Health Issues

It's been a stressful week.  On February 12, I had my annual mammogram.  On February 14, I received word that they found an abormality and that they needed a diagnostic mammogram which was scheduled for February 16.  At that appointment, the radiologist met with me and told me that he had found "something", a very small (1/16th of an inch) lump which could be from an injury, could be nothing or could be cancer.  He said I needed an ultrasound which I had about 5 minutes later across the hall from the mammogram room.  He talked to me again after the ultrasound and told me whatever it was, it needed to come out, and that he didn't know if it was benign or malignant.

On Monday, February 19, I met with Dr. Rob Wetzel, Surgeon at St. Luke's Medical in Clinton.  He had seen both the mammograms and the ultrasound and had visited with the radiologist and said they had scheduled me for Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the ultrasound room at the hospital to have it removed and then tested.  It was done with a local anesthesia - I bruised very badly, and the incision had one stitch.

I was scheduled to go take care of the kiddos on Tuesday, as they were out of school for a teacher work day.  Because I had to go for the biopsy, Ron went to Overland Park on Monday night because it was expected to be slick Tuesday morning and stayed with the kids.  They had a wonderful time - to McDonald's for breakfast - to Burger King for lunch - and to the movie to see Paddington 2.  Chad came home early due to slick roads, so Ron was able to start home around 3:30.

Debbie Sieger insisted on taking me for the biopsy on Tuesday (I could have driven myself but it was nice of her to take me).  It took about an hour.  Dr. Rob called me on Friday morning very early with the less than happy news.  The preliminary report indicated micro invasion breast cancer.  He feels it will be Stage 1A or 1B, and he again told me it would not shorten my life.  More surgery will be needed to remove more tissue to insure clean margins and to remove a lymph node or two.  I will meet with him on Monday, February 26 at 8:30 a.m. - he told me to bring a list of questions and we would go over them one by one and he would answer them all.  He has been so kind.  I would assume the next step after surgery will be an appointment with an oncologist in the city, then radiation for 4 weeks, 5 days a week, and hormone therapy at some point.  He said he didn't feel chemo would be needed.  It was found very early and was very small, which is in my favor.

Saturday night, February 24, Peyton and Chad went out to dinner with 6 of Peyton's friends and their Dad's to Nick and Jake's, and then they all went to the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance at her school.  Isn't she beautiful in the pictures?????  They had a good time.  Amanda and Garrison hosted 7 moms and 9 kids at their house for mom/son night - pizza and wine.  They had a good time too.

On Sunday, February 25, I played the gathering music at church and hymns during the service.  Ron woke up at 3:30 a.m. with the stomach flu, so he didn't go.  When I came home after church, I was surprised with a visit from Amanda.  Made my day.  We visited, had lunch and then she took me to Dairy Queen - her treat - for dessert and a mother/daughter visit.  Sure brightened my day and my outlook on things.

I hope to have surgery this coming week if schedules with the doctor/hospital can be arranged.  Ready to be a breast cancer survivor!!!!

We are blessed.