Monday, February 27, 2012

A Bump in the Road

I have been traveling along this well-planned road of my life, taking care of my family, juggling homeschooling, housework, exercising, keeping us all on a predictable routine.  Even though one of my New Year's goals was to choose to be more spontaneous, and I have really tried to do that, for the most part my days fly by like a well oiled machine.

And then I hit a bump in the road.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;"  Philippians 4:6


Beginning February 7, I have undergone repeat mammograms, ultrasounds, ultrasound-guided needle biopsies, surgical biopsy, and day after day after day after day of waiting on pathology reports.  It has been a long almost three weeks.  Friday, I finally got the diagnosis:

DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ)---which is non-invasive breast cancer.

"casting all your care upon Him, for he cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7


I am having an MRI later today, and I will be meeting with my surgeon tomorrow morning to discuss my next surgery, which will most likely be later this week.  The good news is that this type of cancer is cured surgically.

"in the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."  Psalm 94:19


I had no symptoms.  I consider myself healthy.  In fact, I had put off even having my first mammogram for over 2 years.  My doctor recommended that I have a mammogram the last time I had a check-up, when I was 40.  Now I am 42.  For some reason, back in January I decided to make an appointment for a check-up with my OB/GYN, and I made the appointment for the mammogram for the same day.  January 27th.  And that's when the questionable areas were first detected.

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."  Psalm 56:3


Jimmy has been perfectly loving, comforting, and supportive throughout this entire process.  I could not ask for a better husband, and I certainly don't deserve him.  Lynn, my dear friend, who has run countless hours with me and endured two marathons with me, has been a rock for me. She has accompanied me on doctor visits, and always asks the right questions.  She also stayed with Jimmy the entire day for my surgery (she even arrived at the hospital before we did!).  She has coordinated food being brought by other dear friends to my family.  She has kept my children.  I have many other friends and family who have also kept my children, and helped out in other ways as well.  I have been surrounded by love and support, and most of all encouraging words and prayers.

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4


My prayer throughout the last couple of weeks has been for God's will for me.  For strength to handle His will, graciously, even thankfully.  That's what the verse in my blog header says....give thanks in all circumstances.  God's Word is true, and it is to be obeyed.  I am to give thanks in all circumstances, so I am trying.

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.  Isaiah 26:3


One benefit of all of the anxiety I have had is that whenever that feeling of anxiousness creeps up on me, I immediately begin praying for other people.  I bring to mind all of the email prayer requests I receive, people who need prayer in my church family, my personal family, friends who are enduring hard times, anyone who has expressed a need for prayers that I am aware of......I am praying for them!

I will keep you all posted of my upcoming surgery plans.

"Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in You."  Psalm 86:4 (NIV)

14 comments:

  1. You really are an inspiration and have such an amazing testimony of thankfulness in all circumstances. Praying for you and your family that you can leave this bump in the road behind for good.

    Celee

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  2. Beautifully written. I am thankful for your example of bringing God the glory in any situation! Love you!

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  3. Praying for you Mrs. Roan. Abide in His love and look to Jesus. Love you. :)
    -AB

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  4. I have been thinking about you and will be praying that all continues to go well! Hopefully we will see you soon! Planning a trip to Tupelo in the next few weeks! :)

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  5. You and your family are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your testimony of trusting in the Lord.

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  6. Roan, you have my family's prayers as well and the prayers of my church. I have another friend here who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer...she is about 10 years older than we are but but has daughters the age of my two older daughters. Stay strong...Even though we live in different towns, please know that I am thinking and praying for you.

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  7. Roan,

    I am praying for you. My Mom is having a surgical biopsy on Thurs. Please have her in your prayers. She had adeno squamous cell carcenoma removed on the opposite breast 9 years ago. I am praying that this is all that the new place is.

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  8. I will be praying for you. You have a wonderful attitude about all of it. It is great that you are glorifying our Great God through your suffering.

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  9. I will add you and your family to my prayer list. I have enjoyed reading your blog for over a year now and I have even seen you and your family out around town several times--usually at Los Torros in East Tupelo. I have always wanted to say something to you but I have always be afraid too. I have also seen your husband several times over the last week because my father in law is in the hospital on the cardio floor. Everytime that I see him he always has a smile on his face and just looks so happy. Thank you for always having such a wonderful blog. And I will be praying for you!

    Karen

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  10. Praying for you during this trying time!

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  11. I do not comment much, but your blog is always so encouraging to me. Thank you! With that being said, I want you to know, Roan, that I will be praying for you. Whenever the Lord brings you to mind, I will pray! Please keep us posted on the blog if you are comfortable with that. I would love to know specifically how to pray if you feel so inclined to share. Thank you for all of your encouragement!

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  12. Many prayers Roan. Thinking of you all for peace & strength. Prayers.

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  13. Roan,
    I am just seeing this. My prayers go out to you. YOu are an inspiration to me and work so hard on your health, family, school, etc. I know God is in this. Praying for healing.

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  14. We are in the middle of moving so I have not checked blogs very much, but oh my goodness - I am praying for you - I want to read more recent updates to see how you are doing, but wanted you to know that I am praying! Sunshine

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