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Getting a 1-year cancer survivor, God has blessed me beyond measure. Even though my situation is not as severe or complicated as some, I think that cancer survivors have a large number of of the similar challenges. I also think that sharing one's experiences with cancer can be advantageous not only for the 1 sharing, but for others at present dealing with cancer, and for their families, friends, and caregivers. My prayer is that the Lord will use my story to offer encouragement and reassurance that HE is in control. Furthermore, health crisis, other people will be motivated to have a additional positive focus. As John Piper has urged, I do not want to "waste my cancer".
This is a journalized account of my initial year. On July 23, 2007 I spent a great day with my daughter, Angie and two-and-a-half month old granddaughter, Lily. When I got property later that afternoon, I checked my voicemail as I usually do when gone for the day. There was a message from WestHealth to call back as soon as achievable - even a quantity to call immediately after 5:00 p.m. My heart went straight to my stomach because I had just had my yearly mammogram on July 19th at the Breast Center there. I named and identified out that they had discovered micro-calcifications on my left breast and needed to do an additional mammogram with other views and more magnification. I was told that it was almost certainly absolutely nothing and that girls are referred to as back all the time. That supplied a little relief.
"...I am the Lord your God - and I say to you, Do not be afraid
I am here to assist you."
Isaiah 41:13¹
I went to the Breast Center on July 24th with the idea that I would be in and out rapidly. I had a lot to do that day. I ended up being there pretty much 3 hours. The mammogram showed a "questionable" location. Subsequent, an ultra-sound was done and two distinct radiologists looked at it. They were each really certain there was a difficulty. My first thought was directed at the Lord, "How can this be happening to me?- this have to be a dream - considering that cancer only takes place to other men and women! " The technician explained that the subsequent step would be a core biopsy to get tissue from the lump and send it in to pathology to confirm no matter if or not it was cancer. Getting the determined person I am, I asked if there was any way doable to do the biopsy ideal then. I do not like waiting I like to get to the bottom of items ideal away and right away have a strategy of action. I like to be in control! At this point, I was not trusting the Lord, but I was certain talking to Him a lot. The biopsy was arranged after consulting with my physician. I had to lie on an uncomfortable table for fairly awhile as they had been setting issues up and finding the proper staff together - since it wasn't planned ahead. I didn't care, mainly because I wanted to get it over with. The procedure was not enjoyable. The region was "numbed" and a long needle inserted in my breast directed to the lump by the ultra-sound equipment. Ordinarily, the needle is inserted and brought back out five times - mine was 8 times. It was especially painful. I have generally considered myself "tough" and practiced "mind over matter" methods all the time. It didn't function! To make matters worse, the doctor performing the procedure was incredibly blunt (which I usually prefer). As he was performing the biopsy, he said, "Yes, I'm certain it is cancer - I've accomplished so many of these over the past 16 years that I know what it looks like". Now I was actually in shock and in discomfort - and asking the Lord, once more, "How can this be happening to me?"
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present support
in times of trouble."
Psalm 46:1²
