“Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now”
from Oceans by Hillsong
credit: CarlaG Design and Photo
Last week I received some shocking and devastating news. Tuesday of last week I received a phone call informing me that I have breast cancer. Never news you expect to hear, especially not at age 35! I had found a lump the week before. I was told that cysts and fibro adenoma (both benign) are relatively common in women my age, but I got a mammogram just to be sure. Thank the Lord that I did. There was more testing done, and Friday Justin and I sat with a surgeon who shared the news we didn’t want to hear; that the specific type of cancer was very aggressive and that it has spread to my lymph nodes. They believe I haven’t had it for more than a few months.
I will start chemo likely next week, then surgery, then radiation. This will be a long journey, but I know I do not journey alone. Jesus, my true Treasure, promises He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me. I am surrounded with family and friends who love and support me; and I have an amazing a gracious group of women’s ministry leaders and NEPC Staff whom I’ve grown to love like family.
THIS IS NOT EASY, and there have been many tears, but also just as much hope and peace from the Lord. He has been so near to me and whispering Hope in the deepest parts of my soul. I pray that God would squeeze every ounce of Glory out of this trial for Himself. My deepest desire is that many would come to a saving relationship with Jesus through this trial. I pray that I myself would know Him more. Knowing Jesus and making Him known is life’s most worthy and joy-filled pursuit. If God can use cancer to accomplish His purposes, in my life or the lives of others, I surrender and say “Yes, Lord”.
I plan to use this blog (in lieu of Caring Bridge) to provide a central place for updates, prayer requests, and to chronicle all of the glimpses of God’s grace I see while walking through this trial.
Glimpses of Grace
~Praising God for how loved we feel; truly feel enfolded in His embrace through loved ones. From our family, to close friends, to NEPC and Pepsi co-workers, to my women’s ministry leaders, to the sweet high school girls I disciple…all have surrounded us with love, support, and offers to help in any way.
~My love, the man the God gave me to spend my life with, and to walk this journey closest with. Justin Turner is a daily glimpse of God’s grace. He has been amazing. Example: Yesterday (Wednesday) I had an MRI at 6pm, and a dear friend went with me so Justin could put the children to bed (trying to maintain as much normalcy as possible). She and I went to dinner afterwards which was such a blessing (I tried to think of it as a “girls night out”) 🙂 When I got home not only was the kitchen completely clean, all the laundry was finished AND put away. You Mamas of little children know what a BLESSING that is!!!
The one whom my soul loves
~Praising God that He gave me the strength to lecture in Focus bible study just 2 days after I received the diagnosis. I’ve never felt the Holy Spirit so present in my life than last Thursday! It was truly a miracle~ Glory to GOD!
~my “front -line” warriors who encourage me, text me, send me scripture daily…basically hold my arms up like Aaron and Hur did with Moses in Exodus 17. you know you you are and I love you fierce!!!
~That I was able to connect with my best friend from college, Renee, TWICE in person over the last week. She’s been an oncology nurse for 15 years, so she has been priceless to help me understand everything.
with Renee, 1998 or 1999 during our time at Clemson
SO many more glimmers of His grace I could share!! Mostly in the form of people’s love, generosity and support. God has been so near to me
Please Pray:
~God’s PERFECT healing!
~ for the Lord to protect the hearts of my three precious children (Samuel & Selah age 4 & Hannah age 3) Pray that He uses this in their life as well. I pray that they would know and FEEL how much they are loved.
my three precious arrows: Selah, Samuel, and Hannah. praying for God’s all-covering grace over these sweet lives!
~Pray for Justin, for continued strength as he holds my hand through this journey, and does extra laundry, cleaning, etc around the house 🙂 Just praying for God to sustain him daily and that I could be a blessing to him even through sickness.
~ pray that the JOY of the Lord would be my strength, and that the Lord would draw me nearer to Him
~pray for grace for the appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Stillwell, on TODAY (Thursday 4/30) at 2:15. We will find out results from the PET scan (completed Tuesday 4/28 -full body to identify if/where the cancer has spread and determine what stage of cancer I have), results from the MRI (completed Wed 4/29 at 6pm- on breasts ), and get the treatment timeline. Boldly praying cancer has not metastasized.
~pray for sweet family times with Justin and the children, and that it would be possible for us to get away for a weekend trip
I covet your prayers during this journey. I am optimistic, and I have HOPE!
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” (Lamentations 3:22)
His Grace Abounds,
Brooke
update!
PRAISING GOD! The cancer has not spread past the lymph nodes. I have stage 2 breast cancer, which I am thankful is not stage 3 or 4! We feel so confirmed with the medical team God has assembled, and Dr. Stillwell even held my hand and prayed for me at the end of the appointment, giving ALL glory to God! God is so good to me and His plan is perfect!!
Prayers surround you, precious Brooke…God’s Presence before and behind you, hemming in you and your beloveds, breathing His hope, comfort, grace, wisdom, mercy, and steadfast love into your hearts, souls, minds…all in His sustaining strength! Loving you in and through fervent prayers, trusting our mighty God for His every provision over you!! Praying God’s insight, wisdom, and precision over every mind and heart within your team of doctors, thanking Him for placing you in capable, caring hands!! Praying they will give words of insight and graceful hope while fuller information is shared today.
praying for your continued strength during this time…thinking of you all.
Praying for you and your family Brooke! I am sorry you are having to go through this – but praise the Lord for the renewed strength He has blessed you with! I know you will give all praise and glory to him throughout this journey…
Lifting you up in prayers!
Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. He forgives all my sins. He heals me. Psalm 103: 2-3
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers throughout each day.
Praying for your healing and that God’s glory will be so clear through this trial. Please know that you are loved and prayed for.
I only know you from afar, but am praying for you. Thank you for inviting us on this journey. May God bring you and your sweet family strength and peace.
Brooke, your light shines so brightly. I pray that within all the spaces of your heart, though the daily decisions and demands that our sweet Father and mighty God continues to over and over again be so present and powerful in your life. I’m praying complete and miraculous healing!
Thankful it has not spread past the lymph nodes. We pray and walk with you, Justin, our grandchildren and our families together. Our God is an Awesome God!
Brooke,
You express yourself well in writing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So thankful for the good news you received today.
In His Love, Judy
Brooke – I am so sorry to hear this news. You are so brave and strong to post about it and share your journey with others so that they can learn from you and draw closer to God through you. You have always impressed and inspired me, and I will be lifting you and your family up in prayer every day. My family has been on a similar journey in the past with my mom and aunt (who are both in remission now!). It will bring you closer and make you stronger, but it is NOT easy. If there is anything I can do, I would love to do it.
Brooke,
God has prepared you for this journey. May you always seek and find his strength in those times ahead. I pray for your continued healing and patience and for those sweet children that they find understanding and comfort.
Sis, you area an amazing woman of God. A living testament of Romans 15:13 (which I happened to read today and He totally did that.!). I read in a book: God has a plan and you were created for something that only YOU can do. Not fun in this case, but knowing you are instrumental in His plan…wow! And for those like myself who doubt and feel distant from God at times, you’re an inspiration. I can assure you my prayer life has improved exponentially in the last week, and I am certain The Lord will work in me and all of our family through this. Love you, see you soon, talk to you sooner!
I have been thinking of you and praying for you all day. My heart hurts for the news I heard today. I know God will use this trail for the good of his plan. My prayer is for a deep peace for you and your family. I will continue to pray for God’s healing hands on you. Praise God for the update that it has NOT spread!!! God is good!!
Brooke and Justin,
You are on my mind and heart and in my prayers. Glad your prognosis is hopeful. I know that this will work out, and God will use it for his glory. Just imagine how many women you can help when this is all behind you.
Love you all.
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again. Jeremiah 31:3-4
Brooke,
My heart aches for you and your sweet family. I will be praying for you all daily. When I was a very small child my mother had cancer and I can remember the hospital visits, good days, and bad days. It has definitely given me a certain perspective and thankful heart. I know I’m just one of in a long line but, if there is ever anything I can do for you or the kids please let me know.
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Covering you and your entire family in prayer as you begin to step forward into this journey. I am believing He will fill you all with His strength and peace and joy as you seek to glorify Him through this time.
You have written such inspiring words! How wise you are for your age! I will pray for your complete healing and that your journey will not be too rocky. But, I can tell you that there will be many miracles! Yes, many may be saved through your trial. Relationships may be healed and strengthened and many may realize what is really important and not take so much for granted.
I am Kristin lavender’s mom. She says she knew you from high school. I want you to keep this wonderful attitude and know the hope that comes from your faith, my cancer was stage three, large and in 24 of 25 lymph nodes. Prognosis was grim. But, here I am 12 years later and just returned from a state tennis tournament! It has been a journey, but there are many new treatments and advancements in the field. I believe in miracles and I believe in the power of prayer. You will be in mine!
Brooke,
I wish I had the beautiful words to share, as you so eloquently did with me, when you heard of my dad’s battle with colon cancer. God has certainly blessed you with a talent of encouragement. You are a vessel to deliver such sweet messages. Your positive attitude is such an inspiration to so many.
My family will be praying for you and your family.