"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
If I have learned anything throughout this journey I have learned two very important things. First, I have learned that we are nothing without God. Whether it is in trials like disease or a loss of a job or relationship issues-- we need our Lord to lean on. AND when we have joy in our lives we need to praise Him for everything we have. And the second thing I have learned is that this disease, breast cancer, effects every woman differently. We all have different physical and emotional needs, expectations and limitations that define us. And each one of those things plays a role in what treatment options we decide are right for us.
After doing weeks (months really!) of research and prayer I have decided to have a mastectomy (unilateral). I feel like this is the best way for me to rid my body of this cancer and to move forward with peace of mind.
I wasn't feeling very optimistic about radiation treatment or the the surgical outcome of another lumpectomy. With the mastectomy I will have the lowest recurrance rate possible! And I can have reconstruction on healthy tissue (not radiated tissue if the cancer were to recur later on down the road).
I feel so blessed that God gave me direction to "be still" and think about this decision. And that He put people and things in my path to ensure that I could see that this was the right decision for me. I feel so strongly that He has lead me to this decision, and I feel so ready to have the surgery.
I don't have a date yet. I am hoping to have the surgery in mid April. But I will post the date on this blog when I know.
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my decision! You have helped me in so many ways. I am so grateful.
"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" Luke 11:28
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Mandy, God bless you for stopping and listening to Him, for HE knows best. This is a journey that will surely lead you to a greater and more profound relationship with our Father. Lean on Him and He will carry your through ANYTHING! My prayers are with you hon during this time. Please keep us apprised of the surgery time so that we can pray for you. If anyone is strong enough to make it through this my dear, it is YOU!
ReplyDeleteMany hugs and prayers!
Kelli
P.S. Not sure if I showed you my Avon page in support of your walk, but here it is:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2009/WashingtonDC?px=4614690&pg=personal&fr_id=1760
I'm thinking of calling our team "Amanda's Angels". What do you think???
Hmmm..... that link didn't link. ??? Here's another try with a different url:
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/djrxtz
Much love!
Kelli
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI have been praying that God would guide you and give you the clarity that you need to make the right decision for you. I am glad that you have peace about your decision. I know it will still be tough, but we will all be there for you and praying. God will never leave his daughter's side. I pray also that you feel his peace as he holds you during your trials.
We love and miss you so.
Sherie, Jon, Nick, Alex Bender