What. a. day. So, I met with four doctors today at the Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center – two oncological dermatologists, oncological surgeon, and medical oncologist. As of right now, they believe the cancer is Stage 2b. However, they believe there is a strong possibility it could have spread to my lymph nodes – which we are not sure if it has yet. The surgeon has ordered a needle aspiration test on the lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes sites, which may be this Friday or Monday. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, then the cancer is stage 3. Either way, I need surgery – which may be the week of October 15. The surgery will remove the cancer as well as at a minimum of three lymph nodes (and a biopsy of the lymph nodes). As mentioned, if the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes – then they will remove all the lymph nodes in surgery along with the tumor site. A scan will then be done to see if the cancer has metastasized and spread to other organs. Right now, the mass is called a T4 tumor and is considered “thick” as opposed to ones that are minimally present. I will need to visit the oncological dermatologist every three months for the next two years once my treatment for my current tumor is complete.
I feel a little like I’ve been standing in front of a fire hose for 3 hours, but trying to digest the information and wait for the needle aspiration test to be scheduled. It can all be kind of exhausting! My friend Tara did an amazing job of taking notes. She herself, is a lymphoma survivor, and knew some great questions to ask - and she did a great job of keeping the time in-between appointments full of humor and spiritual growth!
I'll have a 4 cm scar on my left shoulder..... but I believe this scar will be a consistent reminder of how God uses these situations for His glory, and that He is good. A scar doesn't have to be an ugly thing, or something we have to try and hide.... but it can be a reminder of a time when we've had to really depend on Him, and forever a reminder of how the body of Christ has rallied to pray - I'm truly humbled beyond words by people's responses, and to learn of them praying for me. Last night, I was reading some of the messages on my Facebook page, put down the computer, got on my knees, cried and prayed in thankfulness to God for choosing to love me through you - through the people He has nudged to support me, show me compassion and kindness, and just pray more fierce than any warrior. A scar is nothing really, a mark on my body that I won't have in heaven, and hopefully something my future husband (whoever he may be!) won't find bothersome - but will embrace it as a part of my path driving me further into the arms of Jesus.
There are still more answers to be had with this cancer, but God is at work. He is in every detail of everything! You can also pray for the salvation of my nurse Hugh. And please pray that more people will come to know Christ through this experience somehow, and for Him to receive any and all glory. So thankful for your compassion, and words cannot express how grateful I am for your prayers, truly!
I feel a little like I’ve been standing in front of a fire hose for 3 hours, but trying to digest the information and wait for the needle aspiration test to be scheduled. It can all be kind of exhausting! My friend Tara did an amazing job of taking notes. She herself, is a lymphoma survivor, and knew some great questions to ask - and she did a great job of keeping the time in-between appointments full of humor and spiritual growth!
I'll have a 4 cm scar on my left shoulder..... but I believe this scar will be a consistent reminder of how God uses these situations for His glory, and that He is good. A scar doesn't have to be an ugly thing, or something we have to try and hide.... but it can be a reminder of a time when we've had to really depend on Him, and forever a reminder of how the body of Christ has rallied to pray - I'm truly humbled beyond words by people's responses, and to learn of them praying for me. Last night, I was reading some of the messages on my Facebook page, put down the computer, got on my knees, cried and prayed in thankfulness to God for choosing to love me through you - through the people He has nudged to support me, show me compassion and kindness, and just pray more fierce than any warrior. A scar is nothing really, a mark on my body that I won't have in heaven, and hopefully something my future husband (whoever he may be!) won't find bothersome - but will embrace it as a part of my path driving me further into the arms of Jesus.
There are still more answers to be had with this cancer, but God is at work. He is in every detail of everything! You can also pray for the salvation of my nurse Hugh. And please pray that more people will come to know Christ through this experience somehow, and for Him to receive any and all glory. So thankful for your compassion, and words cannot express how grateful I am for your prayers, truly!
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