(a look back at my journey through cancer)
There's something about a waiting room at a doctor's office that is both unsettling and bonding all at the same time. You find yourself in a room full of strangers knowing that a common thread has brought each one to a particular doctor. In this case, the bond was formed because of the "C" word. Cancer, or hints of it, was the glue sticking us together in this uncomfortable setting.
As I looked around I noticed women of all different ages. Several were younger than me and my heart immediately went out to them. What news must they be facing? Where had their course taken them so far? Who had already had surgery and who would be getting the news that day? There were several groups of three, mostly an older husband and wife with their adult daughter. I wondered which woman had the cancer – older or younger. Who was supporting who?
I was a young adult when I had accompanied my mom on many of her appointments during her battle with cancer. In fact, ironically enough, my mom was the age I am now when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. What fear she must have experienced, yet she walked through it all so gracefully. Her journey lasted two years and then God mercifully called her home.
Many days I am battling my own thoughts of maybe I only have 2 years left like my mom. It's this strange mix of fear, grief and trust. To add to my mental drama, the date of my surgery is my mom's birthday. I know it's ridiculous to toy with these thoughts, but there is this sense of doom – of it being some kind of omen of terrible things to come.
As I take every thought captive and begin again acknowledging who God is and expressing my faith in Him, the Holy Spirit brings that ever-desired peace.
I will love the Lord, listen to His voice and hold fast to Him. Deuteronomy 30:20. I will be strong and courageous, not terrified, for the Lord my God goes with me. He will never leave me or forsake me. Deuteronomy 31:6.
Again this week I will find myself in another waiting room at a hospital. I will be there waiting with God, waiting on God and waiting for God. And, you know… He's worth the wait.
(original writing was August 2008, as I was facing a complete hysterectomy due to the pre-cancer cells mentioned in previous post)
this is the best yet! (and the little blue notes are perfect!) I was thinking today about last year at this time how much I had your kids over! I need to have them just for having them sake! And thank God I'm not having because of all the Dr. appts. and surgeries etc.!!! God is so good! (does that even make sense???) I think you get what I'm trying to say… lol!
Really powerful stuff. I appreciate you sharing this with us.
Thanks for sharing Lori girl.
I agree. You're best post so far….excited to keep reading!
So gooood!!! 🙂
Thanks Wendy!! You like my little blue notes, huh? Hopefully It's clearer. I know what you mean about the kids. You really did have them a lot and I can never thank you enough. I wouldn't have made it without you!!
Thanks for reading along, Ross. SO appreciate it!
Thanks, Janet!!! Glad you're reading!
You're SO supportive, Rhonda. Thank you!!
Thanks, Brookee!!!
[esto es genial]
Thanks for sharing Lori. This is so encouraging to me. I have to see a surgeon about getting a biopsy of a lump in my breast and this sort of takes the 'fear' out of things. I am truly not afraid, but you know how your mind plays game with you at times. I am choosing not to worry until I have something to worry and your faith reminds me of who is in charge of my life when it's all said and done.
Beautiful, Lori!
I love reading through your journey!!
Oh Lori, This is my favorite one yet! You are a brilliant writer! Keep going!
Alicia!! I'm so sorry to hear you are facing that. I'll be praying. I know your faith is strong and you are one tough lady. I know you can relate to my surgery stories, too. Love you!!
Kelly… my faithful follower!! Appreciate it so much!!!
Thanks Juan. I'll try and check out your music. Best wishes to you.
Thank you so much Liz!! I'm so glad you are reading along. You're a huge part of my story!!