You can never prepare yourself for the phone call from a loved one when they tell you those three words, “I have cancer.”  You would have never practiced what to say in response, or how to feel, or how to shut off the tears so you can be brave and optimistic right there in that moment.  You would know deep down that for many cancers, the survival rate is high and everything might be just fine.  You would still feel afraid, unsure and overwhelmed, as hearing that word alone brings a sense of intimidation and uncertainty, at least for me.  This exact moment happened this week.  This exact moment is my reason…

Cancer has found my courageous mother-in-law (or “MIL” as I like to call her) by way of uterine cancer.  We don’t know much just yet and pray that her appointment next week will provide more clarity on the stage and necessary treatment associated with this diagnosis.  Though she received this news, she remains strong and positive, with the hardest part so far involving making the exact phone call(s) I just described.  I cannot possibly understand what she may be feeling by having to say those three words aloud to her family and friends.  I can only hope that the extra hugs, her grand kids pictures and videos, Easter sugar leftovers, and every day distractions can keep her mind distracted enough until we all learn more.

My faith has sure came in handy lately, as I quickly changed gears in the past few days to figure out what I needed to do to be there in support, encouragement, knowledge and recovery for her.  I was reminded over and over again to trust in His plan, trust in His timing and trust in His road map.

Thankfully, the Lord has already helped with navigation.  Strangely enough, my MIL was directed to the same exact doctor group as me.  So she too will walk through the doors of the Courage Clinic, which provides a bit of comfort for all of us.  I’m confident in and eager to hear the doctor’s plan for her on Monday.  I won’t get too far into the details of her health here on an ongoing basis, but I do ask for extra prayers for her with her diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  I pray that she will soon enough say, I am a survivor and pray just as hard that she will never, ever have to call a single person again to say those three words.

The timing of this all couldn’t be more confusing, yet more clear with the direction I need to take with my own health.  I was quick to think that I should postpone my surgery for months so that I could be the very best nurse, driver, and advocate for her health that I could.  A dear friend reminded me that I can still do all of these things and staying the course with my own health will allow me to continue to do these things, which is absolutely true and I am ever so grateful for that conversation this week.

As I prepare mentally for my surgery and remain positive for my MIL, I will continue to remind myself of the reason for doing all of this.  The reason He let me know of my BRCA2 mutation when He did and the reason I need to take as many proactive steps as I can to hopefully be in control of my breast and ovarian health.  I certainly do not have the courage like my MIL and am even more certain I do not want to have to ever, ever make the brave phone calls she has had to make this week.  She is one strong woman and know she will kick her cancer out even faster than it showed up…

Love you MIL.

xoxo

Carey