Things were going pretty well…and I had an awesome weekend visit with my brother that included lots of fun activities, people, animals, great food and great conversation. So things were pretty good. On Sunday morning I had an MRI because I thought I noticed some changes in the feel of the tumor in my left breast. My onocologists measurement was slightly larger than the previous one as well so it seemed prudent to rule out growth. My surgeon assured me it is very uncommon for cancer to grow during chemo. She had only seen one case in her career, but now make that two. It turns out I have uncommon cancer.
Last night the surgeon called to let me know that rather than the original large tumor growing, the MRI showed 2 new growths that had formed since the beginning of my cancer diagnosis. This wasn’t what I was expecting, of course, so I didn’t ask all the right questions as I’d started crying and of course was trying to think. However, I learned that my case was presented at conference (this means the whole breast surgery department studied my case and weighed in) and the consensus was it would be best for me to have surgery as soon as possible. Since I had AC last Tuesday my immune system needs some time to recover…but two weeks from today I am scheduled have mastectomy surgery on the left side. I will also undergo another PET scan next week…to be sure there hasn’t been any metastasis to other parts of my body.
So…I suddenly feel like I need to have all of my life in order in two weeks. Hopefully, I can finish up my house refinance paperwork, get my will & other planning docs in order, return anything I’ve ordered online that I don’t want (haha but no seriously), buy more pillows to prop up my arm on the surgery side, spend as much time riding Banner as I can, and catch up on my laundry before July 17. The unknown of how I will be able to function post-surgery is sort of vexing but I remind myself that people do this every day. Every single day. And I can do it too.
Feel free to send prayers, good vibes, jingles, healing thoughts, etc. Thank you for all the love and support.
Dear Sandra, not being in your shoes I can hardly imagine what must be going through your mind since yesterday… amazing how calm you seem to remain, respect! As for your ‘list’ above, it seems to me that riding and laundry should be the top-2 worthy of your time and energy 🙂 . Big hugs and mucho love <3
Sandra, I am sitting in the Nashville airport crying about this blog post! We all would love to be special and unique but certainly not in this way. ☹️I am so sorry that this is the news you received and that you have to go through the surgery. You are fighting a good fight and I am sure you will persevere and come out fine at the end of this battle. Hug those pups and horse and keep smiling. My positive thoughts and prayers are all being sent your way!
Thank you, much appreciated!
Hey stranger….Susan just sent me this blog – so sorry you are having to endure this mess but know you will get thru it with grace. Will be sending positive thoughts your way for sure! xoxo MH
Hey! Thank you!
Sandra, I am so sorry to hear this news. I can’t even imagine how scary it must be. I am saying tons of prayers for you and sending you hugs. I know you will come through this!
Sandra, All love and prayers coming from near and far. We are sending you all the very best thoughts possible. xxxx
Sandra,
I hated reading this on your list but I wanted to let you know that during my treatment I was supposed to respond to a certain regime of drugs to help my cancer and in just 2 short months, my cancer went out of control. I had to jump to a new regime which happened to work but I have no idea why the first one didn’t. Just wanted to let you know that there may be bumps on the road in your road to remission, but don’t give up! Stay strong and positive. If you are ever having a bad please, please reach out! I get it! You got this and i’ll Be thinking of you sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts you way. Xxoo. Nancy
Sending you much love and all of the very best thoughts…support coming from far and wide.
Thank you!
Hey sweet lady,
I’m sending love, hugs and prayers!