Welcome to my JOYFUL journey!!
So many passages from His Word have been so poignant and powerful during this journey, but I think this is an appropriate theme verse to my blog...as it is my life. More on that later...
Right now I’ll start at the very beginning, a very good place to start 🎼 😁 Here’s a brief summary of how & when my journey of joy through this trial began...I’ll fill in all the awesome God-moments as I have time. He just continues to show up and show off through all of this!
During this Corona Quarantine, our family was enjoying some wonderful family nights of games, movies, etc. On a April 6 we decided to watch “I Still Believe”, a movie about the life of Jeremy Camp and his first wife. We all laughed and cried as the story unfolded of how she was diagnosed with a serious, end-stage cancer when they had newly started dating in college, but was miraculously healed through much prayer. Then they rejoiced and got married! Unfortunately the cancer came back aggressively right after their honeymoon and she ends up losing the battle soon after. Her motto throughout her health issues was, “If one person's life is changed by what I go through, it’ll all be worth it!”
My husband and I took our dog for a walk after watching it and I said to him, “I think that’s going to be my story.” When I was getting ready for bed that night, I felt a lump in my right breast and mentioned something to Dave. “Will you please get that checked out ASAP!?” We have this fun little system he wants me to do something- he writes it on old play $ I used to use with the boys. The more urgent the task, the higher the dollar amount...he gave me a ‘hundy’ (the highest bill in the set) with a “make a Dr. appt” written on it. I’m thankful he did because, as I’m sure you moms reading this can relate, I don’t know when I would’ve made time to make myself an appointment if he hadn’t.
I called the next morning to earn my $100😊. I got an appt in 2 days, then a mammogram and ultrasound the next morning. I walked out with a report from the radiologist, “It's 99% cancer, at least stage 2. I’m ordering biopsies to be done of three areas- the large one on your right, a small one I saw on your left and a lymph node.” Well, Ok, Lord, maybe that really is going to be my story. Well, I had to wait almost a week for the biopsies, then from Thursday through the weekend for results...negative on the left, positive on the right and lymph node, then MRI...suspicious areas on liver and couple other areas. Well, Lord, do I have cancer ravaging my body and I had no idea? PET CT scan and liver ultrasound...got results the next morning, (thank you, Jesus) at my appointment with the oncologist. No new areas seen. PTL! Saw the surgeon the next day (God was SO good to lead me to the most amazing doctors! More on that later too).
Final diagnosis: Stage 2/3 Metastatic Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
I had a Zoom call the next day with the oncologist after he & my surgeon discussed my case to go over my treatment plan (my sisters, in Atlanta and Denver area, both nurses & my best friends, got to join the call...a sweet blessing from my Savior!):
Treatment:
Five months of three types of chemo, wait 4-6 weeks, mastectomy, wait 4-6 weeks, radiation...then tie it all up with a bow of hormone therapy for too long.
🙈
I’ve done a few marathons, triathlons, adventure races, etc but this is going to be the longest, toughest endurance race I’ve ever done. Lord, it’s Your joy that’s going to have to be my strength physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually! You’ve prepared me for this in some ways but are going to grow me in even more bigger ways!
I’m confident that Your ways are higher, bigger and better than mine(Isaiah 55:8).
Your grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Your mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22).
Great is Your faithfulness! Heavenly Father, I pray you use this to bring glory to Your name, growth to me and good to others.
Great is Your faithfulness. Your name is greatly to be praised. You are good so I am too!
Oh how You have proven Yourself over and over, and been so faithful to Your promises. You have provided so abundantly beyond what I could’ve ever asked or imagined through Your children, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and answered the “powerful and effective prayers“ of Your people, my dear & precious friends!
Faith in & focus on the future give power, peace & purpose to the present!!!
Oh Sara, my heart aches as I read this. I’m so sad you are going through this, and have this long road ahead. You are an amazing woman— such obvious joy and strength that comes from the Lord. Praying the Lord will continue to provide you with that strength every step of the way. And praying the Lord kindly heals you completely from this cancer.
ReplyDeleteYou are on my prayer list Sara. I am sure that He will accomplish much through your transparency and dependency in this trial. May He glorify Himself greatly with a full recovery at the end of this new marathon! Kerry H.
ReplyDeleteThe title of your blog is perfect because your joy in the Lord shines through despite the awfulness of the diagnosis. Praying for you to be completely restored in health and refined in faith.
ReplyDeleteI just love you so much, Sara! Even as you are going through this trial, you blessed ME with your journal. I'm praying for you every day, here if you need something, and looking forward to the ways our Lord blesses and grows you. I know he will used your journey to reach others and draw them to him. -Lisa W.
ReplyDeletePraying for you since I heard this news, Sara. I LOVE that you are sharing this trial and journey so God can be glorified, others can be encouraged and strengthened...Thank you. I will continue to pray for you, sister!
ReplyDeleteWow Sara! I can feel your positive energy and smile through reading your whole blog! You amaze me! I am praying for you sweet sister, for your continual peace and comfort that comes from Him. May his supernatural strength, power and wisdom continue to guide you along and through this trial and journey. And may at least one life be changed by it forever! I love you Sara! Sending you sweet hugs, prayer and healing energy from sunny Florida☀️
ReplyDeleteSara, when Amy filled me in on your diagnosis I immediately called a prayer warrior who lives next door and we've start others on this prayer chain praying faithfully each day. The Master of all of us is in charge of your path and will guide you through it all. He will use you in so many ways and make your family strong enough to walk with you. Do as He leads and whatever you ask for will be given to you as it fits His plans. We on the East Coast will know God's plan as you keep us informed. We are going through this with you as far as you let us! God is using you in a mighty way and we are already growing through you. Love, hugs and comfort on your path.
ReplyDeleteOh Sara... you have brought tears to my eyes as I read this. I so can see your face and smile as I read your blog. You are an amazing sister in Christ and want you to know that I am praying for you starting today as I just found out. You are a fighter and I know He will give you every ounce of strength you need to get through this. Through my trial, i have realized I have been strengthened by His joy in my life. Love you sweet friend and sending a big hug your way!!! �� Tobi
ReplyDeleteSara, I am so sorry to hear about all you’re going through. I will be praying for you and your sweet family as you all walk this trial together. Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteAs the joy of the Lord is your strength, may the people of the Lord be your encouragement.
ReplyDeleteYou have been handpicked by God for this mission, m'lady. Like you know so well from all your events and training, the race is lonely. But what a difference it makes when you have those people on the sidelines, cheering you on, praying for you, offering you food, drink, support, smiles...wow, it puts a little more back into your gas tank, you know?! And you DO know.
You are off to a great start, and we are praying you keep pace, hit stride, and lap cancer! And we are asking God to use you to win the crowd's hearts FOR JESUS. I KNOW I will see people in eternity on account of your committed passion to follow the Spirit and shine brightly for Jesus. Petersens have your back, Averells!