Mostly Good News!

We spoke with the surgeon, yesterday afternoon, to get the results of the pathology report.

The bad news first (to get it out of the way):  the tumor was larger than first estimated.  It was actually 2.1 c.m., not 1.6 c.m. as first thought.  Being over 2.0 c.m. seems to automatically put it in the Stage 2 range, from all our research on-line (although surgeon didn't give me a staging over the phone).  It also makes chemo therapy almost a given.  I have an appointment with the oncologist scheduled for this Friday, to go over the pathology results and to discuss treatment options.  And a follow-up visit with the surgeon for next week Tuesday.

Now, for the good news:  the tumor margins were clear!  The surgeon was able to remove all the tumor.  The lymph nodes he removed for testing were all clear!  And the hard lumps he removed were benign!  Seems like the cancer was detected in the early stages and it hadn't spread, even though it was an invasive type.

Our prayers have been heard and answered!  We are SO thankful.  Daughter and I cried tears of gratitude.  Yes, there will be chemo, most probably, with all the side effects that will entail and radiation therapy, etc.  Yes, there is still the rest of the mountain to climb, but, suddenly, it doesn't seem quite as high nor as steep.  Hopefully, there won't be as much backsliding, either, although we must be prepared for them.

I know all of you will rejoice with me over this news.  I can't tell you all just how grateful I am, for your prayers, thoughts, well wishes, and support.  Thank you for being there for me and my daughter, during this time.  I know you will all be there for me for the rest of the journey, too, sharing the rest of the climb with me.

***************
My cousin and aunt came to visit us, last night, bringing dinner.  Cousin went down on her knees with me in a prayer of thanksgiving.  Afterwards, I asked her to play the piano (she's a very good pianist) and the first song she played was "How Great Thou Art", followed by "Whispering Hope", which I sang.  

Daughter left for Berkeley, this morning.  She was blessed to go knowing it was mostly good news.  Her friend since 7th grade picked her up and gave her a ride to the airport, because I am not allowed to drive yet.  Daughter will return on Thursday night to go with me to the oncologist on Friday.  Another friend of hers, friends since 4th grade, will pick her up from the airport and bring her home. 

Daughter was worried about me being on my own tonight, so a friend of mine has agreed to stay the night with me.

Have I mentioned how blessed we are to have such caring friends?

Today, I am grateful for:  everything!