This woman's journey

Last weekend our youngest son got married. It was a wonderful time of celebration and joy with the coming together of two families and two young people who have been friends since school days. The sun shone; we smiled, shed a few happy tears, prayed for the happy couple, celebrated with family and friends and danced the night away. What a glorious day!

This was in contrast to four weeks previously when we had to tell our family and friends that I had just received a  diagnosis of breast cancer. I had always known I was at high risk of having breast cancer and had had annual mammograms to check for this possibility. But that still doesn’t prepare you for the words – You’ve got cancer – again!

This time however, my husband was with me and that made a huge difference. We grabbed each other’s hands and held on tight. Eight years ago, he had been in the USA when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, so this was strangely redeeming for me. We could begin to process it in person straight away rather than having a teary phone call from across the ocean. This made a huge difference. 

A week earlier I had detected a tiny lump in the middle of my chest. It wasn’t even in the breast. I wasn’t suspicious as I’d had a mammogram a few weeks before and it had come back clear. I happened to be at a GP appointment for something else and whilst there asked him to check this tiny lump. He immediately sent me for a biopsy…….. 

Since then, there has been a whirlwind of activity; CT scans, MRI scan, blood tests, enhanced mammogram, biopsies and lots of discussion with my doctors. I had made the decision years ago that if I ever got breast cancer I would opt for a double mastectomy. I had been offered this as a preventative option after having ovarian cancer but had not felt ready for another big surgery at that time. So, this decision was easy to make now and the Professor looking after me, nodded in agreement. 

In fact, I have two Professors looking after me! One is the breast cancer surgeon and the other is the plastic surgeon in charge of reconstruction! I will then move on to chemotherapy once again! 

As you can imagine, I’ve been thinking deeply about this part of my journey. Is it another mountain to climb? I felt not. The image I have this time is of a long trek complete with backpack and sturdy walking boots. In contrast to an Everest climb this feels more like a well-trodden path. I sense that there will be sections which will be challenging and others where the path will stretch out for miles, but that there will also be times to rest and reflect. 

As I have prayed, I have felt a great peace within. The Hebrew word shalom means peace, but also completeness, wholeness, safety, security, soundness, health and prosperity. I’m trusting that this God-given shalom peace within will carry me through these days ahead. 

Now that the wedding celebrations have ended and our USA based family head back home, I am focussing on the upcoming surgery. As in any long trek, I am preparing physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I know I’m not doing this alone – I hope you’ll join me for this next part of the journey.