This month has had it's ups and downs.
At the end of October we were faced with ultra sound results that showed a polyp in my uterus. With this new discovery came new decisions. My GYN wanted me to have a D&C to clean out the polyp. I started thinking about a total hysterectomy. If I had the D&C, I would continue to be tested every 3 months for the next 5 years, until I was 40 and then they would do the hysterectomy. I thought about this and didn't feel like going through checks every 3 months and then if they found something having the D&C and then waiting for the results praying that they were negative for cancer cells. We talked to my oncologist and my APRN oncologist and the 4 of us decided that it would be better, in my case, for me to have the hysterectomy and not to continue the tests for the next 5 years. This was such a relief that both drs. agreed with what I wanted to do. Dec 2nd I go for my pre-op appt with my GYN oncologist and then on Dec 13th I will be having my total hysterectomy. This is for prevention not for treatment. My surgery for mastectomy and reconstruction is still scheduled for Jan 17, 2012.
On Nov 9th I completed my final treatment of Navelbine chemo. I was so glad to be done but also went through the grieving process of finishing a treatment. It amazes me how something good can still have a grieving process. But that is how it works with cancer treatments. Part of you morns when you finish a treatment because now you are not "actively" fighting it. This chemo was to help the herceptin work better so it was preventative and not actually fighting anything. The herceptin will continue until June 2012. After that point we are praying for the NED (No Evidence of Disease).
On Nov 15th Abigail had "surgery" to have tubes put in her ears. She had "gunky" fluid in her ears for over 3 months so they decided this would be the best thing for her. She also failed the hearing test in both ears at the ENT. She did VERY well and was so brave! I was so proud of her. She has been doing great since and is hearing so much better!
We spent Thanksgiving with my inlaws. It was a wonderful day full of food, family and fun!! We haven't spent Thanksgiving with Bob's family in a long time. Usually we see my family as we see his family every week. It was a nice change and it was good to just stay "home". I have been very tired lately, even more than when I was on chemo. I have also been fighting a virus and am on my 2nd antibiotic of the season.
I heard a song on the radio a couple of weeks ago and it said exactly what we have been going through this past year. The only difference from the song is that I was 34 at the time of diagnosis.
Martina McBride – I’m Gonna Love You Through It
She dropped the phone and burst into tears
The doctor just confirmed her fears
Her husband held it in and held her tight
Cancer don’t discriminate
Or care if you’re just Thirty-Eight
With three kids who need you in their lives
He said I know that you’re afraid and I am too
But you’ll never be alone, I promise you
When you’re weak, I’ll be strong
When you let go, I’ll hold on
When you need to cry
I swear that I’ll be there to dry your eyes
When you feel lost and scared to death
Like you can’t take one more step
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I’m gonna love you through it.
She made it through the surgery fine
They said they caught it just in time
But they had to take more than they planned
And now it’s forced smiles and baggy shirts
To hide what the cancer took from her
And she just wants to feel like a woman again
She said I don’t think I can do this anymore
He took her in his arms and said
That’s what my love is for
When you’re weak, I’ll be strong
When you let go, I’ll hold on
When you need to cry
I swear that I’ll be there to dry your eyes
When you feel lost and scared to death
Like you can’t take one more step
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I’m gonna love you through it
Oh baby
And when this road gets too long
I’ll be the rock you lean on
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I’m gonna love you through it
I’m gonna love you through it
I’m gonna love you through it
God is still in control and HE will continue to carry me through this challenge. He will give me the strength and comfort I need to get through the next 4 months of surgery and recovery. I know He will also give my husband the strength he need and the comfort my children need. Soon we will be on the other side of this and be stronger for it.
