A Lump. What To Do When You Find a Lump by Yvonne Ortega
“A lump. I found a lump on my left breast,” Patty screamed into the phone. “What can I do? I’m scared I’ll die.”
I understood that fear that captures every cell in a person’s body. I’d been there almost seventeen years ago. “Patty, have you called the doctor to make an appointment?”
“No, not yet. I remembered you had breast cancer and wanted to talk with you.” She gasped and sobbed.
With memories of my discovery of a lump on my left breast, I asked Patty if I could pray for her.
“Please do. I’m so scared I can’t focus to pray.” And she cried again.
Call The Doctor.
After I prayed for Patty, I said, “Please call your doctor for an appointment now.” I paused for a moment. “Let me know when it is. If I can go with you, I will. If not, you’ll want someone to go with you to support and encourage you, and to remember what the doctor says.”
When she called back with the date of her appointment for a mammogram, I looked at my calendar. “Patty, good news, I can go with you. I will pick you up and take you.”
Ask for Prayer.
She sighed with relief, and I asked her if she would feel comfortable doing two other things. “Can you call your prayer chain or church prayer group for extra support? Can you whisper the name of Jesus between now and your appointment? God promises he will hear you and intercede for you.”
Patty assured me she could handle both requests.
Confide in a Trustworthy Person.
What else can you or a loved one do when you find a lump? Find a trustworthy person you can be honest with about your feelings. Not everyone is a trustworthy person. Not everyone can handle honesty and emotions.
However, this isn’t the time to pretend to be strong. Don’t bury your feelings. They’ll pop up when you least expect it.
A trustworthy person won’t criticize, mock, or belittle you for not being a perfect Christian because you’re scared or because you cry.
Should a person jam Scripture down your throat or insist on giving you unsolicited advice, that person is not a trustworthy person either.
Listen to Praise and Worship Music.
If you find a lump, you can also listen to praise and worship music. It will give you a chance to listen to God. He longs to assure you of his love. Claim that promise.
Psalm 36:7: “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Prayer: God, I’m scared to death. My knees are shaking. My hands feel clammy. My heart is pounding, and my head is throbbing. I don’t want cancer. Please help me sense your unfailing love and take refuge in you. Amen.
Application: When will you call the doctor’s office and make an appointment for a mammogram?
Related Posts:
https://www.yvonneortega.com/breast-cancer-detection-in-8-seconds-without-pain/
https://www.YvonneOrtega.com/10-breast-cancer-tips-for-patients-family-and-friends-by-yvonne-ortega/
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega X.VIII.MMXVIII
