Monday, August 22, 2011

Appointment #1

Today was my first appointment with my surgeon, Dr Schmidt. Because of the size of my tumor and how aggressive it is considered, I will be starting chemotherapy before surgery.
Once the tumor has shrunk, I will have a bilateral mastectomy with eventual reconstruction. I will also be having both ovaries removed.
Somewhere in the mix of things, I will most likely also receive radiation treatments.

Currently, my breast cancer is considered stage 2B. That means that my tumor is between 2-5 cm and has already spread to my lymph node(s).
It is also considered a grade 3, on a scale of 1-3.
My breast cancer diagnosis is Infiltrated Ductal Carcinoma.

Aggressive is a term Dr Schmidt uses frequently. It scares me, but she did say numerous times that aggressive cancer responds really well to chemo. I'm banking on that.
Once I get my test results on Wednesday, my stage may be changed. At this time, I'm extremely happy with a 2B.

I have a full week of appointments ahead of me.
Tomorrow, Eric will be taking me to get an MRI and Pet Scan. This will show if the cancer has spread anywhere else in my body. This is the day I've been dreading. Please pray that it's ONLY breast cancer. What a funny thing to pray for, huh? I should have results on Wednesday.
We meet the oncologist on Wednesday. Thursday, I will have a port put in my upper chest to receive my chemo treatments.
Friday, my chemotherapy journey begins!

I cannot even begin to tell you all how much the messages, cards, texts, meals, calls and offers to babysit have meant to us.
You guys are keeping me going. I'm going to kick cancer's stupid ass for all of us. :)

My mom has moved in with us indefinitely to help with the kids, maintaining the house and transporting us. Our families have been so wonderful. Eric has been my rock.
This will make us all stronger, for sure.

Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Love you!












21 comments:

  1. And she blogs! Again - you amaze me. I'll be praying for an *only* breast cancer result.

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  2. I am definitely keeping you in my T&Ps. You are an amazing lady with a great outlook on this. ((HUGS))

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  3. Thanks for blogging Ang. I will now know exactly what to pray for! Please know that you, Eric and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. If I lived close to you I would come mow your lawn or something (lol...remember our conversation). Stay strong. Know that you have TONS of people thinking about you, praying for you, loving you. Sometimes, just that can move mountains!

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  4. Angela, you are unbelievably strong. I will definitely be praying for ONLY breast cancer. My continued thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  5. Much love mama... Following right by your side as you show this fning cancer who the boss is. Xoxo

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  6. I will be watching this blog like a hawk and praying and hoping with you the entire way. You are a brave, wonderful and amazing woman. Love you so much.

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  7. Praying for 'just' breast cancer. Sending tons of love and strength your way! You will win this fight!

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  8. Angela - I don't know you, I just happened to see the post for your blog on Jen Lachner's FB page (mutual friend). I found you inspiring and as a mom, a wife, a sister, and daughter; I just wanted you to know that my I, and my family have thoughts and prayers meant for your recovery and well being. I wish you a beautiful future where cancer is a distant memory but a huge victory overcome. Best wishes on kicking cancer ass.

    Sincerely, Melanie Victorian

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  9. Honey, I've thought of texting or e-mailing you so many times - but I don't even know what to say :( You are such an amazing and strong woman and I know you will kick this .... but man, I just don't want it to be this way :( I want us to sit at dinner again and hear you tell stories of throwing up in a stranger's yard after an especially happy night out:)!! (None of this ever happened, of course....).

    I'm so glad your mom is around and you have lots of people to help and support you. But please know that I'm only a phone call away and if there is ANYTHING I can do, anything at all, please let me know. I'll be checking your blog for updates every day.

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  10. Angela, I plan to follow you through your journey and I just know you will kick cancers ass. I will be praying for boobie cancer only, and I am so happy your mamma is able to be there to help you. Sending lots of love, hugs and support your way.
    xoxo Melissa (davenmissy)

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  11. Your strength amazes me! Fingers crossed that it is only breast cancer. You're in my prayers!

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  12. Bookmarked your blog and am following you like a hawk. I don't have the words right now, but I want you to know I'm praying for you all and I'm so glad to know your mommy is there for you guys. Love you.

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  13. I can't begin to tell you how amazing I think you are. You are such a wonderful woman. I will be sending so many T&Ps for you!!! And much, much love!!!

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  14. Lots of love, good thoughts and tons of prayers for every step of this. You are a strong and beautiful woman who will beat this!

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  15. You are one amazing strong lady, I think of you and your family constantly!!!! You will beat this!! love ya lady

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  16. You have an amazing spirit about all of this. Sending you so many prayers and good thoughts!

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  17. I'm so glad you started this blog, so I can keep track of what's going on with you. You are in my prayers and my fingers are definitely crossed that it's only breast cancer. Much love to you and your family!!!! xoxo

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  18. I'm so glad you started this! I am praying for only breast cancer. My prayers and thoughts are with you all day every day. <3

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  19. Hi. I am a friend of your online friend, Amy. She sent me a link to your blog. I have stage2 bc as well and am on the other side of a mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. I am now doing great and feeling great. If you need someone to talk to, I am here and would be happy to talk to you.
    Laura

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  20. You have an amazing outlook on beating this cancer. You will be in my thoughts and prayers every day and I will definitely keep updated with your blog.

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  21. If you already knit, then you probably enjoy the health benefits of trade. And if you do not knit, what's stopping you?

    Powdered Drain Maintainer

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