I have been sketching lately. I fully intended to get on board with the idea of selling printables in my Etsy shop. I would come up with new ideas, sketch and scan, or digitally create a design for customers to purchase. My sketchpad and pens have been out for weeks, only on this day last week, I was sketching to soothe my soul instead of earn money. Convincing and confirming my soul that God is Good.
Friday, Feb 28th, I met with my oncologist to discuss some changes that had been bothering me. For almost 4 years, I had been cancer-free, healthy; healed. But now, I knew something had changed. The area in my chest that had undergone surgery and radiation felt and looked different. My doc took a quick look and ordered a biopsy and CT scan that afternoon. We waited and prayed through the weekend, worried beyond measure. By Tuesday March 4th, I was back with the oncologist awaiting the results of those tests. The CT scan had come back clear…that meant that if there was any cancer present, he could tell it had not metastasized. (Thank you God) But the biopsy had been sent to MD Anderson for a second opinion. It was that Friday, March 7th after preliminary results, that my doctor confirmed the cancer had returned. The cancer does look different, so even as I type, MD Anderson is still looking at it. Since last week, I have met with a radiation oncologist who confirms that radiation is in my future. I have met my oncologist who expresses his concern for this aggressive cancer that has already presented itself twice. I have met with a surgeon who confirms that a mastectomy is necessary. And lastly, today, I received a text telling me that the surgeon who will put in my port is calling to schedule a consultation. If you are following, that means chemo. I hated that word in 2010 and guess what… still do. In the days to come, I have a mammogram, ultrasound and MRI. I believe the surgeon’s words were, “I want to know what I am up against before I go into surgery.” I do not have a firm plan yet as they are awaiting some results from the biopsy, possibly doing a second biopsy and results from a new genetic test for the BART mutation.
Back to God is good. Do you believe that? Look at even your life. Can you believe that?
I can. And I will. I may be face-down to the throne everyday begging, boldly asking for him to take this away, but with all my heart I will believe He is good. He is love. He is in control.
Stick around, FIGHT4JULIE is back on.
“…Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9
Julie I am so sorry to hear this! God is good. He will watch over you & send angels to help as you fight. We will keep you & your family in our prayers. Hugs.
Julie, I am so sorry to hear this news. Cancer is so horrible, but it is no match for the dynamic duo of our powerful God and YOU! I was amazed at how you fought the first round with such grace and determination, and I have no doubt that you will do the same this time. Our family is praying for you and your sweet family.
I believe God is good. Thinking of you, and here ready to help. xoxo steph
“She was formed by God’s hands…dreamed up in His heart…and placed in this world for a purpose.” You taught me these truths. They apply to you too. Hang onto your hope with a tight fist, mama. We are praying!!!
GOD is GOOD, and you are AMAZING!!!
Ditto what Holly said!! I have always been so impressed with your faith and trust!! You are one strong girl!! Praying boldly for you!!
I am Angela Jensen’s mother. I will be lifting you up in prayer and put on our church’s prayer list.
Oh Julie. I am so sorry to read this update. I followed your journey very closely in 2010 and have kept you in my thoughts since that time. I will be sending up prayers for you and your family as you start this process again. Stay strong.-Ashley
Just returned from visiting your parents, friends for over 40 years. Caught up on you & your life through them. You are an amazing woman, an amazing wife, mother, daughter & friend. Our prayers as you travel this journey once again are for healing, for courage, for your family. I just am sad you are going through this again. I will join you face down on God’s throne to take this away, Julie. In the meantime, you inspire me completely. Bless you, dear one.
Such news breaks my heart. Know that I think of you all of the time. God IS good and will help you and your family through this. Praying.
Julie,
I am a friend of April and Brad and wanted to send good wishes and prayers your way. It is inspiring that even in the middle of this ugly battle; you are still knowing and sharing that God is good! Bless you and your family.
Good gracious Julie. I am so sorry. Often in my life I’ve had people say to me, “God will not give you more than you can handle.” That, my friend, is bullcrap. 🙂 You have handled all the sorrow and trials with such grace and a fighting spirit that you put us all to shame. This is further proof to me that life is not fair. Please know I am praying daily for you and Ethan.
“The Lord himself will fight for you; you need only be still” Exodus 14:14
It’s hard to find the words to write. You and all of your family have been on my mind, constantly, since I learned it is back. There’s a big lump in my throat and I want to scream at the unfairness of it all. You, of all people, have gone through too much heartache to have to go down this road of uncertainty. Again. Though my heart breaks for you and yours, I stop to remember what I constantly preach and know to be true. Gods plan is perfect. I have detested His way of ordering our lives many times, and this time is no exception, but my human mind has no way of comprehending Him and how He thinks. I look at something like this as being a puzzle piece because each experience, good or bad, is significant in putting together the entire picture. I remember His promises and who He says He is and it fills me with peace. It usually just takes stopping and making myself really think on this to rid myself of the consuming fear. You are not doing this alone. There are many of us who will be walking by your side, willing to lift your arms as this journey continues.
He is good. All the time.
Tears are streaming down my face, just like they did four years ago. Your steadfast proclamation of God’s goodness is an encouragement to me. I love you all and am praying!
Julie, we are behind you! We know God IS great and His plan for your life and your family will honor Him and bring you all together through this fight. Hugs, love and prayers my sister in Christ – you are SO Strong! I am claiming in the Lord’s name that you be healed Julie…we are lifting up your precious husband and children as they walk beside you with love and admiration. Your strength is amazing….keep fighting!
Prayers are with you. I know this is hard, my mom is fighting stage 4 from old breast cancer that came back after many years of clear. Keep up the good fight!
Julie, although I don’t know you, I came across your post on my friend’s fb page. Please know that I will be praying for you and your family as you begin this awful fight again. I’m so sorry you have to go through this!
Praying, Julie, and knowing that every step of the way you will feel God’s direction and love!!!!
Dear Sweet Girl, Mel alerted us to the cancer being back We will keep you and your family at the top of our prayer list. You’re a fighter! We will be on our knees in the Pac Northwest. You CAN do all things through CHRIST who gives you strength.
GOD’S NOT DEAD! Just saw this movie and want to proclaim that our God is alive and working in our lives today. Julie, my precious friend, may you be wrapped in His arms as you walk through this, always feeling His presence. You are an AMAZING young woman! You will be in my and my family’s thoughts and prayers.
Words fail me. I remember when you were born and how proud your Mom and Dad were. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am amazed by your strength and faith.