Gaylene's Breast Cancer Fight
Donation protected
I'm Gaylene and this is my story about having breast cancer.
If you want the FaceBook status version, I'll put it next. If you want to walk in my shoes for a couple of minutes, keep reading.
Cancer is a brutal disease that no one can understand until they've heard those words coming out of a doctors mouth and then struggled through the physical, relational, and financial ramifications of treatments, appointments, copays, diet and lifestyle changes, and time away from work for you and your caregiver. Natural remedies like organic foods and products, wigs, scarves, and special bras are expensive and - Surprise! - are either partially or not covered at all by health care.
Many of you have asked how you can help - I am humbled by those who offer up prayers or bring yummy dinners, or just take time out of your busy schedules to come and visit me - and I have resisted asking for money, but find myself in a tough spot financially.
Our one year anniversary is just a few short weeks away, Christmas is around the corner, and we will be celebrating each other, family, friends, life, and the true reason for the season - my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. We won't be celebrating with gifts, just love because "The greatest of these is love."
Any amount - even $5 - will make a difference in my care and treatment. Here's my story:
Last March I noticed that the mass I had in my left breast had changed texture and grown - I had been told that my tissue was very dense and that it was most likely a benign cyst because the mammograms I had previously didn't show anything.
Flash forward to July. I'm putting on my deodorant and Howie says "What's that dent in your boob?"
"I dunno. Never noticed it but I have had some pain radiating from there to under my arm. I'll make an appointment."
Life got busy and I was reminded a few weeks later when a friend shared the story of a woman who had a similar dent that turned out to be cancer. My jaw dropped and I got on the phone. At my appointment a few days later l had an exam and requested an ultrasound and biopsy.
Thank God I did. They did another mammogram - normal (unbelievable, I even got the standard form letter a week later stating that!) - and then an ultrasound. The technician said "The doctor will read these and be back to talk to you. If he thinks a biopsy is necessary he'll discuss that too."
About five minutes later he comes in, with the tech on his heels pushing a tray full of stainless steel tools. My heart sank as he started explaining the biopsy procedure.
Fighting back tears I asked him to be honest with me. "What are we looking at here?"
He looked me in the eye and said "If this is not cancer I will be very surprised." I heard my mom catch her breath from her chair in the corner.
I didn't have to wait for the biopsy results. I knew. I started doing what I do. Searching. Digging. Evaluating. Interviewing doctors and survivors. Planning.
Bad news -the biopsy told me that my cancer is estrogen and progesterone + (meaning foods and products with preservatives, my own hormones, and stress feed it.) I had genetic testing and an ultrasound on the right breast. Good news - 24 genes, no genetic mutations! Right side clear!
I changed to a mostly plant based organic diet that shrinks tumors and helps my body heal itself. I combed through my makeup and cleaning products drawer - all bad - hit the eject button and started slowly replacing everything.
September 22 I had a single mastectomy with partial reconstruction (silicone expander) on the left breast with the hope that when I woke up, I would hear that they got it all, no lymph nodes had been affected, and I could move on with my life.
That's where the next part of the story begins. Lymph nodes were involved and I would have to endure chemotherapy. I started getting sick and extremely fatigued from the silicone expander about a week after the surgery.
Next surgery - to remove the expander. Started feeling better a few days later! On to oncology. More research. More diet changes. Physical therapy for my left arm. I started chemo treatment five weeks ago. Lost my hair starting on Day 14. My WBC count is sliding. I have five more fusions, ending in mid-February as long as my body holds out.
Howie has been my rock, fighting alongside me, holding me through tears, shaving my head, cooking for me and so much more. My mom and kids, and all of you have given me prayers from your heart, shared information and stories with me, and cheered me on. I am SO grateful and hope that you will consider helping me once again.
Peace. Faith. Love.
Gaylene
If you want the FaceBook status version, I'll put it next. If you want to walk in my shoes for a couple of minutes, keep reading.
Cancer is a brutal disease that no one can understand until they've heard those words coming out of a doctors mouth and then struggled through the physical, relational, and financial ramifications of treatments, appointments, copays, diet and lifestyle changes, and time away from work for you and your caregiver. Natural remedies like organic foods and products, wigs, scarves, and special bras are expensive and - Surprise! - are either partially or not covered at all by health care.
Many of you have asked how you can help - I am humbled by those who offer up prayers or bring yummy dinners, or just take time out of your busy schedules to come and visit me - and I have resisted asking for money, but find myself in a tough spot financially.
Our one year anniversary is just a few short weeks away, Christmas is around the corner, and we will be celebrating each other, family, friends, life, and the true reason for the season - my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. We won't be celebrating with gifts, just love because "The greatest of these is love."
Any amount - even $5 - will make a difference in my care and treatment. Here's my story:
Last March I noticed that the mass I had in my left breast had changed texture and grown - I had been told that my tissue was very dense and that it was most likely a benign cyst because the mammograms I had previously didn't show anything.
Flash forward to July. I'm putting on my deodorant and Howie says "What's that dent in your boob?"
"I dunno. Never noticed it but I have had some pain radiating from there to under my arm. I'll make an appointment."
Life got busy and I was reminded a few weeks later when a friend shared the story of a woman who had a similar dent that turned out to be cancer. My jaw dropped and I got on the phone. At my appointment a few days later l had an exam and requested an ultrasound and biopsy.
Thank God I did. They did another mammogram - normal (unbelievable, I even got the standard form letter a week later stating that!) - and then an ultrasound. The technician said "The doctor will read these and be back to talk to you. If he thinks a biopsy is necessary he'll discuss that too."
About five minutes later he comes in, with the tech on his heels pushing a tray full of stainless steel tools. My heart sank as he started explaining the biopsy procedure.
Fighting back tears I asked him to be honest with me. "What are we looking at here?"
He looked me in the eye and said "If this is not cancer I will be very surprised." I heard my mom catch her breath from her chair in the corner.
I didn't have to wait for the biopsy results. I knew. I started doing what I do. Searching. Digging. Evaluating. Interviewing doctors and survivors. Planning.
Bad news -the biopsy told me that my cancer is estrogen and progesterone + (meaning foods and products with preservatives, my own hormones, and stress feed it.) I had genetic testing and an ultrasound on the right breast. Good news - 24 genes, no genetic mutations! Right side clear!
I changed to a mostly plant based organic diet that shrinks tumors and helps my body heal itself. I combed through my makeup and cleaning products drawer - all bad - hit the eject button and started slowly replacing everything.
September 22 I had a single mastectomy with partial reconstruction (silicone expander) on the left breast with the hope that when I woke up, I would hear that they got it all, no lymph nodes had been affected, and I could move on with my life.
That's where the next part of the story begins. Lymph nodes were involved and I would have to endure chemotherapy. I started getting sick and extremely fatigued from the silicone expander about a week after the surgery.
Next surgery - to remove the expander. Started feeling better a few days later! On to oncology. More research. More diet changes. Physical therapy for my left arm. I started chemo treatment five weeks ago. Lost my hair starting on Day 14. My WBC count is sliding. I have five more fusions, ending in mid-February as long as my body holds out.
Howie has been my rock, fighting alongside me, holding me through tears, shaving my head, cooking for me and so much more. My mom and kids, and all of you have given me prayers from your heart, shared information and stories with me, and cheered me on. I am SO grateful and hope that you will consider helping me once again.
Peace. Faith. Love.
Gaylene
Organizer
Gaylene Cooper
Organizer
Galt, CA