Hi Friends. We're having a really good summer. Lydia finished school just this past Thursday, and we've already been kayaking on Lady Bird Lake and swimming in Barton Springs. Guthrie continues to crack me up. Oh, and two weeks ago, I found out I have Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. Breast Cancer. So here's the deal. I'm in Stage ZERO. I went in for my very first mammogram - my baseline - and they found some calcification in my left breast. (*chortle*- now I"m blogging about my BOOBS. Finally!).
So, my prognosis is beyond excellent. I'll have a lumpectomy (or as my doctor calls it - breast conservation surgery - so green sounding!) followed by several weeks of daily radiation treatments. In the meantime I'm avoiding animal fats and sugar (um, except dark chocolate, of course). I'm also swimming, kayaking, walking, and drinking lots of very fresh juice. My goal is to have the biopsy from the lumpectomy be cancer free, in which case, I might just try and talk my way out of the radiation.In a nutshell: I am UNBELIEVABLY lucky, and I have the most mild case of cancer imaginable. And by the end of the summer, it will be completely over.
Weird, huh? Plus, now that I'm suddenly so health conscious I'm in the strange position of being healthier because I have a wee little bit o' the cancer. Ironic, right?
The awkward part? Wanting people to know, but not really wanting to tell anyone. So feel free to talk amongst yourselves.
The other really awkward part? Feeling so damn lucky. Early detection, non-invasive, relatively easy, standard, proven treatment. I have a handful of good friends who are really duking it out with this disease right now, where as I'm involved in some kind of thumb-wrestling match. I thank God every day. For my luck, and for the continued health and improvement for my friends.
So there you have it. Now it's out there. My boobs, always so cooperative and dare I say out-going and fun, have suddenly rebelled against me. And so soon after I finally invested in a really good Victoria's Secret collection of bras! C'est la vie. It was time I started caring more about a supportive sports bra anyway.Besos!
Emily
7 comments:
Anything you need, so on.
Except I'm not running in any sort of 5k.
Love,
78621 Dineens
Sending well wishes your way, friend. So glad you caught it this early - that's key.
Love the pics of the fam - ya'll are adorable!
Thank God for early detection, no? You're going to be fine, and if anything, more aware of and thankful for your health.
Which reminds me, I think I'm due for my annual boob squishin' soon.
Chin up!
@Karla May - Chin up seems particularly appropriate - or even, chin up, shoulder down and in, and turn sideways like this....
You know I'm thinking of you and have no doubt you'll kick ass. You're pretty damn tough. I'll shake my rosary beads for good measure. And while you're at it my friend, how about some wheatgrass? Good luck.
In this bad news, there is a lot of good news. Thank goodness this was detected early. I think you're handling it very well. You're already a relatively healthy eater... now you're going to be the healthiest eater ever. Emily, let me know if you need anything. I know I'm not in Austin, but you're in my thoughts. Phu
WOW, Em! I don't know what to say-other than I love you and you are one tough cookie and I'm so glad you will be OK.
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