Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Health Issues

I would like to ask you to join me in praying for someone close to me who is going through some tremendous trials in her health. I know she would appreciate your prayers and support as she deals with testing and treatment.

Speaking of health, I want to share what has been going on with me for the past few weeks. I've hesitated to blog about it, because I never want to attract undue attention to "me", but it's been sort of heavy on my mind and I'm thinking that maybe writing about this issue will help me to work through it. I'm beyond worrying about it at this point, but have noticed that my blogging is feeling a bit "blocked" and I think that's partially because I have yet to address this issue with you, my friends and family.

A few weeks ago, I went in for my annual mammogram as scheduled. I hate to report that it's been more than a few years since I had the last one, but I'm trying to remedy my procrastinating ways. The mammo showed some abnormalities, so it was followed up the next week with a second round and an ultrasound which showed an area of "microcalcifications".

I've been down this multiple mammogram route in the past, so I wasn't worried since previous bouts of anxiety have proven to be nothing but a waste of time. In this case, the second round led to a core needle biopsy procedure, which I had last Wednesday. The procedure is done in a Radiologist's office and took about two hours to complete - it wasn't comfortable, but gratefully I had local anesthesia and the resultant pain hasn't been too bad.

The biopsy results came in late Friday, and the diagnosis they have given me is "Lobular carcenoma in situ", which seems to be nothing more than a heightened possibility of cancer, but not cancer itself. Thanks be to God, that was great news! My doctor is now referring me to a breast surgeon, who will help me look at possible treatment options. Since I haven't met with the surgeon yet, I don't know what the outcome will be, but it's likely that we will just need to be more vigilant about regular screenings - which means an end to my procrastination! I don't know when I will be having the appointment with the surgeon - that process is still being worked out with insurance.

In the mean time, I have a few reasons for sharing this with all of you. The first, and most important, is to beg you moms out there to please be vigilant about scheduling and keeping your routine medical appointments. We often care for everyone except ourselves, and in doing that we do our family a disservice! Had this been something more serious, I would have felt very guilty about skipping appointments for the past few years!

The second reason I'm sharing this is that it's been keeping me from being my best the past few weeks - I've alternated between distraction, anxiety, and then pain and the recovery process. I've got lots on my plate right now, and adding this little medical situation into the mix threw me over the edge a bit. But now that I know what the situation is, I'm feeling much more calm and ready to get back to business.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for whatever prayers and support you can offer, not only to me but to all of our fellow moms who carry crosses, large or small, this week. I'm blessed to have so many people in my life who inspire, support and uplift me every day!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing Lisa. We so often do indeed swallow up ourselves because we are so busy being everything to everyone. I, too, suffer from that vice, and neglecting my health is the ultimate in selfishness. Thanks for the very real reminder that we need to prioritize better.

You are of course in my prayers. A Spanish blessing, loosely translated, goes something like this: May our Mother's gentle mantle cover you and keep you safe.

Anonymous said...

Lisa thank you for sharing with me. Reading your story really made me think.. I personally need to start to take care of me and I HAVE to fit Dr apts in the schedule for ME.

You are in my prayers always.

Unknown said...

Lisa, thanks for sharing.

I too need to be vigilant since, my mother died of breast cancer in the early 80's. In those days, women did *not* share so openly about breast cancer. Thank God we are more open... even sharing on blogs!

Peace to your day.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Lisa.
I too have had recalls, etc. and stopped worrying. You remind me to be vigilant and never take anything for granted. I will continue to stay with this.
Denyse

Frank Mélotte said...

our prayers are with you, Lisa.

Anonymous said...

I say a prayer to St. Peregine every night for friends who have cancer, may have cancer or have survived cancer. I will include you in my prayers. Much love.

Mike Kuypers

mrlincoln said...

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for sharing this. I am glad that it wasn't a more serious diagnosis, but I will definitely keep both you and your friend in my prayers. You know that your fellow Catholic Moms are always ready to support you in prayer.

Best wishes,
Patrice

Anonymous said...

Dearest Lisa,

You are brave to share your personal health issue challenge. I'm glad you did because I know that it will help so many out there including the ones who have already commented as a reminder to care for themselves. I'm also glad that you shared this so that others can pray for you. You do so much in so many ways for the others in your life. Now you can be the recipient of care and prayers from others.

I pray that our Blessed Mother will keep you close to her Son, Jesus as you go through all of this. I'm so glad that it isn't any worse. I hope that you can perhaps take a little break from anything sressful and take good care of yourself.

Prayers, hugs, and love,

Donna

Anonymous said...

Oops, that word is supposed to be "stressful" not "sressful." My eyes are going! :)

Unknown said...

wow, I'm feeling loved! Thanks so much for all of your kind responses. It helps so much to know that I have all of your prayers. Now y'all need to get busy scheduling your own appointments!
L.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa.

((hugs))