NEW BLOG ADDRESS!!!!!

Friends, thank you for faithfully following!  For a more friendly user experience we have moved my blog to:

https://madelikemadeley.wordpress.com

Thank you and see you over on the new blog.

Team Madeley

Scans, Results, Scans, Repeat...

Thank you ALL for continuing to pray and for your patience as you wait with us!  Here is the latest...

- CT scans confirmed with no additional areas of concern!!  HUGE PRAISE and prayer answered in our favor.   

- There is 1 spot on my liver that we (B and I) are choosing to evaluate further with an MRI. My Med team is not concerned but we are just choosing to cover all bases to not leave a question mark. 

- Bone scan rescheduled to Tuesday the 31st 

- Should additional scans/tests next week look good the plan is to begin chemo therapy the week of August 6th. Goal being to see how the mass responds to chemo treatment. If we did surgery first, that procedure and recovery would delay chemo treatment. 

- Initial chemotherapy treatment plan is 8 weeks followed by radiation and beginning of mastectomy planning. 

-  Next week will involve all the necessary tests/scans in preparation for chemo: MRI (not scheduled yet), bone scan (Tuesday, 7/31), echocardiogram (not scheduled yet), port placement (Wednesday, 8/1) 

Being in the Oncology office was difficult and just the reality...Because I feel good it’s been hard to connect with emotions but reality seems to beginning to connect.

Provisions we are grateful for:

 - A weekend away with the Madeley Family beginning tomorrow!

 - A few hours away tonight with Executive Admin, Emily (Trader Joe's and Office Supplies!!...and maybe a stop on Lower Greenville)

 - Friends & Family "standing by" to fill in the gap next week with an almost daily schedule of appointments

 - Our sweet friend, Jill, taking care of Samantha this afternoon

 - Another playdate for the Big Girls with our Mayfield buddies!

"Playing and listening to audiobooks" is a good text this Momma received while at my Oncology appointment!!

Specific prayer requests:

 - Our conversation with Lucy and Allie Saturday

 - Our Medical Team of doctors and nurses!

 - Bone Scan and MRI to come back with no cancer in bones or liver

I have been reading "New Morning Mercies" by Paul David Tripp and it has been a great addition to the beginning of my day.  So much great, encouraging Truth to begin the day and put my hope in!  I loved this a few days ago, "He wouldn't think of breaking you the rest of the way. He comes to you in grace to comfort, strengthen, encourage, and restore.  His love toward you is tender and faithful.  He is near you when it seems no one else is."  

Love to you all!

Lauren

Costa Rica Return & Specific Prayer

Thank you for praying as we got away together last week.  After receiving the partial biopsy results we did feel a sense of relief as we went into our time away.  We experienced peace, rest and unity in our marriage!  The reunion with Lucy, Allie and Samantha was super sweet!  Yet our hearts were heavy as we returned to the nearness of the cancer diagnosis and reality of the steps ahead.  And so tonight we have more news and prayers to request.

We met with Dr. Grant today (surgical oncologist).  He confirmed the cancer receptors as being Estrogen and Progesterone positive.  The breast cancer has also spread to the lymph node in my left arm as per the examine today.  The number of lymph nodes affected is unknown at this point.  It is also unknown if it has spread outside the lymph nodes and the next few days will shed light on that for us.  

Treatment at this point is still to be determined based on the outcome of the next few days.  I will have a CT of my chest and a CT of my abdomen tomorrow at 1:00pm.  These CT scans will take the place of a PET scan.  Since the cancer does not show a high rate of proliferation (fast growing) a PET scan is not necessary however, due to it’s size, Dr. Grant’s best guess was that the tumor/cancer has been present for about 2 years.  Thursday at 1:00pm I will also have a bone scan.

If the scans come back with evidence of cancer in other areas of my body, we will move to treat any secondary cancer present first.  And then circle back to the primary breast cancer.  

If the scans come back with NO evidence of cancer in other areas of my body, we will move forward in treating the cancer as we know it today.  

No matter the scenario, a mastectomy of my left breast will take place and the removal of the lymph node infected as well.  A lumpectomy is not an option due to the size of the tumor.  The decisions surrounding the mastectomy have not been finalized as information in the days/weeks to come will help us to make the best decision regarding a single or double mastectomy. 

Provisions we are grateful for:

1.  Our friends the Vaughns who hosted the big girls this morning and fed them breakfast.  Pretty sure they didn’t miss us 

2.  Peaches keeping Samantha first thing this morning as we were out the door by 7:30am

3.  Not a fast growing tumor from what we know today

4.  The love & support from Interstate Batteries

Specific prayer requests: 

1.  That the cancer is contained in my left breast and lymph nodes only

2.  The cancer has not metastasized into other forms of cancer

3.  Wisdom as we will most likely be sharing with Lucy and Allie this week and most likely this weekend on Saturday morning.  

    

Brian and I have both been comforted today by the Truth that God is not waiting on scans, God is not waiting on results or doctor appointments or treatment plans.  He already knows.  He is in control and He has known since I was knit together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139).  

Your texts, songs and encouraging words are providing a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).  

I leave you with this song that my sweet friend Mel sent me last week - it has encouraged me today!  

Lauren

Partial Biopsy Results

Today as many of you know and have been praying for, we received partial results from Lauren's biopsy last Friday.  We are encouraged by the results.  It is cancer but not what they were most fearful of.

The following is the cancer cell type and not the "receptor type" which will determine actual treatment.  The cancer is ductal carcinoma grade 2 surrounded by DCIS.  Basically, Invasive cancer surrounded by non-invasive cancer.  Dr. Shah (our radiologist at Baylor Scott & White) was encouraged, he thought it would be worse.

He said it’s the most common type in young women and nothing unusual.

My Dad cried when we told him and said while it’s still serious, it’s not dismal news and not a hurdle that’s insurmountable.  (My Dad is an Internist at Baylor for those of you who may not know)  

Treatment is still unknown due to the unknown receptor type (what’s feeding it).  This piece will most likely come back when we return from our trip.  We will see our breast surgeon first, Dr. Grant followed by Medical Oncology.  Our team of medical professionals are already working on the coordination of everything and told us to relax while we are away. 

Lamentations 3:23 has been on my mind over the past week.  “...His mercies are new every morning.” And this morning was no exception!

This journey has been such a roller coaster.   

I am wrestling with being both relieved and reminding myself we still have a road to hoe with cancer.  It almost felt as though Dr. Shah’s words had me running to we are free and clear which isn’t the case.  

It’s “strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow” from the hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness".

Thank you for praying and beginning this journey with us.  We have seen God's hand so clearly interwoven into the details of who is caring for us to who was sitting on the plane next to Lauren today.  

We love each and every one of you!

Brian

Key Lime Icebox Pie & Cancer

B & L Day 2

Samantha (11 months), Lucy 5 years, Allie 3 years

We don't even know where to begin...so how about 3 little girls in maroon...what?!  Stay tuned for some green & gold on those babies.  First of all, we love you!  We are grateful for the hands and feet of Christ, the body of Christ - YOU!  Our parents are overwhelmed and blown away at the immediate  depth of support we have already received.  Your prayers, calls, texts, emails, Scriptures, songs are sustaining us.  We are clinging to Truth as we find ourselves on just day 3.  Oh and did you all know that I had a blog??  Yes it's true....at one time I took pictures of everything I made mostly in the early days of our marriage when B was treated to partial-gourmet meals on a weekly basis. So go back and find yourself a nice weeknight meal...it might not be a "30-minute meal" but your hubby will appreciate it.  We have moments of laughter like now as we sit in bed listening to music and recapping our day of conversations with many of you.  We want to take this time now to communicate again our thanks but also clearly communicate where we are at today with the journey ahead.

Here is a timeline snapshot to sync up:

July 4th - I found a large lump in my left breast
July 5th - Began to treat the lump like a clogged milk duct (as I recently had reduced nursing to twice/day).  Scheduled an appointment for Tuesday, 7/10, with the Dr. Harris, my wonderful OB/Gyn
July 6-9th -  Brian and I got away with Lucy and Allie to Big Cedar
July 10th - Appointment with Dr. Harris.  Cyst ruled out after in-office sonogram.  Mammogram ordered and scheduled for Thursday, 7/12
July 12th - Mammogram, Sonogram and received the news that I have breast cancer (approximately 4in.) in my left breast*
July 13th - Biopsy of the mass to determine cancer type and grade.
Today - We are expecting results early next week

*We were hoping the mammogram would clearly show a calcification that had developed due to blocked milk duct.  The mammogram was coupled with a more in depth sonogram to rule out any possibly alternatives to cancer.

We are in shock.  We are devastated by the news.  We have been able to cry together, cry with friends but also enjoy sweet, fun times with friends and family filling our home!

We have seen the Lord's hand in so many of the details and are hearing Him clearly speak through His people.  This passage has been consistently laid on your hearts to encourage us and it is our anthem cry (Isaiah 43:1-7):

Israel’s Only Savior

43 But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
    and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
    and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name,
    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made.” 

We covet your prayers and encouragement as you walk alongside us.  Here are a few specific ways you can pray as we await the results of the biopsy.

• Lucy, Allie and Samantha's hearts in understanding as they are beginning to see a change in routine in their own ways.  That they feel uninterrupted love and care.
• Thinking on Truth and taking every thought captive.  To live in today and not the unknown of tomorrow.  
• For the Lord to strengthen our marriage as we go into the unknown.  We are grateful for the foundation the past 8 years (August 7th) has provided us.
• To sustain our parents and siblings as their hearts break with us and they care for all 5 of us

We will use this blog to communicate with you as well as other means as it is necessary.  And please feel free to communicate with us as we post.

You may also have been in contact with our "Executive Admin" - Emily Goodin and/or
"Madeley Communications Director" - Maggie Mayfield...they are helping to carry of the load of communication and coordinating needs.  Even typing that we are humbled by the service of so many of you to our family!

P.S. - B wanted to included a link to the Aggie War Hymn but I vetoed that...

And just in case you are wanting a recipe too...here is my last gourmet creation made July 3rd

Key Lime Icebox Pie 

All our love,
Brian, Lauren, Lucy, Allie and Sami 

Made Pioneer Woman's 16-Minute Chicken Quesadillas

This is a short post for a short cook-time recipe.  Such an easy weeknight meal!  I also found that you do not have to make all the quesadillas in one night but if cooking for two make 2 quesadillas and refrigerate the remaining contents to make for lunch or dinner the next day - still as tasty!!

I am often not home or awake to watch Pioneer Woman on the Food Network each Saturday morning but I do record.  Recently, she made this great 16-minute meal of Chicken Quesadillas with Pico de Gallo.  It was a huge success and I will definitely make again for just the two of us or snacks for our next party.  Head off to the store and try it!

Made Fast-and-Fresh Sausage Ragu

Cringe as I looked at the date of my last post…October.  When does pregnancy stop being an excuse because I  really have been cooking, just not posting??  A subscription to Southern Living for Christmas is a good excuse to change that AND this delicious smelling dinner on my stove.  Let me go serve it up and then I can tell you how I made it, what I changed and how it tasted.  Be right back!

"Real good, Clark, real good."  Why not quote Cousin Eddy from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation when describing how good tonight's dinner tasted?!  This is definitely an easy meal that you could make on the weekend, freeze and then thaw and serve over pasta.  Or really any weeknight it will not take long.  Pretty basic ingredients too unless you have to make a trip to the wine store like we did.  

Fast-and-Fresh Sausage Ragu

1, 16 oz. package rigatoni pasta

1, 1 lb. package ground pork sausage

1 medium onion, diced

1 medium zucchini, diced

2 medium carrots, diced

3 garlic cloves, pressed

1/4 tsp. dried crushed red pepper

1, 6 oz. can tomato paste

1 cup dry red wine

1, 28 oz. can diced tomatoes with basic, garlic, and oregano

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Disclaimer: I had Kuby's spicy venison sausage on hand and 28 oz. of Stewed Tomatoes instead of the diced with spices combined….so I improvised and it was perfect!  Feel free to change it up.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup hot pasta water.  I did NOT reserve the pasta water b/c I like pasta sauce a little thicker.  

Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring ofter, 5 minutes or until sausage crumbles and is no longer pink.  Add onion, zucchini, and carrots; cook stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes or until tender.  And garlic and red pepper, and cook, stirring often, 1 to 2 minutes or until garlic is tender.  Another change…I did not add the red pepper flakes as the venison sausage was already spicy. Add tomato paste, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes.  

 Add wine and reserved past water if you choose; cook 2 minutes, stirring to loosen bits from bottom of skillet.  

Add tomatoes, and bring to a boil.  Again I did not have the exact spiced tomatoes on-hand so I mixed 28oz. of stewed tomatoes with 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, 1/4 tsp. dried oregano and 1/4 tsp. dried basil.   Reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Spoon sausage mixture over pasta; sprinkle with cheese.

What I would do different:

Invite friends over to share in the goodness that was Fast-and-Fresh Sausage Ragu!!