Thursday, June 07, 2007

Looking for a Silver Lining

This past Tuesday we learned that I (Kelly) have breast cancer (wouldn't be Dan now would it! : ). Anyway, as you can imagine, it came as a real shock for both of us, as something like this really was not in our plans. (I'm not sure it is in anyone's plans! ) Now, more than 48 hours later, we are absorbing the news and dealing with things as they come, one day at a time, and I; for one, have way too many things to do to let this thing get me. Things like girl scouts with Katey, bike rides with Sam, piano lessons and the COUNTLESS other things I'm planning for my life.

But, I will not lie. This has been a roller coaster ride of the scariest kind. Emotion, fear; both rational and irrational, cold sweat reactions, waiting for results, watching my children, night pacing, deap breathing, making tough choices...I could go on, and on, and on.

What we would like is to keep this blog updated with as much information as possible to keep our friends and family informed. Surgery, which is the first and foremost treatment for this disease, won't be scheduled until all of the tests have been conducted. At this point, my final MRI will be today and after looking at the results for that I will be in the hospital for what will most likely be a masectomy of the left breast. I will be in the hospital for 3-5 days and will have a recovery period of 2-3 weeks (an estimate at this point, of course). The prognosis after surgery is also a waiting period - to find out the stage of the cancer and post-surgery treatment options (radiation and/or chemotherapy).

I think that is it. Please make your comments and questions for us to the comments section of this blog or to our email. We are already Verizon's very best customer this month! All support, prayers, positive vibes, vodoo dances, and dice rolling are accepted, warranted, and appreciated!

This is definitely the hardest post/email I've had to write, as it makes this very real. But, with your support and prayers and God on our side, I am confident that we will finally see the silver lining we are looking for...

With love and hope,

Kelly, Dan, Katelyn, and Sam

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You know already you've got my thoughts, prayers, and any and all support I can give you. My heart is with you, Dan and of course, the kids. Please keep us updated, good thing we both have verizon phone - we're IN and don't get charged to talk to each other *wink*.

Much love,
Shawn

JeremyFink said...

Kel, Dan & kids,

I feel like someone just punched me in the chest. I can hardly breathe.

I hope it was caught early & it is as close to benign as possible. Please keep me posted and let me know if there is anything we can do.

Do you need food for your family?

If you are interested, I can also connect you with people who've gone through similar things. It might help.

Anything we can do- anything at all, don't hesitate to ask.

Jeremy, Steph & Gabriel

Anonymous said...

Hey Kelly...
I was stunned when I heard. I know our lives have taken us different direction these past years and we aren't as close as we were at one time, I'm there for you if you need anything..whether it be to vent or talk, whatever it is. Families rally together when the times get rough. Just know that I'm thinking of you and sending healing prayers your way.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Just take it one day at a time and you'll be though all of this before you know it.

Darrick, Ann, Andrew and Erin

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly,
We've been wondering what was going on so I got the idea to check your blog. Hope you don't regret giving the link to your coworkers! I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnonsis and your description of your emotional reaction is so vivid - just what one would imagine. Many of us in CCE are ready, willing and able to help out in any way you might need. Visits, food, help packing & moving - just say the word and we'll marshall the forces. I hope things are going as well as they could be under the circumstances - please update whenever you can.
Sue Burke

Anonymous said...

KELL BELL,
I'm not sure this will find you or not, as I don't know how to use this thing. I left you a vcm on your cell, but I know you are probably overwhelmed enough as it is with calls. I need to know how you are. I need to know you are okay. I need to hear your voice say you are hangin in there. As soon as you find the time, plz call and let me know what's going on, okay? I can't believe I've let so much time go by w/o talking to you, just to hear this news. It is going to be fine, Kel. This too, shall pass. Call me soon, okay? I love ya, girl.

Connie