After much bad news we finally heard something positive!
I met with another surgeon today, Dr. Helena Chang. She is the director of the breast cancer center at UCLA and comes very highly recommended. We liked her very much and feel that we are in good hands.
She believes this is treatable and that a cure is a likely outcome. This is the first time since this began that I have heard this, so this was a big moment for me.
That being said, I remain a challenging case and this next year is going to be very difficult for me. Like the other surgeon we met, she believes that chemotherapy prior to the surgery is the way to go to shrink the tumor enough to ensure a clean margin during surgery. So, beginning the Monday after Thanksgiving I will start several months of chemotherapy and am looking at surgery in April or May.
This week I will be busy with all the pre-tests, bloodwork, body scans, etc. required to be sure the cancer hasn't spread and that I am
otherwise healthy enough to withstand the chemotherapy. Also important is a culture that will tell us what kind of chemotherapy to use with this particular cancer. I will meet my Oncologist as well.
I still can't really absorb that this is happening to me. Yet, it is, and the good in it is evident in all of you who are praying, writing, calling, and offering to help with whatever we need. Thanks will never be enough.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Dear Suzanne,
I promise to pray for you during my daily recitation of the rosary. You'll be in my heart and thoughts.
Love,
Gail
thank God for that hope of a cure.
It will be a tough year, but with God it can be a time of grace none-the-less.
Rest assured of my daily prayers
xxx
Well, hooray for some thing positive. Of course we don't know each other, but I feel connected to you because our family lives are similar, at least in size! I'll continue to pray for you. If I did know you and I lived closer I would definitely be joining the crowd to help. :)
Suzanne, We'll be praying for you! Sam is welcome to come over here to do his school work. I assume we could access it here on our computer. Please consider this...we're home all day anyway. Lots of love, Mary Herbert
Suzanne,
God is good, all the time!
Know that the entire Franklin family has you in our prayers. I am thinking of you often during the day. I admire your commitment to God and family. I know that you will be very blessed during this time. May the Holy Spirit come over you and give you peace through this time. I know Mother Mary is also looking over you. If there is anything we can do, even a play date for the kids, let me know. Love and Prayer, Patti
Dear Suzanne,
You have been on my mind nonstop. I will pray everyday for you. Stay strong and have Faith. As always if you need anything
just name it! Love, Sarah
Dear Suzanne,
"Hi" from Sonoma, my home for the past year. (Yes, I still have the Pine Mtn Lake house!)
Sarah, Cassie and I wanted to let you know that we are on the side lines cheering you on to beat this...and you will. In time, when this is all behind you, you will be an inspiration to others that will be facing the same challenge you are facing today.
You have the love of God, your family and your friends standing shoulder to shoulder with you in your journey of becoming cancer free and healing your body to wholeness.
You and your family have our love. We will keep you in our prayers and we send you our positive energy and heart felt blessings.
Anne Clark
Hi Suzanne,
You are such an inspiration! The healing power of the Lord is awesome and your faith can move mountains. Please know that Jerry and I will continue to keep you and your family in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Toni & Jerry Padgett
Post a Comment