Debbie’s Story

Site created on September 10, 2021

On August 30th, Debbie went to the doctor for a routine mammogram. After receiving abnormal results, she was asked to come back for additional testing. On Friday, September 3rd, our world was rocked when our family received news we never imagined we would — Debbie has Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/idc) (IDC), cancerous cells in the breast tissue with the potential to spread.  To say the days that have followed have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. Learning of Debbie's diagnosis has been devastating and a lot to process as our family is incredibly close and has been blessed in endless ways including overall good health. Although there is still so much unknown, we do know Debbie will beat this.

Your positive thoughts, notes, and messages give Debbie so much strength! With every message she reads, know that it keeps her motivated and reminds her what she is fighting for every day. To reduce time and energy put into updating friends and family, we ask that you first go to this site for the latest news. Her daughters Alexa, Miranda, and Sadie will post updates. 

Thank you for your kind words — they mean everything as we move forward. We feel the love from all of you! As Debbie says, "I'm a brick house, baby!" (cue Brick House by the Commodores)

She's mighty mighty and she's going to get through this with all of us (YOU!) in her corner.

 

All our love, 

The Nelson family 



Newest Update

Journal entry by Debbie Nelson

Hi! its a beautiful sunny day in Minnesota and I am feeling great! 

When we last spoke I had started my hormone therapy, this is the medication to block my hormones that fed the cancer I had. I will be taking  this for the next 10 years due to the size, and aggressiveness of the cancer. That's if no serious side affects occur, so far so good! I have had some insomnia which I am hoping will subside the longer I take it. The one thing I worry about is the brain fog that can occur.  There are things that I can do to help this if this occurs, but for now, I feel fortunate that so far minimum side effects have affected me. 

The next step will be fat graphing around the implant. I will be looking at this surgery in 3 or so months. I can see the end, which is so reassuring! Until then I will keep on working on getting more energy, being healthy and getting to this new normal. 

I do find  myself with more energy and just excited to start living life again! The harsh pain has subsided and my last doctor appointment was all good news. He said to continue to take it slow, no lifting or stretching, until March 16.. Everything is healing nicely, and "they" have both settled a bit, so looking more normal, which helps when I look at myself.  They still feel foreign, I can't feel my breasts, and it just feels like I'm carrying something around with me all the time. Like, "When do I get to set these things down!!" haha! I know I will get used to them in time. 

I feel strong and ready for life again! How can you go though something like this and not grow or feel different? I have been given a second chance, a second chance to live bigger, love bigger and do bigger! 

Our family has planned a trip to Marco Island to celebrate life and being Cancer Free! I so look forward to this time as the last 6 months I have not felt good or had energy. I want to celebrate and enjoy time with my family where they are not taking care of me. 

I thank God  and I am forever grateful to my family and everyone that has been here for me. I have seen such beauty in people.  it brings me to tears thinking of all the kindness I have experienced.  

I thank my place of work and my amazing manager, they have been so gracious and kind through all of this and I am eager to get back. I will hopefully be back mid to end of this month when my restrictions are lifted. 

Sending you all love! Another day closer to the best! 

"The best is yet to come"

Debbie

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