I woke up this morning at 4:00 a.m. For those of you who know me, that may not come as much of a surprise. The alarm often sounds around 5:00 a.m. (much to my wife’s chagrin) so I can drag myself to the pool.
But 4:00 a.m. is early. My wife Anne is heavy on my heart.
This past Wednesday, I held her hand as the doctor told her that the biopsy results revealed the lump in her breast was indeed malignant. And that the nasty cancer had spread to her lymph nodes as well.
The ten or so days leading up to this appointment had been hard. Fitful nights. Lots of tears. Pushing back fears. Grappling with the increasing likelihood that the lump wasn’t just a harmless freeloader. It’s a thief. An unwelcome intruder, hell-bent on pilfering the body as long as it’s allowed.
We don’t know if and to what extent the cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes. We find out after Anne’s visit to the radiologist tomorrow. Needless to say, we are praying that the cancer is nowhere else to be found. We’ll keep you updated.
Anne and I are thankful for several things…
- We have great doctors. Dr. Canale, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Rougier-Chapman. Best in their respective fields. It’s unbelievably comforting. If you want to capture the thief and throw him into prison for good, you want Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman fighting for you.
- We have great support. Both sets of parents live a relatively short drive away (both of our mothers are breast cancer survivors, btw). Our church community has swarmed us. My uber-assistant Manning has been amazing. My company and colleagues have already stepped in when I’ve needed to step away from work. Near and far, our friends have expressed – and shown – the Fletchers love, care, and concern. From prepared vegan & gluten-free meals to Humdinger juices, you have quickly and specifically come alongside us in love.
- We have a Heavenly Father who cares deeply for Anne. Cancer hasn’t caught Him by surprise. He isn’t freaked out. He isn’t thumbing through books about treatment, trying to get up to speed about how to heal Anne. Cancer is a flea that He can flick off His sleeve anytime He wants. More importantly, He loves Anne. He loves our children, Jack, Luke and Sarah. He’s given us words of hope, comfort, and joy that we can bank on, completely. He’s near to the broken-hearted, the suffering, those in pain. Like my wife Anne.
There are still plenty of unknowns ahead. We already know that chemo, radiation, and surgery are all likely treatments. Booooooo. Our hope is that by the end of this week, we will have a much clearer sense for what’s in store, along with a specific plan of attack.
Many of you have asked how you can help. THANK you. I’ve taken your offers seriously and given them some thought. Here are a few concrete ways…
- Tell us how you are praying specifically. There’s something about knowing how and what you are praying that sweetly roots in our hearts and instills a greater measure of hope.
- The Fletchers thrive on humor, love great stories, and welcome encouragement. Email us, post it here, share it in person.
- Anne and I want this summer to be as normal and fun for the kids as possible. If you are planning an outing that you think Jack, Luke and/or Sarah would enjoy, feel free to reach out to Anne or me via phone or email. Grab ’em and go. 🙂
- Keep sending me referrals. Most of you know I’m a Realtor whose business is based almost entirely on the referrals of friends and past clients. Keep them coming, please! I have several fantastic, experienced colleagues who have committed to stepping in to help if/when I’m unavailable (Sheri, Chip, Mary-Brett, Ivy), and I have the most amazing wingwoman in the person of Manning Pruden. Otherwise, it’s business as usual. Neither Anne nor I are going to let the thief prevent us from being faithful and diligent in our callings.
- Rejoice and weep with us. This cancer journey is a roller-coaster, a turbulent flight, a guerilla-style skirmish on the street.
I’ll end this post with a passage of Scripture that our pastor Geoff Bradford shared with us last week..
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
With joy and hope,
Van
facing the thief 
i cannot believe these words! Please give my love to Annie. Wrap your arms around her waist and give her a Julsies hug. Thankful for the brothers and sisters you have nearby to be hands and feet to you now. Know that the sisters and brothers who are far away are holding the rope in prayer. Love all 5 of you!!!
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Van, your strength amazes me….. And I know Anne is of the same mindset. I am truly praying for you and your family, not just in the morning, or my evening prayers, but throughout the day. Please know that my “dots” are ever present in my thoughts and my heart.
As I told you last week, I have added Anne’s name to my Mom’s prayer list and the one at her church….”you know those southern baptists have a direct line to the man upstairs”
Please call me if you need anything, I am here.
I love you all!
allibean
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I will pray and tell you specifically how I am praying! Please add me to any specific pray chains if you have them. My heart is aching for you all and the tumult of emotions Anne and you are facing! To God be the glory as you touch the lives of those medical professionals you encounter!
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Sitting on a leather couch in Dade City, FL praying for God to strengthen and comfort you both, Van. And for your kids to see Him at work in your lives through your example. Let’s see what the reception/connection is like in FL.
Peace to you and yours.
Mark
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Well written.
I’m praying for God to show you His presence in specific, supernatural ways. I’m also praying that you both would delight in the Law of God. (Psalm 1 comes to mind, that you would tap into deep roots of the gospel.)
I’m also praising God that he has counted you worthy to suffer in this way, even as hard as this is.
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Amen!
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Just learning of your family’s journey as you face the challenge set before you! I will definitely be praying for your precious and beautiful wife and all of you.
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. – Psalm 3:3
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Praying for you now. And, Mikey and CJ will add the entire Fletcher family to their prayers as well.
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Anne and Van, because I cannot picture either of you without a joyful countenance, the verse that immediately sprang to mind is, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Maybe he give you strength to fix your eyes on him, trusting him for hope and peace and, yes, continued joy.
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I am so sorry to know that Anne must go on this journey. But you have your faith, your family and friends to walk with you. Knowing both of you I know you will get through this and come out stronger for it. Please let me know if I can help in any way, as a recent traveler. I will keep you in my prayers.
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Van & Anne, our prayers are with you, specifically tomorrow during your doctor visit. Your thoughtful and hopeful words here are an inspiration. God be with you on this journey. – Kris and the whole Welsh family
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Van, I know I just spoke with you over the phone via business pertaining to this domain.. but after reading this I’m in tears… tears of so many emotions.. sadness, grief.. the kind that you want to stomp your feet and scream “it’s not fair!” .. but then again an overwhelming feeling of joy and comfort knowing that the sweet Lord is always by our sides.
If its OK with you and you’re family I would like to share this website with my life group I have through my church, so that we can pray for Anne and the family. For protection, understanding, strength and healing , and for the Lord to place the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the doctors that are caring for her.
I know I don’t know anything about you’re families current and future journey, but I do know that God wants us to be in community with one another. I feel it in my heart and soul that He puts people in our paths for a reason.
God Bless you Van, and your family.
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Van & Anne,
Sam and I are praying for wisdom as you make lots of decisions about treatment in the next few days, praying for comfort when fear creeps in, praying for lots of moments of family laughter and joy, and praying this journey draws you nearer to our Lord. We love you both! It’s an honor, after 20 years of friendship, to be able to join you in prayer during this season. Xo
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