re: My wife has breast cancer; prayers and advice appreciated (Update in OP)

Just went through this with my wife. She had Stage 2 Breast Cancer. You can email me at stonepony@gmail.com if you have any questions. You have to fight to kick Cancer's arse and don't be afraid to ask for 2nd opinions. Thankfully we did and my wife ended up not having chemotherapy. We used the Cancer Clinic in Thibodaux.

I’m currently going through the same, it’s tough. I would highly suggest your wife get a medical marijuana card. It’s a game changer for dealing with chemo side effects. My wife went from constant puking and barely able to get out of bed to little to no puking and able to eat. Her oncologist wasn’t a fan of it, so we ended up seeing a 2nd doctor that has been super helpful. He deals with managing the side effects of all of the cancer treatments. Mental and physical. The process of getting the card is covered, but you still have to come out of pocket for the goods.

My wife finished chemo (we thought) and is recovering from a double mastectomy. Unfortunately, they want her to do a 6 month oral chemo now. Really hard to hear that and watch my wife deal with the shock of thinking she was done and finding out she isn’t.

Prayers for you and your wife. Make sure you have someone to talk to and help you. It’s tough as hell. I would be happy to try and answer any questions you may have.

Power of prayer!!! God bless be her rock!!! Y’all got this!!!

Prayers your way and be strong and be supportive for your wife.

Now on to nitty gritty of the process. Don't be afraid to be an aggressive proponent in dealing with your wifes medical care. In Shreveport my wife's initial surgery went well, but each follow up visit turned into a three ring circus waiting for test results, getting results from path, getting these results from the Dr's office, etc. The oncologist we saw in Shreveport saw 30+ plus patients on her clinic day, the MD Anderson oncologist saw 7 to 10. If you are already starting with no progress for a week because a single doctor is out of town, that's no good. If after a trip to the doctor you are waiting 5 days plus for results on MRI's, X-rays, etc that's no good. If it takes multiple weeks to get set up for CT scans that's no good.

An earlier poster mentioned go to MD Anderson and I highly recommend this (you won't have to aggressive at MD Anderson, they take care of their business). The level of care is outstanding and will far outstrip what you'll get in Alexandria or Shreveport if you are still in Central La. The 4 to 5 hour drive is worth it and the medical care costs are similar to Willis Knighton (you are still out the hotel, food, etc but its worth it). Your first trip plan on at least three days in Houston and then a week for the surgery. Follow up visits plan on 1 to 2 days in Houston. I can give more details and examples if you'd like.

On the financial side of things (yes you need to start thinking about this, but don't burden your wife with it) plan on maxing out your deductible for the next 2 to 3 years (hopefully it'll just be one). On the insurance side of things you have to have insurance. If you where looking at being self employed / self insured it'll be tough to get your wife health or life insurance, though there are some options.

Ask lots of questions on here, there is usually some good info to be had.

Good luck. My wife is a 5+ year survivor. Went through a mastectomy and reconstruction. Not an easy road, but doing fine now. You will owe her a major trip for each surgery.

Sorry to hear. Prayers for y’all.

Went through this with the ex. Look in to cold capping. Pain in the arse, but worth it. Hair seems innocuous, but keeping it lends normalcy/dignity to her.

Prayers for healing and strength

You got it! Lean on your support network and be there for your wife.

My wife was diagnosed with stage 3 at age 29. With a negative genetic test, no family history or real reason at all for her to have it, she decided minimize future issues with a double mastectomy. Our son was younger than your kids and luckily didn't really know what was going on. I was completely unprepared for the outpouring of support we received. That was only overshadowed by the awe inspiring strength my wife showed. She had mostly good days. Chemo was on Fridays and she was back to work on Monday. She had me take her out and about two days after her first surgery...drains and all.

Her whole process was about a year from a flagged mammogram to reconstructive surgery. Then five years of periodic follow-ups.

My humble advice, accept help, love her and your kids, find a care team you trust. This is just a bump in the road.

There are many different types of breast cancer. Some are more aggressive than others. Keep us posted as to what happens. I would tell kids mom is sick and having surgery. Hopefully this is a bump in the road. Good luck and praying for your family.