From Tracie: Prayers For Judy

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Prayers For Judy

My mother-in-law, Judy, had a lump in her breast. It started out small, but continued to grow for eight years until it was visible from the outside. She knew there was something wrong, but because of fear and a bad experience with a doctor, she ignored it.

Judy Flaningam

By the time she sought treatment, and breast cancer was officially diagnosed in September 2011, the cancer had already metastasized into her bones and several large tumors had formed in her back. The prognosis was not good.

What followed was a battle. Judy had a mastectomy, and started hormone treatments, radiation, and rounds of chemo.

In February of 2012, we were very excited to get a report from the doctor saying that a large grapefruit-sized tumor in her lower back had shrunk to the size of a quarter, and the other tumors were gone. The following May she had another good blood test, and the doctor said her cancer was dormant.

In 2013, she had a major surgery on her carotid artery. The cancer became active again, and started growing. Pain was her constant companion, and between the cancer and the Rheumatoid Arthritis she has had since her 30's, her mobility was severely limited. She had several strokes, and spent more time in the hospital. Through all of this, she continued to hold on to her faith in God, and trust that He was in control.

Before Christmas, she returned to the hospital. They wanted to focus on managing her pain before the next round of chemo. She was released to a rehab facility after the new year, but last week they moved her back to the hospital and placed her in Hospice care. She is not expected to live much longer.

After her initial diagnosis, Judy shared her story on my blog. She wanted to encourage all women to have a mammogram, and to not let fear hold them back from seeking answers and treatment when they knew something was wrong. She was overwhelmed and thankful for all of the support from the online community after she shared her story and as she went through her mastectomy.

Thomas and Judy
Thomas and his mom.
I want to point you toward Judy's post again today, to share her message.

And I am asking for your prayers - for God's will, and that He will bring her through this valley with peace. We know that soon she will be with the Lord, but there is still much grief for those of us who love her and are left behind.

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Judy Flaningam went to be with the Lord on Monday afternoon, January 13, 2014. She was surrounded by friends and family, and holding the hand of her beloved husband Jim as she passed.

15 comments:

  1. Oh, Tracie. I'm so sorry. Please give Thomas a huge hug for me. And for you and the whole family. I will keep his mom in my heart and send prayers of peace for you all.

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  2. Sending prayers for her and your family. xo

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  3. Keeping Judy and your family in my thoughts.

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  4. So much love to Judy and to you, Thomas and Katarina.

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  5. Praying for you all, Tracie. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, and wish I could somehow make it easier for you.

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  6. I'm so sorry, Tracie. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

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  7. Sending prayers for your family, Tracie. I'm sorry for her struggles!

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  8. Oh sweetie, my heart goes out to all of you guys. We lost Gene's mom to breast cancer years after she had been in remission for quite a while. It is a vicious disease and one that we need to eradicate so soon and stop losing so many good people much too early. Sending prayers and love and healing to all of you..

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  9. Oh mercy... my heart cries out to the Lord.

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  10. Sending prayers for all of you. (((Hugs)))

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  11. I have just said a prayer for Judy, this is such a terrible story to tell, and one that should remind us all that early treatment is the best, I hope she is not in too much pain.

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  12. I hate that this is happening. No one should ever have to go through this pain. Know that I'm thinking of her and sending all strength her way. I've shared this on twitter and google because this is terribly important that we remind every woman to get their yearly exams, pay attention to their bodies, and get mammograms. xoxo

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  13. I'm sorry, Tracie. My prayers continue to be with your family. It's especially timely for me as a dear friend just underwent a double mastectomy and is now going through chemo. Much love to you all.

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  14. I am so sorry for your loss. My mother went through breast cancer so I am familiar with the fight.

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  15. So sorry. Thank you for sharing her story.

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