On December 26, 2008, I went for my regularly scheduled mammogram. About a week later, my doctor informed me that the Imaging Center requested that I return to redo the mammogram due to findings, which were not conclusive. However, instead of returning to that Center, I was told I needed to go to the Gwinnett Hospital Mammogram Center for a more thorough examination and that I would be given the results that day.

On January 13, I went to the hospital and began what turned out to be a battery of tests. First, numerous mammography images were taken and I was asked to wait in the waiting room while they read the results. I thought that would be it, but I was called back to do additional mammograms. After the second set of readings was done, I was called back in again and sent to the Ultrasound Department for an ultrasound. The radiologist requested another ultrasound after reading the first one. After reading the second ultrasound, I was told I needed to go back to the Mammogram Center to do another mammogram. The final result was that I needed to return in 6 months as there was "something" showing up on my right breast on the mammogram that was not on the ultrasound. The technician informed me that the radiologist was "not happy" with that.

Fraught with worry, I scheduled an appointment with a general surgeon through my primary care physician who sent the surgeon the reports on all the testing that had been done. He determined it would be best to remove the suspicious area and test it for cancer and he scheduled me for surgery on February 23. After researching the procedure, however, I realized a lot of tissue would have to be removed for him to make a diagnosis, which would lead to numerous other problems. In addition, I have had problems waking up from general anesthesia.

In the midst of all of this, I realized that I had forgotten about God and how mighty He is. I was so consumed with fear that, although I was praying for His help and counsel, I was not allowing Him to help me. I was handling everything myself and was counting more on the wisdom and opinions of man. These past 2 Saturdays at church there was a call to those who needed healing and I lifted up my hand on both occasions for prayer. Slowly, I began to let go and let God take control of the situation and the following Thursday my husband I prayed fervently to God for a specific sign as to whether or not I should even bother with the surgery. The next morning (January 30), one of my closest friends in New York called to tell me she had been praying about the matter and felt the overpowering need to tell me I should not proceed with the surgery. She said, "We sometimes forget we serve a mighty God and I know he will not abandon you." I felt a weight off my shoulders and a peace come over me. God was very much present and was directing my steps. I canceled the surgery.

Just two days ago, I received a letter in the mail from the hospital (dated January 30 - the same day I got the call from my friend) letting me know that they were happy to inform me that my mammograms and ultrasound "SHOWED NO ABNORMALITIES TO SUGGEST CANCER" (capital letters theirs). They recommended a 6-month follow-up to check the stability of a spot they believe to be benign (not cancer - they emphasized again) which they suggest is possibly due to my individual make-up.

Sometimes it takes trials for us to remember what an awesome God we serve. I am thankful that I have a Father who listens to me when I cry out to Him, who leads me whenever I am at a crossroads, and who has the divine power to make me whole. - Andrea Ramsay

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