Getting caught up...

As our family found out, a lot can change in just two weeks. As most of you have heard, on March 6, we received the news that Barb/Mom has Inflammatory Breast Cancer, which had spread through the lymphatic channels. At that time, the doctor diagnosed her at Stage IV. We all took turns feeling shocked, breaking down in tears, encouraging each other, hugging, getting mad...the whole gamut of emotions. However, true to her character, it did not take long for Mom to begin reading all about IBC. We found out that it is a very rare type of breast cancer that only affects 1%- 3% of people with breast cancer. It does not show up in mammograms and is very hard to detect. We also found out it is pretty aggressive and can spread within a matter of weeks. This explains why it did not show up in the bloodwork that she had done in January. That was the good news; we caught it early.

Mom went in for a PT Scan the following week, and we found out more good news last Thursday. The cancer has NOT spread, and there are no other tumors anywhere in her body! Thank you, God! The oncologist revised her stage as Stage IIIB and put together an action plan for her. This plan consists of four courses (each course lasting three weeks) of chemotherapy, beginning Thursday, March 20. She will be examined throughout the treatment to monitor how the cancer is reacting to the chemo and any necessary adjustments will be made along the way. After this first round of chemo, she will undergo a surgery to remove the tumor from the breast. The surgery will be followed by more chemotherapy. Although we do not know how long all of this will take, we are anticipating a tough year ahead. However, out of us all, my mom is probably more ready for it than anyone!

From the very beginning, when the first doctor told her she had IBC, she quoted scripture right there in the office. Her bravery is evidence of her unwaivering faith. At times, it is my mom who is encouraging the rest of us, telling us it will all be OK. As we have been our whole lives, we are just amazed by her!

Although her spirit is strong, we know there are tougher times ahead. We hope this blog will be a great way to keep everyone updated on her health, but also a way for you to share your prayers, words of encouragement, favorite verses, or advice for her to use as she battles this disease. We will print out the posts for her to read during treatment. Please feel free to pass the site along to those you know who are praying for her. Finally, our hope is that this can serve as a testimony to others going through similar issues and a way to journal this upcoming year.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! We need them and appreciate your support and love!
Love,
All the kids