Hey, Readers. This is probably one of the hardest posts I’ve ever written. In my post dated December 18, I mentioned having been in the hospital for a broken femur. I’ve been home for a month now, and the leg is healing nicely. I’ve been doing home physical therapy two days a week, and that has helped tremendously.
What I didn’t say in that post (I didn’t want hum and glum before the holidays), is that the fracture wasn’t caused by a fall or trauma. There was a pathological reason. On December 6, I got the news that I have breast cancer. Most likely it metastasized to the bone, and that was the reason for the fracture.
I’m currently undergoing chemo and hormone treatment at home (oral meds). A PET scan from two weeks ago showed some suspicious places on my vertebra, so on Wednesday I’ll undergo a bone biopsy to confirm if the cancer has indeed spread.
I’m in good spirits, and I’m determined to beat this dreadful disease. There are days when I don’t get online much, and honestly, it’s hard to concentrate on writing and blogging.
However, I have started a Caring Bridge site where I’ll share my journey rather than on this blog. If you’d like to follow along, here is the link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joanhall2
I think you’ll need to register with the site to leave a comment (maybe to even see the posts or to follow), but it’s easy to do.
Right now, I need to concentrate on my health and getting better. I’m grateful for this writing/blogging community. Thank you all for being understanding about my lack of visits.
65 Responses
Dear Joan. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs your way. ❤❤
Thank you, Darlene. I believe prayer is the best medicine!
We are so sorry to hear this, Joan. Wishing you better, and sending healing strength to help you fight the beast!
Thank you so much, Jaye and Anita.
I hope your recovery is successful, and you can get back to doing what you enjoy in the quickest possible time. Cheers, Jon.
Thank you so much, Jon.
I’m sending much love, Joan. On this well-trodden road that you now trek, know that you are not alone. Cheerleaders and prayer partners walk with you. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
Gwen, I so appreciate you, and I know you understand what it’s like. Much love!
So sorry to hea this! Thinking of you and sending you good wishes and positive energy for strength and healing.
Thank you so much, Margot.
Cheering you on, Joan. You’ve had a remarkably positive approach and I hope that will carry you through the hardest parts.
I do feel positive about this, Craig. It’s a setback (to say the least) but one I’m determined to get through.
Prayers, prayers, and more prayers are sent your way. As a cancer survivor (ovarian), please know I am here for you. If you want to talk, send me an email with your phone number and I will call you. I am glad that you shared with us. Caring Bridge is a wonderful way to keep everyone informed about your journey.
You are an inspiration, Karen. Thank you so much for the offer. I may be contacting you. It helps when someone has been through a similar ordeal.
Praying for you! I don’t know about the Caring Bridge. I will go check it out!
Caring Bridge is a wonderful place to share. I’ve had friends that had sites and that’s how I learned of it. Thanks for the prayers, Priscilla.
You’ve got this, Joan! May the prayers of many provide the hope and healing needed now and in the future, surrounding you with peace in the days ahead.
Thank you so much, Grant.
You’re welcome, Joan.
Prayers and well wishes for you 🙏💟
Thank you so much, Jeanne!
I’m so sorry to hear this, Joan! I wish you all the best for your treatment. You have a caring community behind you, myself included.
Thank you, Liz. The support of friends and family are very important (and appreciated).
You’re welcome, Joan.
Envisioning YOU as the CHAMPION!!! <3
Thank you so much, Annette!
I’m very sorry to hear this news, Joan, but I know that you will fight the good fight, and I have faith in your ability to beat this! These days, many, many do exactly that, and there’s every reason to think you will, too. Sending you healing wishes, prayers, and loads of love. I believe you are going to win this fight and prevail over ALL!!! 🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗
Thank you so much, Marcia. You’ve been on my mind lately. It’s good to hear from you.
Thanks, Joan. I’ve been under the weather a wee bit, myself, with a very bad lung infection, but it is finally responding to antibiotics, and I hope to be feeling much better soon. In the meantime, I’m thinking of you, and sending you loads of positive, healing energy, my friend! And much love, too! ❤️❤️❤️
Right back at cha!
I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, Joan – but you’ve got this. Sending positive vibes and prayers your way.
Thank you so much, Teri. A person can never have too many prayers.
Attitude is half the battle, so you’re already 50% there in my book. I and all your loved ones will be here for you on the rest of this road. I KNOW you’ll get to the end as a victorious warrior and blessed survivor. Continued prayers for you, and sending much love to you. ❤️
I’m a firm believer in a positive attitude, Staci. John said a long time ago (when he was going through cancer treatments) “If you give up, you’ll die.” I’m going to fight this battle!
Your strength is important, Joan. I pray for it each day.
Thank you so much, John. That means a lot to me.
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I’m praying for you, Joan, every day. Sending healing hugs xo
Thank you, Denise. Prayer is the best medicine!
I agree and believe it is. Xo
Oh, Joan, I have no words for this. I’ve had other friends over on Caring Bridge. I will be over. A Victor Frankl quote that might be helpful–“Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.” You are a strong wonderful person, Joan. I’ve known you only a few months and already see that.
Thank you, Jacqui! I love that quote. It reminds me of something Elisabeth Eliott once said, “We can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can change our attitude.” <3
Blogging about your journey on Caring Bridge sounds like a great way to process your feelings, Joan. You are in my prayers. {{{hugs}}}
Thanks so much, Sue!
You have such a strong, positive attitude, Joan, and the love of many to support you.
You are always in my daly prayers. I know that the Lord sees you and hears you.
This quote turned up in my devotions today: “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.” I pray you feel His presence more strongly now than ever. ❤️
I love that, Mae! He can give us the peace that passes all understanding.
A thoughtful post, Joan. Like other readers, I appreciate the chance to send you light, love, prayers, and healing energy. Your attitude shines and I believe to my core that it makes a difference. It’s needless to say, but I’ll say it anyway… your health comes first. Don’t worry about anything and put your energy into getting well. Hugs <3
Thanks so much, Diana. I do believe that a positive attitude makes a huge difference. Hugs back to you.
Very sorry to read this news, Joan. Thank you for having the courage to share it with the community. I wish you the best as you make the best decisions to care for yourself.
Thanks so much, Pete. We do have a great community in Blogland
I’m so sorry to hear this. You have a positive attitude and you are strong, and that goes a long way. It is obvious that you have a caring community behind you. I wish you all the best with your treatment.
Thank you, Thomas. I believe a positive attitude and faith is half the battle.
You remain in my prayers, Joan, for complete healing. Hugs!
Thanks so much, Jan.
Joan I am so very sorry to hear your news and I know you will be receiving the best treatment possible. I am sure you have an amazing support system in place and sending you all my love… I have just finished A Death at the Inn and loved it.. my review on February 3rd and I will make sure to share it everywhere. No need to reply to this or to the review♥♥
Thank you so much, Sally. I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I appreciate the support. Hugs!
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Oh sweet Joan, I am so terribly sorry you are having to endure such an awful disease. I hope you receive good news in your next doctor visit and that your medical team gives you the absolute best treatment. Thinking of you. <3
Thank you so much, Mar!
HI Joan, thank you for this update. Wishing you all the best for your tests today.
Thank you, Robbie. The procedure went well. Not as hard as I had expected.
I am relieved to hear that.
Joan, wrapping you in my prayers!!! I think of you often. Yes, rest and focus on recovering. I love you, friend!!
Love you too! Miss you!
Thanks for the update Joan. Sorry you’re battling this disease but praying for your recovery and for God to strengthen you. Undoubtedly, prayer is our only hope.