Ok... here we go... again!

The big bad cancer is back, BUT I still have a good prognosis. There is a tiny (11mm) spot on my lungs that was discovered in a PET scan after seeing some suspicious business on a CT scan. They (doctor folk) had to determine if we could biopsy the sucker, because it's so small. Turns out they can, which is good news. Being able to biopsy it will give them more information, and determine if it is breast cancer and the same kind, or if it has morphed, or is lung cancer. Chances are pretty high that it's the same stuff, but being able to confirm that will make sure the drug cocktail is appropriate.

The biopsy is scheduled for Tuesday at 8AM. It's a needle through my chest, so I'm really very excited about the process. Who wouldn't want a needle jammed in their chest? The best part is they won't knock me out for the procedure, so I'll be able to truly enjoy it. I'm hoping the results will be back by Friday, but who knows in medical land.

I am looking at chemo for sure, (what a waste of money to dye my hair). I am also looking at a fairly simple procedure to remove my ovaries to put me into menopause, my guess is after chemo, but who knows. The point of that is partly preventative, and partly because the post-menopause drugs are better than pre-menopause drugs. They probably would not open me up to remove the tumor because if chemo will kill it, then they don't need to do such an invasive procedure. Plus, cancer cells really like areas that are in need of healing, so they would be more likely to park in there. I must admit, the idea of cutting it out sounds pretty appealing (sincerely), just because it would be OUT, but opening my chest doesn't sound fun.

Brent and I (and family) spent last weekend pretty stressed and freaked out. Once I had a diagnosis from my oncologist I actually felt much better. I foolishly went online and was googling things... definitely don't do that. I told her I didn't want to know my statistics, my odds of survival, just no. She said "ok, but you're still looking pretty good." That's all I needed to hear. I feel pretty confident and am anxious to get going and kill this stuff. 11mm is pretty small, which is a huge positive. My oncologist drives me nuts sometimes because she's so overly cautious. Turns out we're going to kick this tumor's butt because she was "overly" vigilant. I told Brent I have always thought I would live to be 90 years old, so I may make a sign for my file for the oncologist to have just in case she needs a reminder. Whatever gets me to 90, I'm in.

I debated whether or not I should write on the blog again. I made it 4 years 364 days since my previous diagnosis... I told Brent it's like finishing 8th in the cross country race when the top 7 go to state. Sooooo close. Oh well, 5 years of cancer free this time around apparently wasn't meant to be. I'll get there in another 5 years. I decided to write on here to keep people informed if they're curious, (I'm not offended if they're not), as well as give me a chance to vent. Writing about it seems to help my sanity, so I'll go with that.

We had a great weekend with family, and are headed home to the reality of doctors and scary stuff tomorrow. I am VERY optimistic and feel pretty ready to go. I'm not excited, but we can do this. 

Thanks for supporting us and reminding us how loved we are.