Linda Feezel

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.  My diagnosis of breast cancer was the result of an abnormal mammogram finding.  I did not expect this as I had recently (one day prior) been to my yearly ob/gyn appointment and he did not feel any type of lump or abnormality.  I also did not notice any changes.   I had a diagnostic mammogram as a follow-up, then an ultrasound.  When the radiologist came in the room and told me they found a mass, my entire body felt like it was going to fall out from under me.  A week later I had a biopsy.  Two days later I got the call while at work:  You have cancer.  A few days after that, more bad news- it's an aggressive form of cancer.  The good news is it's early.  My definition of 'good news' has changed.  Things like "You're going to Disney", "Your son just got a scholarship", "You get 40% off entire order at Bath and Body" - those things are what I consider good news.  Suddenly, I'm supposed to think stage 2 cancer is good news.  NOT.  I went to see the genetic counselor because it's not estrogen or progesterone fed.  I'm waiting on results to see if it's one of the BRCA genes.  I dread these appointments because they are always horrible.  The first genetic counselor meeting went like this "Here are all the possible other cancers you might have in addition to the breast cancer if you have one of these genes"  They showed me all kinds of charts with numbers and percentages and pictures of chromosomes.  By the time I left, I was sure I had pain in my right ovary and it was cancer.  I'm neurotic, as in Woody Allen style neurotic.  I spent the entire week going to doctor appointments living in sheer terror of what else they might find.  Due to the underlying heart disease, my cardiologist sent me for a stress test.  I nailed it.  The first good news I had all week.  Yay Heart!!!!  I do feel as if I'm in good hands.  I've been receiving exceptional care.  My biggest concern is keeping up with my schedule and the kids.  I think chemotherapy will be a challenge but I've heard some survivors who didn't have too many problems with it.  I'm praying for the best.   I will try to update when I can.