Heather’s Story

Site created on February 28, 2020

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
My journey so far: At age 38, on February 7, 2020, I underwent a routine hysterectomy for what were anticipated to be troublesome, but benign, fibroid tumors. However, pathology report on February 18, 2020 confirmed otherwise. The tumors were instead a leiomyosarcoma of the uterus (uterine leiomyosarcoma or ULMS). Essentially, uterine leiomyosarcoma is a smooth muscle malignant tumor, or cancer, of the uterus that develops in less than 1% of women with fibroids. For further management of this ULMS, I will be seeking guidance and treatment from a local gynecological oncologist and a sarcoma specialist through MD Anderson Cancer Center. My journey has only begun and there are still further diagnostics to take place. As I am writing this, the next step is a PET scan to determine if additional tumors are present. Once results are received from the PET scan and information is gathered from MD Anderson, we will collectively form a treatment plan. I invite family and friends to share in my/our journey through this online journal and hope that we collectively can share support, love and encouragement.

Newest Update

April 02, 2023

Journal entry by Heather Vandiver —

“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!””
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am so pleased to report I made it into church today for the first time in a while. All five of us together ♥️ I’ve been so afraid my endurance wouldn’t allow, fever would creep in, or pain would be too much. 

But I swallowed my pride, asked for a wheel chair, prayed pain would be tolerable and fevers would stay away.  My son pushed me in a wheelchair and it was not bad at all plus no fever and pain was very tolerable ♥️🙏

It was so good for my soul to be there singing praise to God; songs that remind us of our reason for joy, songs that remind us of the upcoming death, burial and resurrection of my Lord Jesus which we will celebrate this upcoming Easter. The very reasons I can face what is coming in my circumstance with peace. 

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭55‬ ‭NIV‬‬


The peace Jesus provides is a miracle. I can’t describe it really. Yes this is all very much a storm we are going through but Jesus understands and is right here with us/me and you if you ask. He truly can bring peace amongst our tears. 

Well love to all 
Heather
Read More of the journal titled "April 02, 2023"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Heather Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Heather's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Heather

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top