We did not get good news from Dr. Aggarwal yesterday. She called me at work to let me know that the MRI showed a small tumor in the left side of my brain with some swelling around it. The tumor is about 1.5 centimeters in size. She’s not absolutely sure that it comes from the breast cancer, but she suspects this is the cause.
She told me that chemotherapy won’t treat a brain tumor because something in the brain blocks the medicine. Our options right now are to see my radiation oncologist, Dr. Tony Lee to discuss his ideas, or go to Indianapolis for a second opinion. Dr. Aggarwal has talked to us about the Indianapolis doctor before when she wasn’t sure what was happening with my left eye and symptoms in February. We didn’t go to see her then because things started getting better.
Mark and I have decided to talk with Dr. Lee and Dr. Aggarwal in more detail before making any other decisions. We weren’t given much information about this new tumor, so we have a lot of questions. We will probably see Dr. Lee next week, and I already have an appointment with Dr. Aggarwal the week after that. Dr. Aggarwal prescribed a small dose of a steroid for me to begin taking, and I’m still taking the medicine that keeps me from coughing.
We are so blessed to have a caring and supportive church family. As soon as word got out yesterday that I had received this news, all of the ministers from our church went to visit with Mark at the hardware store. He was really struggling with staying there at work when this news was so devastating, and they offered to finish up the day so he could come home. Whitney convinced me to leave work after we got the news, too, so we all gathered at home late in the afternoon.
I am really scared about this new diagnosis, but I still trust God to carry me and my family through whatever we will face. This morning I found a verse in Psalms that spoke to my fears:
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
Psalms 133:18-19
I’m sure I’ll begin treatment after we talk with the doctors, and they may want to run more tests that sound scary (spinal tap). It has been hard for me to pray while I digest and deal with this news, so please lift us up in your prayers.
Thank you.
Sandy
Dear Sandy… my daughter, Patty Brobeck, has kept me updated on you… you and your family are in our prayers and i will put your name on our church prayer list at SS Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Huntington…
Sandy: We will add you to our rosary list, which we
pray daily. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Your faith is an inspiration to us all. Know that
no matter what happens, God will give you the grace
and the strength to bear this burden. You are so
very close and dear to His heart.
Mary Black
Do it Best Corp.
Dear Sandy,
I keep you in my prayers. I will offer daily Mass for your peace and health.
Lord you invite all who are burndened to come to You. Allow Your healing hand to heal Sandy. Touch her heart with Your courage. Touch her mind with Your wisdom. Most loving Jesus bring her health in body and spirit. Touch gently this life which you have created. You are an inspiration and have touched many lives.
Gloria Vachon
Do it Best Corp.
Sandy,
Just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you and that you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Sandy,
A pain struck my heart when I learned of your small tumor today. I am asking the Lord to give you and yours a peace that will surpass all understanding.
Praying for your good health and recovery,
Cheryl Marchetti
Sandy and Mark,
You know you are in all of our prayers and thoughts. What you cant verbally pray, we will take on. We know there is nothing we can say or do more important than to lift you all up in prayer right now! We love you guys and we know God is still in control!
Terry and Tracy
Sandy,
We are praying for you and your family every night during our prayer time. If you need anything at all don’t hesitate to call on us, we are here if you need us.
Love You,
Linda
Dear Sandy
My heart is with you. God keep you and hold you and your family. I have been praying for him to hold you tight and give you peace. I know he is watching over you!
love Lisa