Encouragement and the "non-cancer"

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

This is one of my favorite verses of all time. The day before I took my state exam to become an RN, I spent some time at the beach praying and reading God's word. I found the verse drawn into the sand dune I had been sitting on when I left. I don't always hear or notice when God speaks to me, but that was one of those trials where He told me ahead of time to cling tighter to Him. This verse has come up a few times in the last few weeks and every time I hear or see it I am taken back to that sand dune and I know that rough waters may be ahead, but God is our faithful protector!

Nate and I were able to sit down with friends yesterday evening who just went through a very similar trial in November. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, had surgery, and she is doing great. I was able to ask a few questions that I would have otherwise had to wait until February 5th to ask. They were so encouraging and positive that Nate and I left our visit with them with a little lighter step.

One thing my Nurse Practioner told me before I had my biopsy was "if this turns out to be cancer, if you ever had to choose a cancer to get, thyroid cancer would be the one. It is typically very easy to treat." Our friend last night even described it as a "non-cancer" and to tell people I have a nodule on my thyroid (which is really what it is).  I do want your prayers through this time, but please don't think I'm going to die tomorrow from this. I was even encouraged to wait a little bit so that we can manage time off for Nate and maybe even have Sam weaned before we move forward with surgery. Of course, we will know more after visiting the surgeon, but God has continued to give us His peace, and plenty sources of encouragement.

After talking to our friends, the biggest challenge I still see is taking care of Sam. He is around 25 pounds and I will probably not be able to lift over ten pounds for about three weeks after surgery (this is based on our friend's experience), and he has been exceptionally clingy to me lately. Of course I love the snuggles, but it makes me sad to think I won't be allowed to lift him for a while. Please pray against the lie that he will have some sort of detachment disorder later in life because of this! I know he won't, but moms worry, and being a nurse doesn't help! (If you only knew the crazy "what ifs" that creep into my head every day, you'd probably want my head checked!)

I cannot begin to express the gratitude Nate and I have for all of you. Your support and encouragement is a huge blessing.

Love,
Beth