Lucien and Suzi Dining

Suzi Hebert

First post: Feb 24, 2009 Latest post: Apr 1, 2020
Welcome! This CaringBridge site is to update you on my surgery. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July, 2004. The cancer was removed in October, but the repair failed. After much prayerful consideration we're now resuming that reconstruction.

As you read the journal updates and sign the guestbook, may the blessings of your care and prayers return to you abundantly.



My story is about God's care, especially through others. When we received the diagnosis of cancer, it sent electricity through our veins. But Lucien and I knew the pathologists who examined the biopsy tissue. They answered all our questions, right away.

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). One of the ways God cares for us when we're sick is to bring glory out of trouble: we become more sympathetic. More dependent on God. We become more attuned to spiritual priorities, re-arranging our routines and slowing down. We live out Paul's description of being citizens of Heaven, while traveling here on this earth.

After my first surgery, the night nurse came and sat down with me in the middle of her shift and the middle of my groggy anxiety about the possibility of my cancer metastisizing. She brought pain medication, compassion, and her time. She told me her own story. A story of recovery from breast cancer and return to her vocation with a new dependence on God. She encouraged me, she comforted me, and she prayed for me.

Visitors at the hospital cheered me up. Visitors to our home brought ideas for fighting cancer. With their help I began to put together a new diet plan and a customized collection of vitamins, supplements, and reading material.

Others came by to pray and bring vegan food. Some brought flowers. Many sent cards. At one time, when it felt like my whole body was falling apart, a dear friend acted as my personal nurse and walked me through the strange things that were happening to me during chemo. Everyone encouraged me. Some days I was on the phone so long that the battery died.

My family literally crowded around me, accompanying me to doctors' visits, changing drains, fixing food, sitting on the bed talking, pitching in with the housework.

Just after I finished chemo, in May of 2005, I took a part-time job two afternoons a week at Victorville Church. As I would drive up the Cajon pass, my stomach still upset, I pushed myself to continue. After visiting others in need of cheer or just to connect, I was refreshed and renewed. Time after time when I returned home down the pass my heart was always light and my stomach at ease. It was an amazing experience. It was also an opportunity to get to know the beautiful people of the Victorville Church.

When I decided on this surgery, a friend from Yuciapa came by to fill me in on what to expect during and after the procedure. She had been through the same surgery just months earlier. She offered encouragement and prayer. What a blessing!

Even in our troubles, God cares for us, works miracles, and surrounds us with support. I think our part is to look for the care, search for the miracles, and be grateful. He is the "Hound of Heaven," always chasing after us in the good times and in the bad, working our eternal good from all our earthly trials, to make us stronger for our earthly travels and to redeem us.

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