Beginning Place

Writing on Wednesday January 16, 2008

Today might not be the beginning of my story.
But a journal has to begin somewhere, even if I sometimes must go back forth a bit to weave the story into place.

I am starting at a place where I am finding out I have cancer...
and what I know and what I do not yet know about it.
I'll go on from there.

The Phone Call

(It is biology time.)
I have been having some medical tests on my not-quite-in-tune 52-year-old body.
I have an annual ultrasound to keep watch over a fibrous uterus and ovarian cysts..
(Family history: two relatives with ovarian cancer... )
This year, the ultrasound showed that the uterus was significantly larger than last year. And there was also some change in my ovaries.
So I had a biopsy on my uterus.
This past week, my doctor called with the news that the biopsy was positive.
I have endometrial cancer. (Lining of the uterus.)
It is "Grade One", which for this sort of thing is a good thing.
We think it is "slow growing".
(That is different from "Stage" which is about if it has spread or not, which they do not know yet..)
It looks like a hysterectomy will be needed.

We told our church Sunday, and told the story of Where I heard the news. I subbed for someone else's Disciple Bible Study class this past week. I took the call from the doctor when we were almost finished, and later told the class in the context of closing prayer concerns. What a blessing to be among Jesus' Disciples when needing comfort and hope. They assured me of their love and my church's support for John and for me and our family.

What Color is Endometrial Cancer?

Breast cancer is represented by pink.
Ovarian cancer is represented by teal.
What about Endometrial Cancer?
Does it have its own color?
Doesn't matter.
I like the pink background here anyway.

As this journey is beginning, or at least as I am becoming aware of its beginings, I want to both think through and explain information to others (without being too repetitive).
This journal may not answer all your questions.
That reflects reality.
There are things we know, and things we do not know
- about this cancer and about life in general.

I try not to "feel" beyond what I know.
I do have hope, however, beyond what I know, as that is hope's definition.

Words of Faith

"But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;....
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel."
Isaiah 42:1-3a

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
Lamentations 3:22-24