Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Good, Maybe Great News, I think?

Ok, all of you who have been on this roller coaster of emotions with me over the last couple of months, tighten your seatbelts because here we go again!!! Dr. Lang's nurse just called me and said the pathology for the core biopsy samples Dr. Lang took last Friday came back BENIGN! Yes, you read that right, BENIGN!

Dr. Lang is not in the office today, so I couldn't speak with her directly. Her nurse said Dr. Lang feels it is because I have already recieved chemotherapy treatment. But, this must mean the chemo drugs are working, right? I honestly don't know what to think. I'm wondering if she just didn't get the right tissue? But, if the tumor is as big as they're saying it is and she did the procedure with the use of ultrasound, how could that be? She even made a point of making sure she got tissue that was white saying that indicated tumor tissue. She showed the samples to Joe. Maybe she didn't take samples from a wide enough region? Could the lab have messed up?

I go back up to Tucson on Friday. I am going to a radiological center that only does breast procedures. The radiologist told me to bring all my previous films for him to look at. They will do the ultrasound of my left underarm and possibly the fine needle aspiration if they see any lymph nodes and then they will do yet more biopsies of my breast tissue to confirm results.

I feel like I've done a pretty good job since all of this started of keeping my emotions pretty even. I got really low over the last two days and thanks to the wonderful notes people wrote to me, Joe and Pam supporting and encouraging me, and the arrival of the "Margarita Express" at my door yesterday (I love you, Carol and Norma!), I felt like I was back to being even keeled. So, I'm trying to not get too excited by this news until after I have the further testing and the doctors can explain in depth to me what it means, but considering when I had my first biopsy done all five core samples came back as malignant, this seems like good news, doesn't it?

Whatever it is all of you are doing out there, praying and sending good thoughts, please keep it up because for at least today, it feels like it is working miracles for me.

Love you all tons!
Martha

9 comments:

ZueZQue said...

Martha, That is great news indeed!! I'll say some prayers that it continues to be good news. You know, as I sit here watching TV, it occurs to be that maybe all you needed was a Democrat in the White House!! :)

Sorry Dad, couldn't resist!

Love ya!
Sue

Cheela said...

Oh my gosh, Martha!! This is unbelievable!! You have been through so much--I can't even imagine!!

Jim said...

Martha:

That's fabulous news. It's, of course, because you grew up in NJ. All of the toxic chemicals and fumes we ingest daily cause a natural immunity. Obviously, yours has knocked out the cancer.

Keep up the good work. Quit breathing that clean air out there (it will make you sick if you stay there too long) and come back to ingest the natural defense mechanism.

Jim

Dottie said...

Dear Martha, I'm STUNNED!!!!!! I'm so THRILLED for you and your family!!! I had told you in an earlier post that your new name in my book is MARTHA THE MIRACLE!!! You just continue to prove it, Girlfriend!!!!

I'm thinking it is Sheila's Knock (sp?) water along with all of the powerful positive thoughts and prayers . . . and, who knows, maybe a Democrat in the White House helped somewhat too as Sue said!!!!! (Wait until Obama hears THIS!!!! Maybe it was just part of his "new beginnings" plan that we just hadn't heard about yet!! YOU were in his plan!!! How cool is that?!??!) LOL

I'm just in SHOCK . . . as I'm sure you are . . . but it sounds like if there was EVER a time for the "Happy Dance", Girlfriend, now is the time!!! Dance your little heart away!!!

We're ALL sitting on the edge of our seats, cautiously optimistic just as you are, dear Friend!!! Friday just can't come fast enough!!!

You had such insightfulness in your earlier reflections, Martha!! It sounds like you're close to some answers--thank goodness!!! GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

Whew!!! What a phenomenal "turn in the road"!!!!! We're still right there beside you every step of the way, dear friend!!!

Lots of love,
Dottie

Carol Dunton said...

Oh Martha!
Norma and I think it has something to do with the 'Margarita Express'!
Thanks for being such a trooper and running over there with us! We loved the laughs and it did us just as much good, too! : )) Continued prayers are pouring over you and all on 'Team Martha'! Love to all the Hitzels...
Carol

Meags said...

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm glad to be a part of your rollercoaster espeically the thrills. What a day, your desire of Obama and great news all in one. I saw a picture of the first couple dancing... no way is their great smile bigger than Team Martha!!!!!!!!

Jane said...

Martha,
I am so happy to hear your news! What a rollercoaster ride you are on. I think all of the prayers and positive thoughts are working miracles.
I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers!! I hope that the doctor is able to answer all of your questions.

Lots of love to you and your family. I can't wait to hear how your appointment goes.

Jane

Hi Mrs Hitzel,
I have been thinking about you. I hope you are doing ok. Love, Victoria

LoriH said...

OMG! Carol told me this morning in our book study group & I thought I was hearing things. That is just fabulous news!! I can't wait to hear what they say when you back back down to Tucson. I will continue to pray for good news for you.

Don't beat yourself up, Martha, about not recognizing or getting regular check-ups. We all do that. We get a cough & think it's just a cold & then 3 weeks & 4 bottles of Nyquil later we find out it's pneumonia! And yes I am talking about Carol :), but that's what I'm saying--we all do--especially if we lead a fairly healthy life. There was a reason it worked out the way it did and if your experience can bring just 1 woman to her dr. to get checked because of everything you've gone through, then that's a good thing! I think we've all realized the importance of self-exams & getting our yearly "squeeze". So, just know that not a one of us is wondering "why" or "what if"...we're just glad that things seem to have taken an upswing and we're glad to be there to support you!

Lydia said...

Martha, I was so excited to hear the good news. Prayers are heard and answered. You are an amazing women and we all love you! We'll continue praying for you! Can't wait to see you soon! Love you, Lydia