Unexpected Surgery NEXT WEEK

So I am using the above copyrighted photo as a sample, to show you what I'm talking about when I describe how I need to have surgery in order to have more lymph nodes removed.  There was a spot of malignant cancer (.4mm) on the right sentinal lymph node (normally breast cancer's first lymph node to invade-- you have one-two on both sides).  This is so microscopic that some oncologists don't know whether to count that as a positive or negative lymph node.  My hemotology oncologist (Dr. Julia Cogburn at Florida Cancer Specialists) is concerned that there could be a microscopic dot on another lymph node, since the lymphatic system is connected, and that if not removed it could cause the cancer to be able to metastasize.  My surgical oncologist is very conservative, and skilled (his brother actually started the breast center at MOFFIT, then they opened a private practice together).  He painstakingly takes samples of areas that would make a difference cosmetically, before just removing it all.  He is cognizant of making sure there are more than adequate margins of healthy tissue as well.   Normally when auxillary lymph nodes are removed, all 5 are removed together.  Dr. Cox will remove the next two lymph nodes on the right side only, and if clear, will leave the rest alone. (Please pray that the first two lymph nodes come back clear and that the rest will be left alone!)  Many surgeons would remove all 5, but he would rather painstakingly test each one, and then take more only if needed, so that I can minimize my risk of lymphodema (long term swelling in the arm that can be difficult to treat).  This, I thank him for!  I thank God for my combination of physicians that are so caring for my well-being, physically and emotionally.  I will also have a port placed on the right side of my chest during the same surgery to keep my veins healthy during chemotherapy infusions (an implant under the skin that will later be removed).  Yay for two implants!  At least I'll have one on each side now.  Haa!  (Actually please pray that I adjust to it quickly and that it causes minimal scaring.  The number of scars on my body is getting ridiculous.  I look forward to having no scars in heaven someday.)

So my husband actually has a procedure on the 28th, and has no vacation days left, except one for the 28th (he used the other ones for my first surgery).  A sweet friend of mine has offered to go to the surgery with me.  What an outpouring of love!  You know who you are, thank you!  And, if any of my dear friends have to face surgery alone, please let me come be with you.  I would like to "pay it forward" the comfort of just having someone to pray with and "be there."

On that note, I have been researching Vitamin infusions to help if any of you know a good physician in the Tampa area that does infusions, to remove toxins and boost immune system for cancer patients, let me know.  I've found a couple, but time is short and I need to move quickly cause chemo starts before Christmas!  On that note, please pray that the oncotype report comes back as moderate or low aggressiveness.  We know that the cancer is not super low aggression, which is why I need at least some chemotherapy, but right now I only need 4 rounds of less toxic chemo, instead of 8 rounds of super toxic chemo, which could have longer lasting effects on my body.   The more toxic chemo regimen is required if the cancer comes back as super aggressive.  Thanks for your prayers!

A lot of people have said that I'm dealing with a lot.  Yeah, ok, its a lot.  I'm not specially equipped for hardship (that I can tell), I'm not strong.  I just know God has my back. I didn't pick cancer, but I am confident that God allowed it in my life for a reason.   And He has my family's back to.  Do I have moments of weakness?  ohh yeah, we all do,   But usually I'm just like this <3: