Acts 14:21-22
How does one go about sharing bad news? Is it better to blurt it out or to soften it with poetic words? I'm not sure because bad news cannot be softened really. It's impact on the heart and mind remains the same. So it is with straightforwardness that I share my recent health crisis.
I shared here last week that I have cancer. It's such an ugly word full of fearful connotations and the unknown. When you find out that your cancer is aggressive, those fears ramp up and suddenly life feels very different.
I went to my oncologist surgeon on Monday and was told some hard truths that, frankly, my mind and heart really haven't processed fully yet. I have uterine cancer that is a grade 3. This means it's aggressive and there is a fear of it spreading to vital organs. So here is the process of what will happen next in my life.
They will order a stat CT scan so that we can find out if the cancer has spread to my organs and/or lungs. If it hasn't, I will have surgery on October 9th. If it has, I will have to have chemo therapy to fight the cancer before proceeding with surgery. The surgery will include a hysterectomy and also removing the lymph nodes that are around the blood vessels of that area. The lymph nodes in the stomach curtain will also be removed. Everything will be sent to the pathologist to determine if he lymph nodes have cancer. If they don't, I won't have to do more other than to be monitored every three months. If they do, I will have to have chemo and radiation.
Oh friends...can I tell you that I am tired and overwhelmed by facing yet another health issue? My mind and body feel like they just can't go forward, yet I must. I know this is a feeling I'm having because I'm in shock right now, but that I will, through God's grace and strength, face this new crisis and fight it with everything I have in me.
However, I need you! I need your prayers and your good thoughts. Sometimes a person needs to know that they are not alone in their fight and this is such a time for me. So, if you would please pray for me, I would so appreciate it! These are my prayer requests:
- That the cancer has not spread and that we can go forward with the surgery on October 9th.
- That the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes that will be removed during surgery. That it has been contained in the uterus and has gone no further.
I know that God is more than able to make these things happen. I have seen Him work in my life over and over again in ways that are miraculous and powerful. I pray that it is His will to do so again.
There is more that I can say, and I will in future posts, but right now I really needed to share the hard facts and ask for your prayers. My heart and mind need all the encouragement I can get! I know that I am no one special and that the troubles of this world fall on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45) but I also know that I serve and believe in the true God that has comfort and mercy for the afflicted.
Sing, O heavens!
Be joyful, O earth!
And break out in singing, O mountains!
For the Lord has comforted His people,
And will have mercy on His afflicted.
Isaiah 49:13
Thank you for allowing me to share this with you and thank you for standing with me in prayer.
Blessings - Julie
Dear Julie, thank you for taking the time to explain exactly what you are going through. Please know that I will continue to pray for you daily through all of this. No matter what, God is in charge. Nothing is a surprise to Him. God bless you Julie.
ReplyDeleteDear friend! I am just now getting to read this after sending an email to you. I believe that GOD has this, and they will do that surgery and remove the cancer, and I am believing that it has NOT spread, in Jesus' name! Our God is bigger than this, and there is nothing that is beyond His power. I am sending a big hug to you right now and trusting all will be well with you, and the Lord will add many more years to your life, in Jesus' name.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read this, Julie--I can only imagine how scary this must be for you, but I know your strong faith will carry you through all the treatments and surgery. Will definitely keep you in my prayers. ♥
ReplyDeleteCancer. I will be praying!❤️��
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ReplyDeleteGod put you on my heart again today. I realize your first name is Julie from your friends' comments. I am glad I can pray for you by name now, instead of MoreofHim. I love your poodles and your heart for God, and I am believing with you for a miraculous outcome. God is bigger than the "C" word. You are being lifted up before our Heavenly Father, Julie!
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