Snow Showers of Blessing

Last week I took a trip to Flagstaff to meet with my plastic surgeon. The whole trip was evidence of God's grace, protection, and provision. My husband and I had decided to make a mini vacation of it and stay two nights to unplug and relax. However, we had no idea that the timing of my appointment would have us travelling to Flagstaff at the height of one of the biggest snowstorms they had experienced in a few decades! 

Several days before my appointment, I changed to one later in the afternoon instead of in the morning in hopes of roads clearing before we left. Then, the morning of my appointment, it appeared several inches of more snow was expected right at our drive time. I was on my computer all morning, checking several weather sites, evaluating the two possible routes we could take, praying every couple of minutes for a way to get to my doctor's appointment. Missing my appointment could mean a month or more in delaying the start of treatment.

Finally, it appeared God was opening a weather window for us. If we left 5 and 3/4 hours before my rescheduled appointment, it looked like we would hit a lull in the storm. After a few more prayers, we loaded up the car and headed out on the road.

On the way, we hit an unexpected hailstorm. Small hail, but still making it a bit hard to see. Other than that, the first half of the drive was pretty much tame. But, as we entered the second half of the drive, it was like someone hit the blizzard switch. There was lots of snow everywhere. Snow on the road made it impossible to see the lines. It was hard to see if we were anywhere near our lane. We passed at least six cars that had slid off the road and one that had flipped over completely. We found ourselves behind a semi, and for the first time ever, we were grateful and happy to be behind a semi! Its big tires plowed tracks for us to follow up the grade as we made our way into Flagstaff. A semi sent from God.

Minutes after arriving safely into town, the road was closed behind us. We found a Chipotle (my favorite fast food, don't judge me) right off the main road and had lunch and a much-needed bathroom break. Another blessing.

During our lunch break, I called the doctor's office and was able to get an earlier appointment (more blessing). This meant we did not have to worry about what to do while waiting for our check-in time at the hotel. In the same parking lot, there was a grocery store, so we were able to get supplies to take with us to our hotel. We were blessed to find a hotel on the outskirts of town that had great prices on a mini-suite with free hot breakfast and a full kitchen and fireplace in the room. A couple more blessings!

At the doctor (finally), I was concerned because my breast surgeon had indicated the plastic surgeon would not likely agree to do my reconstruction due to my higher BMI. I had an article from the NIH ready to show him and argue my case. God blessed again. He said it was not a problem as I was strong and healthy. My surgery could now be scheduled. 

There were many other little blessings over the next two days. But you get the idea. God is good! I now have a surgery date. My daughter calls it my "cancer eviction day" and I like that. On February 13 my left breast will be removed and I will have phase one of reconstruction started by placement of an expander and some antibiotic pellets. 

I am grateful to be moving forward on the treatment. I am still at peace about the cancer, the loss and rebuilding of one breast, and whatever is to come. I am constantly amazed and grateful for all the peace, provision, and support God keeps sending my way.