11 Years

I'll admit, when I first started this blog, it was to give updates to family and friends.  I have actually found it to be very therapeutic for me. 

Today marks 11 years since my mom passed away.  I was with several of my girlfriends when I got the call.  The Lord and my mother knew I needed to be surrounded by these lovely ladies.  My dad called telling me that mom had passed away peacefully.  He was surrounded by all of his brothers and sisters and naturally worried about my brother and me and how we would handle the news.  At that point, the most amazing thing happened.  All of my girlfriends, stood in a circle and held hands.  I don't think any of us were raised in the same faith.....but the most beautiful prayers went up from everyone in the circle.  I will never forget that moment as long as I live. 

Eleven years later, I still miss her like crazy.  This year has been harder than the past few.  I still want to pick up the phone and talk to her so bad.  However....at the same time, I've had an overwhelming sense of comfort.  My mother made friends with everyone.  It never mattered what their background or circumstances was....she was a true friend.  Because of this, I know she's up there making contact with multitudes of folks and having prayer meetings in my honor.  It's evident by all of the good reports that have come over the last few days. 

One of the last things she ever said to me was "Don't worry sugar.  The Lord makes a way where there seems to be no way."  I never thought I could go on without my best friend....but I didn't have too.  She still makes her presence known.  That saying has stood true to me as soon as I received my diagnosis....and I see the way.

Have a blessed night....and tell your mommas and dads how much you love them.

A Blessed, Busy Week

What an extremely busy week this was.  I had a friend who has recently went through all of this ask me if my head felt like it was going to explode yet.  Between work, all of the appointments and getting  kids registered for fall activities, I had a minor meltdown mid-week.  It was a close the office door, keep the Kleenex by the desk and cry it out kind of meltdown.  Monday and Tuesday, we met with two different reconstruction surgeons. These appointments were all foreign to me as I've never had the privilege of meeting with a plastic surgeon.  And if I had, my interest would have been a procedure to remove excess from my backside or mid-section, not to enhance my chest area. All appointments so far have been discussing pathology reports, MRIs and treatment options. The reconstruction appointments have been completely opposite from previous ones. Picture this.... My husband and I are placed in a room. The nurse comes in with her iPad, sits down and says, "Cynthia, have you thought about what size you'd like the final product to be?"  Wait, what....final product?  Then she whipped out all the pictures.  Then there's my engineer husband who thinks to ask questions like what would happen if I were in an auto accident and one of the implants broke or burst. Then there's so many options....silicone, saline, shape, size, etc.  It all threw me completely off guard.  I found myself feeling a little guilty for "shopping" when there are so many other women who are so sick and do not have this option.  I've never really complained about my "barely Bs."  And if I had the choice, I'd keep them forever and forgo the next few months. Since that's not an option, I may "add a little" to Cindy's treasure chest...just maybe.

On Thursday, I had the sentinel node biopsy.  We were home by 2:00 and my husband shifted into care taking mode, which I've thoroughly enjoyed.  He even offered to blow dry and style my hair!  He's a keeper.  The pain hasn't been too bad other than figuring out which bra to wear.   My son's Ninja Turtle pillows have been life savers for keeping my arms from touching my incisions.....turtle power.  I didn't expect to get the results from the biopsy until potentially Monday.  However, on Friday evening, Dr. Cross called.  My heart sank slightly as my husband handed me the phone.  Guess what?  No cancer in the lymph nodes!!  This has been the best news yet!!!!!  Looks like my treatment will consist of bilateral mastectomy and hormone therapy.  No Chemo!!! God is good!

I've had five ladies schedule mammograms since I've told them my news. Keep it up, ladies. And if you aren't 40, but have an uneasy feeling....keep on your doctors. There's not another person in the world who knows your body better than you! You are your #1 advocate, so speak up if something doesn't feel right.

I have been overwhelmed with support from all of my friends and family.  Thanks to everyone of all your prayers.

I leave you with this verse tonight.  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.  Mark 11:24  

Have a blessed evening.