3 Weeks Post Op

Yesterday I had two appointments. One with the plastic surgeon and another with the oncologist. I am pleased to report that the surgical drains are out! I actually slept on my side for a few moments throughout the night last night. IT WAS AMAZING! The plastic surgeon was again pleased with my healing so far. I will go back to see her in three weeks. At this point, she will be monitoring my healing until she deems me ready for revisions. I have come to a decision that, at this point, I will not be seeking the DIEP flap reconstruction option. I am just not up for another major surgery if it isn't necessary. Recovery is no joke, my friends. The appointment with the oncologist went well also. She is recommending that I take Tamoxifen for the next 7 - 10 years. The Tamoxifen will serve as my systemic treatment and should keep any remaining cancer cells from growing/colonizing. Of course, we hope that no cancer cells are floating around, but there is no way to guarantee that all the cells are gone. God has been so good! He has answered our prayers and even exceeded our hopes in this journey so far. I know he is supporting me through it all, good and not so good. I will start the Tamoxifen when it arrives from my mail order pharmacy. I have fears about the side effects, but I am trying not to borrow trouble and worry, as we know today has enough of its own. So, one day at a time, one moment at a time will be my mantra. I am sure that my energy will begin to return eventually. It seems like the smallest bit of activity requires a two-hour nap. For now, I will take advantage of the fact that I CAN take a two-hour nap while on leave. The septic line is now repaired. Yay! Our basement is torn up, and we are waiting for insurance to approve the cost of repairs. This problem is so minor compared to cancer. Jeff and I thank you and love you for your incredible support. The meals, cards, gifts, and texts have been so beautiful. YOU have been the hands and feet of Jesus over and over again. Thank you for standing in the gap for us.

14 Days Post Op

Hello all. On Monday, I met with the breast surgeon, Dr. Mattingly, for a follow-up. I appear to be healing well. I am still annoyed with the remaining 2 surgical drains. As much as I pleaded, to have them removed - no luck. Dr. Mattingly said Dr. Scott has the final say on the drains. It turns out that she is a stickler about them and won't have any of it. I am hoping and praying I can get them out on the 12th when I see the plastic surgeon again. I know they have a purpose, and I am trying to appreciate that with very little success. The Oncotype_dx results came back, and my score was 13! We had been praying for less than 25. So God has answered prayers once again. This means no chemo. So no chemo and no radiation. We still have to decide what systemic treatment I will have. A wonderful friend asked me to rate my healing on a scale of 0 - 100%. This was my response: I am thinking 15%. The drain tubes are still working. I am working at cleaning the glue off the scars slowly. I have a limited range of arm motion, but that will be better when the drains come out. The pain level is minimal...more like general discomfort. The worst is fatigue. I think that is mainly because I can only sleep in one position, my back. I get so uncomfortable and want to roll onto my side, but can't because of the drains. So, even though I am resting, it is not optimal resting. I think when the drains come out, I will make exponential progress just because I will sleep better. On the home front, we got hit with a HUGE problem. We have a busted drain line going out from our house to the septic tank. This has left us unable to run water, shower, or use the restroom at home. Houston, we have a problem. Anyway, we are so thankful that we have the lake house available to us. Jeff discovered this one morning when leaving to go to work. Our garage was flooded. We were thankful that it wasn't in the house. But, since then, it has been one thing after another to get it fixed. Insurance is making everyone (plumbers and restoration people) wait for approvals and such. In the red tape of approvals, the basement is now involved. Satan is really working overtime to get to Jeff and me. We will not forsake him. With that said, we have had to cancel some of the meal train deliveries because we are temporarily staying in Monticello, and Jeff is driving back and forth AND trying to care for me. He is quite exhausted. Having running water is incredibly important to recover. Jeff's sister, Teri, delivered a bunch of food up here to get us through several days. We are hopeful that the line will be repaired by the end of the week, and I can come home, and the meal train can resume.

8 Days Post Op

Today I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Scott, the plastic surgeon. She was delighted with how I am healing. She rewarded me by removing 2 surgical drains. Wooooohoooo! Praise Jesus for answered prayer. I still have 2 remaining, but you have no idea how much better it feels. She worked some magic on the remaining 2 by taping them in a "magical" way that relieved the pulling feeling. I go back to see her in 2 weeks. Also, we got some generally good news with the pathology yesterday. My tumor is considered Stage 1a. Of the 3 nodes they removed, 1 had isolated tumor cells detected, and the other 2 were clear. They are considered to be negative for cancer. So that is good. I wish that they hadn't seen any tumor cells at all, but it could be so much worse. The oncologist has ordered the Oncotyping of the tumor. Those results usually take two weeks. Oncotyping is used to predict potential reoccurrence of cancer and if it would be responsive to chemotherapy. The meals, cards, texts, thoughts, and prayers have been amazing. I am going to request some recipes from many of you. I am in awe of the love and care you all have shown me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

5 Days Post Op - Authored by Alisha Konkle

Marsha continues to be doing great physically. She is highly annoyed with the drains hanging from her body and making it hard to do anything that she actually feels like doing. Jeff took her in a car ride two nights ago around to all of their old Brownsburg houses to get her out of the house. I took her to Lowes yesterday and we just walked around the store then went to get ice cream. She has really cut down on her pain meds and is still getting lots of rest. Her biggest battle at the moment is the annoyance with the drains. She is so extremely thankful for all of you and the outpouring of love that you have given her via meals, cards, gifts, and especially prayer. Continue to pray for her healing and for the drain removal to be soon. I would also ask that you pray for her emotions as well as she continues to work her way through this journey. Jeff and I also thank all of you for the love and support you have given to her and us. God has blessed us with some incredible family and friends.

3 Days Post DMX with Immediate Reconstruction (Double Mastectomy) Authored by Alisha Konkle

Marsha wants to extend her thanks again to each of you and to the God above who has shown up in such big ways through all of this. You all have truly been His hands and feet. Each meal, card, flower, and prayer has been felt and gratefully received. Words seem insufficient in expressing her gratitude. She is getting along so well. I continue to be amazed at her strength and attitude. She was able to shower yesterday with help from Jeff. She continues to get lots of rest and sleep which is good. She has stepped down from her meds one notch and started taking only one pain killer at a time today. Thank you all again for being such a strong support as her journey continues. Our girl is strong on her own but she is so much stronger knowing how many people are behind her in this!

I can't believe Cancer happened to me!

Well, on June 25th, 2019, I became one of the 1 in 8 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer daily - invasive lobular carcinoma, to be specific. I am having a double mastectomy on July 23rd with reconstruction to follow after any necessary treatment. The fear that strikes when you hear the word cancer associated with you is hard to describe. I claim all of God's promises as I go for sure! Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go. I cannot tell you how much Jeff and I appreciate your prayers. We have felt God's presence throughout this journey, and all of you have indeed been the hands and feet of Jesus for us. The outpouring of love, support, offers of help, and prayers have been humbling and heartwarming. We are definitely experiencing the love of our community in this time of uncertainty. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving us through the valley. This experienced will be used for good. I am sure of it.