A Spring of Joy

Read this today…

“Remember, the growth of a believer is not like a mushroom—but like an oak, which increases slowly indeed—but surely.

Many suns, showers, and frosts, pass upon it before it comes to perfection. And in winter, when it seems to be dead—it is gathering strength at the root.

Be humble, watchful, and diligent in the means, and endeavor to look through all, and fix your eye upon Jesus—and all shall be well. “

—John Newton, Letters of John Newton

I am fixing my eyes on Jesus, Who, as Nat reminded me this afternoon, has already won the battle. Cancer will not win.

My appointment with my surgeon went well. He was very pleased with how well I am healing and I am under no restrictions with activity–just functioning as I have energy and see fit. Taking the stitches out was not very fun, but I have my happy little bottle of percocet to take the pain away.

As for the lymph nodes he removed, there was cancer in four of them. Heavy sigh. It is never fun to hear that there was cancer in my body. But I do love to hear the word WAS. He cleaned everything out really well and is as certain as he can be that he removed all the cancer. I will face treatment in January and will know more of what that looks like once I see the endocrinologist on the 8th.

The good news is that this was definitely thyroid cancer and not breast cancer spread. This is good because thyroid cancer is slow growing and doesn’t require chemo for treatment. Basically, if you are going to get cancer, thyroid cancer is the kind to get. And let’s face it… I’m pretty good at getting cancer. Although I did make a deal with Guest Blogger Joe this afternoon that this would be my last time. At least, we’re praying toward that end.

Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel. I am relieved to know this is not nearly as bad as it could be. I am thankful the surgery is over and I have time to heal. I am excited that this means I should be able to travel in 2 weeks when I head out to see Bethy and meet her little baby girl (hopefully meeting her in the delivery room!). I am encouraged that the surgeon was able to remove as much as he did. I am overjoyed that I will not face the brutality of chemo.

But still… it’s cancer. And cancer is a hard word to hear. However, in this winter of cancer, I am gathering strength at the root. And my oak tree will draw from the water of Christ’s love and faithfulness and goodness, knowing that He is always with me.

No matter what the outcome of my life here on earth… all shall be well.

And tonight I’ll be stepping out with my baby to our first Christmas party of the season. We’ll see how long I hang in there, because holding my head up for a while unsupported gets hard and painful after a while. But really, Bri is okay with that. He’ll be watching me feverishly from across the room, ready to quickly run to my aid and bring me home… because, after all, JMU is playing their semi-final game tonight. Such devotion.

Go Dukes!

Thank y’all so much for your prayers, meals (such deliciousness!), childcare, cards and encouragement. I am humbled by your love.