Yesterday was genetic testing day. Since Sis has ovarian cancer and I have breast cancer, MDAnderson asked me to have the test to see if I have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. The results from the test won't be back for FOUR WEEKS.
Which means, of course, I sit around with cancer for four more weeks. As my MDA triage counselor said, people will think you're crazy but the end result will be worth it. It might mean having one operation instead of several.
Exactly how does this effect me, you ask. Well, ovarian cancer is harder to detect than breast cancer. So if I have the mutation, the doctor will just go ahead and remove my ovaries (called an oophorectomy. Yes, the word starts with double o's) at the same time he removes the lump, much simpler than waiting until cancer strikes there too. It also might mean taking the whole breast instead of just the lump.
Clear as mud? I thought so. But I can stand the waiting if you guys can stand me whining about it all the time!
Seriously, except for water running from my eyes when I read all your wonderful comments and emails, I've been upbeat (read: putting on a good front) so far. I do directly contribute my ability to deal with the situation to friends, family, and bloggers. You have all been so wonderful. Your comments have made me laugh, made me cry, and just plain made my day.
The other day Altered Glass asked for contributions to the age-old list: You might be addicted to blogging if.... Well, I'm here to say that I'm certainly glad I'm addicted to blogging. My world of friendships has widened significantly and I truly am thankful for each and every one of you. As long as I have my computer, I am not alone. Friendship is just a keyboard away.
Four weeks seems like a month (Oh wait, it is!) whenever you are waiting on news from the doctor. Just take one day at a time & keep thinking positive thoughts. We're all here pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteSharing this experience/little bit of hell by posting about it will help so many more than you know. If it feels right. You first, the rest of the world second. Isn't it nice to be so loved? It's only because you be special. xo
ReplyDeleteAmen, Sista Cher! You are not alone and you are only a keyboard away! Thank you for going to MD Anderson, girlfriend. I can breathe a little easier now...and so can you...because they are as good as it gets! I am serious about taking you anytime you need. I will take you to Houston or I will take you to a bar...whichever you need worse! You are in my thoughts and prayers every day!!! Call me if you need me!
ReplyDeleteMalisa
Whine all you want. Waiting four weeks is rough, but it sounds like the best course of action. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteAre you green yet? Yeaaa,,,, just the time you get that one all back to natural color, they'll be giving you another one.... Thanks for the little shout out.. and I am glad you got us all on your side too. It's amazing how many people are there for ya with prayers(I'm a firm believer of prayer especially in numbers), hugs, and just down right humor. My closest friends are on this little screen and I really have never physically seen them. hang in there kiddo,,, 4 weeks, it's doable because we want you around for Tasteless Tuesday for a loooonnnggg time!!! I actually have my sister watching for Tasteless Tues. now. She's your neighbor in Humble.
ReplyDeleteWhine away! I'm all ears and ready to listen.
ReplyDeleteAs a 12 year douple mastectomy SURVIVOR, I want you to know you can ask me anything..and I will be as honest as you'd like me to be. This can be overcome. You will get through this. Please, please anything I can do to help - although mine was a bit harsh (both breasts within a year) there is soo much to be thankful for (NOT spending money on expensive bras thus allowing me to justify spending more money on crafts, junk and vintage stuff!) to being aero-dynamic while on chemo - if I was ever to swim with absolutely NO hair (read...no hair anywhere)I feel I could have taken on Michael Phelps..Now I can take on the whole world. And you will too. Hang in there..Oh yeah, that's another thing I don't have to worry about "hanging" breasts!!
ReplyDeleteEven having survived cancer, I still can't type..I mean to say "double" not douple..lol
ReplyDeleteAin't bloggin' grand!? We'd likely never have met without this here derned internet!! God must have created it!!
ReplyDeleteAmy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFwgp-5krHc
ReplyDeleteCher, These words just popped into my head as I read your post. I hope you will listen to Josh Grobin sing them. The song is lovely, as are you. So, for now, just smile... xo Sue
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.
Girl, you are at the top of my prayer list. You can say anything you want to us, cuss, complain anytime you feel like it!! We're here for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Cher, we're in the trenches with you!
ReplyDeleteAs my oncology nurse would tell me, this is just a bump in the road and we're going to see you through it....so hang in there!
Bonnie
Oh Cher, I don't know what to say. You are such a smart and sensitive person and I know you are strong because you are a mother! Perhaps one thing that will help get you through this is your stellar sense of humor! I am pretty far away, but if there is anything I can do I am here for you. Angie
ReplyDeleteOne of the many -isms that help me:
ReplyDeleteIt's not happening today.
We are all on your team-
Laura
So, when I look at all the comments above, and all the "positivity' in those comments, it tells me one thing, "you will be okay", seriously. And if you don't believe me, I have this friend, Mr.Obama, that said he would tell you that you will be fine also because he has this whole health care thing under control. And I KNOW how much you love Barrack!
ReplyDeleteCher, You say what you want, cry when you want...that's what we're here for to support each other. It's wonderful to be a part of the blogging world with such kind and supportive friends.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers and thoughts.
Blessings~
Lisa
I'd take full advantage of the next four weeks and whine, whine, whine, or wine, wine, wine...whatever makes you happy! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe're here to laugh with you, cry with you, scream with you, or even throw things with you. Make sure I know if you start throwing things, because that almost sounds like fun to me right now. I'm checking out for a few weeks (moving), but you'll be in my thoughts in prayers and I'll catch up on your blog when I can.
-FringeGirl
Cher,
ReplyDeleteJust serve up some hangdown with that whine and it's all good. I can't add anything to what's already been said except you are constantly on my mind, so do what you and the doctors feel is best so I can quit thinking about it. You know it hurts me to think too long and it is all about me, you know!
Yes girl, that is going to be one rotten, stinking baby! The nurses say she gets very upset if she is not the center of attention...remind you of anyone else?
I think y'all have a good plan in place and four weeks is a lifetime here lately, but just know we will be waiting with you.
Debbie
Has anyone ever told you how funny you are? you make me chuckle... Zuch wind chimes,,, maybe I should try that!!!! Thanks for making me laugh, but I'm the one that is supposed to be making you laugh...What's wrong with this picture?
ReplyDeleteWhatever the test results just remember that we're all right here with ya. Lots of positive energy being sent to you! Whining is good exercise too... so just view it as burning a few calories while you release your feelings!
ReplyDeleteI called. You didn't answer. You haven't taken off to that gourmet chocolate factory w/o me have you?!
ReplyDeleteYou-hooo, who the hell doesn't like whine? I'll bring the cheese and we'll all have an enormous fiesta, to celebrate YOU winning the battle!!
ReplyDelete~The Sweet Gardenia
Hey Girl,
ReplyDeleteI went through the waiting and wondering with my mom. It is a nightmare at its finest. But, take each day as it comes...think good thoughts as much as you can...and then let the shit fly. If you need to scream...just do it. What ever it takes...cuz baby this is about YOU. You are going through a scary time...with the light a far distance at the end of the tunnel. Be strong...fight. Be scared and timid...we have lots of shoulders for you to cry on. Yup...we are out here in blogdom...but what a wonderful place to live!! Lots of love coming your way ....Caren
well,bless your heart.seems like we're in this boat together.i sure know how you feel except my cancer is only a tiny baby.it is in it's very early stages and as far as they know it will be easy to take out.not like you i'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteand of course the lung they are going to take is diseased and i want it gone too.i will pray for you dear.
you seemed so upbeat,i would never have guessed you had these major problems.you know also how these lovely blog woman DEMAND that we stay strong.it's almost easy with all them behind us holding us up,isn't it?
my love to you dear new friend...Ann
Oh my dear,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you!! And so are my prayers!!
I gave up my ovaries two years ago next month... and let me tell you... I DON'T MISS THEM!! I am hoping that if you give up yours that will also only be a small lump removed, and they you will be all better!! I have missed chatting with you, and have obviously alot to catch up on dear. I will be back often to see how things are going!!
And yes I will listen to you whine dear, but yes keep up your spirits, it really does help.
As for the running water in the eyes... hey look at it this way... you won't have to worry about ever using eye drops to moisten them! ;-) I know, I probably cried a couple of rivers when someone in the family even looked at me... and no they couldn't say a word without me becoming a bubbering idiot. So it is allowed! I had a lump removed when my daughters were 12 and 7. Now they are 29 and 24, so keep you chin up, they have come a long way from then!! :D You take care dear. Look in on you often, and waiting to hear the outcome!
Debi xoxo
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