Results!

My cat scan was normal!  When I read the report, my legs were shaking!  I was so relieved!
It's been one heck of a month around here.  I promise to write a longer post soon, I just need the rest of the day to let it all sink in.

Thank you so much for your prayers.  The Blessed Mother heard those prayers and she interceded for me!  I don't know why because I certainly don't deserve it, but I'm just glad she did. 

I might actually get some sleep tonight!

Finally!

After calling the oncologists office a total of 4 times explaining that my Cat Scan was still not scheduled yet, I finally gave up and called the office manager for 21st Century Oncology!  I explained to her that my oncologist had ordered a liver cat scan for me on September 6th and that it is now September 25 and I am still here....waiting!    She was kind and understanding, but, she had no answer for me as to why it took this long.

When the official order finally came yesterday afternoon, I was able to make the appointment for 7:20am today.  I had to go to the imaging department on my way home to pick up the two bottles of Barium Sulfate (banana flavor...yuk) that I have to drink (that I am drinking right now.....) for the scan.

To say that I'm nervous, is an understatement, but I'm doing O.K.  I think it's good that they scheduled it right away, so I don't have time to sit and think about it anymore.

Family and friends have been praying for me NONSTOP through all of this and I just wanted to let you know that your prayers are working!  I must share with you 3 things that happened yesterday that confirmed for me (as if I didn't already know) that God is with me through it all!!

1.  I received a very special note in the mail yesterday....a friend sent me a card to let me know that on Monday (9/24) she spent an hour before the Blessed Sacrament for me and my intentions!  What a wonderful gift!  Last year, she lost her husband (and my dear friend) to cancer.  She KNOWS the worry and concern I feel first hand.  To have her prayers and the intercession of her husband means the world to me!

2.  Last night, Dan and I went to see Stevie Nicks in concert!  It was awesome!  However, it would not have been possible had our wonderful neighbor, Wayne, not watched the kids for us!  He is the best neighbor in the world.  He looks out for us and truly loves our kids and our animals.  As a matter of fact, when we got home, our newest cat was curled up sleeping on his lap!  Anyway, when Wayne came over yesterday, he brought me a package.....it seems that his sister and some others from our church had just came back from a trip to Lourdes and Fatima!  In the package was a large container of water from Lourdes and a miraculous medal from Fatima....all for me!  I can't even begin to tell you how this made me feel!  There was a warmth that came over me that I can only describe as the peace of Christ!  I have never felt more blessed in my entire life!

3.  When we got home from the concert last night, I noticed that the "Traveling Madonna" from our parish was on our shelf!  We usually get to keep her for one week, twice a year!  Since we sign up about one year in advance, I never remember when she is coming and so when the we get the call to come pick her up, I'm always surprised and elated!  As it turned out, we were supposed to get her this past Sunday, but the person who had her before us was delayed in calling us.  So......we got her yesterday!  Can you believe it????  The Our Lady of Fatima statue that travels from home to home in our parish showed up at our door yesterday!!!!  YESTERDAY!!

Do you think all three of these things happened by accident?  Do you think all of this was a coincident?  No, I don't either!

All I know is that others are praying, just like they said they would, and I feel it!  I really do!  I don't have any idea if this is a sign that my scan will be normal or not, but what I DO know is that no matter what, God is with me!  He reminds me all the time....if I choose to see it! 

I may be somewhat nervous about the test, and my stomach might be gurgling a bunch because of this awful stuff I'm having to drink, but I know I'm loved and I know that God is here, right with me through it all!  Thank you all so much for helping me to see that!

As soon as I know the results, I will share them!

Finally, lab results!

The doctor's office called me today while I was at work.  The nurse told me that my alkaline phosphatase results were high, again.  The reference range is from 25 to 69, and mine was 81.  He wants me to have a Cat Scan of my liver.

She also told me that the doctor had already faxed over authorization for my new medication on 9/17/12.  This would have been great news, except, today is only 9/13/12.  She seemed a little miffed that I pointed this out to her.  She got flustered and said that she meant to say 9/11/12.  This means that it might be next June by the time the authorization is approved.  In the mean time, I will continue to take the Arimidex.

Someone will be calling me soon to schedule the scan.  My stomach is in knots!  I've started to eat carbs again, emotional eater that I am!  I know that worrying will not add one single day to my life, and yet, I'm worried.  As usual, I'm thinking the worst.  What if it's cancer in my liver?  I need my liver....can't live without one!  I didn't need two breasts!  Technically, I don't even need one!  However, I would really like to hang on to my liver, thank you very much!

Emotionally, I don't think I'm strong enough to go through this again.  Seriously.  It was all I could do to keep it together dealing with breast cancer.  How am I supposed to keep it together with liver cancer?  And if it isn't cancer, what is it?  Something is making those lab results all wonky.

This is my own, personal, living purgatory.

Remember, most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.  Inspired with this confidence I fly unto you dear Virgin of Virgins, my mother; to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me.  Amen.