Just diagnosed, I'm a Christian

CindyL33

Had my biopsy Dec. 12, my birthday yipee! Results came back, I missed appt. They never told me about so I was diagnosed Dec. 21st. The doctor told me I had the closest thing to cancer and never explained anything that I could understand, said they would do surgery and take it out and then have radiation. I was confused as to why surgery & radiation if it was "the closest thing to cancer" but not. ..his words!

Of course I got copies of my pathology report and went to work researching. Not only did I find out I have DCIS (cancer) but receptors are both present and positive, HER2 2 is 2+ and Ki-67 is borderline at 18%. Comedo necrosis is present, nuclear grade: intermediate and I have both cribform & solid cells.

YES, I got a new doctor. Appt scheduled for this Monday Jan 7. My regular doctors are at the VA and they are wonderful, I even have my own team, Team Freedom! Had my pre-op done at VA. They are about 1/2 hr from me but don't have all the cancer stuff to treat me so I would have to drive 2 hrs to Syracuse NY for every appt. The VA now works with outside doctors, hence my appt with the first doctor, he was not VA nor is my new one but I have high hopes.

I do not want surgery nor radiation, and never ever chemo. I've been doing A LOT of research. I think I am going the health route but I need to have all my appointments first. MRI, Two oncology consultations and my initial visit with new doc.

Truthfully I have to say, I am not worried even if it turns to invasive cancer. Being a believer in Christ has been all the comfort I needed. Yes, I am a little scared but I know God has a plan for all of us and it's Always for the good. I find more comfort in knowing that He has all the answers and nit just some. I will let Him guide me to whether I should have surgery or something else and I will say, at the moment I don't think surgery is in the future.

All I ask for is Prayer and I will pray for all of you Ladies here. I am only able to do what I'm doing because I have a strong faith. God knows what is best for me and it's my job to trust Him.

May God bless you all in this stressful journey. Have hope everyone 💖💗💖💞

MelissaDallas

So despite God enlightening and granting wisdom to the doctors to understand and treat cancer to modern day standards he would prefer that you die in excrutiating and reeking pain from a breast rotting off your body because??? it is his will???

Wigging2000

I’m so very sorry to hear that you’ve been diagnosed with DCIS. I wish for guidance in your prayer and research to help you see the best decisions.

I know that God guided my surgeons’ hands. He will continue to be by my side and with my doctors, showing them and me the correct path as I take my next treatment steps.

Trusting God’s plan is so important...as is remembering that God works through people...doctors included. Wishing you peace and love as you go to your appointments and start to make decisions!

CindyL33

I'm pretty sure there was no definitive answer by me as I stated I was letting God lead while at the same time getting my tests done and having appointments with the oncologists.

I am sorry you are so cold towards God. I don't know what has happened in your life to feel that way and I pray you find your way towards a healthier attitude towards Him.

Also, I agree that God does and has led many doctors no doubt in many medical ways. Although, not ALL ways and ALL medical choices ie. Medications, surgeries, etc. are God's way either (I don't think God would want us feeling horrible or to aquire other sicknessess while healing). Satan lives here with us and has his evil hands in everything he can get them in. Chemotherapy, radiation or any of the drugs of today, that cause major side effects and other medical ailments, are not God designed. I'm sure you've heard how the drug companies like to make money. There's a new drug on TV every week and the next week, lawyers who want to defend you if you've taken certain drugs. Its not hard to figure out and everyone knows that radiation and chemo are not good for you, chemo being the worse. Why not question the lack of study on natural remedies (that do work) by these drug companies? I'm not just sitting back and doing nothing while waiting to die.

If I was not a believer I would most likely be on the band wagon of traditional medicine But, I am a believer. My first doctor, the one that gave me false information and insisted on surgery and radiation right away, had me scheduled for Jan 18th before any tests or talking to anyone about cancer. He spent Less than 5 minutes to tell me I didn't have cancer....I didn't know anything at that point and wouldn't have known if I didn't get my records and done my own research. God had already tried to steer me away from my initial conciliation with him-(he spent less than 2 minutes with me then), when it took me 4 different places to find his office bldg. I didn't realize it at the time but I know it now.

Now I am listening to Him and I always will!

Ps. Remember, God doesn't enlighten and grant wisdom to ALL doctors.

CindyL33

Thank you so much for your comment. That is exactly what I'm doing. God IS good and reliable. If and when it comes time for a final decision He will be in charge. I trust Him, I know He has my best interests in mind and I also think He is using me for something else in this instance. Something to give glory to God for!!

May our Savior bless and keep you, give you strength and wisdom. His promises are true 💖

wrenn

Lots of christians are on the traditional “band wagon". I'm glad believing a god will guide you through this gives you peace. Every bit of comfort helps That's a good thing. Wonder why he gave you cancer?

CindyL33

Hello Wrenn, Yes, I'm sure many Christians are. I don't disagree with some traditional medicine, I use Advil now and again, heartburn meds, cold medicine, etc., even antibiotics.

I don't believe in 'a' god, I believe in the One and only God. I thank you for seeming to care about my diagnosis and you're right, every bit of comfort helps but the sarcasm is unnecessary. God did not "give" me cancer, it is an occurrence in a sinful world. I don't expect to have any special non sickness ability because I'm a Christian. I am a sinner as well. I am curious did you only comment because I said I was Christian? Does this make me a bad person who deserves to die?

I am sorry you had to go through this difficult and confusing disease and I'm sorry anyone does. I wish others could find the peace I have right now. I didn't say I was comfortable with it and certainly didn't say I was happy about it. I am scared I'd just rather that not take control of me and I choose to put it in God's hands. I have yet to see a real doctor who cares about my questions and spends more than 3 minutes with me. I am dissatisfied and very dissappointed in the medical community. I love my regular doc at the VA and appreciate my Team there. Especially someone who will tell me the truth and they understand my choices. Maybe after I hear all the details you can rejoice later that I'm freaking out.

I do recall stating in the topic that I'm a Christian. You don't have to believe but a little respect for me as a fellow human would be appreciated. I'm not trying to drill anyone with religion.

I pray God helps you understand 😕

edwards750

You certainly have a right and a say about your beliefs as do we but I have to admit I find your statement that chemo and radiation are not God designed a bit bizarre and confusing at best.

Whether you go the path of conventional medicine or not is certainly your call as it is ours. I went the radiation route. I was 7 years out last August.

I am a Christian as well but I never considered those treatments as anything but options to treat the disease nor has anyone in my church for that matter.

Diane

wallycat

I sort of echo what Melissa posted...if there is a god, and in theory considered a good god (new testament), then why foist all this crap on us when he can "fix it" and make things good. That's for another post. Many doctors will consider DCIS as "the best kind" to get. In theory, many women don't know if they have the type that would become invasive or not. Decades ago, this was difficult to find on screenings and many women lived with DCIS not realizing they had it, and died of old age. For better or worse, now that screenings have become so much better, they find every speck and spot and once something is "found," they have to deal with it. At this point in time, there is no way to differentiate which DCIS will become invasive or just sit there, so it is removed. I'm not sure why the need for radiation, but I had invasive out of the gate and have not read any research or new studies on DCIS. If you trust your doctor/team, then follow their advice. You are allowed to fire anyone and seek a second opinion if you feel less than satisfied with the care you are getting.

I envy you the faith belief you have since it is a great thing to lean on in these troubled and scary times, and placebo has been proven to work --- May it give you peace .

I'm not sure how well versed you are about DCIS and treatments. You may want to read this and help shape some of your decisions and thoughts so that anything doctors bring to you will make more sense. Being prepared helps us navigate this quagmire.

https://www.cancertodaymag.org/Pages/Summer2015/DC...

jo6359

wallycat- my sister was diagnosed with dcis. My sister is a devout Christian and with no hesitation she chose lumpectomy and radiation. I'm not a Christian. I'm HER2+ with invasive CA. I knew Straight Out The Gate how aggressive HER+ is and I chose BMX, chemo and rads plus herceptin and perjeta for one year. Whatever path you choose I wish only the best for you.

wallycat

Jo, I'm so sorry you are dealing with this...i'm not sure what christianity has to do with disease or health or any of it. I'm not the original poster and perhaps you were addressing her instead of me. If there is a god, I'm angry he/she can't make things right, so I'm with you on that. If there isn't a god, placebo can help those that buy into it...a way to assist in dealing with it. If there is a god and they're opting out of doing anything for us except watch us suffer, shame on that entity.

Anonymous

when I read this thread title

I thought that you had been diagnosed as a Christian.

Just diagnosed....I am a Christian.

Sometimes I am reminded of an episode in The Newsroom where the protagonist played by Jeff Daniels bemoans how a hostile group had kidnapped his political party and the God he knew and loved.

By their fruits ye shall know them.

As a Christian Cindy, I am sure you only have good and loving intentions toward your neighbours here, and will endeavour to be respectful of each and every soul on this forum and their choices.

I wish you well with your own personal choices and the guidance you receive.

jo6359

wally- my apologies I addressed the wrong person. I'm doing fantastic and so is my sister. I do have a very dear friend who is struggling with IBC and there are no treatments available for her at this point. She didn't respond to chemo. The point I was trying to make albeit poorly that one can be a Christian or an atheist such as myself and we still don't deserve breast cancer. None of us do. If a person chooses to not avail themselves to cancer treatments no skin off my nose. It is always a personal choice.

CindyL33

I don't understand your comment, I'm sorry. I just don't believe God would have His hand on a cure that ultimately is not good for the body. Whats so bizarre about that? Ive heard to many bad things and seen, with chemo. I understand many people have been 'saved' by man made medicine. My first thought actually was to have the surgery and then radiation but my initial doctor was really terrible and told me nothing about what I have. My church family hasn't said anything one way or the other. After researching numerous areas of my pathology report I can't help noticing how it seems nobodys doctors mentioned some of the stuff I've read. Atleast not in the type I have. I haven't researched every type of bc. As I've said in previous post, I haven't ruled anything out but I am letting God lead and that seems to have caused an uproar.

I don't know what I was looking for here. I thought support. Am I missing something, is there a big secret I don't know about this disease or is my post just confusing? Guess I'm in the wrong place idk

CindyL33

Thank you Wallycat, that is very helpful. My consultation is tomorrow with the new doctor. I have my questions all lined up. I have no idea of the size and they want to do a biopsy of the lymph to see if anything is there so getting MRI also at some point. Just trying to keep an open mind. Just reading some of the posts in other topics is disheartening and depressing so I started my own. Really didn't know what to expect but I really do thank you, what you said means alot. Satan runs amok in this world, let's blame this crap on him.

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illimae

Cindy, what you might be missing is the tone of your post. To me it seemed too churchy and judgmental. The no chemo ever part came off like we're all suckers for going the medical route. Check out the alternative threads, it might be more to your liking.

CindyL33

God can make anything right but how would anyone know if they don't even believe in Him. I didn't understand Him either 3 years ago. It makes a huge difference if you do want to understand Him. That's all I know.

I'm glad you and your sister are doing well and I pray your friend makes it through all this also.

Egads007

Wouldn’t ‘man made medicine’ have ultimately come from the hand of God? God as the creator of man and his evolution is then the catalyst that brought chemotherapy into fruition. At the end of the day all cancer treatment could then be traced directly back to God.....so perhaps it was his plan after all. Something to ponder

jo6359

cindy- my dear friend is deeply religious. Her whole life revolves around God's word. You offered to pray for her. Why pray for her? Her friends and families prayers haven't helped . I hope your continued Faith provides you comfort.

CindyL33

Oh Astrid, thank you so much, I just choked on my tea!! How that laughter was needed 💟


I absolutely do respect everyone's choices. I am still confused as to mine just not the fact that I will let God lead me in them. I am also somewhat a naturopath and for the last idk how many years I have looked for and used so many other ways to cure what ails me. In quite a few cases it has worked but I have had lazy moments and gone the medical route such as antibiotics and Advil because it is quicker and going healthy is hard work since those things aren't readily available and accessible. This is a bit more to deal with but I still believe there is a cure for every sickness/ailment/disease that grows on Gods good earth.
If I seemed to have not been respectful to others I do apologize to all involved. I have been a little put off by some other comments. I don't understand why the meanness, are we all not going through different stages of horrible?

Anyway, God bless you and thank you for the smile 😊

CindyL33

I'm sorry, I'll try to fix that. I don't think anyone is a sucker. I will never have chemo because I've seen what it does to people, especially little kids and I just don't want that in my body. I'm not saying it might not be the best thing for some and maybe if I had no chance at all other than chemo then maybe I would go for it then. But as I said, that's just for me. I am sorry anyone has to go through any of this. If there was another method I wish we all knew.

jo6359

cindy- My friend is dying from her breast cancer. My friend does believe in God and God hasn't made it any better for her. Her belief has always been strong. As you stated above we all have this horrible disease. We all need to make an effort to be respectful of one another. Whatever decision you make regarding your treatment I firmly believe it will be the right decision for you. Ultimately we all make our decisions based on our beliefs. Best of luck to you.

CindyL33

I believe Satan leads the hand of some. God has given him free reign on earth.

Anyone can believe anything they wish. Because I'm a Christian, I believe Gods Word in the bible. He gave us free will to choose what we want to believe. It makes me comfortable and secure to know He is on my side no matter what happens on this earth and with this body. Do I want it healed...absolutely. Chemo is not something I prefer or want and it hasn't been suggested at this time. But if He steers me in that direction well, I'll have no choice bc it is His will not mine that matters. I can only pray He doesn't lead me there 😣

jo6359

Cindy- I don't relate to God and I don't relate to Satan. I do respect people's right to believe however they see fit. Have a good night. Take care of yourself

CindyL33

Because Christians pray for people and each other no matter what race, religion, sex or whatever. That's what we do. It helps me and I hope it helps your friend. I will pray she finds some peace in knowing God works all for the good. I am sorry, I'm sure it sounds like empty words at this point but to me never. I truly am sorry.

CindyL33

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Jo. As I've said, I respect your right to choose whatever works for you. I pray we all find peace in our own way. Believers, non believers, it doesn't much matter, I will still pray for all here.

I lie, it does matter. I wish everyone believed....but I will still pray.

AliceBastable

Perhaps this discussion should have been posted on one of the many, many, MANY religion and prayer-focused threads available on breastcancer.org. You can't swing a demon without hitting one of them. If a thread is opened in a more general topic area, it's a bit of a free-for-all and you will get differing points of view. My POV? If there's a god, why would you think he/she/it would heal you but not other people? Or give people diseases in the first place? Or not be guiding those in the healing professions, including the researchers and physicians who came up with the best available treatments? That seems more odd than god.

exbrnxgrl

Cindy,

You should certainly not feel unwelcome on bco. Someone has already suggested that you check out the alternative threads and I believe there's a Christian women's thread too. BCO leans heavily toward science based medicine and although people do mention their religion from time to time, it is not a major part of most threads (save those specifically titled as such). My point is that although there are some threads for alternative medicine and some for particular religious groups, as a whole bco is science based medicine heavy and quite secular. Be well

Egads007

So what you’re saying is the devil’s hand is in chemo but not the surgery or radiation treatments you have decided upon....and that the devil runs rampant throughout the medical community unchecked by God?

This makes me want to go home and hug my atheism.

santabarbarian

Cindy,

I could not be more different from you re religious beliefs-- but we are sisters in breast cancer. I hope very much that you will be open to the best course of action medically, and will have a successful treatment, and get to be around to love your children for many years to come.

I am an atheist. I just went through chemo for the last 4 months, and last week I found out I got a pCR (Pathological complete response). My cancer is gone and dead. I did not pray for it, but I did everything in my power to help myself get it.

I feel so grateful, infinitely grateful, in a way it is hard to describe. Not to God, but to life. I cannot think of this pCR as earned, granted, or bestowed in any way that's just-- rather, I feel incredibly LUCKY. Why me with grown children, when the mom of a toddler or grade schooler dies? When a 25 year old who never even got to have kids dies? There is nothing fair or just about that. It is horrible and painful. I got very lucky and my cancer happened to be vulnerable to the drug they gave me. I am SO grateful for my giant stroke of luck, and I am humbled to think of those who were less lucky and who suffer, and I feel determined to use my new lease on life giving back however I can.

This is not a Christian BC site, this is a BC site. You will get opinions from all types, and people may feel defensive of their choices (as you may) or even really worried to hear someone appear to write off a valid healing modality like chemo. (The same way it might upset you to hear "forget God'- give me chemo" -- the reverse might upset someone else.)

The place we can all agree is "claritin helps bone pain" or "I had that symptom too," or "my husband clammed up too."

I think you will have better luck and feel more supported if you keep your religious beliefs out of the main BC conversation, unless the thread is specific to prayer, faith, etc. Those threads exist! Otherwise mostly the degree of Christianity in the conversation is pretty light.

Take care!

jo6359

santabarbarian- congrats on your PCR. Well said