Cancer...it's just a word! But what a word! It strikes fear into the hearts of all mankind. It is a word that no parent ever wants to hear when it comes to their children! But unfortunately, on this day, the Dr. Came back with news regarding the Pathology report for my firstborn daughter, Stacey. Two weeks ago she began having a hurting sensation in her right side. She went to the Dr., had ultrasound, then ct scan, then minor car accident which caused her to end up in ER because she fainted behind the wheel due to excruciating pain on her right side. The ct scan was sent over by her doctor which showed a mass on her right side of about 6-7 centimeters. After having second ct scan done at ER, they then discovered the mass had enlarged to 10-12 centimeters due to bleeding and clotting. After spending 2 weeks in the hospital ( went in on Nov. 3 for accident) and had surgery to remove mass on 11/11/11 (Friday)...we received biopsy report back today, November 17, 2011. And this is where it begins. Stacey took the news rather well really. She listened intently as her Dr. explained everything to her, Raymond, Doug and I. She asked questions concerning how serious the cancer was, types of treatment options and when and where she would start. She didn't care how inconvenienced she would be...she just wanted the best treatment available! After the Dr. left, she and Raymond hugged and cried together. I sat at the table in her hospital room mentally and silently falling apart. Doug sat at the table, very stoic. That is Doug. Always a rock and a pillar for his family, even though I know he is just as scared as me! After the tears from Stacey, she then asked Raymond to go and call his mother, as she wanted to see her 14 month old son immediately. Then she and I had our Mother-Daughter breakdown...and I am quite sure I will have many more! Next came the phone calls to her siblings, her grandparents, her aunts and In-laws. The news was shocking and dreadful...everyone had been praying faithfully for Stacey, and this was not the answer we were waiting for! Initially I was hurt and disappointed, and actually angry with God! I know He understands that! Now, I will be praying diligently for the strength to get through this, and to help me be the strength that Stacey needs! I will be praying for His
mighty and powerful healing hand to touch Stacey and heal her. I will be praying for His love to encompass us all, especially Stacey, so that she has that comfort and peace from God, knowing that she is His child and that He loves her so much!!! I will be praying for God's love to comfort my other three children, as they did not take this news well regarding their big sister! I will be praying for her husband, Raymond, to be a pillar of strength for Stacey, but also praying that he will lean don God Almighty when he feels fearful and alone! You know....we spend so much time teaching our children how to stay safe....hold Mommie's hand, wear your bicycle helmet, buckle up, don't drink and drive, don't take drugs. We teach them to be organized...time management, calendars and schedules, bank accounts, etc....how do you teach your child to handle Cancer? Cancer throws a big monkey wrench in all of your plans, schedules, and life in general. Well, I can tell you now.....Cancer will cause you to prioritize your life. All those important things are not so important anymore...what is important is your children, your husband, your family and time spent together, and God! These are the things that will get you through each and every day! I told Stacey....I will have my moments, as will she, but overall, life will precede as normal! We will still have parties, family get togethers, disagreements with each other and whatever life throws us. Normal is what will help us persevere...there will be no walking on eggshells and no feeling sorry and no pity parties ( well, maybe a couple) ...but we will get through this! I am a strong believer in the power of prayer; I am a strong believer in my daughter, and I am a strong believer in my faith. Quote for the day....Feed your Faith, and your fears will starve to death! -unknown
