FEBRUARY 2011

February has been a life changing month for me to say the least.  Who would have thought that in a little over 4 weeks I would go from life as usual to treatment for lung cancer.  Only God who knows all of our tomorrows knows what our future holds.

On January 28th I had a CAT scan scheduled by my doctor to get a better look at a swollen node near my ear.  The swollen lymph node and a dry cough that had hung around for many weeks were the only issues under consideration.  The technician who was administering the scan inadvertently noticed what she thought looked like some “congestion” in my upper right lung.  She called for a doctor to approve a more extensive examination and I left the office a bit confused and worried.  

The next evening I received a call at work with the news that the scan had shown a mass in my lung, but nothing conclusive. That evening we sat down as a family and totally committed the entire situation to God and asked Him for His peace and direction in the days to come.  The next morning was a Friday and my doctor personally took the results to a surgeon for evaluation.  We insisted on meeting with the surgeon that same afternoon because we did not want to go through the weekend without some answers.....At 3:45  Friday, January 30th, the surgeon drove from Hillsboro to meet us at his office at Good Samaritan downtown. Rocky & I sat across his desk that afternoon and learned the alarming news that I have a tumor and it likely is cancer.

Sunday, February 1st after the morning service we met for prayer with the Pastors, family and friends at our wonderful supportive church, Portland Christian Center.  Again claiming Gods healing touch and Peace as we walk through this journey. One of our friends that had recently been healed of cancer  said to me...”I specifically felt Gods healing touch in the service today and I KNOW it was for you!!”

Monday,  February 2nd I had a PET scan.  A wonderful friend had filled my ipod with healing and worship songs. They put me in a dark room with that “stuff” running through my veins for an hour. Tears, fear, MUSIC...God’s presence filled the room with songs like..”He will see you through” and “Holy Spirit come and fill this place.”  They wanted to schedule results Friday..no way...we saw them Wednesday...Rocky, Spencer and I sat there and took the news.. Lung Cancer. I have never smoked a day in my life, it is a form of cancer called "non-small cell lung cancer" which is the type most common  among non smokers. As you could imagine this was such a shock. I have never had any health problems and maintain a very healthy and active lifestyle.

Friday, February 4th we interviewed our first of several oncologists and began to learn more about the diagnosis and the possible treatments.

Monday, February 7th, a biopsy was taken to better determine exactly what we were dealing with.

Tuesday, February 8th, one of my best friends and co workers who had been down this road twice, was able to get me in to the lung specialist at Providence Cancer Center. We felt very confident this was where God wanted us and we started radiation treatments the very next day. 

After results from the biopsy test we were grateful to learn that this particular cancer can be treated with an oral form of chemotherapy. We started that treatment March 2nd. It is a blessing to be at home, take a daily pill, with side effects that are much easier than many forms of chemo.  I feel pretty good and have enjoyed my family and friends support. The boys have been great, my oldest, Dustin flew home from Costa Rica and has been by my side the whole time. As he put it...”We felt like we were rolling down a hill, hit bottom, and are now climbing up the other side on God’s shoulders...”

I have had so many wonderful “God Moments” and people all over the world praying for me.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless.....Patti