Thoughts a Few Days Before my Double Mastectomy

I feel a bit like I have been getting ready for a safari. I've had to get supplies together, study the route, and make a plan to meet the challenges. I know it will be exhausting, uncomfortable, painful, and even dangerous, but it will also be worth it. I trust my guide, and have a strong companion to go with me. All is nearly ready to begin. 

Yes, I'm physically prepared. I have discussed the possible problems with my surgeon. My home is clean, food is stocked up and meals cooked. Also, I  have old comedy videos to help divert me afterward from the trauma my body is experiencing. I have also been spiritually preparing through daily reading of the scriptures, praying, and listening to General Conference talks. 

My 72 Birthday - Ovarian Cancer, MCAS, and Lynparza

 

I made it! Today is my 72nd birthday which I enjoyed spending with my family. 

Last year about this time, I was in the hospital and had been just diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 3c (cancer cells covered all inside my abdomen, but had not yet invaded any organs). When I was asked what I wanted for my birthday, I replied, "to go home!"

I was told that without chemo treatment, I would only live three months. My CA125 cancer marker was 1,900 (35 is where you have cancer) and there was little hope that I would live, but through the the power of God, the prayers of others, four chemo treatments, and an hysterectomy, my cancer is now in remission. 

This year I've come to feel how much I am loved, and have seen over and over how the Lord has interceded in my life to help me. Just this last month, I was concerned about having to go off of antihistamines for five days around the 4th of July so that the allergist could test for medications for my upcoming

Choosing to have a Mastectomy

This has been a very challenging month for me, but I have been expecting it for a long time. After my hysterectomy last October, many people congratulated me saying that they were so glad that I was now cancer free. I couldn't bring myself to say that I had only completed phase one. A month ago, I knew I was now strong enough for phase two. The time has come for me to have the double mastectomy I knew I would have to have. Don't worry. There is no sign of cancer, but because I have the BRCA2 gene mutation, I need to have this preventative surgery. I had wanted to wait, hopefully for years, until I actually started to develop lumps, but I can't.