Costa Rica Return & Specific Prayer

Thank you for praying as we got away together last week.  After receiving the partial biopsy results we did feel a sense of relief as we went into our time away.  We experienced peace, rest and unity in our marriage!  The reunion with Lucy, Allie and Samantha was super sweet!  Yet our hearts were heavy as we returned to the nearness of the cancer diagnosis and reality of the steps ahead.  And so tonight we have more news and prayers to request.

We met with Dr. Grant today (surgical oncologist).  He confirmed the cancer receptors as being Estrogen and Progesterone positive.  The breast cancer has also spread to the lymph node in my left arm as per the examine today.  The number of lymph nodes affected is unknown at this point.  It is also unknown if it has spread outside the lymph nodes and the next few days will shed light on that for us.  

Treatment at this point is still to be determined based on the outcome of the next few days.  I will have a CT of my chest and a CT of my abdomen tomorrow at 1:00pm.  These CT scans will take the place of a PET scan.  Since the cancer does not show a high rate of proliferation (fast growing) a PET scan is not necessary however, due to it’s size, Dr. Grant’s best guess was that the tumor/cancer has been present for about 2 years.  Thursday at 1:00pm I will also have a bone scan.

If the scans come back with evidence of cancer in other areas of my body, we will move to treat any secondary cancer present first.  And then circle back to the primary breast cancer.  

If the scans come back with NO evidence of cancer in other areas of my body, we will move forward in treating the cancer as we know it today.  

No matter the scenario, a mastectomy of my left breast will take place and the removal of the lymph node infected as well.  A lumpectomy is not an option due to the size of the tumor.  The decisions surrounding the mastectomy have not been finalized as information in the days/weeks to come will help us to make the best decision regarding a single or double mastectomy. 

Provisions we are grateful for:

1.  Our friends the Vaughns who hosted the big girls this morning and fed them breakfast.  Pretty sure they didn’t miss us 

2.  Peaches keeping Samantha first thing this morning as we were out the door by 7:30am

3.  Not a fast growing tumor from what we know today

4.  The love & support from Interstate Batteries

Specific prayer requests: 

1.  That the cancer is contained in my left breast and lymph nodes only

2.  The cancer has not metastasized into other forms of cancer

3.  Wisdom as we will most likely be sharing with Lucy and Allie this week and most likely this weekend on Saturday morning.  

    

Brian and I have both been comforted today by the Truth that God is not waiting on scans, God is not waiting on results or doctor appointments or treatment plans.  He already knows.  He is in control and He has known since I was knit together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139).  

Your texts, songs and encouraging words are providing a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).  

I leave you with this song that my sweet friend Mel sent me last week - it has encouraged me today!  

Lauren