Cindy Bye

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Short version of the story:  I had a mammogram in early July and got bad news.

Long version:
I had a mammogram on July 5, making up for one that I missed this past winter due to our road being closed.  I usually do them annually.  They called me the next day (Friday afternoon) and wanted me to come in for further testing.  Actually, I had thought that the technician saw something at the time, but she didn’t say anything, and I didn’t ask.  The first available appointment for an ultrasound was the following Wednesday.  David took me in for that.  Immediately after the ultrasound, they wanted to do a biopsy, so they did.  On Friday afternoon, July 13, they called with the results.  I had been hoping that they’d call before Monday, as it would be a long weekend waiting for results.  Looking back, it may have been a gift to wait and think everything would be OK.  Because, it wasn’t.  They told me I had breast cancer.  What a shock.  I had been feeling great!  I take good care of myself – I eat well, exercise, have a low stress life, and live in a peaceful, clean environment!  How could it be? 

Bad news is hard to receive.  And it’s hard to give.  Every time I gave the bad news, I felt bad for the person I was talking to.  And I felt bad again for me.  There could be short periods of normalcy in between phone calls to family.  Then the stress would come back again – the fear, disappointment (that’s way too mild), worry, thoughts about how this would change my plans and my life.  We contacted our families and some friends, but of course, not all.  I’m very grateful for the Caring Bridge to relay information, so I won’t have to suffer through telling things over and over. 

I feel confident that I will get great care at the Billings Clinic, and I’m sure I’ll make it through.  It won’t be easy, but life isn’t.  I guess there’s a chance I won’t make it.  Two of my sisters died from breast cancer.  Unfortunately, they had it early in their lives, and it was aggressive, especially for Tammie.  There has been a lot of research and development in breast cancer in the 14 years since she died.  I have a much better chance.  I’m grateful for the trials she went through that advanced research in treatment.  Stephie was lucky enough to be in remission for 20+ years.  She died at 60 yrs and 4 months.  I’m already past that, and I’m very healthy!  I’ll make it.

I appreciate all of your prayers.  I have a loving, supportive husband, family, and friends and access to good health care. 

Next Monday is my first appointment.  David is coming with me.  Thankfully, we are both retired and have time for this interruption in our lives.  Thankfully, I have medical insurance. 

That’s all for now, folks.  Please keep the prayers coming.