Day 14...

Overwhelmed, tired, hopeful, confused, grateful, scared, emotional, annoyed, sad, happy, thankful and blessed. These would best describe the roller coaster of emotions I’ve been on for the last 14 days. We’ve seen 7 different doctors that specialize in breast cancer surgery, plastic surgery and even a fertility specialist. The first few doctors lead me down a path of basically the same treatment plan. Then, another doctor (likely the most well versed in cancer) recommended a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT treatment plan that took me for a bit of a surprise…a surprise I DID NOT want to hear. However, at this point, I’ve realized it has probably been the most aggressive plan thus far. Since I am only 29 years old, I need to have this treated aggressively to ensure a long life ahead that is hopefully cancer free. 

We will not know the precise stage of cancer until the surgery is preformed, however, if they had to guess, my left breast is most likely stage 1 and my right breast is most likely stage 2. They suspect that my right side has cancer in my lymph nodes as well. To be sure, this week, I will have biopsies done on my right lymph nodes and they will also re-evaluate my left lymph nodes with an ultrasound. If they see something questionable, they will also biopsy those nodes. Does that sound awesome or what?! 

I have to say that in these last 2 weeks, I have felt SO loved and felt SO much support from my friends, family and complete strangers. Those prayers, flowers, messages, cards, phone calls, balloons, books and meals have made it so much easier to cope with the bad card I have been dealt. I will forever be grateful for that. I truly know that I will not be alone in this journey ahead…. not by a long shot. I’m one blessed girl!

This week, I will meet with 2 different medical oncologists and then a radiologist who will do the biopsies.  I’m hopeful that I will have a final treatment plan set by next week at the latest. Luckily, the doctors have told me that I have some time to decide and I’m doing the right thing by getting many opinions.

On a personal note, if you’re out there reading this post and debating having kids, DO NOT DELAY. Take it from me; you never know what life will throw at you. As you likely know, Ross is a planner. We’ve always circled December of this year as the time to try and make Juddy a big brother. When we got this news, our mindset was even more determined, “Lets get this done, and then lets try to have that kid right away”. Unfortunately, it appears our doctors won’t let us stick to “the plan”. I’ll likely have multiple years of medications ahead. Our glass is half full on this news, but take it from us: DO NOT DELAY. Words cannot describe the joy kids will bring you.

Well, like Ross said, my entries will be the “graphic” ones and I’ll add, the boring ones too.  In addition to seeing all of these doctors, Ross and I had quite the adventure traveling to all of these places this week. I’ll let him tell you about that later in the week. For now, here’s a preview: Picture Ross vomiting on all 4’s on the side of the road (twice!). You’re welcome.

-Abby (or as my buddy Scott called me this week: Abbalicious Def)