On Oct. 20, 2003, Derek got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife……now 8 years later we have experienced all the things we said in our vows. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, and now in sickness and health. God has given us amazing grace for each part of the journey and we can see His gracious hand holding us as we go down this new path.
Oct. 21, 2011, Derek, Mom, and I went to the hospital for my mastectomy. I was first prepped for the lymph node scan and then went to pre-op. The staff at Memorial hospital is amazing, every nurse I encountered was kind and spoke about how wonderful my surgeon is. The peace that I felt as they were getting me ready could only come from the many prayers of my family and friends.
We talked with the surgeon and he explained every part of the procedure. He also talked with us about having a port put in which would be used for chemo at a latter date. I was not prepared for this….surgery was on my right breast and now there is going to be a port on my left side. How to hug my girls and little boys; it was quite overwhelming. Again, I felt God’s peace and grace in the room and we gave the Doc the o.k. for the port. My surgeon prayed for me before he left the room and Derek also prayed. It was amazing!
During surgery, a sentinel node biopsy was performed to determine if the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. The biopsy came back malignant so he took out about 20 more lymph nodes. This was not good. I came out of surgery great and the little one seems fine. My doctor spoke with Derek and my Mom while I was still in recovery. He said the severity of the cancer has elevated greatly which will require additional bone, brain, or liver testing. It is now stage 3 cancer; however we will have definitive results from the lymph node testing by Tuesday. The original plan of chemo was 6 weeks after the surgery but will now begin in 2-3 weeks. Derek and I will try to keep the website updated as we get the information from our medical team.
We have been surprised at every turn with each new bit of news but hold unswervingly to the knowledge that our God is a good and loving God. He has decide to entrust us with this new chapter to our story. I don’t ask why but trust and know that He loves me more than I can imagine and that all good and perfect gifts come from Him. I have a beautiful little life growing inside me that He ordained and he will hold us in his perfect love. My prayer is that I will continue to bless his name at all times, through the laughter and the many tears.
We thank you for your prayers and are overwhelmed by the great love of the body of Christ!