In April 2010 while on the operating table (I had elected to not be put under for the biopsy) Dr. McElroy walked back into the room, over to me, put his hand on my arm and said "I'm sorry Lori it's cancer". Life as I knew it stopped at that moment.
Let's go back...my Mom is a breast cancer survivor of 10-years. In 2005 I found my first lump and was scared but after a biopsy was told it was nothing, my breasts are very fibrous. Skip forward to 2009 after having a yearly mammogram all seemed well but in the fall I found a lump, had another mammogram and ultrasound and the result was "you have fibrous breasts". So in March 2010 when I felt the lump I wasn't really worried, actually didn't make the doctor appointment for about a month. I had fibrous breasts after all no need to panic. Even the doctor didn't panic, because the lump was hurting (yes cancer can hurt when it is growing at an amazing speed) she prescribed an antibiotic, but just to be safe scheduled a ultrasound the next day. Within a few days I was in surgery getting a biopsy, still not worried, not expecting to ever hear the cancer word.
If there is a male-angel in Marietta it is Dr. McElroy, he walked beside me as they wheeled me out of the operating room, never leaving my side. While in recovery he said he was going to call and get me a appointment with Dr. Cawley, he worked with her and she was a friend. That was Wednesday on Friday I was at the Strecker Cancer Center with my oncologist Dr. Cawley going over the game plan.
I'm going to leave out a lot of the in-between happenings and cut-to-the-chase. The cancer had spread! Word of advice never wait when you find a lump. It was in my lymph nodes...you could almost see it travelling in my body. First stop lymph nodes under the arm, next stop lymph nodes in the collar bone, next stop mammary glands, next stop on the spine and finally a second tumor in the breast. Stage 3C the next stage is 4 and that is when it is in an organ.
Chemo began in April and ended in September of 2010. Five months of what I thought then would be the worst time. Little did I know it can get worse.
Double mastectomy in October, I didn't have to have both removed only the trouble maker left breast, but after a lot of thought decided being lopsided wouldn't work for me, I'm just to active and knew it would bother me forever. The odds of the cancer returning to the other breast are actually slim. Triple Negative does like to make a come-back but unfortunately it is to the liver or brain.
To be honest the mastectomy didn't bother me, under the care of Dr. McElroy (surgeon) and Dr. Yoak (plastic surgeon) it went well. I had expanders placed during surgery, although the girls sure don't look the same I still have them. Recovery was painful, excruciating at times but within 3-weeks I was back at work and having the expanders filled each week w/a saline solution. And even that wasn't the worst.
At the end of November the worst began...it was when the chemo began to leave my system (not everyone is impacted by this, lucky me) and my own personal nightmare began. Every movement hurt, my joints were suffering a chemo withdrawal, couldn't take a step w/out pain. On top of that I was still recovering from the surgery and to make matters worse neuropathy had set in, numbness in both hands and feet. How people live with pain every day I'll never know. Life was at the lowest it has ever been. By mid-January the symptoms were slowly decreasing happy, happy, joy, joy! Unfortunately it was a short lived celebration as radiation had started. After 28 sessions of tomotherapy radiation I am now just beginning to feel like a normal person.
Still a few surgeries to go but that seems like a cake-walk compared to where I've been!
Through all of this, Lori, you remained so positive and such a ray of sunshine to those around you. Thanks for sharing. Your journey inspires me.
ReplyDeleteYou were my inspiration too Lori. I love seeing your smiling face and knowing all the while what you were going through, I kept my chin up and felt I could do it too. Your boobs, my lip, this town sure had it's fill of the big C this year.
ReplyDeleteDitto what Joy said, Everytime we crossed paths you were such a ray of sunshine. So inspiring.
ReplyDeleteLori ty for being such an inspiration! I was reading this to my mother just balling. We just found out Friday my mom has breast cancer. I hope she will be just as strong and positive as u have been.<3 Jenna
ReplyDeleteWow, very well said! Lori since your diagnosis I know of more people than I have fingers to count receive the diagnosis of cancer. Your fight is inspiring and exciting, I know you probably don’t think so but from a medical perspective it is. Unfortunately I know all too well that not many are successful in their fights. I’m glad you have shared your story, once more people hear your story the more likely more will not let it sit. Not sure where the thought that no pain and a lump is cancer and pain and lump is not. More likely there is pain because it is not supposed to be growing in there. Lori, once you are back fully recovered I we need to talk about an idea I have to get the correct information out about cancer and its diagnosis. Mike Smith
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome, Lori! Thanks for sharing your story. I agree with the other commenters -- you are truly an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLori,
ReplyDeleteWe have known each other most of our lives, we grew up 1-1/2 miles from each other, attended the same schools and rode the same buses. I have encountered a lot of people in my life who have suffered through illness and disease, but few have had the courage you have shown. To see you put your words on paper is an inspiration to all who know you or have the opportunity to read what you have written. You are a very brave woman and we are all fortunate to have known you. Goodluck in your continued recovery and in the life you and Rocky will share together for many years to come. Thank you for your courage and determination. We are truly blessed to call you a friend. Valli
Girl you just keep amazing me! Your strength is boundless and the strength and willingness to share your experience with those who find themselves in the same situation.....whether it is happening to them, a loved one, or a very dear friend......can do so much for them then you may every believe possible. You are an awesome person and an even more awesome best friend. My admiration for you is as boundless as is your strength. Keep Fighting On! Love, Stephanie
ReplyDeleteLori
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration to all of thoes that are fighting the battle. You have shown us what true strength is.