Last time I wrote, I was anticipating scans to determine if I would be able to have surgery. The results revealed the cancer is under my left arm only. The chemo I have been taking has somewhat shrunk the cancerous, enlarged lymph node. I'm so thankful. This is good news! Because cancer did not show up in a major organ of my body, my oncologist and surgeon see surgery as the option of choice for me. It does not change my diagnosis of stage 4 cancer, but this is a step going forward.
Last Wednesday I met with my surgeon to discuss details. He has been with me since my cancer journey began almost 4 years ago. I have a lot of confidence in him. He's cautious and precise. This will be the fifth surgery he has done for me. The plan was to remove the cancer under my left arm along with surrounding lymph nodes. In addition, he brought up doing a left mastectomy. This might eliminate a lot of future problems, so in light of that, I agree to the surgery. It's called a modified radical mastectomy with auxiliary dissection.
It's important to proceed soon with surgery lest the cancer start to grow aggressively. Chemotherapy stopped three and a half weeks ago so that I would have the opportunity to get stronger. When there's no chemo, often cancer starts to grow. My surgery is Monday, June 8, at 8:30am. Because of Covid, I may or may not be able to have my Mom with me before and after the surgery. I'll find out more this week.
There is a lot for me to trust the Lord about and give over to Him. I'm reminded of Psalm 3:3-4,
"But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill."
I cannot thank you enough for your continuous prayers. They mean everything to me. Here are some specifics I would like for you to please pray for:
Surgery on June 8 (for the surgeon, nursers, all involved)
That I would physically be strong for the surgery
That I would be able to have my Mom at the hospital during my surgery
my heart would be full of the joy of the Lord
I would trust Christ completely
I want you to know the Lord uses your prayers greatly in my life. Prayer is never in vain. Luther once said, "Pray, and let God worry." That's what I plan to do. Thank you for ministering to me through your prayers.
Grace & Peace,
Melissa
🙏❤🙏❤🙏
Hi Melissa,
My name is Kerrie. I'm friends with Sheri Coon. She has shared your story with me and I just want you to know that I will be praying for you and your mom during this difficult time. Praying your surgery goes exceptionally well!! May God bless you!!🙏❤🙏❤
Melissa,
I love you and am praying for you and your Mom daily. You are my hero, you are so brave
and faithful to The LORD. HE, on the other hand has been so FAITHFUL to you and me.
I may have told you this when I called the day before the last round of chemo, The LORD
gave me these words: Ask and Expect
Trust and Accept
Of course we ask and HE is our FATHER, so we know that HE hears and will answer.
HE love us so much and we can Trust HIM and if we love HIM with out a doubt we have
to accept HIS answers for us. HE wants the best for us. …