ... even for pragmatic me. Making sure we are playing 42 in the old folks home!
Just read this. Your courage and matter-of-factness take my breath away. Prayers for peace, my cousin. Prayers for your peace. I know you will be OK physically, but emotionally this has to be a tough road to travel.
ReplyDeleteYou are right on target. Thankful I will be okay. Trying to work through the decision tree forces me to be honest with myself and understand my personal thresholds. And to also accept I just do not know exactly how I will feel about some things till they occur. And to laugh - some things are just well ... funny.
DeleteHonestly, my breasts do not keep me or anyone else alive. They are nice to haves but not have to haves :)