Tracy Faust ...but GOD...

On January 22 of this year, I had a 3-D mammogram, ultrasound, multiple core biopsies, and needle aspiration of a lymph node. Dr. Zusan, overseeing my case, says that it's breast cancer. 


...but GOD...   


says, "For I know the PLANS I have for you. Plans to PROSPER you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I WILL LISTEN TO YOU. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart," Jeremiah 29:11-13. And like King Hezekiah, I say, "The living, the living - they praise you, as I am doing today; fathers tell their children about your faithfulness. The Lord will save me and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord," Isaiah 38:19-20. 


Praise Him for having cancer? No, I praise Him for the protection and provision he has laid out knowing in his infinite wisdom that this day would come.


He provided a cranial prosthesis (wig) over two years ago. Out of my vanity and desire for fuller hair, he provided an opportunity. My mom took me to Wigs We Care in Greenwood and she helped me pick out and purchase the wig I have today, and will likely need as a result of chemotherapy.


He placed fibroid adenomas in my body so that I would start getting mammograms, already have experience with imaging and biopsies, and know what signs to look for, a decade before the cancer would be detected.


He has provided financial provisions through insurance coverage, an HSA account, critical illness policy, no student loan payments due until 2019, and, possibly, mortgage reprieve for 6-24 months. Can I get a hallelujah and an AMEN?!


He has provided amazing, caring people in my life who not only are helping me get a much-needed plumbing repair done on my house, but they are blessing me by covering the expense, as well. To Deb, Angi, Rachel, and Paul: I wish I could show you my appreciation in some grand way that could compare with how awesome your gift has made me feel! Hugs and sincere thank yous to each of you!!!!


He has also provided me with my family, each person uniquely qualified to support me (physically, spiritually, and emotionally):
MOM - Linda: years of experience as a hospital, home health and physical therapy aide; not to mention all-around mom expertise to help me recuperate from surgery. 
DAD - Daniel: life-time career in pharmaceuticals and recent graduate of Moody Bible Institute to keep a close eye on my meds and chemo treatment. 
STEP-MOTHER - Jewell: caring step-mother since 1982 and member of the Breast Cancer Survivor's Club who will watch over me after my chemo treatments and hopefully knit me a badass hat to wear. :)  
SISTER - Dawn: teacher and English Nazi, also with some hospital and home health aide experience who will provide emotional support and manage the website.
SISTER - Jamie: familiar with health issues, encouraging me from a distance, and (as one of Dawn's bosses) supporting Dawn with a flexible work schedule and time off to be there for me when I need it
SON - Brendan: Best Son in the World, college student, pizza delivery driver, movie aficionado, and life-long patient who will help around the house, be responsible for pet care in my absence and keep me strong - if he can handle a lifetime of pokes, prods, and treatment like a BOSS, then I CAN DO IT, TOO!
AUNT DOROTHY: career RN who raised 5 kids as a single mom, and will be PRN (as needed) and we are blessed to have her on the team.


I would love to list by name every single friend, coworker, hospital employer, cancer survivor, Bible study/life group/CICS member, and acquaintance who has been and/or will be thinking, praying, gifting, encouraging, and checking up on me. You all mean so very much to me and I'm praying for you all to be blessed for your love and support. Please know that it is truly helpful and appreciated!!