Frustrations and Obstacles

Every journey is wrought with frustrations and obstacles. The classic hero’s journey wouldn’t be so classic if there weren’t any opposition. Just beyond the Shire, Bilbo had to face off with some trolls. Luke and Han had to escape the Death Star before they could rescue Princess Leia. Moana had to brave all sorts of sea monsters before she restored Te Fiti. On Alycia’s journey we knew that we were going to face some frustrations and obstacles, but that doesn’t make it any easier when they occur.

In the last post we shared about Alycia’s diagnosis of breast cancer and some ways that you could be praying for us. One of the prayer requests was for us to quickly get the results of the genetic test. The genetic test will offer extremely valuable information for Alycia so she can make the best choice when it comes to her surgery. The surgeon told us that it could take two to three weeks to get the results of the genetic test. So, as we had been since November, we settled in to wait some more, praying that the test would go quickly, and we could get those results.

Meanwhile, Alycia had an oncology appointment scheduled for Friday, June 7. Regardless of the surgical option that Alycia chooses, some combination of chemotherapy and/or radiation will be a part of her treatment. We were looking forward to the oncology appointment to ask some questions and, possibly have the results of the genetic test before that appointment. However, when the oncology doctor sat down with us, the first thing she said to us was that the genetic test had been ordered but hadn’t been collected. Alycia had her blood drawn at her initial surgical appointment on May 23, but they never collected the blood to start the genetic test. We were shocked, stunned, and livid; we were grateful that the doctor shared in our anger.

Our family has been in a season of waiting for so long and we thought that we were finally going to get to make a decision and move forward. But because of circumstances completely out of our control, we’re left waiting and feeling helpless again. Even though the oncology appointment went well, and we really liked the doctor, we left that appointment feeling defeated and angry, victims of another obstacle.

As with every journey and every obstacle, there is always that glimmer of hope or the sun that breaks through the clouds. On Sunday, June 9, Alycia got a message from her oncology doctor. The doctor had checked Alycia’s file and saw that the genetic test had been started. Since we have faced so many obstacles and so many people that seemingly don’t care, Alycia was so relieved to finally have a doctor go out of her way to help us. We’re still frustrated and there are still obstacles in our path, but there have been reminders that there is still a way forward.

Even without the genetic test, Alycia is trying to make the best decision for herself and our family. Even without the genetic test, the oncology doctor said it’s a good idea to at least get a surgery scheduled, even if Alycia ends up changing her mind because of the test.

So, that leads to how you can be praying for Alycia:

• Pray for continued wisdom and discernment for Alycia. Choosing which surgical option is challenging and she wants to make the best choice for herself and our family.
• Pray for Alycia to have extra measures of strength. The cancer is taking a toll on her energy, and she feels more tired more often. Pray that she gets good sleep and has an abundance of strength as she finishes off the school year and has two kids at home for the summer.
• Pray that we get the results of the genetic test quickly and that it actually gets completed this time.
• Pray for wisdom and insight as we navigate applying for disability for the time Alycia will be off work.
• Continue to pray that Alycia’s lymph nodes would be free from cancer.

Thank you to everyone who reached out after our last post. This journey is hard, but we know that we aren’t walking it alone. Many of you have asked how you can help right now beyond praying. At this moment, life is pretty normal for us: Alycia and I are working, the kids are on summer break, and we’re eating our regular meals. All of that will change once Alycia has surgery. At that point, we will communicate what we need, fully knowing that God will use you to help provide for our needs.

Thank you for journeying with us.