First Update of Laura's Condition

The following is our first communication to the staff and elders at PCC.  This gives you a glimpse of some of our journey so far.  

We have spent the past few days with doctors getting a perspective and plan for our next steps.  From what we presently know, the proposed course of action is for Laura to have a lumpectomy as early as next week.  This will be determined on Friday when we meet with the surgeon to go over her MRI and see if the tumor has clear enough margins.  This will impact Laura's decision to either go with the lumpectomy or mastectomy.

During surgery they will be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph-nodes.  It will be five to ten days post-surgery before we have any further details - which includes the final plan for treatment.

To say the least, it has been a whirlwind of activity attempting to get all the pieces together over this past week. We have been gaining as much information as possible, and at the same time keeping our focus on where the Lord is at work. We feel so blessed that we had several days in Gatlinburg with the kids gaining our bearings and having some fun. We are also grateful for those in the body who have been able to direct us to a great surgeon we have a deep sense of confidence in. We are especially thankful for all of your support and prayers through this time.

We told the kids all the details necessary so they are fully aware of what is transpiring. They know mom has cancer. There have been some tears, but for the most part we are enjoying our time off as a family. They have been real troopers.  We are proud of each one of them.

I want to clarify that we have no "stage" determined at this time. Our prayer is that the cancer is isolated and has not spread at this point. What we do know is that the tumor is not tiny, but from what the doctors are saying the size does not determine it's spread; however, it may determine the course of treatment.

We are holding onto Ephesians 3:20 and Romans 8:28. We know that the Lord is present in our problem providing us with His sufficient grace and peace. We believe the Lord is allowing us to walk through this for a purpose, and we don't want to miss drawing closer to Him through the journey. We are not angry, but walking hand-in-hand with each other and especially the Lord's presence. We truly believe the Lord will use this to shape our character, and develop a deeper dependence on Him and His promises. 

Thanks again for your support and prayers.

Ron