Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Bad news

It is never good when a doctor comes in and looks at you with the "I'm sorry" eyes.  Hopefully, you've never encountered them, but some of you probably know the look, unfortunately.  I found out today that my PETscan showed multiple areas in the liver that have as the oncologist put it a 95% probability of being the breast cancer and a 99% probability of being some form of cancer.  I will be having a liver biopsy as soon as they can get it scheduled. (Doesn't that sound fun?)  I'm hoping and praying that there is some way that this falls into that 1%, but if not this definitely changes things as it moves the cancer from curable with chemo wiping out any possible random stray cell to only treatable to try to suppress growth and shrink tumors as much as possible.

There are 2 aspects of this finding that are scary to me.  The first is that the general guidelines for stage 1 breast cancer is to do a chest X-ray and bloodwork, but if those don't show anything, you are supposedly "good".  I'm thankful that my oncologist did do the PETscan because she felt it was important to have every possible bit of information before starting chemo.  The second is that there are spots there but my blood work is clear, and I have no symptoms of liver problems. Again, I guess I can just be thankful that everything was found in the timing that it has been, and that it still is treatable.  But right now, the silver linings are a bit harder to see through the tears that keep falling.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts and prayers for strength, a positive attitude, and falling into that 1% if all possible.  

16 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear this Nancy! But for now- let's just assume and keep a positive attitude that you are the 1%! You will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come. Please let me know if you ever need someone to go with you/take you to any of your appointments--I'd be happy to! Libby

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  2. Much love and prayers being sent for you from my family.-- Daniel Fritz and family

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  3. Nancy, I hate that you're going through all this and that the Dr didn't have better news for you. Know that you're in my prayers- for health, for strength, for comfort, and for peace.
    Allison Reed Fuge

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  4. I will pray like crazy for that 1% Nancy. Prayers continue!!!

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  5. nancy, i am devastated by your news. can only imagine how you must feel! you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many. whenever you want meals again, let us know. i will be talking to jennifer and keeping up that way. may the God we serve bless you with good news! ann white

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  6. Praying fervently for you! You are in my thoughts & prayers. Most comforting to you should be the fact that God is in control & you are one of HIS children:) I won't even pretend like I know what you are going through. Just know that I love you, care about you & pray for you.

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  7. We love you and are praying for you. I've kept coming back to this verse when I'm in need or a friend is. Psalm 103:1-5
    Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

    You have our love and prayers. Praying you will have His strength and healing.

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  8. Nancy, Sorry to hear this news. I know you are disappointed. I pray for you to have strength and courage to face what is dealt you. I pray for a good report from the biopsy. I pray for complete healing for you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at the Franklin Church of Christ.
    Janice

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  9. I don't even know where to begin or what to say. One of my favorite verses to help get me through has always been 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your care upon Him, for He loves you."
    This may not always be comforting since you've already cast so much. But He will see you through it and will hopefully bring you the good news of 1%.
    Praying for you and for good results from the biopsy.

    Laura

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  10. Nancy, I'm so sorry for your news. God is great and all things are possible with Him. I'm sorry I haven't been much of a help to you (I feel like I haven't seen you in forever!) but know you have been, and definitely will continue to be, in my prayers. Please let me know how I can help. Stay strong by leaning on HIM! Much love, Jocelyn

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  11. praying for you..and thanking God for your sweet disposition & upbeat attitude. love you!!

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  12. Nancy, I wish I could be there with you to wrap my arms around you. Since I can't, I will pray that our loving Father will wrap you in his love and carry you through these tough times! I love you! Isaiah 41:10

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  13. Be strong and courageous! Who knows how many lives you will be able to touch and show your light for the Lord with this experience. This is your Goliath and you have many on your side with slingshots! Your name is going up to The One in control. - Love Michael & Kristy Cawthon

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  14. I woke up this morning with you on my mind and in my heart. I had a dream that I saw you walking across the street from me. I ran up to you and gave you the biggest hug and we stayed like that for the longest time. I wish I were close enough that I could actually give you that hug. Please know that I think about and pray for you often. love you girl ~ Amy Brown Perez

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  15. I have been doing a lot of reading of Job lately and I am amazed at his ability to stay faithful with everything that happens to him. Especially since he blames God constantly for his condition... yet he doesn't waver in his devotion. I always think what amazing faith that must take.

    I feel very similarly with you. I'm impressed with your faithfulness and courage with everything that has happened to you! Truly an example/inspiration to me and if there is anything I can do for you let me know! I will certainly be praying for the power of our God to manifest itself throughout your body!

    Matthew Evans

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  16. We are praying fervently for you! Please know that your faith will sustain you, and that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." I Corinthians 12:10

    ~Josh and Andrea Hastings

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