I recently learned that I have breast cancer.  I'm still gathering information, but I've started this blog as a way to keep anyone interested informed on this new journey.  


History:  I found a lump about 6 weeks ago.  After monitoring it for a month to see if it would change or go away, I went to my family Dr.  Since I had a normal mammogram in Sept. 2011, she didn't think it was cancer, but sent me for more testing just in case.  On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, I arrived for my 2:15 appointment.  At 7:00 p.m., I left the office.  After mammograms and ultrasounds, Dr. Mitchell stayed late with his staff to do a biopsy so I could leave the next morning to take Heath on a college visit.  He said it looked like cancer,since I had no signs of infection.  We told the kids that it was almost certain that it was cancer.  Dr. Mitchell sent the tissue off stat. Wednesday at noon, 18 hours later, I received a call confirming there was cancer both in the left breast and in the lymph node under my left arm.    


We let the news soak in for the rest of Wednesday and Thursday.  Thursday night we shared the news with our moms and siblings.  We'd planned to have a small family fast on Sunday, but expanded the news sharing to extended family and close friends.  Sunday there were countless family, church family, and friends joining us in praying and fasting for me.  It was very touching.  I feel so loved.  I have been feeling the power of those prayers.  It is an amazing feeling to feel the love and support of so many, and the blessings of heaven giving peace and comfort to me and my family.  Thank you so very much!  


Monday's news:  Today we met with the surgeon.  The pathology results told us what kind of cancer it is, so the oncologist can decide what meds to treat it with.  We will spend this week and next week gathering more information and meeting with doctors to make the plan.  I'll have some blood tests, an MRI of the chest area, and on Friday a PET/CT test (a scan from my neck to my knees) to make sure there is no cancer anywhere else.  Next week we'll meet with the oncologist to discuss chemo options based on all of the info gathered.  Then we'll meet back with the surgeon, possibly another surgeon, and then make a game plan together with the entire team.  


So, the good news for today:  1) I'll be able to decorate for and attend Mormon Prom!! (Which I LOVE doing!), 2) In approximately 9-12 months I should be cancer free, 3) I can get any kind of haircut I've been too chicken to try, because if I don't like it, it will soon be gone.  If I do like it, I'll know what to try once my hair grows back.  4) I'll get to spend time with my family, see my kids marry, be a grandma, and hopefully a great grandma.  5) I feel complete peace and somehow this exhilaration for this new experience that will stretch our entire family to new levels.  


Mountains to Climb is the talk that inspired the title of this blog.  Unlike President Eyring, who prayed for a mountain of his own to climb; I knew NOT to pray for such a thing, because prayers are answered.  I know that my Lord and Savior will be by my side, along with the help and support of the wonderful angels I'm surrounded by--my family and friends.  I'm thankful for this opportunity to grow.