Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Yesterday I met with Judy Welch, RN and MSW, an experienced and compassionate Breast Cancer Counselor. She gave me wise and valuable advice, support, and encouragement, a tote bag full of resources, and a list of Breast Cancer Support Groups.
I also met yesterday with Dr. Patricia Hogan, my Family Practitioner. We looked at my breast biopsy pathology report, which she interpreted for me. The cancer is “hormone receptive,” which means that I can take an anti-hormone Rx. We also looked at the results of my recent blood panel and discussed the few “abnormal” readings. The most problematic of these was the elevated bilirubin count, so she arranged for me to have a liver scan on Thursday morning.
Wendy Mathews-Wheeless, also a Breast Cancer Counselor, called me, because her daughter is a friend of Haley’s and she wanted to encourage me to call her if I need her at any time.
Late last night, I received a text message from my cousin in Texas, full of encouraging words. I was re-reading her message early this morning, when she called me and our visit filled me with strength and resolve. She is a hero of mine.
Around noon, I met Laura at the pool for her swim lesson. At the end of the hour, I sat on the side of the pool and, with amazement, watched her swim her final lap for the day. For the first time, she swam across the 50 yards of the pool, without stopping, and she swam with grace, elegance, and strength. When she reached the other side, she grinned and I cheered and gave her the thumbs up.
. . . And so it is with you who read this blog: Some of you will be down in the water with me, teaching me the difficult lessons, borne from your own very costly experience with breast cancer. Others of you will remain on the side of the pool, cheering me on, until I reach the other side. I hope I can endure the lessons with as much courage, grace, and dignity as the generous and compassionate women who are my teachers and mentors. I am grateful for each of you, who impart to me the strength to endure.
Margot’s Corner 
Oh, Margo, I am so sorry to learn you have breast cancer. My mother had it when I was 16, and when she was 94 she was probably the longest-time survivor in Tallahassee. Of course she died of something else entirely, and for her there was much life after cancer. But it is such a traumatic thing to go through, for both you and Steve.
How wonderful that you are both believers, that you know that God is sovereign. I just pray that He will let you have some inkling what this is all about. This kind of thing seems so unnecessary — why does God not just dispense with it altogether? Beats me. But sometimes the good that comes out of stuff like this is made manifest. Other times, seemingly not. I just pray that this time for you it will be.
I pray for your healing, for continued health of spirit, and particularly for a revelation of purpose.
In His love, Joan
Hello, old friend,
I learned of your challenge from Jackie M. and my prayers have gone up for you ever since. I’m not sure if you know that I was diagnosed in 1999 with breast cancer and had a mastectomy in May of that year. It was a a challenging time, but how God showed Himself mighty in the midst. I know you have so many wonderful friends to encourage you and you may not feel the need to talk. But I wanted you to know I am available if you would like to talk to me about my experience and some of the things I learned. My number is 850-292-0040.
The day I was diagnosed I asked the Lord for a song and this is the one dropped in my spirit:
Blessed assurance, all is at rest….
I in my Savior am happy and blessed ..
Watching and waiting, looking above.
Filled with His goodness and lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song…
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my sog.
Praising my Savior, all the day long.
May His fill you with His grace that is all sufficient.
Love in Him,
Luann Hobart
Hey Margo! Could you email me your phone number? I wanted to talk with you but don’t have your number…thanks 🙂
Margo,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know from my recent personal experience how much prayers make a difference. God truly listens and he does answer.