Routine Tests, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis
+Bishop Jon V. Anderson
In early December my spouse, Robyn, had a routine 3-D mammogram which discovered a lump. That led to a journey of tests, biopsies and ultimately a diagnosis that Robyn had breast cancer. We were thankful that the tumor was found early and was small.
On Tuesday, Robyn begins radiation treatments. She has already had a lumpectomy and genetic testing to discover the best path forward for treatment. We have learned a lot about breast cancer from the people at Mayo in Rochester. We are continuing to work through our feelings and fears as we enter the next stage of treatment. After four weeks of radiation on week days, Robyn will begin to take hormones to continue to stop the cancer from spreading and hopefully prevent a recurrence. Her prognosis is very good.
We are thankful but also mindful of all our friends, family and others with cancer who have a tougher road ahead. I have waited to share this until we knew for sure what path our treatment would follow.
Staff and our key governance people have been aware of this development in our life. Robyn recently shared this news in her painting blog. It is time that you all know of this development in our lives.
Between this journey and the loss of my father, this has been a time of a lot of reflection and prayer. I am thankful we know in Christ Jesus that we have a God who longs to bring healing and God's resurrecting power and grace to bear on our lives. But the lament psalms and the words of hymns and scripture pop into your awareness in a different way when your normal sense of future is challenged by all of these hard events that are part of life.
An old friend of mine, Linda Fixsen taught me to read Psalm 27 with people who are living with cancer in mind. This text and many other words from messengers of many kinds have helped make the beginning of this journey better for Robyn and me. We are thankful.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold[a] of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2
When evildoers assail me,
uttering slanders against me, [b]
my adversaries and foes,
they shall stumble and fall.
3
Though a host encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
4
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple.
5
For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent,
he will set me high upon a rock.
6
And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies round about me;
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
7
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,
be gracious to me and answer me!
8
Thou hast said, "Seek ye my face."
My heart says to thee,
"Thy face, Lord, do I seek."
9
Hide not thy face from me.
Turn not thy servant away in anger,
thou who hast been my help.
Cast me not off, forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10
For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me up.
11
Teach me thy way, O Lord;
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12
Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.
13
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
yea, wait for the Lord!
