This post isn't exactly about Eli and Abby, although it will affect them in ways we don't yet know. This is their blog, and I thought about just skipping this post. But this unexpcted news will be a very real part of their lives. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
My cancer is stage 3a. In non-medical language this means that I have a large tumor (5 cm) in my left breast and the cancer is also present in two lymph nodes. Because of the size, the spread, and my age (any breast cancer under the age of 40 is considered young, I'm 33), we have to treat the cancer aggressively; chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiation. The next 6-8 months are going to be difficult. What's going to make it easier is knowing that God is still God.
God is still sovereign over all my circumstances. He knew this was coming and has complete control over the cancer, the treatment, and the outcome. That doesn't mean He will heal me...He hasn't promised that. But He has promised to never leave me or forsake me. He has promised to never give me anything that I cannot handle with Him as my guide. He has promised to love me as I've never been loved before, and walk me through every step of this trial. I trust Him. I believe His promises and His character. God is good. He has proven Himself throughout history and throughout my life. And I know that He knows best. He knows all the details. His plan for my life is perfect...whatever that plan is. God is on my side, and He is by my side.
I know that this part of His plan for my life is also part of His plan for Eli and Abby's lives, and that He will use this for their good. I trust Him with them, because they were His long before they were mine. As much I as love and treasure these precious children, He loves and treasures them more. He will carry them through this, just as He will carry me.
I would love for you blog readers to join me in praying for Eli and Abby during this time of trial. It will be hard on them. I pray that God will give them understanding without anxiety. I pray He will give them immeasurable, supernatural comfort and protect them from fear. I pray that they will remain secure in my love for them on the days when I am too sick to play with them, put them to bed, and laugh with them. I pray that He will give me strength to fight this, for them. I pray that God would protect Eli and Abby from doubt and fear, and that He will use this time to nourish them, encourage them, and build them up. Thank you for joining me in prayer for these two precious, beloved little people. And thank you for praying for me as I fight.
