So….What IS Next?

Four years ago I began my journey with breast cancer. I learned definitions of words I never heard of before, or anticipated learning about. Complete strangers scheduled my life, dictating medical appointments, drugs and treatments, all in an effort to save my life. It worked! Chemo killed the cancer cells, surgery removed the tumor, and radiation plus an anti-hormone pill served to give me better odds at not having a recurrence.

Three years ago I began a different journey when I completed my active treatment and was placed by my medical team into what is called, survivorship. They would no longer be actively taking care of me; I would have to learn on my own, how to live as a breast cancer survivor. That turned out to be more difficult than it sounded. I had to become my own advocate; researching diet, lifestyle, and emotional resources. Family and friends were there for me, as well as my church. But I came to realize that being in this foreign situation would require much more help.

I joined two support groups in an effort to surround myself with like-minded sisters; women who walked where I’m trodding, and are living where I need to be: not just surviving, but conquering this disease called breast cancer.

I titled this post, “So…What IS Next?” Many women ask this question after finishing breast cancer treatment (or after any major event upends their life). I was toodling along, living life, experiencing joy, serving God, giving back, writing books, being my husband’s caregiver, when “next” appeared.

One month ago I went for my annual mammogram and received a letter saying it was normal. I breathed a sign of relief. Several weeks later I went in for routine bloodwork and then my Oncologist called saying one of my tumor markers was elevated. He ordered a PET scan which will be done this Thursday.

A lump of fear blocked my joy! I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do to prevent recurrence of the big “C” and suddenly I get blind-sided with an elevated C15-3 tumor marker?

This morning I stood up and shook my fist and declared, “NOT TODAY SATAN!” I refuse to allow my joy to be stolen! “What’s next” for me is a PET scan. I will not allow fear to distract me from the joy of the Lord. God brought me through so much over the years and He will bring me through this as well.

Are you at a place in your life where you’re asking, “What’s Next?” Join with me. Stand with me. Let’s shake our fists together and let Satan know that he cannot steal our joy, or cause us to fear. God has this…whatever “this” turns out to be!