There are some moments you simply can’t prepare for. Last Monday was one of those.
The back-story first. When feeding baby Kai around Christmas, I felt a large lump in one of my breasts. As a nursing mom, I’ve felt lumps many times before. I assumed it was a plugged milk duct. A week or two later, I noticed it had not resolved and showed my husband, who is a doctor. He was extremely concerned…until he began googling. We read about something that is rare, but can present in nursing moms: a “milk-filled cyst”. We both breathed a sigh of relief. That had to be what this was.
Ever the excellent, thorough physician, he encouraged me to see my OB. (Thank you, Gabe!). I went the next day. The first thing my OB mentioned as an explanation was the milk-filled cyst, but said she would refer me onto a radiologist for an ultrasound (thank you, Atrium OBGYN!).
I arrived at Rex’s Breast Care Center calm, and even looking forward to a quiet hour, as Gabe was home with our 4 little ones. It’s funny what we mamas consider a “getaway”.
After the ultrasound, the technician said the radiologist would like a mammogram done. I had one a few minutes later.
Then, the shocker. The radiologist came in to drop the bombshell: “well, it looks really suspicious.” Discussion of a biopsy the next morning, results on Friday, my head was spinning.
Here’s the awesome part: I did not have far to fall. In that cold, dark mammogram room, I leaned back only a little and felt God begin to carry me. To carry Gabe and our family through this journey. Of course, it is not the news we wanted to hear, but God is completely good. He is carrying us as a Father carries the little children He loves.
Speaking of shock and awe, we recognize my life is in God’s hands (as all of ours are). We are praying desperately, boldly, persistently and trustingly for complete healing. Please join us. And you’d better believe I’ll do anything at all my doctors recommend. As one doctor put it when speaking of chemo and surgery, “let’s give this the one-two punch.” Let’s do that. And then follow it up with radiation too. Bring it on. Gabe and I have 4 beautiful babies to raise.
Treasures Gleaned 
Oh my! Leigh Anne, you are so strong. This brought me to tears! I will pray for you and will bring Will lunches and anything else I can do to help! Shock and awe for sure!
LikeLike
God is good. He put a loving church family into your life for exactly the purpose of taking care of you.
You and Gabe were so loving toward me. Now, Claire and I are eager to love you.
Can’t wait to see you soon. We’re praying every day, and we’re expecting God to use us in answering some of those prayers.
Love,
James
LikeLike
I understand all too well the shock and awe of such a situation. I will text you and maybe we can find some time to chat in the near future (do naptimes exist for anyone anymore ?) ! While I am sorry you’re going through this I know you know you’re not alone, and will never be alone, and we are here for you as you traverse this journey 🙂
LikeLike
This is so well written! Thank you for sharing your heart and allowing us all to learn through you. We love you!
LikeLike
Leigh Anne, I am praying for you and your family. You are an amazing woman and I know you are going to shine a light for Christ through this journey. This is not a path anyone would chose but I am praying that you will feel the Lord in a new and amazing way. I’m so thankful that we serve a Great Physician and am praying for complete healing.
LikeLike
Dear Leigh Anne, praying without easing for you, your family and this journey you are facing. All our love, Ralph and Lisy
LikeLike
So beautiful. I love what your friend James commented. You have been such an amazing friend to others, now it’s our turn to love and support you. May we be the hands and feet of Jesus to you and pray boldly for your healing!
LikeLike
Love you, always have! God is good and He will carry you all. We are praying with you. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful devotion and such serious news. We are here and promise to be praying. Love chuck and Lisa.
LikeLike
Love you both! Grateful for you praying
LikeLike
Leigh Anne, you may not remember me—I am a friend of Jill and Brett’s and we met once in Guam when you came to visit. I live in Raleigh and work at Rex. One of my co-workers was dx’ed with breast cancer a little over a year ago and was treated by Dr. Graham. He is wonderful. After a double mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and reconstruction she is now cancer free! I would love to help you in any way I can. I only work nights, so let me know if you have any overnight stays and I can stop by. Also if you need any help with meals or kids…anything. And of course you and your family will be in my prayers constantly!—Tracey Perry
LikeLike
Tracey, of course I remember you! So encouraging to hear about your friend. We love Dr Graham and are thankful he is guiding us through this process.
LikeLike
Leigh Anne we love you and your family so very much. We will be praying continuously and boldly for healing! God is indeed a good, good Father. He is a God of comfort and peace and I am confident you will be able to find both in Him as you and your family fight this battle.
LikeLike
You may not remember me from Camp Lurecrest, but I remember you and what a precious soul you always were!!! I am praying in North Carolina for your complete healing and for strength to get thru every. single. day. Jesus be near. Angela Conklin
LikeLike
Leigh Anne, I just want to remind you that I am praying for you constantly to our Heavenly Father. Have you had the second chemo yet? Maybe tomorrow? I know from experience how brutal that can be. I would like to send you a few items that you will find useful. Among others I have some new tops that will be most useful after surgery. Specifically button up tops with pockets and no arm lifting for dressing n undressing. If you would like to send me your address I can send tomorrow before we leave Ohio for AZ. THEN YOU WOULD have when you need rather then waiting until May when we return
LikeLike