I have had stomach pain, it started Monday night. Woke me up in the night both Monday and Tuesday. It was severe in the night, but during the day only bothered me slightly. It did keep me from running, which frankly ticked me off, and got me to the doctor. I was suspicious of gall bladder.
I had an ultrasound yesterday morning. Yes, they think my gall bladder may not be working properly and want further testing. That is what is causing pain.
But that is not why the doctor called me at the end of the day.
She called to let me know that there is a 1-2 centimeter spot on my kidney. It showed up in an ultrasound that I had in January and was cyst-like, so we were told to watch it due to my history. Well, it now looks more solid, a nodule or lesion. They are not jumping to conclusions but because of the definite change from the ultrasound in January, the radiologist suggest further testing due to my history.
My primary care doctor is going to call my Oncologist for the “now what?” I expect a scan or two, maybe a biopsy. I will know more next week.
You have all so graciously come along on this journey with me, so I want to keep you informed. It seems like these “bumps in the road” may just be a way of life– these ups and downs with my health. I am ok with that. I have done my pouting in the past and have come to accept the ‘what is.’ I am at peace, and so thankful for how many prayers have been answered on my behalf. So many.
I am also very thankful for the perspective that all of this brings. It is a gift. I find when pain forces me to face what we all need to face, that we are here on this earth for a short time, I live. I REALLY live.
I see more clearly. I think about what matters. I notice beauty. I touch and hug my kids more. I kiss my husband more (well, I would be if he didn’t have a cold :)) I treasure the moments with those I love. I eat it all up, and I am present. That, friends, is a gift, one that I would not have to this extent, if it were not for pain.
Emotional pain, physical pain, both bring perspective.
I reach out to my Heavenly Father in these moments, I rest in His love, and I find peace.
I will keep you updated. Again, it very well could be nothing. Hoping for the best!!
Miss Rachel M.
April 3, 2012 at 3:36 pmYou are definitely in my prayers! God is more than able and He is ALWAYS in control! Your sister-in-Christ, Rachel!
JennaEverhart
April 2, 2012 at 1:51 pmPraying for you always Amy! You are such a strong woman and I admire you so much!
Leslie Borody
March 31, 2012 at 8:06 pmhi amy.. my cat has a tumor on her tongue so as i was researching natural ways to help her.. i came across the budwig diet.. i was just wondering if you heard of it.. there seems to be many testimonies of people being healed of cancer from this diet.. i was wondering what your thoughts were on this if you have heard of it.. http://www.budwigcenter.com thanks. leslie.
Carrie
March 31, 2012 at 12:36 amPraying for you Amy….won’t stop!
erin
March 30, 2012 at 4:12 pmPraying.
Loni
March 30, 2012 at 10:56 amThanks for sharing, your perspective on life moved me. Thinking of you!
Patricia
March 30, 2012 at 3:19 amLove that song!
Thank you, Amy!
Patricia
Patricia
March 30, 2012 at 1:24 amAmy, your words are so powerful, sincere, and honest. At the same time your strong faith shines through and in every word.
I hope by now that you know you are constantly in my prayers. You are such an inspiration for me.
May our Lord continue to bless your life through this new trial, and bring you peace.
Patricia
simone17
March 30, 2012 at 12:04 amThanks for sharing. I am thinking of you !
elaine @ peace for the journey
March 30, 2012 at 12:03 amThanks for letting us know! I’m loving you from a distance tonight.
peace~elaine
Anonymous
March 30, 2012 at 2:52 amWhatever the “spot” is, it can’t rob you of your spirit or soul. His plan is a mystery. He does promise peace for the journey and to light your path as you go. Find comfort in that.
On my knees for you sista!
Michelle
March 29, 2012 at 9:27 pmPraying, Amy, and believing He will be with you. I’m praying peace for you as you wait.
Anonymous
March 30, 2012 at 1:24 amSending good thoughts your way. Keep strong. .
Debra
March 29, 2012 at 11:54 pmSending good thoughts and prayers your way.
sandra
March 29, 2012 at 11:42 pmPraying for you Amy and I know with your strong faith and support system that things will turn out for the best. Blessing Sandra
jeana
March 29, 2012 at 5:40 pmAmy, you are always in my prayers sweet friend, and I will not stop now! God has given you so much strength and healing…He won’t stop now either. Love you!
Jeana
The Calm of His Presence
March 29, 2012 at 5:37 pmPraying for you! Thank you for being an inspiration to so many! – Mary
gracielynn's
March 29, 2012 at 10:36 pmPeace to you from our Heavenly Father.
I am so impressed by your honesty , sharing the ups & downs & showing first hand how God has brought you through it.
I cried reading where you said you were weary & he replied God’s isn’t .
SO true.. lisa
Michelle DeRusha
March 29, 2012 at 5:18 pmPraying, Amy — and loving you, too!!
Lisa Russell
March 29, 2012 at 5:16 pmYou will be in my thoughts and prayers!! God Bless!!
sharon cory
March 29, 2012 at 7:59 pmAlways hoping and praying for the best for you Amy.
Sharon Cory
McMaster and Storm
March 29, 2012 at 7:59 pmAmy,
prayerful thoughts over here……
This quote has been on my min:
Jesus Christ is Lord. Never let the cloudiness of what is seen take your attention from the unseen. There is a whole other world at work. If we lose sight of that, we lose sight of everything” – Ramon Vidaurri, January 29th, 2012
much love,
kara
Shannon
March 29, 2012 at 6:48 pmI will be praying that it is nothing more than a pesku kidney stone! Hugs! YOu are in my thoughts and prayers, dear sister-in-Christ. 🙂
pastormrl
March 29, 2012 at 6:31 pmPraying for you, friend!
Chris
March 29, 2012 at 6:29 pmPraying,praying,praying!! Just got back from radiation and read your update!! I know God uses all we go through, I know you’ll be ok!! You so inspire me as I go through mu BC journey!!!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
Renonda
March 29, 2012 at 5:58 pmPraying for you from this little corner of the world.
Jenni
March 29, 2012 at 5:51 pmI love you, my friend. Will be praying for health and continued perspective. You are one of my favorites.
Kathy
March 29, 2012 at 5:43 pmThank you for sharing your story. I am a new follower and your words and insight have open my eyes and made their way into my life. My prayers are with you. Love, Kathy
Jessica @ This Blessed Life
March 29, 2012 at 5:38 pmoh my goodness. just prayed for you!!!!
Josh and Dana
March 29, 2012 at 5:21 pmOther than giveaways, I’ve never really commented either, but I’ve followed you since before your diagnosis. My sweet aunt went to be with Jesus last month after dealing with inflamatory breast cancer for 9 years and your words about your own fight have been healing for me many times as we watched her struggle.
So much of life becomes more beautiful and precious to me through your words….but especially Jesus. Thanks for channeling the gifts He gives you to us. YOU, friend I’ve never met, are a sweet, sweet gift. Praying for you. 🙂
M Leslie Wray
March 29, 2012 at 5:11 pmWhen I read how you inspire women who don’t know you, I think WOO HOO, I DO know her! I used to be “one of those” women. I am so grateful to have met you. Yes, you do inspire people to live, to appreciate, to love, to cherish and to hope. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your sweet family from Bella and me. Love, Leslie
Robyn
March 29, 2012 at 5:07 pmMy dear Amy,
Thank you for sharing this with us.. As you say, we’ve all been along on this journey with you and will continue to come along, support and love you as long as you let us.. Please know I will be praying for you that whatever that is on your kidney is nothing serious and will be easily resolved.. Keep holding tight to God, He will always carry you and so will we.. Sending my love,
Robyn
Cori Boesiger
March 29, 2012 at 5:06 pmPraying for you Amy! You are SUCH an inspiration and a model of true FAITH!
Unknown
March 29, 2012 at 5:01 pmI too began to cry before I started reading. I think you are amazing. You probably hear this and might not truly know how amazing you really are. I am praying. A friend from the past, nonetheless a friend, Heather
lisa beyer
March 29, 2012 at 4:35 pmI too am a believer and also have been following your posts and am SO inspired by them. I got teary eyed hearing this news and found it funny that I can feel connected to you, yet we don’t know each other at all. God Bless you! Thanks for inspiring us all Amy!
Jane Craske
March 29, 2012 at 4:35 pmYou are going to be fine. You just are. That’s the only way it can be. I’ll add you in my prayers today and have small one do the same.
Lisa P
March 29, 2012 at 4:32 pmPraying with faith for your health, Amy. Praying with gratitude that you are experiencing the holy presence of God in the midst of all this, allowing you to be present in each moment, receiving each gift He gives and trusting Him as you move forward each day.
Thank you for sharing this journey.
Melody M
March 29, 2012 at 4:23 pmAhh .. I just want it all to be clear from now til forever! I am encouraged in my own faith by seeing you walk so courageously in yours. God is so good and the blessings from suffering are just a beautiful mystery, aren’t they? I’ll be praying for you — with love, Mel
wvgurl
March 29, 2012 at 4:16 pmI’ll be praying for you.
Kelli
March 29, 2012 at 4:10 pmI’ve never commented before but have been a reader for a while now. Just wanted to tell you I’ll be sending prayers and healthy vibes your way! Hugs to you.
Deidra
March 29, 2012 at 4:07 pmYou know I love you, right? This is the thing I notice in you – every single time: the way you REALLY LIVE! You do it well, and it rubs off.
I’m praying…