Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Diagnosis!

This sounds crazy, but I am completely relieved to finally know what we are dealing with!  I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.  I have to tell you all about todays "tender mercies".  My friend Sarah invited us over for lunch today.  Me and my two littles went to Layton and went to Cafe Rio with Sarah and her three littlest.  I was feeling pretty overwhelmed still waiting for a phone call, but it was really nice to get out and be distracted for a little while (first tender mercy).  Thanks Sarah!

We all had dentist appointments today, but I couldn't stand the thought of getting my teeth cleaned while feeling so miserable.  I took the kids and met Mat at the dentist, and then left to go home.  This was the first chance I had to be by myself all day, so I let the emotions come.  I pulled into a parking lot so my sunglasses could "unfog".  Then I said a prayer, asking Heavenly Father to please get me a diagnosis today, if at all possible!  Then, I headed for home.  The instant I opened the front door, I heard the answering machine beep (second tender mercy).  I checked the message, it was my doctor's office.  I called them back immediately, the nurse asked if I could come in to the office.  Yes!  I called my friend, Mary, to see if she could come with me since Mat wasn't home yet.  Thanks for dropping everything and coming with me, Mary!  The doctor came in to give me the news, and I was so relieved.  I think she was taken aback, she didn't expect me to be happy about having cancer, maybe?  But I knew that I couldn't do anything about this "thing" until I knew what it was.  Now that I know, I can get it taken care of.  She recommended a specific surgeon and said that he happened to be in today, and he was willing to see me . . . right now (third tender mercy)!

We went and met with the surgeon, he outlined the options, we decided on a mastectomy with reconstruction.  They will also remove some lymph nodes so they can test them for cancer cells.  Surgery will be a week from Friday, December 4th.  Early next week I'll get a MRI and meet with the plastic surgeon.  He said they are pretty aggressive with younger cancer patients, so I'll probably be doing chemo too, but that will be determined after the surgery and tissues are tested.  I've already come to grips with losing all my hair, whatever it takes to see my baby have babies!

So, I am relieved and happy.  Heavenly Father knows me and cares about me and has been watching over me through this entire process.  I'm totally kickin' cancer in the behind.

11 comments:

Julie Olson said...

You are amazing. Your attitude is incredible and will definitely serve you well through all this. Keep it up!
Love you.
Julie

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness.
I am don't even know what to say. Unbelievable!
You just let us know what we can do. You are in our prayers several times a day, as is your family.
Where are you having the surgery?

I asked Danee how Maddie was doing last night. Danee burst into tears. She told me that Maddie swore her to secrecy. I let her know that I knew from you and that it was okay. We talked for a bit and Danee said she is so concerned for you and Maddie and just does not know what to do to help.
I told her to just keep on doing what she is doing. To be there for Maddie. That will help you as well.
Cheryl

Marie said...

Please, Please, let me know if I can help you in anyway. You and your family will be in our prayers.

Melanie said...

You KNOW I was crossing my fingers, especially after our discussion yesterday. I'm sorry this is the diagnosis, but I'm glad you have an answer. You WILL kick it!!! Love ya!

ME Moon said...

you are strong. you will kick it. good luck with surgery and recovery and everything. if you need brooklyn (and mckinley) to come to my house for a bit any day, just call and i will come down and get them. *hugs*

Laura said...

I'm really glad you started this blog! We care about you and your family so much, this is a nice way to keep us all updated! You're such a strong woman with a great attitude! We are most definitely praying for you!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update. I agree with everyone else. You do have an amazing attitude and you will kick this thing. You will see your kids and grandkids grow up! Call me anytime if you need something.
Love,
Karin

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update. I agree with everyone else. You do have an amazing attitude and you will kick this thing. You will see your kids and grandkids grow up! Call me anytime if you need something.
Love,
Karin

Christopher R Jensen said...

Kim, you are definitely going to the right sources for your strength. Amazing how those tender mercies were there for you - and they will continue to be. We will pray for you - often, and it sounds like you are in great hands. Keep your chin up and keep relying on your support system. I'm so grateful that you have such a good ward and friends. Take care and hold tight to your faith.

Love ya tons !!

Colleen

Wanda said...

Kim,

You are the best! Keeping you guys in our prayers. Thanks for sharing everything in this blog. I love yer guts!

Love, Wanda

Cathy said...

Kim, I have a dance concert on 12/4 here in Oakland on Temple Hill. Your name be on the prayer roll! The Dance Concert is entitled "Behold The Light." It is our testimonies of Christ shared through dance. My testimony of His light will absolutely be all about your life, His Light in you and through you. You are a great example & a great friend! My heart is with you. I wish I could be near you and walk through this with you! He gives us purpose! Love you!