What I Am Learning

Part 1 soon comes to an end.  I still am waiting for my surgeon to discharge me.  That will be the culmination of the period of time that included the diagnosis of my disease, the challenges along the way, the surgery, the recovery, the next step.

   What am I learning?

• Taking one day at a time is the best way to work through this time in my life.
• Waiting is a common challenge in dealing with this disease.  Even now, I am waiting to know what the scans I had yesterday show/do not show.  I hope they show that the cancer has not spread elsewhere.
• Whether family, church family, colleagues, or the community – people care.
• Peace does come from God as I need it. It comes in extra-strength doses as I have needed it.
• Even when I have all sorts of time "free,"I still waste too much of it.
• I have a husband who loves me and cares for me, regardless.

What I find helpful:

Having a sense of humor, thus finding things to laugh about as this has happened.

Not staying holed up in my house, as long as I was feeling fairly well.

Two Christian women I have never met but have been where I am, one just a few weeks ahead of me.  They are ready to encourage me whenever I email them.  One lives in Pennsylvania and is a friend of my sister-in-law's sister; the other lives in Missouri and is a friend of my in-laws, Stan and Jackie, who are missionary-appointees under the mission board for which this lady works.