10/18/13-Biopsy (lymph node) & PET Scan Results and Next Steps

This morning God blessed me with an early morning word of encouragement from one of my big sisters-"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 What a timely word, as today was the day that I was scheduled to go back to the dr. for results of the diagnostic work done earlier this week (lymph node biopsy and PET Scan). It was just me and daddy at today's appointment we were laughing, talking and having a good time both before and after the dr.'s report-nobody but God could've done that. Before the doctor came in daddy reminded me that we listen to the dr's report but we will not be "alarmed" by what is said; we listen to the dr's report but we do not allow what the dr. says to carry more weight than what God has said. The report: -PET Scan looked good with the exception of the one lymph node that was biopsied-no cancer found anywhere else in my body.(PRAISE report) -blood work looked normal-no cancer markers found in my blood. (PRAISE report) -biopsy on the lymph node did show that it was cancerous-still a PRAISE report because that's only one rather than multiple. -the plan is to shrink the tumor with chemo via an IV (and medi-pack) before surgery followed by more chemo (anticipated 1yr for all this part)and then pills for 5yrs. (PRAISE report the fact that it's treatable, also chemo via an IV rather than other methods, shrinking the tumor to make for a more successful surgery) When they mentioned that this would be a year long process, the specialist who was present said yeah we'll get to know eachother real well including getting to see you turn 30, that kind of stung; not how imagined the big 30 but TGBTG (to God be the Glory) anyhow. He is STILL Good. -this type of tumor feeds on estrogen (good to know-PRAISE report) -the treatment may affect my ability to have kids-BUT I know that my God is able to cause a barren womb to bare a child, so I'm not even worried about it. God's got that too. -I will be able to continue working full-time in spite of the treatment(PRAISE report) The next steps are to meet with the Oncologist on Monday afternoon to talk about the specifics of treatment. Schedule appointment to go and have the medi-pack surgically inserted (this is so they can hook the IV to this rather than having to poke me each time I go in for treatment). They'd like to start treatment as soon as possible. I'll know more about that after the appointment on Monday. "Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever." Psalm 136:1 KJV. That last part in the NLT says "...His faithful love endures forever." Things we glean from Psalm 136 in it's entirety: GOD -He is Good -He is God of gods -Lord of lords -does Great wonders all by Himself -made the heavens so skillfully and placed the earth among the waters -made the heavenly lights, set the sun in place for the day and the moon and stars for night BECAUSE OF HIS FAITHFUL LOVE -struck down the 1st born of Egypt -delievered Israel ourt of Egypt with a strong hand and powerful arm -parted the Red Sea and brought israel through but swept Pharoah and his army into the Red Sea -led His people through the wilderness -struck down great kings and killed mighty/powerful kings and gave inheritence to his servant Israel -remembered us in our weakness -saved us from our enemies GOD -gives food to every creature -He is God of heaven Because of God's faithfull love that endures forever, He's STILL Able, and worthy of all glory and praise, He's still delivering and providing for His people; He's still making ways out of no way; He's still available and willing to lead His people through the wildernesses of this life. God is AWESOME and I'm so glad I know Him for myself.