Cancer?? What??? This really can’t be happening to me. I am young (35) with three wonderful children and a loving husband. My life is finally getting on track and I am starting to enjoy where I am. There has to be a mistake.
Let me tell you about myself. I have three wonderful children ages 6, 2 and 7 months and I work as a special education teacher. After having my third child in November, I returned to work. I had decided to try to nurse for 12 months if I could. Then in May of 2010 I found a large lump in my breast. Thinking it was only a clogged duct I didn’t go to the doctor. After waiting for a little over a week the lump didn’t go away and instead seemed to get larger. I decided it was time to get it checked. I went to the doctor with the thought that it was just an infection and they would probably just give me an antibiotic. The doctor said it didn’t look like an infection but didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about. She wanted me to do an ultrasound just to be safe.
The next day I went in for the ultrasound. The doctor said that the large mass that I felt probably wasn’t anything but under the large mass was a troubling lump. He scheduled an appointment with a breast surgeon for the following day. When we met with the breast surgeon she wanted a biopsy of the lump. She said that there was only a 20% chance that it would end up being cancer. Lucky me I fell within that 20%. The biopsy reveled that the lump was invasive ductal cancer. However the good news was that it was only .9 cm. Then the surgeon said they would have to do a “blind” biopsy of the large mass because they didn’t know what it was. (I stopped nursing in hopes that the mass would go down) I also had to have a lymph node biopsy done. Both tests revealed that I had cancer in both. Another crushing blow. I then had a PET scan done to make sure the cancer hadn’t spread. Once more bad news. I had three spots on my spine and one on my hip bone. This now put me in stage IV breast cancer. So you may ask how does a healthy, 35 year old get cancer and have it spread so quickly? Apparently women who have children later in life can get breast cancer. It is known as postpartum breast cancer. The odds of a woman getting this type of cancer are 1 in 10,000.
This blog is to let and family and friends know what is going on and what I am doing to survive.
Michelle\'s Story 
Michelle (Shelly), I work with your dad at Zeon, and we hear about you all the time, from Jett’s birth to now. I’m so sorry for what you’re going through – I can’t imagine. As your sister in Christ, please know I am praying for you and your family. …and I’m with you chic – can’t wait to hear your survival story and how God is moving in it!
Shelly,
I am a friend of Kori’s from Louisville. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim Snyder
I just wanted to let you know our prayers are with you and your family. God works so many miracles everyday. We have had several parents at our daycare that have had different types of cancer. From breast to lung,and after 5 years they are doing well. We care for you and your family and you are in our prayers.
Shelly, I used to live next door to your parents and count your mom as one of the most special & Godly woman I know. She has blessed me and my children more than I can tell you. Hearing this sad news is so heartbreaking, but I know that our Lord is still in control. I will be praying, everyday, for you and your family as you walk through this very difficult time. In Christ, Samantha
Shelly, I am friends with your mom and dad. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story and experiences. Cancer is big but God is bigger! HE will be walking with you through this whole experience and will be holding your hand. You, your family and medical staff will be in our prayers daily.
Michelle, I’m praying for you and your family. I am a member of the Galt SDA Church, I heard about your condition through the church email. I know the members of the Galt Church will also be praying for you and your family. Thanks for sharing your story, I feel closer to you after reading your blog. With Love and Care…
Shelly, I was just shocked when I heard this sad news. You are too young for this to fall on you. But I have lived long enough to know that nothing in this life is guaranteed. Still, it is so sad to me that the spotlight of trouble has found you. Know that Kim and I are committed to praying for you always.
Stay strong!
Shelly,
Please know that Dave and I are praying for you daily. God is the God of miracles and we are believing for one for you! As I have shared with friends about your story, I am encouraged by stories of healing and remission. We love you! It is hard to be so far away. But we are with you daily in spirit and in prayer. Fight strong!
Aunt Kim and Uncle Dave
Hi Michelle,
We are friends of your parents. Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
psalms 34:18-19
May you find comfort in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He cares for you.
In His Service,
Meliana & Douglas Na’a
Hi Shelly, This is Angi and I am a friend of your parents at pewee church. Your mom is such an inspiration to me. I am in my 30’s and have children. I feel so concerned for you! I see your dad trying to stay strong at church. I know that we do not know each other but I want to tell you that my family and extended family are praying very hard for you in this fight. Im in the medical field and I see that the battle is sometimes won by sheer spirit and faith. Nothing can take it. Simply refuse to give up and always keep going. I hope the Very best for you and your family. Thank you for setting up this site so that we can keep up with you! Praise God for he is wonderful and can move mountains. In his service, The Walkers, and Bashams
Michelle,
You, John, Jett, Abby and Kaylee are in my thoughts and prayers – everyday. If I can help in anyway please do not hesitate to call me. You have a very positive attitude, faith and love, and with God in your life and the love for your children and husband this will give you the will and strength needed to fight off the cancer.
Love, Aunt Donna
Michelle, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, John, Jett, Abby and Kaylee. The power of prayer is strong and God is with you through this, too.
If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.
Love,
Barb, Gary, Gary Jr., Nathan & Ryan
Michelle,
I think the Blog is a great idea! I want you to know that I will be praying through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that the cancer disappears as quickly as it appeared.
John
Shelly
I hope you get this message. This is an old blog that I saved in my favorite. Anyway, my sister-in-law sent me this information for you. My brother, Kirk, and my sister-in-law, Sherry, pray for you every day. Love you!! Aunt Kim
What a wonderful Ministry!
Cleaning for a Reason
If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning – 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. http://www.cleaningforareason.org/
This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It’s our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.
Thanks for the info. I will have to check into this.