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Monday, November 17, 2008

The End Is Near

Today Ryan and I leave for my final chemo treatment in St. Louis. The eighth treatment seemed so far away 16 weeks ago. And now, 7 treatments later, here it is. So, after Wednesday, this chapter will come to a close in my journey. I will move forward knowing I did everything I could to defeat cancer. I will never look back, other than to wonder how I ever made it through treatment after treatment. This trip to St. Louis will be different than those in the past. The people and places we have come to love will no longer be an ordinary part of our lives. I have been so blessed throughout the past 16 weeks. By the grace of God, Ryan, Charley, and myself have all remained healthy. After tomorrow, my life will return to normal. However, life won't be like it was before. Normal will take on a new meaning. When I was first diagnosed, Jeremiah 29:11 was the first verse I turned to. It still hangs on my refrigerator today. There have been numerous times where I have stood in front of that verse and read it over and over. Time and time again, I have come across this verse in different books or someone has shared it with me. Just yesterday I was talking with someone who asked if they could share a bible verse with me. Guess what it was? Then, this morning as I read a devotion from the book Praying Through Cancer, Jeremiah 29:11 was the scripture. Isn't God incredible? He continues to reassure and validate His promise to me through His word. Although I don't always understand why I was diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age, why I had to lose both of my breast, or why I had to undergo 4 months of chemotherapy, I do understand that it was all a part of God's perfect plan for my life. I can't wait to see what He has for me in the future! Thank you God for holding my hand throughout this entire process, even when I tried to run away. Thank you for instilling a great amount of patience in Ryan and thank you Lord for blessing me with a healthy little girl who will hopefully never remember the days her mommy was so sick. Thank you for all the nurses and doctors who took such good care of me. Thank you for all those who brought meals three and four times. Thank you for my parents who were always there to encourage me and talk me through the hard times. Finally thank you for always reminding me that:

You know the plans you have for my life, plans to prosper me, not harm me, plans to give me hope a future! Jeremiah 29:11

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is just the beginning for us, Melody. We will never be the same - we will be better.

I thank God for bringing us together to share our journey.

Hilary said...

YEAH! I am so happy you guys are on your way to the last chemo treatment! Enjoy your day of rest before it all starts and know that we are praying for you tomorrow as you are getting your last treatment. We are so proud of both of you. Hang in there, keep your head up high, and lean on Jeremiah 29:11. We love you Hil & Kev

Megan said...

Mel-
I am so happy for you and your family! I know it has been a long journey. You continue to amaze me everytime I read your blog. I only pray that I would be as strong as you.

Love ya,
Megan

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you and so proud to call you my friend:) Kick its butt one last time!!!

*Erica* said...

One more time, girl! You've got this! Your testimony is beautiful and I hope many, many people see it and are as touched by it as I am. Thank you for being a source of great comfort and strength for me as I tag along at the end of your journey. I can't wait until I am taking my last treatment, too! Have a safe trip!