An Unexpected Cancer Journey

Life is full of surprises! In November I had a biopsy here in Thailand, where I've lived for almost 6 years. I did not expect the results to reveal anything serious, but in fact I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The best we can tell pre-surgery is that it's stage 1 (good news!). It looks like I'll be able to get all needed treatment here in Thailand, where medical care is good and much cheaper than the States. This will also mean less upheaval for me.

I have a lumpectomy scheduled for this Wednesday, 17 January (for US Central time it'll be Tuesday evening, 16 January, 8pm). While I'm under anesthesia, in addition to removing the tumor, doctors will biopsy some nearby lymph nodes and remove any that have cancer. The findings during surgery will determine my post-surgery treatment - radiation, chemotherapy, or merely extending by 2 to 5 years the hormone therapy I began in early December.

As I have been fairly healthy to this point, and to save resources, my current medical insurance plan has a high deductible and lower monthly cost. However, recent times have been lean, so the medical expenses not covered by my insurance will far exceed my means.

The current goal of $10,000usd includes cancer-related medical expenses to this point, as well as 2 years of monthly hormone treatment (which treatment I may need up to 5 years, yet to be determined). The goal amount does not include the lumpectomy surgery, as I am assured that is covered by my insurance. The goal total may rise or possibly fall depending on the staging findings during surgery, which will indicate which post-surgery ongoing treatment is required.

Most days I'm doing very well emotionally, although there have been some tough times of fatigue, side effects, and ambiguity. I'm feeling very well supported by family and friends back home and by friends and colleagues here in Thailand, and I've been upheld by the Lord. Overall I feel very grateful and see His care in many ways, large and small, and excited to see what He will accomplish in me and others through this situation.

Thank you so much for traveling with me on this journey!