All of us go through life doing our best to keep up with jobs, bills, assignments, businesses, hobbies, and family. We do not expect to have something come out of left field to loom over us for days, months, and years. That is exactly where I was in March of 2020.
After getting a routine mammogram at 40 years old, I was asked to schedule an appointment for a breast sonogram due to enlarged lymph nodes. I will admit that my first thought was breast cancer. Many emotions circulated through my head such as “Why me?”, “Why now?”, “How will I get through this?”, “How much will this cost?”. All of the questions are typical for an otherwise healthy female without symptoms.
The following week, I did get the ultrasound completed which confirmed enlarged lymph nodes under my arms and no other signs in the breasts. Part of me was relieved but the other part was left wondering, “What is going on?” Of course, my medical brain has been alarmed at this point in that I began to look up all the reasons that lymph nodes are enlarged. I was comforted somewhat in the fact that my OBGYN was not too concerned and stated to return in 6 months for another ultrasound as many times the lymph nodes just filter things and all should resolve by then.
In September of 2020, I returned in 6 months for a follow-up ultrasound as instructed, only to find out that the lymph nodes had grown. I was referred to a general surgeon for a biopsy as well as possible rheumatologist as no one had answers. At this point, I was really alarmed which began a journey of searching on how to decrease lymph nodes
A month later, I saw a general surgeon that would perform a lymph node biopsy and finally get some answers. After not being able to find the lymph nodes with physical touch, he suggested a repeat ultrasound. I complied and asked for an ultrasound of my neck as well because I did find some lumps in a few areas there also.
After the ultrasound, my results showed enlarged lymph nodes of good architectural character and healthy helia which was a great report. The surgeon at this time did not want to do the biopsy in order to avoid possible adverse effects but ordered a needle aspiration test instead. I had difficulty getting a needle aspiration test date due to COVID restrictions at the time and nearing end of the year where most people have elective procedures due to already met deductibles.
In Jan 2021, about 2 weeks after my procedure, my surgeon called to tell me that he did not have a full pathology report but that there were some abnormal cells retrieved. I could feel that this was surprising to him and that he did not want to give me this news. He did recommend that I see an oncologist/hematologist as my next step to find answers.
At 41 years old, the thought of seeing an oncologist was not good news. Like I mentioned earlier, I am a healthy, pain free lady who enjoys running, snowboarding, and being active. Now, I am going to see an oncologist!
On the day I met with the oncologist, she was thorough in asking questions, looked through my results on ultrasounds as well as needle aspiration test, performed a physical exam to find the lymph nodes, and even ordered blood work. She told me that day that I either have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small B-cell lymphoma and wanted the results from blood work as well as a CT scan to be sure. She also told me that we would most likely watch and wait without treatment right away as the current treatments decrease the quality of life. The oncologist also told me that I would most likely deal with this the rest of my life. It may or may not bother me for years but would treat it once it was causing issues with blood work and/or pain from enlargement of lymph nodes.
After hearing this news, I was honestly taken aback a little. This diagnosis is not normal for those who are in their early 40’s of age but more like 60-80 years old. Many of my current patients in my job as an oncology pharmacist get treated for this and now I have to battle with this nuisance.
After a few days of processing and praying, I decided that I was not going to accept this attack from the enemy and that this diagnosis was not my portion in life. I will not accept that I will deal with this for the next 40-60 years of my life. I know in my heart that I have many assignments to complete for the kingdom of God and will not let this distraction get in the way. I decided to have the pastors of my church pray over me and believe that God will heal me in Jesus name. By Jesus’s stripes, I too am healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
Strong arms are around you!! Sending prayers your way.
Thank you for praying for me.
Shauna we are standing and believing with you for complete healing!
Thank you for sharing your journey, may it touch many lives. ❤️
Thank you for standing and believing with me.
I hate you are dealing with this. I cannot imagine the mental toll it has taken on you and Jason as well as the physical toll on your body. Praying for you on this journey
The journey hasn’t been easy but I learned early on not to fear due to this. I am planning to write about the mental part in a segment because that is the hardest part at times when we face these types of things. Thank you for praying for me.
I believe with you in Jesus name. God bless you. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing your story! I can’t wait to hear the rest of it!
You are welcome. Will try to post every week or every other week but feel free to reach out on specific questions.
Shauna, I know our God is taking good care of you. You will not have to suffer or worry with this issue. As you stated “this not your portion in life! God has healed you through the stripes that Jesus suffered on his back for you and us all.
Amen!!
Thank you sharing ❤️.
I agree that your diagnosis was uncommon at your age. I also believe that God is faithful, but as a Christian we are not guaranteed a life without problems. Like you said in your writing, we must decide how we will deal with the news we have been given.
Your prayers and outlook prove your faith is strong. You will never know how many lives will be touched by your experience and outlook. You have a beautiful soul and I am praying with you that Jesus will heal you, and you will be like the leper that Jesus healed. You will be so excited to share with others that the Great Physician healed you of your disease! ♥️
Thank you very much for praying and believing with me. I am definitely believing others will go to the Lord through my story and sharing it.
I will have you in my prayers!
Thank you!
Your faith out shines anything that could try to harm you. Each day you wake up God still has work for you. I know God is so pleased to see your faith at work for all those around you to see n learn from.
Thank you for your kind words. My faith in God has been what has me through this without fear.
Shauna, I’ll continue to pray for your quick & complete healing which we know God can do!
I agree! Thank you for praying and believing with me, Lonika
We serve an awesome God. By Jesus stripes we are healed and that is sufficient. AMEN AND AMEN 💕
I agree!!
Love this, Shauna. I’m so glad you’re doing better. Thank you so much for sharing your diagnosis story. Hugs and love from Texas! 🥰
Thank you Kristy. Hope all is well your way 🙂
Shauna I am sooo happy to hear you are healed. God is always there for those who believe. I can’t imagine going through what you did. Again very happy for you
Thank you!
I’m praying for you Shauna!
Thank you Guy
Shauna, I know I’ve been out of the loop, I had no idea. 2 years later. Sorry to hear all this. Now, I have to wait for the next part.
Hi Katie, I am going to attempt to post every week to every other week. Feel free to message me questions. I am an open book on this. Hope you are doing well!