She definitely has cancer in her stomach and it has spread to her liver. They are 95% sure that it is gastric cancer. They are going to analyze the sample from the biopsy a little more to try to identify it more specifically.
Unfortunately, none of it can be removed surgically.
She will be starting chemotherapy next Thursday.
The doctor said her life expectancy will be about a year depending on how she responds to the chemotherapy.
It wasn't the news we hoped for.
My heart hurts. And it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
But my God is a God of Hope.
I wish more than anything that each of you could meet my mom, hear her sweet voice, and enjoy the warmth of her hugs. She has walked with Jesus for over 40 years, and continues to face this trial with a heart full of faith and trust in her Lord and Savior.
She actually said tonight at the dinner table that she felt happy. And she means it. She said she just feels so overwhelmed by all the blessings God has given her. She keeps telling me not to look at this cancer as a curse, but as a blessing. So we are keeping our eyes wide open to see what God has in store for us.
And believe it or not, I have received so many blessings in the past week and a half since we found out mom had cancer.
One of them has been all of you that have been praying for us and encouraging me through your comments.
Another blessing has been the chance to just sit with my mom each day and soak up her goodness.
I have never loved her more.
I have never loved my husband and my children more.
I have never loved my life more.
I have never loved my Lord more.
My life will never be the same, and I am grateful.
I don't want to waste a minute of it.
I want to share the HOPE I have received with others.
I've realized that we ALL have struggles and trials that we are going through. Some worse than others, but none of which are less important to God.
I have a college friend whose mother was just diagnosed with liver cancer as well.
She has 3 to 6 months to live. I bought a card for her tonight to send to her.
I want to share it with you. I know that someone reading this post may need to be reminded of this, and I pray this encourages you...
God cares about every detail of your life.
He collects every tear in a bottle. Psalms 56:8
He numbers every hair on your head. Luke 12:7
He knows every hurt in your heart. Psalms 34:18
The Lord Knows
all you are going through.
He loves you, He cares for you,
and He will make sure
not one detail
is overlooked in your life.
The journey my mom has ahead of her will not be easy. I know there will be times that we will feel that we just can't make it another day. I would have never dreamed we would be dealing with this. But my Hope and Trust is in Jesus, and I know He will be our strength.
I covet your prayers. Pray that Mom would be strong enough to handle the chemo. Pray that the Lord would work a miracle through the medicines and would lengthen her days on earth with us.
Above all, may God be glorified.
God bless you all!
Traci
Posts
Prayers for your Mom. I know that no matter what, she is in the best Hands there are... no matter what His will is.
ReplyDeletewww.xanga.com/crafttealady
I am so sorry Traci. I was hoping for better news. I am amazed by your strength and hopefully your Mom will begin chemo and it will be the cure she needs. There is always hope, thanks for sharing and we are thinking and sending prayers your way. hugs, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration and so is your mom! I'll be praying for you and your family and praise God for the work He's doing amongst you all. Our ways are not His ways, and we can't understand the breadth of his wisdom. May God comfort you. What a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteTraci, I have no words - you have said it all. May God have His perfect way, carry you (all) each step, give you His strength and grace, and remind us all that all our days are numbered. God bless. Linda
ReplyDeleteTraci, dear sister :o)....
ReplyDeleteThis could have been written by me, about five years ago. When my mom went into the hospital because she couldn't breathe (and she thought that it was the end of her life here...that was the only reason she went) - and one thing led to another over the course of a week, the Doctors prognosis when she decided to respond to treatment was that she would only have two years. She lived in glorious freedom for five full years after that initial visit to the hospital, and, Traci, she LIVED. Just as you said about your mom and her feelings, how she shines in these moments...
Watching our mother's go through all of this is a bittersweet blessing in life. EVERYTHING you have said here is beautifully shared, and is so true.
Oh, Father. Thank You for directing our paths so perfectly in life, for reaching through our own trials and allowing us to share them with one another. Thank You for never leaving our side, for always leading us and preparing us for each step ahead. Bless this family with continued glorious strength. Wash over each member, Your peace and may they feel an overwhelming amount of love and hope as each day continues. Father, just as I witnessed my own mother walk each day through cancer and how she overcame (with Your hand in hers) the effects of treatment, may Traci experience the same. May the treatments be effective, but may they allow a freedom to live life for You. We love You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Love to you, Traci and a warm hug.
~Heather
Traci,
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear of your news. I know all to well how it feels when CANCER invades your family as I have lost 2 grandparents and have a surviving brother. It is not an easy thing to deal with or watch. Please know that we are all here rooting your mom on and have added her to our prayer list. A little book that may be of help to you is "Cancer and the Lord's Prayer". I work with a woman who is in the midst of her battle and she highly recommends this book for all who are affected.
Keep the faith.
Jamie
Traci, your hope encourages me. I went through cancer with my grandfather (who was my hero here on earth), it is hard to deal with but your attitude and your Mother's attitude is what God wants us to have. You and your family are in my prayers daily!
ReplyDeleteTraci, Keep the faith darlin. You know God performs miracles every second of every day. We none of us know when our time is going to be called, but we do know this: Never take life for granted, love strong and hard, and live each day as if it were you last. Amy is in Trauma ICU, we found out yesterday the Dr.s had not been truthful with us, yes Amy has her trach., but she will never be able to talk again. We were told that after 5 days they could cap it and she would be able to talk, this is not true. Yesterday when the speech therapist came in, she said this would not be possible with the type of trach. that had to be performed. She will NEVER speak again. They are going to bring a mouth aparatus to her today, and show her what it will be like. She will put it in her mouth, and she will be able to speak words, but it is robotic. Unlike ours. Amy could see how this upset Debbie, and she wrote on her wipe board and held it up for Debbie to read: "But Mom, I am alive!!" She has so much strength and such a will to live. God is good Tracie, and he listens to our prayers. I continue to pray for your Mom, as does Debbie. We have not forgotten you my friend. We will be connected for life. I love you sweet girl, Sherry
ReplyDeleteThere a no words that can be said, no thoughts that can be felt but know that you are in my prayers, along with your sweet mother and family.
ReplyDeleteTraci~
ReplyDeleteWhat great faith you have.....and knowing that Jesus is right there...in the midst of this situation....provides great comfort.
When those days of worry, fear, and doubt creep in...rest in this:
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.
PS. 94:19 NASB
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Ps. 94:19 NLT
In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!
Ps. 94:19 Amplified
Gripping the hem of his garment...a little tigher for your family!
Kim~
I will pray for your family. From experience with my Dad, I found that it was important not to focus on the live expectancy but rather the time now. Only God knows our time, my Dad had stage 4 cancer and is still with us today. I pray for peace and calm for you all. Daniele, Morgan Hill, California.
ReplyDeleteTraci,
ReplyDeleteI lost my dad to cancer, which was almost unbearably hard.
I lost my mother in 2004 to Alzheimers. This was harder for me. If one could choose the way they die, this definitely would not have been her choice. Here is the mercy in it all. God had her in His arms well before she crossed the river. And He has your family right now...and I still believe in miracles.
Please know that I am praying.
Rhonda
Traci - You (and your mom) are an inspiration to us all. It sounds like you are grounded in your faith, as is your mom. When the time comes, I am sure she will save a place for you, yours and hers...
ReplyDeleteWith continued prayers in His name,
Becky
Traci,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. I really don't know what to say, but you are right---our God is a God of hope. He will carry you, your family and your mom as she goes though the treatments.
What sweet words about you mother. I will keep her in my prayers.
Traci, I have tears streaming down my cheeks after reading your post. I cannot imagine what you all must be feeling and going through! I was praying for your Mom this morning and this wasn't what I was praying to hear today.
ReplyDeleteI am encouraged by your choosing to make each and every moment count and hearing that your Mother is holding fast to what she believes.
I'll continue to pray for you all!
Traci,
ReplyDeleteThere are no more words I can write than the ones that have already been written. I will instead use my words in prayer for your family.
God keep you,
Carrie
P.S. Thanks for taking the time to share you and your mom's story and your paint color with me. My grandmother passed away from stomach cancer that had spread to her liver just last year. It hits real close to home.
Traci
ReplyDeleteWhat a testimony that is for you to share. The blessings God has bestowed upon you through your mother and the life she has lived for Christ.
May you both take every opportunity you have to enjoy your love, and share your Christ with those who are caring for your mom.
Lord
I lift my dear sister up to you. I ask you give her peace, and courage as she walks with her mother through this trial. In the end Lord we ask that you be glorified!
In Jesus Precious Name-
For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory-Forever and Ever-
Amen
With the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ
Angie
I have just come across your blog and I was so sad to read about the news you got about your mom. But God has a plan... and it's hard for us to understand, especially at a time like this. I will say a prayer for your mom, and your family... that health, peace and grace surround you all.
ReplyDeleteAsk and you shall receive.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Leann
Traci,
ReplyDeleteThere are no words that I can say that are going to give your heart comfort at this time as only God can do that. Hold to God's unchanging hand. Remember Isaiah 53:5 "And by his stripes we are healed." I will keep your family in my prayers.
Traci..I am so sorry for you and your family. my heart is with you...
ReplyDeletexo
Oh sweet Traci, I am lifting your family and most of all your Mama up in prayer during this time. I'm so sorry for the news. However, I'm with you that God is so good and His mercies never fail us. I would love to hear your Mama's testimony. Would that be a possibility? Maybe just a couple of paragraphs about her love for the Lord and some words of wisdom for us all.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you friend, as you minister to and spend precious time with your family.
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Thoughts and prayers are for you, your mom and your family. You truly are amazing, a gift I see you received from your mom. May God's light shine upon you and help you through these tough but beautiful times.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I had this kind of relationship with my mother. I am so sorry about your mom!! You are inspiring -- finding the good in the worst. I will say a prayer.
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