21 days in November

This is my attempt to record the events and emotions of the last 21 days...

November 9th- I dropped the kids off at co-op and went to a 9AM appointment for an annual mammogram. All went well. I got out of there in a flash and was able to run a few errands afterwards.

November 15th- I got a call from Desert Imaging saying they'd like for me to come in again because they may have noticed a "change" in my right breast from last year's images. I wish I could say that I was brave and didn't worry at all when I got the call, but truth be told, Satan was rejoicing in this news.

I surprised even myself and immediately became anxious and fearful.

*This was the 6th mammogram I've had in my life. Due to my family history of breast cancer, I started getting them when I was 35 years old. All have been clear, up until now.

November 18th- Another mammogram. Afterwards, they told me to wait so the radiologist could review it and give me an answer right away. She came back and told me they wanted to do an ultrasound. The ultrasound picked up something tiny. Oh Lord, could this really be happening? Then the news... I will have to have a biopsy. Although I knew my faith was strong, hearing those words, caught me off guard. I called Morgan and began to cry as I sat there in my car. All along, I was telling him that things were going to be fine and I knew that God was going to take care of me but the tears keep flowing anyway.

November 22nd- It's the day before Morgan's birthday. The biopsy was scheduled at 11AM. We dropped the kids off at Grandma's. Thankfully, by this time, I had such a God-given peace about the situation. Make no mistake, this was a peace that I had to fight for every day. Every moment I had, I was in prayer, seeking God's word, and asking loved ones to intercede on my behalf. As I sat there in that cold room, the doctor explained the details of the procedure and my mood was light and content. The doctor was skilled and efficient in his work. The procedure was virtually painless (which I guess isn't always the case). I'm thankful that I required no pain medication whatsoever in the coming days. I felt the Lord's presence with me in that room. On the way home, I cried... this time, it was tears of thankfulness. God was winning the battle.

November 24th- I was told I would have my results today, the day before Thanksgiving. Tonight, some of our family would arrive in town for the long holiday weekend. It was 5 PM and still no results. Anxiousness begins to set in as each hour of the day passes into darkness. I call my doctor on his cell phone and he tells me he didn't see a pathology report for me today but that he could have missed it because he was so slammed at work. He goes back to his office to double check and calls me from there at 5:30. No report. No results. He preaches to me, in a good way. My doctor is a believer and he's been so good to our family these past several years. He prays for me. He wishes me a Happy Thanksgiving and tells me that he will call me on Monday or Tuesday next week.

November 25th- Thanksgiving Day. I was so ready to cherish every moment of this holiday with our family. I was ready to run the Martha's Village 5K. My body and spirit felt great. I did it. We got home, we ate lunch and I prepped the turkey for the oven. At 12:30 our realtor called while Morgan and his brother were out for a bike ride. After 139 days on the market, an offer was made on our home. What perfect timing the Lord has. It was a true testament to the faithfulness of God. Everyone arrives by 3:00 and we rejoice and share the wonderful news with our family. We praise you, Lord! I was emotional all weekend because I could truly feel God's presence and tender mercies. It was difficult for me to say the Lord's name or even get through a worship song at church without getting teary-eyed. Our hearts were overflowing with thankfulness. Reassurance prevails. All will be well. He's got me.

November 29th- It's Monday. No call from my doc but I'm not worried or the least bit concerned. I have a peace that surpasses all understanding. God is faithful and no matter what the outcome, I know He will work things out for my good and His glory.

November 30th- The kids had their annual Christmas program this morning. Since we were going to be busy all day, I called my doc first thing in the morning to remind him to check for my results and call me later. Our co-op group arrives back to my house around 11AM for our party, luncheon and gift exchange. The phone rang as soon as I walked in the house. It's my doctor. BENIGN, BENIGN, BENIGN. I say, "Praise the Lord." He says, "God is Good." We talk about what we did over Thanksgiving with our families. I thank Him for being a good doctor and such a blessing to me and my family. I immediately get to share the news with Morgan and my two girlfriends. What a glorious day.

Victory in Christ.

It's been quite a journey, these last 3 weeks. One that I wouldn't change for anything. My faith was tested, refined, and ultimately, made stronger. I consider it a privilege that God would find me worthy enough to discipline me and mold me into the image of His Son. I can honestly say that I experienced JOY in my sufferings. I experienced a deeper relationship with not only the omniscient God, our Father but also the Lover of My Soul, the Prince of Peace, my Savior and King, Jesus Christ. How can one ever regret an experience like that? It was a humbling 21 days. It left me even more in love.

I am eternally grateful. I am here to testify. I am overjoyed. I am stronger for future battles. I am forever changed.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." ~1 Peter 4:12-13