When Bad News Is GOOD News

Van Fletcher

Anne got in the car just now, and the first thing I asked her was “how do you feel after hearing the news?”

“Relieved. And exhausted,” she said with a half-smile.

Okay, so first the bad news. It looks as though there may be other spots in both breasts where the thief is hiding out. Little outposts, if you will. NO LIKEY.

As we listened to Duncan explain what he saw preliminarily – and gazed at his array of computer screens exploding with images – it became clear that Anne has a lot happening inside her knockers. (Wait. Did I just type that?!). Duncan put it so well: “Anne, you have complicated breasts.” That elicited a chuckle from all of three of us.

Before I go any further…

Modern medicine – the product of human ingenuity and innovation – is simply astounding sometimes.  I have no idea how Duncan was deciphering the images he was seeing, but it blew me away. So very thankful for doctors. And Duncan is a damn good radiologist, should you ever need to see one.

The good news – the GREAT news for Anne and me – is that the breast cancer doesn’t appear to have spread beyond her breasts and nodes.  HOORAY!  We’ll take it. That’s not the definitive word, but it certainly gives us reason to celebrate today. Prayers answered!

The road before us just got a little bit easier to see. Yes, it will involve chemo, and radiation, and surgery. In what order, to what degree, and for how long all remain to be determined. We know it will be hard, we know it will be exhausting, we know it will press us to lean on others a lot. The prognosis is better, but to quote a friend on Facebook, we want to beat cancer’s a#%. Aggressive treatment awaits, but it’s gonna work.

On our car ride back, we didn’t say much to each other, savoring a little quiet and the sense of relief that had washed over us. But Anne did say one thing that made me smile big, and I knew it would make its way to this blog post once I got her settled back at home…

With a sweet smile and wet eyes, she says, “Bubby, part of the reason I think I’m tired is because I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the love people have shown me these last few days. St. David’s, our church, our friends, your colleagues – I haven’t quite known what to do.”

I smiled and couldn’t think of a response. I know we’re going to need all of you in the coming year.

With gratitude and hope,

Van

When Bad News Is GOOD News

15 thoughts on “When Bad News Is GOOD News”

  2. I have been checking this website every 15 minutes since around 4…. Great news on not spreading any further. I can’t even imagine the day you have had but I do know that a lot of prayers were answered today!!

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  4. Nancy Tucker's avatar Nancy Tucker says:

    Van and Anne,
    We are rejoicing with you. I am so thankful for the website; I too, kept checking to see the outcome. What a blessing to be surrounded by people who loving, caring and praying for you.
    Henry and Nancy

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  5. OMG! You have just opened my eye’s Van! I am sooo sorry for you having to write this news, please relay a MASSIVE hug to Miss Anne, I wish her God’s Speed! Truly, my prayers are with you GREAT folks… Please, let me know if there is anything (ANYTHING) you may need pal, i am simply yours!

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  7. Van + Anne, God is amazing! You and yours are a very special family. The community has pulled together praying. Today’s outcome is a reflection of the faith submitted in prayer for Anne and you.
    We are here for you. Laura Grandlienard

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  8. Erin Gardner's avatar Erin Gardner says:

    SO thankful and rejoicing with you! Praise God. Will continue praying daily for Anne, the kids, and you. Tonight I pray for minds that are rested enough to allow for great rest for your bodies. I also pray that you would both be so guarded in the Word that there would be no room for the enemy to creep in and persuade you to think on anything except what you already know to be TRUE.
    Philippians 4:4-8
    4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
    8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

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  9. Anne, Van, and family,
    Praying for you; prayers for wisdom and discernment for your physicians, for peace and grace as you walk through treatment, and that you would continue to be overwhelmed by love from your family in Christ:)
    Melanie Simpson
    (Karen Shuster Woelke’s sister)

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  10. Pat's avatar Pat says:

    Van & Anne–love you both so much. I’ll have you and the kids in my prayers DAILY! I so hate that you have a difficult path to walk, but know that you all will turn it into a blessing for many.

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  15. Avis & Keith Murphy's avatar Avis & Keith Murphy says:

    Keith and I will be praying for you guys. Unfortunately, we’ve been down this road just 4 years ago and understand all too well what you’re feeling. It’s overwhelming. The informations and sometimes the fear. But also the love and support. Never once were we alone. God provided all we needed every step. His faithfulness never fails!
    I was in my mid 30’s at the time and our boys were young. They learned of God’s faithfulness and love through this as well.
    We pray and believe that you will experience few side effects and complications and recover with complete healing.

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