Since I last posted, I've completed rounds 3-5 of chemo. I originally posted that I would be doing 4 rounds, but my oncologist said my tumor was responding significantly to the treatment, so she wanted to me to do 2 more in hopes that it would go away completely. Sounded good to me! Here's some pics of my last 3 rounds!
So, here I sit, in the chemo chair for round 6. I have been flooded with emotions today and have had to stop and catch my breath a few times, because I'm just so overwhelmed. As I entered Kirklin Clinic this morning, I remembered the fear that I felt when I walked in here for the first time. The anxiety that I felt when I met with my doctors and had scans to determine the severity of my cancer. The uncertainty of what was to come when I sat in the "chemo chair" on day 1 of treatment. It all came flooding back and in the middle of that moment, I was also reminded of the greatness of my God, the unwavering support of my family and friends, the wisdom of my doctors, and the unbelievable acts of love that I've received through the course of my journey.
It seems surreal that just 5 short months ago, I heard the words "you have cancer". Even typing that again brings me to tears. Twice a year, in January and August, our church does 21 Days of Prayer, where we gather at 6 am for 21 days to devote an hour to seeking God and praying for the needs of others and our own. I started the 21 days of prayer in August with specific prayers that I was believing God would answer. Most of those were personal prayers for my family and friends, but I also asked God to draw me closer to him and use me however He felt necessary. On the first day of that 21 days of prayer, I had an appointment to biopsy the lump I had found. Four days later, I found out I had cancer. I remember sobbing through every hour of the remaining 21 days, pleading with God to heal me. Praying big, scary prayers that he would keep me here for my husband and babies. Today, the beginning of our 21 days of prayer for 2017, I'm at the end of my chemo treatments and thanking Him for answering in such a mighty way.
Through this trial, He has revealed so much to me. My relationship with God has never been stronger and I am on fire for Him. I also have a burning passion to help others who are going through the same thing as I am. Since I was diagnosed, I've had the joy of being introduced to other young ladies who have been given the same scary news as me. I just want to hug them all and walk them through this as so many others did for me. I know the emotions that they are feeling all to well. Most of the ladies I've met are young mamas and are burdened with the fear of leaving their children behind. As moms, its our nature to put our kids and husband first. When you're faced with the thought of not being here for them, or leaving the man you love to raise your children alone, it can feel like too much to handle. I want to be a LIVING testimony and am hopeful that God will continue to use me to touch others that are battling this disease.
So...what's next? In about an hour, I will ring the bell, to celebrate the end of chemo! I have a scan tomorrow to see what's left of my tumor. I will meet with my surgeon on Thursday to go over the results and formulate a plan for surgery. Right now, we are planning on a lumpectomy around the beginning of February. After I heal from surgery, I will begin radiation, which will be everyday for 6 weeks. All that to say, I'm not done yet. I'm grateful to be finished with chemotherapy and look forward to wrapping up the rest of my treatment in the next few months.
Specific Prayer Request:
Healing for my new friends: Carla, Haley, and Kristen as they begin chemo, have surgeries, and continue to beat cancer. Also, please cover in prayer the children, husbands, family, and friends of these ladies. Please pray that they all keep their eyes fixed on Him and never lose sight of the work He is doing in them.
Carla has a young daughter and lost her husband in October, so her diagnosis comes at such a difficult time. Her heart hasn't even had time to heal and she is just so devastated. Please pray for her and her daughter as they navigate through this trial and try to find a "new normal" for their lives.
My scans will be clear and show no signs of viable cancer cells.
My upcoming surgery. Pray that it will go smoothly and they will be able to get clear margins when they remove my tumor."In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." 1 Peter 5:10
Again, I cannot put into words my gratitude for each of you. The meals, grass cutting, cards, calls, messages, texts, gifts, kind words, and prayers are all so appreciated. My heart is full and I'm honored to say I have the most loving army of friends and family behind me.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2017. I am declaring that this year I WILL be cancer free!
With love,
Heather
