Thursday, October 6, 2011

I'll Take Routine, Please

Another routine checkup with my oncologist yesterday turned out to be just that - routine. No changes, no red flags raised, no unusual bumps anywhere, no scares or surprises. I like things being routine sometimes. Days like yesterday make me almost forget that I even had cancer at all, that it's been over five years since my diagnosis. I say "almost" because we never really forget about it. The visits to the oncologist's office remind us without any doubt that we definitely had cancer, but we're just coming back to see if "it's" come back. Strange thing, that cancer. We come back to see if it has returned. Our limited minds conjure up all sorts of scenarios on the way to the office.

And what if it does come back? What will I do then? I don't honestly know. But I guess for now - today - I'll just keep doing what I do every day; I'll trust in the Lord to take me through each struggle, every valley and every storm. Because when you really stop and think about it, even our most challenging days, our troubling pasts, and our difficult moments are all part of His plan to draw us closer to Him. Nothing surprises God. Praise God that our routine days - as well as those that weigh us down - remind us that we're in this together, with Him holding our hand.

5 comments:

Kelly said...

Praise God for your good report!

Debby said...

We'll enjoy routine as long as we can. If it comes back, we'll turn to the Lord and continue on, just as we do for any hard time.

Glynis said...

Yahoo, Karen! Praise God from whom all blessings flow...glad to hear your routine check up was 'routine!' I totally understand what you mean with your 'you never really forget it' comment. No matter how hard I try I always find that cancer in my pocket and as soon as I hear the word cancer, it's like my radar goes off. But we give thanks, wake up the next morning and rejoice!

savedbygrace said...

Karen, routine is the best! I am 6 years out now. Last year I had a "scare"! They thought they saw something on my mammogram. Had to go in for a spot compression mamo and ultrasound. Thank God it was nothing but, it shook me up a bit. I remember standing in church during the worship with tears streaming down my face and telling the Lord that I didn't want to die yet. Then suddenly this peace came over me and it was like He said, 'What are you worrying about? No matter the outcome, you win!' At that moment I knew He was right. I didn't fret over it anymore. On this very day, Oct. 6, 2011 I, too, saw my oncologist. Best day yet, I don't have to go back for a whole year and am off all meds! It's all in His hands!

Kimberly said...

Karen, I found your blog thru Heart of Surviving. I am so happy you had a good office visit. My Mom died recently of cervical cancer and I know those visits can make you anxious. I see you took a trip to Cape May. Are you in NJ? I am.