With biopsies and appointments behind us, Friday found us knee to knee with a specialist hovered around a pathology report and a
breast diagram. Before the sun even got
a chance to shine that day, the cancer diagnosis was official, the word malignant
highlighted and arrows drawn to the offending lump.
We’ve weathered a season of storms over the past few
years, some shared and some not shared. And
it’s breast cancer that’s stirring up the next waves. The battle lines have been drawn, and it’s
time to “fight like a girl”. We are girded up though, because we come at this
knowing from experience after experience that God’s grace is found in deepest
waters. That even when storms rage, He passes
out peace that surpasses understanding.
………………………………………………………
I’ve thought all week about who to tell and how to tell it.
Pity makes me squirm, I don’t want to share for the sake of
attention, and I just want to have fun with my people without talking only pathology
and prognosis.
But…
…I wanted you to hear
it from me, even if on Facebook. (Bless it.)
… I am a writer who writes to figure out how she feels.
…I believe courage involves vulnerability, and I’m not
afraid to tell you about the ugly cries.
…Though meds, surgery and radiation are powerful, prayer
packs much more might.
…I already have stories to tell, a week and half in, about
how God has made His steadfast love known.
So, if you are a willing pray-er of prayers, you’re enlisted
with our deepest gratitude.
………………………………………………………
What all of my heart wants you to know, wants you to see, is
that God is still good. We all love to
follow a happy diagnosis with floods of thanks to God for His goodness. But, thankfully, I don’t believe His goodness
hinges on my circumstances. He’s good
when the news is good and He’s good when the news makes you weak in the
knees. I know this to be true, and I’m
counting on it.
So, cancer it is, and we’re ready for battle. Bring on the specialists, appointments,
treatments and pink ribbons. Oh, and
probably a boob joke or two, plus some awkward public service reminders to all
my much loved females to do self checks. Go ahead and get yourself comfortable with
that.
Courage, dear heart.
I will not fear bad news. My heart is
steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7
Psalm 112:7
13 comments:
Rebecca, positive thoughts and, of course, prayers flying your way. I am proof of the power of prayer. One day at a time.....YOU CAN DO THIS!!! It's a bump in the road, you get over it and keep on going. I'm here to listen if you feel like talking. Stay positive, stay strong!
We love you,
Rita
Rebecca, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your team as you deal with this new prognosis. You are one of the strongest and most faithful women I have the privilege of knowing; I know that you will pull through this with your faith, family and friends beside you. You already have my prayers but if I can help in any other way please let me know. Huge hugs and positive thoughts are being sent your way.
Rebecca,
I am saddened for you that you have to walk this path but I know you will be well protected by our Lord. I have walked it in a different place and know this to be true. I so love reading your blog and know you will write well during this difficult time, thank you for sharing the difficult....I commit to pray for you each and every day...direction, healing, peace, and much much more.
Hugs to you and your family!!!
Paige
Rebecca: I am one of your prayer warriors and you will remain at the top of my prayer list. Your strong faith and supportive family and friends will get you through this. You are already covered with prayers!
On my knees and with you fighting for you!!! He goes before before you sister. Love you sweet friend!!!
Rebecca, we ahve been praying for each other for a long, long time. I won't stop now!! You and your precious family will be on my prayers every day!
Rebecca, I just saw this and I want you to know that I will be part of your prayer army. I am adding you to my prayer list. You have such a beautiful spirit and I will be praying for you and your family.
Rebecca, as you join this sisterhood which you would rather not have joined, I extend my nursing arms, my survivor arms, loaded with tons of pink ribbons if you will, but I also offer you my continued prayers to our awesome God! May you always feel His presence and loving arms around you in whatever lies ahead. Hug Mark and those kiddos for me! Nurse Janet
Praying alongside you, precious friend! May He be closer than ever to you during this time. You are so loved <3
"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." - Isaiah 43:2
Praying for you and your family! I love what you said about how He is still good. That is a wonderful thing to remember even among the scary times. <3
My heart is saddened to hear what you are going through. You have always been such an inspiration to me, I want to be like you if I ever had the chance to do it all again. Your heart for orphans is so real, you actually did something about it and have the most awesome family ever. Your navigation of the medical system for little Evie has been remarkable and the strength both you and Mark have portrayed is so humbling. It should never be that you have to experience this heath event for yourself, and yet you do and I have no doubts whatsoever that the God who gave you three beautiful children and the strength to go on when everything seemed hopeless will give you what you need for this next challenge. I have never seen such hearts for the Lord, and as much love as you both have and I will pray relentlessly for you. I have a friend in Kennesaw right now who is going through a similar experience to you, similar age etc. If you want any help navigating the system, second opinions, let me know. Her husband is an Internist and she has been over to MD Anderson in Texas for second opinions. In both cases her doctors have been in agreement which is reassuring. Know how much you are loved and how many lives you have touched.
Stuart and I are living in Connecticut and absolutely love where we are, half a mile to the beach! But we do get away for the worst of the winter and are in California right now. Maggie Rattray
Someone just shared your blog post on my FB page. Scott and I are also adoptive parents (4 bio and 18 adopted), and the founders and directors of The Shepherd's Crook Orphan Ministry (tscorphans.org). And we just received a diagnosis of cancer for Scott on Monday. Thank you for sharing your heart and your news. Ours was shared on Tuesday in "And Sometimes the Little Things Are the Big Things" at http://owningmynothingness.com/2016/01/19/and-sometimes-the-little-things-are-big-things/.
So both our families have just entered similar journeys. Same disease; different forms; same faithful and trustworthy Father holding us in His hands. Praying for you this morning.
Rebecca- I love you.
Andrea
Post a Comment