Sunday, September 5, 2010

To Chemo or Not to Chemo? That Was the Question.

Last Tuesday, while I was still in the hospital from having Emma,  our surgeon called on my cell phone.  She asked if I had heard of the results of the pathology report from my surgery.  I hadn't.  My heart stopped for just a moment... I thought we had all the news.  Thankfully, it was good news.  The invasive part of the tumor was only 4mm and the non-invasive part of the tumor was 7 mm.  She told me there was a chance that I would NOT have to go through chemo.  I have to admit, I was hopeful at that prospect, but did not count on it.  I figured I would rather be surprised on that outcome than count on it.  Well, the tumor board met together on Thursday to go over my case.  There were 5 medical Oncologist.  After reviewing everything, it was unanimous 5 - 0 that I should go on chemo.  Again, because of my age and the type of cancer it is - or WAS.  I had a moment of tears.  It is just really strange to me only because I feel well.  I don't feel sick or tired and so to face chemo in the next few weeks is just really strange.  I understand it, but it is just strange - mentally.  I am over the tears and have come to terms with it and I am okay!  It will be okay!  Talmage and I were praying that whether I went on chemo or not would be difinitive ... and it was, so we feel at peace that we are doing everything we can to make sure the cancer is gone.  I think we are both even grateful that I am going on chemo, so that we don't have to always wonder if we did everything we could.  It is worth it.  I would way rather be a mom and a wife than have long hair. 
Now, we are waiting to make an appointment with the Oncologist to discuss exactly what the treatment plan will be.  Hopefully we can do this very soon so we have time to figure out how to schedule help when needed.  I am hoping to not have too many sick days.  We'll see.   We have had an amazing outpouring of love, prayers and support from SO many people.  We are all so grateful. 
We love you!
Danae, Talmage and Family

D&C 68:6
"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am and that I am to come."

2 comments:

  1. Danae, I tracked this blog down through a facebook "status" post. I have been thinking about you so much. Maybe I should have called, but I don't know how sick you are of telling people the news, and how tired you are with this little one. that is probably why you started a blog (my assumption anyway), I am so relieved to hear all this information. It sounds like the cancer is removed from your body and the chemo will make it a sure bet. Chemo will be hard. My heart goes out to you, but I know if you are like me, you will need that certainty in your mind that you have done all and everything to completely erase it. You will get through this. I can't believe you have to get through this right now, you are so strong. I am so glad Talmadge followed through with his gut instinct and you found all this out. We all love you and are so concerened for you. Enjoy this baby right now and put that chemo out of your head until the day you start it. you deserve that at least! Emma is beautiful.

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  2. Emily -
    You are so kind! Thank you for your concern and for your notes. They help lift me up. Thank you. I know it's going to be rough for a few months, but I have felt such peace that we will get through it. And your right, I am just going to put chemo out of my mind for now and just enjoy my family. They are the reason that I am doing chemo anyway...
    Thanks again for all that you do!
    Danae
    p.s. Your soup was so yummy tonight. We ALL gobbled it up! Thank you!!

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