Day 58 - 12/6/18
Today I have an appointment with my breast surgeon. The purpose of this visit is to review how the tumor has been responding to the chemo treatments. I’m not sure of what to expect, but I’ve tried to feel for the lump a couple of times, and it’s definitely not as defined as it was before the chemo treatments started. I don’t want to get my hopes up high, so I’m trying to not formulate my own opinion before the appointment.
As my doctor pulled up the images on the screen, she excitedly informs us that the tumor is responding very well. It has decreased in size from 3.9 cm to 1.5 cm. This is GREAT news since I’ve only had 2 treatments! She also informed us that the surgery plan has changed from a mastectomy to a lumpectomy. This is a HUGE deal! Call it what you want, but I believe this is a result of all of my prayer warriors sending up prayers on my behalf! Thank you, Lord—I must give God his due praise! And Thank you to my support team! Keep the prayers coming! :)
To make sure you understand what this actually means, here's the difference: a mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast, whereas with a lumpectomy only a portion of the breast is removed. The lumpectomy is a lot less invasive, and the recuperation time is 1-2 weeks, compared to 4-6 weeks for a mastectomy. My God is so AWESOME!
The next thing to look at will be the cancer on my sternum, so my doctor will be ordering an MRI in January to evaluate it. Continued prayers that the cancer there is responding just as well.
Based on my emotional state a few days ago, this is VERY encouraging. Although I hadn’t given up my hope, this news lifts a weight off me.
When I look at how everything transpired this week, I am reminded, once again, that God always knows what I need and when I need it. I really needed this news to remind me that God is in control of my life and this situation. This is also a reminder that I MUST rest in Him. Through this entire process, I’ve got to trust Him every step of the way.
“We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,” Romans 8: 28 CEV
Day 66: