James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
This has been a better week. Still emotional but I have changed my focus on the plan. I need to learn about my advisory and how to defeat it. I have perhaps 100’s of people praying for me and I am learning to put my faith in God that he has already healed me. I have received thoughtful small gifts and cards from close friends. It makes me cry to think of how loved I feel. It is hard to keep up with the emails and encouraging texts that I receive. I pray every day. I am reminded that everyone has trials and life is a series of ups and downs.
It has been a rollercoaster week. I have been focused on getting my MRI because without it I won’t be able to meet with my breast surgeon and get started with my treatment. I had a very stressful 2 days when it looked like all of my treatment would be out of network. I have taken a crash course in how insurance works outside of Kaiser. I was told that where was getting all my treatment is of network for my MRI. After going around through mult angles and hours on the phone, finally my MRI is authorized in network. How do people do this if they are really sick??
My pathology report says that my tumor is very responsive to estrogen and progesterone. This is good news because it means that the tumor is very common (80%) and easier to treat. My nurse navigator who is helping me through this says that the biggest risk factor for breast cancer is to be an older female. Looks like I fit into that category. There are a few reports pending that could mean more complications.
I have received a 273 page book from my doctor all about breast cancer. Really? In it are inspirational quotes like “ I am grateful about bills because I have income to pay them.” And “I am grateful for dust on the furniture because I have a home with furniture.” My nurse navigator says that I need to bring the book to all my visits because the doctor will reference it during my appointments. In the book it also says that my tumor has likely been growing for up to 10 years before they found it. Crazy thought. Do they have books like this for people who have a heart attack?? I think not.
My MRI is August 4th and my breast surgeon appointment is Friday the 13th. I have friends that tell me that that is a lucky day. My MRI may show more cancers that may need to be biopsy but hopefully not. I have asked Kari to be with me and my sister and brother-in-law (and doctor) to listen in virtually from North Carolina. My friend Heather has agreed to be my back up person. I am praying that the treatment is straight forward and there are no other surprises.
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