Yesterday afternoon was a “cancer” afternoon. Pulling up to the cancer center for the first time really hit home. This is real. And it’s not over yet.

First I met with the breast cancer care coordinator. She is a very nice woman and she gave me a ton of information – so much that we had to put it all in a grocery bag so I could carry it. Honestly, though, I don’t think I’m ready to read all of it. Little by little, I’m coping. But big chunks of information have me on overload. I can’t process much right now. Tidbits.

She had the results of my HER-2 test, and they were negative!!! Praise the Lord! No year-long chemo treatments. One down, two to go before I know whether I’ll be facing chemo or not.

Afterward, Doug and I met with the radiation oncologist. We waited for 30 minutes just to get back to the room. Because I’m at a teaching hospital (much as I am with Jonalyn), we saw one nurse, then another, then the resident, then the doctor. All of that drags out the appointment. The doctor was very nice and took the time to explain everything to us. He even drew pictures – much better for this visual learner!

I’m glad he explained things, because it turns out my cancer is not lobular but ductal. And it had traveled outside of the duct, making it invasive, thus the need for all of these other tests.

I have two options for how I want to handle radiation. I could have the traditional method – 5 days and week for 6 weeks. Or I could become part of a research study and have it 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Doug and I are more comfortable with the traditional method and so that I probably how I will have it. Bummer, because it looks like I won’t be able to go on our annual camping trip this year 🙁

Tomorrow I meet with the medical oncologist. He will explain about the tamoxifen and any possible chemo. Another information dump. My sentinel node biopsy is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Please continue to pray for me. Praise the Lord for the good HER-2 result. Pray that I will have the strength to deal with all of these appointment and that I would be clear-headed enough to understand all that I’m being told. Pray that the Lord would be near to me now. Thank you all for your love and support.

PS. – A very kind soul sent me some beautiful flower. I’m trying to upload them, but blogger isn’t happy with me today 🙁