I sat at the blank screen for a while on this one.
I’m out of funny asides and nuanced language.
My best friend left me a vox telling me how to write this post, so I basically went back and listened to it three times to use as a guide.
Some of you already know this information. For some of you, this will be a surprise.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Monday.
I do not have a lot of information.
All we know right now is that it is Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma.
I had a mammogram and ultrasound a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. They found something “of concern.” I had a biopsy last Wednesday. And my doctor called Monday.
I honestly hadn’t planned on writing here anytime soon. I wasn’t ready to talk about it.
But we told the kids at dinner Monday night. Which will still go down as one of the worst things I’ve ever had to do.
As a part of that, we gave them permission to process it however they needed to. If they needed to talk with a teacher or friends, then they had my permission to do so. Or not. Totally up to each of them. So they shared with some friends.
And of course we shared with our families and some of my closest prayer warriors. Then I talked to a few friends who have been through this.
Which means, it started leaking out.
Since I can’t possibly reach out to everyone that we love and care about to share the news individually, even though I wish I could, I’m writing here.
I’m a little overwhelmed.
I have triplets to raise and a marriage to foster and a full time job, and none of that stops with this diagnosis. I still need to keep doing those life things.
So I am sharing what’s happened, and this is where we are.
I will share parts of this journey here. Some parts aren’t mine to share.
I am very grateful for the phone calls and texts and messages and comments. And most of all, for all your prayers.
I am reading every single one of them, but I’m also not able respond to them all right now.
I’m also not ready to answer phone calls yet, so if it goes to voicemail know it goes there with great love and thankfulness for your love and support for our family. My best friend gave me permission not to reply.
I trust God.
I trust that He will use this for a good purpose.
He is already at work.
He is already doing great miracles.
I will be at MD Anderson with a great medical team on December 18th and 21st. Please pray for them as well. Please pray for my husband and my kids. They are so sad. But probably in a place where they aren’t ready to talk about it either.
I’m was worn pretty thin by yesterday, just emotionally depleted. But I’m better today – my darling husband took us for the most fun dinner where we sat on the patio and ate great food and laughed. We are still laughing too. I love you all and am tremendously thankful for you.
Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to pray for you. So thankful you are surrounded by love and live so close to the BEST medical care. You can do this!
We are praying for you. Stay strong, we love you.
I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this, yet, I know that God will use this for his purposes, although it is beyond us to see or understand how right now. Know that I will be praying for you and your family. May God bless you with the peace, strength, wisdom and even joy that only he can provide.
Gindi
Praying for complete healing for you, peace for your family and wisdom for Medical team. You are at the best hospital in the world! God is good and continues to have big plans for you!! Love and hugs!
You’re amazing. Praying for you and your family. Hugs.
You and your family are definitely in my prayers. I have two friends on Facebook who are in this battle. One just finished radiation after having a lumpectomy. One is half-way through radiation after chemo, and a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. My sister just completed her first year cancer free (and she broke her knee just after she was diagnosed and needed surgery on that and weeks of healing before they could start cancer treatment). It isn’t an easy battle, but you can do this with your faith in Jesus, the support and prayers of all who love you, and a healthcare team who is fighting with you and don’t intend to lose.
Thanks for sharing Gindi. My husband was diagnosed with cancer in April. Treated at MDA and is on the mend now. It was a difficult process for the family. Hard for me to accept help but it came in spades. Tears as I write this and hear this news about you. You will get through and you will be stronger. Prayers for you and your family. ♥️ Courtney
I have been praying since kristin told me, and I am so sorry. I will keep praying.
Gindi, darling girl, I only know you through Kristin, but that’s saying a lot. May the God of Sarah and Jael, of Judith and Deborah, strengthen you. Remember Judith’s prayer, before she relieved Holofernes of his head: “Lord God to Whom all strength belongs, prosper what my hands are now to do.”
Hey Gindi, I am so sorry you are going through this. I am a 15 year breast cancer survivor. Mine was stage 1 in my duct as well. I will be praying for you and your family during this time. If you ever want to talk to someone that has walked that road, feel free to reach out. Sending you a great big hug. 😘
Our hearts go out in concern and love. Our continuing prayers will be with you on this journey. Be strong when you have to, cry when you need to and lean on your family, friends and coworkers. It is our time to be there for you.
Gindi
My prayers are with you. I am a long-time reader of your blog and I can’t tell you how many times your messages have lifted my spirits. May God hold you and your family close and bring hope and healing to you soon.
Prayers sent for you and family!
Praying for you and your family. ❤️ I’m sorry it’s so hard. We’ll be thinking of you and watching for updates.
Ginny
Your sharing will help someone somewhere someday face the same diagnosis with courage and grace – just like you. Praying for you and your family with all the best wishes and belief in a good outcome. Please remember you are surrounded by friends and don’t hesitate to reach out for anything that will make the day brighter for you.
Oh sweet Gindi….you are so loved… most especially loved by your Heavenly Father who’s got this! We will be praying for you, dear friend. Praying for peace, wisdom, and complete healing. Hugs to you!!!
Oh this was a gut-punch to read. Take your time praying, healing, processing. You are so right, God definitely has a plan and He will give you a hope and a future. I am praying for you and your healthcare team. I worked at MDACC for years and they are top-notch, but you knew that already. Know that you are literally covered in prayer.
I am sorry to hear this news, Gindi. You have the faith, love, and strength in body and spirit to get through this. I offer a practical tip, if you find yourself doing chemo, I recommend buying a Barefoot Dreams blanket (available at Nordstrom’s). It is light but incredibly warm and cozy. Tested and approved by those I love who did chemo.
Much sharing and know you are loved and that your TYLA family is praying for you.
Gindi,
My hearts sinks for you. You are one of if not the strongest women I know. A strong woman with a heart of gold, filled with kindness and empathy. You are such a rare bird. I have not stopped praying since I read your post. One day at a time Jesus is walking with you through this. You are awesome and loved. Grace and Peace – Jim
If anyone can do this, YOU can! Love and prayers coming your way non-stop my dear friend!
Gindi,
I will be praying for you & your family. Here for you if you need anything!
Gindi,
This hit me. Hard. This is my story too for this year and I’m so, so terribly sorry you are walking this road now. I am praying in earnest for you that you will have peace, hope and complete faith in our Heavenly Father. My last treatment is the day of your surgery. You are on my heart and in my unceasing prayers.
Praying for you is one of my favorite things to do. I am one colleague you can certainly count on to walk with you. May God bless you and your family through this harrowing journey, and if you ever need a smile, count on me. Love you!
So grateful for your prayers!