Is it a Trial or a Miracle??? Pam's story continues

To begin, I must say that I have the most wonderful family and friends in the whole world!!! Thank you for all the love and support these last few weeks, and especially this last week. I have received so many kind words of encouragement and I have been so blessed! The picture above is the MANY cards my kids leave out for me every day giving me support, flowers I've received, chocolates, more cards, and the list goes on!
My daughter planned a really nice surprise Girls night for me Friday night, and it was nice just to be surrounded with love!
Today I went in for my pre-op at the hospital. That was easy, as I was just there 3 weeks ago, and so I didn't have to go through all the many hours of testing again. Only some blood work and signing of papers!
This afternoon I went to meet with the Surgeon for a final time before surgery and got the reports back on my MRI. Good news, The surgery has not changed for tomorrow. The right breast came back as more of a pre-cancer so they are just going to watch it at this point. MRI also shows that the last surgery, on the left breast, was basically a success. Alot of the cancerous tissue was taken out. Tomorrow will be some final clean up, and whatever else they find that needs to be removed! After tomorrow's surgery, I will be turned over to MD Anderson for them to make decisions on radiation and/or what to do with the Right breast. With any miracle, they will say no radiation and come back in 6 months! (I can hope and pray anyway). But as the doctor said, this is the best news we can ask for at this point. We are confident he will get it all out tomorrow.
Bad news on the MRI... is that it shows that either way of what happens these next few weeks, I am at VERY HIGH RISK of it going into full blown breast cancer in the very near future. So for that reason, MD Anderson, may decide to do Radiation to keep on top of things. I am ok either way, as long as I am clean to go to Idaho in December to help Kellie with our little grand baby that will be coming in January.
Either way, I am still at peace! I feel the love and prayers from all of you! You truly are a huge support to me and I am eternally grateful to you! I'll keep you posted, until next time.....

Is it a Trial or a Miracle??? Pam's story....

After returning from Hawaii, I went to the doctor for a health issue. While there, I decided to go ahead and have a full physical done. I figured since I only go to the doctor every 5-10 years, since I was there, I might as well get my clean bill of health.
I went in on August 5th for a mammogram. While there, the x-ray tech came out and told me that one of the x-rays came out blurred, so she needed to retake it. So she adjusted the machine and took two more pictures. Then told me I was done. I remember thinking, "don't you want to check those first to make sure they aren't blurred?" But continued on my way. A few days later the Doctor's office called to tell me that my test results came back, and there were a couple minor things, but all in all, everything was good. I asked if that included ALL tests, and they replied "yes". So, I went on my way, figuring I was good now for several years to come!
To my complete surprise, 2 days later, I received a letter in the mail from the radiology department, informing me that my mammogram came back abnormal and needed further testing. At first I thought, "whatever". But then something hit me that I needed to get those records and find out what was going on. I immediately went down to the doctor's office where the records were picked up. I cried as I read that something was found and I was being referred to Breast Diagnostics.
On September 7, after returning home from a trip to Idaho, I went to Breast Diagnostics for a more high tech mammogram. They informed me that 90% of the women go home after this, as the high tech machine is pretty clear, and usually rules out whatever they thought was a problem. Well, not for me! I was the 10% that came back as needing a sonogram. So I immediately went in for an hour long sonogram. Again being told that 90% will find nothing. After waiting for the radiologist and specialist to look over the sonogram, (about 20 minutes) both the tech and specialist came walking in to the room to inform me that I needed a biopsy done immediately. They explained that it was probably nothing, but they needed to be sure. Most likely some kind of tissue that just didn't look right. I informed them that the biopsy would have to wait as I was literally leaving in 3 hours to fly out to Idaho to help with my grandson. They asked how long I would be gone and I informed them "2 weeks". They then scheduled the biopsy for the very next morning after I arrived home.
While in Idaho, I explained to the kids what was going on, and my son and son in law gave me the most wonderful blessing I have EVER heard in my life. They did not tell me I would be healed. (although I was hoping they would). Instead, I was told that I would have the faith to endure. That I had the love of my family and friends, and that I could get past this. I felt very at peace and knew that all would be well. In a way, I felt this was all a waste of time, that the Lord was just testing me for some reason. (like I didn't have enough going on in my life already). But either way, I felt very at peace for whatever the Lord had coming my way.
On September 19th, I went in for the biopsy. Again, the Doctor was excellent. And explained to me that she felt it was just some weird thing as it did not look like a tumor. She originally thought it was a cyst, and hoped to drain it. However, that wasn't the case and she ended up doing a core biopsy. Again, I felt very at peace as she said the results would be back within 3 to 5 days. I was given directions to be careful using my left arm, etc. And no lifting!
Two nights later, a little after midnight, I walked into a dark room without turning on the light and tripped over a stupid rocking stool. Knowing I had just had the biopsy and I needed to protect my left side, I took a hard fall without bracing myself. My right knee went in every direction EXCEPT the direction it was suppose to. As I hit, I screamed. I was in more pain than I have even been in. I could NOT move my knee at all. And I thought for sure I had messed up my major surgery from 10 years ago. A sudden trip to E.R. was made, even though I knew they would do nothing to help me, I NEEDED pain meds Desperately! They drugged me up good, and home I went at 5:00 am.
At 8:00 am, when I knew the orthopedic office was opened, I called for an appointment. They told me to come in at noon. I then fell back to sleep as I was totally drugged and no clue what I was doing. At 10:00 am, my phone rang. It was Breast Diagnostics Records department. They were calling to inform me that my reports were ready for me to pick up to take to the surgeon. The surgeon??? What surgeon? And why??? She then realized that no one had called me with the biopsy reports. Of course I freaked, knowing that this was not good news if I was being referred to a surgeon. They told me the doctor would be giving me a call.
After about 30 minutes of hearing nothing, I called to talk to the doctor, informing them that the records department had called. She apologized for me getting that call, but told me that the biopsy came back as a Complex Grossing Papillary Lesion; Fibrocystic Change. Because of this, surgery needed to be done to further evaluate what was going on. I was horrified. But yet, I still felt at peace. The Lord had assured me that all would be well. And I knew I needed to trust HIM!
I then pushed that aside, and left for the orthopedic doctor. He told me that my surgery held up, but that he was sure I had torn the meniscus. He sent me in for and immediate MRI and told me that surgery would be the next day if anything showed up. Great! Another knee surgery...
My home teacher David Arnett, and friend Kevin Watts, came over that night to administer a blessing to me. Again I felt at peace and knew that all would be well. I then received a phone call that the MRI showed no tear. But a very severe sprain. I would be down for 3 weeks! If not better in 3 weeks I needed to return as sometimes the MRI aren't clear with so much swelling.
Surgery for the Breast lesion, was scheduled for October 7th. And before they could do surgery, I had to be off crutches. Which meant only 10 days on crutches instead of three weeks. I did not know what that was going to do to my knee, but this surgery needed to be done. Again, I was not afraid. And I knew the blessing my kids gave me still stood.
October 7th came and in I went for surgery. With tons of prayers being said in my behalf, I knew the Lord was with me. Surgery went well, and the surgeon thought it was all done. HE did not expect anything except maybe some pre-cancerous cells...
I went home from the surgery with a 2 inch incision, for the pain and recovery period, which would be at least a 2 week recovery of no lifting and limited use of my left arm. Which was ok, as that would help my knee heal better.

Well, On October 17th, I returned to the surgeon's office for the results of the surgery. A good friend went with me, just incase it was bad news. But still I felt completely at peace. The surgeon walked in, pulled his chair up next to me, then opened my file. I knew something was up, as usually they would just walk up and say everything was normal. He started to explain to me about the Lobular Glands, and how it didn't spread to the lymph nodes, etc. I said, "so this is cancer" and he said, "yes". I asked several times if he was sure. And each time he responded back, yes. He said we were very fortunate as it was caught early. It hadn't quite made it to stage 1. He told me that this kind of cancer is normally NOT found on a mammogram. There are no lumps. It is a group of cells, and It is usually found by going in and looking for something else. How the tech spotted it, was nothing but a MIRACLE! It did not hit me that it was cancer until he started talking to me about MD Anderson Cancer Hospital. And again I said, "so this is real, this is really cancer?" And he again responded, "yes". The surgeon was very good as he explained to me what would be taking place. Another surgery on the left breast, and MRI to be done on the right breast (as what they believed was a cyst in the right breast, they now believe is also cancer, as Lobular cancer is usually found in both breasts). He talked about Surgery, Radiation and possible Chemo. Although he felt Chemo would most likely NOT be necessary. But that would be up to MD Anderson after the surgery is completed.
I must say, that I was shocked! Never in my life did I expect to be told I had cancer. There was no reason for me to go in and have this mammogram done. The timing was definitely NOT RIGHT, as I have so many other things going on in my life right now. Heavenly Father knows what I have going on, so why would he put me through this? Why now? I do not know, but one thing I know for sure is that I KNOW and have LEARNED that my Heavenly Father LOVES ME! He knows who I am and what I am going through. I know He will bless me and will bless my kids and their families as well. Some how, I will make it through. I will fight for my life! I am truly grateful for my family and all the wonderful friends who have been there for me. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people in my life.
My oldest daughter Kassie and her husband Joe, flew out immediately to be with me and help me through all of my times of trials. I am grateful to them! My kids have made me cards, which have been left out for me, (one every day), to lift my spirits! Of that I am truly grateful.
I am still at peace. I truly am not afraid. I will fight this and I will WIN!
My next surgery date for removal is November 1st. I am still waiting for the date of the MRI. Thanks for all the love and Prayers! Althought this is a huge trial in my life, at the most inconvient time of my life, it is a MIRACLE that it was found. By the time I would have gone in for a mammogram, (in a couple of years) this would have spread by then and who knows where I would be. So yes, this huge Trial... It is a MIRACLE!!!

Now Let's get updated....

When I wasn't off in Idaho, (this last year), I kept busy updating the entire house. Painted and redid the master bedroom and bathroom. Gutted Kaydee's bathroom, Moved Jason's things to the room upstairs, totally redid the downstairs bathroom, Repainted the kitchen, put in granite counter tops, the works in the kitchen. Redid Rick's office (in Jason's old room), Painted the music room and fixed up my office. Yeah, that kept me pretty busy with no kids around!
The summer was filled with alot of ups and downs. Kaydee and Jason were enjoying Hawaii, although Kaydee was keeping mom hopping as she was having health issues and there was nothing I could do about it. While in Hawaii, the kids lived through the tsunami, Kaydee managed to have a ruptured ovarian cyst, and then managed to pass out, where we remained knocked out for 10-15 minutes. Ending up with a major Concussion! (those were just a few of her issues). We had some personal family issues to deal with which kind of put a hold on things, but we will make it through. (those issues I will not get in to)
The end of July, with Kaydee and Jason's Hawaiian adventures coming to an end, we flew the entire family out to Hawaii for a family reunion. It was nice to have the family together and we were able to meet Kaydee and Jason's friends, spend time on the beautiful beaches, visit Pearl Harbor, The Polynesian Cultural Center, Swap meet, hiking, and enjoying time with the kids! We rented a house there, so it was really nice to all be together.
The first of August, we said good bye to the kids as they flew back to Idaho and we made our way back to Texas with Kaydee and Jason. It was really hard for the kids to leave their friends behind in Hawaii! They had a great time!
Three weeks after being home, I flew Kaydee and Jason to Idaho for them to spend time with their Sisters and brother in laws. Two weeks later, I returned to Idaho again, to move the kids in to their apartments at BYU-Idaho where they were ready to start a new adventure in their lives. Even though Idaho is NOT Hawaii, I am sure they will come to love Idaho (or at least the friend part any way).
That about sums up that part of our life. Next will be the Miracle and new changes that are coming in Pam's life......

Can't believe it's been a year!

Ok, so I decided I would do a quick update of the last year. If you read the kids blogs you can get more details of Elder Mace's return home from his mission in Mesa Arizona.
In September, it was with mixed feelings that we sent Kassie and Joe on their way back to Idaho so Joe could finish up his last year of school. We knew that would be the beginning of all the others leaving as well.
In December, Kellie, Alex, and Camren also left to return to Idaho. Alex had about 2 years left of schooling. We truly miss having them in our home. Just 2 weeks after they left, Rick and I boarded a plane with Jason and Kaydee and headed to Hawaii. After spending about 9 days there, (got the kids moved in to their dorms and ready for school) it was time for us to leave the fun of Hawaii, and head home. It was a LONG plane ride back home knowing that we were returning home to Texas to a VERY empty house. And empty it was!
However, Pam was only home for about a week when she received a phone call that Camren was having some serious seizures, and needed to fly to Idaho to help out. She was in Idaho for about 10 days helping to get Camren to doctors and making arrangements to get him to Primary Children's hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was discovered that Camren was not only having some type seizures, but he was having a rare disorder called a Shudder Attack. This was causing him to lose weight, as he had an attack every time he ate, and would cause him to stop eating.
In February, Rick and I flew to Idaho to spend time with the kids and to attend a surprise 80th birthday party for his mom. This was a quick 4 day trip, but very nice visits.
The end of March, I again flew to Idaho (last minute) as Alex had to fly out of town and Kellie was having some severe food allergy issues, and Camren was still having seizures. I ended up staying for 3 weeks, helping the kids, attending our son in law, Joe's, graduation from BYU-Idaho and celebrating Camren's 1st birthday. Rick was able to fly out for a weekend to attend Joe's graduation and it was a great reunion. Even though Kaydee and Jason had to join us by way of SKYPE on the internet.
Just when it seemed Camren's seizures were doing better, his mommy discovered a new issue. Camren stopped breathing while he slept. Right now they have him on monitors so the kids know when he stops breathing and they are waiting to get back down to Primary Children's Hospital for more testing.
We are trying to get use to the empty nester stage of our life. When I am at home, we have kept busy remodeling our home. So far we have completely redone our music room, my office, Kitchen, 3 bathrooms, master bedroom, Jason's room, and currently Rick's office. Plus we totally fixed up the front and back yard, cleaned out the garage and attic, and the list goes on. We are almost finished!!!!! (And no, we are NOT moving).
This about sums up the life in the Mace home. We are waiting to fly the family all out to Hawaii for a family reunion in July when we pick up Kaydee and Jason and bring them back to the mainland.

Family update!

Wow, if you read the other blogs, you will know that things have been quite busy at the Mace home the last couple months. The best news is that our family has GROWN!!!
On April 12th at 10:26 pm, Rick and I became GRANDPARENTS!!! The greatest blessing in the world. Lance Camren Barnard came into this world weighing a wobbing 10 pounds 1.6 ounces. 21 inches long! Yes, a Mace size baby! (and he doesn't even hold the record, Kassie does weighing in at 10 lbs. 11 oz) He came a week over due, but is an adorable, and very healthy baby! Mom, dad, and baby are all doing very well. (he ended up coming c-section. You can read the details in Kellie's blog).
On April 23rd, our family grew more as our oldest daughter was married to a wonderful young man. Kassie and Joe were married in the Houston LDS temple. It was a beautiful ceremony, and very emotional, as just a few days before, Joe's father unexpectely passed away. Together, the family decided that they wanted the wedding to go on as scheduled, and as I said, it was a very beautiful wedding. We are grateful to all the family and friends who came and shared the day with us!
We had an opportunity to visit with Joe's dad a few times in the past and I can tell you that we were very impressed with him. He will always be remembered and as you watch his family, you can tell what a wonderful example and strength he was to them. Mark will be missed!
On May 7, we were able to fly to Idaho for another reception with Joe's family and friends. We had a great time, and fell in love with his family. We feel like we just gained about 100 plus more relatives!!! They made us feel so welcomed!
We are so grateful that our daughters were able to find such wonderful young men to marry. Both Joe and Alex are from Blackfoot, Idaho, and their families have known each other for years. Joe and Alex also served their missions together in Russia. Talk about a small world, (and no, this was not a set up for Kassie!)

Mother's day, we got our bi-yearly phone call from our son in the mission field. Jason is doing GREAT in Arizona, and was able to talk to his new brother in law and his new Nephew! (ok, the nephew just squealed, but it was so cute). We cannot believe that Jason's mission will be coming to an end. He will return home the 1st part of September!
Kaydee and Jason applied to BYU-Idaho and BYU-Hawaii with plans to attend in January 2011. To their surprise, (and our shock), they were both accepted into BYU-Hawaii!!! After seriously looking into them going to school in Hawaii, and talking with Kaydee and Jason about it, it has been decided that they will both be attending HAWAII in January. They will go for about a year, and then transfer out to BYU-Idaho where they will finish up their education.
So, it looks like the Mace's are going on vacation to Hawaii this year!!!!

I think that pretty much catches everyone up on the happenings in the Mace home....

All I can say is..... "WOW"

Busy, Busy, Busy!
With the holidays over and Kassie and Kellie graduated from BYU-Idaho, aren't things suppose to slow down??? HaHa, Not at the Mace home. Our life just keeps getting busier!
Pam has been full speed ahead with making plans for a new grandson, and wedding plans for Kassie. Why couldn't this be spaced out just a little bit!
And if making 500 wedding announcements, making the flower arrangements, making baby blankets, etc. aren't enough, we decided to also "Redo some things in the house" before all the company comes. What exactly are these small projects??? Well, in the last week, the downstairs hallway, entry, downstairs bathroom, Kitchen and music room have been painted (by ME!). And then we started redoing the flooring downstairs. So far the entry, hallway and family room have been completed. Now we just have the kitchen, bathroom, office, and closets to do.... Yeah, can you say "CRAZY". But I am having a GREAT time doing it.
We are looking forward to the blessings that have come and will be coming our way this year! What greater blessings could we possibly ask for than a new grandson, a daughter and her temple marriage, and soon a son returning from an honorable mission! Yes, it's gonna be a GREAT 2010!!!

Busy, BUSY Times Ahead

So, I was told I needed to update my last heading as things are definitely NOT slowing down at the Mace home. At least it was slow for a little while. This next year, will be very hectic, but I am pleased to say that it is a very NICE and very BLESSED hectic!
Next week brings Thanksgiving with friends and family and then there will be NO slowing down for Pam for a while. December 15th the family will all fly to Idaho for Kassie's graduation from BYU-Idaho. We will return on December 21st (if we don't get snowed in) just in time for Christmas.
In January Kassie's fiance Joe, will be moving to Texas to work and the wedding. We aren't sure of the exact day yet, as we are trying to work around the birth of Kellie and Alex's baby. I am guessing the 1st of May, but time will tell with that one. Either way, it will most likely require travel to Idaho or someplace back west for a reception as well as Seabrook, TX. We are very excited for them and anxious to get to know Joe better. And then sometime around the 5th of April, we will be welcoming a new baby boy into the world. We are excited for Kellie and Alex and we are making plans for that.
Just when we have slowed down from graduations, a wedding, receptions and a baby, plus moving Kassie and Joe back to Idaho.... In September Jason will return from his mission in Arizona! (hopefully we will be going out to pick him up). He will be home for about 3 months when we will leave to get him and KD off to school in Idaho.
In the meantime, Rick was wanting another vacation to someplace, but HUH! That ain't happening this year.

So our calendar for 2010 is very full, but we are excited because of the many wonderful blessings that will be coming our way! And yes, NO TIME FOR HOSPITALS!!!