For many reasons it's very emotional to have created this page. I feel extremely fortunate that there are so many people over the years that my life has interacted with that would even put me in a position to use this method of connection. But it's also heavy news that I'm sorry to have to share with all of you.
A couple of weeks ago I was diagnosed with Invasive Breast Cancer that has begun to spread elsewhere. Thankfully that area has been caught early and can also be treated. It's been a whirlwind few weeks with lots of Dr. appointments, tests, paperwork etc. the gathering information and waiting has been intensely difficult but "knowledge is power" and is creating the path out of this life interruption.
And that is what I'm referring to it as, an "interruption" but also an opportunity to find every single silver lining that I can through this and WILL. I know I have a journey ahead of me that won't be completely easy but I'm incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to make it to the other side of this unexpected challenge and have such tremendous support and people in my life to love me through it.
I have chosen to seek treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute for the beginning part of this journey (& not just because there's a Bloomingdales & Cheesecake Factory across the street :) I will begin this in 2 weeks, every Monday for 12 weeks. (Finished on Valentines Day .) My medical team is truly brilliant and I am grateful beyond words to be in their exceptionally, capable care.
If it’s required (still tbd but most likely) I will then have the surgery locally with an incredibly gifted Dr. who I felt immediately connected with & is more than experienced with my situation. I am eternally grateful for her following some areas that she felt suspicious about and pushing further testing to discover things that were originally missed. I simply can't say enough about every single human at the PRH Breast Center. I had some very dark days in the beginning and they took the best care of me & supported me through it, not just with their extraordinary skills but on a very personal level that I will never forget.
I wish so much that I could have shared this news personally with everyone, there's just no way that was possible so I apologize for this method of communicating the situation. Having making faces & the girls being so active in the community I knew many of our friends would hear the news and be concerned so this seemed the best way to hear the condition of things directly from me.
The most important thing is Taylor & Parker and how they navigate through this time of their lives. Telling them that their mama was facing this was honestly the hardest thing I've ever done. But they are strong & resilient and I'm so proud of how they are handling it. The most critical piece that I impressed upon them is this isn't something I am "going through" rather something I am "getting through." This storm has "interrupted" our path but we WILL correct the course, it's just going to take some time.
I can't wait to share the COME BACK story, until then I will give any updates that seem worthwhile. If you see a little Loomis Girl in your path, be sure to give her an extra hug.
