I know a lot of you are waiting for this information. I always like my family to hear this type of information from me first and not from the blog. So, here it goes: There were cancer cells in the skin of the scar that was removed but was within 3 mm of margin. They also found DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ – precancerous cells) within 1 mm of margin. While they usually like more than 1 mm of margin, the surgeon felt that future radiation treatments will take care of that. She is going to run it by the team for a consensus. There were 16 lymph nodes removed and 11 were positive. This means I have Stage III breast cancer. I was hoping for IIB but this is it so this is what we deal with.
Thank you all so much for you love, support, prayers and gifts. I will never be able to tell you how much you all mean to me. I am overwhelmed, awed, humbled by the outpouring of support. I hope that one day I will be able to give back, tenfold, what I have received.
Love beams from a former Stage IV.
We all feel out of balance because of what you are going through. Supporting you helps us feel more stable too.
Veronica says it so well. We do feel more stable to be able to support you, Loretta. So many people are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers, whoever collects them must be so busy sending them on to you and the one who can make the prayers come true.
Hugs, G’mah
You are receiving back the love you already paid forward tenfold and more. Stay strong. Stay focused. I love you. Dee
Loretta, you are an extraordinary woman with smarts, integrity, humor and strength (not to mention your charm and good looks!). You will beat this! I hope to see you soon – if you need anything at all, please call – anytime, anyday.
“Ditto” Rosemary’s comment!
Second ditto
Good grief. That news just sucks. Hang in there, keeping you in prayer. Sending positive energy into the universe on your behalf.
Loretta,
I just read through your blog and find it most inspiring. Now you are able to take this turn of events in your life and look it straight in the eye, so to speak, stick your tongue out, and laugh in its face saying, “No You Don’t, Not Me, Not Yet, Not Now, No Way!!” Truly inspiring….. Your courage and strength to fight this, to get “you’re mad on” and smack it in the face, awesome!!! I look forward to reading future posts to your blog, learning and rejoicing along with you and your family as you conquer this insidious disease.
Love,
Joan
Loretta,
Thank you for the update. I love your blog, sense of humor, and passion for life! You are such a tough yet gentle soul. Be tough when you have to be (maybe we should all pitch in on a punching bag and gloves) and fragile when you must also. Lean on those around you.
Just wanted to let you know that you and your mom were that strength that you are now receiving for me once. After the fire you both sent the most amazing care package a new mother could’ve received. I still have many of those items as a reminder of human kindness and compassion of others in my time of need. The boys still love “Larry Gets Lost in Seattle” and hope to visit someday to see all the landmarks for themselves. Madsen has inherited the beautiful baby blanket and the stuffed Curious George is a mainstay at bedtime. The beautiful crystal ornament makes its way to a special spot on our tree every year. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
You deserve all the love and support you are getting right now. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Kick this things ass like you have everything else in your life.
Crap. Sigh…..
Jeannie gave Pat & myself a little update this morning. Gretchen met us for coffee and we send you all our love and strength. Your blog is very inspiring and and candid and your tribute to Scott’s tube draining technique tells me he is a really good person. The dog story sounded like a Larry, Curly & Mo routine!
Just know that for every one who writes in, there are many more who are thinking of you and wishing you well every day.
Love, Kathy
Loretta,
You have given so much to me through 15 years (?) or “Fearless” leadership that love and prayers ia way too easy to pay back. I am on this journey with you all the way.
Pam XOXO
Agreed!
Veronica’s right. I check this blog compulsively. It helps. Big hug.
Love, Cynthia.
Loretta, I so agree with what my lovely Veronica said. When I think of the ways in which you’ve literally changed my life… 8 years ago I wouldn’t have believed that I could run a 10K, cycle over the rockies, climb mountains…! I got to do these things, not just because you patiently taught me the physical skills, but because of the example you set in the way you approach life. I have so much to thank you for, and I’ve got your back.
OMG Loretta, do you know how much you have given back to this community. Think of all the lives you have touched and changed with just being at the gym. Giving people knowledge, training skills, confidence, you are changing peoples lives.
You are and extraordinary women with an extraordinary family and I am grateful to be your friend. We’re here for you 24/7 so please ask when you need something.
Hugs., Mary Lynn and Glenn
Agreed too!! Loretta you are such an inspiration!!
Loretta, you have stepped into a world that other women have entered and successfully emerged on the other side. You are an inspiration and please know that you are not alone in this journey. Sending you positive energy… Theresa
Loretta,
We’re here, holding this news, bolstering the collective belief that soon you will be knocking those chips off that card.
Sending you and your family our love and support–
Tina & Jim
Loretta,
You are so inspiring. I think of you constantly and know that you will win this battle.
Nicki
You have played such a powerful role in others’ lives and now it’s time to focus on you. You know what it takes to overcome. No question you can beat this, and be all the more stronger and beautiful for it.. Time to focus on yourself and your healing. Praying for you daily. Lots and lots of love.
Dear Loretta, It has taken me several days to compose myself and come back to your Surgeon Update. This post is the “Stuff of Real Life” post that none of us wanted to read because It brings to the surface in each one of us our core emotions to face in ourselves and with you: mad, sad, fear, shame, guilt and glad as well. My initial feelings were great sadness. I am sure I am not the only one who shed tears with you about this. It is not the news you wanted to hear. It is not the journey you wanted to embark upon. “Sucks,” as someone else put it, seems an apt description for anger felt. To paraphrase you, however, it is what it is and what it is going to be. It is the stuff of life because with the fear and anger also come the expressions of love and support from others as well as recognition of who you are and how you are beheld in this community, truly a blessing to you, I am sure, where joy can shed its grace on thee.