Saturday, March 12, 2011

Auntie Em has Cancer

After meeting with Dr. Grange for my biopsy results my biggest fear is coming true.  I do have breast cancer and although she is not able to give me a stage of cancer she already knows I am going to have chemotherapy.  I am all for getting rid of the cancer and doing what ever it takes but I am scared to death of chemotherapy.  I am afraid of how it is going to make me feel and losing my hair.  I know it is just hair but unless I get a wig (which I plan on doing) I can't imagine myself without hair.  It is such a big part of me and every time I think of losing my hair I burst in to tears.  You would think a possibility of losing my life would be the bigger deal...right?  It is a big deal but I don't plan on going any where without a fight first! =)

I am going to the hospital on Monday for CT scans to see if there is any other cancer in my body or anything wrong with my bones.  Dr. Grange finds it suspicious that I could have breast cancer so early in my life (32 years old today as I write this) if there wasn't something else at the root of the problem.  To rule it out I need to have a lot of tests done to get my complete diagnosis and stage of cancer.  So for now I am praying that the only thing wrong is my breast cancer and every other inch of my body is healthy.

Thank you to my family and friends for your support during this difficult time in my life.  I plan on fighting this disease until it is gone and your support will give me the strength to do this!

72 comments:

  1. Emily,

    Our prayers are with you, Steve and the Dr.'s as you go through all of this. We will be praying as you have the CT scan on Monday. Thank-you for allowing us this privilege and for keeping us posted.
    YOU Can fight this!
    denise & Roger Friesen

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  2. Emily,

    Thank you for keeping us posted on this. You are one of the strongest women I've met, and nobody messes with you and gets away with it; including cancer. The Dwight family is praying for you and your family.

    Eric

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  3. Lynn Holthaus-Nelson
    Jen told me tonight about your news. So sorry to hear about your cancer. On a Positive note, I have been in remission for 18 years. Yes, I found out I had cancer (leukemia) when I was 11. Went through Chemo, radiation, and even a bone marrow transplant. It sucks but will make u stronger. Anytime you want to talk, feel free to give me a shout. :)

    I would like to help out, so can I make a meal for u guys this week? Sounds like u have enough on your mind. :)

    Thanks,
    Lynn

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  4. Joseph Adelman

    God. I am not really sure what I can say...I had to read that three times and it made my heart race, so I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now. I will be thinking of you tomorrow and every other day until you beat this... :)

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  5. Michelle Pulte-Havlovic
    Emily-
    Paxton and I lay on the couch for the first time together and I can't help but keep thinking of you and your fighting ways. Please know that I send my heartfelt prayers of strength, support and comfort. We are here with you every step of the way. We may not always know what to say but please let us know when you need us! Don't worry about your hair. I have a good friend that wears wigs all the time too. Don't forget it is your beauty within that we all admire. Lv and prayers! Thanks again for all your baby support. Don't think my many questions have stopped. I admire what you do with Olivia and your family! Lv ya

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  6. Anna Wedberg
    Hi Emily
    I know we don't know each other well, but I wanted to reach out to you anyway.
    I will be keeping you in my thoughts. You sound like a very kind and loving person as well as very strong & determined. I am sure this will help you overcome this difficult time. My grandma & my aunt are both breast cancer survivors.
    Please don't feel you need to respond to this email. Just know that while I'm sure you have an amazing network of family and friends there are many more of us out there rooting for you and holding you in the light.
    Best wishes

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  7. Annette Buchanan Hansen
    Emily, I know we've not been super close or anything but I really enjoyed working with you back in the day n heard about ur situation. I just wanted to let u know I'm sorry u r going thru this and I will pray extra hard for u. I've never given breast cancer much thought bc it does not run in my family but I guess it doesn't have to. :( stay strong thru this n know that if there is anything I can do please ask!
    Love,
    Annette

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  8. Wendy DeGroot
    Emily, I just heard the news, Im so sorry to hear, but I know your are strong, and will fight every step of the way. I know we are not close, but know you are in our thoughts. Anything you need, please let me know.
    Wendy

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  9. Amy Valentine Kudlacek

    Emily--

    I honestly don't even know what to say. I'm just stunned as I am sure you and your entire family are. What I do know is that you will kick cancer's ass! And, you can guarantee that we will be sending up countless prayers not only for you, Steve and Olivia, but for your parents, and Angie's family too, as everyone is going to need some.

    Please tell Steve a big "thank you" for emailing my mom. Otherwise, I don't know that we would have known since Chad and I have been out of town.

    Hang in there girl, God is on your side!

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  10. Kim Eriksen Waddelow
    Hi Em,
    I just wanted to let you know how much I am thinking of you and praying for some better news tomorrow. It has been a bit of a rough weekend for your big sis, as she just hates to see you have to go through this and wishes she could just "fix" it for you. Of course, it is just terrible news, but I have every bit of confidence that you will come through like a champ. :). You are a strong girl and you have lots of love and support around you. The kids and I prayed for you tonight and will continue to do so until every bit of this cancer is gone! Wishing you the best of luck in tomorrow's tests.

    Love ya!
    Kim

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  11. Lindsey 'Maurstad' Elsaesser

    Hi Emily,

    I just saw you news on your page, and wanted to drop you a note. It is an honor and blessing to be on my knees for you for the next days, weeks, however long your healing takes. I remember the first days after Evie's diagnosis so vividly, those "wow, this is going to change me forever" days. I will be following your blog so I know how to pray for you, and if there is anything I can do please let me know. I'm not really that good at anything other than praying, listening, making cake pops, and blogging, so I'll stick with prayer (:

    I wish I would have gotten a chance to talk to you at Macy's party, I feel like I have seen you so many places but we have never gotten a chance to talk. I'm pretty sure you know I'm Kirstin's little sister.

    Praying God's many blessings of healing, strength, and power over you and your family. So many have done this for us, and it's my joy to return the favor.

    Love, Lindsey

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  12. Hi Emily,
    I read your blog and caring bridge last night and wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I have been through a little of what you are going through and wanted you to know all your thoughts and feelings are normal...especially the hair thing! They found a melanoma in my leg a year and a half ago, thankfully they were able to cut it all out, but I did have to go through the CT scans and MRIs. They found some spots on my liver that needed to be watched. I went back in 6 months and there were more, so I had a liver biopsy. I had to wait over the weekend for the results (miserable). I was in your shoes with having to call my family. I wasn't afraid of the cancer because I knew I would do whatever was needed but I was very concerned with losing my hair. I was lucky and everything came back non-cancerous but I still worrry and have the continuous follow up.
    I just wanted to let you know that someone our age who you know has been through some of the same things. I know when I was going through it I felt as if nobody (my friends) could really understand. For some reason I just wanted to reach out to you....you do not need to respond to this message but please let me know if there is anything I can do to help out.
    Remember prayer truly is a powerful thing!
    Jessi

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  13. Kristi Jones Johnson

    Emily and Steve-

    Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you both and Olivia! If there is anything we can do, please, please let us know. Being here in Omaha, we would be willing and able to help out with whatever, so please don't hesitate to ask.

    I had a scare when we were in grad school, but I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. I do know, however, that you are a strong woman, and Steve and your families are amazing.

    Thoughts and prayers to you today and as you progress through your treatments.

    Take care!
    Kristi & Matt

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  14. Chrissy Pohl Bailey
    Hi Emily,
    Jason noticed your post on FB last night and we just wanted to let you know that you will be in our prayers everyday!!! I can't even find the words to let you know how much I have been thinking of you and can't imagine what you are going through right now. You are a person with such great strength and determination and I know that walking down this road will be no different!!! Keep your chin up and know that we are sending our love and support!!!!

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  15. Jill Dolnicek

    Hi love,

    Just wanted to send you a quick note. Cooney forwarded me your Caring Bridge site this weekend and I just couldn't believe what I was reading. My heart is breaking for you, I know you must be so scared. BUT, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart, if anyone can beat cancer with positivity and energy and joy for life, it's YOU! Seriously.

    I'll be thinking of you and your family and sending all the well wishes in the world your way. With all the support and love you clearly have behind you, I have no doubt you'll come out a winner on this one.

    Love you, girl!

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  16. Ashley Hinze

    Emily-
    I am SO sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I just noticed Steve's post today and didnt exactly hear what you said when I saw you at LKS today, and if I did, I would have given you a huge hug and wished you well. I am SO SORRY to hear about everything. You will beat this! My mom was diagnosed 15 years ago and has done so great! If you ever need anything, please dont hesitate to ask :) I will keep you and your family in my prayers!!!

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  17. Katie Hoke-Harrower

    wow...i am happy i got to see you today and that I could give you a big squeeze. I read the news, then boom! you were right there in front of me...that was bizzare. I can't stop thinking about what you and your adorable family are going thru....

    From one Mama to another, I am so sorry that you have to fight this battle. But if you put as much energy into this fight as you did in in having fun in high school and college...this fricken cancer doesn't stand a chance. Keep everyone in the know because a lot of people really like you and believe in you Emily.

    GOD BLESS YA SUGAR!

    xoxo

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  18. Dan Traynor

    Hey Emily it was good to see you and Steve today. I just wanted to let you know all the Traynors are thinkin bout ya. Keep your chin up and try to stay positive. Keep that fiery attitude and you will be just fine. Positive thoughts and prayers, Dan

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  19. Kiana Baker

    I know ur probably getting tons of messages..but i want u to know u have been in every second of my thoughts since i found out on facebook..i have told my fam to pray deep and hard for u! u will beat this! i will pray and think abt u daily!

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  20. Alec Hogan
    Emily, sorry to hear the news today. You may not know this but after my mom passed away I still remember your card more than anybody else's. You will be in my prayers and if there is anything I can do please let me know.

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  21. Melissa Gonnion Kroll
    I was shocked to hear the news... My heart aches for you and your family. You will be in my prayers, and I know you'll beat it!!

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  22. Jacquelin Johnson
    Lots of love Em!!

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  23. Colin Hogan
    Emily just heard the news, thoughts and prayers are with you. I thought about praying for the cancer b/c your going to kick its ass!

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  24. Nelly Sagehorn
    You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything...I am always available to babysit or lend a helpful hand.

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  25. Shannon Haas
    Holy buckets Emily! I'm sorry to hear your news. Sending thoughts, prayers, and HUGS!

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  26. Lindsy Doucette Barrett
    Emily, you and your family are in my thoughts. I'm sending good vibes your way, you can do this!

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  27. Rocky Bonella
    Emily, Sarah and I along with the rest of our family are praying for you....All our love and support are with you and your family

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  28. Tara Andresen Peterson
    Praying for you and your family Emily!

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  29. Angie Novak Lanoha
    Emily...Prayer is powerful and God comforts and heals! Just know I am praying for you and your speedy recovery! :)

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  30. Stephanie Kirchner Welsh
    Emily, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

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  31. Janna Cinnamon Fonseca
    Thinking about and praying for you Emily!!!!!!

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  32. Marcy Rabe
    Emily, I just want you to know I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family. I just know you can beat this!! You are always so uplifting to be around, and I know your spark and love for life will kick some serious ass!! HUGS!!

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  33. Kristi Jones Johnson
    Thoughts and prayers to you, Steve and Olivia!

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  34. Julianne McHale Spatz
    Emily, I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you and your family. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you ever need anything.

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  35. Sara Stanner Pohlad
    Loving you Emily.... You can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  36. Diana McHale Andersen
    Emily, please know that I am thinking about you and your family...sending a lot of prayers, good thoughts, and well wishes your way. You are a very strong and positive person...and I know that you will beat this.

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  37. Nicole Brown Harrington
    Emily, I'm so sorry you are going through this right now. We are thinking about you and your family and praying for you all. All our love and support...Nicole and family.

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  38. Johanna Moss Enright
    Emily..sending strength and prayers from Arizona...please keep us posted on your recovery!

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  39. Stacy 'Gran' Meyer
    Thank you for sharing. Be strong, and I will be sending up some extra prayers for you!

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  40. Courtney Smith Payne
    Sending prayers your way! You will beat this! Stay strong!!!

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  41. Nikki Boulay
    Emily - many prayers to you and your family.

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  42. Erica McMahon
    You are in my thoughts and prayers Emily! I know you will beat this!

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  43. Sarah Barber Livingston
    Many prayers and thoughts to you Emily I know that you will get through this! Lots of Love!

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  44. Trisha DeSantis
    Emily, you are in my thoughts and prayers!

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  45. Lisa Cooke
    Emily you are a strong and wonderful person!! I know you will beat this. Prayers comming from my family to yours.

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  46. Jenny Howe
    We are so sorry to hear this devastating news, lots of prayers coming your way. Emily you are a strong person, we know you can beat this!

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  47. Aubrey Christine Sookram
    thinking of you....belief, faith, and determination can get you through anything....(my father beat stage 4 colon cancer) You are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Keep plugging away!

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  48. Patty DeGroot
    Praying today, fasting today and some tears...Love you guys, Aunt Patty

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  49. Kiana Baker
    Emily~i am so sorry to hear abt what ur going through! my prayers & thoughts are with you!!!

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  50. Katy Wolf Bode
    Emily, You have been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard the news on Saturday. Please know that we are all praying and pulling for your full recovery. We are here for you if you need anything!! We will be following you on your CaringBridge website and/or your blog. We are just down the street and Ellen would love to play with Olivia anytime you need us. Stay strong!!!

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  51. Hillary Mason Love you, Em. You are one of the strongest people I know.

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  52. Carolyn Roberts
    emily..thinking of you...I know you will beat it

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  53. Tricia Pugsley
    Emily! I love you and miss you! Stay strong and stay positive like you always are.

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  54. Gail O'Neil
    Hi Emily-just heard the news from your Mom yesterday. I've known you a long time and you are one tough cookie! You will beat this and your family, friends and positive attitude will be with you every step of the way. Keep smiling. Love ya, Gail

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  55. Brynn Schulz
    Hi Em!! Trevor just told me the news. You will be in my thoughts and prayers every single day. If anyone can beat this, it's definitely you. Take care of yourself...and you, Steve and Olivia will make it through this!! Hugging you in my head doll....

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  56. Celine Klis McHale
    Emily, Julianne shared your news with me and so I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and that I will do whatever you need to help you get through this. You are such a strong determined person with a wonderful support system and so I know you will beat this thing and all of your friends and family will be there for you every step of the way.

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  57. Dana Votava
    Sending thoughts, prayers and strength your way Emily. You are such a positive and beautiful person. Stay strong!!!

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  58. Gloria Marie Bonella
    Emily, just heard news ..lots of prayers going your way ...you will kick this in the butt and all will be well.....

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  59. Carrie Conley White
    Thank you for the reminder Emily! You, Steve and Olivia are in our prayers! You are so strong and will beat this!

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  60. Cynthia Souvignier Misterek
    Love and prayers to you and yours.

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  61. Jaimee Schuster- Tate
    I took a double take when I saw this. I'm thinking of you and will be praying for you and your family. You will come through this with flying colors!

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  62. Nicole VanDeursen McMahon
    Emily, please know that you are in our prayers! Please let me know if there is anything that I can do!

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  63. Stacy Nelson
    Thinking of you Emily and sending you lots of prayers. You are an amazing person!! Know that you have so many people who love you and will be there to support you, Steve and Olivia.

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  64. Elizabeth Fonfara Norris
    I personally think if anyone can tell cancer to go f*&^ itself - it's you! Thinking of you and we'll be on stand-by if you need anything.

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  65. Lindsay Slama Vodicka
    Thinking of you Emily! We are here for your if you need anything. You'll be in our thoughts & prayers for sure!!

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  66. Joan Allen
    Em,
    Jen just told me and we are all so sad to hear of your battle ahead. Please know we will do anything you need and keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you sweetie.

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  67. Brittany Lemen
    I just heard. Emily I love you!!!! If you need anything please let me know!!!

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  68. Emmy Reilly
    Nolan and I are praying for you! You can fight this. We'll be here for you and will help you fight!

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  69. Heather Terry
    We're sure thinking of you. My mom fought it and won 15 years ago. She is a determined person with a great support system as yourself and both of those put you two steps ahead.

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  70. Judy Delperdang
    Thinking of you today Emily. Hope you are doing okay. Said many prayers for you. Stay strong!

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  71. Mady Kay Pottebaum
    I love you Emily, and you are so strong...stay that way♥

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  72. Emily-
    I was with my mom yesterday when I got the email about your caringbridge site. We both immediately read it, cried, and said a prayer for you, steve, and olivia. It will not be our last -- in fact you all have been on my mind constantly. I just was not sure what to write you -- other than I love you, we are here for you all every step of the way, and I have no doubt that you are going to kick this cancer's a$$! Thank you for sharing your journey with us --- many prayers and thoughts for tomorrow's tests being sent your way.
    Love, Molly Westering

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