In the summer of 2005 I noticed a small bump, close to the skin in my right breast. It was the summer my mother was dying of cancer of the pancreas. In the beginning of 2006 I had a mammogram. I then had another mammogram and an ultrasound. The radiologist said it was a sebaceous cyst. Over the next 2 years I saw my primary care physician, a breast cancer and a plastic surgeon. I planned to have the cyst removed in the fall of 2008 because I didn’t want it to rupture and create a mess. In September of 2008 we lost our health insurance. Since I had been repeatedly told that it was just a cyst and did not need to be removed, I did not have it removed.
Fast forward to 2012. The cyst had grown to the point I was worried about having a mammogram and it was ugly. In July of 2012 we were fortunate to have really good insurance again. So I had a consultation with two additional plastic surgeons. On January 31, 2013 I had the cyst removed. On Feb 5, 2013 I got the news.
My intent with this blog is to keep all the fabulous people in my life updated on the details of this journey. I don’t want anyone to think that I have taken this diagnosis lightly. Cancer is a serious disease and I am treating it with the utmost respect. Given that, we are a family that jokes and laughs and I hope you find some levity in the posts.
Loretta,
Thank-you so very much for sharing your journey. I will be sending you positive energy and lifting you and your family in prayer in the coming months. I feel so strongly about the good purpose that The Lord has in store for you and that so much good will come of your battle. Remember to breathe. Remember to look around to and notice the all the beauty. Remember that it is ok to be mad and sad and angry. Remember that you have been chosen and selected to shine a light upon a hideous disease and that as awful as it is, it is also an honor. I look forward to the day when we can all rejoice in your complete declaration of living cancer free!!
Loretta and Scott,
I just became aware of your web site today. Thank you for sharing your news and your thoughts. They are very personal and deep, but I agree, it is good mental therapy to spill the beans to the people who love you.
When you get the news, you are shocked. Then you realize “it is what it is” and you must go down the road putting one foot in front of the other. If you whistle and joke around, the journey is always more pleasant. I know I am not telling you anything new, I can tell “you get it.” I have been there and done that, twice.
Loretta, in regard to that marriage vow you never heard, don’t worry, in a few short years you’ll be wiping the slober off Scott’s chin and elsewhere.
Love,
Uncle Arman
Oh, Arman, you know how to make us laugh! Thanks, Bro.
Loretta,
My thoughts are with you. My hair would be with you as well but alas we have the same haircut. Yours will grow back! 🙂
Be sure to save enough energy to keep Scott in line.
East Coast Rob