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Snapshots of a Mother’s Cancer Experience — Pt 4: Mutiny Reported / Play Date

cancer experience

When I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2000, I came face-to-face with my own mortality—and learned some profound lessons that transformed my view of reality. I would never sign up for my cancer experience, but neither would I trade away the treasures mined from it.

Above all, I learned to live with the awareness that we all really do have an impending, inescapable appointment awaiting us. We all have an appointment with God. No matter how busy or distracted we are or how distant that appointment may seem, one telephone call can change everything.

My call came when I was a 40-year-old mother of two preschool children and a happily married wife. The following post is Part 4 in “Snapshots of a Mother’s Cancer Experience,” a series that chronicles my journey through diagnosis, surgery, and beyond. (You can find a chronological list of the previous Snapshots here.)

2000
Monday, July 17

I just spoke with  Dr. T. He called to thank me for the note, said it brightened a crisis-filled day, and then he told me that my Pap smear results came back abnormal.

I’ve been forty for less than a week! Maybe I should’ve signed up for that extended warranty after all.

He wants me to come in for a colposcopy as soon as possible. I’ve had one of those before. They are no fun.

When I expressed hesitation, he read the lab diagnosis aloud: “‘Atypical endocervical cells present; suspicious for malignancy.’ ‘Suspicious for malignancy’ is strong language,” he explained.

cancer cells

I don’t know quite what that means, but it sounds ominous—like gangster cells just moved in.

My period is due, so I made an appointment for a week from tomorrow. Now I’m dialing my dear friend Auntie Patty’s telephone number. She joins us for dinner most Tuesday nights. When she answers, I’ll ask if she can watch the boys next Tuesday so that Roger can go on a colposcopy “date” with me.

♥ ♥ ♥

2000
Tuesday, July 18

This motherhood experience is still new to me.

Recently, I’ve poured an incredible amount of energy into investigating play groups for my boys. My objective is twofold: locate like-minded mothers I trust with whom I can exchange creative parenting ideas and child care, and help my boys meet playmates with whom they might possibly establish life-long friendships.

These “grand goals” brought me to this place today, to Joelle’s backyard, where I sit in soft grass holding hands with her and another friend, Christine. We’re praying.

Close by, Roger Dean and Ryan play on a swing set with Joelle’s toddler son and Christine’s daughter. Joelle’s infant son Matthew kicks in his car seat under a large umbrella that shades him from the afternoon sun.

Before we started praying, we each shared a few requests. I asked for a painless colposcopy.

“I’ve had this test before, years ago,” I explained. “The doctor used a high-powered microscope to examine me. He sliced several small cone-shaped tissue samples without forewarning me. Immediately, I experienced severe cramps and passed out.”

cancer experience Frankly, at this point I am more concerned about getting through the procedure than I am about the test results. But the earnest petitions of these young mothers on my behalf encourage me. It is good to have friends who pray.

♥ ♥ ♥

Come back next Monday to read more. And in the mean time, we would love to hear from you! Have you faced (or are you facing) a serious health situation? We would love to pray for you.

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