2007 Breast Cancer 3 Day

Saturday, March 20, 2010

You've GOT to be kidding me!

I have happily been able to ignore this blog for many years now. I have given the occasional update about hair growth or medicine changes, but all in all my cancer journey has been uneventful these last 4.5 years.

Everything has changed.

Six weeks ago I felt a swollen lymph node in the lower part of my neck. After 3 weeks it was still there so I made and appointment to see my oncologist. While waiting for my appointment I have progressively begun feeling worse. I am having severe back pain that medicine doesn't help, extreme fatigue and pain/bloating under my right rib (in my liver).

I went in for a CT scan yesterday and they confirmed the worst case scenario for a breast cancer patient. It's metastasized. I have several lesions on my spine, several lymph nodes with cancer in them and the worst is numerous lesions on my liver. At the moment my prognosis is unknown.

I will go in to see a surgeon on Monday. On Wednesday she will remove the main lymph node in my neck and they will use it for the pathology of this cancer. She will also place a port-a-cath back in my chest to make chemo administration easier.

Tuesday I am scheduled for an MRI to look further at my spine and also at my brain. After all of the pathology comes back I will go see my oncologist (probably a week from Monday) and we will formulate our plan of attack and probably hear my prognosis. I am sure we will move quickly as it appears this is an aggressive cancer. I just had bloodwork in December and it all came back normal.

So the big question from everyone is: What can we do? Right now we just need prayers. Until we know how I will be treated and what that will look like we are just in a holding pattern--life as usual.

I will begin updating this blog to keep everyone informed just like the first time around. Please feel free to call, but don't be hurt if I don't get right back to you. I already feel worse than I did the first time around and I haven't even started treatment yet. Your support means so much, but it can be exhausting trying to talk to everyone each day.

It's going to be a long fight. I know the Lord has a plan in all of this. While I don't understand it right now, hopefully someday it will all be revealed to me. We will try to carry on living life one day at a time and enjoying every moment.

Thanks for your love and support.

21 comments:

  1. I love you Fran and I am so sorry. I am praying fervently for you today.

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  2. Oh, Fran, I'm just so sorry and heartbroken to hear this. Know that I'll be faithful to pray for you, Ed, and the girls. Praying that you sense the faithfulness and love of our heavenly Father as he holds you close and carries you through this time. I love you, friend... XOXO

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  3. Praying for you and your family. God is bigger than all of this and HE is in charge! I love you, my friend!
    Love, Sarah

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  4. I'm so sorry Fran. Praying for you and your precious family.

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  5. Fran, you are one of the most beautiful women I have ever met...not just on the outside, but also on the inside. I have been blessed by your wisdom and encouraging words. I admire your strength and courage. I love you and I am praying for you.

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  6. My dear sweet sister-in-law, please know that you're in our thoughts and prayers. We are lifting you up to our Lord and asking that He wrap His arms around you. He is in the miracle business and we're asking for a mircale. We stand ready if you need us. Loving you all, Theresa

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  7. Tiffany and EjMarch 20, 2010

    Fran we love you, wish we could be closer to help out, know that we are praying for you, and you have all of our support. You are probably the strongest lady I know, our family is truly blessed to have you! I know that God dosen't give us anything that we can't handle, it sure does stink that we have to prove it!
    Love you!

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  8. I hate this stupid blog! I'll be glad when you can be done with it!!

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  9. praying for you friend. please let me know what I can do for you. anything. any time. I'm just down the road a piece. love,Marcy

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  10. I am a YSC gal and came here to read your blog after seeing your post. I can only imagine you must be in complete shock! Get in touch with Lila and she and the other mets girls will be there for you. I just want you to know I am thinking of you and hoping you can get a new tx plan in place and start the second go round.

    Sending Love,
    Bany

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  11. Oh, Fran. :( I am so sorry to hear this news. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. Love you, Fran. :)

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  12. Fran, I am so sorry to read this. When I was first diagnosed last year I read your blog from beginning to end having seen your post over at the FIAR boards. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Ann

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  13. FIAR CarriejoyMarch 20, 2010

    Sweet Fran, we'll add you to our prayer list. ((((hugs))) and tears and disbelief but TRUE BELIEF in the One who knows all things. You're a beautiful lady and a wonderful mama and wife. Praying for you faithfully.

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  14. “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.”

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  15. Fran, I'm so sorry. I will be praying for you and your family.

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  16. Fran, I will be putting you at the top of my prayer list. Praying God gives you the strength to face each day as it comes....

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  17. Fran...we met through breast cancer...I am so saddened to hear this report. You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers....damn cancer.

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  18. another YSC gal here (tamana) and came here after i saw your blog at the bottom of your sigg. i'm so sorry for your new dx. i will be lifting you up tonight and praying for that peace that passing understanding for you as you wait out the surgery and pathology testing. thinking of you tonight....stacy/tamana

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  19. This is why I keep walking...and walking...and walking! I HATE you, you STUPID Cancer. You Stink...Leave Fran Alone (leave everyone alone!)

    You will be in my heart and prayers.

    HOPE ~ FIGHT BACK

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  20. Your cancer can kiss my a**. It has NOTHING on you!!! And it's goin' down!!! xoxoxo

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  21. Happy Birthday Fran,
    May GOD bless you with much love today! You are truly an inspiration to me.
    I love you and praise my Lord for allowing me the honor of serving Him side by side with you. You leave a very rich legacy that will live long past the word "CANCER", your impack on the Kingdom will forever be changed. WELL DONE my friend, WELL DONE.
    I love you.

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