I slept well last night and was at peace as we walked into the doctor’s office. (Although I did tear up as Tom and I prayed before we went into the office.) Thank you to everyone who was praying for this!
Talking with the Dr. this morning, he asked how I was doing. I told him about my cough that’s annoying and won’t go away. His response after listening to me breathe was, “I don’t think we need to treat it with antibiotics since your lungs didn’t show an infection and since your scan was good.”
“Wait. It was good? How good is good?”
“As good as we could have hoped for.”
Sigh of relief! Praise God!
The PET scan showed scar tissue and some swelling from healing, but no active cancer cells in my breast, lymph nodes or sternum. Woohoo!!
Tom and I both went into the appointment expecting the worse and were so happy to hear the best!
Even with that good news, there is still a long road ahead of us. Since the cancer had already spread, it’s likely it will return at some point. So we’ll be monitoring with blood tests every few months and another PET scan in 6 months.
A mastectomy is scheduled for April 14th. 2 weeks after that, we will meet with the oncologist again to determine whether radiation is necessary for the sternum, breast or lymph nodes. This decision will be based on how surgery goes.
We also have to shut down my ovaries since they produce Estrogen that feds the cancer. I have 3 options – a shot every 3 months for about 10 years, we can use radiation to shut them down, or I can have them surgically removed. We’ll make that decision after surgery. I’ll also have to take a hormone blocking pill (can’t remember the name of it) for the rest of my life.
Lastly (is that a word?), I’ll need a bone strengthening infusion every 6 weeks for the next year. Since the cancer was also in the bone, we are going to get my bones as strong as possible in hopes that no cancer cells will be able to invade my bones again. My first question about this was of course about the side effects. They are similar to the Neulasta shot I received after my first set of chemo drugs – bone and joint pain and achiness. Ugh! As least I have dealt with it in the past and have a plan on how to manage the pain.
Praise God for answered prayer and for these scan results. On top of celebrating what Christ did for us on the cross today, Good Friday, it’s a good Friday because of these results!
As we look to the upcoming weeks will you please pray:
- For a time of rest before surgery
- For peace about these results and not worrying about if and when the cancer will return
- For peace and patience as we await surgery
Thank you for praying and praising with us and for all the emails, messages, calls and texts.
Psalm 34:1-4
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
So much to be thankful for . . .
So glad to hear this good news – praising God! Will continue to pray for all that still lies ahead
Thanks Karyn. And thank you so much for talking last week!! It was so nice to talk with someone who just went through what is ahead of me!
Wonderful news!
Today I read somewhere that instead of ” Good Friday” it should be “Best Friday” because Christ did the very best thing for us on the cross. And he chose to give you the very best results as well!! So grateful for his provisions in your life. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Love that!!
Praise the Lord for answered prayer today!
This is wonderful news!
Wow! We are in tears of joy! Thank you so much for sharing your great news, and yes, it is truly a GOOD Friday! We praise God with you and thank Him will all our hearts! God bless you as you celebrate!!
Thanks Judy! 🙂 So happy to have tears of joy today!
Praise God!!!!! So happy for you, Tom & Kids!!!
Nicole
Woohoo! Thanks Nicole! 🙂
Praise the Lord! Such blessed & wonderful news. Thank you Jesus!
Thanks Sindy!
I’ve been thinking of you especially last night and this morning. This is all great news. Praise the Lord! Love you and miss you! Happy Easter!
Miss you too. I am hoping to make it to workout on Wednesday. I’m sure I won’t even be able to do half of it, but it will be fun to see everyone again. Make sure you are there!
This is amazing news!!!!!! A Happy Easter indeed!!!!
Praise the Lord. Answered prayers
So much to be thankful for indeed! Thank You Lord for your perfect timing. May this Resurrection Sunday be the best one ever! May you be filled with strength and peace for each new day!
Wonderful news! Such a relief, I’m sure.
Jennifer, Tears of joy. Our God is an awesome God. Bless His holy name.
Will continue to pray for you, Tom & the girls.
OH WHAT WONDERFUL WONDERFUL NEWS!! Praise the Lord! I know it is a very good Good Friday….how WONDERFUL that even as we celebrate His death for us…it’s with the blessed reminder that He is Risen INDEED!!
And this RISEN LORD has truly answered our prayers for YOU!!
Praising God for an amazing answer on this amazing Day! We will continue to pray as you face many decisions coming your way.
Thanking God for the wonderful news and the answers to our many prayers for you. Our prayers continue for what lies ahead.
Praising the Lord for your good news! Praying for the rest of your recovery and surgery and strength for it all!⚓️
Fantastic news!! We have prayed for you, Tom, and the girls frome the very start of this.
God is so good and so amazing! As we celebrate His resurrection we are also celebrating this good news.
I have something I would like to share with you but I will give you a call next week.
Sounds good. I look forward to chatting!!
Praising God for this amazing blessing. We truly serve an awesome God who loves us and hears our prayers” God is so very good…..all the time.
Our God is so faithful! We rejoice with you and your family over this wonderful news. Let’s praise our risen Savior for His love and kindness. We have a great God! Connie
What fabulous news. All I can say is Thanks you Jesus ! Prayers are still coming you way.
Thanking God for this wonderful good news on Good Friday. Many prayers have been answered. Have a wonderful Happy Easter.
Kendra and I are sending all our love to you and your family !!!!! Good news on Good Friday is right ♡ Kimmie and Kendra Moore Founder’s of Kimmie’s Chemo Care Bags ♡
Thank you both so much! 🙂
What great news! I’m so happy for you. The mastectomy isn’t that bad but the drains are very bothersome. I had both of my breasts removed. If you need or want any information on what to expect, please feel free to email me. I’ll keep on praying for you and I also have some good news to share, my recent EGD showed NO CANCER in my espophagus, stomach or upper colon! I was ecstatic! So we both have reason to thank God! He is so good and we are blessed beyond measure. Happy Easter! All praises to our King!
What great news! I’m so glad to hear that! 🙂 I talked with a friend a few weeks ago who answered a bunch of my questions! If I think of any more, I’ll let you know! 🙂
Praising God for your good news and His answer to the prayers. We are so happy for all of you and will continue to pray for all your needs. For strength, peace, and joy in the midst of this journey.
Love,
Jan