Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances

Hello friends!  A bit of time has passed since I was last here on the blog.  Life got crazy.  Health issues developed for me and it has been quite a whirlwind of tests and doctor appointments, and then surgery.  I am a private person and I've struggled with whether to share here or not, but the Lord has put it upon my heart that I should share.  

Not even a month ago, I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal breast cancer.  There is no family history of it for me, nor was I having any problems.  This was found on a regular yearly mammogram.  I skipped having a mammogram in 2020 because of the pandemic.  My surgeon told me that timing is everything, and that if I'd had my mammo last year, it likely would not have been big enough to be seen.  This year, it was.  

God's hand has been on me the whole time during this process, as it is every second of my life.  Within a week of my diagnosis, I had a consultation with a surgeon who is a top doc, in our insurance network, AND she is a good friend of my cousin.  I got permission to go on vacation, which was already planned, and I went to see my mom and spend time with her.  It was just the perfect timing, because everything He does is good, He is never late, and He works all things together for our good:  Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

That vacation was refreshing and it was so good to see Mom. 💗 We went to Hobby Lobby, so you know it was a highlight for me!  Got some cool stamps and patterned paper.  But I digress...

Altenew Painted Flowers; Papertrey Ink A Cheerful Heart sentiment Proverbs 3:5-6; Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Pinking Squares die; white ribbon

Spellbinders Large Deckled Rectangles die; Stampin' Up! mushroom patterned paper; Papertrey Ink New Every Morning sentiment Psalm 118

Memory Box Classic Tags dies; Martha Stewart Hydrangea punch; Spellbinders Fancy Tags Two die; Inspired By Stamping Fancy Alphabet stamps; pearls; hemp twine; dictionary page


I had a lumpectomy this past week, and I feel pretty good, all things considered.  The tumor was removed, and so was one lymph node.  Both of those are being biopsied, and I'll have results next week.  Those results will determine if I need chemo and how long radiation treatments will be.  I tell you friends, I am trusting Jesus that I will NOT need chemo, and that I will need only the shortest amount of radiation treatments!  He is my Great Physician.  He has got me so close, I can feel Him.  In fact, before I went for my first mammogram in August, I felt these words in my spirit:  Do not be afraid, Do not be afraid.  I thought it meant that my mammogram would be fine, but of course it was not.  Those words were firm and gentle.  And I take them seriously:  I am not afraid.  Overwhelmed at times, yes!  And sad in the beginning, yes, but afraid?  No.  I trust Him.

I'll come back here and visit again as time allows.  
Thank you for allowing me to share such a personal testimony with you.  We are here on this earth to help one another.  Perhaps there is someone reading this who will be touched by it, or someone who has put off having a mammogram who needs to go get one.

1Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

5 comments:

Lisa Elton said...

I'm so sorry to read here what you've been going thorough. You will remain in my prayers, Colleen. I'm so happy you got to have that vacation and the time with your mom. What a blessing. Your cards are as beautiful as always. Sending big HUGS.

Vicki Dutcher said...

That is some scary stuff! Glad you followed thru with your mammmy! They do save lives! Sending good vibes your way!!

Paperesse said...

Beautiful cards, Colleen! Let me get that out of the way first...

I was wondering about you just this morning, as I hadn't seen any of your lovelies lately. Now I know why, but darn it, I sure hate to read this. I'm glad you have strength and comfort in your faith.

Too, I'm glad you got a Hobby Lobby run in and most importantly, saw your Mom.

I'm sending all sorts of positive thoughts and healing hugs your way!!!

Bonnie said...

I'm sorry for all you've had to go through lately, Colleen! I'm thankful that you feel the Lord's presence and will continue to lean on him through this. Your cards are very inspiring and beautiful as always.

Leslie Miller said...

Your faith is strong and will see you through. I'm sorry for this news, but I know you'll be okay. Beautiful cards from your heart today.

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