While vacationing in MI I decided to use my extra little time to feel myself up! Ok...actually I just decided maybe I should do a breast self-exam. Surprisingly enough I thought I actually might have felt something a little abnormal on the left side. Not really a lump but definitely different than that of the right side (maybe that's why there is two so we can compare and contrast!) When I returned home I decided I should make an appointment for my ANNUAL exam that last took place three years ago! Dr. Kolb confirmed there was "tissue thickening" and was concerned enough to schedule a mammogram. The mammogram and ultrasound found three lumps in my left breast and one in a lymph node. A biopsy was performed and on Monday, July 2, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma (breast cancer..obviously).
Today, July 3, I saw a surgeon, Dr. Sanford at Alaska Breast Care and Surgery for a consultation. At this point we still do not know much more than what we already knew. We did learn that I have a somewhat more invasive cancer due to a really high count of the "Her-2" protein (I may have told some of you it's a gene but after reading my new boobie bible I have learned it's a protein). The tumor has also been given a "grade." The tumor is grade 3 (this does not mean I have stage 3 cancer - grades and stages are not the same) which unfortunately is the worst grade I could get. Basically what I understand this to mean is that grade one would be a cell that didn't look that much different than what a normal cell looks like, grade 2 is MORE unlike what a normal cell looks like and grade 3 would be MOST unlike a normal looking cell. We learned this is another clue that it is a more invasive cancer and something that should be taken care of soon.
Basically we are still trying to put together a huge puzzle. We've taken all the pieces out and have managed to put together the border. Now...we just need to put more of the pieces together to get a better picture of what this really looks like.
Our next step is to have an MRI done. This will give us a more accurate account of where the cancer has spread. We don't know the date of the MRI yet because oddly enough it depends on the female menstrual cycle (too many hormones can skew the reading). I won't go into more detail than that because that would just be TMI!
The past days have been filled with tears, and believe it or not laughter, at our house. The girls have cried, I've cried, Joel has cried. Nothing prepares you for telling people you have cancer or listening to your daughters tell their friends and burst into tears. On the other hand we keep laughing as well.
If you are interested, make the blog a favorite and join us on our journey. For those of you pray that would be cool too!
If you are interested, make the blog a favorite and join us on our journey. For those of you pray that would be cool too!
Until next time....Stacey
Thanks for sharing in this way, Stacey! We are definitely praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteOh Stacey, I really don't know what to say....for one, thank you for being strong and sharing your journey with us. I know that we aren’t terribly close but close enough for me to call you a friend and appreciate you as a person. You and your family will all be in my thoughts during this time. And be prepared for a hug the next time I see you. ;-) <3
ReplyDeleteWe're here...to help, to listen, to care, to support; whatever you need. This is scary business, but you are a tough one surrounded by people who care about you and will be here to help see it through. Anything at all, please call...
ReplyDeleteThis is all so overwhelming right now, I am leaning on God's promises right now. No where else to go..."The Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
ReplyDelete(Jesus' promise to us in John 16:27-28,33)
Praying for you! Praying for the doctors as they plan your treatment, praying for Joel as he supports you through this, the girls as they try to understand and process what is happening, and for you as you travel this journey. Keith & Sara
ReplyDeleteWOW! I will pray.
ReplyDeleteHi Stacey
ReplyDeleteYou come from a long-lived bunch, and this is certainly NOT a death sentence! When I found out that I have chronic Hepatitis C, and that my genotype is the one that does the most damage and is the hardest to treat, I thought my life was over. That was twenty-one years ago. I was also told that no one escapes liver damage after three decades, but I know I have had it for forty-one years, and I am still going strong. Enough about me, though.
I just want you to know that we are all with you, and praying for you. As you know, God has a plan for you. I just pray that he will let one of His angels continue to live out a full and happy life to the benefit of all the rest of us. You are strong, Stacey, and young, and you have a lot to live for. The power of prayer is a tremendous advantage, too, and you have a lot of us praying for you throughout everyday. You re truly loved and needed.
Uncle Jim
Amen! Well said, Uncle Jim.
DeleteJim, I really appreciate your note to Stacey. We are living on the power of prayer and anxious to hear the results of what today's mri will bring next Tuesday.
DeleteBummer to here about your families latest challenge. Glad to hear that you can still laugh in a time like this. Your family will be in our prays. You can beat this because from what I have been reading you are a strong person.
ReplyDeleteStacey - we are praying for you (Joel and girls too!) for wisdom, peace and God's comfort down this path. You are an amazing and strong woman of God - love and blessings, Dave & Jenn Mahlum
ReplyDeleteStacey, we are praying for you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything you need as you have to take time away from the normal things in life to take care of your health.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely praying; also, love your blog name!!!
ReplyDeleteWe love you so much, have been, and will continue praying for you. I think the blog is great for you and for others to get information without having to re-hash details over and over again. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
ReplyDeleteStacey, praying for you almost constantly. I have a chapter out of a book to mail to you. May God's strength and comfort hold you all through this journey. Thanks for blogging.
ReplyDeleteHi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteAs our sister in Christ, in a trial of physicial and emotional nature, please let me share with you a truth that you already know but may find comfort in hearing again. As a heir, as a creation of God's love, you know that He works out all things for our benefit...and the benefit of those (in relationships with us) who also love Him and are called to be His children. We say this with confidence because we know in our hearts that it is true and yet we feel pain and that pain can shake our resolve. Christ wept as a man so we know there is no shame in expressing our pain even when we proclaim this confidence. Please forgive me if I have intruded or misspoken to you in any way. I confess that I struggle with adversity and am ashamed to say I wish I could live as though I had a greater faith, however, I know you hare strong in your faith. There is a quietness of spirit I believe you have that others will learn from as they witness you and Joel walk through this trial.
Stacey, Thank you for taking the time and "sounding the trumpet" so we can rally around you and agree in prayer with you. You are the REAL DEAL and a person I've admired for a long time. You're strong in character and faith. God has created you with this strength and yet such a sweet passion for people around you. Praying that Jesus will be your banner and walk before you with each step. Sorry you're going through such a trial. We love you and are praying for you. Thanks again for letting us know.
ReplyDeleteChristy VanDyk (and Doug)
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you and your family!!!!!!!!!!! Sandie Mejeur