The Back Story

Let me see if I can pen a short version of the story up till now. Remember, this is just from my point of view.

Last fall Kelly was diagnosed with DCIS, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, an early form of breast cancer. Her treatment consisted of a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. At about the same time Kelly was diagnosed, she was also starting an intensive, two year EMBA program(a masters degree program designed for exectives in business). A lofty goal, indeed.

She completed her treatments in February of this year. We all gave a big sigh of relief. It was a long, tough haul, but it seemed the worst was past. The people at work were exceptional, allowing Kelly and Eric, both, all the latitude they needed to get Kelly healthy again. Co-workers set up a system to provide pre-made meals several times a week. Everyone was eager to offer their support.

School suffered a bit though. There were classes that couldn't be completed, papers that were undone. It required more energy than Kelly was able to summon at the same time she was going through all the medical stuff. Despite Kelly's high level of committment and desire, she just couldn't perform at the top level she usually demands of herself.

After much discussion, Kelly and Eric decided, together, that a personal leave of absence from work would allow Kelly the time to concentrate on school and give her time to heal. That 12 month period began July 1st.

Within weeks Kelly was scheduled for a followup scan, hoping for a report of N.E.D - no evidence of disease. She knew that there was always a chance the breast cancer could return, but she was feeling better than she had in a long time and ready to tackle the several papers she needed to produce for her school over the summer.

I know Kelly can be more exact with details than I, but you can get the picture.
A shadowy area on the scan, near the same area as the original problem, indicated the need for further testing. The MRI guided biopsy was a grueling ordeal, fraught with tension and emotion. I don't think that knowing this was all within the realm of possibility for a post lumpectomy person with breast cancer was much comfort for anyone. The Possibility was happening way sooner than anyone expected. Let's be honest and admit we hoped for Never.

And so the next chapter begins.