The Breast Case Scenario

Today was the day.  My highly anticipated visit to MD Anderson for a second opinion.  I woke up at 4am this morning in preparation for my 6am flight to Houston only to find this text message on my phone.

Please note the time this message was sent by Southwest Airlines (2:42am).  I’m sure all the bats, opossums and raccoons were able to reschedule their flights while I slept through this text.

Knowing that my MDA appointment was at 8:30am, Trevor and I scrambled to figure out an alternate plan.  Houston, by car and without traffic, is approximately 4 hours away from Dallas.  In desperation, we were about to load up in the car when thankfully we received another text saying we were rescheduled on the 6:30am flight.  My sweet dad was already at our house and was prepared to either jump in the car or head to the airport with us.  I breathed a huge sigh of relief that it ended up being the latter of these two options.  Trevor has a tendency to view speed limit signs as mere ‘suggestions’, so my stress level would have been elevated had we headed out on the highway under those conditions.

Our flight arrived a few minutes late to Houston where my precious friend Molly met and picked us up.  Contrary to my statement yesterday, Molly was TOTALLY punctual.  It turns out the only one on ‘Watson time’ was Southwest Airlines.  Mol jumped out of the car and let Trevor take the wheel knowing we were in a hurry to make it to the hospital on time.  Trev had the app, Waze, already cued up and pulled away from the curb before my dad even made it in the car.  Or so it seemed.

Within what seemed like minutes (and miraculously with no speeding ticket), we pulled up to the massive MD Anderson complex.

Upon arrival, my dad, Molly, Trevor and I were met by the nicest volunteer who escorted us to the exact location of my appointment.  We checked in and were seen soon thereafter by the nurse.  Everything moved very quickly with military like precision, and I was very impressed.  After the nurse left the room, however, we waited and waited and waited for the physician.  Thank goodness Molly is a good entertainer and was the only one in the room that had actually gotten a decent night’s sleep.  She was able to keep the conversation ball rolling while the rest of us fought our yawns.  We even managed to get some pics during our down time.

 

Yes, we had LOTS of down time.

The physician finally came in the room and proceeded to go over my case.  I was thrilled to hear that her thought process was exactly like Dr. O’Shaughnessy’s.   She confirmed the diagnosis of Invasive Ductile Carcinoma (those words still make me cringe), while also stressing this is a very treatable type of cancer.  She also mentioned that the pathologists at MDA found lymphovascular invasion of the cancer cells as well (not to be confused with lymph nodes).  This was a little unsettling to me, but she explained that some cells had made their way into the vessels stopping short of reaching my actual lymph nodes.  To which I say, THANK GOD.  This doesn’t change anything we are doing, but just adds a little more information to the equation.  Based on everything she reviewed, she could go either way on recommending chemo at this point.  There is evidence to support that chemotherapy might improve my percentage of not having a recurrence, albeit only by a few small points.  So one would have to weigh whether it was worth going through the process of chemo just to gain 2-3 percentage points.  (To which I say, yes, yes it is.)  In the end, she recommended I do what would give me the most peace of mind at the end of all of this.  And as much as I dislike the prospect of chemo, it is most definitely the treatment plan that will give me the feeling that I have done everything I could possibly do to beat this unwelcome interruption in my life.

I am grateful for the confirmation and clear direction the Lord allowed from this visit.  Many of you prayed for me today to receive just that.  So thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Trevor, my dad and I hopped on the next plane back to Dallas after my appointment was over…

…and once we got home I changed into my pajamas faster than Trevor drove on Interstate 610 today.

These appointments are emotionally exhausting.  There is always something new to process, and I’ve learned it takes me at least 24 hours to recover.  So please pardon me if this post doesn’t even make sense or if there are lots of typos.  I just wanted to update you as quickly as possible because so many have reached out to find out how it went.

I also want to thank my mom who held down the fort here while we were gone.  She was able to take Hunter to his baseball game today, where his team had another victory.

And because of that, I get to go tomorrow to cheer on #8 and the rest of the Tigers as they advance in the World Series!!

Hopefully pajamas are acceptable attire.

Until next time…much love to you all & make every day count,

Jamie

PS: Thanks to Marla for taking care of Hayes today and to Catherine for picking up Hudson at camp for me!!  And thank you MOLLY for sacrificing your day to be with me!  I literally could not do this without the help of my friends and family!!

 

All of my cancer related ‘events’ keep falling right around holidays or special occasions, and this one is no different.  HAPPY 4th of JULY.  Tomorrow I will be having my self entitled ‘nipplectomy’, and I guess you could say that even nips deserve the same freedom we’ve all been privileged enough to receive. #setthemfree #GodBlessAmerica.

I wish so badly you could read the group text I share with my friends, because there’s everything from ‘Peace Out, Nips’ to ‘Nip, Nip Hooray’ on there.  My people are way too serious.

Ashley took me to have blood work done on Monday (because cancer never sleeps).  While I was there, however, the hospital employee said I could pre-register making everything move faster on the day of surgery.  Ummmm…is that a good thing?  After filling out my paperwork, the lady behind the desk actually handed me a VIP Speed Pass card.  To which Ash and I deemed akin to the FAST PASS you receive at Disneyland.  So, I’m totally pumped that I’ll be first in line at Splash Mountain tomorrow.  Or something like that.

The past few days have been busy for us, and that’s a good thing.  I’ve learned that being busy keeps my mind off of the next few months I have in store.  Monday night, we joined my friend Casey and her family for dinner and early fireworks (I forgot to get a pic and I know Casey is THRILLED about that).  Then Tuesday (the 4th), we went to my friend Amy’s house to enjoy some amazing food and hang with her family.  Jennifer‘s mom, Jane, joined us which was so much fun.  Amy and I met on the first day of first grade at FBA and have been friends ever since.   When Jen enrolled at our school in 6th grade, we had the privilege of getting to know Jane as well and have loved her for well over 30 years!

(We didn’t plan on red, white and blue, but I know Jen would have loved our coordinated holiday outfits!)

Today, however, after the holiday and time spent with friends was over, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach.  I guess there’s a part of me that still hopes I’ll wake up one day and realize this cancer thing was all a dream.  A very bad dream.  I don’t allow myself to dwell there, but I would be lying if I said those feelings don’t happen.  I quickly grabbed my Bible and Jesus Calling book, however, and was reminded again of how much my Savior loves me and how much he is in control.  Jesus Calling said, ‘You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control.’  It was accompanied by Psalms 56:3, which says, ‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.’  So I recommitted my trust to and in the Lord, which is rapidly becoming a necessary part of my daily routine.  The Lord is good and he IS trustworthy.  But man, this is hard.

After my devotion and a shower, I went with my friend Stephanie to her oncology appointment (because that’s what any logical person who is sad about cancer does, right?!).  I still have to pause as I type that because it feels so surreal.  No one deserves to have this nasty disease, least of all the people I dearly love.  But here we are.  Living out what I’m sure will be a poorly rated, dramatic Lifetime movie someday.  And even though it STINKS to have cancer, it stinks just a little less to have it together.

Stephanie and I made the most of our visit, but walking into a cancer hospital is something I really never want to get used to.  From the outside, I’m sure we look like normal 40 something moms.  But inside, we are terrified of what cancer is capable of.  Thank God (literally) we have a relationship with someone more powerful than cancer.  #that’sJesusifyouaren’tfollowing

This season of life for me is almost too bizarre for words.  If I stop and think about it for too long, I get overwhelmed.  So I’m trying to take it day by day and set my stress, expectations, planning and fear FREE.  Just like the nips will be tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, food, cards, gifts, prayers, etc.  I COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!

Until next time…much love to you all & make every day count,

Jamie

PS: Tomorrow’s surgery is a day surgery and should only last approximately one hour.  I would appreciate specific prayers that neither the anesthesia nor the pain meds make me nauseous.  And also that my friends will have something else to discuss via text after this is all over. #snipthenips #nonipsisgoodnips

“In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”  Psalm 56:4

 

So…I went to see Dr. O’Shaughnessy (oncologist) yesterday and learned all about my chemo regime.  She is recommending 4 treatments, 3 weeks apart (start date TBD).  And even though my head understands that this is very doable and not too intense, my heart hasn’t caught up yet.  There is something very scary about the word ‘chemo’.  As well there should be.  I’m basically about to fill my body with poison on purpose.   That just doesn’t seem right.   But what’s also not right is the potential that there could still be some rogue cells running around in my body that need to be killed.  I’ll take being uneasy, uncomfortable and emotional over allowing the bad guys to win.

My physician mentioned that there were a few factors that helped her decide on chemotherapy.  Apparently there is a link between melanoma and breast cancer, and wouldn’t you know I had a melanoma last year on my left arm (near my shoulder).  I say this not to scare those of you who have had melanoma.  There are probably thousands and thousands of people with melanoma that never develop breast cancer.  It’s just a piece of the puzzle that factored into her decision.  In addition, my surgical oncologist (Dr. Grant) believed that my margins were clear enough to leave the ‘top girls’ intact during my mastectomy.  When the path report came back, however, there were microscopic cells still in the nips (as you know if you’ve been following along).   Lastly, my Oncotype score as I mentioned yesterday, was in the grey zone of whether or not to do chemo.  Those three factors coupled with her ‘gut’ helped Dr. O arrive at her conclusion that chemo was the smartest treatment safeguard for me at this juncture.  I will still run everything by the folks at MD Anderson on July 12th, but I do agree that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

AND that no nips is good nips.

As I mentioned before, Kim is in town from Boston and we are trying to make the most of this crazy visit.  Typically when she comes to Dallas, we have lots of fun things planned with our collective 7 boys (please gasp), and we laugh the entire time.  This time, however, we have absolutely nothing planned, and we have still laughed the entire time.

Except when we are crying.

Kim and I met at Texas A&M (Whoop!  That’s for you, Leah) many moons ago and have basically talked on the phone every single day since.  She’s my rock and I would not ever want to do life without her.

Trevor and I have also won Kim over to the dark side of not supervising your children and she’s hooked.  So these guys have been banned to the outdoors for a few days while we sit in the air conditioning and analyze life.

Today, Kim and I spent the day together researching these things called “cold caps” to wear during chemo in hopes of preserving your hair.  Although this process is quite tedious, I’m going to give it a try.  It’s a bizarre undertaking of basically freezing a swim cap and then adding a helmet on top to secure it as closely to your scalp as possible.  All of this is done only on the day you have chemo, but you wear it before, during and after the treatment (read: hours upon hours).   And according to the picture on the front page of their website, you are able to run through a field of tall grass carrying an extra long scarf with your gorgeous thick hair flowing in the wind after you are finished with treatment.

SIGN.ME.UP.

I sent this pic to Ashley to tell her I was practicing for my upcoming cold cap days…

And she one upped me with this reply…

There’s a reason I can’t ever stay sad around here.

Thank you so very much for all of your care and concern along the way.  My love language must be encouragement because I am FILLED UP each time I read a comment, a text or a letter from you.  It’s life-giving in every sense of the word.

And thank you, mom & Casey, for getting Hudson ready to leave for 2 weeks at camp!  My distracted mind almost forgot he was going, so I appreciate you gathering the essentials today.  If it were left up to me, he would have missed the bus entirely or gotten on with only one pair of underwear.  I can’t decide which is worse.

In closing, the Lord continues to provide me daily with peace, comfort, and an overwhelming sense of love.  This does not erase the fact, however, that I don’t understand ANY PART OF THIS.  Or hate it.  Or have a broken heart.  But I trust in him enough to know that this is part of his plan.  And that above all, his plan is the very best plan.  Period.

Until next time…much love to you all & make every day count,

Jamie

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

PS: I’ve had several people ask me about my ‘carried’ necklace you see pictured above.  My precious friend, Sheaffer, sent that to me shortly after I was diagnosed and I think I haven’t taken it off since.  I received it the very day I had written in my blog about feeling ‘carried’ by all of your prayers.  THE VERY DAY.  Like, there’s no way she knew I was going to describe the way I felt that day.  #chills So thank you guys for carrying me, and thank you, Sheaffer, for the beautiful reminder each day that I am carried.  I bet my neighbor who confronted me about not using a leash wished I had ‘carried’ Dodger on my walk as well.  😉

 

Well, I’m elated inflated.  The first ‘expansion’ is over and wow, what a process.  My friend, Jenny, sent this today in honor of the occasion.

Today I went with Ashley, Jennifer and my mom to Dr. Potter’s office for an 11:15 appointment.   (And for all of those wondering…yes, Ashley drove and I’m so happy my büber driver is back.)

(Jennifer, mom, me & Ashley yesterday.  Today, humidity prevailed.)

First of all, let me just say that the entire process of breast reconstruction is SO BIZARRE.  The best way to explain what I had done today is for you to watch this 30 second G rated video. (You can thank my friend, Kim V, later.  HYSTERICAL)

Anyway,  we went to Dr. Potter’s office and ended up meeting some nice, new friends in the waiting room.  My sisters and I had just commented that it’s so weird to sit in a plastic surgeon’s waiting room (in Dallas of all places) and wonder what everyone is there for.  It is quite possibly the best people watching I’ve ever experienced.

And I’ve been to the mall in Killeen.

However, after meeting our new friends, whom I would have NEVER guessed were there because of cancer, I realized I can’t assume why anyone is sitting in that waiting room.  One of these girls had more energy than my sisters and I combined, and the other was so young and beautiful.  You really just never know what the people next to you are going through.  Jen used to always say Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate.  And today reminded me of that truth.

While we were waiting for our names to be called, our new friends ended up swapping beauty tips with us (remedies for hair growth, lash boost, etc).  And before you roll your eyes with judgement, these products take on a whole new meaning when touted by those who have lost their hair and eyelashes to chemo.  Later, Ashley told me they asked for my name so they could put me on their prayer list.  Someone please hand me the kleenex.  Now that I have theirs as well, I will do the same (‘Jennifer & Christie’ in case you have a list too).  I was so struck by how quickly I felt connected to these women if even for a brief moment.  Cancer is funny like that.  It acts as a magnet that forcibly pulls people together whose lives have been affected by it.

Before we met Jennifer & Christie, I started tearing up in the waiting room.  I was distracted this past weekend with Father’s Day and my sweet dad’s 80th birthday, so this was the first time I’d really given this “fill up” any thought.  How does it work?  Does it hurt?  Why did they suggest I take a muscle relaxer?  Ashley is good at shutting down my tears and began searching YouTube for how the process works.  Once we saw the process, all of my fears were allayed and I felt much better.  Ash and YouTube for the win.

Once in the exam room, I asked how many times I would be getting inflations over the course of this reconstruction.  The PA said approximately 3-4 times.  Then she began the process.  She simply located the expander they placed during surgery with a special device.   Then she inserted a butterfly (tiny) needle which has a small tube connected to it.  Lastly, she injected a small amount of saline into the tube.  I started flinching when it got tight, and thankfully she said she would stop.  Then she repeated the same steps for the other side.  I was mesmerized by the entire experiment, and could not believe how quickly I went from 12 years old to Dolly Parton.

(The Growing Up Skipper Doll)

My sisters quickly asked if they could be next.

After all was said and done, the PA said ‘Well, maybe you’ll only need 1 or 2 more expansions instead of 3 or 4.’  I have no idea where she got that idea.

Upon leaving the office, the conversation went something like this:

Me: Well, that’s one down!  Jennifer: Or Two down!  Mom: Or Two Up!

And that’s why I love my family.  Especially when we aren’t wrinkly.

Now I’m back at home in bed resting in PJ’s awaiting my muscle relaxer to kick in.  I could not be more thrilled that the first of these inflations is over.  

Thank you for your prayers, texts and concern.  Please keep them coming.  I should receive my results from the Oncotype test this week (which will determine my likelihood of having chemo) and I will keep you posted on that as well.

Until next time…much love to you all & make every day count,

Jamie

PS: I purchased a heavy duty air pump for Trevor as a Father’s Day Gift to fill up our pool floats, bikes and gazillion basketballs.  NOT EVEN THINKING.  Something tells me in light of this whole process, he may be tempted to use it for purposes not included in the manual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NBC hit show, ‘America Ninja Warrior‘ is all about conquering one difficult challenge at a time as contestants navigate an insanely rigorous obstacle course.  It always amazes me that after the participants do something like this…

they have to do something like this…

then this…

I don’t know about you, but I can think of about 1,000,000 other things I’d rather be doing.  Like this…

Or even this (minus the peacock blanket)…

The point being, it’s hard enough to get over one huge hurdle.  But then to realize there’s another one right in front of you, then another, then another, calls your endurance into question.  There’s a reason these people are called WARRIORS.  And probably not ONE of them owns a peacock blanket.

This long obstacle course full of challenge after challenge is a tad bit what the cancer process feels like.  You get through one surgery, then there’s another.  One appointment, then another.  And while I’m not at Warrior status just yet, I have a feeling I might qualify when all of this is said and done.

As mentioned in my previous post, Dr. Potter’s office called the other day to let me know that my nipplectomy (not an official term although it should be) was scheduled for July 6th.  I originally thought (hoped) it would be much sooner, but Dr. Potter’s timing wins.  And let’s face it, what would my journey be without marking special occasions and holidays with a biopsy, surgery or procedure?!  #happyeaster #happyanniversary #happybirthday #happy4thofjuly

Then Tuesday afternoon, my mom, Karen, and sister, Jennifer, took me to Dr. Grant’s office for a surgical follow up visit.  My mom drove us there, and the nicest thing I can say about that is she is not in jeopardy of getting pulled over for speeding anytime soon.  Ashley normally drives in these situations, but because she had to pick her kids up at the same time as my appointment, Karen took the wheel (where’s Jesus when you need him?).  It literally took us longer to navigate the parking garage than it did for me to have my actual appointment (I wish I was kidding).  My prayer is that Ashley’s kids don’t go anywhere else the entire summer so she can resume her role of being our “büber” driver (a coined term by the Berry girls thank you very much).

Dr. Grant was so encouraging and said everything was healing nicely (yay!!).  Also, he gave me some daily exercises to strengthen my muscles and to regain full range of motion.  Literally my appointment took 5 minutes max from start to finish.    I’m not sure Karen would would have even made it to the second level of the parking garage by then.  (In her defense, however, she can deliver groceries and walk my dog like a beast.  We all have our gifts.  I love you, mom.)

After my appointment, I was feeling so happy.  Even though every day has been very different in terms of recovering, that was a good day.  And I get really excited about the good days.

The following morning, I got a call from Dr. Potter’s office telling me that my first ‘inflation’ (my term, not theirs) needed to be scheduled.  FOR NEXT MONDAY.  As in the day after #fathersday.  What?!  I thought I was in the clear at least until my nip surgery.  Ugh.  And even though this is a super minor ‘thing’ and a necessary part of the process, this is how it felt…

Without the range of motion.

Anyhow, when I texted Trevor to tell him about Monday’s inflation appointment, he replied with this:

And that’s why I tell people I have 4 boys, not 3.

Dr. Potter’s nurse told what to expect in terms of pain or side effects after the first expansion (I believe this is actually the technical term).  She said to take Alleve and possibly a muscle relaxer as these often times cause muscle spasms.  Totally not pumped about that (pardon the reverse pun).  She also mentioned to plan on not driving myself.  (Insert your own Karen joke here).

So, just when I thought the only thing I had to concentrate on was not injuring myself while pulling a gallon of milk from the fridge (let me just say OUCH), I’m presented with another hurdle.  But I feel completely confident that with all of your continued support, encouragement and prayers, this ninja is ready!!

Until next time…much love & make every day count,

Jamie

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

 

 

Thank you so much for all of your kind words and continued prayers.  I draw strength from every single comment, and am grateful you take the time to show how much you care.  It means SO VERY MUCH.

I spoke with Dr. Potter’s (plastic surgeon) office today and finally have a date for my next surgery.  July 6th.  I originally thought the surgery would be within a week or two after my last appointment, but I was wrong.  Again.  I’m learning (slowly) to let go of plans, which is a killer for this type A gal.  Plans are my thing.  I have a secret love affair with spreadsheets, schedules & organizing.  So for me to not be able to plan is like telling a child they can’t have ice cream while standing in line at Baskin Robbins.  It’s downright CRUEL.

The other day, however, I ran across this and thought it was a beautiful reminder of who is actually in control of my schedule.

Everyday when I wake up, I pray for God to reveal what it is he is working on in my life (I’ve had a lot of extra time lately).  Surely if I’m going to endure a struggle like this, there’s a lesson (or ten) in it.

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, my friend Bryce sent me a link to an article written by John Piper entitled, ‘Don’t Waste Your Cancer’.  I highly recommend it.  Not only for those going through cancer, but for anyone who is going through a difficult time or will go through a difficult time.  (Ummmm, so basically ALL OF US.)  The article is a good reminder that we have a choice of what to do with the hardships in our life: basically sulk or shine (my words).  And since then, my prayer has become to not waste my cancer.  Oh, and to shine like the Texas sun in the middle of August.

I have learned so much over the past two months.  I thought I would share my top ten lessons (thus far) here so that I won’t forget them down the road. But also, so that I can pass along the wisdom I’ve gained hopefully without you having to walk the same road as I am walking.

1. Let Go.  Of plans, of schedules, of control.  I have such a false sense of being in control of my life, and each day I’m a little more embarrassed of the illusion I’ve had for so long.
2. Nothing is certain in this life.  I’m beginning to understand how arrogant it is for me to presume things.  Even a tomorrow.  The people who say the phrase ‘Lord willing’ are starting to seem like the wisest souls on earth.
3. Focus on the big picture.  All of the little details I fret about pale in comparison to God’s plan.  Having a disease in my body with a reputation for killing people is no small thing.  Life is worth fighting for; getting my kid into a certain class/camp/college is not.  Someone remind me of this in 3 years please.
4. Relationships matter.  We have lived in several different cities throughout our marriage and I have friends from each city who are cancer survivors and have reached out to me (I’m looking at you Haley B., Kim V. & Laura B).  Couple that with the gazillion friends from my childhood, college and my adult life who have also served as angels in this process, and you realize how much relationships matter.  God weaves our lives together so beautifully and investing in people is paramount.  You never know when you will need one another down the road.
5. Be patient.  Slow down, get quiet and listen to God.  I’ve heard his voice so much louder lately – in part because I’ve been forced to be still, and in part because I’m desperate to know how to navigate these waters.  It makes me wonder what I’ve missed all these years.  These noisy years.
6. Be present.  Soak up those brief moments when teenagers want to talk – even if it’s not convenient.  Soon I won’t have mine around to keep me up until midnight (because apparently they don’t come alive until that God forsaken hour).  Enjoy them while you can – no matter the hour.
7. Make a difference.  My TEST is my testimony.  What God gives me (good or bad) is my platform to share his goodness and grace.  I pray that I use my story for his glory.  (Is it weird that I just heard that as a rap in my head? Where’s RUN-D.M.C. when I need them?)
8. Ask more of my kids.  I’ve realized how much I do for my kids because right now (post surgery) I can’t do anything for my kids.  LITERALLY.  Who knew they could actually do the dishes, set their alarms, bathe the dog and do their own laundry?  (Hudson just read this over my shoulder and groaned.  I may never go back to doing laundry ever again.)
9. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.  I have definitely taken for granted how comfortable I am in life (mentally, spiritually & physically).  Cancer has shoved me out of my comfort zone (mentally, spiritually & physically) and I’m learning to not be afraid of being uncomfortable.  It’s okay to think differently, shift my mindset, squirm a bit.  No one ever died from simply being uncomfortable.
10. Find the beauty in the ugly.  Cancer is ugly, but there is so much beauty to be found along the way.  I’m learning how to focus on the gifts that accompany the curse. Like friends who take my dog to the vet, friends who pick up my child for 6am daily workouts, friends who take my kids to camp, friends who bring me smart waters, teas and my favorite snacks, friends who feed my family with delicious meals, friends who call and text just when I need it, family who goes to appointments with me, family who takes my kids to the dentist, family who brings me groceries, family who encourages me to do just a little bit more than the day before, etc.  Someone stop me as I feel a spreadsheet coming on.  You know who you are and I love each of you dearly.

I realize this list is neither earth shattering nor profound.  These are all things I’m pretty sure we’ve heard before or are written somewhere in books like this:

However, they have never meant as much to me as they do now.  It’s like when someone gives you advice about being a parent before you have kids, then you actually have kids and everything they said suddenly makes sense.  Everything is now making sense. A LOT of sense.

I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Grant (surgical oncologist) tomorrow afternoon, then should be finished with appointments for a few weeks until I get my Oncotype score  (the proliferation index) back.  Please continue to pray for me to be at peace with the results of that test.  If they are good, you might just find me eating a polar pizza from Baskin Robbins (thanks Deanna) while creating a spreadsheet with ‘It’s Tricky‘ or ‘My Adidas‘ (Chris & Jonathan please tell me you still have that karaoke cassette tape) playing in the background.

Until next time…much love to you all & make every day count,

Jamie

PS: Just for the record, my husband is WAY hotter than Ryan Reynolds.  😉

“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”  Proverbs 4:13