Tests

The results from the lymph node biopsy was "atypical". The Radiologist who reviewed the results recommends that we have the lymph node removed and checked further. It is up to the doctors as to when they remove it/them.

I went in for the CT scan and the bone scan today. The first test started at 8:00 a.m. The kids weren't too excited about having to get up so early. They had to leave for Claudine's house by 7:20, an hour before they normally leave for school. The tests went well. I did have some stomach pain and nausea after. I think it was caused by the gross stuff they have you drink before. Shawn rubbed it in that I had to drink the stuff because he had to do the same test in October. I lucked out and was able to put mine in the fridge. They say that it tastes better cold. The results will hopefully be back in time for my appointment with Dr. Gray on Friday. As of right now I am only scheduled for an appointment on Friday which means I will probably start chemo next week.

My appointment with Dr. Jordan went well. It took longer than we expected. He was running about an hour behind schedule because he was stuck at the hospital. I am scheduled for surgery at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. The surgery should last approximately 45 minutes. I might even be home before the kids leave for school. Ruth will hopefully be able to take the kids to school and my mom will stay with me while Dave goes back to work. I am so grateful that we have friends and family to help keep things as normal as possible for the kids.

Yesterday mom and I went to look for wigs in Salt Lake. We found a cute one at Patty's Wig Wam. I will probably order that one if my hair falls out. We stopped at another store that the insurance thought might have wigs. They didn't have any but the sweet lady there gave me a beautiful pink and black scarf and a bag of candy with the following poem.

Carol's Breast Cancer Survival Kit
A stick of gum - to remind you to stick with it...
A candy hug or two - for when you need one... (One of my friends already gave me a whole bag of hugs.)
A tootsie roll - to remind you to not bite off more than you can chew...
A smartie - to help you on those days when you don't feel so smart...
A starburst - to give you a burst of energy on those days when you don't have any...
A snickers - to remind you to take time out to laugh...
A lifesaver - to remind you that there are many times when you or others need help...
A sweet tart - Remember, there are sweet and tart things in everything we do...
A bag - to keep it all together.

She also told us the the address for the American Cancer Society in Salt Lake. We stopped by there and picked up some more information. They had some wigs that people have donated that you could take for free. There was one in my hair color and long enough that I can have it cut to look better. I have an appointment with my stylist on Friday to see what she can do with it. I can wear it for awhile to see if I can even stand a wig before I spend the money for the one I really like.

There are so many little positive things coming out of this already. When I think about what is going on around me I can see Heavenly Father's hand in setting things up before hand so that they are in place when I need it. One of those things will benefit many more people than me. Two young women in my ward are making "Cancer Cans" for their Young Women's project. The story as I heard it is that they were trying to think about what to do for their projects. One of them thought they should do the cancer cans. The next day they went to church where the Young Women attended Relief Society opening exercises. That was the day that I told everyone that I had cancer. When they went home they knew what they wanted to do. The cancer cans are a can with a blanket and other items, like coloring books for kids, to brighten cancer stricken days. The cans will be donated to Huntsman Cancer Institute and Primary Children's Hospital. They want to make enough to give one to each chemo patient at both hospitals. Each can costs approximately $5. They are asking for either money or gift card donations so that they can either purchase the items or supplies to make the blankets. Let me know if you would like to donate to their project. I will help you get in touch with Camille and Kaitlin. Just one more blessing that is coming out of a bad situation.