A surgery date has been set — August 30.  I plan to enjoy this month of not having to run to Iowa City every week—multiple times a week—but I feel like it is time to get this over with, so I can move on to the next phase.

I am very much not looking forward to this surgery, but know it is a necessary step in my healing process. And I know that I am in the right hands. Hands that are being guided by God.  I know what it is like being the one who has to trust that the medical team will do what they are supposed to do, and take care of you.

But, I wonder how the staff must feel. Being trusted to remove the bad parts within a person’s body, while the person is sleeping and helpless. What an immense amount of responsibility! My vision is that the surgeon allows himself to be handed over to the Holy Spirit who then guides his every move: intentional and deliberate, so that healing is allowed, and the person can be whole—in a new way—once again.

I have said before that this type of cancer has no cure, at this point in time. After I heal from surgery, I will go once every 28 days to get a hormone shot, and back every 6 months to monitor the growth. The shots will not dissolve the rest of the tumors left behind following surgery. The shot is meant to help slow the growth, and to help any side effects from the disease to be tolerated. Once the shots no longer slow the growth, we will move to another treatment. The good news is the potential for needing the next step quite honestly could be years away.

I am very blessed to be where I am right now. This cancer was caught by a doctor who cares very much for her patients, and passed along to some of the most knowledgeable people in the world. I am leader of a church who loves my family and I, and one another, so much, that I know their prayers make a difference. But what amazes me more than anything, is that God loves me so much, that God would put me exactly where I need to be.

Once again, God’s hand holds me tight. And once again, God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good!

Always Peace, Pastor Heidi

Don’t forget to follow my Caring Bridge for updates on my health status. I will still keep you updated through my weekly letter, for anyone who doesn’t like to be on the computer!