Again– I apologize for not writing sooner. In the current scenario in which I live, no news is good news. So for those that worry…don’t, please. All that said, prayers continue to not only be welcome but working, so keep them coming.

I had a follow up appointment at the MD on Tuesday of this past week which included scans, blood work, a shot and talking it out with my doc. I am proud to say, all went well. The scans continue to show no growth. While the tumors are still there, they are not getting bigger. This is a good thing. The goal is to sustain my current state of health as long as possible. I feel fine and am able to function well, so, I cannot complain.

Before my MD left the room to check my scans, she said that regardless of the result, she had good news. I must admit, I cannot imagine being overwhelmed with joy had she come back and told me things looked worse. And truthfully had no idea what she could say that would make me “happy” if I found out my tumors were larger or spreading. When she returned to the room, she gave me the good news of stagnate tumors. This made me happy.

She then proceeded to tell me about a MD at UNC that has been following me very closely since all this happened in June. This MD (whose name i am not sure of since she mentioned right after the no growth news–a little distracted) has been researching to find other forms of the breast cancer gene other than brca 1 & 2. Brca 1 & 2 are the only known breast cancer genes that have been identified. Of which, I tested negative for when this all went down in 2008. She has identified a gene that she thinks could be another breast cancer gene and guess what….I tested positive. I have given tissue samples every time I have have had a procedure at the hospital, which at this point adds up to quite a bit of tissue. I am one of the patients that is being followed for research to target gene therapy of this particular gene.

What does this mean for me? Basically, I could sometime in the future have other options for treatment. The more specific the therapy, the better. Chemo treats the entire body to kill cells with an increased propensity to the cancer cells, although all cells are susceptible. With targeted gene therapy there could be less side effects and increased target to the cells that have mutated and keep trying to grow. Very good news. I’m not sure it would have made me happy under different circumstances, but it is wonderful news.

This is what the bigger picture is to me: God has a bigger plan….always. Sometimes it is hard to believe, but he does. While I am wrapped up in healing my own body, he has given researchers the ability to identify and possibly cure a much bigger global issue. It comforts me to know that even if this isn’t my life saver, it will be someone’s , some day. I have no intensions of going anywhere, but it’s not MY plan. So, My message for the day (or month–pending on when I blog again) is this…while we run around living day to day we are oblivious to the bigger picture. Try to stop every day, take a deep breathe and know that God does have a plan and we are all going to be OK. It’s happening all around us, all the time.

I hope you all have a beautiful Christmas. Enjoy your families, friends and loved ones. Cherish the memories and don’t forget to breathe!!

Much love.
Tracey