“You Need to Have a Biopsy” (May 29)

Twelve years ago I had triple negative breast cancer, which is the most aggressive breast cancer that exists. For my care I went to MD Anderson. Since then I continue to travel to MDA annually for routine tests. This year I had my mammogram and ultrasound on Friday morning, May 29. That afternoon I met with the Nurse Practitioner to learn the results. After 11 years of annual visits and hearing that all is well, what I would hear at this visit came as a total surprise.

I learned that I needed to have a biopsy because there are “microscopic calcifications” that appear suspicious for cancer. (They are on my left side, whereas the cancer I had in 2014 was on my right side.) Microscopic calcifications are not uncommon, but in some cases they can develop into cancer. The level of suspicion for what my tests revealed was considered “Bi-RAD 4” (which means “very suspicious” for cancer). The nurse practicioner explained that if this is cancer, based on the size of the area, a mastectomy would almost certainly be necessary, and depending on the type of cancer, I would probably also need to be on hormone blockers for five years.

My greatest concern, if it turned out that these calcifications were cancer, was that it might be triple negative cancer again. If so, there would be many challenges—mainly because the most effective chemo for triple negative breast cancer has a lifetime limit and I was already given the lifetime limit 12 years ago. Considering the aggressiveness of this cancer, it is likely that my prognosis would not have been good.

I left that appointment and took an Uber directly to the airport to head home.

The Wonderful Airport Encounter (May 29 )

I arrived at the airport within an hour or so of receiving this heavy news. At this point I felt quite overwhelmed. I was trying to mentally and emotionally process everything I had just heard, and at the same time I was in the midst of the airport chaos. Now I was standing in the security line—physically there, but mentally somewhere else. The woman behind me tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “Is this yours?” She was holding  a small card with a prayer on it that her young adult granddaughter had noticed on the floor. I recognized the card. Jennifer, who is my co-table leader for the Alpha Course, had given me this card and it was in the outer pocket of my purse. I must have pulled something out of the pocket and it fell out. We started a conversation. I learned that she (Marianne) and her granddaughter (Sadie) had come from Fresno to attend a Christian ceremony for a relative. I then explained why I was in Houston and told them about the unexpected news that I had gotten less than two hours prior. This opened the door for Marianne to share words of encouragement with me. After we completed our security check, she asked if it would be OK if she and her granddaughter prayed for me. Of course, I said yes. We walked over to the side, stood in a circle and she prayed a beautiful comforting prayer for me. Just what I needed at that moment! Afterwards, we exchanged contact information and plan to stay in touch.

Scheduling my Biopsy (June 1)

I was told at Friday’s appointment that orders were being put in for my biopsy and that they would notify me about my appointment. Monday morning I decided to call to see if I could speak with the scheduling department and set it up. After two transfers, a lady named Lanelle answered the phone. I explained that I was told on Friday I need a biopsy and was calling to see if I could schedule it. She said she could arrange an appointment. She asked my name. When I told her, she said, “Vicki Gordy! I know you! We met Friday. I’m the one you talked with who used to live in New Orleans. You gave me one of your bookmarks.” (For those who are unfamiliar with my bookmarks, I wrote a book “A Heart for God” which is a free eBook. To share it, I regularly give bookmarks to people I meet. If you are interested in checking it out, go to heartforgod.org.) So, back to Lanelle. She was very accommodating and set me up with a 1:30 appointment that Wednesday. Then, she told me that before we get off the phone she wanted to pray for me! And she did. Another, beautiful, powerful prayer.

Transportation and Somewhere to Stay (June 2)

I was in the process of renting a car for the drive to Houston when my brother Jim called and offered to loan me his car. (His car is a little newer than mine—so likely more dependable.) I really appreciate that several people offered to accompany me on the drive, but at this point I felt like I needed some solitude. I was looking forward to a leisurely, quiet drive when I could start to process all that was happening. So, Tuesday morning I set off for Houston. Because of bad thunderstorms off and on along the way, and glitches with my GPS (going silent) the drive didn’t at all turn out to be what I imagined, but I made it to Houston safe and sound, nonetheless. The night prior to the biopsy I was able to stay at the home of my friends, Jodie and Doug, which is about an hour from MDA.

The Daily Devotional (June 3)

I love to write to express my thoughts and feelings. When I woke up early Wednesday morning I opened my laptop and began typing. I typed these words: “The body of Christ is ministering to me in amazing ways through many who are his hands and feet. It is so comforting to me to know that there are many people praying for me. And I’ve also received many words of encouragement. I feel loved and supported.” Immediately after typing these words I opened my phone to a daily devotional that is sent via a group text. Jorge, who was an attendee at the Alpha Course last fall sends daily inspiration to the ten of us who were at our table. Considering what I had just written, I was amazed at the devotional he sent:

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Surprising Comfort in the Midst of Grief

Can anything good come from grief? From mourning a deep loss? From weeping over a profoundly heavy heartache?

While grief is a necessary part of life, no one longs to grieve. But in the second beatitude—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 ESV

No one can appreciate rain more than someone who’s lived in the desert. No one can value food more than someone who’s truly been starving. And no one can know God as their Comforter like someone who’s desperately needed comfort.

Unfortunately, death, decay, and disappointment are a part of this world. But even in our sorrow and suffering, God stands ready to comfort us—in unique and meaningful ways that only He can.

The Holy Spirit is often called the “Comforter,” as well as “Helper,” “Counselor,” or “Advocate.” But regardless of what He’s called, it’s always who He is. Even in our grief, He’s always a God who has our best in mind.

And so, how does God comfort us? He does this through His Spirit, through His Word, and by working in and through His people. 

Do you have the eyes to see how He’s pursuing you? Have you opened your heart to His comfort? 

If you are a follower of Christ who is mourning today, remember: Jesus Himself promised that you will be comforted. He’s always good, He’s always faithful, and He’s right here, ready to help.

(A Youverse Bible app devotional)

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Someone to Accompany Me for the Biopsy (June 3)

MDA has a policy that if a patient wants to take something to help them relax before the biopsy they must have someone with them. As it turned out, Darlene (a lifelong friend) was staying about a mile from MDA (her husband is a patient there). So, she was able to accompany me for the procedure.

Bad News / Good News (June 5)

My phone rang midday Friday and I saw the call was coming in from MDA. I wrongly assumed it would be good news, because I was told that if the result is benign I would probably know that within 2 days, but it would take longer if it is cancer because additional testing would be needed to determine different characteristics of the cancer. Since this was exactly 2 days after my biopsy I thought it must be benign. However, I could tell almost immediately by the tone of the woman’s voice that she was not getting ready to share good news with me. As soon as I knew it was cancer I once again got my daughter on the phone. I was so releived to learn that what I have is NOT triple negative breast cancer. The prognosis for this cancer after surgery and medication is very good. So, while I certainly don’t like having cancer, I am thankful that it is not triple negative.

My Next Steps

I am planning to have my surgery and treatment through M D Anderson in Houston. I have an appointment with a surgeon Monday, June 15 and an appointment with my oncologist on June 24. I am hoping to have my surgery by the end of the month. And, here’s another blessing to mention:  My daughter is a physician. She has been working as a resident for the last 4 years. Her final date to work as a resident is June 23—then she will have a two month break before she begins her position at Ochsner. The timing could not be more perfect! Thank you, Lord! So, she will be able to accompany me for my surgery and care for me during the recovery period. I’m so grateful for God’s provisions!

Major Change in Plans (June 8-10)

I previously mentioned that I would have my surgery at M D Anderson. I was all set for my June 15 appointment at MDA with the surgeon. However, I have decided to have my surgery in New Orleans at Ochsner instead. My surgery date is set for July 7. (My oncologist will still be Dr. Karuturi at MD Anderson—the oncologist who I had 12 years ago.) What led to the change is a long story. If you’re interested in details, here is what happened:

Monday night (June 8) I spoke with a lifelong friend (Mary) who now lives in Florida and recently went through very similar medical circumstances to what I’m now experiencing. I wanted to know what to expect post-surgery. I had been trying to imagine what it would be like to make the long drive from Houston to New Orleans after that type of operation. (Under the circumstances, I couldn’t imagine flying as an option.) My surgery 12 years ago was at M D Anderson, but it was a simpler surgery. With that surgery Amy and I drove home several days later. It was uncomfortable, but do-able. I wondered how I could even have on a seat belt for my upcoming surgery on this long drive. The description Mary gave me about what her experience was like confirmed my concerns. But, it wasn’t just the drive home that I would have to endure. I would need to return to Houston two weeks post-surgery for the follow-up procedure with the drains. The only other way to do this would be for my daughter Amy and I to remain in Houston for two weeks after surgery and I certainly didn’t want us to be gone that long. At this point, the logistics of what I was facing felt overwhelming.

Then, Mary asked the question that changed everything for me. She asked if I would consider having the surgery in New Orleans. My first thoughts were resistant to that idea, because I have so much confidence in MDA. Then, as we continued to talk, what I have believed about MDA for years started coming to mind: that, while MDA does have excellent doctors, I know there are also great doctors outside of MDA. But, what really sets MDA apart in my opinion is their diagnostics and their treatment decisions. I, and others I know, have benefitted greatly from these aspects of MDA’s care. That is why every year for over a decade I have made the effort and gone through the expense of traveling to MDA for my annual tests.

As Mary and I were still on the phone, I began to think more about MDA’s diagnostics and treatment decisions as related to my upcoming surgery. I realized that I had already benefitted from MDA’s diagnostics this time since my mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy were all done there. And it occurred to me that if I decided to have my surgery at Ochsner, I could also have my pathology sent to MDA afterwards to be re-tested—benefitting again from their diagnostics as a second opinion. As for their treatment decisions, since I will be under the care of my MDA oncologist, I would have the benefit of their post-surgical treatment decisions. So maybe I could have the surgery here in New Orleans afterall. I began to think about how much simpler things would be. I told Mary I would strongly consider it, but only if I could get the information I needed from Ochsner prior to the upcoming weekend when I leave for Houston, and I said I would work on it in the morning.

Mary beat me to it! 😊  I woke up Tuesday morning and evidently she had done some research the night before. She had sent me the profile of Dr. Erin Elder, who specializes in the type of surgery I need. I liked what I read about her and called to set up an appointment to get the information I needed to make my decision. Although the first appointment she had on the books was late June, I explained my circumstances to the person I was speaking with. She gave me an appointment for 10AM the next day (Wednesday, June 10).

My daughter Amy joined in on the appointment via FaceTime. We found Dr. Elder to be very thorough, easy to talk with, and she gave me all the information I needed to make my decision. I let her know I want her to do my surgery. She set up my pre-op appointments on the spot, including two appointments that day.

Additional Assurance Regarding my Surgeon (June 12-15)

Friday night I received a call from Beth (someone I know who is also a volunteer with the Alpha Course). She called to check on me. Beth had breast cancer late last year. When I told her my surgeon would be Dr. Elder she said, “Dr. Elder was my surgeon!” Beth had nothing but great things to say about Dr. Elder. I was comfortable with my decision prior to this, but it sure is nice to get that kind of feedback from a someone I know. 

Then, on Monday night I spoke with someone I’ve been friends with for decades. I knew she had a surgery that was similar to the surgery I am scheduled to have. What I didn’t know was who did her surgery. Turns out, Dr. Elder also did her surgery! And, once again, she had a wonderful experience with her.

MRI (June 12-15)

I had an MRI Friday. The online results came in Friday afternoon. An MRI is more sensitive than a mammogram so sometimes the results can show additional cancer or larger areas of cancer. Thankfully, no additional cancer was reported and the size of the area where the calcifications are was almost identical to the previous tests. There was one thing mentioned on my report that concerned me, however. I saw that the cancer was .5 centimeters from my chest wall. I sent Dr. Elder a message Friday afternoon asking about this. It was a huge relief when she replied Monday with a very detailed explanation about why this is not an issue of concern.

Another Major Change in Plans!  (June 10-June 16)

I will have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. Date of surgery is still the same: July 7. 

Details are below for anyone who is interested:

On June 10 when I met with Dr. Elder, after discussing my type of cancer, she asked what type of surgery I was interested in having—a lumpectomy (followed by radiation) or a mastectomy. I told her I didn’t know a lumpectomy would be an option. Then I explained to her that at MDA, the nurse practitioner who initially let me know I needed a biopsy told me that when the diameter of the area with cancer is more than 2 cm. the surgeons usually do a mastectomy—not lumpectomy—and that my area is 3.3 cm. Dr. Elder responded that although my diameter is 3.3 cm, the measurement from top to bottom is only 1 cm. She explained that this fact makes a lumpectomy possible. (I think it is likely that if I had kept my appointment with MDA’s surgeon, I would have been given the same options.)

The lumpectomy/radiation became an option after my results were in from the MRI and the genetic test I took and cleared the way. On Friday, June 12, I cleared the MRI hurdle.  Then, late Monday, June 16, I received the results of the genetic test. So, I have been cleared to have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy which is a simpler surgery with a shorter recovery period. I am so thankful!

(Heading to MD Anderson next week to meet with my oncologist.)

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Dear family and friends, 

Thank you so much for your prayers and for those who have helped (and who have offered to help) in various ways. I feel loved and supported.

My prayer is to be the same blessing to others that my family and friends (and even strangers) have been and are being to me.