CANCER round TWO!!

Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like odd numbers.  I prefer things to even.  For example if the TV volume is set on 37 I will drop it to 36; if cans of corn are 3 for $1.00 I will buy 6.  Ron says that this is one of my many unique features and so I am going with that description.  So, it should not be a surprise to find that twice!  Yep, that is right after 15 years of being cancer free it is reared it’s ugly head again.

Following a prompting, premonition, intuition, womanly instinct or what ever you want to call it I visited with a breast surgeon last November to just have things checked out.  My last mammogram was in January of 2015, and all was clear, so I am not sure why I felt I needed to make the appointment.  After a brief exam, and new mammogram and ultra sound it was concluded that I had a few calcification deposits in the same spot as my previous cancer.  I asked the Doctor to do a needle biopsy, which came back inconclusive. We then scheduled an “open biopsy” for December 22, 2015.  We when got the results both of us were a little taken back.  It was indeed invasive DCIS and it was also estrogen positive. Which is highly unusual since it was in previously radiated tissue and the fact that I have had all the female estrogen producing parts removed back 2009 as a preventative.  But then again if you know me you know that never do things by the book – I am just unusual! The tumor was small but due to the fact that I have already radiated that tissue my course of treatment was limited.

We celebrated Christmas and later in January I went to the USA and had the chance to visit my previous surgeon.  Armed with all kinds of test results, scans, lab results and Dr. notes I went to seek additional advice.  After that visit and subsequent visits with my surgeon and oncologist here in Thailand I have decided to have a double mastectomy tomorrow, March 16^th 2016.

How do I feel on the eve of this big decision?  I surprisingly feel calm and peaceful.  I decided a few months ago that I was going to live by faith and not by fear.  Most people tend to fear the unknown and I refuse to be most people!  I have been working on having faith and proceeding forward into the unknown with my head held high and my heart full of gratitude and love for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for the knowledge that I know that a loving Father in Heaven watches me after and knows what trials that I can not only endure but those that I can also learn from.  My family and friends are praying for me all across the America and in many other countries around the world.  With all of this support I can go forth with faith and peace to handle what ever is thrown in my life’s path. 


The Lord, Jesus Christ said “ Be not afraid, only believe” and I believe! I trust in the Lord and I will lean on Him he is my rock and my salvation. He knows how to “succor the weak, lift up the hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees” He will watch over me it is He who gives me peace.




I am excited to see what new things I can learn from this experience, more sympathy, more empathy, more love for the Lord, others and myself.  I am ready for CANCER round TWO!