“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ” Galatians 2:20

It has taken me a bit to sit and type out an update to share . . .I have pages in my journal that I have been writing and processing with Jesus. The Lord brought to my memory this morning that one year ago today, Don and  I were in a sea of celebration, dancing, and rejoicing on a field in Kenya with over two thousand transformed lives of women & men who have experienced freedom from a lifetime of brewing alcohol and living in bondage to the vicious cycle of addiction. The joy, the music, the stories of transformation, all of it was a testament to the power of faith and healing. As I remember that special event today, I still remember the overwhelming awe at the miracle of transformation I witnessed before my eyes. 

Today, on October 10th, 2024, even as I type this update, tears well up in my eyes as I know deep in my heart I am also experiencing firsthand the powerful transformative work of the Creator of the Universe in my life. I have been referring to this season as my “cocoon of transformation” – inside and out – much like a butterfly I am now in a chrysalis. I know my God, who specializes in metamorphosis, and there is a growing anticipation in my heart that is filled with HOPE and excitement for what is to come. I know a new butterfly will be released after moving through this season of healing. 

I am 15 days post-op today. I had an excellent follow-up appointment with the surgeon on Monday. I am healing well and am experiencing the miracle of recovery, and I am grateful that there has been little pain. On Monday, I was permitted to slowly begin my outside walks again, which have become a gift and an important, even beautiful part of this healing journey. 

Prayerfully discerning the next steps – The pathology report from surgery identified a 1.2 cm tumor from the left breast tissue. This solved the mystery that none of the scans over the past months could see. The mastectomy surgery removed the tissue and four lymph nodes under my left arm. 

The surgeon called last night with an update after the tumor board met yesterday to review my case. After consulting together as a team, they recommended radiation of my neck area, lymph under my left arm, and left chest area. I have an appointment with my oncologist on October 17th and have also been referred to a Radiation Oncologist. 

After talking with the surgeon last night, Don and I have both felt that we are at a place on this journey where we can take a brief pause to allow my body to heal a bit more as we seek the Lord for more of His direction and guidance on this healing path. He has so faithfully and miraculously brought us this far! 

So, as I write today, my heart is filled with hope, peace, and an overwhelming confidence in the Lord and His good plans for my life. I choose to walk daily in HIS strength and power. I celebrate the miraculous care of God, who has brought me through months of chemo, given HIS protection and covering during recovery from chemo and the prep for surgery, led us through a successful surgery, and now a recovery from surgery that is mostly pain-free. I am deeply grateful for your faithful prayers and encouragement which is a constant source of strength. To God be the glory for the great things HE has done and continues to do.