Sunday, August 1st: While doing a self-breast exam, I found a rather large, hard and tender lump in my right breast.
Wednesday, August 4th: I went to my primary care physician to get the lump checked out. While I was there, they took my blood pressure (as they always do) and it was too high for the 4th visit over the last 6 months. So I was put on BP medicine. Started out with a 10mg dose of Lisinopril.
Wednesday, August 11th: Mammogram and ultrasound on right breast
Saturday, August 14th: Spent the day at Stamp Fever's Grand Opening, came home, settled in, took BP three times every 15 minutes, BP over 200, back to the E.R. Now on 50 mg of Atenolol plus the 10mg of Lisinopril. Back home at 2am
Tuesday, August 16th: Biopsy of Tumor
Thursday, August 19th: Results in - Cancer
Saturday, August 21st: Primary Care Physician (Dr. Lin) called to tell me he was so sorry to hear about the results and that he would be praying for me. He also increased the Lisinopril to 20 mg. Said I needed to get my blood pressure down for any surgery I would have.
Monday, August 23rd: Breast MRI
Tuesday, August 24th: Results back from MRI. Further investigation needed for the incidental findings in both breasts. Why do they call them "incidental findings"? and if they're incidental what's the issue? Some good news! So far the cancer hasn't spread to the lymph nodes
Friday, August 27th: Bilateral Mammogram - pulling and tugging for 14+ (I lost count!) photos and another ultrasound. Mammogram found three "incidental findings" on the left breast and one on the right. Ultrasound? - couldn't find a thing after 40 minutes of applying and reapplying jelly and moving that paddle around. After waiting in the t.v. room with other women clad in hospital gowns for another 30 minutes, I was told I could leave.
Wednesday, September 1st: Appt. with the breast surgeon
Monday, September 13th: Appt. with the Hemotologist/Oncologist
So that's my new journey so far.
So here's the "Outpouring of Love" part of this post . . .
Lezlei Young for planning to come out and play caregiver when I have my surgery . . . Linda Bucci for going with me to one of my scarier appointments . . . Linda Ledbetter for the "special edition post" on her blog August 20th and checking in on me and making me laugh or smile every day with her e-mails and tweets :) . . . and this evening I went to my mailbox and it was just bursting with well-wishes of encouragement!
A big THANK YOU to my friend Eileen Bellomo from ART SAVES LIVES for the Art Angel you created and sent to look out for me and hold the prayers you have for me. She is just gorgeous.
Thank you Lynn Stevens (from Trash to Treasure Art) for the simply BEAUTIFUL book you made for me.
Thank you Terry Horrall (from the ATT Yahoo Group) for the "Encourage Your Hopes not Your Fears" magnet you made for me to display, and the Hope, Live Trust tag. Both are just wonderful creations that I will live by.
Thank you Judy Wood (from the ATT Yahoo Group) for the pretty handmade card with the thoughts and prayers enclosed. x o
Thank you Mary Joyce (from the Scraps of Color Group) for the beautiful handmade "You've Got a Friend" card.
Thank you Carolyn Summers from Carolyn's Creative Whims for the gorgeous card and supportive words! Nice meeting you Carolyn :)
Now let's get back to making some ART!
39 comments:
Oh Sherry,
Good luck with everything. I know this must be such a stressful time for you, just know I'm sending you my best wishes for a speedy recovery. xxx
Sherry you are in my heartfelt thoughts for strength, grace and a speedy recovery.
Sherry, you are in my thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery!
Hey lady I pulling for you here in Jersey!
i thought about you all day today, sherry- knowing you were going back for more tests--glad, at least, that the ultrasound showed nothing--
more good thoughts tonight!
see you tomorrow!
x
m
Well you know your Loved! we are all pulling for you and for a speedy recovery!
Hugs Lynn
You deserve every bit of the outpouring....and I do firmly believe that the power of prayer, the power of love, and the power of friendship will protect and help heal you.
Love,
Eileen
Oh Sherry I am so sorry to hear this news. I am thinking of you and you are in my prayers. Now lets create something fantastic.
You are a fiesty lady and you will beat this beast.
Prayers and healing thoughts being sent across the pond.
Big Hugs
Sheilagh
Be sure and do plenty of art (and call your Dr. in the morning.) As Eileen says "Art saves lives" and I really believe that. Healing thoughts are being sent to you from Michigan.
Hey hunny... I can't help it .. I am crying and I know I should be being brave for you because you are so brave yourself... just reading what you have had to go thru and still have to come just makes me think it is SO blooody unfair... I am sending you THE BIGGEST hug I can and letting you know that you are in my thoughts... and that I truly find you an inspiration.. not only in your art but also in your life too... lotsa love xxxx
Sherry, you have given so much to all of us who admire you - you are receiving even more love and prayers than you could possibly know!
Sherry----I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers!! There are so many of us here for you. Just SCREAM if you need me!! I hope this is all over and you are feeling FABULOUS soon!!
Sherry, I am wishing you the very best. I know your art will also help you through all of this.
Big hugs, Diane
May healing angels surround you, Sherry. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Blessings & Hugs, Terri xoxo
So happy for you to hear that "IT" has not spread! There are a ton of us pulling for you! Sending only good thoughts and healing hugs to you Sherry!
Dear Sherry,
I will have you in my thoughts, and I will pray for you, for a succesfull surgery, and a complete and quick heeling.
Hugs and warm thoughts, from, Dorthe
Sherry more healing thoughts and prayers being sent your way from northern CA.
Linda
OMG!! I immediately said a prayer for you.
I have traveled this journey before you. Scary? You bet! Surgery? Yep! Twice!! Radiation treatment? Yep! 6 weeks! Tamoxifen for 5 years. Done! No chemo 'cause I was stage zero. I am 10 years cancer free now.
Please keep your faith and keep your chin up -- although I know this won't be easy to do. Get a second opinion. Follow treatment instructions to the letter.
For the rest of you -- get mammograms regularly! And do the self-exam! I can't stress this enough!
In the meantime, Sherry, God bless and keep you! I will check in regularly for updates!
Wishing you the best Sherry! So sorry you're having to go through this.
Eileen
Sherry ... (((HUGSS))) to you. I'm praying for you.
My greatest fear...I am so sorry to hear your news. Thoughts and prayers are with you!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry to hear about this. I have traveled this road many years ago and am a happy survivor of many years. If I can ever do anything for you, please let me know. Postive thoughts and energy coming your way for a good outcome.
Sherry, keep writing, and think of how many women you are helping by sharing this. I never knew you could all of a sudden "feel" a lump, this will make me check more closely. And, a lot of us don't check because we don't want to find anything. Artfully yours, Brenda R.
Sherry -
Sending lots of good thoughts and wishes your way. Praying for you, but I know that God has your back! You are loved and admired by many people Sherry and we are all on your side pulling for you!
Elaine Allen
I agree with Eileen-- it makes perfect sense that you're getting such an outpouring of love, because you radiate love with every word, every photo-- and every rockin', soulful song on your blog. I know this wasn't an easy post for you to write, and I'm so proud of you for writing it!
You inspire every one of us, every day, and you're SO going to kick this thing's ass...and we're with you for every step.
Never, ever hesitate to ask for whatever you need. This army of crafty women is here for you!
Much love,
Linda
Sherry, wishing you all the best healthy wishes to you and I will be thinking of you!!
Hugs,
Tami
So very sorry to hear your news ...keep strong and posative ...and pour out your thoughts and feeling if it helps ... so we can pour loads of love all over you.xx
I was sad to read Linda's post about this earlier, but I know you are a strong woman and will pull through wonderfully. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, and hoping for a speedy recovery.
OMG..Have I been under a rock?? I'm so late in reading all of this and am truly sending hugs and prayers...send me your snail mail via PM if you get a chance...thinking of you!!
Kate
I will be thinking of you and praying for you.
I'm so glad for all the love and support you have for this new journey you are embarking on. You have obviously touched the lives of some wonderfully caring people, Sherry. Please know you have my prayers and anything else you need!
bless you dear friend!
Hang in there Sherry and try to be strong so you can kick cancer's ass! I know you can do it after all, it's "incidental", isn't it! You will have my prayers through your battle.
Sherry your in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherry, holding you close and sending big hugs...
Hello Sherry,
I'm so sorry to hear about the breastcancer... Cancer is something so unfair, but it hits so many families.
My father got bladdercancer in 1991 and got a stoma. He lived for ten years more and died in 2001 from the cancer that spread again. He was 77 years old.
You are a lot younger and we are again 10 years further in the medical world. They can't fix it all , but they can do a lot.
I keep my fingers crossed they can remove the tumors and that you have a good healing process.
You may have your bad days, but never lose hope completely ! A positive person can do so much to make healing go better.
I wish you a lot of strength and people that are close to you to support you.
big hug from belgium
Inge
I just read the update as I think of you often when my "menchildren" try to over extend their 17-y.o. wings. Sending you mucho hugs, love and support from afar and wishing I could also be there in America to support you in your fight. Gina
Sherry I have never formally met you, but feel like I know you because of blogging and your wonderful art.
Had been scheduled to participate in a couple of your classes @ Whimzy, and can't wait to meet you once you are up feeling better.
Thank you for taking the time for this post and allowing us in on a very tender time in your life. I truly believe that we are all on schedule with God. And He knows exactly what is taking place with all of us. Keep you eyes on HIM. I know this post had to be difficult for you to write, but so glad you did as writing is healing and so many of us that may not know you personally are given the opportunity to be right there by your side to help lift you up. Sending you a BIG hug and kiss, and "know" you are not alone on this journey.
Sending you lots of positive vibes to get through the surgery and the road to follow. I met you briefly on the Artful Voyage to Mexico and just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you.
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