I Need Your Support

Back in January, I got the flu and thought the lump I felt on the left side of my neck was just a swollen lymph node that would go away. My flu went away but the lump never did. After months of doctor’s appointments, tests and crying, the initial diagnosis is a benign tumor, favor schwannoma. 

With the limited sample of the biopsy, there are still many unknowns with my diagnosis. The best scenario is that it’s a benign tumor not affecting any nerve. The worst case scenarios include malignancy or nerve deficit. We will know better, once the entire tumor is removed and undergo biopsy. So the doctor’s advice is to surgically remove the tumor.

I am scheduled for surgery on the 20th of this month, the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church, the Monday after Pentecost. I am praying the Surrender Novena beginning this Saturday (May 11) which ends on Pentecost Sunday, the eve of my surgery. Could you join me in praying this novena with these intentions?

1. That the tumor is easily removed through surgery, that it’s not attached to any nerve and other areas, and that the surgical biopsy result is benign. 

2. Successful surgery, and fast and full recovery.

3. That all the medical professionals involved are guided by God. 

4. Financial provision for my medical expenses.

5. For all the intentions of those who have asked me to pray for them.

Do let me know how I can also pray for you - don’t hesitate to send me your own prayer intentions. Here is the link to the novena we will be praying:https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/

If you could also pray this prayer with me on the day of my surgery (the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church), that would be awesome: 

Mother, help our faith! Open our ears to hear God’s word and to recognize his voice and call. Awaken in us a desire to follow in his footsteps, to go forth from our own land and to receive his promise. Help us to be touched by his love, that we may touch him in faith. Help us to entrust ourselves fully to him and to believe in his love, especially at times of trial, beneath the shadow of the cross, when our faith is called to mature. Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One. Remind us that those who believe are never alone. Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that he may be light for our path. And may this light of faith always increase in us, until the dawn of that undying day which is Christ himself, your Son, our Lord!

(Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter, Lumen Fidei)

One of the practical things I am concerned about is the money I need to raise for the surgery. My doctor asked me to prepare 250,000PHP (~4,360USD or ~4,055EUR). As much as I’d like to solve this problem as a strong and independent woman, my current reality is that I can’t raise this amount on my own. Would you consider sending support? 

As a cry baby, this life update just keeps sending me waves of emotions. As I go through appointments and lab tests, more questions come to my mind that are difficult to articulate. I continue to process all of this. But this news has also called me to grow in my trust and gratitude in the Lord. I have already received so much grace from God through the people in my life. I don’t know how this plot twist will continue to unravel, all I need is to take one step at a time. “Be not afraid.”

Thank you for all your love and prayers,

Audrey