For Everything There Is a Season

Breast Cancer, Faith 2 Minutes

Tuesday was the day. The much-anticipated day.

For the past few months, I’ve followed doctors’ orders. On a medical trial for the purpose of eliminating the need for breast cancer surgery, I’ve taken the endocrine therapy intended to shrink my small malignant tumor, and I’ve waited. On Tuesday, a slew of tests and appointments awaited: an ultrasound, a CT scan, an MRI, blood withdrawals, a COVID examination, and a visit with the radiation oncologist.

Sure enough, the real-time sonographic imaging measured a 20% decrease in the volume of my irregular hypoechoic mass with indistinct margins. The medicine that I’ve hated for blocking my hormones has finally done me a favor. It shrunk my tiny tumor, which means no surgery for me. Why can’t I say that with a little extra enthusiasm? This is such great news. Oh wait, my hormones. Going, going, gone. I wonder if I will ever feel like myself again.

For now, I stay the course with the medicine. I tell myself no feeling is final…words have power…God has my back. On Wednesday, I start my radiation, five rounds, every other day. The end. Over and done. And then I wait. Again. I let it all happen and just keep going.

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. 

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Published by Crystal Byers

When I was young, my dad would always say, "Crystal, you can choose your attitude." One day I chose to believe him.

Published

89 thoughts on “For Everything There Is a Season”

    1. I don’t know how many times I had heard this song before I realized they were singing Ecclesiastes 3. As a matter of fact, I’ve referenced these verses before, and a reader told me. Marvelous, indeed. Thanks, Ally!

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  14. This seems like good news!! Thank God that the tumor shrank. Now praying for strength for you through the next step in treatment. Four of my closest friends have gone through this and all but one, who had late stage breast cancer when it was discovered, have come out the other side and are thriving today. Seriously. It is not easy but will be praying for you every day❣️🙏🏽

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  15. Oh wow, that’s great news. Sounds like a big decrease, that’s awesome. I know with loved ones close to me, it can be such a big challenge waiting and taking it step by step, but you are so right, “to everything there is a season.” Such a wise approach. Sending you prayers and best wishes on this journey and that soon you “will feel like myself again.”

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  17. What a positive update! Certainly, when one’s hormones are out of balance, it can throw anyone for a loop. Prayers to you that the radiation goes seamlessly. I hope you’ve got a good support system of family and friends in place.

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    1. I’m a little worried about the fatigue, because I’m already fatigued. I’m going to try to keep working every other day through the radiation, but I have the option to take all the time I need. So, thank you very much for praying with me, Rosaliene!!

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  20. Love and prayers to you my friend. I think you’ll find you will become a new self. Can you get anymore bad-ass though?! Lots of positive energy coming your way for the upcoming radiation treatments.

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  21. Wonderful to read good news! Your attitude is an inspiration. May it continue, along with your family and friends, to carry you during the challenging moments. You are a beautiful light! 💖

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  23. Praise God for the shrinkage in the tumour size. Keeping you in my prayers Crystal. May the Lord’s healing hand be upon you and may the cancer be completely gone. May he pour his strength and peace as you continue to navigate this. And may you feel his presence and comfort on days that are not easy.

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  26. I am sorry to hear you must do the treatment. I did my radiation for a month a year ago and I am glad it is behind me. I hope your treatment will soon be behind you and you can look ahead to a beautiful spring with flowers and birds in your yard. Hugs, David

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  28. A wonderful, happy development, Crystal!

    Still a little bit to go before this is all resolved, but you just took a big step forward, my friend. All that’s happened over the past year has overwhelmed your emotions and it’ll take a while for the good news to sink in. Plus, the positivity is slow-release, energizing a smile each morning.

    You’re strong, Crystal, and you’ve proved yourself more than equal to the challenge. You call upon family, friends and faith, too, and all rejoice with you and prepare to exult.

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  29. I am so happy that the first treatment worked, Crystal. Now onto the next stage of treatment. Sending you healing thoughts and prayers. You can do this. K x

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  31. I wish you didn’t have to go through this, Crystal. You certainly don’t deserve it. But I know you’ll handle it with the same grace in which you live. Sending love.

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  32. Wonderful news as we start out a new week. I am so happy for you. I will be praying for you as you go through these next steps. The music you shared is a favorite of mine. I also am currently reading For Everything a Season by Phillip Gulley. He is a Quaker minister who is a good storyteller. This is a gentle book of essays/short stories with remembrances of how things used to be. I use a chapter each night to clear my mind ready for sleep. I have also read his Front Porch Tales which is also good. Blessings, Crystal.

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  37. AND A TIME TO BELIEVE that all will be well. I went through my cancer scare almost two years ago. Praying for you Crystal and Thank God for your good news.

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  39. Thank you for sharing!!.. glad that the medication is working and you are winning the battle.. hopefully it is a indication of better things to come… “Victory is not always winning the battle, but rising every time you fall” (Napoleon Bonaparte).. 🙂

    Hope your life’s path is paved with love and happiness and until we meet again..
    May love and laughter light your days,
    and warm your heart and home.
    May good and faithful friends be yours,
    wherever you may roam.
    May peace and plenty bless your world
    with joy that long endures.
    May all life’s passing seasons
    bring the best to you and yours!
    (Irish Saying)

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