I hope that this blog will help keep you...my friends and family updated about my journey to wholeness and health.
There is no easy way to tell people that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have really struggled with who to tell, when, and how much. It has been hard to share information, when it seems that we don't have a lot to tell yet. And I have been very uncomfortable about the amount of "attention" this brings...I don't like being in the spotlight...unless I am crushing a volleyball...haha!
My dear friend, Kelly, sent a card and signed it from your "care crew." I loved it...it inspired me to start the blog and share with those closest to me how they can pray for me and if there are care needs that arise.
The big question you are likely asking yourself is...WHAT?? WHEN? HOW?? These are lots of the questions I have been wrestling with. A quick back history. I had a routine mammogram at the end of July. I was asked to come back in and reimage the right breast for some unusual "calcifications." They were little white specks on the mammogram, but they seemed to be gathering in an unusual pattern. After the 2nd mammogram they asked me to have that spot biopsied. I still was not overly concerned...but went in for the biopsy after returning from San Diego in mid August. The biopsy itself was very painful and a traumatic experience, as it is all mammogram guided...which is not a comfortable way to spend an hour...let alone having them "drill" into your breast and vacuum out specimens at various spots.
I finally made contact with my doctor several days later on August 26th to get the pathology results. The area they biopsied came back with a very small(6 millimeters) of unhealthy cells and it is considered Stage 0 breast cancer, known more specifically as DCIS in situ...meaning it is all contained in a milk duct. These are all very encouraging results and very treatable by surgery and possible radiation or chemo...depending on lymph node involvement.
I met with a breast surgeon in Spokane on Tuesday, Sept 3rd. (Dr. Guthrie) It was an emotional day..sending Jordan off to his Senior year of high school and the twins to their first day of high school and then going to this important appointment. She answered a ton of our questions and gave us some great information about my diagnosis. We are thankful for her caring spirit and expertise.
Last night my friend Kari and I attended an informational meeting about reconstruction options, if I choose to have a mastectomy. It was very hard to imagine any of the options they discussed...but will continue to think and pray about what is best for me. You know you have a wonderful friend if they are willing to sit through that with you...thanks Kari!
Tomorrow(9/5), I will have a breast MRI. This is to get a different view of both the suspicious spot and any other spots that may have been missed. We are praying that nothing more is found. That appointment is at 12:45 tomorrow, please be praying for accurate results and peace as I lay still for the scan.
We will also be getting a 2nd opinion at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/UW Medical center on Wednesday, Sept. 11th. We are so thankful that my mom's husband, Dick, was able to connect us with this "Center of Excellence." We want to make sure that we are getting the very best care, even if it means going on a few road trips.
I can honestly say that this whole experience has been pretty exhausting...mostly just emotionally...trying to navigate this journey on a road that we didn't want to be on. But through it all we know that God has been with us each step of the way. We cling to the fact that He goes before us, with us and after us. I could not get through this without my faith that God has a plan and is in control. In my devotional today the author said it so clearly, "I am never----in anything, anywhere, at any time--by myself. I never arrive on the scene first. I never step into a situation that exists outside of His control." WOW...I want to rest in that truth when my thoughts run wild.
I will try and update this blog as new information is learned or new prayer requests surface. I am not comfortable with this being out on social media or in the wider Spokane community. But I want to ask those closest to me to pray, knowing that there is power in that support. So, I ask that you not share this information with anyone else, as I am just inviting friends and family to use the site at this time. I know that circle will widen as we have surgery set and a definite treatment plan in place.
A few prayer requests:
1)Wisdom as we make decisions along this journey.
2) A clear MRI tomorrow that is easy for everyone to read and that it does not show any additional spots of concern.
3) Strength for our family...we have shared some details with our boys..but want to keep this as trauma sparing as possible. Cancer has been a very hard thing in our family, as we have lost both grandpas' to cancer. We ask that you not talk to your children about this or our boys.
4) Direction on whether to seek treatment in Spokane or Seattle...we hope this is very obvious after our visit next week.
5) Quick scheduling of surgery so we can begin the road towards healing...the waiting is very difficult.
6) Peaceful rest at night for Curt and I.
Several people have asked how they can support us at this time...here are a few ideas.
1) Send a quick text to check in...knowing we may or may not have time to respond...but it brightens our day. Rachelle (509) 863-2893, Curt (509) 951-4344
2) Send a note or card in the mail...again...makes the day a little better. 9824 N. Jesse Ct., Spokane WA 99208
3) After surgery we would love help with meals...you guys know how much I hate to cook...I will let you know when that need arises.
It seems I could go on and on...but I want you to know how much we feel your love and support. We can't do this alone...so we are so thankful for each of you. You are now officially part of the Care(and Prayer) Crew!!
Love, Rachelle(and the rest of the Mulder crew)
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