A Plan, a Date, and Reminders

GOD

IS NOT

ASKING

YOU TO

FIGURE

IT OUT.

GOD IS

ASKING

YOU TO

TRUST

THAT HE

ALREADY

HAS.

~ TOBYMAC

Amazingly in two weeks time I have had 8 doctor consultations, blood drawn, X-rays, an EKG, mammograms, sonograms, an MRI, and we now have a plan.

The MRI on Monday confirmed that the tumor is 2.4 cm.  That finding changes the cancer diagnosis to a Stage 1B, since the tumor is greater than 2 cm.  Because the cancer is invasive, it has tentacles/feelers coming from the mass.  Due to these findings, consults with the medical team, and after much prayer, I have decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction to follow over the following three months.

I have pre-op appointments this next week with the doctor and hospital.  Surgery has been scheduled for June 3.  As of now, plans are that I will be spending one night in the hospital.  Barring any surprises in the lymph nodes or skin, I may be exempt from radiation and/or chemotherapy!

“As we live lives of worship we are setting the pattern by which we will deal with the best news and the worst news of our lives.  So whatever else we do today, let us worship God who gives and takes away.  Let us bless his name.  Nothing in all creation can separate us or our loved ones from God’s love.” ~ Dr. Duane Brooks

Reminders:

* Two sets of ears are helpful in recalling important information.

* Because doctors and other medical staff have diligently studied, prepared, sacrificed free time and pleasures for a season, and established practices, surgery is an option to bring about renewed health.

* Be intentional on how to spend time and energy.

* May I be as willing to get rid of sin in life as I am to get rid of the cancer.

* I get to choose my attitude.

* Focus on ways God is moving, providing, and blessing.

* Look for ways to honor, serve, and be a blessing to others especially during these days.

* Have a grateful and appreciative spirit.

* Keep eyes on Jesus at all times.  

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

     His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”
Philippians 2:14-15b

With a Little Help from Friends

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” ~ John Donne

Sharonda Wilson and her son, Stephan Wilson, were both scheduled to graduate universities on May 4, 2019, after completing their degree programs.  They encountered an obstacle since Sharonda was graduating from Ferris State University, with a bachelor’s of science in business administration, while Stephan was earning his degree of fine arts in Music Theater from Central Michigan University. 

Stephan happened to have a casual conversation with a friend the day before graduation that had an amazing outcome.  “I told a friend of mine that [my] mom was skipping her graduation to be with me, and she used her magic to help Dr. Davies orchestrate that moment.”  His friend works in the President’s Office and told President Davies about the situation.  With just a few hours until graduation ceremonies were to take place, Davies made a very important phone call and decisions were quickly put into action.

During the ceremony President Davies called Stephan and his mother forward and Stephan was handed an additional graduation cap for his mother.   After explaining the situation, Davies announced, “I made a call today when I found this out, to David Eisler, the president of Ferris State University, so please pay attention.”  Stephan put the graduation cap on his mother and the president continued, “By the virtue of the authority vested in me, by the state of Michigan and the board of trustees, I confer upon you, Sharonda Wilson, the bachelor’s degree that you have earned, with all rights and privileges pertaining thereto.” Dr. Davies then concluded, “Please move your tassel from your right to your left.”  The attendees cheered loudly for Sharonda and Stephan, who greatly appreciated the kind gestures of the day.

On May 5, 2019, Jessica Robertson, 30, of Pittsburgh and 37 year old Laura Mazur, of New Bremen, Ohio, participated in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.  It was the 6th marathon for Mazur and the first for Robertson.

Up until the 14th mile marker, the runners had never met.  Mazur had been lamenting the fact that she would probably be the last place runner in the race when the two realized they were running at the same pace.  The two ladies began to run the race together, encouraging each other along the way.  At the 25 mile section there was a large crowd cheering for the last two runners.  It’s what they needed to inspire them to complete the last 1.2 miles.  At mile 26, Mazur reached over and grabbed Robertson’s hand and said, “Let’s go!”  The ladies have been described as not the last two runners, but rather FINISHERS in the race!!

During these days, I, too am in need of help from new friends/doctors as well as long time family and friends.  God is using your prayers, thoughts, expertise, advice, words of encouragement, notes, hugs, and other kind gestures to bless me and lighten the load on this journey.  I, too, am a grateful recipient! 

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.

3 John 1:5

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Proverbs 12:25

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Provisions and Truths

The day I was diagnosed with cancer, the Bible Gateway verse for the day was Romans 12:12. 

“Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.” 

These are three truths and challenges I want to take to heart, hold on to, and live out on this journey.

God continues to provide in amazing ways: 

* The soonest appointment for one doctor was May 28.  Thirty minutes later the receptionist called back with a May 7 date.

* Because of my main doctor’s integrity, influence, and reputation, a second doctor saw me on a day she usually treats cancer patients and does not see new patients.

* For our 7:15 appointment, the nurse had left her keys inside the office the day before and we were all locked out.  Because of that, Larry and I were able to visit and get to know a little about her before the doctor arrived with the keys.  Now she is more than just a name when we see her.

* At the conclusion of the consultation with the surgeon, she got on her knees, took Larry and me by the hand and prayed, humbling herself as God’s vessel to perform the surgery, quoting scripture promises, and asking God to heal me.  What an amazing time of worship, reassurance, and comfort for me.  There was, and still is, great peace that the right surgeon has been selected.

Things I know:

* I have stage 1A, Grade 2 invasive lobular carcinoma cancer. 

* My type of breast cancer is treatable with surgery plus radiation, with a 95% success rate, if taken care of promptly.

* Unless there are surprises in the lymph nodes, I will be spared chemotherapy.

* Surgery will be required, but I have options.

* Doctors have said this will be a difficult and challenging year; recovery is possible.

* “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

* Amazingly, within two weeks, I will be able to meet with 6 doctors, have blood drawn, an MRI, EKG, and x-rays so surgery can be scheduled.

* It’s been beneficial to think about and do things for others rather than dwell on the “what if’s” of cancer.

* My choice of question: What now?

* “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

* God is using your prayers, words of encouragement, advice, notes and cards, and provisions for our family to lighten the load, bless, and encourage me.

* God has known me from the beginning.  None of this is taking Him by surprise. 

* “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

* And God has promised “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 131:5b

Hearts in Action

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” ~ Paulo Coelho

“Our days will be better when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.” ~ Toby Mac

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.  What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ~ Jane Goodall

Brad’s Bar-B-Que is a popular place to eat in Oxford, Alabama.  One evening in April, Eleanor Baker, 80 years young, ate there and declared her visit “a God thing.  I think God sent me there.”

Eleanor is a widow who lives alone.  Although she has a big family, most of them live out of town.  So that night she went to eat barbecue by herself.  About the same time as Mrs. Baker arrived, three young men in their 20’s also entered the restaurant and were seated at a table.  As the evening progressed, Jamario Howard noticed Eleanor was by herself.  His friend stated, “When most of us see someone eating alone we feel that way, but our sympathy never solves anything.  And Jamario really wanted to fix this, so he got up from his table and sat at hers.”

After introductions, Eleanor and Jamario struck up a conversation.  The other two young men soon joined them and they had dinner together.  Tae Knight and JaMychol Baker enjoyed Eleanor’s company as much as she enjoyed theirs.  JaMychol commented that, “When you make that kind of connection with somebody, it’s hard to let it go.”  They all promised to keep in touch.  The four now make a point to keep up and spend time together.  The young men say Mrs. Baker treats them like grandchildren.

Jamario concluded, “I used to say when I was younger, and I still say today, I want to change the world somehow.  And I don’t know how.  I’m not rich.  I’m not famous.  And I’m not very smart either, so I can’t be president.  But it’s alright to be kind.  And then, before long, maybe the world will be a much better place.”

Thank you for your example Jamario, Eleanor, Tae and JaMychol.  May I, too, have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that responds.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Matthew 25:40

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35