It was the best of times, it was the worst of times



So, over the past week, among the half million people that I have talked to, someone mentioned to me that we will encounter a series of highs and lows throughout my diagnosis. Let's take a look at just how accurate this has been so far:

My week, in summary:
Monday:
Low, get diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (for all my medical friends), breast cancer for the laypersons in the crowd. Although I felt "prepared" for this phone call and the possibility that I may have cancer, it still sucked to hear it.

Tuesday:
Low, wake up to the head cold that Evelyn has had for the last 2 weeks. I swear slimer from ghostbusters has slowly been making his way out of her nose. It's gross. And now I have it.
High, MRI gets moved up to Wednesday.

Wednesday:
High, I survived my MRI without a total mental breakdown (piece of advice, when they ask you if you feel claustrophobic in small spaces, the answer should always be yes. Thank goodness for headphones and pandora). Got the results this afternoon, no new tumors and lymph nodes were clear.


Even Obama was pleased with my results. Raise your glass, Mr. President.
Thursday:
Low, our air conditioner breaks on the HOTTEST DAY OF THE SUMMER. Because its the hottest day of the summer, the technician will not be able to look at it until tomorrow. Cue Vlaminck sleepover in the basement. Have you ever willingly gone to a sleepover with a 1 and 3 year old? Yeah, didn't think so. Luckily, they both slept through the night.

Friday:
High, air conditioner is fixed, temp in the house maxes out at 88*. By midnight, its a cool 74*.
Second high, we hung out with our close friends and played several hilarious, and slightly inappropriate, rounds of Telestrations. If you have not yet played this game, stop reading this blog and head to amazon right now. Better yet, here you go. You can thank me later when the clue "appendicitis" turns into "kidney avalanche".


Love.these.people.

Saturday:
Low, Meeting with the breast surgeon (Dr. M) and plastic surgeon (Dr. J). Both were wonderful, patient and kind, answered all our questions and gave us a lot of notes and resources. The low to this 2 hour meeting was that my tumor markers came back last night and it isn't what we had hoped. I have a lot of science that I can explain in another post, but ultimately I have a tumor that will require chemo before surgery. 18-20 weeks of chemo, IV infusions (which means I will need a port) every few weeks for several cycles.




I have tried to prepare myself for the likely need for chemo, but hearing it today gave me the realization that I'm not ready. Not ready to feel sick, not ready to lose my hair, not ready to be a cancer patient for 5 months. Today has been a low my friends, but that momentum has to be carrying us up to our next high. Til next time...




7 comments :

  1. Prayers, prayers, and more prayers. And when I don't know what else to do for you, I'll pray! You are a strong woman with an amazing support system and I truly believe you will kick this cancer's ass! I love you very much friend and I wish I was closer!

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  2. Reading your note..praying for you and Mitch and the girls..loving you fully.

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  3. Reading your note..praying for you and Mitch and the girls..loving you fully.

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  4. I'll be right by your side through all the highs and lows. Love you to the moon and back.

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  5. Praying with you on this journey

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  6. Just read your blog, Lindsay. Please know that you have so many prayers being said for you, Mitch, and the girls, along with endless love and support from your friends and family. Your mom was right in saying that you are an exceptional woman, Lindsay. You are strong, courageous, and determined to fight and win this battle, and you will! I'll be so glad to help out in whatever way I can. Love you guys so much with all of my heart!

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  7. I just read your blog and I can totally relate to what you are going through! If you have any questions or concerns about the next steps please feel free to contact me. I have been through it and I'm willing to help in any way I can! I will be praying for you, your family and your doctors! Bonnie (Stacey's mom)

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