Sorry, I wanted to phone you but I just ran out of steam. It seems so impolite to share such news this way. Though seeing the horror and sadness on the faces of those I love is heartbreaking. Our lives have been changed: I have cancer.
I have cancer in my left kidney, lung(s), a spot on my shoulder. This has been a huge shock to us, I found out Monday, October 29, 2012 at 4pm. We had an appointment October 30 (Tuesday) with the kidney specialist who had very positive outlook and a solid action plan. Shawn and I feel a huge load lifted. It is cancer. It is serious. But we have hope. We also firmly believe that God is in control and that He has a plan for our family. I will have surgery to remove my left kidney in 2-3 weeks (dependent on first available OR time... anesthesiologists are on rotating strike so less OR time available), 7-10 days in hospital. After surgery, 4-6 weeks later depending on my recovery, I will have chemotherapy. There was also talk of radiation for the thing on my shoulder.
This journey began 15 days ago when I went to the sports medicine doctor for a cortisone shot in my right shoulder. I have had excruciating pain from severe tendinitis and nerve impingement for the past 4 months and physio wasn't able to help because of the swollen tendons. The MD sent me for a shoulder x-ray that showed 'nodules' in the right lung. A full chest x-ray showed "some nodules" (not sure how many or where), and a CT Scan showed the tumor in my kidneys. Interestingly enough, kidney tumours are often discovered due to examination for other issues, ah the learning has already begun. Soon I will be an expert in a field I wish to not know so personally. The kidney tumour is 3.3mm and, as my 13-soon-14yrs old says, "That's not big, they can totally fix that!"
I feel incredibly blessed for the support and love and prayers pouring in as we share this heartbreaking and scary news. Cancer. I am in shock and just keep saying, "I have cancer. I have cancer? I don't understand how I have cancer. I'm not sick!"
I know that God is bigger than this. I believe that God is in control and I know that He has a plan for my family. I rest in His peace and I ask for your thoughts and prayers and support for me, for my dear husband, for our four blessings-to-us children, for our extended family and dear friends because this is going to be a big year ahead of us.
God's word to me in the quiet of the night was this: Kristin, it's serious, but not hopeless.
I cling to that.
Hugs,
Kristin
We love you Kristin and we'll be standing with you, Shawn, Kyle, Miranda, Braden & Connor every step of the way!!
ReplyDeletePhilippians 4:6&7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus.
I am so sorry to hear this Kristin and will be praying for you and your family as you take this unexpected journey.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 19:26 "With God ALL things are possible."
((hugs))
Dominique and I will be praying for you as well.
ReplyDeleteEncouraging words: How about Mom's message from the billboard in Hawaii "Don't think, Pray"
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DeleteYour last line really hit me. Serious but not hopeless! That is it precisely.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, thinking of you and will be here to support you as you need it.
Love,
Rachel (4th sister :))
Praying for you, Kristin! This morning I read this verse in Romans 10 (part of verse 12) "the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him..." I thought of you when I read it. We are calling on Him with you & for you... believing He will give generously EVERYTHING you need each day, including a full & complete healing in your body, peace, strength, hope, joy, provision, etc. etc. etc. Love you!!!
ReplyDeleteLora Lowder
I am a friend of Kori and Keri's and I will be praying for you all as you go through journey! "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world!" John 16:33
ReplyDeleteKristin.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying diligently and continually and will lift you and your family up daily as you go through this journey. Thank you for setting up this blog. I will rejoice when there is good news and expect healing in your body as the doctors work to exterminate this nasty cancer
Kristin... I am so shocked to hear this! Stay strong knowing that your friends, your family, and your Lord with walk this journey with you. Sending hugs and prayers, Kim
ReplyDeleteI am thanking God in advance for your complete healing. Hope-filled, not hope-less. Live your life with joy, complete.
ReplyDeleteKristen, I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you and your family! I've been a cancer patient now for almost 11 years, and know some of the "tricks of the trade". So if you need an ear, or support/info about being a cancer patient, I'm your girl. It seems as though you've already won half of the battle, with your positive attitude. Attitude and outlook are the main tools in his journey ;) xo www.cancerhasitsprivileges.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteDear Kristen, I have been praying for you with the rest of the girls from Mennonite Girls Can Cook. May God grant you peace in each part of this journey. We have a mighty God! As God reminds me of you...will lift you up to the Heavenly Father who knows about every cell in your body.
ReplyDeleteLove, Lovella
I was just curious as to why they are taking your whole kidney and not just the tumor, if the tumor is only 3.3mm in size? Are they worried it may spread?
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