Buella was entirely removed along with five lymph nodes and all the breast tissue they could remove on both sides. The tissues and tumor were sent for pathological testing. The report came back and was not what we hoped for.
Buella has spread to the lymphovascular system, lymph nodes, and tissue around the nodes. Buella was also less than 1 mm away from the chest wall, so cancer cells are likely in the chest wall too. The tumor grade was thought to be a Grade 1 before surgery (not aggressive), and has now been determined to be a Grade 3 (most aggressive and has the highest recurrence rate).
The news was hard to receive as I was praying for it to be all contained in the single tumor, and that would mean just surgeries and careful watching for a bit. However, this is not the story of my journey. I will need radiation, and we are waiting for the Oncotype test to come back to determine the need and type of chemotherapy. This will take 4 weeks, and we cannot start any treatment until I am healed from the double mastectomy.
As shocking and unsettling as this information was for our family, I am so grateful that we serve a God who isn’t surprised or rattled by the pathology report. He knows the whole story and the exact time and date when healing will manifest itself. He is in control, so I don’t have to be. I praise Him through this journey as I heal and love those around me well.
Although Buella’s aggressive behavior will further delay my trip to Italy, I can read, write, heal, and praise Jesus while snuggling under the blanket our daughter, Evelyn, and bonus son (SIL), Connor, gifted me. It is a blanket with the Italian coast printed on it. Each day, I will continue to focus on loving the people God has blessed me with, capturing the miracle of now moments, grieving with Jesus holding my hand, and praising God through every page of this adventure.
Prayers are always appreciated, and I would love for you to pray for my loved ones. They are in various stages of grief, too, and I just want them to each fall deeper in love with Jesus through this diagnosis.
Oh my goodness Ali. I am so sorry to hear this. You are courageous and brave and your faith in the Lord is amazing and honestly something I struggle with daily. I’m always trying to control situations and not giving it to the Lord enough.
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for you continuously. Please, please just reach out if there is anything we could ever do for you or your family.
Sending all the prayers, positive vibes, love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you. I pray for a miraculous healing. In Jesus name.Amen.
ReplyDeletePraying for full recovery and healing
ReplyDeleteSending prayers for you and your medical team. God is in control and He loves you and yours. I love the blanket, what a blessing.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers for all of you.
ReplyDeleteSending you so many prayers. I know god will comfort and guide you all through this journey🤍
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this. Will be praying for complete healing. Love you! Saundra
ReplyDeleteAli- I will be praying for you. I hate this news. Love your precious faith in this.
ReplyDeleteHi Ali, I am sorry the news wasn't as everyone had hoped. You have the best idea though...take time, rest, heal. Let others do things for you....it helps them and you. Use your experiences to educate others, keep thanking God for each sunrise, rain, sunny, pretty clouds, and sunset. Prepare for the next part of the process. All of this will help your journey. Sending prayers and love to you all. Barb
ReplyDeletePraying for healing. Thank you for your strong testimony of faith!
ReplyDeleteI am believing for a miracle! God, I ask for your healing to come quickly! Love you Ali 💕
ReplyDeleteHello my friend, My heart grieves with you as you heroically fight this unwanted guest that has affected your body. You are absolutely precious my friend and you and your family are in my prayers daily. I am so honored to have our paths cross during your brief stay at BUE. I am fighting for you in my prayers.
ReplyDelete