“Hello, this is Lauren.”

Seven days after I had surgery my surgeon called.  It is interesting to reflect on how similar the situation was to when I first spoke with the surgeon’s office, back after I learned of my diagnosis: me in the middle of hands-full living - loud kids in the background (check), thinking about what’s for dinner (check), a bum-bum needing to be wiped (check) asking myself what the heck is that on the floor (check, check, check, check).

“Hi Lauren, this is Doctor XX, are you ready for some good news?”

That moment was all you think it would be.  Without any permission a sob sprung out of my chest that I didn’t even know was there, “yes!”.  

My surgeon went on to tell me that everything they tested from surgery, all the tissue, came back NEGATIVE for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.  A once massive tumor was completely gone.  I have what the doctors call a, “Pathologic Complete Response” - the best  news you can have at this point in treatment.  If any cancer cells managed to escape into the lymphatic system, there is no reason to think the treatment isn’t also destroying them as it destroyed the large mass. 

I walked into the playroom to absorb the moment and have some peace as I spoke with the doctor (ironically, often one of the more tranquil rooms in the house). I can’t describe the happiness, relief, joy, and gratitude each of those tears held.  They surprised me, even.  This result doesn’t change my treatment plan, I still have radiation and 10 years of oral drugs in front of me.  What it does is provides answers and allows us to continue on the path we know is working which is a HUGE blessing.  

I have had the joy of sharing this good news with many people who carried this burden with me and my family.  When I share the news, I can literally see and/or hear the burden they have carried lift from their shoulders and voice.  I have been so well loved, thank you.

I want to write more but, to be honest, surgery knocked me down hard.  I am almost two weeks out and still very drained. For those praying, please pray my body heals well. I would love to have energy restored especially before I start the next leg of the race (radiation). I leave with the below message given to God’s people when they humbled themselves and petitioned God for help from sure ruin. 

2 Chronicles 20 ([ ] and italics and bold are mine)

“Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat [all those who were humbling themselves before God, petitioning for His help]. This is what The Lord says: “ Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.  Tomorrow, go down against them.  You will see them coming up the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel.  You do not have to fight this battle.  Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.  He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  Tomorrow, go out to face them for the Lord is with you.”

The fight of life, which we all face, is one God tells His people to show up for, position themselves, but the battle is His.  Often, we face scary foes, yes indeed, but for those who trust in God’s provision, promised and fulfilled in Jesus, the battle - the actual fight- is God’s. This is why we call Him Savior - he has saved us from sure ruin. With our trust in Him, who saves, we are to “..stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord”.   May I be so bold to ask, do you know you are in a battle?  If so, stand still with me.