Today was the day Neal and I traveled to Chicago to get an opinion on my treatment plan at Northwestern University. The appoinment wasn’t nearly as long as anticipated but we were really pleased with my care. The doctor basically agreed with the treatment plan from my oncologist, Dr. Lester. I have to decide if I want to be part of a test study. Since my tumor was so large and lymph nodes were involved I will have radiation. I will have chemo for about 3-4 months followed by radiation. I am Her2 positive which means this was a fast growing cancer and I am also progestrone and estrogen positive. That means my tumor was hormone fed. Her2 and PR and ER is not common to have positive together. But that basically means I qualify for all the available treatment options. Hopefully we will get anything lurking behind and prevent me from getting cancer again. Tomorrow I see my oncologist and he will give me my treatment plan with all the drug names. (It’s a whole new language!)
Afterwards, Neal and I went out to lunch on Michigan Avenue and then did some shopping. I tried to find a hat for when my hair falls out. My head is so small that nothing fit. We even looked in children’s sections–no luck. It was very discouraging.
I found myself very emotional at lunch and cried for an hour on the way home. I think the reality is really setting in. I find myself feeling mad, scared and sad. I wonder how I will handle starting treatment and dealing with the side effects.
I found a quote from Charles Spurgeon, “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength.”
“Be strong and courageous. do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
This quote and verse gives me strength and comfort tonight.
Trish
God Bless you
Deb
praying for you tonight, trish.
~sheryl moerdyk
Trish,
We continue to be praying for you.
Joan and Dave
We’re praying for you. If we can be of any help let us know. We’re not very far away!
Love you,
Sara & Adam (Smith)
It’s a long road. You will not walk it alone.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Jepkema
Trish, Don and I are just learning of your journey of the past two weeks. Our hearts are saddened to read this. Know that we will remember you in prayer for God’s direction and peace at every twist and turn. Linda and Don Wood
Dear Trish,
I am a co-worker of Britton’s here at Ridge Point and have been following your blog. Britton talked about you in a recent message and his love for you and his family is so evident. My sister is a breast cancer survivor and has been cancer free since summer 2004. She also had cancer cells in her lymph nodes and had chemo for 8 months followed by 6 weeks of radiation. She is an inspiration to me. One of her favorite sayings is “Cancer doesn’t have the final word; GOD has the final word.” Please know of my prayers for you. Sincerely, Cindy Nyhoff