Ups and Downs

During all of this job hiring, I did receive sobering news from my mother one night while I was house-sitting. It took a couple of tries to get it out of her, but she has stage one breast cancer. I didn't really know what to think, except that whatever happened, it was going to all be okay. I found out Dec 9th and the plan of attack moved quickly. The day I left for vacation was the day she had her lumpectomy and biopsy of her lymph nodes. Despite the doctors believing they got it all and the biopsies coming back normal, chemotherapy and radiation were going to happen (as I found out midway through my vacation). The day before I left to come back to Colorado, mom had a port put in that threaded from her arm to her heart. She said it was one of the most painful things she has ever had done. Her first treatment was now over a week ago, and while the chemo cocktail takes at least 6 hrs to put in, it is the time after that is the hardest. For 5-6 days, she was in a lot of pain but eventually she did start to feel better and slowly start work. At first, we thought that she would have 11 chemo treatments through September, which makes it feel like this is going to last forever. The docs told her though that she only has five more to do, which at one every 3 weeks means she will be done with chemo around May. Then she will be doing a month of daily radiation at this point. The hair has been cut super short and hats, scarves and wigs have been received.

I am most thankful that my mom does go to get her yearly mammogram, or else this could have ended up much worse. I am also thankful that I was able to spend the holidays with her as she began the whole process of fighting and winning this battle. A mom is someone that most girl's can't live without, and that is true in my case. I would be in an absolute tizzy of the prognosis was bad and I couldn't be there with her (no I would probably move). God has been really helping my family through this as we know He is the one bringing healing and comfort the most. I am so proud of all of the family and friends that have stepped up to help out with transportation, spending time with mom, and buying things she may need. Starting my new job here has not been easy, but it is easier knowing good things are happening at home in Ohio. I have learned to take one day at a time and cherish the time with my mom more than usual, as each day with her is a blessing to me and others. Now all I can say is BEAT THIS THING!