How It All Began

On Thursday August 9th, my sweetheart, Dawn Ann, went in for a routine mammogram. We didn't think much of it until the Women's center called back the next Monday and asked her to come back in for a more detailed exam. There were some troubling spots on the right side.

The second mammogram took place on Tuesday, August 14th. Dawn Ann brought the kids over to my office so they could stay with me, while she went over to the Women’s Center nearby. This was a "diagnostic" mammogram, which included digital imaging which focused on some calcification spots. A sonogram was also used to focus on a suspicious growth in another part of the same breast.

At the conclusion of the second radiological exam, it was determined that further investigation was needed, and that biopsies were needed of both suspicious spots.

It so happened that on the same day (Tuesday) that I had an appointment with my Rheumatologist. He is my most trusted medical adviser. After our regular visit regarding my arthritis, I mentioned to the doctor that my wife had gone in for a follow-up mammogram earlier that day, and that there were areas of concern which would require a biopsy.

I asked him for some recommendations of good oncologists, should the outcome of the biopsies reveal cancer present. My doctor told me of several recommendations for surgeons and oncologists. He told me that the first stop would probably be with a surgeon, since if cancerous, the spots would need to be removed surgically. Then depending on the type of cancer, chemo or radiation therapy might be necessary.

Then he paused for a moment, before making recommendations for a surgeon. He told me that there were only two doctors in town who specialize in doing surgery on the breast. He said that most any general surgeon could do the job, but that he would recommend one of these specialists if it were up to him. – He paused for a moment, and then added, and one of them is my wife! He gave me a list of recommendations, which included his wife.

Of the two breast surgeon specialists, my rheumatologist’s wife was the only one on the preferred list of doctors from my health insurance provider. He also told me that they would be out of town on vacation during the last week of August, but that they try to get women in as soon as possible, if there is a new diagnosis of cancer.

I felt better having a little more knowledge and some recommendations to draw upon, should the need arise.

The biopsies took place on Monday, August 20th. Grandma took care of the kids, and I joined Dawn Ann at the Women’s Center for the biopsies. Unfortunately they would not allow me into the room where they were doing the procedures. I would like to have been there to comfort my sweetheart, and hold her hand during the biopsies, but I could not. They had a big sign in the waiting room: "FAMILY MEMBERS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE EXAMINATION ROOMS!"

One fellow waiting for his wife's routine mammogram made a wry observation about the sign: "Does that mean that only family members are excluded from the exam rooms, but that anyone else IS allowed in there?" We had a good chuckle over that one! It was good to have a moment to smile during an otherwise tense time. I recognized the fellow who joked about the sign. At one time he was a county commissioner. The last time I saw him, he was serving as a sealer in the Temple. I knew I was in good company.

After the biopsies were complete, The Women's Center told us that it would take two to three days for results to come in. I took Dawn Ann home, and made her as comfortable as possible, and then picked up the kids from my mother’s house.

Two days later, on Wednesday, August 22nd was our Stake Temple Day. I took the day off from work, and Dawn Ann and I, along with many of our fellow church members spent the day worshiping at the Jordan River Temple. It gave us time to contemplate, and to pray. We asked for the Lord's help, that if possible, this cup might pass from us. But nevertheless, let His will be done. And if this cup were not pass from us, then we asked for comfort and strength to endure well, and to overcome what trials we may be called upon to bear.

After leaving the temple late in the afternoon, I turned on my cell phone, and checked our home voicemail. No messages from the Women's center. I was kind of relieved. Subconsciously I was probably thinking that no news was good news.

I had previously arranged to Thursday, August 23rd off from work, so that I could spend the day at my son's High Adventure Camp. This camp was located at Camp Browning, just outside of Huntsville, Utah. The camp is about 70 miles away from home, up a narrow mountain canyon. There was no cell phone service at the camp.

Even though I could not talk to Dawn Ann on the phone, I was thinking of her, and praying for her in my prayers.

After the evening activities at the camp, I drove down off the mountain in my truck. I found a place, on the outskirts of the town of Huntsville where I could park, and also receive cell phone service. I did not know what this phone call might portend, but I knew that this it had the potential to be a life-changing event.

I said one more little prayer to myself, and called home.

To be continued . . .