Those who know me or at least have followed me, know that I am a breast cancer survivor — 4.75 years —
I have written many posts for my blogs on early detection and the importance that I put on having the double mastectomy.
Every visit that I have made to the oncologist, I hole my breath until Dr. Christian tells me I’m cancer free.
Liza Loadholt Valero
This time it is not me, but my daughter — Liza — 43 years old.
This past Wednesday (Oct. 13, 2010), Liza was diagnosed with breast cancer — stage 2.
The crazy thing is that one of Liza’s best girlfriends, Anson Beckman, was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer on Friday Oct 8, 2010.
We have met with the surgeon and she will have her surgery this coming week — we will find out the day and time, tomorrow, Oct. 18th.
I gotta tell you that sitting there with Liza and her husband, Art, and Boyd (hubby) and hearing the news was devastating. I truly thought that I would throw-up. We listened as our family doctor, Dr. Strait Fairey, confirmed that the lump was indeed cancerous. We listened as he prepared Liza for the possibility of radiation and chemo. Boyd and I have had a really hard time focusing this week.
Our entire family has been beside ourselves with worry — As Liza said, the not knowing the extent of this until after surgery is the worse.
I’m sure there are lots of you out there saying – “Many people go through this — they are not the only ones.”
Well, my having cancer is one thing, but my child having it is a huge — one feels so helpless. We just have to have confidence that we have the very best doctors.
We are confident that we do have the best – beginning with our family doctor (Dr. Strait Fairey) , to the surgeon (Dr. Telfair Parker) to the oncologist (Dr. Elizabeth Christian).
Dr. Strait Fairey
Dr. Telfair Parker
Dr. Elizabeth Christian
Liza had wanted to keep this private. But she told me this morning that I could write about it — you see we wants as many prayers as we can get — we pray that the cancer is contained in the one breast and that it has not spread to the lymph nodes and/or elsewhere.
Liza also is interested in making people more aware of having mammograms regularly. Don’t think just because you are young, that this cannot happen to you.
I can tell you that this morning as I lay in bed thinking about this and praying, I had this calmness come over me — I feel like it was God telling me that it is going to be OK.
Using Liza’s words — “It is what it is” and “we shall deal with it” — Yes, we are going to fight with all our mite.
Some of you are probably wondering about the mastectomy — yes, she is going to have the double. She & Art do not want to have to worry about it coming back in the other breast. Great decision.
I will keep everyone updated through this blog.
Dear Lord, I pray for a cure for cancer. Amen.
Oh wow this his horrible news. I’ll be thinking about all of your guys in the coming weeks. Tell Liza to stay strong.
My prayers are with you all. Having a child have cancer is a horrible thing as it is for them and their family, so it is for mom and dad. Liza is right “it is what it is” you all as a family will once again survive this. Please tell Liza I’m pulling for her and prayers are answered!
Fay — thanks so much — we appreciate your prayers.
Thank you Seth
Wow Mama Liz, that is really hard to read! Thank you for sharing. I will definitely keep you & Liza and the family in prayers. Let know if you need anything.
Jeremy
P.S. #cancersucks
Thanks so much, Jeremy — we so much appreciate your prayers.
Cancer raises its ugly head again!! http://bit.ly/cZVhCs
Cancer raises its ugly head again!! http://bit.ly/cZVhCs @LivingBeaverton @CflowersChasExp @davidpatterson3 (cont) http://tl.gd/6he6iu
Soo sorry to hear this, I will pray for Liza!! and for you Liz to be strong.
Thanks so much, Clara
Sooo sorry to hear this, I will pray for Liza and for you Liz to be strong!
RT @LizLoadholt: Cancer Raises Its Ugly Head Again http://bit.ly/9fOZZ9
My heart goes out to you, Boyd and especially Liza. Please know that each of you will be in my prayers
Diane, Thanks so much — we really do appreciate your prayers.
Mama Liz,
Each day when the sun comes up, we think we are prepared.
Remember, God will not give you more than you can endure.
Sue and I will pray and be at beckon call for you, Liza, and all the family.
I was reminded years ago, when I was going through a trial of life from an old black man, who was a dear friend and was well founded in Christ. He told me this, “You see Carl, this is when you have to take your little hand and put it in his big hand and everything will be alright.”
Tell Liza, thanks for sharing.
Our love and prayers are with you.
We will make each day a good day with God’s help.
Love to all,
Carl and Sue Walters
Carl — thank you so much — we so much appreciate your prayers.
Liz and Liza,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jason
Jason — your prayers are much appreciated.
Liz, Everyone in Sumter is praying for you, your family and Liza in the upcoming days and weeks. Love to you all.
Kim
Kim
This means so much — we appreciate the prayers. I do feel everything is going to be OK
Love
Prayers going your way
Prayers are sent your way.
Liz, I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you (all over again) and for Liza and the family. This really saddens me – you all are in my thoughts and prayers. You all are fighters and will beat this!
Carolyn,
Thank you so much — we do really appreciate your prayers — after my Sunday experience, I do believe that all will be OK
Prayers are sent your way today
Prayers going your way today
Oh no. So sorry to hear this news. All of you will be in my prayers.
Cancer Raises Its Ugly Head Again http://bit.ly/9fOZZ9
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this bad news. Will be thinking you you in the days ahead. I’m glad you think it’s going to be okay, and thankful for your wonderful support team. Love and prayers are coming your way. Joye
Joye, thanks so much for your prayers — the entire family really appreciates you.
Our prayers are with you and your family Liz.
Mike,
Thanks so much for your prayers — our entire family really appreciate this.
Prayers, prayers, and more prayers…for all of you. Cancer took my husband, my grandmother, and my grandfather. I am sure that there is no family that has gone untouched but with each new diagnosis I pray again that there will soon be a cure that will keep someone else from being hurt by this terrible disease. Liza…you are a strong woman like your Mom and you will beat this.
Cheryll,
Thanks so much for your prayers — and thanks for being a friend. We need our friends in times like these.
You, Liza & your precious family will be in our thoughts and prayers. All of us in Anderson are here for you if you need anything.
Crystal Massey
Crystal — thanks so much for your prayers — our whole family really appreciate this.
As my heart gets full and I sit here contemplating on what I should say without tearing up, I remembered this bible verse that came to mind….. To Liza: Philippians 4:13 says “I [You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me [You].” It has already been done and taken care of with Your Trust and Faith in Him….God Bless You Liza and My Prayers are with You, Mrs. Liz & Mr. Boyd and Your Family….
Rhonda — you are so sweet — thank you so much for being you and for your prayers.
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Liz and Liza, you are both in my prayers. I am so sorry that you have this to go through. Thanks for letting us know so that we can pray you through it.
Love,
Carol
Carol —thank you so much for your prayers — the entire family appreciates this.
OH MY! Liz and Boyd, I am so sorry to hear Liza’s news. As you remember 22 years ago this December I had my mastectomy. My prayer for you, Boyd and Liza is to have hope. Hope that the doctors’ skillful hands will remove all the disease, hope that her young body will fight to heal, and a belief that once the cancer is removed, IT IS GONE. THERE IS NO MORE…Just remember our friend Wayne Dwyer. There were several books that really helped me during that time. They may be out of print now, but one of the best was Bernie Seigling, Love, Prayer and Healing (I think was the name). I will look it up for you. Very powerful….There is a “angel” that watches over all of us in the “sisterhood”. We shall pray that a “flock of angels” look over Liza, you and her family.
Joanne — your message brought tears to my eyes — yes you do know what it is like to go through this — I don’t mind if it were me, but just not my child.
Thank you for your prayers.
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Liz & Liza ,
I just got back from Pa. Barry told me about this when I was up there. I could not believe it. I was only 40 when I had it the first time. Here I am an old lady Liza, all will be fine, no matter what you have to do. I had Elizabeth Christian also. She is wonderful. I will keep ther whole family in my prayers. I know what you are going through at your young age. I t will be ok
Love Delores
Thanks Delores —appreciate your prayers
So many of us have been touched by cancer in our own lives or in the lives of our loved ones and friends and my heart goes out to all of you. I remember you saying in a post the other day that early that morning you felt a complete feeling of calmness come over you. I truly believe that was Gods way of letting you know that it is in his hands and he will take all of you through this. Liza, stay strong and know my thoughts prayers are with you!!… as well as with the entire family–and what a close, supportive and wonderful family it is!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless. Ronnie and Mary
Liz and Liza:
I just read the news today. I am praying now for her (although I feel sure she has already been in surgery). I pray for her quick healing. I stand against cancer with you and your family and IN THE NAME OF JESUS we declare it defeated in Liza’s body. I pray for continued wisdom for the doctors treating her.
Please send her my love. I am keeping you all uplifted in my thoughts towards God.
Sincerely,
With Love,
Jeannie
So many of us have been touched by cancer in our own lives or in the lives of our loved ones and friends and my heart goes out to all of you. I remember you saying in a post the other day that early that morning you felt a complete feeling of calmness come over you. I truly believe that was Gods way of letting you know that it is in his hands and he will take all of you through this. Liza, stay strong and know my thoughts prayers are with you!!… as well as with the entire family–and what a close, supportive and wonderful family it is!
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dear liz,
i can not say in words what i am feeling for you and your family.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE,LOVE, LOVE ,LOVE,
all will be fine i just know this…thinking of you and so happy i know a person like you. you are a pillar of stength, blessed with so many beautiful attributes for all to experience that come into your life.
i am so thankful i know you and have meet you liz and i look forward meeting your family!
cheers, joy
sincerely, joy
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