Dear Friends, Hi! How are you? Me? I could be better. Most of you have noticed my absence over the last three weeks. Some of you even know the reason why. Today…all of you will. Over the last 8 years I have become very close friends with a number of you. Several of you I have even met in person and see on a regular basis. Y’all have (and by y’all I mean each and every one of you) become a very important part of my life. Whether you are a reader, an author, a publicists, or even just a visitor in this crazy existence I live…you have touched my heart in some measurable way and I thank you for that. It is also the reason I felt the need to share (with you) a very new and intimate development in my life. A development that has taken the last few weeks to wrap my head around. (Hence the absence.) *deep breath* I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. (Or for those of you familiar with medical jargon: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with Lobular Features – Triple Negative.) This week was officially my last week of freedom. My last “hurrah” I guess you could say before I am plunged into my new reality. For the next two years my schedule no longer belongs to myself. It now belongs to a long list of surgeons, oncologist, pathologist…etc. And while I have made peace with that (which was hard for me considering how over-scheduled I usually am) I wanted to assure all of YOU that I’m NOT going to disappear. There will be times when I don’t have the energy to sit behind this computer and write, but there will also be times when I will cram your inbox with as much book related awesomeness that I can. (Because there will never be a day when I stop reading, or sharing my love for books with you.) But the truth of the matter is, I am no longer in control, and that will effect everyone around me. Anywho, for those of you that follow me on Instagram my treatment will most likely be spelled out for you in pictures. I have no intention of morphing into Negative Nancy (be assured of that) but since I’ll be spending a large amount of time in hospitals and doctors offices, pictures seem inevitable. For those of you that DON’T, here is a quick rundown of what I’m about to face.
- Tons and tons of biopsies and testing. (I am already on number 5 and they are growing daily.)
- 6 Months of Chemotherapy (bye, bye purple hair.)
- Bi-Lateral Mastectomy (better known as a double mastectomy.)
- 6 Weeks of Radiation (5 days a week.)
- Drug Therapy (6+ weeks)
- Reconstructive Surgery
- And a hysterectomy (depending on my genetic markers)
It’s important to note that I am no longer afraid. I have cried my tears, I have screamed at God, and I have found a new inner strength I never knew I even had. I am tired, but I am HAPPY and I intend to stay that way. Everything happens for a reason. I’m not sure what that reason is yet, but whatever it is…I am ready for it. Make no mistake, I’ll be stronger by the end of this. I’ll also…still be a book lover. All I ask is that you please be patient with me while I find my footing. Much love to all of you. Misty
I’m a triple negative survivor, my 10 year anniversary will be July 19th. I had 2 surgeries, 6 chemos, 42 radiation treatments. It is tough, but you are going to find many stories like mine. Those stories told to me during treatment were very very helpful and kept me full of hope and strength! American Cancer Society has a Look Good Feel Better program that gives you some really good tips and tricks, as well as makeup and demonstrations 🙂 Bald is beautiful 🙂
#1 Congrats to you!!
#2 It is people like you and your amazing story that keep me positive. Thanks for sharing. And Thanks for this tips!! I’ll be sure to look at the program.
Wow! You got this girl! I refuse to believe that you can’t beat this. Keep your head up and do your best to stay positive during this journey. You, and your family, will be in my thoughts.
Thanks Christi. 🙂
Wow! I’m so sorry! That totally sucks (to say the least). You have a great attitude. I hope your next 2 years fly by and you end up happy, healthy and cancer free. Lastly, I hope you have time to read lots of great books. 🙂
My plan is to read an entire library of books while sitting in waiting rooms. 🙂
Stay Strong. Breast Cancer runs in my family, my mom, her sister, my sister and I have to have mamo, sonogram every 6 months due to cysts and lumps in breast. My sister had the same thing you have and is now cancer free for the last 6 months. She will go in every 3 months for blood work and mri for the next five years. Just want to give you a few small thoughts, your breast do not define you, if someone wants to take your kids for a while so you can rest, let them. The ACS has a program that has someone come and clean you house once a month, let them. Save your strenght for your little ones. Dont be afraid to ask your friends to make you a few dinners and then freeze them. If your family comes to stay with you and kids, left them cook and freeze extras. Sorry to harp on freezing food but the days will come when you will not want to eat, or cook. While on Chemo do not eat with normal silverware. Get plastic silverware, otherwise everything will taste like metal. On your good days, spend time with family. Remember you come first, then your family. If you dont take care of yourself who will take care of family. Sending prayers your way. God Bless
Thanks so much for the advice! (Especially the silverware thing…I’ve never heard that.) it’s hard for me to accept help, but I’ve decided that it’s what’s best for my family at the moments, so I’m making an effort. 🙂
We’ll have the patience, you keep up your strength. Wishing the best for you, Will
Thanks Will. 🙂
Stay strong, Misty! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. You can kick its butt!!!
Thank you. 🙂
Thinking of you, Misty. It won’t be easy (an understatement) but you’re a fighter. And you have loved ones who stand by you. Stay strong.
Thanks Christa. 🙂
God bless! Three years in remission from stage 3 throat cancer. I agree about plastic utensils!
Congrats! That’s awesome.
Misty, I’m so sorry to hear about this. I wish you the best. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Thanks for sharing. I wish you strength and lots of positive thoughts.
I have every faith that you will beat this. You are a strong, beautiful woman and YOU CAN DO IT! You may lose your hair with treatments, but you can look at it as a way to experiment with fun wigs. I’ve had patients come in with unilateral and bilateral mastectomies and they’re they funniest, kindest, strongest, most amazing people I’ve ever met in my life. You will be too. I’ll be praying for you and your family. Wish I were closer so I could come give you a hand when you need a break.
fuck cancer in its evil ass. fuck fuck fuck. I’m so sorry this happened to you. You’re one of the good guys. I hope you have all the support and smart doctors and good luck you can possibly get. ::sob:: I wish you all the love and healing in the universe.
My best to you, Misty. It won’t be easy, but you will make it.
Sending you and your family well wishes. I will be keeping you in my prayers.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I read your post while sitting in my 11-year-old’s hospital room. He’s being treated for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The lack of control sometimes feels like the hardest part. Best of luck to you as you experience what my son calls “the cancer life.” Sending positive thoughts your way!
Sending prayers your way for your son.
I am saying a prayer for you right now and will continue to pray as you walk this road Misty.
Your post graphic says well. We are all rooting for you and understand that your schedule is no longer your own to direct. Take care of yourself first. We are hear if you feel like talking.
I can’t even imagine what you’re going through and I admire your strength. Stay strong, Misty!
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. You have a great attitude about the whole thing, and I hope these next two years fly by for you. Sending you prayers and well wishes.