It's been a while since I've updated the story. If you have been following along you know that we had taken the story into the mid 80's and our adventures at 95Q in Charlotte.
I'm going to jump into the future for this next episode and I think it will be evident, as to why I haven't updated lately.
Summer 2011.
We arrived back in Greensboro in mid July after our family beach vacation. We had spend the week in a beachfront home in Kure beach. We had a wonderful time with Dan and Erin and Sean, plus the unborn Carter, plus Jenn. We had already decided to book the same house for next July.
Vicky had been struggling with asthma the past year and once back from the beach her symptom's fired up and she ended up on steroids on and off for a couple of months. She would just finish each course of steroids and feel better for a couple of weeks and then another attack. Finally in October her attack was severe enough for her Dr. to write her our of work for a few weeks.
She rested up at home and did improve somewhat. During that time she decided to get some doctor's appointments out of the way. She also thought she might as well get a mammogram.
A few days after that procedure the imaging center called and wanted her to come back in for some more imaging. They determined there was an area of concern and wanted to do a biopsy. While a bit scary, we've have been thru this before. Vicky has had a number of "area's of concern since she was in her early 30's. She has even had a couple of previous "lumpectomies". Each previous time
the test proved benign.
On November 4th our world changed forever. We were expecting Biopsy results and of course we were nervous, but tried to remain optimistic. I had gone to work that morning to catch up, but about 11:30 I started thinking I had best go home, in case Vicky got bad news on the phone.
When I arrived home she had not gotten any calls yet and we settled in for a wait. A few minutes later Jenn showed up, I think because she had the same feeling. In my heart I knew it was going
to be bad, I just had a terrible feeling.
About 15 minutes later our Radiologist called and confirmed, that Vicky did indeed have breast cancer. I grabbed another phone and listened as Vicky quietly sobbed and Jenn looked on in
disbelief. We spoke with the doctor for about 20 minutes as she began to lay out what the next step would be. She was very supportive and seemed confident that the ultimate outcome would be good.
When we hung up, Jenn embrace her mom and they cried together. I tried to say something encouraging, but all I could get out was "I sure it's gonna be OK".
We sat in silence for a few minutes and then I decided it was time to call Erin in Richmond. I went to the bedroom to call because I didn't think I could have that conversation in front of Vicky without losing it. When Erin picked up I simply said "she has breast cancer". Erin said, we're on our way, I love you.
After I hung up I went to pieces....Jenn came into the bedroom and hugged me. I didn't want Vicky
to see me like that, so I waited for a while before going back out.
At that point we were thinking it would be a lumpectomy and some radiation. But of course things got much more complicated along the way. Upon further examination and more testing and imaging they found more cancer in the left side, which meant a mastectomy. Then following genetic testing
it was determined that Vicky carries a gene mutation that makes cancer more likely, quite dramatically more likely in fact.
On a subsequent trip to the oncologist she suggested a bi lateral or double mastectomy. At that point we were a bit unprepared for that option and Vicky was really shaken.
It soon became clear that the double mastectomy had to be done. Followed by Chemo therapy. The surgery was scheduled for December 15th.
Vicky's mom and dad arrived the night before surgery and were there all day on the 15th. Surgery was longer than we expected due to the removal of lymph nodes on the left side, but she came thru it fine, despite
concerns about possible complications with asthma.
Vicky came home two days later, Dan Erin and Kids arrived and in one of the most touching things I've very seen, Sean wanted to hang out with Vicky in our master bedroom and watch movies. He knew she was fragile, but insisted that he sit on the bed with her and hold her hand while they watched movies. What a sensitive and bright 3 and a half year old. It was the best medicine Vicky could have received.
Christmas around our house is always an event. We all love the season and have many traditions we follow each year. Vicky had made sure that all the preparations were all made prior to her surgery. We had done all the shopping, put up all the decorations and made plans for the family to visit.
My mom and dad arrived as usual the day before Christmas Eve. Dan and Erin and the kids arrived as well and we proceeded with most of our normal Christmas traditions including our home made gift exchange. We had a wonderful, albeit, subdued Christmas.
Vicky's co workers certainly played a big part in our Holiday season. They organized and sent food to the house every day from the day Vicky came home from surgery to the end of the year. They sent a catered meal to us for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Honestly it was overwhelming and with each delivery
Vicky became very emotional. She just couldn't understand what we all know to be true: Everyone loves her.
As she continued to rebab from the surgery we began to discuss the implications of the Gene mutation she carries and ultimately decided to remove the Lymph nodes on the right side as well. That Surgery was on January 21st and just involved an overnight stay.
These nodes tested negative, which we took as good news. Plus a recent PET full body scan had come up
negative, regarding the potential for the spread of cancer cells. So with our Oncologists blessing we pronounced her Cancer Free. Now the Chemo-therapy remains to "clean up" as our Oncologist put it.
I don't want to minimize the short term discomfort Vicky is going to be in with Chemo and her loss of some use of her arms, due to the Lymph node surgery, but we can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel.
It has been a journey of discovery for me. Here is what I've learned:
My wife is extremely tough and determined.
Our kids will do anything for her.
Our extended family is very supportive.
Her and my co workers went well above and beyond to support us.
and finally, that while I was scared to death that I might face a future without her, I now know that my best friend and wife will be by my side for the rest of my life.
Ok, next time back to the History of Radiorandy with another exciting chapter of our Charlotte adventure.
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