Friday 12 August 2022

A Very Different Catch Up - Aug. 12, '22

 I've been not writing this particular post for quite some time. More than a month now. I am still not sure I will click Publish, but I'm going to write it, even if it just sits as a draft.

I've been away from blogging due to a completely unforeseen circumstance. I've been diagnosed with breast cancer. I had no notion at all that anything was wrong. I had a regular, it's time for it mammogram, and got a call back the same day that they wanted me to come back in for "better images". I had to wait two full weeks for that second mammogram.

On that day, it turned out to be not just a second mammogram, but also a very thorough ultrasound, followed by a radiologist standing over me saying they saw a 'mass' and want to do a biopsy. 

If that doesn't knock the wind out of you, I don't know what does. Things literally close up around your peripheral vision and the world becomes very very small. When, when will the biopsy happen? When you say mass, do you mean cancer? Can I call my husband?

Well, the biopsy happened that very day, within the next 20 minutes, followed by another mammogram. Yes, a biopsy where they took what seemed to me to be four samples, followed by what all women know and understand if they've even  had one mammogram in their lives. 

I was told the pathology results of the biopsy would take five days. Here's the thing. Absolutely none of the time frames that I've been given have been the truth. Five days turned into two weeks. Yes, cancer confirmed. 

The other chapter to all of this is I do not have a family doctor. I am one of thousands and thousands of people in Ontario who do not have a doctor. Mine retired toward the tail end of Covid. He was supposed to be replaced, but that fell through. So basically for all of us Canadians, if something goes amiss, we go to the emergency room at the closest hospital (alas, my closest hospital has had it's emergency room closed at night for a long time, and now that bigger centres are also experiencing this, the media is in a flutter about what will our premier do to solve this problem. The problem has been around for a while.) I digress. When one does not have a family / primary care doctor, it makes things very very difficult when one is diagnosed with something like breast cancer. One feels a great deal of panic, anxiety, fear, mixed in with a huge dose of anger. I have been assigned a "patient navigator", and even that took quite some time to happen. She is lovely, but she's not my doctor. She is, in fact, a nurse practitioner who is wonderful, but unable to take me on as a permanent patient. She will, from my understanding, help me through the cancer process. I am being referred to an excellent centre in a bigger city, but even that has taken weeks and weeks from my official diagnosis date. Don't let anyone tell you that our health care system is perfect because we don't have to pay out of pocket for surgeries or procedures. There's a whole other level of let down.

So, that's my world right now. I advocate for myself continuously, phoning people, asking if they've found me a doctor (no, and likely, I won't get one), phoning for appointments, leaving messages, fixing other people's mistakes, and on and on it goes. It is exhausting to be your own advocate while riding the rollercoaster of emotions that I have read are completely normal to be experiencing right now.

I do not know what my treatment will be, as I still haven't had my appointment for further tests in the bigger centre, but it is coming up. I now know that I will have to wait at least two weeks for results to happen and then more time before those results make their way to my patient navigator. My brother and sister-in-law put me in touch with her cousin who has gone through breast cancer and she told me that the hardest part is the waiting. At this stage, I agree with her. 

Again, I am really opening myself up here, feeling quite vulnerable. Of course my immediate family knows, and my closest friends, but the community does not, so I'm not sure why I'm writing about it in a blog post for virtually anyone to read (ha ha, all the thousands upon thousands who read my blog) but I am, and there you have it. We have zero family history of breast cancer. I had no inkling that anything was wrong. I've never been a smoker and never took HRT. 

Please, as a favour to me, if you choose to comment, only positive stories of successes, women who beat this and have lived happy, healthy lives afterward. I am in no frame of mind to hear of anyone who did not and I will delete those. I do feel like many of you are "friends", as much as you can be friends with people you've never met, so I don't anticipate any upsetting comments, but I'm advocating for myself here as well. I also have heard that the stats are one in eight women will be told they have breast cancer. That seems pretty unreal, but it's what I've heard, and I know I'm certainly not the only woman to have ever had to deal with this, but when it is you, you suddenly feel very alone in your experience, and the unknown, and the waiting, dear lord, the waiting, and the sh*t show that is our healthcare system, well, it's all a bit much. And so I shall say adieu and decide if I shall click "publish".

102 comments:

  1. Oh dear friend, I am praying that your treatment will be completely successful and with quick healing. I imagine the waiting is so hard and so slow and sorry you have to deal with fighting to move forward, that is unpleasant too. I am sending you all best wishes.

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  2. Wishing you successful treatment . Pirate's daughter had breast cancer, treated with surgery and radiotherapy. No recurrence for three years now.
    Not only did they remove the tumour, they reduced the breast on the in other side so that she would be balanced.
    A friend had one breast removed about twelve years ago...she wears a prosthesis when she feels the company she is in would be embarrassed..she isn't.
    Whatever happens...sending a big Virtual hug (((0)))

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  3. Sending love and good vibes Jenn, not much more I can do, I have no experience of this. But my love is with you. The political side of it interests me as you describe with your health service, Thanks for pressing publish. Rachel xx

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    1. Thank you, Rachel. I know your health care system is similar to ours. Do people there have a lack of primary care physicians?

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  4. My day went a little grey for you as i read this. Having to navigate the storm with the sails torn away first... My Mum's good friend has had your diagnosis - twice - been treated (twice) and gone on to outlive most of her generation. Our very best wishes for such longevity, and to have the kind of joy our friend exudes about life, go out from us to you. Mr T & F

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    1. Thanks for telling me about the success story. I helps.

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  5. Jenn, I left a comment a few minutes ago which I think must have jumped into Spam. x

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  6. Hi, I've never commentate before but feel I want to send you positive vibes from across the pond. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in March 2015 at the age of 58, chose to have a mastectomy with reconstruction which is an implant. Had a course of chemo and now on Letrozole for 10 years. Still here alive and kicking. My consultant told me 1 in 6 women will get breast cancer. Hope you get seen again soon, once I had my exact diagnosis and treatment plan in place I felt stronger and less afraid. You too will get through this,
    Kathryn

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    1. You were a similar age to me (I just turned 56). Thanks for sharing your story. I helps!

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  7. May God bless you with strength and peace as you find your way through this unwelcome journey, especially with help to speed the waiting interval. I was diagnosed in 2013 followed by a lumpectomy and radiation only and that has been that. In my prayers I try to always include women who have just found out they have breast cancer, those in treatment and beyond, and now will remember you also, along with my best wishes for an easy time of it and good
    health afterwards.
    Marilyn

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  8. Well it sounds as if your cancer has been detected very early. My middle-aged niece had advanced cancer in both breasts some years ago and now she is well and happy.

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  9. I am so sorry to hear this news, the thing every one of us dreads. In the blogging world we consider ourselves friends and want to offer you support. My youngest sister had breast cancer a few years before lock downs started. She had chemo until it had reduced then had a small portion of her breast removed. She has been free of it and well ever since. I hope you get offered a plan soon as I can imagine the waiting is so awful. Take care x

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    1. Thank you for leaving this comment, Carol. I do appreciate it!

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  10. Jenn, I am rooting for you and sending as many positive thoughts as possible your way. Since the pandemic, I've had 3 friends all get breast cancer and they all came through with flying colours. I know you will too! Take one day at a time and hang in there, baby!

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    1. Three! I am certainly hoping for flying colours. Thanks, Debra!

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  11. Although I don't think I've commented before, please allow me to say, yes, wait is a 4 letter word. It's especially scary under these circumstances. I was diagnosed with DCIS in 1999. I was 38. Lumpectomy + hormone blocker. I'm 60 now and still cancer free. My 89 yr. old mother had metastasized ductal carcinoma (and a mastectomy) when she was 79. She's still cancer free. Several women in my family-by-marriage also had breast cancer; all remain cancer free after surgery and/or treatment. Hang in there. Do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself and stay sane. That's the most important thing. One day at a time. --Elise

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    1. Thirty-eight - that must have been very difficult! Thank you for sharing and for giving me more success stories!

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    2. It's difficult at any age. The waiting is the hardest part. Once things start moving, it will move quickly. That's my hope and prayer for you.
      --Elise

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    3. I have heard that once a plan is put into place, it becomes somewhat easier, mentally. That is my hope anyway.

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  12. Sending you healing prayers during this time of unknown, as you are waiting for the next step(s).

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    1. Oh dear, that should either have been “thanks” or “thank you” . Take your pick or have both!

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  13. Sorry to read about your diagnosis and hope you get your care set up real soon. Sending healing thoughts your way.

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  14. Dear Jenn... I agree with the lady who said wait is a four-letter word. Many prayers going your way. They have made great strides in research for breast cancer. Thinking positive thoughts for you.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, it seems to be an area of medicine in which lots of gains have been made.

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  15. You have to be strong to be vulnerable. Knowing you're vulnerable enables you to be proactive which seems the only way for you to go considering the health care system you're functioning within. A good friend, now in her early eighties, had a double mastectomy twenty years ago, and is living a wonderfully full life and maintains one of the best senses of humor I know of. You are a strong woman and have a great support system in those who love you. It's a funny relationship we form through getting to "know" others through blogging, but as you can see there are many of us out here who you can count on for words of support whenever you need it. Please keep us updated and let all of our love and caring flow into your heart.

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    1. Thank you MP! Funny, I consider you one of my gardening friends- like we get together and have a walk about your beds, seeing what’s growing. Thank you as well for another success story!!

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  16. I'm so sorry to hear this, not only the diagnosis but your having to deal with the situation without a family doctor. I hope this nurse practitioner provides some assistance and that you are able to get your treatment quickly.
    My cousin, in her 30's was diagnosed with breast cancer about 15 years ago. I'm happy to report she is healthy today.

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    1. Thank you for another success story - these are honestly buoying my spirits each time I read one.

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  17. My heart goes out to you. I hope your health care kicks in fast . All my prayers and positive thoughts.

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    1. Thank you my transplanted Greek friend. I thought maybe there might be some spitting involved - haha.

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  18. All I will say is I will be praying for you from New Jersey, to get the best care and that your wait times will be quicker, so you can start your treatment.

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    1. I’d be extremely thrilled with shorter wait times. Thank you!

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  19. I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma back in 2000. Chose lumpectomy and radiation. So far, so good. It's been 22 years. No one in my family had Breast Cancer (that I'm aware of). And my dear friend is going through what you are now... just had her biopsy and diagnosis and waiting to hear from the surgeon to discuss and determine next step. It is scary, but you will do fine.

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    1. Oh thank you so much and thank you for sharing your story as well!

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  20. I personally know so many women who have had and beaten breast cancer that I could sit here and write you several paragraphs about them! It's never easy (the treatments) but they've all come through healthy and strong at the end of it.

    Waiting is terrible. My husband had stage 3B lung cancer almost 12 years ago (he's fine today) and I well remember the agony of waiting on test results. In some ways, waiting is much worse than the actual surgeries/chemo/radiation or whatever, because at least when you're going through treatment you're DOING something.

    I'm sending you all my best wishes that you get the care you need very, very soon and can start to recover. Let your family and friends do things for you; it will be a help to you both. I feel certain you're going to come through this with flying colors!

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    1. Thank you so much other Jennifer! I’m happy to hear about your husband’s success as well! It’s a whole different thing now- breast cancer- when I was a little girl, my aunt ( married my maternal uncle), died from breast cancer, leaving five children and a husband behind. I’m so glad that you know of many success stories!

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  21. Like you my doctor left her practice here and moved back to Ontario. I was lucky enough that the only doctor left in that clinic was willing to take me on. Don't know what I would do if that hadn't happened. Such a shortage of doctors up here.

    Sending you all my best wishes that you start your treatments very soon and things go well with them.

    God bless.

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    1. Sorry, Jackie, not sure where you live, but yes, doctor shortage is a huge issue. My husband actually contacted a doctor online for a prescription! And thank you.

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  22. I hope you can get the doctor situation sorted out asap. Bummer on the diagnosis, how horrible for you and your family. I have read all the above comments and all the positive outcomes and I wish the exact same for you. XXXXX

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    1. Thank you. I’m holding out more hope for the good treatment I’ll get at this Breast Health Centre at the hospital in the city than I am for getting a regular family doctor. There are people who have been waiting years and years. Thank you for your kind words!

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  23. I'm so sorry to read this. The waiting time for test results is terrible. I am a 24 year breast cancer survivor! My thoughts are with you as you face this journey.
    Vonda

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    1. Vonda, thank you so much for commenting! All of this has helped tremendously!!

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  24. My daughter Liz, had breast cancer . She had lumpectomies. Chemo. She had a tough time. We watched her daughter Emma throughout that period. Emma became as our own , so it seemed. My Lizzy rang that last chemo bell and has been doing well ever since, praise God. You be tough and strong sweetheart...we are all here praying for you and keeping you in good thoughts. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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    1. Thanks Susie. I know your family has had its share of challenges over the years. I’m happy your daughter has come through it! Thanks for sharing!

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  25. I am so sorry to hear this, Jenn -- and so grateful you hit "publish" so that you can gather the support of so many friends -- yes, we are friends -- in all corners of the world. While I've not experienced the breast cancer "thing" myself, I can tell you that I know any number of women who have done so and many years after (for my best friend, it is almost 30 years since, or maybe more) have lived full, complete, joyful and very happy, productive lives. It can slam you down for a while -- you already know that. And you'll probably have many days of worry and feeling yuck because that's what illness (and, I might add, MANY illnesses beyond cancer) can do to you. And you will lay low on days that are tough, max out days that are good and be grateful for each and every day you are here.

    If you are on FB I would love to "introduce" you to my friend Dick Hill. (His page is public as he was an actor and an audio reader of best sellers when working).His cancer is very different and at this point he is in Hospice -- although from his posts, you would rarely know it. But I read down them every day and save a zillion of them because they so inspire me.Right now you have to get through that whole uncertainty bit and that's the very hardest. But you can do this. You WILL do this.

    I'm especially sorry that the doctor/medical situation is compounding the angst and stress. I hope you can find someone who can help you through with some of that. As you know, stress isn't good for any illness and you already have enough of it while you are in the waiting game and even beyond. I hope that can get resolved soon. Meanwhile, try to find something, anything, that helps get you through the waiting game. Know that you have a huge squad rooting for you. I'm one of them.

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  26. Hi Jeanie! Thank you for all the encouragement and kind words! ( nope, not on FB). I imagine after my next round of tests in the 19th, I’ll have the wait for results but then plans will be made and treatment will be put into action.

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  27. I am so sorry to read your news, not only about the diagnosis but also about the health service problems. This is the one time you really need to feel you are fully supported. A close friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer in her fifties and is not only still alive and kicking twenty five years later but still trekking as well! I do know what you are going through as I had surgery for lung cancer five years ago. Chin up.

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    1. Hi and thank you for sharing your own experience and giving me another example of success! I’m glad you are doing well after your bout!

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  28. How very sorry I am you are going through this. Let people support you and lift you up. Sending you lots of healing prayers.
    Cathy

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  29. Oh, Jenn! You can be spending hours in Canada, advocating for yourself to get something going, or you could be spending hours in the USA, advocating for yourself to get something going.
    This story I carry close to my heart. It was many years ago; I was a very young mother when my mother-in-law found a lump and was admitted for a lumpectomy. This probably was in the very early seventies. I knew from all my years working at the med school, breast surgery involves a lot of blood, so I made an appointment at the hospital to donate a replacement pint (the old days of blood donation!). I went to the lab, the technician was a wonderful young Asian woman who chatted through the procedure. When done, she carried it off to be refrigerated. All the way down the hall she carried my pint over her head and literally skipped, singing "Thank you for your precious blood. Thank your for your precious blood."
    My mother in law was relieved of a benign growth. So was my sister, though no one sang to my precious blood in 2010.
    I am sending you a plane load of good and happy thoughts.

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    1. Ok, first - what!? You worked at a med school?? I thought you mostly worked for municipal government. Is there anything you haven’t done?
      I’m glad both women had benign growths! Thank you for your good and happy thoughts!

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  30. I have 3 friends that had breast cancer and all three are cancer free today. Medical science has and continues to make great advancements in treatment for cancer. You've said you will be treated at the City Hos[ital, Breast Center and the large centers have the best MD's as well as all the latest treatment options. This is ideal. You will beat this. Take care and know I am thinking of you.

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    1. Thank you and yes I’ll be at an excellent place ( in London, Ontario). The “ big stuff”, if that’s what’s necessary ( don’t know yet) and any radiation ( if necessary) will be done there but if chemo is needed, they sometimes arrange for it to happen at a closer hospital to home, under their direction.
      Thank you for even more examples of success stories!

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  31. Oh, crikey, Jenn, what a shock! I haven't had cancer but know plenty who have and are all happy, healthy individuals today. Modern medicine is pretty miraculous and while your early days of diagnosis and waiting are just awful, once you're on the treatment train at an excellent facility, the "doing something" part will just take over. Sending you fervent best wishes! x

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    1. I am absolutely blown away with how many people have commented on my little blog and I’m so thankful. I will not get tired of hearing of success stories and thank you so much for sharing and your best wishes!

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  32. Sending you words and thoughts of encouragement and support as you travel on this journey. Hoping for the finest of doctors and medical personnel during your treatment!

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  33. Thank you. As a ironic side note, we had the most wonderful cat for many, many years named Nellie and she loved it when someone was under the weather. She sat in them all day long like it was her job. Thank you for those kind words.

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  34. Jenn, I'm so sorry to hear your news and the problems you are having with care. I was diagnosed at the end of May with an aggressive uterine cancer and have spent the summer waiting it seems. My surgery was scheduled a month before it took place and of course I really wanted that out of me immediately. I had a hysterectomy in July and fortunately the cancer was caught very early. I'll have some radiation starting in 2 weeks and then they'll keep a close eye on me. The waiting has been so hard and I understand how you're feeling. I think what also has been hard for me is that I've felt so out of control of just about everything. I think you are similar to me in that you're a take charge and get things done kind of person and it's so hard not be able to do just that. Both my sister and my sister-in-law are breast cancer survivors. My sister had a lumpectomy and radiation, and my sister-in-law had chemotherapy to shrink the tumor first, then surgery, then radiation. Both have now passed the 5 year mark and are cancer free and feeling great. They have been a great help to me through all of this. It really helps to talk to people who have been through it and understand the emotional ups and downs. Also just want to mention for you and anyone who is reading this that any spotting at all after menopause is not normal and needs to be evaluated immediately! My prayers are with you Jenn.
    For healing and for a doctor or at least a medical plan that you will have full confidence in.

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    1. Sue- let me say first that I hope you are going to be just fine with your journey!! It’s amazing how when you open up a topic, you find out how many other people have similar experiences. Yes, I am most definitely someone whose entire career has been about schedules, organization, following through, and basically thinking of every detail for anywhere between twenty to thirty other humans on a daily basis. So naturally the lack of control is so tough for me. Ahh well, patience is a virtue isn’t it? Thank you for your words of wisdom and I hope your rounds of radiation do their job and you feel well!

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  35. Jenn I am sorry that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am sorry that our medical system is letting you down at your most vulnerable time. I shall add my prayers with the many other blog friends. My paternal Grandmother had breast cancer & beat it - she lived well into her 80's as did my paternal great aunt. One of my closest friends three years ago was diagnosed with b/c & the same as you, no symptoms, no family history. She had the breast removed, went to chemo & then radiation & now at the 3 yr check up, all is good. Hope abounds, new treatments & new discoveries all the time. Thanks for publishing, your blog community stands with you :) ... Mary-Lou

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    1. Thank you my fellow Ontario friend. Glad to hear about another success story!

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  36. Dear Jenn. What heart stopping news this is. My sister-in-law had breast cancer when her daughter was a teen. She is now the proud grandmother of two, compliments of that daughter who is now in her mid-forties. Yes, the waiting and uncertainty are the worst part. You will beat this Jenn.

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  37. Thank you Rosalea. One of the hardest things was telling my own kids, who aren't kids anymore ( 22 and 26) because I didn't want to burden them with the worry, but they've been great.

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  38. Hugs. Our health system is in dire need of more doctors. I hope you find one.

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    1. Yes, I am. Two of my granddaughters are nurses and they tell me they are so often short of staff.

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    2. Oh! They would know! Thank goodness they’re still willing to be nurses!

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  39. Sending you lots of hugs, positive energy and healing wishes, Jenn. I can only imagine the roller coaster of emotions you are dealing with. I know of two women who have had breast cancer and they've both gone on to live happy and healthy lives. Share what you need to here on the blog, so that we can support you whenever you need some encouragement! Wishing you well!

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  40. I am glad you are surrounded by Love here; may their (and my) support lift you through this journey. keep us posted.

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    1. Thank you so much. I appreciate all of this! Bloggers are lovely people!

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  41. I just read a book, "Everything Happens for a Reason". It's about a Canadian woman in America who was told she had 2 months to live because she was riddled with Colon Cancer. That was in 2019 and I was scared to look her up, but she is alive. It was a great book. You are so right about advocating for yourself. When my husband, by chance, found out he had kidney cancer, he thought the doctors would schedule him and follow up like they said they would. I didn't believe that and made him call and double check everything. He learned very quickly not to put his life blindly in their hands. He is free and clear, because an emergency room doctor was on the ball. You are a super strong and smart lady. You already know the key to advocate for yourself and thankfully it sounds like it was caught early. You will be in my thoughts. Thank you for writing. Nobody should carry such a burden alone. I feel like we are all neighbors. If you need anything at all please let me know. I believe it is illegal to mail alcohol, but if you need a bottle of homemade Raspberry Wine let me know and I'll figure something out!

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    1. I didn’t know that about your husband. I’m so glad he’s ok. The comment about h the e raspberry wine made me smile! Thank you.

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  42. I am so sorry you are going through this, and I am sending perfect healing vibes to you. Here in the states, even though we have access to health care, it doesn't mean it's easy, or that you'll get the right kind. We still have to advocate for ourselves, too! I have several friends who have all recovered from breast cancer, both had different types and different treatments. You can do this!

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  43. Hi Jen,
    I will come back later and read through all your comments. My heart sank and then broke for you reading this. It is ridiculous that in this day and age you cannot get the same level of follow up that you NEED that was the same as the actual rather good initial scan and call back.
    I have no doubt that you will now become an expert on this and I am hoping that you get seen quickly. I wonder if you have such organisations/charities like Macmillan that you can access that might not be able to get you a doctor more quickly etc but can offer support in other ways.
    Hope the family are coping with this shocking news to process. F"%K Cancer. x

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  44. Thank you Rachel, and yes, I think after I get seen at the bigger centre, I will find out more about the support offered by the breast cancer charities. But I'm not assuming anything.

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  45. Sending only amazing admiration for your bravery and loving, healing thoughts and prayers as you navigate this new world. I had a similar unexpected day of reckoning thirteen years ago and (healthy and happy today) it takes over your world for a long time. Continue to advocate and reach out and be spunky when you can. You have more “sisters” out here than you can possibly know who are rooting hard for you every step of the way. Most importantly be kind to yourself ❣️ There are bright moments ahead.

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    1. Hello Louc! Thank you for leaving this inspiring comment. I’m starting to realize more and more about the “sisters ” as you put it.

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  46. I'm so sorry to hear this. I've had 3 friends with breast cancer all survived. I know you will too. Keeping you in my prayers.

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  47. Oh my, Jenn. I hate to hear this. BUT I can tell you of numerous friends who have had it and are happily cancer free today. I am so so glad you got the mammogram! Please do keep us updated about your progress, I know all of your readers will want to take this journey with you. Thank you for telling us. Strength in numbers right?

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  48. Thank you for this. Yes I will continue to update. Who knows, maybe I can be inspiration for someone else down the road.

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  49. Jenn, sending as many good thoughts as I can to you up in Canada. The waiting is a beast (although I was thinking of another B word...) and having to do all the advocating for yourself at a time when your mind is whirling in a lot of ugly directions is simply awful. My MiL is a breast cancer survivor of more than 15 years and although in her 80s, she still participates annually in a long term breast cancer study, even though it means she has to fly across the country to do so. I am also glad you told your children (I know, I know--we want to protect them), but when I have withheld certain medical things from my own children, they get furious. :) They want to know. They want to be there for you. And we need to give them a chance to do just that. As do all of us, your bloggy friends. Take care of yourself the best you can. Will think good thoughts for the 19th and onward.

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    1. Mary, thank you for this kind and reassuring comment!

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  50. As someone who reads but doesn't comment can I just say hitting publish was the right thing....I too could tell you of friends who have been on that journey and are here and happy today....but I'll only say think of all the love and positivity that is coming your way....it is a ride indeed but you're not alone x

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  51. Thank you for commenting this time, Libby! There has been a surprising amount of positivity and good wishes since I hit “publish “ and I am glad that I did.

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  52. I am sorry to hear this.

    Have you thought about coming to the US for treatment? They tend to be quick. Of course, the cost...but it may be worth it. I don't know. Just trying to think of something helpful.

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  53. Oh dear Jenn. Just sending positive energy your way. I come from one of those families that is riddled with that dastardly thing. I can happily say that not one of my gals lost her battle.

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  54. Dear Jenn, as usual I'm bringing up the rear...last one to see your post. Oh but I send you lots of love and best wishes. Glad you shared this. You have many many friends who love you and are pulling for you. I too come from a family of cancer survivors. Back in the 1950s my aunt had colon cancer; went through surgery and whatever treatment was available back then. She lived to be 98.

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  55. 1) I'm so happy to see an update from you because I checked your blog just prior to this post and you were MIA. I was worried.
    2) My heart breaks for you having to navigate this with no direct path to follow. I do know many friends who have been in your spot and have gone on to live healthy/happy lives. YOU WILL ALSO.
    The stats are staggering. I've always said that it would be miraculous to NOT get BC because it is so rampant and it is in my family history.
    Sending prayers, positive mojo and love your direction. Keep us updated. XO

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  56. Well, I've only recently been visiting your blog, and not always commenting. But you can count me among your online sisters standing with you and lending support, even if only online from far away. And yes, there are many, many survival stories for breast cancer. Trust that you can be the next. I will be praying for you, for your successful treatment and full recovery. Blessings!

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  57. Well, I've only recently been visiting your blog, and not always commenting. But you can count me among your online sisters standing with you and lending support, even if only online from far away. And yes, there are many, many survival stories for breast cancer. Trust that you can be the next. I will be praying for you, for your successful treatment and full recovery. Blessings!

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  58. I hope this helps a bit - cancer seems to run on both sides of my family. I succeeded in defeating my first breast cancer 20 yrs. ago with the help of a very, very good Boston breast cancer center. About 10 yrs. ago I was treated for kidney cancer - discovered purely by chance looking at a totally different problem. In January of 2020 I found a lump in the opposite breast and discovered a different breast cancer. This past May I had a post-surgical visit after a mammogram and will be returning annually. I have finally learned that what I suspected is true: my cancers are genetic. I completely understand what an exhausting period one goes through - yes, the waiting. The best advice I have with my background is to tell anyone to try to research breast cancer - utilizing the most recent information online. Try and use only the top places doing studies, etc. Read, print out what you think is worth it, find breast cancer support. It's awfully tiring but you will be prepared to ask the right questions, and after discussing with your cancer specialist, much more prepared to start your journey. Glad Covid is not as bad as it was. It was truly Sci-Fi'ish going to hospitals and medical offices during that period. I'm sending my best that you can find medical attention to start soon. My heart goes out to you.

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