Be Still & Know

On Thursday, February 12th (2 days before my 41st birthday), I was diagnosed with Stage 1A invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer.

After a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound on February 4th, a tumor was discovered in the upper, outer quadrant of my left breast. The following morning, a biopsy was done and on Monday, February 9th, at 4:33PM, I received the call that it was indeed cancer. On Wednesday, I had an MRI and on Thursday, February 12th – just 7 days after the initial mammogram – I met with my doctor to discuss diagnosis and treatment.

I was encouraged to hear from the pathology report that the cancer was slow-growing and not aggressive. I was positive for both ER (100%) and PR (60%) receptors, but not HER2 – which was more encouraging news. After reviewing treatment options with my doctor, I opted for a lumpectomy followed by 21-28 rounds of radiation and hormone therapy for the next 5-10 years. Surgery was scheduled for Thursday, March 5th (today).

The following week, while on vacation with my family, I finally began processing all that had transpired over the last two weeks. While I was still very much at peace with my situation, I felt very uneasy with how quickly the entire process (3 days from diagnosis to treatment plan) had gone and how quickly I’d made a very significant and potentially life-altering decision about my health. I began to pray even more for discernment and for God to intervene if needed.

The day I returned from vacation, God began answering those prayers. Over the next two days, I received multiple confirmations that I needed to pause and seek out a second opinion. So, I did not have surgery today. I have an appointment next Wednesday, March 11th for a second opinion and possibly a different treatment plan. I very much appreciate the prayers and encouragement thus far! Keep them coming!

For those who are interested, I plan to post some of my journal entries from the last few weeks here also – that will explain the journey thus far in more detail, including God’s promises and provision during those scary days leading up to diagnosis and what I’ve learned along the way. I’ll also continue to post updates here once a plan for treatment is set.