Positively Negative!

The last results we were waiting on was for genetic testing (BRCA1 & BRCA2). This test tells if you have a genetic gene mutation for breast or ovarian cancer. I do not have a family history of breast cancer (1 aunt), however, since I have been diagnosed under the age of 50 - this test was recommended so that we might make the most educated decision for treatment plans.

Now, I consider myself a pretty positive person - I generally tend to look at the bright side of things! But - today - I am positively negative and that's a great feeling! Not only does it mean that I do not carry this gene mutation, it also means that it would be very unlikely for my children to carry it! That's good stuff! Even though it was not likely that I would test positive, it is such a relief to get the good news. It feels good not to be waiting on any more test results! I'm not near as nervous when my cell phone rings in the middle of the day!

What's next you might ask? Well, I will be getting with the surgeon this week to pick a date for surgery. She will be removing more tissue to get clear margins (make sure I don't have any bad cells left). The surgeon & oncologist will be deciding if I will have a sentinel lymph node biopsy at the same time. After about four weeks of healing, I'll be starting radiation. I will be learning more about all that soon!

Thanks for checking in on me and for all your words of encouragement! Good days are out numbering the bad and for that I'm thankful!

One more down . . . One more to go!

Well - I had great intentions of posting in order from the beginning of my journey with breast cancer but it's not turning out that way! There does not seem to be enough hours in the day! I do plan on going backwards just so I can share with everyone all the many ways God has been with me & blessed me but there will be time for that later . . .

As for today - I went for a sonogram to check out the "spot" on the healthy breast as recommended from the MRI. I really wasn't nervous and thought it would turn out to be nothing and that seems to be the case! The problem with MRI's is that they pick up everything so it has to be discerened what is something and what is nothing! By comparing the describled location and measurements of the spot on the MRI to what they saw on the sonogram, it appears to be a lymph node (just like the two additional spots on the other breast). YEAH GOD! The nodes are within normal size range (not enlarged) and therefore, "nothing of concern".

I have to admit that when I laid down for the sonogram today and they started measuring (visable to me on the screen), I did have a sick, sinking feeling again. I think that will just come with the territory. But, again, God has said, You are going to be OK! Rest assured that my grace is sufficient for you.

For now - we wait one more time on the genetic testing to come back. That should be back by April 29. Please pray that it will come back negative. You prayers mean everything!