Swerve
Swerve: To turn aside abruptly, deviate, or change direction suddenly, especially to avoid hitting something or to move off a straight course
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
I’ve been in the hospital all weekend. I was admitted on Friday because of low white counts and an accompanying fever. The protocol during my treatments has been: if I develop a fever over 100, call TN Oncology and they will advise. Because mine was 100.7, I was told to come to Nashville to have my blood checked and then decisions would be made. Which we did. And they were made. Our sweet Nurse Practitioner delivered the news, “Having you at St. Thomas Midtown for antibiotics, tests, and fluids is going to be the best plan”.
No one ever wants “the best plan” to be a hospital stay, but over the weekend as I’ve gotten stronger each day I’ve realized there has been no better place for me to be on the planet than right where I am.
I’ve been too weak to write about any of the last few days until now, but here are some details and God-moments.
When we drove up to check in, this was what we saw:
Psalm 33:20-22 has been a big part of this journey for me, and there was the last part of those verses as a banner for me to see as we walked into the unknown.
When we first arrived, as mentioned, my white counts were very, very low and I had spiked a fever of unknown origin. One of the goals was to determine the cause of this. So once I was admitted, testing began for Covid, flu, UTI and other more common options. I was sent for chest xrays to rule out anything heart/lung related. And of course, I gave numerous blood samples for any number of infection possibilities.
I had quickly packed a bag before we came for the initial appointment just in case going to the hospital was in my future. We decided not to do this for Dick because 1) we were hopeful my levels would be satisfactory and we could just go back home and 2) there were some things he might need to take care of on Saturday to prepare for both of us to be away for several days.
So Friday night, Dick headed back home and I settled in for the evening. Before going to bed, I wouldn’t say I was discouraged, but I was definitely dealing with some “okay, I wasn’t expecting to be here” kinds of feelings. Mel, trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. I think, because so far in this cancer journey I have had very few unknown speed bumps pop up, I was doing my best to rest in the fact that THIS – my extremely weakened state and all that was needing to be done – was God’s best plan for me. This wasn’t a swerve for Him.
Before heading to bed, I turned the TV on and scrolled to find a special program my friend, Cece Winans has filmed based on her latest, fabulous recording.
(Not the greatest photo, but our most recent – about 9 years ago. We were first introduced in the late 1980’s when First Call toured with Bebe and Cece. What a precious lady she is!)
My heart was buoyed as I listened and took in the words to songs like, “Believe for It” and “Goodness of God”. My Heavenly Father knew that was the perfect medicine before laying my head down for the night.
Move the immovable, break the unbreakable
God, we believe
God, we believe for it
From the impossible, we’ll see a miracle
God, we believe
God, we believe for it
Another God-kiss was that my oncologist happened to be on call for this weekend (well, we all know this didn’t just “happen”). This is his lot every 6 weeks, and here we are! It’s been a big blessing to have him check in on me each morning of my stay here.
So, a quick fast-forward. The weekend has been a good one overall. My white count levels have risen to a normal (barely, but every decimal counts!) level. I’ve been fever free for the last 24 hours. And it’s looking like my body is recovering from the earlier days of higher than comfortable fever temperatures and lower than comfortable blood counts. This morning (Monday), I will probably be receiving a blood transfusion to help my red counts and hemaglobin numbers which are still considerably low. This is not my favorite, but is being advised by my oncologist and the staff doctors here.
Getting a blood transfusion is something I’ve only had one other time – after my surgery 2 months ago (actually 2 months ago today – March Fourth!). The Lord gave me peace about it then, and I’m asking for peace now. As we all know, there is something very sacred about the blood.
Over the weekend, though everyone had to be masked up because of my fragile condition, I was able to have some sweet visits from my sister, Missy, and niece, Jess.
Wendy and Neal – long time, precious friends who were planning to come and stay at our home Saturday night for a quick visit. Oh well, another time!
Kim and Scotti – Kim and I are also long-time buddies. It felt so good to see this sweet couple!
And now, we continue to wait on this bit of a swerve in what our plans might have been for this “home stretch” of our journey. We’ll know more later today about any other findings from blood work. And the hope is for us to go home by tomorrow morning. How to pray? For continued strengthening in my body, specifically in my blood. For answers to any remaining questions of what brought me to the hospital in the first place (many things have been crossed off the list, but the cause is still a bit of a mystery). And for Dick and I to stay centered and peace-filled in wherever God has us to be. Yes, we’ve swerved. That definition above really defines the abrupt, never-saw-this-coming nature of our weekend. But as I keep on . . . keep on . . . yes, KEEP ON reminding myself, none of this is a swerve to God. Here’s the verse He has laid on my heart these last days:
“He knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)
P.S. – I finished writing this as Benadryl was being administered to me through my port in preparation for the transfusion. If you find crazy mistakes, I’m blaming it on that! 😀
20 Comments
Laura Cooksey
Praying. You are a warrior, Mel. Praying blood counts continue to improve and that your transfusion only yields positive benefits! Love you!
mel.tunney@gmail.com
And Laura, we continue to pray for you and Kyle – 2 fellow Kingdom Warriors!
Sheree Tynes
Dearest Mel,
Prayers for resilience and that Holy Spirit “ability” to keep on keeping on! When you mentioned “Goodness of God,” I had a flashback memory of you playing that on the keyboard as we worshipped at Freedom Faith Fellowship Church at the ladies’ prison in Pearl, Mississippi! The words were true for those with whom we sang and they are just as true for each of us, regardless of the “hiccups” that interrupt us. I don’t think I’ve ever formulated an official “Bucket List,” but the other day, I mentally added this to my future list: I want to visit every place that God created. I shall begin with the Milky Way Galaxy, then travel from there. I’m already excited. And, I don’t think tickets or reservations shall be needed. Thinking about God are the best thoughts I’ve ever had! (No surprise there!) Remembering you to HIM! Love you!
Jackie evans
You’re such an inspiration to all of us. The smile on your face is always wonderful! Continued praying for these requests you have posted and thank you for your encouraging updates.
BTW, you will never remember this, but Jerry and I were in an airport lounge, I can’t remember where, taking the redeye home. I went into the ladies restroom and you were there. I knew that I knew you, but I also knew that you didn’t know me. We had a lovely conversation! ♥️♥️
Wendy Joseph
So thankful to get to see you dear friend. Praying white blood count is up and you can
be swerving back home soon.
Always love your blog. 🩷
Cristy Ludwig
So sorry about the swerve Mel. Praying for you and Dick every day. 💛
Tere Gardner
Ben and I continue to keep you and Dick covered in our prayers🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️ God’s got this!!!
Debbie Hardy
God heals all our diseases! Psalm 103
I am praying life over your blood because the life of the flesh is in the blood! I have O+. Call me if you need me!
Eddie Rackley
Mel, you are such an inspiration to all of us following your journey. As always, I was praying for you this morning along with Dave Roberts. God is using you in such a powerful way. I know He has you in the palm of His mighty hand. I pray this swerve will be behind you very soon that you may continue healing and growing stronger every day. Give Dick my best and know Rita and I are right there with you in spirit, United by the Lord God Almoghty. Blessings…
Marlene Davis
Praying for peace that surpasses all understanding and that God would guard your heart and mind.
Jan Markowitz
Bless your heart, Melodie. So sorry you have had to go through this curve but thankful the Lord has a good Dr and staff to care for you. Thankful that no curve catches God off guard and He is caring for his daughter, you, who He loves so much. Glad things are starting to improve and we continue to pray for you daily, sweet sis in the Lord. Keep trusting Jesus always… No matter what! Love you🩷🌹🙏
Kathy Lathem
Mel, I love how you continue to encourage & teach us as we take this journey with you. You continue to be in my prayers, specifically for strength in your body & blood and that you can go home. There’s no place like home to recove!
Charity
Mel, I’m counting those blessings along with you as we watch and wait on the Lord. Oh, how He loves us!
Donna Taylor
You are being so very strong!
Any “swerve” in our plans is unexpected and can certainly throw us off guard.
I think sometimes the devil himself will try to get us to lose focus on what’s important, but you continue to Lift Your Eyes and continue to keep trusting and believing He has your best interest at heart.
Your song choice is wonderful, and will keep you inspired throughout this journey.
Praying you’ll be feeling better and able to go home soon!
Beth Simonds
SWERVE
Strength rises from Prayers
Whispers of hope
Every day a new victory
Radiating inner light
Valuing life anew
Embracing the journey
Toni DeLancey
So thankful the counts are up and no fever! Praying the transfusion went well. Sending so much love, Mel. ❤️🙏
Nancy Anders
Oh Dear Mel…. my heart hurts for you for this bump in the road! I continue to pray for you daily and I certainly pray you absolutely get to go home tomorrow and rest in your own bed. We love you dearly and trust God with you. So thankful you have great family and friends around you💕 Sending u a ton of gentle HUGS!!!!!!
Bernee Tuttle
I’m praying for you and Dick. Your love for Jesus constantly blesses me. His Spirit of love and compassion comes through your words. Thank you. I love you, girl.
Tammy Carroll
Praying your better soon and back to singing.
Cliff & Jasa Young
We continue to pray for you daily. Our memories together and our sight for future ones continue to buoy our prayers. Love you two.