At Peace in the Morning

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. — Psalm 5:3

Today is my surgery at Zion Hospital, and the wonderful ROSE volunteers sewed a tote bag and two small pillows for me to use on the drive home. One pillow is in the shape of a heart with a flag pattern. Perfect for the wife of a history teacher!

I will have an ultrasound first, then they will insert a wire to the tracking device they inserted a couple of weeks ago. Finally, I'll have some dye injected so they can identify the sentinel node to remove it and check for cancer.

I'll meet with the oncologist in a couple of weeks to find out more.

Thanks to everyone who has been such a huge support to our family on this journey!

You Are Loved

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

I had an ultrasound biopsy three weeks ago as a follow up to my last mammogram, and they discovered some calcification and a very small mass that was not there a year ago.

The ultrasound biopsy was a very simple and fast procedure, but it showed that the small mass is cancerous. My husband and I met with the surgeon a week ago Tuesday. He encouraged us to keep our positive attitude. We feel covered by the prayers of family and friends and surrounded by God's loving arms wrapping around us and holding us up when the way seems hard.

A friend wrote to tell us, "Many people have experienced this and have come through it very successfully. A dear long-term friend in Denver had a mastectomy and the follow-up treatments and is doing very well (at age 81)."

What an encouragement that has been to hear the stories of so many cancer survivors!

The caregivers at Kaiser have been wonderful. They are moving very quickly, which we are thankful for. The cancer is invasive ductal (in the ducts), between the size of a pea and a garbanzo bean.

I am a scheduled for a lumpectomy followed by radiation about 6-8 weeks later. After the surgery they will be able to tell us what stage it is and if further treatment is necessary.

We pray that our family can all be witnesses to the love of Jesus with all those we come in contact with. We give God the honor and glory — blessed be the name of the Lord.