We've been busy. Last week I was diagnosed with cancer. Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
I had been having some pain in my left arm for several months which I attributed to carrying around a 20 pound baby all the time. Then I felt a lump in my armpit, noticed some redness, and the pain was not going away. I made an appointment with my doctor, my OB to check it out as it was near my breast. We were referred to another doctor who took some xrays and ordered an MRI. After the MRI I was sent for a biopsy of the mass they saw in my armpit. At the biopsy we found the mass was my enlarged lymph node. The next day we got a call from my doctor saying the preliminary results of the biopsy were in: cancer. Most likely lymphoma. My treatment will probably involve chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Tears. Crying. Sobbing. You never think this will happen to you. More crying.
That was Thursday. Friday we got a call that the rest of the pathology was back and I have Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin's Lymphoma. We wait for a call to tell us when our appointment is at the Lemmen-Holten Cancer Center downtown. The Cancer Center. Unbelievable.
Since we just sold our house, we spent Saturday packing and moving everything out and into a storage unit. I may need surgery so we thought we should just get it out now, and we really needed the distraction. We will be moving into my Mom and Dad's house. Looking back, selling our house was a complete blessing. We can now completely focus on my treatment and recovery, and we will have the help we need with Elise.
Next week will consist of meeting with a fertility specialist, and my oncologist. And probably many more tests to determine exactly what type and stage the cancer is.
This is really, really hard to believe. It makes us so sad, but we are optimistic. With this type of cancer there is a very, very, good chance of a 100% recovery. It makes family the very most important and precious thing you have. Everyone we know has been so supportive and loving. We have amazing friends and family. I definitely hug Elise a little tighter now.
I will keep the blog updated with new information, and of course still provide pictures of our Sweet Elise for your viewing pleasure. :-)
Keep us in your prayers.
We love you, Rach! And we're all praying for you, and thinking about you and your sweet family every minute of the day. And I am not kidding about the every minute thing.
ReplyDeleteI still cannot believe this. It just does not seem possible and definitely is not fair. You are amazing and strong and I have no doubt that you will kick this cancer in the rear. Thank goodness for your family, you are surrounded with love and you WILL get through this!! We love you so much, sweet cousin!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Rachael. Its really hard to find words. Do know, though, that we have been praying for you constantly. Hearing that there is a very, very good chance of a 100% recovery is already a big answer to those prayers. Hang in there. We love you. Uncle John
ReplyDeleteLove you sissy.
ReplyDeleteAubrey couldn't have said it better. Love you all!
ReplyDeleterachael.. i am one of stacy's friends from obu.. my family is praying for you and believe in total healing!
ReplyDeleteLove you Rach! It was so good talking to you. You'll be constantly on my mind and in my prayers.
ReplyDeletePete and I have been keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers constantly too. Man, this is definitely so hard to believe!!!!!!! It's not fair at all, but we know you are such an amazing strong person and will beat this thing and make the best out of this crazy situation. You are an amazing person, Rachel, and you have a lot of people who love you and are standing behind you (and right next to you) 100 percent!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Rachel...my heart goes out to you. We think about you constantly (and pray almost as constantly). These are hard times, I know, but I'm so glad you have your amazing family all around you for support. You'll get through this, I know. Stay strong. We love you.
ReplyDeleteI'm teary eyed again (and every day, thinking of you). We love you so much and you are on our mind, and in our prayers, all the time -- and I truly mean that. I have no doubt you'll conquer this thing, but I'm sure wishing you didn't have to. Love to you, Nick, sweet Elise, and your whole family.
ReplyDeleteOh my god!! I am so incredibly sorry you're going through this! We'll be praying for you so hard -- please please keep us virtual friends updated! <3
ReplyDeleteEmily shared the news with us. Please know that we are praying for you and your family as you walk through this.
ReplyDeletePenny Laird
(((((hugs))))) and tears for you! Praying, praying, praying!
ReplyDeleteWe will definitely add you to our prayer list. You certainly never expect something like this to happen. I pray that you are in the early stages and that they are able to successfully treat it. I am assuming that you will no longer be needing the duplex, but let me know if that assumption is incorrect. Please let me know if there is anything you need.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you guys. Sarah and I will help with anything you need and we'll be here for support throughout the entire recovery.
ReplyDeleteHey Rachel,
ReplyDeleteAbby, Jack and I are thinking about you all the time. I know you have an awesome mom, dad and sisters to help you out--I've only met Nick a few times but I know he'll be great too. Like Stacy said, kick this thing in the butt.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, positive, christian wife and mother you are!! We are praying like crazy!! Love to you all!!
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThis is so unbelievable! Tiffany and I have been hearing the news from my mom. Know that we are thinking about you, and are 100% sure that you will beat this.
your cousin,
Jason
We're praying for you guys! Your strong faith, loving family and friends, and positive attitude will be so important during this time. We love you and are with you all the way!
ReplyDeleteRachael,
ReplyDeleteLinda and I will keep you and Nick in our prayers. We believe in an awesome God, and know he will walk with both of you. You have a large group of family and friends that will support all three of you!
Steve and Linda Westra
Rachel, Nick and Elise -
ReplyDeleteI am friends with Emily and have been following your sweet blog for a while now. Thank you for sharing pictures of your adorable little girl and stories about your family with a blog-stalker like me. You and your family are in my prayers.
I pray that you will "know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!" (from Ephesians chaper 3)
Hi Rachel. I am Stacy's sister in law (Scott's sister). I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in our prayers and we are thinking of you often. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this, but I know you have a wonderful family to help you along the way... what a blessing. We believe in miracles and are praying for one especially for you. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hi Rachel. I am a friend of Emily. Just wanted to let you know I, and my family, are praying for you and yours. May God give you strength when you have none, and his name be glorified when you are healed.
ReplyDelete