My Breast Cancer Awareness campaign began the moment I was diagnosed with IDC. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
Upon the news of my cancer...my family and friends began to immediately reach out. The above photo is of the lovely bracelet one of my daughter in laws sent me along with this Breast Cancer Awareness tote bag.
It was my first touching moment of the heart..that made me realize how much people care...this along with a dear friend who also told me
..."Whatever I can do, please let me know...I can drive you to your appointments...anything!!"
This was just the beginning of not only a new journey in my life...a new chapter in my Christian walk...also a journey of LOVE.
So many people have reached out to me...in calls, cards, gifts, blog comments and just being here in person in my midst...I can't thank you enough!
And then even a lovely SONG written by my friend Deborah at Songs of my Journey. If you click on the right top photo this will take you to her blog with the song she wrote just for me. It is a treasure to cherish!
I have been truly blessed..FROM THE BEGINNING...with God's tender care and mercies. I have had excellent doctors and nurses. All answers to prayer! They have been informative and personally caring.
This book was given to me by my surgeon and I have enjoyed it so much. The information continues to be very helpful. The more informed you are the better..but make sure it is sound information..reliable. Don't believe all you read just anywhere. This book list many sources available to you.
You can read more about this book and information at www.EduCareInc.com this book is written by an Oncology nurse.
It is important to get the facts straight. There are many types of cancers...and each individual persons body makeup is different. I have found each cancer is so individualized that it is important to listen to your doctors. Ask GOD for wisdom in choosing and finding the right doctor and one you are comfortable with. I did this..twice and the LORD led me to the very doctors "I" needed. Along with my doctors and the information I acquired were very helpful to me as a patient in understanding my diagnosis, procedure choices and outcome.
STAY POSITIVE! GOD knows ALL your needs. I chose to yield to HIS WILL and not my own and thereby found perfect peace in allowing GOD to direct my paths!
Proverbs 3;5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.As I've exhorted others..
TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME...
Some things I have learned:
EARLY DETECTION...SAVES LIVES!
Yearly mammograms...or 6 months if you have had a previous suspicious spot!
(I had a suspicious SPOT...a compression done... then told to come back in a year) I would have caught mine even earlier had I been told to come back in 6 months)
No one knows exactly what causes breast cancer.
Get a second physicians opinion..if possible a breast cancer SPECIALIST.
Do not think you must or will have to have a mastectomy. Depending on the cancer..size tumor etc. There are many options!! Learn them all.
You do not have to fear..RADIATION. If you have read my past post...I have finished six weeks of radiation with minimal problems. Mostly fatigue. It is a perfected and safe procedure. Get information on who and where you will have yours done.
Keep a record of ALL appointments..from the day of your mammogram on.
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Some information regarding my particular cancer:
Mine was NOT felt with a lump. It was detected by a digital mammogram and followed up with a core needle ultrasound biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of IDC. Not all breast cancers are found by lumps so this is why Mammograms are so vital!
It is my prayer and desire in keeping this journal of my breast cancer, that it will help someone else. Help them have HOPE and TRUST in the LORD and to know that the LORD JESUS is the great comforter!
UPDATE: I am still dealing with fatigue at this time so I will post as I am able...pacing my activities. I was told and read...that fatigue can linger for an unknown amount of time after radiation. You have to learn what you can do..I'm LEARNING that! I've done too much in one day, thinking I had this great energy..to find out it depleted quicker than anticipated! I need to remember, that I'm still healing! Praise the LORD!
God bless..
HOPE
