What else happened...

So, I left off with needing to get a biopsy. After the mammogram and sonogram were abnormal, they said I needed a biopsy. Because of the holidays, I couldn't get in to have that done until December 29th. David went with me this time, but he couldn't come back. I went back, got changed, and met a sweet Irish nurse. She took care of me and then the radiologist came back. He took 4 samples from the largest spot in my breast, and then 3 from my armpit. And, man alive, this HURT! The worst part was the shot they gave to deaden the area. Lord have mercy, it feels like they just stick you everywhere. I wasn't expecting that to hurt so much, but it did. I wasn't allowed to pick the kids up for a few days, and that was hard. I think this was the point that I think Annie figured something was off. She knew getting shots in my armpit was not normal and them having to be careful with me was also not normal. It was hard to watch her sweet face.

Since I got my biopsy on the 29th, we knew that it would be a while before we got the results. I forgot that Monday was a holiday. Grr! Well, we still didn't hear anything on Tuesday. On Wednesday, January 4th, Henry and I sat down to watch a cartoon after eating our breakfast. That's when my doctor called with the news. I know I've mentioned before that my doctor is wonderful, but she truly is. She called and cried with me and just couldn't believe it. She told me she would be praying for me and would help in anyway she could. I want you to know she truly has. I absolutely adore her.

Well, Henry knew something was wrong as he kept peeking at me from the couch. David had just gotten to work when I called to tell him, so he came straight home. Bless that man. We were kind of in a fog for the day, but things started coming together. We were able to get an appointment with a breast surgeon for the next day. Apparently, that's the first step after being diagnosed with breast cancer. We saw Dr. Carolyn Thomas, and she is great! She was very helpful in explaining things and she was ever so kind as she explained I would need chemo and my hair would fall out. Hearing that was extremely difficult for both of us. She ordered an MRI, CT scan, and a bone scan.

Let me just say that leaving all these appointments is so weird. The doctors give you all this information (that is probably the worst news you've ever gotten), and then they send you on your way. It's so strange.

So, next up was scans! I went to the hospital, checked in, and waited. First thing I had to do was get an IV. For some reason, I wasn't expecting this. I had been told that I'd have to drink stuff for the scans and basically do lots of sitting. I didn't think David needed to come, but he did, and I'm so glad! Getting that IV was hard for me. It was CRAZY taped to my arm, and I hated it.

Well, we sat for a couple hours after I drank a TON of stuff. First was the breast MRI. So weird, y'all! You have to lay on your tummy and there are spots for your breasts to go in. Again, weird. The great part was that I listened to music for part of it, and there were only 2 songs. The first song was the one that I walked down the aisle to at our wedding. "Word of God speak" by Mercy Me. Made me cry. Then, the last song I heard was "Jesus is coming soon." Hallelujah!

After the MRI was a quick CT scan. I had to be injected with iodine and that was strange, but otherwise easy. Then, the bone scan. That was relaxing. I just got to lay there. Why is it though, when you are told not to move, something automatically itches? Ha!

After all the scans, the next appointment was with the oncologist. I had to wait until the next day for results. I seriously carried my phone around ALL day. I was even going to answer in car line if she called. (Don't judge me!) But, she did call during car line and my stupid phone didn't even ring!!!! It's ok though. All the scans were clear. They told us all kinds of information, but none of it had to do with cancer! Praise the Lord! No cancer has spread!!! My surgeon called back the next day to explain everything, and we were both so glad for good news. David and I felt like this was the first time we had received good news. First huge answer to prayer in this whole process. There have been other answers to prayer, but that was the biggest and the first for me!

After scans, we met with the oncologist and got the plan started. I will do 4 rounds of AC and 12 rounds of Taxol. I'll be done in early June with chemo. (Hopefully.) Then, it's a double mastectomy, 6 weeks of radiation, and another reconstructive surgery. Basically, it will be a really LONG year! It's ok though. My doctor is treating me for cure, so that's all I need to know. I can do it!

Again, thanks for listening. I hope no one ever has to go through this. I just want to share so that I can always remember what we went through, and so that anyone else that may have questions can ask. As a woman and a mom, this is our worst nightmare. But, God is still good in the midst of the storm. I am thankful for good doctors, wonderful friends and family, answered prayers, and a husband that I could not possibly love more. Y'all, he is seriously the sweetest man alive! Thank you for praying for us.