Roller Coaster

 Five weeks ago, I had surgery. 

Four weeks ago, I was told I had breast cancer. 

Three weeks ago, the oncologist told us it looked like good news: caught early and favorable tumor markers. We had a plan to get more testing and consultations with a surgeon and radiologist.

Two weeks ago, I began the last two weeks at my job, which I have loved, but I have a higher calling....

Last week, our first grandchild was born, and I will have the privilege of providing childcare for her in just a few short weeks. #bestjobever

Yesterday, my consultation with the surgeon provided more good news. The ultrasound of my lymph nodes looked good, so she will not do a biopsy of the nodes (it has some risk and will not change the game plan). We are waiting for some more tests, but I will be seeing the radiologist soon and have been cleared to begin radiaiton treatments. The surgeon reiterated that my cancer really is the best case scenario. Stage 1, non-aggressive, slow-growing, hormone positive (responds well to medication). She explained that the genetic mutation of the Bard1 gene that I have, put me in the hish-risk group to develop breast cancer, but now that it has happened, the risk of developing a different breast cancer drops to an average risk.

I still have radiation treatments to get through (not sure how long yet), anti-estrogen meds to take (5-10 years), and a lot of monitoring, tests, scans over the next few years, but they do not expect to find any more cancer beyond what was already removed, and put my long term survival rate at 98-99%. 

I am just beyond grateful for that surgery that caught this cancer so early!! Cancer can be so scary, but it sounds more like a short, rough patch instead of the longer "battle" I was gearing up for! Praise God for His mercy in this emotional roller coaster that has been 2026 so far!