Thursday, May 7, 2009

Breast Cancer



My Mother-in-Law was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer today.

We found out that there was a possibility that she may have it about four days ago. She had a surgery biopsy done yesterday, and we received the life wrenching news today. I pray everyday for a cure for this horrible monster of an illness. My own mother had Breast Cancer about 12ish years ago, I was told there is a 70% chance that my sister or myself will get it, because it's in my family genes.
I don't remember being scared or even too aware when my mother was diagnosed and going through radiation. Maybe I was too young and in my own world..

But now, with my MIL... It's indescribable and.. painful.. to understand the possible outcome. I love this woman as much as my own mother, if not more. This is her 4th surgery in the past 6 months! She's had back surgery, gall bladder surgery, a brain tumor removed.....etc. And now Breast Cancer.

She's the nicest, most gentle.. person I've ever known and could ever hope to know. She doesn't gossip, doesn't talk behind one's back, attends church just about every week, doesn't even use fowl language.. (this is a big wow to me) She is a true loyal Christian.

She is OOAK.
My husband asked me today, "What will I do if she dies?" How does one answer this question? It was something that I hadn't considered, but now can't stop thinking about. She has a bad immune system, the common cold usually lands her in the ER. And maybe that's a big reason why this is so scary to me.. I wonder if she is strong enough to fight cancer.

Please pray for this beautiful, one of a kind mother that I've grown to love as my own.


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Breast Cancer Awareness Lampwork Changeable Bangle

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Most breast lumps aren't cancerous. Yet the most common sign of breast cancer for both men and women is a lump or thickening in the breast. Often, the lump is painless. Other potential signs of breast cancer include:
A spontaneous clear or bloody discharge from your nipple, often associated with a breast lump
Retraction or indentation of your nipple
A change in the size or contours of your breast
Any flattening or indentation of the skin over your breast
Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

These are the most common ways to spot Breast Cancer, but please don't only rely on yourself to detect it. Get a mammogram done at least once a year. My MIL did NOT have any of these symptoms, not even a lump. It was found using a mammogram and then ultrasound. If it were not for this check-up, the cancer would still be spreading and she wouldn't have a chance to fight it.

11 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about you MIL, my thoughts and prayers are with you all

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  2. oh god! i'm so sorry to hear that - my thoughts + prayers are with you guys and your MIL.

    xo

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  3. My thoughts are with you and you MIL. I lost my own mother 2 years ago to this disease. Take note of the little things that please her: I brought Mom crossword puzzle books, coloring books, flowers...all things she enjoyed - and could enjoy even when she was by herself. Every little bit of happiness helps fight the disease, or at the least, makes it more bearable.

    Please feel free to email me should you have questions or want to talk with someone who's been there and I will try to help. Don't forget to take care of yourself during this! And thank you for featuring my bracelet.

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  4. Thank you for your kind words and prayers, everyone.

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  5. I'm so sorry about your MIL. my thoughts and prayers are with your family

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  6. Not the best news to receive ever. I'm sending golden green healing thoughts in you MIL direction. Breast Cancer and cancer runs in my family. We've always found that a positive attitude and adding alternative medicine into the treatment makes a huge difference. A fighting attitude and determination to beat it is neccesary and I'm sure your MIL will have the strength and attitude to do just that.

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  7. Hi, I am a 3 time Cancer Survivor! Having Breast & Lung Cancer. Tell your Mother In Law that there is always Hope and to be postitive and strong. Also give here lots of love! Sandy

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  8. Aww, how sad, I'm so sorry. I adore my MIL too and would be devestated if she were going through something like this. Sanseas2000 is amazing, hold on to stories like that!

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  9. I am blown away by you, sanseas2000! I am so happy that you made it through all of that, a very strong person! :) It definitely raises my hopes. Thank you everyone, you're all so wonderful!

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  10. I'm thinking positive thoughts for your MIL, and you and your husband (and everyone who knows and loves her). My heart goes out to you.

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  11. Oh man I know I'm late but I just saw this! I'm so sorry to hear and I will definitely be sending all of my positive-immune-boosting-vibes her way!

    My dear friend and fellow graduate student had to deal with her mother getting breast cancer for the 4th time this last year. It was rough but she's doing great now! I hope that the same outcome is in your future <3

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