Week 2: Tests, scans and more tests
Tuesday
This past week was scans and meetings. All 3 major scans happened on the same day. MRI, CT, bone scan. It was one long day of IVs, 32oz Sprite mixed with contrast dye (gross), labs, and waiting on appointments. We will get the results later in the week. For now, all there is to do is wait. It feels like the whole process is hurry up and wait.
Friday
Today was the day we have been waiting for since the first diagnosis. All of the scan are done, all of the testing is done. We were finally able to get a full picture of how far this cancer has spread. Finding hope has been difficult since it feels like news just keeps going from bad to worse. We were finally able to breathe a desperate sigh of relief when the surgeon said the cancer stopped at Stage 3. I can finally say I have Stage 3 Grade 3 breast cancer. I can’t believe this is good news. We are redefining our definition of “good”. So yes, this is very GOOD news! The cancer is localized, it is not spreading into other organs at this point, and everything is on track. More good news, this is a very common diagnosis, and there are no tricky parts the doctors are having to work through. Simple diagnosis, simple treatment, right? While simple may not be the right word here, at least there is no question on the treatment plan, timing, etc.
Treatment Plan
So here’s the plan. We moved the chemo start date to Aug. 5. Starting on a Monday somehow seemed more fitting, and when we did it we felt another wave of relief. Like we had gained an extra weekend or something. I will be in the first round of chemo for 4 infusions, one week on and one week off (8 weeks). Then, I will receive the second round every week for the 12 weeks. Twenty infusions and 5 months later, I be done with chemo. Barring any issues, 2020 will hold surgery and 100% of the cancer GONE! Radiation will ensure the little devil is gone for good, then back to normal life in one, very long, year. 🙂
This is such a well-researched process that they have everything broken out into Days. I’ll supposedly have a peak “symptom day” anytime between Days 3-7 after the infusion. Each infusion the peak day will be the same, hopefully giving me a little bit of a rhythm. Post-chemo people, is this true?? Also, she said I will begin loosing my hair between Days 14-17, another extremely specific timing.
Thanks for all the loving and kind words of support for us through this, and thanks for caring to read and follow through this maze with us!
Thanks for the update and excellent news about it being localized. Love you so and praying for you daily!
Thanks for the update Amy, the dates and schedule will help with specific prayer. It is really good news that the cancer remains localized. My husband has battled B Cell Lymphoma and his first PET scan that showed it was localized was a real relief. I know that you find victories and hope as you journey through each day. You and the family will remain in our prayers.
Terrific news and such a relief that this is something commonly dealt with! Continuing to pray…..
Hey Amy, I serve with your dad at Vineyard Church in Kansas City. We are praying with you from here and are really thankful for the great doctors and medical staff that are taking great care of you!!
Hi Amy. I’m Ryan’s former drum teacher. I am a lymphoma surviver going on 6-years from my remission. Although my chemo regimen was different from yours, I’m sure there are some similarities. Yes, it definitely develops into a routine. Immediately following treatment, I would always be very groggy and unsteady. I’d usually go home and go straight to bed. Several days afterwards, I’d “crash” and feel extremely fatigued and sometimes nauseated for a day or two. It was extremely important to avoid contact with people who had viruses and the like, as my immune system was very compromised. It took about a month before my hair started falling out, and for me, it was better to just let my “hair guy” finish the job, rather than deal with the clumps of hair in the shower and in bed.
I had a wonderful oncologist and I always had the sense that I would get through it in good shape, which is exactly what happened. I’ve heard that a positive outlook is one of the best antidotes to this, and I believe that to be true. Nevertheless, it’s very unsettling to confront one’s mortality.
I had a fantastic support system in my wife, and I know that will be your experience with Ryan. My wife was with me every step of the way and I know Ryan will be that rock for you. You clearly have a lot of support from family and friends and you’ll find this to be extremely helpful and comforting as, I’m certain, you already have.
God bless you and I’ll be thinking of you daily!
Thanks for keeping us updated Amy! We have been thinking of you and praying for you constantly these last few weeks and will continue doing so throughout this process. Give your girls a big hug for us! We love you! ?
Dear Amy, we are so thankful you are both in God’s healing hands and in the healing hands of an experienced medical team! There will be many trials along the way, with multiple blessings to. Holding you up in prayer constantly.
I love you,
Paulette
Amy, just so thankful for you to hear that this is localized. You have a wonderful family by your side and through their positive strength and the Lord’s strength I feel your strength coming through these words. Love you dearly and so do many prayer warriors!
Bobbie
Thank you for updating us. Andrew and I have been thinking of you on our walk. Praying Amy.
~Kristen and Andrew
I just love you! Thank you for the updates. You are on our minds and in our prayers daily.
Love, Melissa and Chewy
You are in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Precious Amy, l am so happy to be encouraged by your latest post! Oh what a story you will tell some day! Our family is keeping you in our hearts and we just want you to know we are here caring for you. Keep on fighting girl and we will keep on caring @ praying for you! We care about you and your sweet family♥️♥️
Donna and I are so glad you had a bit of good news this week and will continue to pray for you and your family over the weeks ahead. Reading your posts, you have quite a support team!
Jeff and Donna
Hi Ryan and Amy! Ryan, I think you remember me from the Vineyard days. I was at your mom’s gallery last night, and she told me about your diagnosis, Amy. What a blow that diagnosis must be. Wanted you to know that you’ll be in my prayers.