The Beginning of the Journey: Wendy-Woo Strikes Out Breast Cancer

I am Kindra. Wendy-Woo is my best friend! Who knew that more than 10 years ago when she coerced me into choir practice at Ridgecrest Baptist Church that we would be here today, together. We've shared life, laughs, tears, work, ministry, (and sometimes) even husbands- jk!

On Monday, June 29, 2015 @ 12:03pm, my cell phone rang; I will never forget that call. Wendy shared with me that she had breast cancer. The weeks prior had been filled with a lot of fear, anxiety and waiting. After a routine visit to the gynecologist turned into a mammogram, a mammogram into a diagnostic mammogram, and a diagnostic mammogram into a sudden and unexpected biopsy of a breast tumor and lymph node, we were awaiting results. Though expecting to hear from the physician on Tuesday, the fateful call came early, much to God's perfect timing.

We had been planning and looking forward to our long awaited mission trip to Dauphin Island, Alabama, and were planning to leave the Wednesday after hearing this news. Quickly, the radiologist made plans for Wendy to see an oncologist and a surgeon at Siteman Cancer Center, and scheduled an MRI for Tuesday. Everyone's goal was to do what was best for Wendy, all the while Wendy concerned herself with her Monday night Orange Crush softball game (which she played with courage!) and getting her family ready for the upcoming 11 day mission trip! Her fight had begun!

After her consultation with her physicians on Tuesday, it was determined that she could, indeed, travel with her church family on mission, and would be ready to hit the ground running upon her return. We had an amazing trip, and God certainly allowed for some sweet memories, cleansing cries, belly-aching laughs, and some awesome worship on our road trip! Coming home was bittersweet, as we knew a new reality faced us upon our arrival- facing cancer head on.

Upon return from Dauphin Island, Wendy received some reassuring news about her cancer: her PET scan was negative for metastasis and her genetic marker was also negative (she cannot genetically pass cancer to her children.) Her cancer is defined as Stage 2, triple negative breast cancer. There is a tumor in her left breast, and the nearest lymph node is also involved. This Tuesday, July 21st she will begin her battle. Wendy will have a port placed and immediately begin chemotherapy. Her first round of chemo will occur every 2 weeks for a total of 4 treatments (or approximately 8 weeks), followed by another round of chemo weekly for 12 weeks. Following chemotherapy, Wendy will undergo surgery, and then will complete treatment with radiation.

Wendy is a strong, courageous, (stubborn) child of the ONE TRUE GOD who sees her diagnosis as an interruption. God is not surprised. Our best laid plans are not always HIS. Holy interruptions are inevitable in this life, even (and sometimes especially) when we desire to hang a “do not disturb” sign around our neck. Yet, as Christians, we are called to TRUST HIM, and that, she does.

We see Holy interruptions in scripture repeatedly, many which significantly changed lives: Mary's interruption was Jesus. Noah's interruption was an ark. Moses interruption was the Israelite's. Jesus interruption was the cross. God often uses interruptions to do things far beyond what we have dreamed or imagined. While we cannot imagine what God has planned for Wendy during this interruption, we must trust that it involves prosperity, hope, and a future, HER future! “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

So, here I am hoping to walk this journey at her side and share it with you. She has an army of people who know and love her, and you will want to know how she is doing throughout her journey. How Andy, Ashlyn, Taylor, and Luke are doing. How you can pray. How you can help. How you can cheer for Wendy-Woo as she strikes out breast cancer. I am sure from time to time you will hear from her and other friends here too. Leave a comment, give her a cyber high-five. Pray. Please pray. As Ruby (my 3 year old) says, "Jesus, Thank you for Aunt Winny and for helping her boobie feel better. In Jesus Name. Amen." Let us all walk this journey alongside Wendy with faith like a child.

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD : He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91

Peace as we grieve together, hope together, trust together, cheer together... Kindra