Ductal carcinoma (UPDATED)

Not the words you want to hear.

Especially not the words you want to hear when the person talking is directing those words at someone who's been the love of your life for more than 30 years.

Today, she and I heard those words and many more, most of them foreign, many of them frightening.

There are lots of things going through my mind tonight and most of them I'll not share, not just yet.  What I will do is ask for two specific prayers from those of you who pray regularly (and hell, even from those who don't).

I ask that you pray for my bride's well being most obviously, physical particularly but also spiritual.  And I ask that you pray I'll be the husband that she needs in the coming days, weeks and months.

We're told that we've caught this early.  We're told that beating it is more than just possible, that it's even likely.  We're also told that there's more to know and that the hope is we'll know more about what we don't know in the next few days, all of which will aid in determining how best to fight it.

And fight it we will, with every fibre of our being.

Thank you for your prayers.

UPDATE: From my youngest son's Facebook page to his mom's heart... and my own:

All i kept thinking was "please say negative, please say negative" as we waited for the doctor to return. We passed the time with nervous laughter, huddled in a small room, together, as a family. Never had 10 minutes felt so long, as each second ticked by with what felt like an eternity. Finally the doctor entered the room, hesitantly, as he noticed the army of supporters waiting to hear the results.

"Let's get right to it," he said, looking Mom in the eye,"The biopsy came back positive for Ductal Carcinoma." Shock, anger, disbelief: all of these words describe the terrible feeling that started in my head and slowly seeped through the rest of my body. I glanced over at my brother. All color had left his face, and it held the same look of disbelief. I couldn't even look at Dad. I didn't have to. I already knew what he was feeling, and i couldn't bear to see the most influential man in my life at his weakest moment.

Mom was stoic through it all, not flinching one time. She maintained the strength that I couldn't. The most important woman in my life was just told she had cancer, and she didn't look scared, not even for a second. You know why? Because she's strong. She's courageous. She's a fighter, and she knows she can beat this. She knows WE can beat this. We WILL beat it, and when all is said and done, it will just strengthen the already unbreakable bond that i call my family.

I love you Mom, we're all right here by your side.

Comments

[songstress7]

Oh no... Rick, I am so sorry to hear that. Glad that beating this is a very strong hope. Both of you will be in my prayers.

[Locutisprime]

Rick, you and your bride have got my prayer support friend. Trust in God, he can make all things new again and he can get both of you through this. Prayers are going up.

[Tom Flake]

Rick,

I am sorry to hear this. You and your wife are in my prayers.

[Lfsheldon]

You got it. And for the doctors.

We went through that some years ago (14?).

[Joe]

Thoughts and Prayers sir!!

Know you don't know me, but I check out your site everyday.

Hang in there and be strong!!

Joe

[Charlie]

It's such a frightening moment for you both. Of course I'll be praying. Ephesians 3:20.

[Clinton]

Be strong. I will keep you in my prayers.

[Maureen]

Rick, I am so very sorry. Linda is an amazing, strong woman and the love that you share will get you both through this. You know how I've felt about God and praying for the past few years but I will be praying for Linda, for you, for the doctors, and for the whole family. I love you all very much!!

Maureen

[diane hunt]

9 years since my breast cancer diagnosis. It will take awhile, but there will come a time when you don't even think about it.

Keep a good attitude and God bless.

[tim aka The Godless Heathen]

Thoughts, Rick, it's all I got.

So sorry...hang in there, both of you.

[Mommynator]

Rick, you and your darling have my prayers. Please keep us updated.

If you're having trouble understanding all that medicalese, don't be puzzled - message me in FB and I'll be glad to research and explain anything. You need to understand things so you can fight this fight.

Major hugs.

[Nancy French]

Praying...

[Sissy Willis]

God bless you all. You are in my prayers.

[Bill Burns (AKA Theocoid)]

My prayers are going out to her and your family.

[Kris, in New England]

Prayers winging their way to the heavens. Medicine is a marvel these days; if they say it's likely it's beatable - then it is.

[Gmac]

I sincerly hope she overcomes this adversity. I'll offer up a prayer for you both tonight.

[chuck aka xtnyoda]

Yahweh Rapha, our healer, guide the Doctors, use the medicine, guide by Your hand of grace and strength, and love ... and heal for Your glory.

Thank You.

[BroKen]

Prayers for you both, Rick. Take Mommynator up on her offer. She was a big help to me awhile back on an issue not nearly so vital. She is great.... but you knew that! May you both experience the grace and mercy of Our Lord; His tangible presence throughout this ordeal.

[Instinct]

My prayers are with you.

[NickS]

praying for you guys

Col 1:9

[John]

Rick,
I found you via Mark Shea. I am very sorry for the reason I have found you, but have come to offer words of hope.

You are going to learn all sorts of new stuff in the next 12 months. My wife had the same diagnosis at the tender age of 43. Younger is worse for these sort of things you'll learn. You are going to learn all sorts of incredible things in the coming months. You'll learn all sorts of new interesting medical terms. You'll learn more about your wife, your self, and about the whole world of breast cancer. You'll soon be surprised by just how many people have been touched by it. As well as how many people there are out there who will support you all through it.

Feel free to email if you want some pointer on some first steps from someone who has been down your road.

It is hard to believe , but God's Blessing in somewhere in that diagnosis, my prayer is that you find it.

John

[RandomThoughts]

Praying for God's love and care to surround your wife, for His peace to fill your hearts, and for His hand to guide the hands of those providing treatment to your wife.

[Rick aka Mr. Brutally Honest]

Thanks Nick... Good to know you're still out there my friend...

Sent from my iPad

[RC2]

So sorry to hear this. You guys'll be in my prayers.

[Timeless]

Rick,

Know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

One of the most important things that you as a family can do for her is be there. Be there to listen. Be there to share the good moments. Be there to share the bad moments. But most of all be there to understand.

Understand she is human and she will go through all different types of emotions, good and bad. She needs you and the children to love her more than ever now.

There are millions of women who are affected by this disease. I have many friends who have gone or are going through this now. It is a journey...a journey that may take many twist and turns. Just be there and understand.

What your son wrote touched me, as a mother what more could you ask for from a child. We as mothers never want our children to worry or hurt , it is in our nature to protect them.

Having the wonderful support from her family and friends will make this journey easier.

And know that there will be many praying for you all each and every day.

Remember God is the great physician and he is capable of making us whole both physically and spiritually. My prayer is that he will do both for each one of you.

[Rick]

I appreciate everyone's prayers and good wishes... and I know my wife does...

Thank you all

[julie b]

Found you through Mark Shea also. I just had that diagnosis last June. I am still going through part of my treatment, but the tough chemo is behind me. I made it! It's all so fresh for me still - I pray that all goes well for you and your family. I see there is much love and support therein. God bless all of you.

[Mary-Elaine McGinn]

Having gone through a struggle with a rare sarcoma - 3 years and counting, I know the emotional turmoil you both are suffering. Keep your faith and be each other's helpmate as you go through this. You are in my prayers.