This blog is about the journey Patty and I experienced. It wasn’t a journey of choice, but we’ve learned it was a journey that will, and already has, changed our lives forever. So far, this journey has “tested” our strength and character more than any test or trial that we’ve ever faced. It hasn’t been easy in the least, but our love and committment to each other (as well as Patty’s feisty spirit!) has pulled us through. We know there will be many days ahead of us that will continue to test us, but we’re ready to take this monster head on!
It’s really ironic how life can throw things in your path just when you least expect it. Cancer just happened to be our “bump in the road!” (It’s much more than a bump, but you get my gist!) Things were going so well for the two of us. Patty had just retired only 3 months before she discovered that “suspicious lump.” We had just moved back to San Diego and were excited about house hunting. Both of our daughters had announced they were pregnant! Life couldn’t get any better. Suddenly, our lives were turned upside down in ways that we could have never imagined!
We’ve received so much support from friends, family, breast cancer survivors and countless people that we’ve never met that it’s really overwhelming and humbling! If you haven’t read any of these yet and care to start from the beginning, go all the way back to August 3, 2010 for my first post.
I created this blog to keep you up to date as we continue to fight this beast!
Ed
My wife has breast cancer! 
We must live through the dreary winter
If we would value the spring;
And the woods must be cold and silent
Before the robins sing.
The flowers must be buried in darkness
Before they can bud and bloom,
And the sweetest, warmest sunshine
Comes after the storm and gloom.
My friends. . . you are survivors!
All my love, Darlene
Dear Ed and Patty:
I miss you guys. I am sorry to hear about the scare you two must be enduring. It’s the news no woman wants to EVER hear. I am afraid to death to go every year for the check up just for that reason. Here’s a story of a gal that became my hero…….
I think I’ll share this story about a co-worker whom Patty might remember….Irma Ortega. She had breast cancer – lump size of a plum that the mamogram missed…It was really agressive. She was out 3 months had reconstructive surgery (she said she liked her new boob better than her old one)….continued radiation after chemo – came back to work and is now a 4 year survivor…..
I don’t know how she did it. She was raising a 13 year old boy at the time too. She finally met her “Ed” a few months after her radiation treatment began – now they are married.
I don’t see he much anymore – well cause she left the county too – but I’ll never forget her bravery….
Patty – you are stronger than this disease – you will make it through and all of your friends are there for you. Please call me if you need any thing.
God Bless you two
Love
Christine
Ed and Patty,
I am so happy you shared what you are going through at the “Relay for Life”. I have been a part of the Relay up here in Tahoe for several years now. I am one of the lucky ones who goes to the survivor dinner and walk every year. It will be 20 years in November that I got my devistating news that I had cancer. At the begining I don’t think I would of been able to talk in front of a large group like you did. You are a amazing women. This may be your calling to talk to other women with cancer and to let them know that there is hope at the end of the road. Stay strong.
Karen
Just wanted to say hi and let you know I was thinking about you both. Thoughts and prayers are with you for Monday. That’s ironically my birthday so I know God will put positive energy into the procedure and you will luckily be home the same day. So much joy with Avery’s arrival yet dealing with this daily drama continues.I share the frustration. Take care. Keep us updated.
Googled you for a hoot… You kept me sane when you worked at the SD Child Task Force…. I’m the one that went to court and won 9 times against ex and attorney. You two sure have been through A LOT over the years! Keep it going! Your story is a TRUE inspiration to the rest of us ! Praying that elephant moves further down the street… The to zoo 😉