Our MDA trip on Monday finally brought closure to the journey. We have been living in the middle for a while… maybe here, maybe there. MDA is supposed to be great, but my home, my family is here. Experience vs. inconvenience.
After enjoying some great fellowship with our Life Group Sunday night, we again found ourselves on the dark, empty road to Houston. A drive that I used to not mind, but lately I have come to curse. Blessed to have Ethan’s mom live so close to the med center, we woke early Monday to start another day of doctors and decisions. First up, the surgeon. She was ready to do surgery. She was confident that she could get the cancer. She even put a glimmer of hope for radiation. Nice lady, but I walked out of there not convinced that I would carry out the surgery that I had just put on the calendar. My surgeon is as good as her. I can just take the info back to her.
On our way to grab lunch, I called my surgeon. I gave her some details, she agreed and sounded like she could be convinced to go ahead with surgery. But then she threw a major kink in, “You know I am pregnant, right? My last surgery will be Oct 31.” It would be a giant feat to get scheduled and everyone on the same page in the next 2 weeks. Que the slammed door.
Next up, oncologist. He is a brilliant man from Mexico who has 25 years of MDA cancer experience. He speaks with a heavy accent and is the definition of a close-talker, but he is great. He reviewed the scans from last week communicating that we are looking at a mass about 8cm x 5cm x 3cm. Aggressive, rare, but still contained. No evidence of lymph nodes effected. He agreed, surgery. Again, thanks for the 2nd opinion, but I was still planning on surgery at home. And at this point, I even called my surgeon back to see if I could get on her schedule.
Before we head home, Ethan and I decide that seeing the radiation oncologist would be beneficial. So, we go to the desk, we request and appointment and just like that we have one. This man was my modern day Gabriel. He stepped in the room, big yet gentle, and spoke the words that would change my course. The community (outside of MDA) standard is to not radiate an area more than once. But experience and precision of MDA has shown them that it can be done, and in some cases changes your statistics for the better. The surgeon will do her best to get all the active, known cancer out. But there is always the chance of the random cells that are slightly distant from the margins that may come back clear. And that is where radiation picks up the baton and finishes the race. Radiation is like an extension of surgery, able to widen the treatment field. When Austin radiation oncologist took the option of radiation off the table, it was a big disappointment. Like a major player was taken from my game plan. So to be associated with a team that would bring it back, was a giant deciding factor.
Let’s also go here for a moment. Go back to 2010. We are cancer-naive. We are being fed the information we needed to make decisions, but maybe didn’t get the real, big picture back then. There are things from the 2010 pathology that make my doctors in Austin say, “I am not surprised it came back.” And, “Why did they not take all of your lymph nodes?” And, “Why did they not radiate the upper level 3 nodes?” It was not communicated that the cancer had vascular “tentacles” that could easily carry the cancer, causing a recurrence. So, we could go as far to say, if we had more information in 2010, would the picture look different today? And I certainly don’t want to be asking myself that question 3 years from now. I have the opportunity to use some of the best in cancer care. Only a fool would choose convenience over experience. Especially when this experience can extend my life.
Surgery is November 5th at MDA in Houston. There are still appointments to be done, pre-op testing, and after pathology is in from the surgery the next game plan will be put in place.
Praying boldly for November 5th and that God will perfectly orchestrate your healing!!!
julie: it would be a tough decision experience over convenience, and I think you made the right decision. And on the bright side it’s only 2.5 hours, it could be farther?! Thinking of you, happy to help if you need anything. And many prayers your way!
JULIE, THIS HYMN IMMEDIATELY CAME TO MIND.
William Cowper (1731–1800)
God Moves in Mysterious Ways
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
William Cowper was a British poet and hymnist. He struggled throughout his life with depression, doubts, and fears.
Julie and Ethan, so glad to hear the positive side of what has to be a very difficult time for both of you. You are young, strong and are at the foremost cancer facility in the world. And you have a deep faith in God. May He continue to lead all things for your good. God Bless.
I never ceased to be amazed at the strength the Lord can provide to an individual in cancer situations. Julie, you inspire me (not sure how else to word it) as have others before you I’ve known in your shoes. Reminded of the depth of your confidence and faith in God and HIS guidance, will and provision. I love Carol’s comment BOLDLY PRAYING….I too will embrace her sentiments on your behalf to not only pray, but to boldly pray. May Ethan and your girls be lifted up with every ounce of support they need as you move towards November 5th. You have truly sought out and been directed no doubt with God’s guidance how best to move forward with your decisions. He will honor your faith and discipline to trust.
Hi Julie,
I am so happy that you have another option for your treatment. My husband, youngest son and I have spent this year, March until now at MDA. I have had 6 rounds of adriamyacin/ifosfamide chemo, 5 weeks of radiation and surgery for my grade 3 sarcoma.
We also asked about doing radiation locally. Our radiation oncologist put things into perspective for us. We wanted specialists who were used to seeing MANY rare and difficult cases. I just had my post-op appt with my surgeon. The tumor they removed had <1% viable cells…the radiation killed it!
This year away from home has been really hard. We are blessed with family in the Houston area and it made a HUGE difference. Our Fellowship family, friends and co-workers were a blessing as well. I will continue to pray for you. Please call or email me if you have any questions about MDA or the Houston area. God Bless to you and your family.
Marie Hicks
512-589-4926
mtipper68@yahoo.com
You and Ethan are incredible in your strength and fight together. Then add the strongest family. Friends. Prayer warriors. And your almighty faith in the Lord. And that’s a fact.
Hope, when I read this, I feel hope, I see hope. I praise God for hope. I’m keeping you all in my prayers and I’m placing my hope in God. fight4julie!!
That’s womderful news, Julie! Sending love and prayers your way
Julie,
I want you to know that you will have a big team of prayer warriors (many, like me that you don’t even know) who will be praying for you in the coming days and weeks as you prepare for this new attack plan, and into recovery. We will pray for wholeness and health, for strength and courage, and for God’s peace and presence, and for great wisdom and skill for the team of doctors. I’m so thankful that you are heading on this path back to full strength and health.
Blessings,
Sandy
Sending prayers for you, your family and your team of doctors. Boldly praying as well!!!!!
Julie – Love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family. I hope all goes smoothly today at MDA. My family has spent many hours, days, weeks in those halls. You are in good hands!