Dear friends and family,
This week has had a lot of ups and downs. I can hardly believe that so much has happened in such a few, very long days.
After having a breast biopsy last week, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Tuesday. What an awful word. It sticks to your tongue and turns your stomach inside out as you try to tell your loved ones. How can one word be so life changing, so painful, and so frightening?
So far this week I have developed a nice sized stack of paper work, pamphlets, and several phone numbers for all kinds of different doctors. This is something that I need to sit down and spend time organizing. I'm already loosing track of who is who.
My last doctor visit of the week was yesterday with Dr. Dickinson, who is going to be my surgeon. After a long talk with him, it became apparent that I should have a mastectomy. The doctor is leaving the choice up to me, but the cancer is extensively dispersed. In spite of this bad news, there is good news. At this time, it is believed that the caner is in stage 0. This won't be known for sure until after the surgery, when the pathology report is completed.
On Monday I will be seeing my oncologist to discuss the plan for drug therapy. On Tuesday, I have an MRI to check the other breast, as it is having some of the same issues. Then I will be seeing a plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction. I don't know how many times I will have to meet with each doctor before the surgery.
It is believed that I will be having surgery early to mid January.
I have spent two days researching different options for surgery, drug therapy, and reconstruction surgery. By the end of the second day I went to bed and wept while my wonderful husband held me with feelings of helplessness. What can I do, but get up the next morning and suck it up and continue to climb up the mountain. The option is unthinkable.
I have some specific prayer requests:
- Wisdom for all of the doctors
- If there is also cancer in my right breast, that they would find it. If not, peace.
- Strength for my family and myself
- courage
- Wisdom in choosing the right surgery, reconstruction, drug therapy
- That I could find laughter and joy in the small things
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteThere is a good reason for this trail. Do not loss hope. You have been the sprital leader of this family for a long time.... Remember that you are not alone. Even though at times it feels like you are...
Your Brother John R. Moseley.....
Oh and if you need laughter..... Just think of me..... lol
HELLO SWEETHEART--YES I CAN SAY THAT BECAUSE YOU ARE STILL " MY LITTLE GIRL "
ReplyDeleteI will be thinking of you and your heavy burden.
I will be asking our God to look down and give you strength,courage, and knowledge to do what you need to do. God has laid out the plan for your life and he is in charge but prayer can change things. If you want me to come I will but I feel I would be an extra worry to you and your kids. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I am on your side.
I love you I am very sure of a fast and healthy recovery for you. Your have many people praying for you so we have to be positive about the outcome.
from an old man in Tennessee YOUR DAD---
Andy Moseley
You are my BFF&A - I love you and vow to walk this journey with you. If I could, I would carry you through the toughest times, but will settle for holding your hand and offering my shoulder anytime you need and will let Christ do the carrying. We will be ceaselessley lifting you up in prayer and asking for the Holy Spirit to surround you with a comforter of peace and calm.
ReplyDeleteI am here, by your side, holding your hand and walking with you every step of this journey. I have been with you for 32 years and look forward to many more years of your love. Yes, this has been a hard year, but we have drawn closer together and closer to God. I have been memorizing these verses from James 1:2-4
ReplyDelete"Count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
We will take this journey together and we will stand firm and persevere. I love you.
Jim
Hi Kathy,
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to what you are going through right now, having been in your shoes exactly a year ago. I was diagnosed with breast cancer (what ultimately turned out to be Stage 1 "triple negative") the day after Thanksgiving. December was a whirl of specialists appointments and tests as you are now finding too. At first I thought I'd have surgery before Christmas but it didn't fit schedules until January 6 and if you already know it won't be until January for you, that's good because you can now use December to process, prepare and enjoy Christmas with your family and friends.
I can tell from the notes from your family and friends that you'll have wonderful support and powerful prayer covering. You'll be amazed how clearly you'll feel the power of their prayers and yours. For me, journalling was invaluable and now as I look back on those journals from a year ago they are a source of praise and awe in God's love and faithfulness. Your blog will also serve as a way to capture the moment and share with others where you're at -- good for you for starting this now. I blogged starting when I began chemo (www.carolynehart.blogspot.com). There's more about the first few months of the journey on the website that several of us who launched a few months ago to share our cancer journeys with Christ: www.FaithWalkers2.com).
You are welcome to join our B&B Club lunches when you can. B&B ("b'bs & books") started as three of us from the same church (Resurrection Fellowship) going through breast cancer treatment at the same time (they're also the gals featured on the Faith Walkers website). We get together every other Monday and share and pray and laugh and laugh about what we're going through. It was invaluable to me to have the other gals to talk with and to learn from what they were going through too. Usually we meet at Panera in Loveland but next Monday (14th) we're meeting at my house for a little Christas celebration. We'd love to have you join us if you'd like...let me know and I'll send directions).
I'll pray for victory over cancer and victory over fear for you, as I did many times for me. In particular, on December 8, 2008 I prayed this using Psalm 71 as my foundation. Today I can declare that we ARE victorious!
Blessings and Peace,
Carolyne
Carolyne, thank you for the information and encouragement. I will check out your web site and I am interested in attending some kind of support group. What time do you meet on Mondays?
ReplyDeleteDear Kathy,
ReplyDeleteChuck and I are with you all the way in this journey. God knows your strength, courage and your amazing faith. You have so many people who love you and support you. Your amazing heart will get you through this. Please know that we are only a phone call, e-mail away. We love you my dear. Jim and you will do all things through Christ who will strengthen you. Angels all around you always.