MY SECOND CANCER DIAGNOSIS

(May 29—June 5, 2026)

Twelve years ago, I had triple negative breast cancer, which is the most aggressive breast cancer that exists. For my care, I went to MD Anderson. Since then I continue to travel to MDA annually for routine tests. This year, I had my mammogram and ultrasound on Friday morning, May 29. Friday afternoon I met with the Nurse Practitioner to learn the results. After 11 years of annual visits and hearing that all is well, what I would hear at this visit came as a total surprise.

I learned that I needed to have a biopsy because there are “microscopic calcifications” that appear suspicious for cancer. (They are on my left side, whereas the cancer I had in 2014 was on my right side.) Microscopic calcifications are not uncommon, but in some cases, they can develop into cancer. The level of suspicion for what my tests revealed was considered “Bi-RAD 4” (which is “very suspicious”). At this point, I got my daughter Amy on the phone so she could  be in on the conversation. The NP explained that if this is cancer, based on the size of the area, a mastectomy would almost certainly be necessary, and depending on the type of cancer, I would probably also need to be on hormone blockers for five years.

My greatest concern, if it turned out that these calcifications were cancer, was that it might be triple negative cancer again. If so, there would be many challenges—mainly because some of the most effective chemo for triple negative breast cancer has a lifetime limit and I was already given the lifetime limit 12 years ago. Considering the aggressiveness of this cancer, it is likely that my prognosis would not have been good.

I left that appointment about 2:30, took an Uber from the office directly to the airport to head home.

The Wonderful Airport Encounter (Friday-May 29 )

I arrived at the airport within an hour or so of receiving this heavy news. At this point I felt quite overwhelmed. I was trying to mentally and emotionally process everything I had just heard, and at the same time I was in the midst of the airport chaos. Now I was standing in the security line—physically there, but mentally somewhere else. The woman behind me tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “Is this yours?” She was holding  a small card with a prayer on it that her young adult granddaughter had noticed on the floor. I recognized the card. Jennifer, who is my co-table leader for the Alpha Course, had given me this card and it was in the outer pocket of my purse. I must have pulled something out of the pocket and it fell out. We started a conversation. She (Marianne) and her granddaughter had come from Fresno to attend a Christian ceremony for a relative. I then explained why I was in Houston and told them about the unexpected news that I had gotten less than two hours prior. This opened the door for Marianne to share words of encouragement with me. After we completed our security check, she asked if it would be OK if she and her granddaughter prayed for me. Of course, I said yes. We walked over to the side, stood in a circle and she prayed a beautiful comforting prayer for me. Just what I needed at that moment! Afterwards, we exchanged contact information and plan to stay in touch.

Scheduling my Biopsy (Monday-June 1)

I was told at Friday’s appointment that orders were being put in for my biopsy and that they would notify me about my appointment. Monday morning I decided to call to see if I could speak with the scheduling department and set it up. So, I called and was transferred to a department, who then transferred me to someone else. A lady named Lanelle answered the phone. I explained that I was told on Friday that I need a biopsy and was calling to see if I could schedule it. She said she could arrange an appointment. She asked my name. When I told her, she said, “Vicki Gordy! I know you! We met Friday. I’m the one you talked with who used to live in New Orleans. You gave me one of your bookmarks.” (For those who are unfamiliar with my bookmarks, I wrote a book “A Heart for God” which is a free eBook. To share it, I regularly give bookmarks to people I meet. If you are interested in checking it out, go to heartforgod.org.) So, back to Lanelle. She asked me when I would like to come for the biopsy. I said “Midday, Wednesday would be ideal.” She set me up for a 1:30 appointment that Wednesday. Then, she told me that before we get off the phone she wanted to pray for me. And, she did! Another, beautiful, powerful prayer.

Transportation and Somewhere to Stay (Tuesday – June 2)

I was in the process of renting a car for the drive to Houston when my brother Jim called and offered to loan me his car. (His car is a little newer than mine—so likely more dependable.) I really appreciate that several people offered to accompany me on the drive, but at this point I felt like I needed some solitude. I was looking forward to a leisurely, quiet drive when I could start to process all that was happening. So, Tuesday morning I set off for Houston. With the bad thunderstorms along the way, the drive didn’t turn out to be what I imagined 😊—but I made it to Houston safe and sound, nonetheless. The night prior to the biopsy I was able to stay at the home of my friends, Jodie and Doug, which is about an hour from MDA.

The Daily Devotional (Wednesday – June 3)

I love to write to express my thoughts and feelings. When I woke up early Wednesday morning I opened my laptop and began typing. I typed these words: “The body of Christ is ministering to me in amazing ways through many who are his hands and feet. It is so comforting to me to know that there are many people praying for me. And I’ve also received many words of encouragement. I feel loved and supported.” Immediately after typing these words I opened my phone to a daily devotional that is sent via a group text. Jorge, who was an attendee at the Alpha Course last fall sends daily inspiration to the ten of us who were at our table. Considering what I had just written, I was amazed at the devotional he sent:

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Surprising Comfort in the Midst of Grief

Can anything good come from grief? From mourning a deep loss? From weeping over a profoundly heavy heartache?

While grief is a necessary part of life, no one longs to grieve. But in the second beatitude—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 ESV

No one can appreciate rain more than someone who’s lived in the desert. No one can value food more than someone who’s truly been starving. And no one can know God as their Comforter like someone who’s desperately needed comfort.

Unfortunately, death, decay, and disappointment are a part of this world. But even in our sorrow and suffering, God stands ready to comfort us—in unique and meaningful ways that only He can.

The Holy Spirit is often called the “Comforter,” as well as “Helper,” “Counselor,” or “Advocate.” But regardless of what He’s called, it’s always who He is. Even in our grief, He’s always a God who has our best in mind.

And so, how does God comfort us? He does this through His Spirit, through His Word, and by working in and through His people. 

Do you have the eyes to see how He’s pursuing you? Have you opened your heart to His comfort? 

If you are a follower of Christ who is mourning today, remember: Jesus Himself promised that you will be comforted. He’s always good, He’s always faithful, and He’s right here, ready to help.

(A Youverse Bible app devotional)

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Someone to Accompany Me for the Biopsy (Wednesday – June 3)

MDA has a policy that if a patient wants to take something to help them relax before the biopsy they must have someone with them. As it turned out, Darlene (a lifelong friend) was staying about a mile from MDA (her husband is a patient there). So, she was able to accompany me for the procedure.

Bad News / Good News (Friday – June 5)

My phone rang midday Friday and I saw the call was coming in from MDA. I wrongly assumed it would be good news, because I was told that if the result is benign I would probably know that within 2 days, but it would take longer if it is cancer because additional testing would be needed to determine different factors of the cancer. Since this was exactly 2 days after my biopsy I thought it must be benign. However, I could tell almost immediately by the tone of the woman’s voice that she was not getting ready to share good news with me. As soon as I knew it was cancer I once again got my daughter on the phone. I was SO releived to learn that what I have is NOT triple negative breast cancer. The prognosis for this cancer after surgery and medication is very good. So, while I certainly don’t like having cancer, I am thankful that it is not triple negative.

Thankful for my family and friends!

I’m so thankful to the many family members and friends who are praying for me, and for those who have helped (and who have offered to help) in various ways! To repeat the words I typed on my laptop:  “I feel loved and supported.”

My Next Steps

I am planning to have my surgery and treatment through M D Anderson in Houston. I have an appointment with my surgeon Monday, June 15 and an appointment with my oncologist on June 24. I am hoping to have my surgery by the end of the month. And, here’s another blessing to mention:  My daughter is a physician. She has been working as a resident for the last 4 years. Her final date to work as a resident is June 23! Then, she will have a two month break before she begins her position at Ochsner. The timing could not be more perfect! Thank you, Lord! So, she will be able to accompany me for my surgery and care for me during the recovery period. I’m so grateful for God’s provisions!

(I will add updates to this journal when there is new information to share.)