A little more detail: Melanie discovered a lump in her breast at the end of November. She called her doctor who bumped up her January mammogram to the next day. A biopsy was taken and we were given the news that Melanie had breast cancer on Dec. 19th. Surgery was scheduled for Dec. 21st. Dec. 19th was the most difficult night of my life as my mind played out worst-case scenarios. The next morning, I attempted to phone family and a few friends from our church for support. I say attempted because I could hardly speak the words. I am certain we were fully supported by prayer as God chose to pour out his Grace and Peace on my family on the night of the 20th. Two scriptures that helped me cope were:
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1
I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
On the day of surgery I was blessed by so many. Waiting with me during Melanie’s surgery were: My brothers Shon and Joel, sister in-law Teresa, Aunt Becky, Travis (cousin) and Kristen and their kids Lauren and Elliot-having my nephew and niece there was wonderful, Luke and Lucious Button, and my Pastor Ryoichi Takeda.
After surgery the news from the doctor was a mixed bag. Melanie had one lymph node with cancer in her breast and a second smaller tumor next to the main tumor that was removed. The smaller tumor was removed with the main tumor, but caused a poor margin requiring a second surgery. The encouraging news was that it was a non-aggressive type 1 tumor. The medical recommendation was a 2nd lumpectomy. Between surgeries we researched surgeons and oncologists finding the best in our area. We were blessed to have a well-respected specialist perform the second surgery on Jan. 18.
As of today, Jan. 22nd, Melanie is recovering quickly from the second surgery. We are waiting for tests to determine if chemo is recommended. Melanie will require radiation and hormone therapy. Chemo will be the 1st treatment if needed. Before any treatment, Mel needs to kick this nasty head cold that has been lingering.
We have been amazed and incredibly blessed by family and friends during this ordeal. We have felt supported spiritually, emotionally, and physically. God hears our prayers. I can attest to the fact that God is pouring out His grace and peace on my household. I know that we are not alone as family and friends come along side us. And finally so many have blessed us with amazing dinners-we’ve never ate so good! Thank you for caring for us. We love you!!!
Prayers for Smith family, already praying for Melanie. A word of encouragement, my daughter Tracy found herself with an aggresive form of breast cancer three years ago, so far she is cancer free, and she had the same wonderful surgeon that Melanie had for her second surgery. Our prayers do work, He is standing by our side through all trials. Stay strong in Christ's embrace Smiths. We love you, your family in Christ. Nancy and Ron at the Boathouse.
Thank you SO much for setting up this blog and for sharing this all of this up to date information. Our family keeps yours in our prayers through each day, and I have NO DOUBT that He will strengthen and protect each of you. We can't wait to see and hug you all soon. With all our love, Tara, Dan, Jackson & Camilla
Thank you so much for setting up this blog and keeping us informed of Melanie and her journey. Melanie I love you with my whole heart and I have since we were 13 my friend. You and your wonderful family are in my thoughts and prayers! Karen :)
My Dear friend Mel, I love you so much. I will never stop praying. God is mighty and will be right by you. He never said it will be easy. That's why He gives you all these loved ones to be by your side to show you His true Love, His love tangible, and visible. You are beautiful and always will be, inside and out. Thank you for your friendship. Julie
Hi Everyone; Thank you for stopping by this blog! Hopefully this will be an easier way to get some updated information.
Thank you also to my lovely sister-in-law for creating this blog. You are wonderful!
Monday's appointment was a pleasent surprise. I was planning on receiving the news about starting Chemo. Instead, the Doctor is going to contact a few other doctors in this specific area, run my case by them and get their input. There is a chance that I may be allowed to skip the chemo altogether.
I had a test done (Oncotype DX) on my tumor and the results came back with a realitively low score. This indicates that this type of cancer has a low chance of reoccuring within the next 10 years. I will be getting radiation and hormone therapy for sure but with these new test results, the chemo only decreases my risk of cancer returning by a small amount. So the risks of the chemo side effects are being weighed against the benefits of having the treatment.
I should know in the next week. Although I really don't want chemo, I really do want to have a cancer free life. So I want what will be best in the big picture of life.
While I am waiting I am enjoying my very thin, brittle hair. My eyebrows too. Everyday is a good hair day when there's a risk it may all be gone soon.
So thankful for the good news. I will just pray for continued healing and the hand of God on you and all over this whole thing so that the Dr's see that. Love you Girl, Julie
A little more detail:
ReplyDeleteMelanie discovered a lump in her breast at the end of November. She called her doctor who bumped up her January mammogram to the next day. A biopsy was taken and we were given the news that Melanie had breast cancer on Dec. 19th. Surgery was scheduled for Dec. 21st. Dec. 19th was the most difficult night of my life as my mind played out worst-case scenarios. The next morning, I attempted to phone family and a few friends from our church for support. I say attempted because I could hardly speak the words. I am certain we were fully supported by prayer as God chose to pour out his Grace and Peace on my family on the night of the 20th. Two scriptures that helped me cope were:
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalms 34:1
I sought the Lord, and He answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalms 34:4
On the day of surgery I was blessed by so many. Waiting with me during Melanie’s surgery were: My brothers Shon and Joel, sister in-law Teresa, Aunt Becky, Travis (cousin) and Kristen and their kids Lauren and Elliot-having my nephew and niece there was wonderful, Luke and Lucious Button, and my Pastor Ryoichi Takeda.
After surgery the news from the doctor was a mixed bag. Melanie had one lymph node with cancer in her breast and a second smaller tumor next to the main tumor that was removed. The smaller tumor was removed with the main tumor, but caused a poor margin requiring a second surgery. The encouraging news was that it was a non-aggressive type 1 tumor. The medical recommendation was a 2nd lumpectomy. Between surgeries we researched surgeons and oncologists finding the best in our area. We were blessed to have a well-respected specialist perform the second surgery on Jan. 18.
As of today, Jan. 22nd, Melanie is recovering quickly from the second surgery. We are waiting for tests to determine if chemo is recommended. Melanie will require radiation and hormone therapy. Chemo will be the 1st treatment if needed. Before any treatment, Mel needs to kick this nasty head cold that has been lingering.
We have been amazed and incredibly blessed by family and friends during this ordeal. We have felt supported spiritually, emotionally, and physically. God hears our prayers. I can attest to the fact that God is pouring out His grace and peace on my household. I know that we are not alone as family and friends come along side us. And finally so many have blessed us with amazing dinners-we’ve never ate so good! Thank you for caring for us. We love you!!!
Prayers for Smith family, already praying for Melanie. A word of encouragement, my daughter Tracy found herself with an aggresive form of breast cancer three years ago, so far she is cancer free, and she had the same wonderful surgeon that Melanie had for her second surgery. Our prayers do work, He is standing by our side through all trials. Stay strong in Christ's embrace Smiths. We love you, your family in Christ. Nancy and Ron at the Boathouse.
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for setting up this blog and for sharing this all of this up to date information. Our family keeps yours in our prayers through each day, and I have NO DOUBT that He will strengthen and protect each of you. We can't wait to see and hug you all soon.
ReplyDeleteWith all our love,
Tara, Dan, Jackson & Camilla
Thank you so much for setting up this blog and keeping us informed of Melanie and her journey. Melanie I love you with my whole heart and I have since we were 13 my friend. You and your wonderful family are in my thoughts and prayers! Karen :)
ReplyDeleteMy Dear friend Mel, I love you so much. I will never stop praying. God is mighty and will be right by you. He never said it will be easy. That's why He gives you all these loved ones to be by your side to show you His true Love, His love tangible, and visible. You are beautiful and always will be, inside and out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your friendship. Julie
Hi Everyone; Thank you for stopping by this blog! Hopefully this will be an easier way to get some updated information.
ReplyDeleteThank you also to my lovely sister-in-law for creating this blog. You are wonderful!
Monday's appointment was a pleasent surprise. I was planning on receiving the news about starting Chemo. Instead, the Doctor is going to contact a few other doctors in this specific area, run my case by them and get their input. There is a chance that I may be allowed to skip the chemo altogether.
I had a test done (Oncotype DX) on my tumor and the results came back with a realitively low score. This indicates that this type of cancer has a low chance of reoccuring within the next 10 years. I will be getting radiation and hormone therapy for sure but with these new test results, the chemo only decreases my risk of cancer returning by a small amount. So the risks of the chemo side effects are being weighed against the benefits of having the treatment.
I should know in the next week. Although I really don't want chemo, I really do want to have a cancer free life. So I want what will be best in the big picture of life.
While I am waiting I am enjoying my very thin, brittle hair. My eyebrows too. Everyday is a good hair day when there's a risk it may all be gone soon.
So thankful for the good news. I will just pray for continued healing and the hand of God on you and all over this whole thing so that the Dr's see that. Love you Girl, Julie
ReplyDeleteHello Hello, Wondering how you are and sending love!!
ReplyDelete