Dear Reader:
Yesterday morning I received some challenging news. A couple of weeks ago my oncologist decided he wanted me to have a biopsy on a small patch of dry skin near my sternum…it had been there for quite awhile and appeared pretty harmless…nothing like the lumps and bumps of earlier days.
But simply because it was still there it was decided that we check it out. My surgeon thought it looked pretty “innocuous” too and was hopeful it was just some old scar tissue. When the report came back it showed the tissue was malignant, however. I got the news early yesterday morning.
So Plan B is to remove the tissue and hopefully get clear margins. Haven’t heard yet when this surgery will take place. Since I still have one more eye cataract surgery…hoping everything can shake itself all out with the timing.
Obviously I have been praying and reflecting a lot while waiting on the results and then a few days ago, an image came to mind. There were two runners in a relay race symbolizing hope and faith...In the middle of the race, hope fell down but managed to get the torch to faith so faith could finish the race…but instead faith stopped and helped hope up… together they crossed the finish line.
Sometimes when our hope grows dim…faith steps in to lead the charge. Other times when our faith grows dim, it is eternal hope that takes the lead and lights the way for both. Together they are formidable opponents to despair and worry.
My faith tells me that God has brought me this far and won’t desert me in the race while my hope is to keep on running for as long as I can run, as fast as I can, leaving “little c” far behind me.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I wanted all of you loyal readers and supporters to be “abreast” (little pun) of the situation and I am grateful for any prayers you can send my way. Prayers are the most powerful weapons!
*Keeping things in perspective, as Beverly Barutio, creator of the St. Jude’s Chapel of Hope, used to say about her cancer….“It’s just another little annoyance.” Compared to this absolutely wonderful life I am living…that’s exactly what it is…an annoyance!
So until tomorrow…I read this Story People visual message by Brian Andreas and smiled. (*Check Story People out on the internet…enchanting.) If I get this bad tissue removed it will just be like leaving another piece of me behind…making it “easier to feel the sunlight.”
“She left pieces of her life behind her everywhere she went. It’s easier to feel the sunlight without them, she said.”
“Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh
In this past Sunday’s bulletin…the Call to Worship (Taken from Psalm 112 -with a leader and the people response) ended with the people saying: “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
My “babes” in Toyland (Eva Cate and Jakie)
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John Turner
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Becky Dingle
Prayers, Becky! I love reading your blog each day!
Thank you so much got your support and prsyers!
You know you are always in my thoughts and now again my prayers. Take care friend. Your faith and trust will carry you through this little bump in the road.
Cindy, I appreciate so much hearing from you and your reassurance….it means so much to me.
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Dumbledore (Harry Potter Books)
So true and I know happiness is just around the corner! It’s contagious!
Prayers, thoughts, peace and love to your sweet self! I will be praying that this little annoyance leaves, quickly, quietly and completely! Hugs to,you, sweet friend!
Thank you Sherri….the situation reminds me of that scene from Jurassic Park when one of the scientists comments that a specific dinosaur sneaks up on its prey sideways so you don’t see it until the last moment. Everything was going so good with the regular office visits that one little dry patch didn’t look threatening at all….just kinda “snuck” into the situation quite slyly. Hope it get it out and move on.
You are named in my prayers every night, but today I will pray more specifically. Becky, I’m so sorry you are having to deal with this. I believe and have faith that soon it will be behind you. Hope you get the cataract removed from the other eye first because as you already know, that allows so much more light in, and light helps brighten the dark corners of life. Your faith and a lot of prayers from family and friends will be their to support you through this.
Jo, you are so wise! That would suit me just fine…there is so much going on right now…mostly good things that I wouldn’t want to miss. Thanks for your continued support and love. Love you. Becky
Becky, You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I hope this identified spot will be removed, with no further treatment needed. I hope your second cataract surgery will go well, just as your first surgery did. Thank you for sharing your inspirational life with others. You touch my life in a positive manner, and the lives of so many.
So good to hear from you Carolyn! This is definitely a moment to moment situation with so many health issues pending….have to fall back on faith.
My heartfelt prayers and best wishes for you Becky… Just like you overcame ur last breast surgery, you will overcome even this too… God is Almighty and Powerful enough to break all your yokes with little c, and I have faith that you will emerge victorious… Sending you this special song by Chris Tomlin… I’m sure you will feel better after listening to it…
https://youtu.be/cEbQswNB6Wc
Thank you Ambika…I love the song! Your kindness and caring means so much to me.
I know God will hold your hand and will see you through this little annoyance. All will be well. Love you lots, Honey
I do too Honey and when I have recouped….there is a little chapel calling my name for a special day in the near future I pray.
Sending prayers for you my dearest Becky that this little annoyance will go as fast as it came and leave behind total healing and health. God’s got you, Boo! Xoxo
He sure does…and I am holding on tight! Here’s to “H H; (healing and health) and good-bye to (cc) crummy cancer! Thank you Shelly….love you girl!
Love you too for almost as long as I can remember ❤️
Thoughts and prayers coming your way, Becky.
Thank you Roz…really appreciate it…just found out my surgery is this Friday morning at 8:00. Say a prayer then….love you. Becky
Becky,
I am behind in reading and am just getting to this post today (Thurs. 9/1) (rabbit, rabbit) I continue to hold you in my prayers nightly and will be specific about this small “bump in the road,” so to speak. Now that we know your surgery is tomorrow a.m. we’ll be heavy with the prayers. You will overcome this, too; God has placed the cancer docs specifically in your path so that this can be eliminated with the docs’ skill given through God. Grace will find you with your hope and faith side by side.
Prayers from prayer warriors all over the place!!!
XOXO
Sis
PS – Let me know when you travel to the Chapel; I’d love to drive down to meet with you there, and I know you’ll be hankering to get there!
You are right…the chapel is calling me! It is the best medicine in the world! And I will let you know…we need to officially meet and can’t think of a better place! Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Bless you!