I went to see my doctor today and I was diagnosed with

[DFW]

113. My wife had a rare and usually fatal form of that 2 years ago

The specialist said it stuck women who were of advanced age or very slender, and it was called "The Murderer," as it was nearly undetectable until it had metastasized all over the place, and thus almost always fatal.

But since my wife had cancer once already (in 2001), she was going in for regular checkups, and this was caught before it had the chance to metastasize even once. The 5.5 hour operation was brutal, but every one of the 84 biopsies they took came back negative, and the surgeon said she the was one case in ten thousand where he thought she would not need chemo or radiation. A year and a half later, she gets herself checked every 3 months, but so far, she's clean. Most women in her family have had cancer, usually twice, including her mom (who just turned 90). None have died from it. My daughters are not thrilled with their probable upcoming ordeals, but they know their mom survived it, and they are prepared to fight for their lives as well.

Catching it early is THE key, and as long as your treatment is competent and conscientious, you should come out of this. Surgery is probably inevitable, and if they recommend chemo, do it. But these days, this is not the death sentence it used to be thirty years ago. Talk to people, talk to US, do stuff, remain optimistic, because these days, you have every right to. Don't let anyone tell you differently!

After all, you have that 90th birthday party down the road to prepare for.