Reality Settles In

April 18, 2015
Hi Everyone, I’m just going to give you an update. It is pretty scary but Romans 8:28 keeps coming in my head so there must be some reason God has decided to allow me to go through this process. Before having children I was an ER nurse for seven years and a Hospice nurse for two and I think those past experiences along with having children now will get me through this process and know what to ask for. There is nothing quite like having a tear-filled moment because of the diagnosis only to turn around and see my six year peeing on top of the toilet seat or see him climbing the doorway with legs spread in a split up the door to the top of the doorway and then hanging from the ceiling. Kids keep all this very real and make you focus on the here and now.
Right now I am picking other survivor’s brains on what they went through and what they can recommend. All the information is overwhelming but it’s very good. I’ve learned that my cancer is estrogen driven which means I need to watch what foods I take in that feed estrogen levels. I’ve been told that there are barrier creams that work wonders if I have to have radiation. I ‘ve learned that not all chemo drugs cause hair loss, and I’ve learned that mammograms don’t work for me since my lump was palpable but never showed on the mammogram tests. Also talking with other survivors is very encouraging. There is a rainbow/bright side on the other side of this ordeal. I know many have said they’ve grown closer to the Lord and others in their families and neighborhoods because of the nature of the disease but also because everyone wants to help in any way they can and cancer causes even the most efficient of us to become “needy”.
I start all my care next Thursday at the James Brown cancer center. I will have my own assigned nurse, and two MDs that will oversee my treatment. We are seeing a surgical oncologist and medical oncologist afterwards. They will run the tests, lab work, probably place the radio tracers in my lymph nodes soon to see where the cancer is located. I will ask them to check the BRCA1 and 2 so some of you can check your genetic composition. I feel pretty good about going here as I have heard more and more positive responses from several of you nearby.
I will be sure to let you know if there is anything I need. Right now I just need prayer and I know the kids and Jamie need it as well as we are about to embark on some life changing paths that I really don’t want to travel.
Blessing, Allison