Carole Clevenger

Hi family and friends!  I decided to start a caringbridge journal for anyone that wants to read up on my journey.  Feel free to invite others!  It's also a way for me to record my journey for future reference.  Lol


It all started when my Mom and Dad got married!  Lol, not really!  It won't be THAT long of a story!  It did begin with me finding a lump in my breast back in August while in the shower.  It was pretty big (4 cm), so I still can't figure out how long it had been there and I just missed it.  I wasn't too worried because I had a lump removed back in 1994 and it was benign.  I did my due diligence, however, and after several tests the results came back as invasive ductal carcinoma.  I have had two breast conserving surgeries and they went well.  I have already had two rounds of chemo (2nd one today) and there will be four total.  After chemo, I will follow with 4 weeks and 1 day of radiation (5 days a week) and then be taking hormone blockers for at least 5 years.  That's the quick version.


So Chris has been my champion, my support, my shoulder to cry on, etc.  Although I will say, he is not that good at taking doctors notes during visits.  As I was re-writing them one day, a couple of notes stood out to me.  "Bloody nipple, what a great band name or even a drink" and "Chris saw boobie today - hee hee".  Is he 12????


So as most people know, waiting can be the hardest part.  I will say that God must have been my source of calm through all of the waiting.  I didn't worry, I didn't stress, and I didn't go crazy waiting.  I kind of took the time to get some things in order around the house (although you could never tell) and to just feel good.  I knew that once all the waiting was over, I had a battle to face and would not be feeling up to par.  God definitely played a HUGE part in my calmness during that time.  That is the only explanation I have.  Back in 1994, I was planning my funeral during the waiting period!


I am overwhelmed by the amount of support and love and help shown to me and my family already!  Never take friends and family for granted!  They are God's gift to us!


My hair is now gone.  I didn't even cry about it!  When I got to that point, I realized that my hair was the least of my worries and it would grow back!  For now, it is pretty easy to take care of!  However, I do kind of resemble Gollum from the Lord of the Rings.  I never knew my head was egg shaped!  There is a cruel joke, though, with the hair loss.  I have lost the hair on my head but still have my peach fuzz all over my face and my blonde mustache!  EEEEEKKKKK!


That is all I will post for today.  I will leave you with this message:  Live joyfully, love hard and smile big!!!!!


Love, Carole