Gary and I was scheduled to leave on vacation to Israel, with our dear friends, Ron and Christie Woodson on October 12, 2010. Our trip had been scheduled in faith, believing that we would celebrate 1 year cancer free for Gary.
A few days prior to leaving I noticed a swollen gland. Before leaving on our trip I checked with my doctor to see if I should get some medication before leaving. My doctor said that if the gland was still swollen when we returned, I should come back in and have further examination of it. We were in Israel for 2 1/2 weeks, so when we returned, I made an appointment with the doctor. It was her recommendation that I see a surgeon. It was determined I needed to have the mass removed and biopsied. On December14, I had neck surgery removing the mass. On December 16 I received a call that no one ever thinks they will get, "Mrs. Pratt the mass removed is cancerous." Because the mass was located in the neck, I was sent to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. After examination and scopes, the doctor ordered a full body PT/CT Scan which was scheduled the Monday following Christmas, Dec. 27.
Everyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE CHRISTMAS!! Knowing I would be having surgery on December 14, I wanted to make sure all of my Christmas decorations were up and my shopping was done. I determined that this news would not destroy our family Christmas. AND IT DID NOT! Although it was something that we discussed, we determined it would not dictate the FAMILY CHRISTMAS we were accustomed to.
After the PT/CT Scan was done, the results showed a tumor in my right tonsil. So on January 4, I had my right tonsil removed. After being released from the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to see an Oncologist, we began the journey of a treatment plan. That is where I am today.
I would like to share candidly, as the days unfold.
My life scripture is Prov. 3:5 & 6. I have raised my children praying this scripture over them.
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not to your own understanding, but in all of your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." So while I don't understand, I WILL TRUST.
Gary and I have been so abundantly blessed with the most amazing children, that are standing in FAITH, Believing with us as we begin this journey, of TRUST in our FAITHFUL GOD. We both have incredible extended families that know how to touch God on our behalf.
We are GRATEFUL for the wonderful church family that we are so privileged to serve with. They continue to TRUST with me.
For the many friends, from California to New York, from Africa to Ireland, that have contacted me, assuring me of their prayers, I'm deeply moved by your love and support.
Thank you for TRUSTING with me that at the end of this journey, God's fingerprints will be seen and His name will be praised.
I am especially grateful for the Godly physicians that God has placed in my life. I look forward to seeing how God will show himself FAITHFUL as I walk this path.
Preparing to leave for my first radiation and chemotherapy treatment. I will be doing 5 days a week of radiation and chemotherapy every Wednesday. I made a shake of 4 scoops of ice cream, 1 banana, and Strawberry Ensure. Thanks to my daughter-in-love, she forgot her blender bottle and it is perfect for my " on the go shakes!!"
I had my radiation treatment first. That was a little intense. In a later post I will talk about the radiation. Here, I have my IV going. There are several meds that are given before I got the chemo. Thankfully, I received 2 different kinds of anti-nausea medicine. I'm grateful for that! When I chose the blanket to take with me, I decided on the West Point blanket. It was representative to me, that if my son, Matt had the courage to go fight a war, I could have the courage to fight this battle! Thank you Matt and Lisa for your service to our country!
A very precious friend, Melody, brought this FAITH BLOCK to me. She is a cancer VICTOR!!
