I haven’t written in a while because I’ve been waiting and waiting on some test results and couldn’t form thoughts or write about the what-ifs without driving myself insane.
Well, there’s no easy way to say this, I got results today and I have breast cancer.
I. Have. Breast. Cancer.
It still doesn’t seem real. I’m 38. No family history. I had all of my kids before the age of 30 and I breastfed them all. It just happened. I still can’t believe it.
I went in for my annual OBGYN check up two weeks ago and she felt a lump. I was shocked. I do self exams, but I never felt it. So I went last week (after almost 10 days of waiting I might add) for a diagnostic mammogram. They found another suspicious area in my other breast. So I had three biopsies last Thursday. I got the results today. Invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 1. That’s the good news. If you’re going to get breast cancer, this is the one to get. It’s common, treatable and we caught it super early. Thank God. All good news, right? I have an appointment at the University of Michigan on Monday where we will get more results and a treatment plan. I’m definitely having surgery and possibly radiation and chemo. I still can’t believe those words are part of my vocab right now.
We are in shock. And scared. And angry. And in disbelief. We told the boys but not Olivia because we don’t think she’ll understand since I don’t look sick at all. We’ll tell her as things roll along. The boys were upset but they’re OK. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I worry about them the most. Hopefully it won’t be as bad for them as I imagine. The worst part for me is putting all of this burden on my family and my friends. I know what it’s like to feel helpless and want to do something, ANYTHING, but there’s not much you can do.
Luckily, we’ve been in a similar spot before. This is similar to what it felt like when we got Olivia’s diagnosis. Very similar. And that turned out more than OK. We’re stronger because of it. We will be a stronger family because of this too.
We are so lucky to be surrounded by so much love and support. Our families are close, we have wonderful friends and coworkers and we will be surrounded with love and support at every turn. Thank God.
We would really appreciate if you would pray and send good thoughts. Pretty please. Prayers or good thoughts or good juju or whatever you believe in that I will heal and my family and friends will be OK. I have WAY too much life left to live so I’m not going anywhere!!!
Thank you.
Elastamom's Excerpts 
You are a strong, amazing woman and you can beat this! I will keep you in my prayers and I’m sending big hugs!
Prayers to you, Tiff!! You are strong and you have a huge support system, I know you will come out of this with flying colors! Hugs.
I’m so sorry, Tiffany. Be thankful this was caught in the earliest stage. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers.
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I have no doubt that you will kick this cancer’s a$$ and that your kids will get to see a warrior…again. Fight like a girl! I will be praying for you.
Oh, no! I’m sending big, big hugs and infinite healing vibes your way!! ❤
Thinking and praying until this has passed. Love you!!!!!!!
Love you, girl. You’ll kick cancer’s ass, just like you kick ass in every other area of life. Thinking of you.
Tiffany, I am so sorry to hear this news. You are strong, and you will beat this, and will come out even stronger. You and your family are in my thoughts.
I am so sorry you’re facing this challenge. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you figure out how to fight battle.
I am so sorry you have this to deal with. Know anything you need help with we at Sylvan are willing to help. Please know many many prayers are being sent your way. We love you and your family and just know your strength will get you through.
Tiffany girl you got this. I know from past experience that the Big C word can send you spinning. I work at the cancer center at UM so let me know if there is anything up here I can help with. Sending you all juju I got and Lots of love.
Tiffany: I am sending prayers, hugs and love your way. Thinking of you. xoxo
Oh Tiffany ! I’m a long time reader but only occasional commenter. Sending everything I can to you all. Xx
Prayers and hugs! We have learned a lot in the almost 4 years since Joe got his kidney cancer diagnosis and are here to offer any support you need.
Prayers, hugs and more prayers and hugs being sent your way. I’m adding you to our prayer chain at work. This is all frightening I know but you are VERY strong and can beat this. You have a good family and great friends that will help you along this journey to recovery! Thinking positive thoughts for you guys!
Prayers, absolutely! Sorry you have to go thru this. I hope that the waiting this week turns out to be the worst of it, and that you cruise thru the surgery & treatments like a champ. Will be thinking of you, esp. Mon.
I have been a silent observer of your life through your blog since my amazing granddaughter was born and diagnosed with CDC 3 years ago. You were a bright beacon of hope for us in those early days and months when life seemed dark and difficult–and so unfair. I hope the knowledge that all of us out here–including those you’ve never heard from before–are sending you love and hugs and holding you up in prayer serves as a beacon of hope for you as you fight this battle.
Very sorry to hear of your diagnosis! Keeping you and your family in our prayers during this journey. God Bless!
Love you so much Tiff!! Here if you need me… Thinking and praying ❤
So very sorry to hear this. I will be thinking of you and your sweet family!
Tiffany, my heart and prayers are with you.
I know you are strong, but I am sorry that you have to go through this.
Xoxoxo
Reblogged this on iHeartGlassCity and commented:
One of my favorite people in Northwest Ohio, is having her character and faith tested in ways we shouldn’t have to.
Sending you and your family good thoughts and prayers! ❤️
Sending positive thoughts & prayers! This is the first blog post if yours I have read (via a friends fb post) and I can tell you are a strong person. You will conquer this.
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 31; no family history, completely surprised by the diagnosis. I have since recently completed chemo, radiation and am now going through reconstruction. It is a journey for sure but you will survive. Thoughts, prayers and good vibes being sent your way.
Good thoughts and prayers to you.
I have already started prayer and positive thoughts for you. You will be fine and I hope your treatment will not be to hard on you and your family. My God Bless you.
Praying for you my beautiful friend! I pray for strength for you and your family, that you may find comfort and peace. Life is unfair, there is no doubt about that. Sending positive thoughts and unlimited prayers your way.
I cried when I read this. You have unlimited strength; you can do this. You also have wonderful family and friends that will love you and support you all the way. Keep positive! We love you and are sending prayers to you and your family. Let me know if you need ANYTHING!
Yes. You will be fine. 🙂
Welcome to the club you never wanted to be a member of. I was diagnosed July 16 with invasive ductal carcinoma, stage IIA. I have had 18 rounds of chemotherapy, and had a mastectomy on January 21 (the day before my 43rd birthday). I am cancer-free, and healing right along! I know what you are going through and would be happy to help in any way I can. Fight like a girl!