Good News!
As Anthony shares in the video, we got good news this week! My surgeon called to tell us that my MRI results looked great—the radiologist could not see any evidence of cancer! In my surgeon’s words: “These results are indicative of what we were hoping for with a complete response.” Woohoo! Those are the words we’ve been praying for: “complete response!” Of course, the final verdict will come from the pathology after surgery, but we are grateful that things seem to be trending in a “cancer-free” direction. Please pray that is the case!
Thank you, Lord, for your kindness with this news. You would be good and gracious even if the results were different, but thank you for delighting to answer our prayers in this way.
We also got the news that my surgery date is September 11, most likely first thing in the morning. While I’m not looking forward to surgery, I am thankful to have a date to pray for and plan around. We’re finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
I will never get tired of thanking you for your prayers for us. We continue to feel very needy and dependent on the Lord with each phase of this path. As I read this morning in Psalm 16:8— “I have set the LORD always before me [I keep my eyes always on him]; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” He is right next to me no matter what may come; that is my only hope and confidence.
Here are some things to pray for:
Pray that they indeed find that at a cellular level there is complete response and eradication of the cancer. Pray also that the pathology will show it never traveled to a lymph node.
Pray that I can rest and recover in the weeks leading up to surgery, so my body is ready for this next phase.
Pray that my neuropathy is only temporary and subsides the further away from chemo I get.
Please pray for peace going into surgery on September 11. Pray for my wonderful surgeons, Dr. Francesca Delach and Dr. Sameer Patel—for precision, skill, and wisdom as they make decisions in the moment. And for a smooth recovery.
Pray that if possible I would only need one surgery. There is a chance I will need a second surgery if Dr. Patel decides he is not able to place the implants with this surgery based on my condition after the mastectomy. I trust the Lord will guide him with this decision. I am content with either decision, but it’s something to talk to the Lord about :)
Pray for a sweet college move-in for Maddie at Pitt this Sunday—that she will make great friends, find a good church, and settle in well. And for us back home as we miss her. Pray also for her as she is sad to be away during my surgery.
Pray for a good start to the school year for Asher as he enters his Junior year. That he will find a good balance with work, school, friends and volleyball.
Pray for Anthony as he balances work and home in this season—caring for me and the kids while shepherding New Life Dresher.
Pray that we will have opportunities to be salt and light to others around us during this process.
Pray that the Lord will clearly guide us as we consider what new rhythms and lifestyle changes we need to take with us from this cancer journey.
Note: This will be my only post this week, as Saturday we will be feverishly packing to leave for Pitt :)