Results from Surgery

Not what I wanted to hear...

I felt fine a couple of days after surgery.  Soreness on my left arm and some chest pain but it was endurable.  I actually went to the gym just to get out of the house but I only worked out on the bicycle for 15 minutes before I felt tired and dizzy.  I figured some exercise is better than none.  

I even stopped by my office and greeted my fellow Realtors.  

I picked up a new buyer client and showed a house Friday morning.  Then ran over to meet the appraiser for my other client.  I was getting back into the daily routine.

Then I get the call on Friday, 12 July 2013 at approximately 3:30 pm from Dr. Tucker.  She called with the results of my surgery.  I heard, "wah wah wah 1.8 cm tumor but its a grade 3...wah wah aggressive....abnormal tumor shaped like a star....your tumor grew a leg....wah wah...we need to do another surgery and remove cancer from your muscles...wah wah wah...two of your lymph nodes metastasized...wah wah...positive cancer cells....wah wah...we won't be removing any more of your lymph nodes...wah wah wah..chemotherapy....Did you make an appointment to see me?....oh good...See you on Wednesday." Click.

I know I shouldn't be stunned but I was.  I was disappointed about undergoing another surgery.  I cried a little bit from the shock.  Then texted my friends.  It's nice to have a cheerleading team rallying for me.

What I'm beginning to see...

This may sound crazy but I am beginning to see this cancer as a blessing.  I prayed numerous times for God to use me as his vessel and allow me to do his work.  Although I may not fully comprehend His intentions or immediately see His work and I certainly may not agree with his course of action, I see God's work around me.  Yes, I cry momentarily from the shock of the news and I'm deathly afraid of needles but I am embracing this experience as another adventure in my life.  

In this journey, I am experiencing love from old and new friends, co-workers, families, and strangers.  I am meeting so many new people I've never would have met without this ice breaker.  My dear friend and fellow Realtor, Belinda Forrest, cried for me when she heard the news.  I've always called her my "Realtor Mom" and she cried for me as much as my own blood mother did.  Her tears stunned me and I realized her genuine love and care for me. Who said Realtors were cut throat and competitive?  Selling homes are our financial means to survive and I was so deeply touched when Belinda said she will help me with anything...even work buyer leads for me and not take any commission.  That is a HUGE generous offering.  Nobody in this business makes a generous offer like that.  For that, I highly recommend and endorse Ms. Belinda Forrest as one of the best Realtors in the world.  

My other Realtor colleagues, Jane Lafferty and Skip Sheeley, have been so supportive.  They call to check up on me and offer me any assistance I need.  Jane teaches me all sorts of things...real estate and vegetarian lifestyle.  

My Run for God and Choir friends at Riverland Hills Baptist Church have been so supportive. Their prayers and support keeps me going everyday.  Diane, Nancy, Jeanna, Stuart, Keri and others I haven't listed....I thank God every day for the fellowship and their supportive rally.

My husband, Pete...who endures my impatience, meanness and crabbiness.  His compassion, forgiveness, and love shows me time and time again what marriage means.  There are times when I try to sabotage our marriage with my Korean dramatic soap opera flair but yet through Pete, I see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind.  I see strength in Pete's eyes when I grow weak and scared.

My little sister, Kyoung, has grown to take more of the big sister role in caring for me.  Although we have our sibling rivalry and argue often, she is also my best friend who understands me and where I come from.  Funny how she used to look up to me as a child but now I look up to her - literally.  She's always been my best caretaker and now, she's stepping up to that plate again. We mutually know we are all we have when our parents pass.

My sister-in laws, Jen and Emily...they understand what it means to be an in-law and not have immediate parents near by.  They have been so kind and generous...checking up on me...bringing me food, inviting me over for food, delivering food....no wonder I'm chubby...they keep feeding me!  And they can cook too!

My neighbors, the Wootens, have been so kind  to my husband and I with food and helping out with our yard work.  Who does that???  Amazing...

Walking in my mother's shoes or Veggie Tales?

This experience also makes me understand my mother's journey with breast cancer.  I'm literally walking in her shoes.  Here's the funny thing...when I wasn't in her shoes, I was her cheerleader...I would say things like, "You can fight this Mom!  You can do this!  Fight Cancer! You got this!  Don't give up!"  LOL.

Now I laugh to myself when I hear people say those words, "Moon, you can kick cancer's ass!  Moon, you are strong  you got this!  Fight Cancer!  You can beat it!"

I ponder how I am going to fight cancer?  How do I fight at the cellular level? I don't know where the cancer's ass is for me to kick?  LOL.  Do I put on punching gloves of broccoli and kale?  Or Carrots?  What am I fighting?

I'm pretty much shadowboxing myself with a fistful of vegetables.  Soon my story will become VeggieTales.

I know, I know...these words of encouragement is to keep my spirits up.  The only thing I can control is my diet.  I'm going to beat Cancer by juicing myself with carrots, kale, spinach and a splash of apple juice.  LOL.

Another control element to this fight is my sense of humor. I have to laugh and find humor in everything. It's just too funny. 

I am finally letting Jesus take my wheel.  I realize what I can control and what I can't.  I trust in the Lord and my heart is at peace.  I'm excited about where this is going to take me and whom I'll meet in this journey.

In the meantime, a girl's gotta make a living.  Is there anybody who needs to sell their home? LOL.  I trust God will provide. Maybe I'll list a big fancy doctor's home on Lake Murray? ;)