I hope I didn’t offend anyone with the cartoon-caption swearing. It is, however, quite descriptive of how I feel at the moment, and I thought that was better than typing it in English, French, or Yiddish.
The short story is, the third surgery was not successful. Herman is a stubborn, stubborn fellow. It will take a mastectomy and some chemotherapy to completely send him on his way. So, we are heading down a little bit longer road (or swim?) than we originally hoped for, but now that I’ve had a few days to process this information, I realize the journey is not the point. The point is, we live in amazing time that makes this journey even possible, and there is plenty of hope and healing at the end.
There are a few doctor’s appointments to be done, and some big decisions to be made, but those will happen pretty fast now, I think. I’ll keep everyone posted as best I can. Meanwhile, your prayers are appreciated more than you can know. If there is an up side to this yucky situation, it is confirming what I already knew – I am overly blessed with wonderful family, amazing friends, the best job ever working with the best people ever, and God’s constant presence and grace in my life.
And, for those of you who are up for some breast cancer humor, I saw a t-shirt yesterday that will definitely be added to my wardrobe some time in the near future. It said, “Of course they are fake…the real ones tried to kill me.” Laugh, c’mon, it’s funny! (Apologies to my sons, who are probably cringing at this moment.) 🙂
Mama Prayed 
jenny, you continue to crack me up!! i would absolutely wear that shirt 🙂 i think it sucks that you have to go the full mastectomy route, but, hey, it is what it is. i see that you intend to beat Herman senseless and i know that the One who gives life and heals is on board with that idea, so rock on!! and i happen to know a t-shirt shop in lawrence (where we live now) who could make that shirt for you…it would be my honor to get it for you! keep us posted, keep us laughing, and don’t hold back when you need us to whimper, bitch, cry, stomp our feet, or sit with our blankies and mope with you, on your sofa or across the ether. it’s all part of the deal with friends. hugs, dear 🙂
I have a girlfriend who has a, I don’t know, a weird or twisted sense of humor. She was facing a double mastectomy so she threw a “going away” party for the departing parts of her anatomy. I never saw a picture of the celebratory cake, but knowing her, I can just imagine the fun she had with it. Nevertheless, I know this is a journey that is bittersweet – filled with more anxious moments in the hospital and getting to know doctors and medical folk more than you really wanted. But you are correct in realizing that we live in a time when this madness can be battled. And better yet, you know the Lord who loves you and cares deeply for you – more than even a million of the most well-intentioned, loving, and supporting friends. Love you Jenny. May you know the love, peace, joy, and mercy of the Lord in a most real and intimate way. Prayers for you and your delightful family.
Thanks for your candid sharing…I laughed out loud and agree (having sons also) that the two sons will be cringing! I will be praying for His best for you…that you will hear His directives about the when and how and such…and that you will find that perfect peace in the midst of the chaos…known as Shalom…each day…and that you will come to know His love in ways you couldn’t have known any other way…His “good news” in every situation we face!!! Blessings….
Let me know when you want to talk, and in the meantime, practice this line I stole from someone else at the time, “My hair is on a stand and my boobs are in a box.” . . .and remember – there is nothing wrong with whacked-out humor – it’s how we measure how we’re doing! Love you!