While there’s life, there’s hope. [Marcus Tullius Cicero]
Just a note about my post on Monday. Some of you are aware that a year ago in May, I was given the unfortunate news that after seven years in remission, the breast cancer had spread to my esophagus. I had been having some stomach issues that were unrelated, and the cancer was found in cells from a biopsy taken during an endoscopy. My oncologist explained that I could live for another 30 years and that what they found was manageable by changing medication and monitoring every three months with bone and CT scans. I chose not to tell many people because I didn’t want anyone to worry unnecessarily.
In January of this year, I was told that my latest bone scan showed some suspicious activity in my spine. I waited until after tax season to have more testing and it has been discovered that there are multiple tumors in my lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine. On Monday, my oncologist was to tell me the new treatment plan and my biggest fear was having to do chemo again. Fortunately, I will not have to do chemo at this time, however, they are prescribing a new drug that was just approved by the FDA a month ago that has been proven effective when combined with the current medication I am on.
I really struggled with how to tell you, my people. [really, on Facebook???] But as my sister said, this is an acceptable means of communication nowadays. And I thought you all should know what you are praying about and/or why I demand to be in your thoughts!
For now, I am fine. I feel great! You would never know I am living with stage 4 metastatic disease, and I hope that continues for many many more years. Thank you so much for being there for me, even though it is on a screen and through a keyboard. I love you all!