January 30th, 2012
by Sheree
Three Words You Never Want to Hear
Three Words You Never Want to Hear
You’ve got cancer!
The weirdest part is… I feel perfectly fine.
Here are the facts:
My journey started last October. I had just gotten back from a mission trip to Trinidad when I noticed a lump in my neck. I immediately assumed I had picked up something weird from the hospital we had visited in Trinidad. When it didn’t go away after a week or so I decided that I might need to see my doctor. She too thought that it was some kind of infection I had been exposed to in Trinidad so she started me on antibiotics and ran a bunch of tests. After ten days of treatment and no positive results on the many tests she had run, she sent me to an oncologist who in turn sent me to an ENT. Over the next several weeks I had a cat scan and then a needle biopsy. These tests showed some suspicious cells. Right before Christmas I was told that the only way to know for sure what we were dealing with was to take it out, so surgery was scheduled for January 18th. Once it was out the doctor informed me that it was indeed cancer.
The past twelve days have been a roller coaster of emotions and a boatload of doctor appointments. We’ve since learned that the cancer more than likely originated in my tonsils. (Still waiting on a confirmation from the results of a pet scan I had on Friday to confirm.) My doctors have told me that there is an 80-90% cure rate, but the treatment is very tough. They have recommended an aggressive plan of both chemo and radiation to be done simultaneously for the next seven weeks. Treatment is scheduled to begin next Monday, 2/6/12.
Those are the facts about what I am facing. Here’s the real story:
God has called me to speak for Him, so it is no surprise to me that the enemy has chosen to attack my throat. And here’s the best part, God isn’t surprised by this attack either. My days were all written in His book before even one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16)
So… the battle is on! And the good news is I don’t have to battle alone.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
My battle plan is simple:
- I will praise Him throughout this storm
- I will remain faithful & faith filled
- I will stand on His promises and believe His word to be true
- I will wield the sword of the truth to defend myself from the enemy’s attack
In the meantime I will be blogging about the journey and what I am learning from God through it. I hope that you will join me by reading my posts and leaving comments of encouragement on my blog.
The best way to do this is to subscribe to my RSS feed. It is the orange icon located on the right side bar under the “Follow Me” tab. If you click on it and then click “get Sheree DeCouto by email” you can leave your email address then you will get an automatic email update every time I post.
I’m not looking forward to the treatment, but I am looking forward to what God will do through it and hoping you will join me on this journey by praying for me.
January 30, 2012 at 6:29 pm, Danielle said:
You are so strong and such an amazing women aunt Sheree! I know you will make it through this hard time with the love from friends family and GOD! <3 I love you and I admire your faith and strength through this all! You are still inspiring people through your own battle and that is unbelievably amazing!
January 30, 2012 at 6:29 pm, Lori Kennedy said:
Praying for you Sheree
January 30, 2012 at 6:48 pm, Tricia Patterson said:
He is an ever present help Sheree.
Praying for you.
January 30, 2012 at 7:38 pm, Jean DeCouto said:
> I, too, feel anticipation to find out how God will use your journey for His Good. You are an amazingly strong and faithful lady! We love you!
January 30, 2012 at 7:42 pm, Emily Duncan said:
Love reading your blog, Sheree, but I love that you are one of my mentors even more! Mollie and I were just talking about what your story will be a year from now and how God will use this (and is already using this) for good and for His glory. You are a precious gift and I’m praying for you always!
January 30, 2012 at 9:18 pm, Sheree said:
Emily, thanks! But… I hope it doesn’t take a year before He starts using it! Ha Ha! XOXO
January 30, 2012 at 8:04 pm, Jayme Bachrodt said:
Praying for you every day with all of my heart…you are such an inspiration to all, even when faced with your own personal challenges…you are my hero!
January 30, 2012 at 8:13 pm, Sherri Hopkins said:
Sheree, Your blog is so perfectly stated as God is in control! You are His beloved and He will protect you from the enemy. I will lift you up DAILY and without ceasing these treatments bring full recovery with NO remaining cancer cells! The words you speak for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will sound even MORE beautiful with a testimony that will bring God glory through his beloved daughter! You are amazing!A woman of great faith I admire and love.
January 30, 2012 at 8:39 pm, Rhonda Mimbs said:
Hey Sheree, just read about the cancer,so sorry you are having to go thru this.We went to school together,so I have known you a very long time.I know what a strong person you are.You are already an inspiration to everyone,I admire you very much and I’m sure everything is going to be fine.I would love to talk to you one day when you have a minute.I have an angel story I would love to share with you.God has already given you courage and strength to get thru this.You will be fine.I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.Love you!!Rhonda
January 30, 2012 at 9:16 pm, Sheree said:
Yes Rhonda you have known me for a long time and I appreciate you prayers and words of encouragement.
January 30, 2012 at 9:14 pm, Gwen said:
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. My family and I are lifting you and yours up in prayer. We will be following and praying with you through this!
January 30, 2012 at 9:27 pm, Paige Staples said:
Sheree I just read this and then had to read it to Chris. We are both praying for you as you fight this fight. You are covered with prayer, but most importantly the hand of God! Love you!
January 30, 2012 at 9:55 pm, Karen Keen said:
I have only just met you and already feel like I know you. I am in the Tuesday morning ladies bible study at FBC doing the makeover series and will be praying as you taught us on day 1 to get organized and I will abide for his sake. You are in my prayers.
In Him, Karen Keen
January 30, 2012 at 10:11 pm, Carol Millard said:
Sheree,
Lifting you and your family up in prayer. Even though there may be difficult times ahead, I know your awesome faith and strength will overcome and be a continued testimony.
Peace and Love,
Carol
January 30, 2012 at 10:16 pm, MaryEllen Edwards said:
Sheree,
Just wanted to let you know what an inspiration you truly are! I met you last week at Bible Study on Tues. You might remember I told you I had been diagnosed with skin cancer last April and am now cancer free, giving all the glory to our awesome God! I will be praying the same for you and know that God will be holding your hand every step of the way.. Praying for you daily!
January 30, 2012 at 10:53 pm, Dana Schlup said:
Now we have the “real story.” Your blog, your journal, your focus put to pen are words of faith and trust in Him alone. Your words show you are abiding, which is a model of resolve to others. “Abide in Me and I in you, as the branch cannot bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” May the fruit from abiding during this trial spill over and over for others to eat — for their own personal trials and friends’ trials. To quote John Piper “Don’t waste your cancer.” i will pray for physical strength of mind and body during this time.
January 30, 2012 at 11:13 pm, cindi costoulas said:
Loving you and praying for you!
January 30, 2012 at 11:17 pm, Dana Schlup said:
We now have the Real Story. Thanks for sharing. Praying for you. Your abiding in Him is already witnessed in your pointed focus in the blog and trust in God. As you abide much fruit will come and we get to see it spill over in the basket for others to eat…….for their trial and walk. Thanks for your openness to share it. Praying for physical and mental clarity and strength for you, as you have given so much to others, may you be blessed deeply in your soul from His intimate knowledge and care for you.
January 30, 2012 at 11:40 pm, Gillian Marto said:
We are inspiried by your journey of faith through this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Love,
Gillian Marto
January 31, 2012 at 8:11 am, Tisha Baker said:
Thanks for sharing. Will be praying for you in His name!
January 31, 2012 at 8:44 am, Terry Fast said:
Jehovah Rapha (the Lord heals) not only hears our prayers, but He answers them! Jehovah Nissi (the Lord our banner) goes before us in all of our battles. We will be walking with you, lifting up your arms, John’s and the kid’s, when you all might feel too weak! Our God is an awesome God! I don’t think the evil one thought about blogging – when you can’t speak, you write…you have already been practicing that part in writing your book. You are a hero! The daughter of THE KING!
January 31, 2012 at 8:46 am, Sarah said:
Sheree, I can hear God saying…. “Consider my servant, Sheree.” He his holding you up as a hero for Him. I love that our homework this week included 119: 75-77!… “…and in faithfulness you have afflicted me”, “Your unfailing love be my comfort” and “Let Your compassion come to me that I may live.” I am keeping you lifted before His throne of grace as you journey down this rough road. Blessings on you!
January 31, 2012 at 9:15 am, Austin S. Munhofen said:
Mrs. DeCouto, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. You will most definitely be in our thoughts and prayers. As a matter of fact, Blair and I prayed for you last night before bed. May God give you comfort and peace.
January 31, 2012 at 9:31 am, suzanne leigh said:
You are such a woman of faith and a blessing to so many! Praying for you, your family and doctors.
January 31, 2012 at 9:58 am, amy eakins said:
Sheree, thank you for sharing your pain, for being so transparent, and for reminding us of HIS love and goodness to HIS children. Remembering when you went around the room at Bible Study and prayed over each of us, how powerful that was. We are here for you as sisters-in-Christ who are committed to faithfully praying. Love you much!
January 31, 2012 at 11:55 am, Lyle Sinor said:
Sheree,
Jessie and I are praying for you and if you need any help in any way, please don’t hessitate to ask.
We love you,
Lyle
January 31, 2012 at 4:30 pm, jim said:
Been there 2 1/2 yrs ago with the BEST success.
Gave it up to THE ONE.
Will write more later.
Will let you know what I did to make it easier.
Seems like 20 years ago or more now !!
Don’t forget to work on your humor!
Best,
Jim Williams, Physician Assistant
January 31, 2012 at 5:03 pm, Diana Klein said:
So glad to hear your good news today. If God is for us who can be against us? May His mercy and grace continue to follow you all the days of your journey with Him. We are all learning alot about the goodness of our God. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
January 31, 2012 at 8:52 pm, Nancy Davis said:
Sheree, I didn’t know about this until I read your blog tonight, and I’m glad to know some details so I’ll know how to pray. You’re a strong woman with a strong faith, and your witness is and will continue to be powerful. Reflect on all the wonderful stories God gave us to show us His love and faithfulness – Daniel comes to mind as one. God protected him as he went into the fire and helped him come out safely. How special to KNOW that God is in control, no matter what! I’ll be praying for you.
January 31, 2012 at 11:06 pm, Susan Hodge said:
Sheree,
Know that you are being covered in prayer daily. Look forward to reading your blog to see what big and mighty things our God is going to do through this.
Blessings,
Susan
January 31, 2012 at 11:30 pm, Jamie said:
Keeping you and your family in my prayers. I’m so sorry you are faced with this, but it sounds like your heart and your faith is all in the right place. I love you, Jamie
February 01, 2012 at 12:25 pm, Mary Vandenberg said:
Love your blog and website! That was Jim, my brother, who commented yesterday, after I left a voice mail for him about you, so he is very interested in helping out by sharing his experience, tips, and encouragement. I know from my experience that I so wanted to speak with someone positive who had been been recently diagnosed and treated to get the most updated possible scenario. He is the best big brother in the world, so he will want to “big brother” you. Sending up prayers up for you, sweet sister!
February 01, 2012 at 12:35 pm, Kelly Adcock said:
Sheree, what can I say? I love your heart to worship our Lord no matter what. HE does have a perfect design and plan for you! Greater is He that is within you!
You are surrounded by people who love you and are here for you through every circumstance. Know that you are being lifted up!
Love you so much,
Kelly
February 02, 2012 at 2:40 am, Carrie-Rose Menocal said:
I will be praying for u!!! Fight on Sheree! You are a Colossians 4 Girl!!! xoxoox
February 02, 2012 at 7:58 pm, Linda Griffeth said:
I have no doubt that the LORD will use you during this season in your life to encourage the women in your ministry. Be on the look out for GOD MOMENTS I call them. During a difficult season, you will see them where HE shows up in many different ways you never dreamed of~
February 03, 2012 at 6:54 am, Mayris Tatum said:
Nothing is too hard for God. Keep the Faith and no matter what just know that God is with u and he can do all things. Trust in him. I am praying for u. You are so special to us and to him
February 03, 2012 at 8:26 pm, Raelene said:
I have been praying for you.
February 06, 2012 at 10:08 am, Susan Owen said:
I am trusting in God’s unfailing love and care for you. Our Father knows what we need before we even ask.
February 07, 2012 at 11:27 pm, Ama Couch said:
I’m just getting brought up to date as I had no idea. If only I got on Facebook every once in a while. Just reading your posts, I am so incredibly moved. Your faith is so powerful and such an inspiration to others. The lives you have already touched and will continue to touch! Truly you are doing His will! You will be so in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow and in the weeks ahead. With love.