Monday, September 22, 2008

The "C" Word

Growing up there were many things I looked forward to saying:

"I have a new car!"

"I am graduating!"

"I am getting married!"

"We're buying a new house!"

"We're going to have a baby! And another! And another! And another! And another!"

But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be saying:

"I have cancer . . ."

What's next?

"I am a SURVIVOR!"


I just talked with the doctor's office late this afternoon. The doctor said the final report is not in yet, but he received a preliminary "verbal" report from the pathologist that he (my doctor) considers to be 90-95% sure.

The diagnosis (which will be finalized tomorrow) is b-cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It is a type of cancer of the lymph system. It can happen anywhere in your body where you have lymph glands, and mine just happened to take up residence in my chest. According to one of Don's good friends/former boss who had Non-Hodgkins, the b-cell type is faster moving, but also more curable. I personally haven't done a lot of research on it yet, so that's about all I can tell you.

He went ahead and told me so that Don and I could be discussing our options and talking with others about who to see (an oncologist) and where.

Obviously, this is not what we hoped to hear, but we realized it was not out of the realm of possibility.

Please pray for Don and me as we make decisions regarding treatment. And for our kids, that they will be able to cope with whatever is to come.

Thanks for being there.

I am sure I will need you all more now than ever,

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Molly, I'm honored to be the first to leave a comment! Night Owls rule, huh?
I, too, love Chris Rice. "Untitled Hymn" is my fav--its' gotten me thru a lot of hard days. Add it to your playlist (btw--how cool is that?)
Just know I love you & will pray harder than I've ever prayed.
The "C" word is gonna be "CURABLE"!!
LB

amh said...

Molly,
In my mind's eye, I can see a day of celebration on the horizon when you are delared CURED! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! In the meantime, we will be with you through the coming days and months. We will support you in anyway we can; we will pray without ceasing; and we will be standing in the gap for you when you are weary; and WE WILL PLAN THE CELEBRATION PARTY!!! Know that I am also praying for Don and your precious children, as well as the rest of your family and friends. May we all have that GOD-given peace that you speak of. I am praying for God's guidance in your decisions and the physician's actions. May you feel God's presence and peace in a Mighty way in the coming weeks. I love this familiar scripture from Jeremiah:
"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." Jer. 29:11
Praying for you...Love, amh

Anonymous said...

Molly,
Thank you for sending Bill and I an update on your health. Please know that we will be holding you, Don and your children up in prayer. One of my favorite versus is Isaiah 41:10 "Do not fear for I am with you, do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Bill always has told me "nothing catches God by surprise!" I beleive that with my whole heart. You are HIS child and he has you in the palm of his hand sweet sister.
Our prayers are with you!
Bill and Jodie Pentak

Anonymous said...

Molly, just know I’m praying for you. You’ve been included in my prayers for a while now. I had already shared your need for prayer several weeks back; and now I’ve asked those same folks to read your blog and continue to pray. You encourage me and so many others as you share how much you are trusting our Heavenly Father and resting in His love for his child.
Much love and blessings, Prissy

Alicia said...

Reading your story now, just felt I should share with you that my dad had Hodgkins in the early 80's, underwent radiation and chemo and overcame it. I am not sure the difference between hodgkins and non-hodgkins, but wanted to share a success story with you!