The daughter of Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz, has given a further update about her breast cancer diagnosis, and it is not positive. Lotz, who had surgery last month to remove a tumor, recently received a set of pathology results from her doctor that showed there is cancer present in her lymph nodes.
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“As she went over the numbers, it became evident that the results were not what I had prayed they would be,” Lotz wrote in a blog post September 27. “A trace of cancer was found in the lymph nodes which alters the follow-up treatment significantly.”
The author and preacher explained how she will undergo eighteen weeks of chemotherapy, “with additional treatments stretching out over the next twelve months.” But despite receiving such difficult news, Lotz is choosing to hold fast to the hope and faith she has in Jesus. “I am still confident the Shepherd will walk with me each step of the way until He sees me safely through!” she declared in her blog post.
In addition, in light of receiving a devotional entitled “What Cancer Can’t Do,” the 70-year-old decided to flip it around and listed several things she hopes cancer can do as she moves forward with her treatment.
She continued:
“Cancer Can…
…enrich love
…refocus hope
…strengthen faith
…deepen prayer
…command peace
…bolster confidence
…increase endurance
…multiply friendships
…enhance memories
…open doors
…realign priorities
…grow courage
…create empathy
…tenderize compassion
…develop character
Cancer can be a blessing in disguise.
Cancer can be the preliminary to bearing much eternal fruit.
Cancer can be a display case for God’s glory.”
Graham Lotz is no stranger times of heartache and grief. In 2015, she lost her husband, Danny, after he was found unresponsive in their pool. Danny had suffered serious health issues for a number of years prior to his death, including Adult 1 diabetes and heart disease.
Last month, Franklin Graham, Anne’s older brother, posted a message soliciting prayers for his sister.
“We thank God that it went well. She is at peace, safe in the hands of God. The Word of God tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7),” Franklin posted to Facebook.
Many have sent messages of support and prayer to Anne as she continues to battle this dreadful disease. “Will definitely continue to pray for complete recovery,” one Twitter user wrote. “My husband had colon cancer 10 years ago. He went through treatment, lots of surgery, and lots of prayers. Completely cancer free at this time. I’m praying for the same results for you.”
“Praying for you Anne, trusting and believing in all our Lord and Savior has planned for you and your recovery,” another added. “You are such an Amazing example of trusting in Jesus plan for your own life. Keeping the faith with you all.”
Do continue to pray for her healing at this uncertain time.