Friday, September 16, 2016

Truly Grateful


I'm back! :)  Still have some healing to do, but I'm feeling well.  I've included a card above that I made, but this post is not about the card.

Today I'm sharing a personal story.  As my post title says ... I am TRULY GRATEFUL! And this is why ...

If you are one of my regular followers, you will remember me mentioning on Aug. 27th that I was taking a medical break.  At that time, I wasn't ready to share my story.  My emotions were very raw and I didn't know what the outcome would be. It's only now that I am able to share and hope it may help others.

In February I found a lump in my left breast.  I have lipoma (benign lumps of fatty tissue - mainly in my arms and legs), so I assumed the lump in my breast was one of those.  Then I started feeling uneasy about it so I went to my doctor.

He ordered a Mammogram and Ultrasound at the local hospital.  I had to wait two months to get it, but it was good that I went.  The lump I felt was a lipoma - thank goodness.  At the same time, the Mammogram also showed something suspicious hiding right underneath it.  I had to have a biopsy.

Two more months to wait ... waiting was one of the hardest things!  I was sick with worry and it seemed like forever for the two months to pass.  Finally on June 30th, I had my biopsy and a week later the results were in ... I have breast cancer.  I was devastated and scared.

Six weeks later I went in for surgery.  That was Aug. 29th, just a couple of days after signing off my blog for a while.  As well as removing the cancer, six of my sentinel nodes in my underarm were removed for biopsy to find out if the cancer had spread beyond the breast.  More waiting and worrying.

I just found out two days ago the cancer has not spread.  The surgeon feels she got it all, the margins were clear and the nodes all tested negative for cancer.  There were lots of tears of relief that day.  It was the BEST news!

This isn't over yet ... I still need to have more treatments.  I will be meeting with an Oncologist at the Cancer Clinic in the next few weeks or so.  Radiation is given to patients who have this type of surgery to make sure the cancer doesn't grow back. There may be other treatments as well, but I won't find out until I meet with the Oncologist.

I can now tell you that today I am in a good place! :)  And that's why I am truly grateful. It took just over seven months from the time I found the lump to get to this place. There are a few more months to go with treatments before everything is said and done, but the hardest part is over.  It's been exhausting and I know I am lucky because the cancer was found early and dealt with quickly.  I don't know what lies ahead for me ... none of us do.  I am hopeful after my treatments are finished, I won't hear the word cancer from my doctor ever again.  That is my hope.

From me to you ... make sure to do a self-exam of your breasts regularly.  And if you notice something is different, see your doctor right away to have a Mammogram.

I want to thank my family and friends who helped me through this extremely difficult time.  I love you all and appreciate you beyond words.

I also want to thank all who sent me positive emails of encouragement, prayers and beautiful cards during my medical break.  Each and every positive message I received made my days better and helped me get through the tough times.  Thank you so very much!








40 comments:

nancy littrell said...

I am truly grateful your long, long wait is finally over Loll and Gord. Thank you for sharing your compelling story and reminding us all to do self exams regularly. With much Love and Prayers, Nancy

Linda said...

I am so happy that you are finally in a good place after 7 agonizing months. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs and welcome back, Linda

Stamps and Paper said...

Loll you must be so relieved that your cancer hadn't spread sch a worrying time for you, Gird and the rest of your family....thank you for sharing your story with us...and I know how important it is to check yourself regularly
Take care

Anne x

Bonnie said...

Rejoicing with you, my dear friend! Love you.

Marcia Hill said...

Thank you for sharing Loll and I am SO happy to hear that you are in a "good" place now. I can only imagine how agonizing those 7 long months of waiting were. Take care of yourself and know that you are loved by many and being prayed for daily!! :0)

sandie said...

Gosh Loll I had no idea and am so glad you shared this with us and are in a happier place now but understand the journey ahead is still tough. I send all my love and prayers to you, thinking of you and sending across the seas positive thoughts xx

Julie B said...

Oh Loll, that was very brave of you to write about your health problems like that. I had no idea that was the reason why you had your blog break. I am so pleased that your prognosis is good. I can speak from personal experience that the radio is less of a trauma than the surgery. My best wishes to you. xx

Bernardine Cuttino said...

My heart goes out to you. Steady the course. I will keep you in my prayers.
Blessings Hugs

Bobby said...

This is what happens when you get so far behind in email/blog reading. I had no idea about the medical leave, Loll, or I would have been praying for you this entire time. I will start now, praying that you make it through whatever treatments are necessary with ease and you get a clean bill of health. God bless and cyber hugs.

OH Babs said...

Thank you for sharing Loll. As a cancer survivor I feel it is important to share if you can. You not only will help others who may be ignoring symptoms and afraid to find the truth. As you well know the waiting is the hard part. Only someone who has been through really knows how you feel - but know you are not alone. Prayers and a big HUG. God Bless, Barbara, Barb, Babs roe

Linda said...

Oh Loll what a brave lady you are. I had no idea what you were going through. I'm so pleased that everything is looking good .... that's the second bit of good news today. Stay positive my friend ..... lots of love and best wishes xx
PS Nice to have you back hun xx

Di said...

Oh Loll, this is exactly what I feared might be the problem when you took your break. Am so glad that things are so good and positive after such a long and what must have been arduous waiting game, plus the surgery. One of my dearest friends went through this plus same follow up treatment a few years back and now she does somersaults for England!

Sending you love and hugs my sweet friend

Di xx

cm said...

Hugs and love heading your way, Loll! You've been on quite the journey...and still more to come. Your positive attitude, courage and strength, combined with a strong medical team, will see you through...and so will this big group of friends who care for you deeply. The power of prayer...we're in this 'with' you! Strong shoulders for support and ears to listen: we're sharing those with you, too!
Hugs and love~c

Jo said...

Sending a huge bouquet of positive energy to a very special & brave lady. Today is the best day because it is the PRESENT (or the GIFT). Creating is good energy for the soul and that's what you're good at, take care dear friend, HUGz Joanna xxx

Colleen said...

Loll, thank you for sharing your story and for the GREAT news! Indeed I think more people than you realize was praying or you! So happy for the good news! Will continue to keep you in my prayers! Great to see you back! Heart Hugs, Colleen

Donna said...

Beautiful card, Loll... X
I won't reiterate much of what I said to you in response to my last post, but once again... so sorry you've had to go through this...
Please keep us updated if you can. X

kiwimeskreations said...

What a lot to deal with and over a relatively long period - so glad the outcome has been positive, even though you still have some treatment to go.
Blessings and prayers
Maxine

Elizabeth said...

Loll, so pleased that the news re your cancer is now positive. Your future treatment will be a huge step forward to complete recovery. Stay positive at all times if you can and know that there are lots and lots of us out here in cyber space, wishing you well and praying for you.
Oh, and thank you yet again for yet another beautiful card and source of inspitation.

Elizabeth [UK]

Jeanne said...

Oh my, such an ordeal you've been going through. Happy and relieved to hear that you have had a positive report after the months of agonizing. I wish you all the best in the coming months. You have a strong support system and your own personal strength to help see you through. Thank you so much for sharing your story and this gorgeous card that says it all! Grateful for you! Hugs!

Darnell said...

That was beautifully written, Lolly, and I'm glad you decided to write it. I hope you are, too. You are very well loved in Blogland and now you have even more friends pulling for you and praying for you as you wrap this up and, as you said, never hear the word cancer again!! Lots of love and hugs, Darnell

Canonbury creations said...

Oh my gosh Loll, I have not been keeping up with blogging news and this came as a shock! So glad the outcome seems so positive and I hope the follow up treatment is not painful. Sending you love and prayers for a complete recovery
Val xx

Cheryl Robertson said...

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm glad you caught the cancer before it spread. Sorry you have to go through more treatment. I've just started following you this year and I have to say I really enjoy your blog.

Brenda in IN said...

I know waiting is the worst part of it but I'm so happy to hear they got it all for you. Count me in your prayer list too as you go through the next stage of treatment. Thank you for sharing your story, you never know who you may inspire to get their mammogram and save a life. I'm glad you went with your instinct to see the doctor and caught it early. Sending soft, gentle hugs, love and prayers.

Susan said...

I think you're wonderful to share your story, Loll, and to remind us all of the importance of doing our breast self-exams and going to the doctor if we're ever uneasy about something. I am so glad you came through it all so well, and I hope the next stage is over and done with very soon.

And I think it's great you made a beautiful "truly grateful" card to go along with the post. Love and hugs!

Susanne Vargas said...

Oh, Loll! I am so sorry to hear about your ordeal but very relieved to hear that you are now in a good place! All this waiting must have been pure torture! I am sending you lots of hugs, love, and strength for what is still to come! And I will be thinking of you! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Your card is beautiful and that sentiment expresses what we all feel!

Mac Mable said...

You know I am away but so wanted to stop by and let you know I am thinking of you. What a terrible ordeal you and your family have been through. Such encouraging and positive news at the end of your blog....take time to recover...sending love and hugs from Scotland xxxxxxx

shirley-bee said...

Thank you for sharing your story, Loll. The waiting is eternal, but I'm so glad that the surgery was successful. We'll all be with you as you go through treatment. Big (gentle!) hugs :)

Anita in France said...

Prayers answered, Loll ... such wonderful news after such a long, tough time for you. Thank you for sharing your hard journey ... and for putting it so clearly for us all. Your beautiful card says it all. Continued good thoughts and prayers coming your way, hugs, Anita :)

Jeanne H said...

You are so brave and wonderful, sharing your story. Best thoughts and prayers coming your way from MN too. All of us in blogland love you, including me.

Ingrid said...

My dear sweet friend - I'm so happy you are in a good place! What a trying time for your family - I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for continued good health. You are such a bright light - and I am so happy we connected when we did. Big virtual hug!!! Love ya! :) :)

Ingrid said...

Oh....and stinkin' cute card too! :)

maria f. said...

Oh my goodness. What an ordeal to have to go through. The waiting is the worst. Such good news that the cancer had not spread! Kudos to you for getting things checked out. Not so kudos to the system for making you wait so long... Take care of yourself and feel my giant hug across the interwebs. Mwah.

Cathy said...

Whew! So glad you are having a positive outcome from this scare Loll! And thank you for sharing this story, I'll stop procrastinating about my check up! Sending prayers for your continued recovery, Cathy x

Barb Ghig said...

I am so sorry that so much time has passed and I haven't seen this post until now...You are such an amazing and brave woman, Loll! I'm sure the last several months have been hell for you, yet you never faltered with your lovely posts and visits to our blogs...I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and I thank you for the message you shared with us about breast self exam! God Bless You!!!
By the way ~ Your card is absolutely gorgeous! I love all the dimension and rich autumn color palette...WOW!

Chookarooni said...

Sending positive thoughts your way!

Unknown said...

I have just read your post and am so very sorry you have gone through this frightening time with your health. Life throws us such curves and sometimes they seem insurmountable but you have come through your treatment with the best news for someone with breast cancer. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law both were diagnosed within a few months of each other and I've seen the struggles and worries and pain up close. I am rejoicing with you at your victory. Hugs, Kathy

Marianne said...

I haven't been keeping up with other people's blogs this past month. Sometimes life and work get in the way, but I think you are well aware of this. So happy to hear you're in a good place now and checked in with your doctor early. Even so, I cannot imagine what it must have been like for you to have had to wait over 7 months to get to this point.
My husband and I also have good reason to be thankful. DH's blood test this week showed no signs of cancer and we are very hopeful that the colonoscopy and CT scan he has to undergo within the next two weeks won't show anything nasty either.
Sending positive vibes your way!
Hugs, Marianne x

Amy Seigler said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you had to go through this Loll. I'm glad to hear the good news though. I will pray for you and your family as you go through the treatments that are still to come. Your card turned out beautiful! We are truly blessed! May god continue to bless you through all of this! Hugs, Amy

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Oh my Loll! My dear sweet friend! I was devastated to read this - I just have a free afternoon from hospital visits, to allow others time with Mum - and caught a glimpse of this post! I am so very sorry to hear that you had such a devastating and agonising time (I know how worrying it all is, I myself, had two Malignant Melanomas) it is very devastating news to receive. However, I am so happy that they managed to catch it in time and that the outcome was good for you my friend! I am also very sorry that I missed this and am late to send you my love and support, but my thoughts are with you now and I pray for a full recovery soon! Take care! Hazel xx

Nonni said...

Hi again Loll, thanks again for your email today. It looks like you have posted this right during the time when I was not around much because of the audition that I had in October. Now I know then. Wish I would have known earlier so I could have sent you a get well card! However, I'm glad to hear things are looking up and I hope the treatments you are going through right now are not awfully rough. Sending hugs! xxx