It was the week before Thanksgiving and I had my grocery list written and ready to go buy the food needed for my Thanksgiving dinner. I first had to stop by the medical center and get my once-a-year mammogram, and then I'd be on my way shopping. The mammogram went as usual - the awful squishing of the boobs - but this time I was told they wanted to do an untrasound too. OK. That was taken and before I knew it the radiologist had come in and told me they had found a mass in my left breast. What did that mean? He said a biopsy needed to be done. That was scheduled for the following week.
The fear was overwhelming and the waiting was unbearable. We had Thanksgiving as usual and I didn't say anything to my children. Why worry them if it wasn't necessary, right? Finally the day came and my husband and I went in to find out the results.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. McBroom, the results show you have breast cancer." That was the day my world changed.
I could hardly believe what I was hearing. I was in shock. And I was scarred! The next few weeks were spent finding doctors, scheduling appointments and trying to adjust with the fact I have cancer. The big "C" word word had always scarred me and it was so very hard to believe that I now had it. My breast looked the same as always - no lumps, no sore spots - maybe they had made a mistake? But no, it was real - I had breast cancer!
Sharing the news with my grown children was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. The anguish and shock on their faces said it all. I tried to be strong and encouraging to them while all the while shaking on the inside with my own fears. At this point we didn't know what stage, how advanced, and what my prognosis was.
As it turned out, I had Stage One, Invasive Carcinoma. My onocologist said that the tumor was very small and it was a very good thing they caught it early. Surgery was scheduled for January.
Within the week of my diagnosis my father-in-law died suddenly. Two major blows so close together. Our hearts were broken as we headed to Tennessee for the funeral. We returned home the week before Christmas. How could I find joy this Christmas season with so much saddness?
Sometimes life is just overwhelming! It's almost more than we can handle. In the midst of trials and pain - only the Lord's comfort, and his strength can get us through.
Praying this Christmas season will be one of overwhelming PEACE & JOY.
~ Cathy
