Reasons

Reasons, there are always reasons.  Purpose is the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.  The Apostle Paul speaking to the Romans said “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.  That is all things meaning, all things both good and bad; everything.

It's difficult when something unpleasant happens that makes us think “Why me?” to actually turn it around and think “Thank you for this blessing.” But, why not take a bad situation and find a positive light?

I was six months late in getting my mammogram.  I finally got around to it a couple of months ago.  I usually go in October, the month we “Think Pink”. Life got busy (there was an amazing wedding in October, but that's not an excuse) and I just forgot about it.  I remembered in March, the month that my mother passed away, from breast cancer and several years later my dear friend Steff also passed away from the same disease.

On March 12, I had the routine mammogram.  On March 13, the results came back with an area of concern needing a spot compression, a further magnified look at an area of microcalcifications. That was scheduled on March 20, a day of significance, as that was the day my mother and Steff passed away.  The spot compression film proved I needed a biopsy.  Cause for concern...yes.

I promptly had my records transferred to the Mary Babb Breast Center at WVU Medicine.  The reason I did that is another story that I will not get into now.  I was scheduled for a biopsy on April 2.  Two days later, a diagnosis of Breast Carcinoma in Situ, Stage 0, was what I heard coming across my cell phone.  I had breast cancer, but, I was told if one has to have breast cancer it was the best breast cancer to have.  Imagine my sarcastic thought to that statement!

Things began to move fast and I was scheduled to meet with a surgeon, an oncologist and a radiation oncologist, a few days later. At those appointments I learned a lot.  Blood was drawn for genetic testing.  Just hearing “genetic testing” gave me a feeling that I was doomed.  I also had pre-admission testing.  Yes, surgery was in my near future.  The genetic testing outcome would determine the type and the components of the surgery. 

The wait began for the genetic test results.  It moved quicker than thought.  On April 15, a call from Morgantown showed on my phone.  A quick deep breath and I answered.  It was my surgeon's PA.  The results from the testing, all negative, no markers.  I was thrilled!

My path was now defined, a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy and a 5-10 year course of an aromatase inhibitor as this mass is progesterone postive, meaning it is feeding off the progesterone hormone that my thyroid continues to make.  Having had a complete hysterectomy a few years ago, hormones were no longer being released from my ovaries, but my thyroid continued to chug along.

With a more defined path in front of me, I was still angry that cancer was picking in me.  But, I was also relieved with all findings so far.

Surgery was scheduled for Wednesday May 1. Surgery day came fast, but yet not quick enough.  WVU Medicine made the process seamless and quick.  My surgeon is amazing.  I was home (and providing anesthesia related comic relief) from Morgantown that evening after surgery.

I am in the recovery and healing mode now.  I go back to see my surgeon in a few days.  I should have a complete pathology report before I see her. At the end of May I will go back to see my oncologist.  He will present my future path for radiation and the anti-hormone chemo type pill. 

How does this all tie back to purpose? I've definitely been nudged by God.  One thing is I am so very blessed.  Blessed to have caught this early.  Blessed to have so many praying over me from all walks of life.  I feel every prayer and all the incredible love from those prayers.  Blessed to have family and friends supporting #TeamT.  I truly believe there is a reason for everything.  I think my purpose right now is to tell my story, a positive, quick moving story to good health.  My story as a fighter.  And, my story is by no means finished yet. 

Paul could not have stated it any more clearer.  Believing what he said in Romans 8:28, leads to profound peace, a powerful joy, confidence, a feeling of being so very blessed, wisdom, strength, and steadfast love. Everything that we meet in life somehow works for our best.  Not necessarily what we may think is best, but, for our purpose.

#GodsGotThis #WalkByFaithNotBySight

#GodsGrace