Christy Areheart

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She knew something wasn't right.  She went to her doctor who recommended a mammogram.  The mammogram happened on a Tuesday.  The radiologist was concerned and wanted to biopsy the "suspicious" area.   Our concerns were elevated when one of the radiologist's staff called and cancelled other patients already scheduled to work her in on that Friday.  It was clear that the radiologist was concerned about...... the dreaded c-word nobody wants to hear.  The word that evokes a flood of emotions because we all know someone who died of it.  And then Christy gets a call on Tuesday.  cancer. The word that stops you in our tracks.  And just like that our life changes. 


So it helps that Christy is a physician assistant and I'm a dentist, because, well, you just go into medical mode.  Alright, the biopsy shows cancer, the next step will be to research this specific type of cancer, where is the best place for us to go, what will our insurance cover.   We are in full-blown logistics mode.   Who do we tell?  When do we tell?  How do we tell?  Hours on the phone with insurance.  Hours researching breast cancer.  Hours trying to figure out what our new life is going to look like.   Next step: MRI.  Next step: Consult at MUSC with med/onc, breast surgeon, rad/onc .   Next step: 2nd opinion at Levine cancer institute in Charlotte.  Next step: CT/Bone scan. Next step: Radiology review.  Next step: Re-biopsy.   Do the next steps ever end?  Will we actually have a treatment plan?  Ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, HER 2 NEU, Estrogen positive, Progesterone negative.  Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin, Perjeta, Aromatase inhibitor, Tamoxiphen, mastectomy, radiation, microinvasion, targeted therapy.  All words that are becoming a part of my vocabulary.  It's all so HEAVY.  


Christy's sister organized a last minute time to come pray for Christy that was incredibly special.  It was raw and emotional.  We had family pray from afar.   We prayed for healing for Christy and strength for our family and that are marriage would be stronger.  We prayed for physical healing.   And in the end, we know that our hope isn't in our physical health, the doctors' skill or how smooth and stress-free our life is.   Our hope is in the Lord.  Some days have been emotional and will be tough and overwhelming in the future.  Some days I have held Christy why she cries and just told her I love her and that we will get through this.  But in our hearts, we are at peace because God is God.



God is sovereign and in control.  Nothing surprises our God.  We had some great friends encourage and remind us to be still before the Lord and listen to His whispers.  It was time to be still and pray.  To pray for a peace that transcends understanding, for a peace that is bigger than circumstances.  To remind each other that this isn't our burden to bear.   It feels overwhelming to think about what's to come, but we find comfort in the fact that God is in charge.  As much as we want to manipulate our circumstances and direct and control this stupid cancer, we can't.   Just another reminder that we are not in control nor should we be.  One of the things I love so much is being able to rest in our Father's arms and know that He is our peace, comfort and joy--- not circumstances. . Just another reminder of perspective and what's really important.   We meditate on scriptures...  Psalm 23, Philippians 4:8, Proverbs 3:5.   We read these truths and believe them and it gives us comfort.   


We are good.... really we are in a good place.   We aren't happy Christy has breast cancer, we aren't happy Christy has had difficulty being staged, we aren't happy that she will have to have chemo.  But, we are confident that God will direct us, that He will strengthen us, that He will deepen our roots, and that He can and will bring glory to His name through it all.   Thanks for being our friends.   Christy isn't awkward or uncomfortable talking about her diagnosis.  Please feel free to text Christy to encourage her.  She may not respond right away, but she appreciates all of you.  We love you and thanks for walking with us during this journey.