June 23, 2011
Hello friends! I want to give you an update on what has gone on this week in regards to my diagnoses and surgery options. Most of you know that I found out that I'm BRCA 2+, which means I have a genetic mutation that puts me at much higher risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer (oddly enough, it's on chromosome 13 - how unlucky! LOL). Because of this and some reconstruction considerations, I decided to have a double mastectomy instead of the lumpectomy. I am hopeful that I'll be able to have immediate reconstruction, but I will learn more when I meet with the plastic surgeon next Thursday. Because my surgery now needs to be coordinated with the plastic surgeon's schedule, I may not have it on the 19th after all. I will let you know when I know the date.
The other thing that this decision changes is my recovery time. I'm now looking at a month out of work. I have to confess that this causes stress for me. Work is really busy right now and I also need to train someone (actually, several someones) to do my job while I'm gone, which is not an easy task. My role is unique and I work independently. I am trying to write up instruction manuals for those covering for me, as well as stay on top of my ongoing work; it feels a bit overwhelming. I would appreciate prayers that I will have clarity of thought while I work and won't be distracted by all that's going on with my health. I also appreciate your grace toward me for my email response time. Your encouraging emails mean so much to me and I want to reply to each of you individually, so it's been taking a while. You all have given me so many expressions of kindness and care - you make this road 100 times easier. "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" (Phil. 1:3).
The other thing that this decision changes is my recovery time. I'm now looking at a month out of work. I have to confess that this causes stress for me. Work is really busy right now and I also need to train someone (actually, several someones) to do my job while I'm gone, which is not an easy task. My role is unique and I work independently. I am trying to write up instruction manuals for those covering for me, as well as stay on top of my ongoing work; it feels a bit overwhelming. I would appreciate prayers that I will have clarity of thought while I work and won't be distracted by all that's going on with my health. I also appreciate your grace toward me for my email response time. Your encouraging emails mean so much to me and I want to reply to each of you individually, so it's been taking a while. You all have given me so many expressions of kindness and care - you make this road 100 times easier. "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" (Phil. 1:3).
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