- C
- B
February 25, 2020 marks the date that the doctors said the words that no one wants to hear – it is cancer.
On February 12, my mom went in for a routine follow-up mammogram after previously discovering a lump in her left breast. The doctors previously believed there was no reason for concern and that it was a complicated cyst they would continue to keep an eye on.
During this specific diagnostic visit, they conducted a 3D mammogram followed by a sonogram and discovered that the lump on the left-hand side had not changed. However there was now an indication of two lumps on her right breast located right up against the muscle. The new discovery caused concern and the doctors were "worried these lumps could be cancerous". Not a statement she was prepared to hear. In order to further confirm, they needed to conduct a biopsy on all three masses which was quickly scheduled to take place one week later.
On Wednesday, February 19, the biopsies were taken and we all held our breath awaiting the results. What felt like years, was a mere six days later on February 25 when we received confirmation that the two lumps located in the right breast were confirmed positive for breast cancer.
Feelings of heartbreak, confusion, fear, anger, numbness, and loss all came swarming in with the reality that our dear, sweet, loving mother had received the diagnosis that you would wish upon no one. Days of tears, processing, and grieving followed as our family tried to navigate such heavy news.
But God.
God will never leave our side. He consistently provides a peace that surpasses all understanding and reminds us that he has overcome the world and the trials we will inevitably face (John 16:33). Amen! We confidently know that he goes before us and with us, which is such a sweet promise that we are clinging on to with each passing day. Anyone that knows Vonda is aware of her outward love for Jesus, whether it’s through her perfectly tight embrace, her incredible ability to make anyone feel welcome, her immeasurable acts of selflessness or her constant comforting truth-filled wisdom. Her faith is one that stands strong in the face of uncertainty and we know that God will work through her for His glory.
For He will command His angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91:11 – This verse hangs in my parent’s kitchen and is sewn into the prayer quilt specifically made for her chemo treatments to serve as a constant reminder of God's presence. Please join us in praying this over Vonda as she endures the next steps of this journey.
Next Steps:
The original treatment plan has been altered given the growing concerns of COVID-19, but we are still so grateful that Vonda is able to proceed with treatment at this time. As of now, she will begin with six treatments of chemotherapy every three weeks. Once that is complete then she will undergo surgery for a single mastectomy. The final step will be another variation of chemotherapy that will take place until April 17, 2021.
On April 3, she underwent surgery to implant the chemotherapy port that will allow physicians to administer chemotherapy. Her first treatment is scheduled for April 17. Unfortunately, she won’t be allowed visitors and is on strict orders from her physician to not come into contact with anyone during this time.
As you can imagine, all of this is really heavy news to navigate, not only for my mom, but for our entire family, friends and community. You may know her as mother, friend, confidant, cousin, companion, colleague, sister, neighbor, aunt, nurturer, 'adopted' mother, and many other terms of endearment. She has been so much to so many people and now it's our turn to take care of the one who has always been so loving and giving to each of us.
Ways to Help:
1. First and foremost: prayers, prayers, and more prayers. Pray for complete healing, pray for the doctors and nurses caring for our mom, pray for comfort, pray for whatever God puts on your heart.
2. Companionship: Send her happy mail, uplifting text messages, emails, puzzles, jokes, homemade treats, your favorite book recommendations or anything else that you know will bring a smile to her face.
3. Donations: While we don’t know the full extent of the financial burden this will bring, we do know the need is great and they would hugely benefit from having financial support. An anonymous donor has offered to match dollar-for-dollar donations up to $10,000. Our heart swells with this incredible offer and it would be such a blessing to Vonda and Chad.
Thank you for whatever help you can give in whatever capacity. It’s always humbling to ask for help, but I know that God will be glorified in this as the body of Christ comes together.
Visit Caring Bridge for the most recent updates of Vonda's battle (and eventual victory) with breast cancer. Thank you again for everything.
On February 12, my mom went in for a routine follow-up mammogram after previously discovering a lump in her left breast. The doctors previously believed there was no reason for concern and that it was a complicated cyst they would continue to keep an eye on.
During this specific diagnostic visit, they conducted a 3D mammogram followed by a sonogram and discovered that the lump on the left-hand side had not changed. However there was now an indication of two lumps on her right breast located right up against the muscle. The new discovery caused concern and the doctors were "worried these lumps could be cancerous". Not a statement she was prepared to hear. In order to further confirm, they needed to conduct a biopsy on all three masses which was quickly scheduled to take place one week later.
On Wednesday, February 19, the biopsies were taken and we all held our breath awaiting the results. What felt like years, was a mere six days later on February 25 when we received confirmation that the two lumps located in the right breast were confirmed positive for breast cancer.
Feelings of heartbreak, confusion, fear, anger, numbness, and loss all came swarming in with the reality that our dear, sweet, loving mother had received the diagnosis that you would wish upon no one. Days of tears, processing, and grieving followed as our family tried to navigate such heavy news.
But God.
God will never leave our side. He consistently provides a peace that surpasses all understanding and reminds us that he has overcome the world and the trials we will inevitably face (John 16:33). Amen! We confidently know that he goes before us and with us, which is such a sweet promise that we are clinging on to with each passing day. Anyone that knows Vonda is aware of her outward love for Jesus, whether it’s through her perfectly tight embrace, her incredible ability to make anyone feel welcome, her immeasurable acts of selflessness or her constant comforting truth-filled wisdom. Her faith is one that stands strong in the face of uncertainty and we know that God will work through her for His glory.
For He will command His angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91:11 – This verse hangs in my parent’s kitchen and is sewn into the prayer quilt specifically made for her chemo treatments to serve as a constant reminder of God's presence. Please join us in praying this over Vonda as she endures the next steps of this journey.
Next Steps:
The original treatment plan has been altered given the growing concerns of COVID-19, but we are still so grateful that Vonda is able to proceed with treatment at this time. As of now, she will begin with six treatments of chemotherapy every three weeks. Once that is complete then she will undergo surgery for a single mastectomy. The final step will be another variation of chemotherapy that will take place until April 17, 2021.
On April 3, she underwent surgery to implant the chemotherapy port that will allow physicians to administer chemotherapy. Her first treatment is scheduled for April 17. Unfortunately, she won’t be allowed visitors and is on strict orders from her physician to not come into contact with anyone during this time.
As you can imagine, all of this is really heavy news to navigate, not only for my mom, but for our entire family, friends and community. You may know her as mother, friend, confidant, cousin, companion, colleague, sister, neighbor, aunt, nurturer, 'adopted' mother, and many other terms of endearment. She has been so much to so many people and now it's our turn to take care of the one who has always been so loving and giving to each of us.
Ways to Help:
1. First and foremost: prayers, prayers, and more prayers. Pray for complete healing, pray for the doctors and nurses caring for our mom, pray for comfort, pray for whatever God puts on your heart.
2. Companionship: Send her happy mail, uplifting text messages, emails, puzzles, jokes, homemade treats, your favorite book recommendations or anything else that you know will bring a smile to her face.
3. Donations: While we don’t know the full extent of the financial burden this will bring, we do know the need is great and they would hugely benefit from having financial support. An anonymous donor has offered to match dollar-for-dollar donations up to $10,000. Our heart swells with this incredible offer and it would be such a blessing to Vonda and Chad.
Thank you for whatever help you can give in whatever capacity. It’s always humbling to ask for help, but I know that God will be glorified in this as the body of Christ comes together.
Visit Caring Bridge for the most recent updates of Vonda's battle (and eventual victory) with breast cancer. Thank you again for everything.
Organizer and beneficiary
Vonda Clements
Beneficiary