Thursday afternoon -- this is Mom checking in and updating . . .

. . . wow, what a day!

We three started the day with a trip to SL to the church office building. Gretchen's friend, Aaron, was able to arrange a mtg with Elder Denis Neuenschwander of the Seventy. He was her mission president in Hungary and a big fan of hers. He paid her mother the highest compliment a missionary mom can receive -- "Gretchen was the hardest working and greatest missionary I've ever worked with -- and I've worked with a LOT of missionaries -- hard-working and not-so-hard-working." Yes!

Elder N's wife passed away last year of breast cancer, so the disease and its victims are near and dear to her heart. He tried to get to see her in the hospital Sunday but we'd already left. They had a sweet, tearful reunion and he left all four of us (Aaron too) with some amazing words of counsel and hope.

The second big event of the day: the pathology results.

Hm-m-m-m -- about what we expected. The tumor was "multi-centric" throughout. That means there were several tumors about .2- 6 cm in size. The borders were indistinct which means it was a good thing she chose mastectomy over lumpectomy. Dr. Nelson removed 17 nodes and there were two with tumor. In the out-dated way of staging CA, this is a Stage II CA. In the updated way of staging breast cancer she's a T3-N1. The "T" stands for tumor, the "N" stands for node.

And here's a bit of surprise: The left breast was semi-involved. They call it a "busy breast." That means there were calcifications and "suspicious activities" (trying to picture how that ol' flesh could sneak out at night and party on its own!) Dr. Nelson said it was a great choice to have bilateral removal.

Our patient, if she were writing this, would tell you she's doing great and healing well and life is just fun, fun, FUN! (You know Gretchen.) In reality, as her nurse, I see her in a lot of pain, certainly helped by drugs, but struggling. Physically, but not emotionally. Elder N referred to her optimistic character often and said it would see her through this huge challenge.

What's next?

Chemo/hormone and possibly (darn!) radiation therapy. No word on that until she meets with the oncologist and that won't be until she heals from the surgery itself. No appt yet -- we'll keep you updated. Tomorrow is her appt with the plastic surgeon. Dr Agarwal will check the expanders and I HOPE remove the drains, tho I doubt it. A lot of drainage going on still.

Gretchen is just whelmed-over with your emails, both personal and to this blog. Your cards, flowers, notes and phone calls -- plus your prayers -- are keeping her (and us!) afloat. Don't stop!

She'll survive this new enemy and make it her friend -- just like she's done several times in the past. All her physical setbacks had better watch out! Once again, God (and Gretchen Fegel) is in charge here! I just know she'll come out smelling like a rose and healthier than ever.

My thanks and love to you all,
Lindy-Lou