I am Not My Cancer

Trusting in Lord .... it's often said

Here we go again, another way to trust in the Lord and His plans....On April 20, 2016 I was given the diagnosis of invasive and non-invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer).

I'm starting this blog to keep everyone updated about my life as a Hip Lutheran Lady because I'm not my cancer diagnosis. I hope that this blog evolves to keeping everyone updated on how I am God's ambassador on a daily basis.  As you can see - there are links on different things for you to go read more about breast cancer. 

As of today this is what we know about my cancer:

• It's aggressive - I'm an overachiever ...what can I say 
• We know that my cancer is:
• Estrogen - positive
• HER2 - positive 
• We are waiting on genetic testing to make surgical decisions. 
• The process of genetic testing could take 2-3 weeks. 
• Please pray that we receive information sooner rather than later and that it provides decisive information.
• I will have surgery right after we know about the results from the genetic testing. 
• Either be a double mastectomy or a lumpectomy with a breast reduction.
• I might also need my ovaries removed. 
• Chemotherapy will then be scheduled - I'm not sure for how long this will last but I do know I will go bald (just think - I won't have to shave my legs!) 
• 6 weeks of radiation will be scheduled after my chemotherapy is complete.
• Once a day for 6 weeks
• HER2 therapy will last for 52 weeks 

This coming week, here is the run down:

• The Marshfield Clinic Oncology team will review my case in a team approach.
• My medical records will be sent to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX for a second opinion. 
• I will meet with:
• A Plastic Surgeon 
• A Radiation Doctor and
• My Oncology Surgeon 

A big shout out to the Heiting's and Eibergen families for the flowers; the Steinbach family for Monday's dinner and Shelly Schmitz for the painting! Many thanks to everyone who has put me on their prayer-lists.  

God is our refuge and our strength.