an update on mom and additional surgery and treatment that is needed

 First, I want to apologize for the delayed response to so many kind messages and comments that I have received both online and personally. Your kindness has meant so much to me and to mom. It has been an incredibly busy time balancing work, a few details behind the scenes, and caregiving so I truly appreciate your understanding as I work to respond to all of the lovely and kind messages. Your encouragement has truly been the biggest blessing to both mom and I.

When I shared that we would be traveling down to NYC for the full pathology results on February 11th, we did not expect a few things that occurred. I admit that it took a bit of processing for us both, and am grateful for your patience with an update. 

As background (and with mom's full permission to share), mom originally found a lump and immediately called her GYN. As I have shared, the GYN originally stated that it could be something or most likely it was just an infection and mom should wait. Out of "extreme caution" she ordered a ultrasound for nearly three weeks later (on December 31st), but when we requested a mammogram she said that the doctors office that was doing the ultrasound could order this. We also requested help to get the ultrasound sooner and she never responded. 

It literally took us less than 12 hours after this appointment to determine that we would be going to Sloan Kettering for a "second opinion" and decided immediately it would be where we wanted to go. Within a matter of hours talking with Sloan Kettering we had an appointment scheduled for a mammogram and an ultrasound a few days later. They offered us one that day, but due to travel we couldn't get there for a couple of days. Mom had the ultrasound and we were told that day that their expert opinion was that the lump was cancerous but that they also had found an additional spot on the right side along with something on the left (which they believed was benign). A biopsy was scheduled for the following week.

The biopsy results came back before we even would have had our first appointment with the original GYN's referral, and this is something that I am highlighting heavily because mom and I are very passionate in encouraging everyone to advocate for themselves in health situations. This was a constant refrain during my own health journey, and this situation has highlighted this once again. It is still incredibly upsetting to think that a GYN would not be more concerned or even agree to schedule a mammogram and my heart breaks at all of the people that could possibly have gone through and waited when time is extremely important. 

PLEASE advocate for yourself and for your health.

The pathology results came back from the biopsy and the original lump mom had felt was declared "definitely cancerous" and the other was considered "atypical". Mom had surgery on January 28th and we are thankful that the Cancer was fully removed with clean margins. What was a surprise to everyone was that on February 11th we learned that the full pathology report showed that the "atypical cells area" did not produce clean margins and mom would need additional surgery. She will also need raditation (which is a typical course of treatment for the type of Cancer mom has after surgery).

This definitely threw both of us because the area that the atypical cells encompass is quite larger- much larger than was thought and it took some time to just process this entire situation. It is truly overwhelming to know that we live in this day and age with such medical advancements that we can deal with "atypical cells" way before anything develops and occurs. I wish that I could just hug (with tears of gratitude) all of those who have worked to bring so much advancement to this research area and those that continue to work to bring new advancements every single day. 

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

The surgery was originally scheduled for yesterday, but due to an infection surgery has now had to be delayed a couple of times and will now take place on Thursday, March 19th. 

We can't say enough about mom's medical team at Sloan Kettering. The surgeon and his team are fantastic and have been incredibly encouraging, patient, and just a constant support. They have helped me as the caregiver, patiently answering lots of questions and just supporting in so many different ways. There is so much hope that flows through those halls and we are grateful for every single person we have encountered. 

People have kindly asked how they can continue to help and pray and here are a few specific ways that we ask for prayer: 

1. We appreciate your prayers for complete healing and for a successful surgery. 

2. We appreciate prayers for healing from this infection that mom has so that she can have surgery as soon as possible. 

3. We appreciate prayers for me - as I balance two jobs plus caregiving and for a few behind the scenes items that I am handling. Please pray specifically for my health and energy.

4. We appreciate the prayers for provision for travel to and from surgery and for our stay in the city including parking, meals, and other items. 

We so appreciate those who have again suggested doing a full fundraiser but at this time we have decided to just re-open the Meal Train as we felt like this is a gentle way to help receive practical support if you feel led. Most of all we are grateful for your prayers and love and kindness. You can find the link HERE!

THANK YOU for all of your support, love, and kindness during this difficult season!!