My Facebook page has bloomed into a virtual garden. Friends have posted photos of their favorite flowers in a digital display of love and support. I love this idea. Each person has posted a picture more lovely than the next and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
Many readers have asked about how I found out my cancer had returned/metastasized. I will write that account soon: it’s important. However, I need some time to write that up completely. I’ve been spending the weekend with my two older children having long talks about what’s happening. Their love and concern is heartbreaking. These talks are among the hardest conversations a parent can have but are the most important. These days are setting the foundation for those to come.
Monday afternoon at 4:30 I will meet with my local hematologist/oncologist and find out the details of my pathology report and talk more about the diagnosis. Thursday I will meet with my breast oncologist at Sloan Kettering and discuss treatment options with her as well. I have used both of these physicians since my original diagnosis so I don’t have to start from scratch with my medical history over the past few years.
I expect immediately after these meetings I will begin my first phase of treatment– whatever that is. I won’t speculate at this point what it might be, there are a variety of forms it might take.
I’m healing from surgery, my neck is very sore, with a good sized incision at the base of my throat. I had a nice tracheotomy scar there already since the age of 5; unfortunately, this one is puffy and angry and red and makes me miss my old one a lot. I couldn’t talk yesterday, but today I’m back jabbering away. I alternate between strength and falling apart, but I don’t think that’s anything unusual. It’s still all mindboggling. A week ago I was readying for a trip to the same oncologist, with no clue what news awaited me.
My appointment is late in the day Monday, so the next update might not actually get written until Tuesday. I’ll be in touch.
Link to Twitter
Lisa – continued wishes for peace and healing,
Deanna
We’ll be with you in spirit. Hugs.
Thank you for the update. Rest and heal.
You’re in my thoughts more than I let you know!! Tracy
I am with you in my heart.
Lisa, Sending hugs and prayers your way. I am sorry to hear of your report from MD. Rest & heal ~ sending light and love
Hanging on to every update, Lisa. Xoxo
Hugs & prayers to you & your family
Thinking of you Lisa and sending much love your way. Hope today’s appointment brings some relief in terms of clarity about your next steps. xxo
I’ll be thinking of you. xoxo
Waiting.
If you feel a little sizzle each night around 8pm, it’s your name coming up in the kids’ prayers.
i figure you might need some good news today…..so i just wanted to let you know i just celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the day i was diagnosed with stage iv breast mets.
TEN YEARS!! and i have current plans to take at least 10 more….i have babies to raise. i’d love it if you could join me in this very exclusive club.
love and good wishes to you today. oh and the mediastinoscopy scar will fade. it won’t look like you swallowed a baseball forever.
Will also be thinking of you and sending prayers of strength and comfort.
I know you are strong and educated in all that you are doing here. Please keep your dad in the picture too, given his strong medical background.
Flowery thoughts for you and yours, Lisa!
My dad is always in the picture. We are in constant contact.
Jabbering away – way to go, champ. More love coming your way than you can imagine,
jms
I deeply appreciate your updates and admire your ability to craft them during this mindboggling time. As I have come to understand and experience it, the epitome of strength is to be able to go in and out of falling apart.
Sending love to you and yours.
Liza
I am sending flowery thoughts and prayers your way Lisa. Glad to hear you are able to talk. Remember all of your emotions are so normal in this new normal that is not normal at all. XoXoXo-Susan
You are lovely and remarkable. Please do keep jabbering. You are in the thoughts of so many, and in mine every day.