Tests, tests, more tests...

Today was yet another test on this breast cancer road we are traveling. This was our genetic testing, which took 4 weeks to get this appointment. Greg and I met with a genetic counselor for about an hour this morning. She went over my family background with me and we went from there. On my mother's side, we don't have any known cancer as far back as we could trace. However, on my father's side, there is quite a bit. My father died of bone cancer, that spread throughout his body, when he was 50. Then on my father's parents' sides, there are 7 breast cancer cases that trace through cousins, aunts, etc., that are pretty distant to me, and most were in there 70's+ age range. The statistics show that 1 in 8 women will eventually get breast cancer, so it is not all that alarming for breast cancer to appear in older women. But the genetic counselor was more concerned with my age and my father's age at the cancer diagnosis. This test is very expensive, but will hopefully yield more information about my cancer. What I learned this morning is that all people have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene; it's whether there is a mutation in that gene. If so, that is where the hereditary breast caner/ and or ovarian cancer can stem from. (Both ovarian and breast cancer can come from a mutation in the BRCA genes.) So, they drew a tube of blood and sent it off for testing. I should hear the results in about 2 1/2 weeks. So what does this mean? Well, if the test comes back negative (which is my hopes and prayer) then my breast cancer was caused by another source- which is the million dollar question, and if you can answer that then please let doctors know! :) If the test comes back positive, then my cancer was caused by a mutation in that gene and there is a 50/50 chance my children could inherit my "bad gene." If positive, this also makes some decisions more clearer- such as a complete hysterectomy and bi-lateral mastectomy. So, with all of that said, we just have to do the wait and see game, which I have become really good at! I still feel really good! My next round of chemo will be Monday. Please pray for a quick recovery, like last time, and pray for Greg to have patience with the children when I can not help out so much! This will mark my half-way point...yippee! Oh, and yes...my eyelashes and eyebrows are still in tact! Let;s also pray that they will stay that way! :) Thanks for the prayers! And this week I have been made especially aware that we don't know why bad things happen to people, but we do know that God has the perfect plan and we have to have faith and trust in Him! (For those prayer warriors, please pray for the Gleason family. They have a 2 yr old who is loosing her battle with cancer as I type this. Please pray for comfort for the little girl, Rachael, and for peace for her family. If you want to know all the details, visit her Caringbridge site..http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rachelgleason.)

On another note, let me just tell you what I have gotten into lately...couponing! Since funds are tight, this is a great hobby for me to start! A friend of mine, Kelly, turned me onto this. If you want to know the whole scoop, check out these other blogs for exact info on how to get started.

(Fiddledeedee and Southern Savers) But let me tell you my success story- I did as the blogs told me to do and I went to Publix last week. My bill came to $107 before my savings and coupons. After the coupons and in-store savings, my bill came to $53! I saved a whopping $54...whohoo! Isn't that amazing? So, now every Wednesday, I'll print my coupons and check out the deals and save money! It's actually really fun!

Check out what I got for $53!
It wouldn't fit in one picture!

One last tidbit...Our house is returning to somewhat normal...Graham has finished his soccer season! He learned a lot and had a great time. Here are a few pics of his last game. (Needless to say, we had a great time, but I sure am glad to heave my Tuesday and Thursday nights back with my family!) :)

Graham is #9, in white!

Mallory Kate likes to "entertain!"
Check out her "frowny face", as she calls it!

Thanks for checking in! My love to all...Lori