The Plan (and Change of Plans)

I was not prepared for how lost I would feel in the world of Cancer. 

My OBGYN referred me to someone that he knew in Plano, which didn’t give me a lot of comfort because I don’t necessarily think highly of my doctor other than his surgical abilities. 

After leaving several messages and never getting a call back from the Plano doc and the seemingly lack of care I decided to do my own research and find someone I felt better about. I felt lost and really unsure where to look next. I got a few recommendations but none took my insurance. Several people reached out to my family members to express how highly they recommended MD Anderson and that it made such a difference in their care plan. 

Initially, I felt like making the leap to such a prestigious hospital seemed a little over dramatic for my particular case but I decided to fill out the appointment request anyways and see where it takes me. I got a call back just 12 hours later and after I got off of that phone call I felt like this was a step in the right direction. 

The tumor that I had was called a granulosa cell tumor and unfortunately it’s pretty rare but MDA has 3 doctors that specialize in that specific type of cancer. I now have a team of people that have reached out to me and have been incredibly kind, caring, and informative. I feel a lot of peace about this decision. 

My first appointment will be August 12.

Yes it will take some trips to Houston but I have such an amazing support system and so many people that have reached out and wanted to help that I know we can make it work. Joel and I will plan to go down there that morning and stay for a few days in order to have bloodwork and tests done. They are also going to have my tumor sent to them in order to be able to run a more detailed pathology. 

While the reality of a cancer diagnosis is slowly sinking in, I am so grateful that God has closed and opened doors to make the steps forward very clear. 

How you can pray specifically: 

• For my team at MDA 
• For peace in the waiting
• For my family and friends as they process all of this. I know from experience what it’s like to be a family member of someone that has cancer. My mom had breast cancer when I was in my early 20s and there is a lot of fear being on the outside and just watching everything unfold and feeling helpless. 
• And for me and Joel- for wisdom and discernment as we navigate the medical world and which step to take next. 

I have been pointed toward a lot of alternatives in the world of cancer. To be honest, it is slightly overwhelming but one thing I am starting with is cutting out carbs/sugar. I have already cut back significantly and when we get home from our lake vacation I intend on cutting it out completely. 

We have been with family at Lake Texoma this week and while all the doctor stuff has been very stressful, it has been really great to get away and be on the water with family.