Did you ever see the movie, "Ground Hog Day"...where Bill Murray keeps waking up each day and it's the same day? If you've never seen it -- it's a classic. Right now the movie is especially meaningful for me. I've been going through my annual testing for being cancer free. I passed all tests but one and in the land of breast cancer you must pass them all to graduate. The MRI that I had a few weeks ago came back with something suspicious on the right side (the natural breast) -- a 9mm nodule with suspicious shaping. So after consultations with my oncology surgeon, oncologist and my reconstruction surgeon I've decided to move forward with a mastectomy and reconstruction for the right breast.Ok...calm down. All of the doctor's agree with me. We will not know if what they see on the MRI is cancer until the surgery is done --but it is highly suspicious. You might be asking right about now, "Karen what if it's not cancer?" The benefit of having a mastectomy is that you don't have to continue testing every year and going through the waiting period to find out if you passed. The testing and waiting is torture. If they do the surgery and it turns out to not be cancer -- well then I'll be peaceful no matter what the outcome. Quality of life is what I'm after. One of the nurses I spoke with said, "Karen look at it this way after taking care of the right breast, you'll have two breasts that will age well with you." Definitely a silver lining.
I'm feeling physically fit and mentally grounded. Yoga three times a week, organic diet and a regimen of supplements including my power smoothie in the morning that repairs tissue and supports the immune system...I'm in better shape now than I was a year ago.
Jeff and I are ready to take on this next sequel. In Ground Hog Day each day Bill Murray would experience the day just a little bit better, a little bit wiser and just a little bit closer to his soul...that's how I feel. The surgery is scheduled for July 7th. Last day at work is July 2nd. Recovery and rehabilitation time is expected to be a minimum of 12 weeks. I have the same dream team of doctors that I had last year...honestly, just like Ground Hog Day. Dr. Hyde, the oncology surgeon, will also do a lymphectomy which is removing a lymph to test for metastisis.
I have one thing to say....with God all things are possible. Love Karen
10 comments:
We're all with you, Karen. I support your decision 100% and am sure that other do too. Your amazing journey has touched us in so many ways. I'm healthier now than I was a year ago, by far, and I owe that to you. You're a constant source of inspiration.
I am thinking of you and sending zillions of healing energy sources your way. (Isn't that groovy!!)
I know your dream team will take great care of you and that your right and left will be in perfect harmony.
All my love,
Julie
Dear Karen,
I'm with you one hundred percent, wishing for many years ahead with no breast cancer fears for you. Won't it be lovely just to be done with Ground Hog Day and every day that repeats and repeats itself. May you move forward to sunny days of good health. Paul joins me in sending you our best wishes and love, Ruth
Dear Karen, I hope you will receovery well from your surgery. You are such a strong woman. Thanks Jeff for keeping us updated with her progress. We will pray for you. All our love. Ale & Kirk Thor
Karen,
I'm glad to see that you have once again whipped out your 'Inner Hillary' and are 'in it to win it!' You ROCK!
Mary and I have been thinking of you a lot lately and have often asked 'what was it that Karen would say going into surgery?' We have been meaning to call you to check in and hear your prayer once again. You can expect to here from us later on this month when you are well into your recovery.
Your friends and family must be a tremendous comfort to you at this time.
MUCH love to you, Deirdre
Karen, though we've never met, you have been in my family's thoughts and prayers. Your husband, Jeff sent me a link to your blog when you were first diagnosed. Your blog has really touched and inspired me -- I sent the link to a dear friend of mine who was recently diagnosed. Your writing is a wonderful gift -- and though it may not be top of mind at the moment, you may one day consider writing as your next career.
Hang in there. (And if you are looking for another fun romantic comedy to take your mind off of things, I really enjoyed "Music and Lyrics" with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.)
With positive healing energy and prayers from the Sullivan Family,
Ann, David, Brenna, Mairin and of course, Karma the Wonder Dog
My Dear AK!
Even though thousands of miles seperate us you are aways in thoughts and prayers. I support your decision to go forward with this 110% and I know that the change will only be physical and inside you will still be the AK we all know and love. I send many healing thoughts, many hugs, many kisses your way! We love you from Head to toe!
xoxo
Rebecca
You know I respect a woman who is pro-active. I always agree with not sitting around and worrying about what might happen - go after your own reality!
It was a very brave decision and if you need a pick me up during recovery, just don that fabulous necklace of yours.
We are all thinking of you!
Karen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I'm encouraged each day by your bravery and strength. Remain steadfast and continue to have faith.
With Love,
Ivette Plaza
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