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Monday, September 27, 2010

September 27, 2010

For the past 55 days I, my family, and my friends have thought I had cancer...

Today I went to MD Anderson for what was originally appointments to plan out my 6 weeks of radiation. However, I didn't think the news I would get was even possible...

Turns out, yes there was the tiny glandular tumor near my eyebrow. But after MUCH more researching in the pathology department, they seem to believe now that the original tumor AND the "cancer"/remaining tumor that my surgeon removed in the 2nd surgery are benign (NOT cancerous).

Basically what started as the most horrible phone call of my life saying, "The doctor wants to discuss your biopsy results. Can you bring a family member?"... in his office the next day him telling me, "You have adenocarcinoma (CANCER) that could have metastasized from any organ in your body"...to being treated at MD Anderson and them saying, "It's adnexal carcinoma (CANCER) and we feel that brow site is the only and primary site"...to "there were CANCER cells in the margin from your surgery"...to today- when the surgeon says "the pathologists now believe you have a benign mixed tumor called pleomorphic adenoma. Radiation will not be necessary".

Wow. I would say I can't believe it, but I do believe it- because GOD DOES the UNBELIEVABLE.

We are relieved and feel the weight of the world off our shoulders. I have learned so many lessons throughout this journey of a "cancer patient". I've told my family I want to write a book...

I know what it feels like that day you find out.
I know how the morning and the night are the hardest part of the day.
I know how to tell people you love them every chance you get, hold your husband's hand, kiss your babies faces off every chance you get.
I know how fear creeps in to try to run away your faith.
I know how out of control and helpless you feel.
I know what it's like to wonder if your tiny boys will remember you.
I know what it's like to see your family cry, and have to be tough anyway.
I know what it's like to play out every "what if" scenario possible.
I know what it's like to wake up every day searching for the story God wants to play out.

BUT I ALSO know Jesus. I know He is good and faithful. And I know He loves me. And now, though it wouldn't have been the way I would have chosen, He has given me a story to tell the world.

Whether I had cancer before, and God miraculously changed those pathology slides. Or whether it was never there to begin with...it doesn't matter. God has shown me, and I hope all who have walked through this with me, that if you turn your heart, soul, everything to Him He WILL take care of you...and in my case "heal me" of the cancer I never had.

22 comments:

Tricia said...

This is all just so wonderful, for lack of better words, and I'm so thankful that everything is ok but also for the inspiration and witness you have been throughout it all. Please get started on your book asap!:)

diane said...

AMEN AND AMEN AND AMEN!!!!!

My mouth is filled with YOUR praise and with YOUR glory all day long. PSALM 71:8

Lindsay said...

oh, amanda. crying tears of joy. cant wait to catch up this week. thank you for your testimony. so glad to call you friend. proud of you. love you.

Anonymous said...

(Random Follower) I remember reading with absolute horror when you were diagnosed. I didn't know you but I went to bed feeling sick because of what you were facing.

AMAZING is all I can say. Our God is an awesome God and He performs miracles every day. Best wishes to you and your precious family.

Kelly Sikes

ellen said...

We are praising God, Amanda! The first Scripture that came to my mind was 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 which says:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our afflicton so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God.

God will use you to help, comfort and minister to others who are going through the same thing! So go ahead and write that book and put me on the list!
We love you, Brad and the boys!
The Forresters

the mrs. said...

akjsdlkjhaskdjhakjshdlkajshdklja.....that was my excitement. HECK YES, SIS! I love this and I love your courage and strength and witness to so many. you're amazing!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news Amanda and Brad! For sure Amanda you now have a greater aopreciation for the patient and will draw from all the emotions you have gone through and will continue to go through. Share them with others and you will help them as they face challenging news and make decisions.

The Benjamins said...

What a wonderful post...I can't imagine what all you've been through. You are such a strong person! God is good!

JordanandSaundersRamsey said...

Amanda- Wow!! What an incredible journey you have been through!!! Our God is absolutely amazing and there is NO doubt that HE is going to use you in an incredible way just have going through this. Reading you thoughts on knowing what it is like to be a cancer patient hits so close to home with me, as I watched my mom go through that twice! You will be such a comfort to those going through this in the future and what a new outlook on life HE has given you!! Sooo thankful for this incredible news!! We love all of you and will now continue to pray that He uses you to minister to others through your incredible journey!!

Jo

Unknown said...

Praise the Lord! God is good! I'm so happy for you!

Melita said...

Amanda, you have a wonderful testimony to share about God's faithfulness to answer our prayers. I'm so thankful you are willing to give Him all the glory for your healing! I have prayed for you and will continue to do so.

Paul, Mamie, Bailey and Garrett Kosko said...

What amazing news! God is so good! And what an inspiration you have been to all! Your faith through this situation has been so uplifting! Praise the Lord for such wonderful news!

Ally Walker said...

This is AMAZING news Amanda!! I am so happy for you and your family!! God is Great!!

LT (and Max) said...

so amazing. what an encouragement you are to so many around you! God bless you and your precious family.
xoxo
LT

Jenn Prather said...

Gods grace is amazing! You have such a powerful testimony to that and Im sure He will give you the opportunity to share that with others!

The Hensons said...

(another random follower) i too read with wide eyes as you told the blog world about your diagnosis. i have 3 small boys, and your story made me look at/love on them differently from the very beginning. what an awesome story you have to tell about faithfulness and answered prayer!! can't wait to read your book!! :)

Jackie Pruett said...

You have a truly amazing story to tell. God is faithful and He does care for us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so that we could share in the work God is doing in your life. What a mighty God we serve! I look forward to reading your book!

Jackie Pruett

Lindsay said...

I think you need to get started on that book...we are all waiting to read it. :) Can I just say again how happy I am that God moved y'all to Houston? Your family is a HUGE blessing. We love y'all!

Lindsay said...

And yes, this is the fifth time I've read this Blog entry.

Anonymous said...

Amanda God has definitely performed a MIRACLE for you! I am so at "AWW" of God's goodness and faithfulness. I am so happy for you and your sweet family!

Courtney said...

Dear Amanda,

You don't know me, but I knew your family through FBC when I was growing up in Starkville - and I just cannot tell you how thrilling it is to me to see your powerful testimony and your beautiful family - I found out about your journey through Jenny Reed's prayer request list. I was enthralled by your blog, and I am SO excited about this miracle!!

God is touching SO many lives through you!
Courtney Yonge Stanback
Columbus, MS

brandi lanier (friend of Kelley Potts) said...

Praising God for his miracles and for your faithfulness!