The Beginning of this Journey....

Early in December '09, I visited my OB/GYN for my yearly check up, already knowing a lump had developed in my breast.  The doctor confirmed my fear, and ordered a Mammogram.   This was my first one!  I know you are supposed to have them yearly beginning at the age of 40, but, I am JUST 42~   Also at this time, the OB/GYN referred me to a surgeon, a breast specialist.

Going to the surgeon armed with the results of the mammogram, she did an ultrasound and biopsy (in the office!) to have some conclusive answers as to what exactly was going on in my body!!  This visit with her was December 9, 2009.

On Tuesday, December 15 the doctor called with the pathology results:  I am confirmed to have breast cancer.  I am told I have the most common type and it is very treatable.  There is a very high likelihood that we'll 'get this taken care of' and never have additional problems.

From this phone call, I was sent to have a CT, bone scan and MRI done to assure us this has not popped up anywhere else!!

On December 23, I had a follow up meeting with the surgeon to get scan results, and further information about the specific kind of breast cancer that I've found myself with.  All scans are clear!!  Praise be to the Father!!!  Specifically, I have invasive ductal carcinoma that is HER2 positive.  Treatment options are wide open at this point and I would have some major decisions to make concerning the method of treatment.

December 29:  I had an appointment with a plastic surgeon to find out more information about a mastectomy, should I decide to take that option.  This was a nice lady, but neither Chris or I felt like she was good 'fit' for me (us).  After this appointment, I called the Breast Care Center at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, thinking if they happened to have an opening, we could go on down that afternoon.  They had a cancellation for the following day (12/30).

December 30:  Had an appointment with the breast specialist at Northside, and fell in love with her.  She sat with us for the longest time talking and answering our questions.  I will be going to her for the duration until God shows me not to!!  At the end of that appointment, she was to have an appointment set up with a plastic surgeon thru Northside.  That appointment is Thursday, January 7............

Currently, that is the information we are working with!

I would ask that you pray for our family as we are on this journey together!  Specifically, I ask for prayer for me and Chris that we will have the wisdom/understanding to make the right choices for my care.  If we can feel confident about those choices, this will be much easier on everyone!!

Please feel free to post encouraging comments, Scripture that you have found helpful, or whatever God leads you to say.  I would ask that you keep your thoughts/words positive, as this will help the most!!

The last comment I have is that this is the beginning of my journey and I know I have a little way to go.  Already, I can see how the hand of the Great Physician is working, and I have no doubt that will be the case as I am on this path.  My prayer continues to be that He will show himself MIGHTY in and thru this situation.

Thank you for joining me..... thank you for praying, hugging, laughing, joking, crying, whatever it is you are doing to support us as we walk this road.....