After several appointments this week, I now know the general plan for the treatment of my breast cancer. The oncologist and surgeon worked together to come up with the best course of action for my specific situation. That situation is this... I still have DCIS (cancer in the milk duct) but it is not contained to the milk duct. It is outside, which means it's more "invasive" than I was originally told. This is not extremely alarming to the doctors, they still feel very confident that is a treatable, curable, and survivable diagnosis. It is also important to note that it is more likely that it could have spread to my lymph nodes since it is not contained to the duct, although the surgeon does not feel any indication, nor does the ultrasound show any indication the it has. There is also a small chance it could have spread to my blood. This is not likely. So my first prayer request that this cancer has/does not spread my blood, lymph nodes, nor any other part of my body. I also could have Paget's disease, which renders my nipple unsalvageable for the future. The cancer I have is fed by all 3 hormones that can feed breast cancer, progesterone, estrogen, and HER2. In the recent past, groundbreaking researchers have found methods to drastically decrease the reoccurrence of HER2 cancers. This is a big deal for me because prior to that research, breast cancer fed by HER2 was more likely to reoccur. I'm so grateful that God has revealed these new methods so that I can benefit from them.
In the next few weeks, I will begin chemotherapy to hopefully kill the cancer and possibly shrink it. This means I'll have a port installed sometime soon through which they will administer my chemo. I'll have 6 infusions, around 5 hours each. It will take 18 weeks to complete the chemo (barring any setbacks) because I'll have 3 weeks between each treatment.They will monitor the progress of the chemo halfway through, probably through an MRI since my "lump" is not able to be felt. I'll have my first MRI next Thursday so they have something to compare it to. I'll likely finish up chemo sometime in October. I've asked the oncologist if I can work through chemo and she says we'll have to wait and see. Since my immune system is compromised, a school is not the best place for me. But since I teach 4th graders, we might be able to make it work. I'm just going to play that by ear. I'll know more as the treatment progresses.
Because the affected area is 8-9 cm and the nipple is unable to be reattached, my surgeon has recommended a mastectomy for that breast about a month after I finish chemo. Because of my age, there is a possibility that I could qualify for a double mastectomy. I do not have to make that decision now, so I plan to let everything sink in before I start figuring that out. Whichever I end up having, a single or a double, my surgeon says it's a 4-6 week recovery with at least 4 weeks off work. This surgery will likely be sometime in November or December, so I'm going to have to figure out what work will look like for me at that time, as well. As for reconstruction, I'm really on the fence about whether or not I want to go down that road. Again, I don't have to make a decision just yet, so I'm not going to worry about it. If I choose to reconstruct, it's a 12-18 month process. There are so many other factors that are involved in that decision, so I'm going to do some praying, thinking, and research before I decide.
After surgery, they will send my breast tissue to pathology. At that time, they will determine if I need radiation. If it has gone to the lymph nodes, I will need radiation. If the area outside the duct is over 5 cm, I will need radiation. My prayer is that neither of those situations arise and that I will not have to endure radiation. Because my dad developed a second cancer because of his radiation, I worry that could happen to me, as well.
I also had some genetic testing done this week. The results for the breast cancer genes (there are around 15) will come in within 6-10 days. The results for all other genes will be back in a month. I opted for the full test since I was paying for it anyway. And at this point, knowledge is power. I could have future scans if I have genetic abnormalities that make other cancers more likely. I know that it is what it is. I can't change my genetic makeup, but I am currently praying that these test results don't completely scare the heck out of me and that I don't have any genetic abnormalities! Feel free to pray with me!
I've got multiple appointments lined up for the next few weeks and into the summer. I'll see the dietician to get some guidance about foods to have during chemo. Unfortunately, I will not be losing weight during the process. They'll pump me full of steroids. I will lose my hair, so get ready for bald and beautiful Kristy! Currently I'm having some anxiety about everything, so I setup an appointment with the oncologist psychologist, as well. I know myself pretty well and I'm guessing that most of these feelings are because I'm extremely overwhelmed right now. I'm guessing they will pass as the ball gets moving and as my faith gets even stronger. But I have an appointment in early July, just in case! Please say prayers that my nervousness subsides in the days ahead. I also have an appointment with a lymphatic specialist person-thing (I can't remember what they're called) because of some things that can happen to my arm after they take lymph nodes during surgery. I have no clue about all that right now. I'll figure it out later, too!
As you can see, I've got a lot of "figuring it out later" to do. That's okay. One thing I'm learning through this experience is that God wants me to find security in Him. I'm such a planner and it brings me comfort and security to always know what is coming next. Well... I'm living in a curveball right now and I must find a way to feel secure in His plan. His word. His love. Clearly, I'm a work in progress. But I know I'll make progress to be more like Him. There are several verses that have brought me much comfort, Philippians chapter 4 is so helpful and calming. 2 Timothy 1 vs. 7 is also powerful for me. I've had a few friends send me words and verses of comfort. It helps immensely to read these words and know I'm being thought of. I cannot express my humbled gratitude enough.
So if you would please do me a favor and keep praying for me, Ryan, and for our girls, I'd really appreciate it. We shared the news with them last night and it went better than I had expected. Thanks be to God. Gracie had a bunch of questions, the first of which was, "Can it kill you?" I told her that it will not kill me. We discussed that it's not contagious and how smart all my doctors are. We talked about how no one caused this to happen and how Momma is gonna try out being bald! She has some experience with this from a show she watches and from a few friends who've gone through this. She asked if I was excited to be bald and told her I might like it?! We discussed how I need a team of people to help me through this. We talked about everyone who's on my team. All of our little family, all of our bigger family, and our friends, and church family, and work family, and on and on. She quickly moved on and asked if we could play the cupcake game. I said, "Let's do it!" And that was about it. A few more questions later in the evening, but mostly we're gonna take it as it comes. She knows I want her to talk to me about it, but I also told her it was okay to talk anyone she wants about it. This is not a secret. So if Gracie seeks you out, please stay positive and encouraging. That's what we need!
Specific prayer requests...
1. Pray that the cancer has/does not spread to my lymph nodes, blood, or other body parts.
2. Pray that I do not require radiation.
3. Pray that my anxiety leaves and my faith is strengthened.
4. Pray that I don't have a meltdown during the MRI... I'm kinda claustrophobic!
5. Pray that Ryan feels peace and support during this time
6. Pray that my girls remain peaceful, happy, and healthy in the days ahead.
I could go on and on, but we'll start with that!
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
A Whirlwind...
I haven't blogged in a long time, but I've decided to utilize this little space carved out for family memories to document a journey I'm about to begin. My journey to fight breast cancer.
Here's how my journey began...
When I went in for my annual Well Woman exam on May 4th, I mentioned that I had noticed milk in my right breast. I haven't nursed Hattie since she was 12 months old, so I didn't think that was normal. I can't express any milk, but there's a crust on my nipple at the end of the day. My doctor ordered some blood tests and a mammogram to rule things out.
On May 9th, I had my first mammogram, which led the doctor to do an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed calcifications in and near my milk ducts. This was a worry to the doctor because sometimes when your body doesn't like what's happening in an area, it will try to wall it off to prevent it from spreading. The calcifications weren't forming an entire wall yet, but they were in a suspicious pattern. So on May 10th, I had an ultrasound-guided biopsy, which meant I could have it right there at the imaging center. It was mostly painless and easy. But the wait was stressful.
On May 15, I got the call that the results were in and my mom and I headed to the office to get results. Turns out, I've got breast cancer. DCIS, they said. The doctor who did the biopsy explained that the cancer grows in milk ducts and it looks like mine is very, very early. He said he can't be sure because lymph nodes need to be tested, but he thinks it could be as early as stage zero, which is great! I've not googled it because I have enough to be scared of, without adding to the list. But from what other people have googled, it seems to be very treatable and has very high survival rates. The doctor said the first treatment is usually surgery. They could opt to remove a portion of my right breast, or they may recommend a mastectomy and reconstruction. He didn't know much about radiation or chemo following the surgery.
After a flurry of phone calls, I'm all set with the Breast Cancer Center at KU. I'll meet my medical oncologist on Monday, May 21. Then I'll meet my surgeon on Wednesday, May 23. After those two appointments, I will have a clearer picture of what future tests and treatments and surgeries are ahead of me. I have already decided that if they give me the option of having a double mastectomy with reconstruction, I will likely take that option. I've always said that I'm not that attached to these girls and with the cancer history (of all kinds) that runs in my family, I'd rather get rid of any chance for it to grow. Besides... I could go a little smaller and a little perkier!
Ryan and I have opted to wait to talk with the girls (specifically Gracie) about this until we have more answers. After my appointments next week, we will share the news with them. I know Gracie's a worrier and because no amount of worry will help this situation, I plan to choose my words very wisely with her. I'd appreciate it if those if you reading this would choose your words carefully when Gracie is around. Both now and after we tell her. I need prayers and I'm completely open to talking about things, but I don't want to scare my girls. Cancer is a scary word and I'm hoping that this journey helps my girls to see the power of being proactive about your health. I'm also very, very, very confident in God's plan for His children. Having been through rough patches before, I know that God is in control and His will for me is good. I do not think He caused this cancer, but I do believe He will use it to strengthen my faith and reveal His glory. I hope my daughters, family, and friends can be strengthened through this journey, as well. Faith over fear, y'all. That's what I tell Satan when he tries to take me on the worry train. God has got me. I don't know much about what's ahead, but I know He's holding me tight.
As my journey continues, I plan to update here on the blog. I want to keep all of you in the loop and knowing what to pray for. I am not always very good at texting and such. I tend to put my phone down and come back later to find 25 unread texts. It's just not my strength! If you need a quick response, text my sister! Haha!
For now, please pray for peace of mind. Pray for strong faith. Pray for wisdom in making decisions. Pray for health and joy in my future.
I'll update when I know more!
Here's how my journey began...
When I went in for my annual Well Woman exam on May 4th, I mentioned that I had noticed milk in my right breast. I haven't nursed Hattie since she was 12 months old, so I didn't think that was normal. I can't express any milk, but there's a crust on my nipple at the end of the day. My doctor ordered some blood tests and a mammogram to rule things out.
On May 9th, I had my first mammogram, which led the doctor to do an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed calcifications in and near my milk ducts. This was a worry to the doctor because sometimes when your body doesn't like what's happening in an area, it will try to wall it off to prevent it from spreading. The calcifications weren't forming an entire wall yet, but they were in a suspicious pattern. So on May 10th, I had an ultrasound-guided biopsy, which meant I could have it right there at the imaging center. It was mostly painless and easy. But the wait was stressful.
On May 15, I got the call that the results were in and my mom and I headed to the office to get results. Turns out, I've got breast cancer. DCIS, they said. The doctor who did the biopsy explained that the cancer grows in milk ducts and it looks like mine is very, very early. He said he can't be sure because lymph nodes need to be tested, but he thinks it could be as early as stage zero, which is great! I've not googled it because I have enough to be scared of, without adding to the list. But from what other people have googled, it seems to be very treatable and has very high survival rates. The doctor said the first treatment is usually surgery. They could opt to remove a portion of my right breast, or they may recommend a mastectomy and reconstruction. He didn't know much about radiation or chemo following the surgery.
After a flurry of phone calls, I'm all set with the Breast Cancer Center at KU. I'll meet my medical oncologist on Monday, May 21. Then I'll meet my surgeon on Wednesday, May 23. After those two appointments, I will have a clearer picture of what future tests and treatments and surgeries are ahead of me. I have already decided that if they give me the option of having a double mastectomy with reconstruction, I will likely take that option. I've always said that I'm not that attached to these girls and with the cancer history (of all kinds) that runs in my family, I'd rather get rid of any chance for it to grow. Besides... I could go a little smaller and a little perkier!
Ryan and I have opted to wait to talk with the girls (specifically Gracie) about this until we have more answers. After my appointments next week, we will share the news with them. I know Gracie's a worrier and because no amount of worry will help this situation, I plan to choose my words very wisely with her. I'd appreciate it if those if you reading this would choose your words carefully when Gracie is around. Both now and after we tell her. I need prayers and I'm completely open to talking about things, but I don't want to scare my girls. Cancer is a scary word and I'm hoping that this journey helps my girls to see the power of being proactive about your health. I'm also very, very, very confident in God's plan for His children. Having been through rough patches before, I know that God is in control and His will for me is good. I do not think He caused this cancer, but I do believe He will use it to strengthen my faith and reveal His glory. I hope my daughters, family, and friends can be strengthened through this journey, as well. Faith over fear, y'all. That's what I tell Satan when he tries to take me on the worry train. God has got me. I don't know much about what's ahead, but I know He's holding me tight.
As my journey continues, I plan to update here on the blog. I want to keep all of you in the loop and knowing what to pray for. I am not always very good at texting and such. I tend to put my phone down and come back later to find 25 unread texts. It's just not my strength! If you need a quick response, text my sister! Haha!
For now, please pray for peace of mind. Pray for strong faith. Pray for wisdom in making decisions. Pray for health and joy in my future.
I'll update when I know more!
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