Four and a half years ago when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer we knew the day would come that my first line treatment would stop working. I was very blessed to have lived life over cancer for 4 and 1/2 years with minimal side effects. During a routine scan it was discovered that the breast cancer in the lining of my right lung is growing. The good news is, it hasn't spread anywhere else! So what does this mean for us? It means that I will no longer be taking Ibrance or receive Faslodex. The cancer has out smarted that line of drugs and its time for something new. I am working with my oncology team to come up with a new plan. Right now we are working to determine if the cancer is in an area that can be biopsied. Breast Cancer over time can change, my original tumor grew off of estrogen, so estrogen blockers were an effective treatment. A biopsy would be able to tell us what this current tumor is feeding off of and what the best line of treatment would be.
The hardest part of all of this is telling my kids. Bryce (20) is half way through college, still playing football, living on his own, working hard and is such a kind young adult. It brings me so much joy to watch my kids grow, and become adults and do the things they love. I don't want them for a second to stop living their life because of me, I don't think they understand the joy it brings a parent to watch them thrive and grow. Peyton (20) is attending Cornerstone University, playing on the basketball team and growing each day into an incredible young man. Brooke (17) just finishing up her junior year in high school is a thriving student, an athlete who is running in the track state finals, an incredibly hard worker and a pure joy to be around. My prayer for them is that during these hard and heavy times they turn to the Lord to lift them and help carry their burdens, that they know his plan is bigger than any of ours.
We learn so much about ourselves when we face trying times, without a doubt I would be in a dark place if I didn't have Jesus in my life. I have learned to live for today, this moment make it count. To be kind, you never know the battle someone else is facing. To do the things that make you happy and bring you joy. Get Busy Living!
We welcome all prayers, for a good biopsy, strength and healing!
Love and Peace,
Chris, Jeff, Bryce, Peyton and Brooke
