Saturday, February 7, 2009

Renee's Cancer...

I didn’t begin this blog to pass along sad or distressing news. I did however create it in order for friends and family to keep up on the Loree’s in Alaska. So I have decided pass on this bit of distressful news. First I have to apologize for not letting everyone know right away. Some of you may know this story and some do not know so I will start at the beginning and move on to where I am today.

On November 21, 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A bit stressful but the doctor’s assured me that I could wait until we completed our vacation and celebrated the holidays before surgery. That bit of news was a huge relief.

I had a lumpectomy on January 6, 2009. My lymph nodes were clear of cancer. The lump was a bit large than we had anticipated so there was one last test to run to determine whether or not I would need chemotherapy. I received word that with or without chemotherapy my chances of reoccurrence are the same. My doctor and I have decided that I will not need the chemotherapy and we’ll move forward with the radiation and hormone therapy.

I will begin 6-7 weeks of radiation therapy at the end of February. Radiation treatments are five days a week and cannot be administered in Juneau so I will need to be in Seattle for the treatments. I am hoping to be able to return to Juneau every now and then on the weekends. It will be hard to be away from the kids for long periods of time but with the help of friends and family it will all be worth the sacrifice. I am sure we can agree that a cancer free mom is better than the alternative.

I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, kind thoughts, and help along this journey. Everyone has been so great in helping. It is very heartwarming to know that so many people love us and are willing to help out in our time of need.

Much love to everyone and I’ll try to keep everyone updated.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Keep us posted. You will deffinately be in our thoughts and prayers! Hope the time away from your family goes by quickly and that the radiation is a complete success.

Anonymous said...

We love you guys. Please feel free to call us anytime for whatever. Babysitter (you know Stevie would love that) bunco night, rides, dinner... ANYTHING You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
p.s. I loved that picture of MIA in the princess dress! Too cute!

Peggy Ann Langlois said...

Renee, Please know that you are welcome to stay at my house if you need a place to stay. I'm jus a ferry ride from Seattle. I am here to give you support and friendship. I would be happy to meet you in Seattle too. My home phone is 360-930-0087.

Anonymous said...

Renee, thanks for the link to your blog. We will be thinking of you and praying for you and the family too.