Overwhelmed by the LOVE

I sent a few e-mail out today about my situation and the response was overwhelming. I just have to say how very, very fortunate I am to have such a loving, wonderful family and friends. I can't thank you all enough for the phone calls, e-mails, and offers to help. And the time will come where I will take you up on those offers! :)

I spent two hours tonight with my doctor and we went though everything very thoroughly, so I feel confident yet overloaded. The information just kept coming and coming, and although I have a long road ahead of me, I am confident of the outcome! I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma- level 2. The level is not the stage, it's the grade of "ugliness" or seriousness of the tumor. Level 3 is the worst, so it's actually GOOD news that I am only at a Level 2! The doctor said, I have a tumor which would be found in a 61 year-old woman. The problem is... I'm only 37. So, I do have to be aggressive in my treatment. The tumor is still being tested further to further nail down what variations the cancer has and what other types of treatment I might need, but that information will come later, when I know more.

I will be having a radical mastectomy of the left breast and reconstruction in about 3 weeks. First I must get an MRI to make sure nothing has spread to my lymph nodes. I also will be getting some genetic testing to see if that information might change my treatments. All of this testing will be happening on Monday. I'll know the results of the MRI in about three days and the results of the genetic testing in about three weeks.

As of now, the surgery will take place probably mid February. I will have to be out of work for about three weeks, which will be the hardest for me. So, that's when I'll be cashing in the offers for help and for visitors! :) Chemotherapy will start in mid to late March, after my body has healed and I'm strong enough to take it on. So, hold on to those scarves and hat until then!

So, I'm actually happy I have a few weeks to get stuff together for school and to have some free time to DRINK, eat and be merry catching up with everyone. I still have to talk to my school and my students, which will be difficult, but nothing is impossible!

I'm in good spirits and all of your love coming my way has helped! Thanks again! I'll be updating this blog all of the time as information comes in, so read as you may. Thanks again everyone!

Much love....