Lisa Williams

Five years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer . I chose bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction to avoid radiation and chemo and to achieve the lowest risk of recurrence.  Those goals were achieved and in July 2017 after  a  scheduled 6 month  check up with full blood work reviewed, my doctor declared me to be  five years cancer free.   Around the first of September I began to feel  fatigue,  uncomfortable,shortness of breath  and did not feel well  off and on for a couple of weeks.   The symptoms increased and prompted me to go to the ER on Tuesday September 19th. During that visit a CAT  scan revealed spots on the liver and  I was told to follow up with my oncologist.   I met with Dr Frase the following afternoon,  he discovered I had lost 6 units of blood  and was in disbelief at how drastic my blood work numbers  had  changed since July.  From the ER reports he confirmed the lesions on the liver were a concern and he admitted me straight to the hospital to receive 2 units of blood and a series of test were ordered.  On Thursday morning I had an endoscopy procedure with biopsies of  liver and surrounding lymph nodes and in that procedure the doctor discovered a bleeding  tumor in the juncture of the esophagus and stomach.  The results of these test indicated I was in stage four of gastroesophageal cancer that had spread to the liver and  abdominal lymph nodes.   It is a very aggressive cancer, not operable or curable. It is not metastatic breast cancer.  I was released Friday  because my hemoglobin was stable and Dr Frase recommended I begin radiation immediately to stop the bleeding of the tumor.  I will have  4 radiation treatments  this week and will begin intensive chemotherapy Monday  October 2nd. Today in addition to radiation I will receive my Port-a-Cath procedure  in preparation for chemo treatments. Here  begins a new journey for me and my family, not one I was expecting but one I trust God to walk each day with me.  Even though I will not be able speak to each person or visit  individually your love, support, thoughts and prayers will be a strength and  encouragement to me through your journal entries . My heart is grateful knowing you will  keep me, my children and my family in your prayers.   


Psalm 34:4  I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.