We all long to be a part of a club, a community, a group, a member, a part of something. Its innate in us. This is why so many hurt feelings occur and conflict happens even as young children. Its natural and fun to be a “part of the club!” As Ive grown into adulthood, gotten married and had children, Ive had the privilege of entering many unspoken clubs. The “mom of all boys club,” “the 40’s club,” “the dog mom club, “my kid has seen inappropriate things on the internet club,” “I have a driver club!” And many more. Some of the clubs you inadvertently get to join are not as much fun and you really wouldn’t have even chosen to join them. But perhaps, after you have been a part of that club or had the experience, maybe you can see it as a gift. We tend to grow a little differently with Jesus, perhaps ways we otherwise wouldnt have, being a part of the latter.
The latest club Ive had the pleasure of being welcomed into( say this with sarcasm), one that I can say Id be just fine without having been invited, is the, “you have breast cancer club.” Yep. Conversation stopper for sure! Not one I ever suspected I would join. No risk factors, no family history and Im still pretty young! The good news? Its super early and very treatable! Carcinoma in situ and she brought a friend, invasive ductal cell carcinoma, stage 1A. ERPR positive and HER 2 negative ( that is really good, btw!). Can be treated with surgery and some tamoxifen for a few years. They will test my lymph nodes during surgery so I am very aware that the plan of no chemotherapy as of now can change. But Im hopeful it wont. Surgery is set for Sept 16, 2020 @ Riverside Hospital, bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.
So how are we? How am I? How are the kids? These are the concerns of all and its amazing how much love we feel! We are great! Honestly! We are real with each other and the boys and THANKFUL! Thankful its been found and its treatable. Id be lying if I said I wasnt looking at the silver lining of replacing the ‘very experienced have served me well’ sisters I currently have. Just being real. Albeit not the path I would have chosen, but hey, gotta see the bright side! But this, this is so very doable. This is so gonna be ok. I know what cancer can do. I also know what can be done to cancer. Ive seen both, Ive lived both through my mama and through friends. However, I wont bow down to it. I feel strong, determined and empowered. I dont fear surgery, I dont fear recovery and I dont fear its gonna take me. Im ready and thankful with eyes wide open of how God has already gone before me and is always faithful (another post on that another day).
So for right now, I am doing all the things I can do because I can do them . Im preparing myself (or trying to prepare myself) for the rest Ill HAVE to take and for the recovery. Of course, Im going to read all the things nutrition and you may find me snorting mushrooms and only drinking spinach- just kidding. But Ill be forever trying to learn more, trying to figure out why and what to do from here. Ill also be waiting for candid camera to pop out of the corner at anytime!!!
A few years back when I was teaching VBS I asked God for a life verse. All these people I knew who I respected had life verses. They would say, ” oh thats my life verse!” or “yeah God gave me this verse….” And goodness, I wanted one! I wanted to be a part of that club!! So I asked. I said “God, I really want one of these life verses that everyone else has!! I want something that YOU specifically give to me so every time I see it, every time I read it, I know its from you to me.” And he did. Just like that. I just knew a few minutes later when I read the verse it was to me, from Him. Something that me, Katie Sladek, should live by. So this is what Ill be doing now as I prepare for this next journey in this new club, “Rejoicing always, praying continuously and in all things giving thanks. For this is the will of God.” (1 Thess 5 16-18). Hopefully Ill be encouraging you along the way with me!
Peace and love- Katie
Katie, sorry to hear of the club you’ve had to participate in. I got the same phone call last summer and yeah what a shock, I thought I was old enough that I had avoided it. Sounds like your diagnosis was the same as mine. I had 2 lumpectomies but thankfully no chemo or radiation. I wish the very best for you. Good luck, sweet girl!
Thank you, Glenda!!Youre words are so encouraging!! Appreciate you!!
What a great way to shine! Your blog is real and fresh. You are strong and so encouraging. Your gifts are too many to count. I’ll name a few. You are kind and thoughtful. You made me feel at ease the first time I met you. Even though we haven’t really been around each other much , you have added so much joy to me. May God bless you. I have no idea how you are feeling but I know for sure God has your back! I’ll be praying for you!