A Diagnosis that Rocked my World

Wow, this post is difficult to write. I was hesitant about sharing so publicly about my personal struggle recently. But the Lord has prompted me to do just that. I pray this touches the hearts of those that take the time read about it. It is written straight from my heart :)

You may be wondering about the title.... A Diagnosis that Rocked my World. There are hundreds of things that could be. For me it is the dreaded, awful word that NO ONE wants to hear... Cancer.


About 3 weeks ago I went for a routine Pap Smear. I have had no female problems, nothing that was concerning at all. While at my appointment, during the breast exam, my OB/GYN felt a lump that he wanted me to get checked out. I have what are called cystic breasts. Lumps come and go all the time. So I really wasn't worried at all.

I received a phone call from my OB/GYN about a week later. Thinking he may be calling about my upcoming mammogram and ultrasound for some reason, I didn't think much when I heard his voice. But as he proceeded to talk, I quickly realized he was calling me about something completely different. My Pap Smear came back abnormal. And more than that... it came back as favoring endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (CIS). Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a rare cervical cancer. My OB/GYN is just wonderful. He knows my nurse brain wants to know EVERYTHING. He read me the pathology results and explained it in great detail. Hearing the emphasis in his voice that I needed a biopsy (Colposcopy) as soon as possible to confirm these findings, I could tell it was serious. He repeatedly said, "This is nothing to mess around with. We need to get on this now" Well as you can imagine, after hanging up that phone my mind was in a whirlwind.

Most cervical cancers are associated with the HSV virus called cervical squamous cell carcinoma and are typically easy to treat. (I'm sorry if this a bit to medical, but that's my brain:)  Endocervical adenocarcinoma in not associated with the HSV virus and requires more extensive treatment. Adenocarcinomas are many times found in the lung and colon, but can be found in the cervix as well. And what is just crazy is that I have NO risk factors.

I think as with anyone who has heard the word cancer your first thought is, "Why Lord? I just don't understand." I am a 34 year old woman, married with 2 children, healthy as healthy can be. I wanted to know why.  My poor husband was just beside himself when I called to tell him. My 16 year old daughter was silent. She worries quietly. I hated to be the cause of so much worry. I am the caretaker of the family. I am the one that holds it together and this just broke my heart.

I had the biopsy taken last week and it did confirm my Pap Smear results. (My mammogram and ultrasound were ok.) Yesterday I underwent surgery to have part of my cervix removed (Cold Knife Conization). I also had to have a D&C. They need to check the uterine cavity to make sure the cancer has not moved up into my uterus. We are waiting on the results from that now. We are praying for negative margins (The cone specimen he removed must have no cancer cells at the edges) from the biopsy. Treatment beyond this point is unknown right now. We must wait on my biopsy results. Then we have decisions to make.

Hurry up and wait is no fun.

While the ground I have stood on has been shaken to the core, my God is fully capable of holding me. He has proved that time and time again. It's just amazing to me how the Lord works. He meets us at our greatest need. I pray often but nothing like I have done in the last few weeks. And over and over, I have felt the Lord's presence all around. I hear His gentle voice saying... "Be still my child. I got this." The peace I have experienced throughout that last few weeks has not been my own. And for that I have been beyond grateful. I have an amazingly supportive family and friends that have been lifting me, my husband and kids up in prayer. They have checked on us repeatedly. I just love them to pieces.

Praising the Lord through our storms is not easy sometimes. I have had times of tears, fears and frustration. But the Lord says, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
We must trust in Him, trust in His plan for our lives. This is just one more chapter in my life... one more testimony I can share of His never ending love for me. I sing praises to His name everyday. We have sang and danced in this house everyday. KLOVE is a Christian radio station that is playing constantly. Our family has a favorite verse from the Bible. One that we stand in agreement with....

  

While I have prayed like I have never prayed before, I have also used my Young Living essential oils in ways I have never done either. I have been using them for emotional support and in my prayer time. I tend to be a nervous person when times are stressful. My oils help a ton. But let me say prayer AND oils together has blown my mind. It truly takes you into a greater spiritual level, knowing and feeling the presence of the Lord like no other.

I have found some amazing oils that have helped me tremendously. My favorites that have helped support my emotions are Frankincense, Sacred Frankincense, Joy, Lavender with Spikenard together, White Angelica and Trauma Life. I have applied, diffused and wore oils in my diffuser necklace everyday. I can not live without my oils guys. If you are not on board with using Young Living essential oils yet, I really encourage you to consider it. It is truly the best investment you can make for the health of your family.

In addition to using oils to help support my emotional roller coaster, I have been using them to support my immune system. I want to support my body anyway I can to fight this. Daily I have been taking the supplement Longevity, doubled up on my Super C, tripled up on my NingXia Red (Adding orange essential oil to it as well), Taking Rosemary essential oil capsules I made, Immupower on my feet and drinking lots of Lemon water. Fortunately I also have a Zyto Scanner. I scanned for the Young Living supplement Rehemogen. I had never heard of it. It contains lots of herbs and is formulated with essential oils as well. It's used to aid the body's natural detoxification process, as well as build blood. My scan was spot on if you ask me :) I am also eating lots of "cancer" fighting foods and I'm getting ready to start coffee enemas (I encourage you read this book if you are considering doing coffee enemas.). Yep, I am doing EVERYTHING I can.

I have also been using my Young Living essential oils to control the occasional discomfort that comes from surgery. I have NOT needed to fill my prescriptions. Yay! I have been placing a couple drops of Copaiba under my tongue, a drop of Peppermint on top of my tongue (It's strong) every couple hours. I have also been applying PanAway and Frankincense to my lower stomach at least every 2-3 hours and as needed. It has done the job!!

As the coming days approach I would love if you would pray for me and my family as so much uncertainty still remains. I also encourage all you ladies to stay up to date with your Pap Smears. The new recommended guidelines for Pap Smears is every 3-5 years depending on your age. My doctor is a firm believer EVERY woman should get a Pap Smear EVERY year. It has been a couple years since my last one (because I knew about the new guidelines and was having no problems.) I have no idea how long this cancer has been there. But I can't help but wonder if it would have been found earlier had I been getting a Pap Smear every year.

Thank you for taking the time to read this LONG personal post. I truly pray it helps someone and touches your heart. There is hope in the Lord, that I am certain. "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31) If you have or have had Cervical Cancer, I would love to hear about your own journey in the comments below.

Many Blessings,

Heather

****UPDATE****
10/14/15
I should call this update a praise report... My results came back with negative margins!! Praise the Lord!! I am so thankful for each and everyone of you that have taken the time to read my story, share my story and pray for me. I am humbled by the number of people that have called, messaged and text me. Your support has been a comfort for me. :)

Now my journey continues... While my results came back with the negative margins, it is strongly recommended that I have a hysterectomy. There is great risk of it coming back. Our hope in growing our family to 5 is now being re-discussed. Obviously my health is the number one priority. For now, until our decision is final, I will be monitored closely with frequent Pap Smears. The Lord has been my greatest source of strength and comfort and I truly believe He will guide and direct our steps as we continue to pray for direction. Thank you again for all your support!

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