Hurry up and wait

This week is a strange time.  I am sick but I'm not sick!  I am in a season of  "Hurry up and wait".

When I first saw the doctor to get the order for mammogram and ultrasound, she said, "Now, this is urgent! You must follow up diligently".  Well, I did, but had to wait a whole week for the tests.  Next, I found out that the ultrasound shows probable cancer-- I must have a biopsy!  I am told, "Call immediately and get the appointment".  Strange how the medical profession is now.  I made the call immediately, but I was told that the radiologist was reviewing my films and I will get a call back from the coordinator with an appointment...which could take up to a week.  A week just for the phone call!  Finally, after one full week, I get the awaited call, and I am told that I am scheduled for biopsy one week later!  I must admit, my patience was wearing a little thin.  I said, (with a little bit of attitude) "Well the doctor that reviewed my films must not be very worried about this if I have to wait a week to have the biopsy done."  I was kindly reminded that they have a lot of patients, and that is their next opening.  One week later, the biopsy was done, and the doctor found that there is not one lesion, but three!  Oh my goodness...Exactly one year ago I had a clear mammogram!  One week later I got the bad news that I have breast cancer.  That appointment set the tone for the next season of learning a new language, meeting new doctors, experiencing new emotions, and growing to a new level of faith.  A new season of total surrender to My Creator who knew me before I was even formed in my mother's womb.  Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;" 

One week later, I saw the surgeon and the Oncologist.  They ordered PET scan (which was scheduled for...guess when...one week later).  They did a biopsy of the skin because they have strong concern that possibly the cancer has infiltrated and is now "Inflammatory Breast Cancer".

Now, all tests are done and I am in the "in between" week. I am focusing on totally releasing my ministry work, and getting my 'household in order' in preparation for some down time.  I will see the Surgeon on Monday, 2/27, for results of PET Scan, results of skin biopsy and suture removal.  I will see the Oncologist on Wednesday, 2/29, which is when we will get the "game plan" for my treatment.  

All of these "One weeks" add up to Seven--Wow, that is the number of perfection!  I know God has a plan, and His plans are perfect.  I am reminded in Jeremiah 29:11-13, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." 

So, right now I am in the season of "Hurry up and wait".  God's timing is perfect.  Next week, after seven weeks of waiting, it will be "Game on!".

Please continue to pray.  Specifically, I am asking for prayer that the PET scan will show the cancer has not spread, for prayer that I will not be sick through chemotherapy, that my surgery will go well and recovery will be miraculous, and that my family will have peace Through all this, I pray that God will be glorified and that others will be blessed as we go through this journey.