“He fills my life with good things!”
Psalm 103:5
Since we shared the news with everyone we have been covered in love and prayers. We can feel the prayers – keep them coming! It has been such a joy to receive little surprises at our door: cards, texts, emails, packages, flowers and treats. Our youngest is thinking this might be a good thing for him. At church on Sunday a friend said they wanted to bring over dinner. They asked him what his favorite meal was he simply said, “fried trout from the Chart House in Old Town”. She then asked him what his second favorite meal was he simply said, “the meatloaf from Disney.” So, she went home and found a recipe similar to the meatloaf at Disney. It was such a blessing to have that meal ready for us when we returned home from the doctor today.
Yes, today was the initial meeting with the surgeon! I put the wrong date in the blog – sorry. The oncologist who read the biopsy had recommended a standard treatment plan. Today when we met with the Breast Cancer Surgeon, she was able to give us a better understanding of what type of cancer I have and how to treat it.
The big prayer was that testing would be scheduled quickly. God is good and they were able to schedule all the appointments that are time sensitive for this week. That was a great feeling to have all that taken care of. So, my week will consist of an MRI, total body bone scan, CT of chest/abdominal/pelvis, blood work for genetic test, they will also need to put new markers in the biopsy sites. I know it seems like a lot for 3 days, but I am so excited to get answers so we can start.
Chris knows the names of everything, but I just listened to the details of treatment. What I know is due to the type of cancer I have I will start my treatment plan with chemotherapy. They also scheduled an appointment with the oncologist for us. We are meeting with her on Wednesday to discuss the schedule for chemo.
Thank you for your prayers and support of our family!
Specific prayer: The cancer is contained in the breast and lymph nodes. Test will be performed with no issues. That chemotherapy will begin soon and be effective.
Faith, Family, Friends, and Fabulous Accessories 
So far your diagnosis is just like mine was. After all the scans etc, I had my first surgery in October 2010. They had to do another surgery after they determined the extent of involvement with nodes. They put in a port and I had the chemo. Fortunately, the chemo did not make me sick, but my bones were achy as they stimulated regrowth with Neulasta. Maybe lose hair, but you look great in caps and scarves! Then I opted for radiation, which just made me tired, but not painful. I rang the bell February 13, 2011.Three more years on the anti-estrogen pill if necessary.
They really have fine-tuned the treatment protocols, so make sure Chris is with you to be another pair of ears. There are a lot of decisions to make based on your particular case.
Love and prayers
L. Hennig
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Both Suzann and I are praying for you and thank you for keeping us updated on your journey to victory.
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Other than lifting you, your family and the doctors and other health professionals working with you up to our Heavenly Father, what can we do to help make life a bit easier? There are many deadlines coming up for KL as school year wraps up…..what mundane but important things can others do for you and Chris? Can be as simple as dry cleaner pick up, grocery run….. What things are you thinking of doing while waiting in chemo? Small resting things that will keep you busy but resting at same time??? Coloring book, audiobook, magazines, small crafty things?
I have more pockets of time in my schedule to do somethings now – joys of almost empty nest and a very independent homeschooler.
I know there are only so many things people can do for you, but if you just don’t want to “adult” for the day or things throughout the week (especially heavier ones) let us know….that way you can focus on resting body and the important things with your family. Though I do understand the pleasure of the daily tasks if taking care of family and the normalcy it brings…. sometimes it’s nice to have a break from it so can focus on dealing with the chaos in such times.
Are there things that will help support Chris and the kiddos as they support you?
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Our family is praying for yours! In addition to the specific requests you’ve mentioned, we are also going to pray that you won’t feel too tired during all of the exciting events your children have in the coming months. We will pray that you feel great during those shows, sports, graduation, etc!
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Barbara, I continue to pray for as you get through these tests. I find waiting the absolute hardest part. I pray everyday that the cancer is contained to the breast and lymph nodes, your bone scan is clear, the tumor has a low Oncotype and is not aggressive. I pray you are as in good spirits as one could be because I know you have FAITH. Jenna picked a very sweet gift for you that I will drop by your door. She also told me that she told Landry everything will be ok, but she did not think he heard it. I applauded her 4th grade efforts to talking to a big man on campus. One last beauty tip for us fashionistas. This did not exist 23 years ago, but I have to bring it up before you start treatment. There are tons of great wigs, headscarves and hats. You will rock it no matter what. About five years ago, there are a number of companies that are called cold cap, digni nap… you get the idea you wear a cap. It is a pain bc you have to change it often, but for the cold and cap changing during chemo, you get to keep your hair. It can be expensive (2600..gasp, sorry Chris), but some insurances do cover it as part of treatment. When we talk about cancer, we talk about treatment ,saving lives, returning you to you, but sometimes the hair helps. I have had several friends use it with great success. All were breast cancer survivors and kept 85-100% of their hair. It is new. I don’t know how all doctors receive it, but I just wanted you to know it is out there. Health is the most important part and you will get there. According to the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, “one is a survivor from the moment of dx through the balance of life.”
All the best,
Heather Gaillard
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