The Path Before Me

My  messages to all of you in the future should not be this wordy. I just wanted to let you all know how this all began so please bear with me. I love you all and your prayers are answered minute by minute and day by day. THANK YOU!!!

• Lying in bed, Sunday, December 18th, preparing to continue my study of Romans 8 with Alistair Begg, (No!!! He was not literally in bed with me!!!) I found myself shifting  over on my side to get a better view of the little DVD player I use to view the lessons. I felt a "twinge" in my right breast near the breast bone. I reached for the spot that hurt and felt a large hard knot. I had implants the year before so thought that perhaps something was askew. I laid on flat on my back, felt the area again, and knew that this wasn't the case. I had Barry, my husband, feel that spot to be sure it wasn't my imagnination. The look on his otherwise cautious face said it all. It was not a figment of my imagnination. Looking back to that evening I couldn't say for sure if I felt a panic or not. I did know that I wanted to call the doctor first thing Monday morning and see if I could get in to see him.

I was able to get in to see the Nurse Practioner Tuesday, December 20th - had an ultrasound that morning - was called in to see her that afternoon for the report that it was in fact a "mass" that was the size of a golf ball. (I had a mammogram the year before and it was clear.) This raised a flag for both Barry and I and we just kept thinking that it had to be related to the implants. We both knew different in our hearts because of the suddeness and where it was located.
Wed. - December 21 Barry and I were in a surgeon's office in Beaumont - Friday- December 23rd - I had a mammogram - and an ultrasound led biopsy of my right breast. Immediately after the tests, we were ushered to the film viewing room and was shown the "mass" and the spots they took the biopsy. I was told that they suspected foul play on my left breast as well. The radiologist told us that he suspected cancer in both breasts but definitely in the right breast. (By the way, that pink ribbon symbol represents a "marker" that they place on the tumor to let other doctors know that is where they retrieved the tissue samples.)
Monday, December 26th - The day after Christmas -  I was led to go to the M.D. Anderson website and begin the appointment making process.
 December 27th I received the call that altered many things in my life - I had Invasive Poorly Differentiated Ductal Carcinoma- the most common type of breast cancer.
December 29th - I had the biopsy of my left breast and was told that I had the Triple Negative cancer which is the most aggressive and the most difficult to treat. Barry and I were given the survial statistics and I remember looking at Barry then back at this radiologist and asking him if he just gave me a death sentence. The radiologist said that he just wanted me to know that this was a difficult cancer and more often than not, a reoccuring cancer.
December 30th - I saw an oncologist in Beaumont - was given the same diagnosis but was told that it can be treated successfully if the cancer is isolated and not spread.
January 4, 2012 - Barry left for an out of town job that will last 5 months. :(
January 5, 2012 - My first appointment at M.D. Anderson - tests are scheduled for the week of January 9-13th.

As it stands now: If I get accepted into the clinical trial (Insurance has to approve) I will be receiving chemotherapy 1 x a week for 3 months here in Houston (as an I. V.) along with taking an oral medicine that is normally used as the "last" chance effort. I will be receiving the "standard" treatment with an added medicine so either the new meds work or it doesn't but I will still be getting the same treatment as I would normally.
After the first phase of the treatment I'll begin the second phase which is 1 x every 3 weeks for 3 months. (Another I.V.)

Of course the side effects include what we all know: hair loss, nausea, fatigue,and others that I won't mention here.

I was fighting fatigue since March- April of 2011 and the doctor's linked it to the then undetected cancer. I am fighting the fatigue at this time. Other than that, I am doing well. I do a little, rest.... do a little...rest.

At another posting I will share the miracles that have been happening and how God has been leaving His fingerprints all over this situation. I am blessed to be able to stay here in Katy with my dearest friend Dolores who if any of you know me, know of her as she is a constant in my life and has been for 30 plus years.(Her husband David puts up with me.:) )

Thank you for your prayers and understanding. As Kenzie, a young girl at our church sent in an email today, "Miss Patti, when mom told me you had cancer I knew that it was okay because God is taking care of you and that you will be fine." She put into an email what God put on Barry's and my heart in the beginning. I am already healed.... I only have to walk the Path Before Me. I am not alone... I have Our Father God and all the saints that He has lined up along the way for me. What a glorious glorious day to praise the Lord.