[Absolut Speed]

My wife, who is just 29 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer today (Thurs). She found a lump last Friday, had an examine Monday, a mammogram Tuesday and a biopsy today. She is scheduled to have a lumpectomy and more tests Friday at 6:30am.

This whole week has been one of misery in waiting. We kept telling ourselves that her odds were too small considering her age, but alas, she was part of that fractional percentage that are diagnosed in their 20's. So guys, make sure your wives, gfs, daughters are all keeping up with their checkups. We believe it was caught very early on, but we'll find out more tomorrow after they check the lymph nodes.

Worse, the doctor has told her she can't have children for 5 years due to the treatment, and that has just absolutely crushed her. Her parents are in shock and disbelief and aren't handling this too well. I've certainly got a lot on my plate.

[sgarnett]

I'm still in The Worst Period of My Life. It began about a year and a half ago when Denice was 33, a few months after our daughter was born.

The best analogy I've come across is that a whale has just moved into your house. Right now, it's crowding out everything else and taking over your life. That whale will be around for a long time, but it will shrink. Some days it will be bigger than others, but it will shrink and you will slowly get your lives back.

At some point in the near future, you will need to become very well informed if you aren't already. Two good places to start are mayoclinic.com and especially breastcancer.org.

If there's any way I can help ....