Trials

11-23-08

What a week!!!

Ron continues to learn and enjoy his administrative duties at Bingham High School. This week he was able to attend the state championship football game and “Hello Dolly” as an administrator! High School life is busy!

Savanna continues to stay busy with teaching 6th graders at Jordan Ridge Elementary. She still finds time to read and do things with her friends.

Marie had a hard week….her high school team lost the championship game in the last minute of the game, and then BYU had an awful day against Utah yesterday! Marie remains true blue, Bingham and BYU…Wednesday night we attended a Young Women’s in Excellence Program. The leaders did a great job and every girl was a “Star”! They looked great dressed in their formals!

My week has been memorable!!! Shocking!!! On Friday I learned that I have adenocarcinoma, yes cancer. Tomorrow I will have a PET scan to determine the exact type of cancer that I have, but I think that it is probably breast cancer. Ron and I both feel calm and that things will work out as we tackle this new challenge in our lives. The hardest part has been telling people. I feel just fine and haven’t had any problems so it is hard to really comprehend that I have cancer.

On Oct. 25th I noticed a lump on the side of my neck just above my collar bone. I was going to go and get it checked, but since it wasn’t painful I just put it off. About a week after that I started feeling sick. I had a head cold, one that I probably picked up at school. It was getting hard to sleep because I was so congested so I went to an Instacare on Friday, Nov. 14th to get a prescription to help me feel better. The physician noticed the lump and referred me to a specialist to have it looked at. On a scale of a 1-10 he felt it was a 3 and nothing to get very concerned about, but that I should have it examined. He referred me to Dr. Davis who I saw last week on Wednesday after school. I am impressed with this doctor; he examined my neck, nose, and throat and then said that he was concerned about the lump too. He recommended that we do a procedure called a needle biopsy. It didn’t hurt at all, but the needle was huge!!! It was hard to look the other way since he was taking the fluid out of the lump on my neck. After the procedure I did fell faint…..Dr. Davis was going to do his best to get the results by Thursday and then let me know. Thursday afternoon he called to let me know that the results weren’t back yet, but he wanted to me to come and see him Friday to determine what procedure we should take in regard to removing the lump. My anxiety level went up after I got the phone call! Friday morning I went in and he very calmly told me that the results weren’t good and that I have adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer is found in glands of either the lungs, intestines, or breast. Since I haven’t had any problems with coughing or digestion I feel that it probably breast cancer. So tomorrow Ron will go with me for the PET scan where we will find what the future holds for us!

Like I said I haven’t felt sick at all….in fact I am calm. The only problem is that I break down when I tell people and see their concern and love for me. Ron and I haven’t told anyone except the Bishop in our ward, the girls, and some close friends at school. I will probably tell people in our ward next week when I have a better idea of what I am faced with.

Ron and I have always wondered what big trials we would be faced with…well this may be one of them. I am going to stay positive and do my best to tackle this. I appreciate the love, concern, and prayers of those who I have told. It really makes me thankful for the loving and supportive family and friends that I have been blessed with. I will do my best to keep each of you informed with what is taking place. I would appreciate your love and prayers not only for me but for Ron, the girls, and the medical staff that will be helping us through this event.

At this time of Thanksgiving I truly am grateful for the many blessings that I have, especially the gospel.

Love,
Jolene