Elissa Gadow

As most of you know by now, I've been diagnosed with breast cancer. I've faithfully had mammograms with nothing ever detected. In February I found a very small lump myself and went straight to the doctor.  That turned into numerous mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI's, PET scan, more tumors and 13 biopsies later with a positive, YES you have cancer outcome. The type I have is Invasive Lobular Mammory Carcinoma. I also have three lymph nodes that tested positive. Needless to say first up is surgery.  I am undergoing a double mastectomy tomorrow, as well as having ten lymph nodes removed. 

This has been quite a roller coaster the past few weeks between appointments, tests, results, decisions and a variety of emotions.  When one of my my best friends Kim was  diagnosed with cancer, she had this unbelievable strength inside of her that I just could not understand. I wanted to cry every time I saw her but, she held her head high and kept her upbeat attitude even knowing what her final outcome was going to be. Well, now I can say I understand her strength. I realize that I can curl up and feel sorry for myself or I can stand up, face this and give it all I've got and that's exactly what I plan to do. 

I have to thank my incredible village for all of the amazing support that I've been shown without even having surgery yet.  It's overwhelming all of the love that's being shown. My family is behind me 100% and I'm blessed to have my better half as my rock.   I also have the most incredible BFF's that continue to be right by my side every step of the way. 

We are planning to take turns updating this sight of our journey to fight this in the hopes that it will make things easier  for everyone to have updates. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.