Chemo – Round 2
There are parts of this journey that include battles which we can prepare for in advance, and other parts that show up as “sneak attacks” from the enemy. This week, I experienced at least one of each. Early in the week the unexpected attack came as my hair began falling out. Even if you hear advice from others and read on the subject extensively, you really can’t know or understand how difficult this is until it’s actually happening. So for a few days, I had moment-by-moment, desperate, “what do I do now, Lord?” conversations. Of course, He answered in abundance, and was so faithful with every step.
But having January 16 on the calendar as my second round of chemotherapy, I knew this battle was looming. I was able to be more specific in my requests to get ready for what I could anticipate might be ahead. These are the times we “run to the battle”. David knew what He was doing as he ran towards Goliath in God’s strength (1 Samuel 17).
Dick and I knew we were running to the battle as we drove to Chemo treatment #2. Some of my friends had asked how they could specifically pray, and here were 3 requests I shared:
1 – No surprises
2 – The needle stick in my port wouldn’t hurt
3 – God would provide ladies for me to love on
All three were answered abundantly.
1 – This treatment was very much like Chemo treatment #1. I even sat in the same positioned chair by the window, which is feeling a little like home (especially with my cozy blanket and tote bag filled with lotion, books, my laptop, lemon drop candies . . . ) And there were no surprises! Very grateful.
2 – My port still feels a little awkward and fragile to me. I don’t even like to look at it in the mirror at home. And I’ve heard that it can be painful at times to have the needle for chemo stuck there. So they recommend dousing it with a numbing cream (prescribed) and then covering it with plastic wrap at least an hour before your appointment. Because we are driving to Nashville from Bowling Green, it’s able to set for about 90 minutes. Still, when the time comes for that needle to be inserted, I look in the opposite direction, staring at Dick who is holding my hand, and take a deep breath. It took about two seconds for the nurse to insert it and say, “That’s it. Good blood return.” Wow, that fast?? Thank you, Lord, for answering request #2.
3 – I wore some really fun socks to this appointment. See below:
This was a conversation starter with some of the nurses and the socks were also seen by a patient across from me who I met the last time we were here. She is a young mom and from our conversation, I’m not sure she knows the Lord. But I remembered her name from last time and when I called her by it, she lit up and said, “you remembered my name!” Later, I saw her just staring at my socks. So, this prayer request was answered/is still in process.
A sweet treat in this day was a visit from my friend, Jan, during lunch. Dick had scheduled a much needed lunch with his best friend, and we asked Jan to come and “tag team” for him. Jan is a fabulous cook, so it was wonderful for me to know that she would take all my dietary restrictions and turn them into a delicious meal. Which of course, she did! I enjoyed every minute of our lunch time together.
I think the message of chemo #2 that God wanted me to know was this: “In this season, know that I love you.” A very simple idea, but when you are in the midst of what we are experiencing, those are profound words. And so important for me to hold on to. He spoke this message to me in several ways through the day.
First, several people sent me this verse – “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
Other verses the Lord brought to mind:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul. All my inmost being bless His holy name . . . who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion . . .” (Psalm 103:1, 3, 4)
“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psalm 33:22)
Also, the song I was listening to on my “Journey Playlist” right before the needle stick happened was “He Will Hold Me Fast”. What does the chorus say?
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast. For my Savior loves me so. He will hold me fast.
Perfect? Yes indeed!
We are learning much about the sovereignty of God in this chapter of our lives. And those are big and important lessons. But when you combine His sovereign will with how much He loves us . . . it helps the whole experience make more sense and be easier to receive. Are you needing to put those two concepts together today? Romans 8:28 says it well. “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Amplified version)
So in conclusion . . .
Chemo treatment #2 – finished, no surprises, and lots of God’s love sprinkled round.
23 Comments
Nancy Shotts
Wow Mel! Every step of this journey your testimony amazes and encourages me! You are glorifying Him in all things – thanks for being so transparent and genuine – through this you are ministering to all of us and God’s glory is shining through you.
Carla Lambright
Glad to see your newest post & know that your 2nd treatment went well–why would it be otherwise as much as friends have been praying for you? So glad you & Dick both had a friend for a fun lunch! Love you & still praying!
Tracie Neal
I know God has you in His hands. You have meant so much to so many… it’s our turn to petition for you. Prayers for you and the lovely young lady you met.
Marlene E Davis
You are an amazing encourager even though you are the one needing to be encouraged. God Bless you as you travel this road…that HE will take you around the pot holes, and the unsteady gravel roads. HE will lead you to the straight and narrow highway. Love you and know the Lord is “stearing you in the right direction”.
cyndi
A scripture I have been pondering might be applicable to you, as well. It is PS 119: 75-77 (CSB). “I know, LORD, that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly. May your faithful love comfort me as you promised your servant. May your compassion come to me so that I may live, for your instruction is my delight.” I focus on the fact that all our afficitions are fair. On hard days, I repeat this over and over. Love you, much.
mel.tunney@gmail.com
What a perfect passage, Cyndi! Yes! Thanks for pointing me to this. Love you, too.
Nancy Sullivan
Mel, I am so thankful that two treatments are behind you and that there were no surprises. Thank you for the updates. You are encouraging each of your followers to deepen our faith, trust and dependence on God. Praying for you and for those you come in contact with, like the young mother. Hugging you from afar.❤️
Paul Johnson
So proud of you, Mel! You and Dick are a continual inspiration to all of us!
And I sure do love those socks!!!
PJ
Cristy Ludwig
We are so thankful that all your prayer requests were answered. We will continue to pray for you and Dick every day. 💛
Tina Matteson
Thank you for sharing all this. Praying for you, lots of love! ❤️
Robbie Whitson Sutton
Good evening Melodie. Not sure if you remember me from East Grand. I just finished radiation. Had chemo in April, May, June of this past year. It’s a tough road but I know for sure that this was all a part of God’s plan. Not sure when this part of this journey will be done because I still have my port. To me though, it doesn’t matter because I am a part of His plan. Prayers for you and your family.
mel.tunney@gmail.com
Of course I remember you, beautiful Robbie. Thanks for your encouragement and understanding of this journey being part of His plan. True!
Michael Adler
Sang this song very slowly a week ago for a group of young people who had never heard it.
There’s within my heart a melody
Jesus whispers sweet and low
Fear Not. I am with you
Peace, be still in all of life’s ebb and flow
mel.tunney@gmail.com
Perfect! And that is exactly what Jesus is whispering to me . . . Thanks, Michael.
Nancy Anders
Melodie…you are the cutest!!!!! Thank you for sharing your journey. We love you dearly and will continue to pray every day for you and Dick.. #1 NO SURPRISES❤️ May you feel His sweet and calm assurance in every moment!✝️ His Angels are encamped around you, you are so loved. Hugs💕
Brian Ware
Thank you Cousin Melodie for sharing your journey.
Your strength is amazing and so is our God who
provides it.
Thank You God for sustaining Mel and Dick as they praise you in the hard times.
Here is one of the songs in our set list at
Westsde Baptist church this morning.
I pray it blesses you as much as your words blessed me this morning.
Living Hope
How high the mountain I could not climb
In desperation, I turned to heaven
And spoke Your name into the night
Then through the darkness, Your loving-kindness
Tore through the shadows of my soul
The work is finished, the end is written
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Verse 2
Who could imagine so great a mercy?
What heart could fathom such boundless grace?
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own
Beautiful Savior, I’m Yours forever
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Chorus
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ my living hope
Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
Jesus, Yours is the victory
Sharon Moffett
There is no doubt that in this season He loves you and I love that He was whispering that to your heart right when you needed it. There is just nothing like that. 💕
I will pray for your new friend who loved your socks. Being a young mom going through that must be very hard. I’m sure she will be looking for you at appts and thinking of your faith in the middle of the night.
You are shining brightly, sweet Mel!
God is using you. I will be praying.❤️
Bernee
Mel, you are loved.
Tracy McDonald
Praying for healing for you Mel. We met when you were helping out at Brook Hollow Baptist Church.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Keeping you & Dick in my prayers.
Dusty Wells
Praying daily for you and Dick and your family.
You inspire me, encourage and challenge me in so many ways. Your music has always done that and now in this season, I’m reminded daily even more so of so much thanks to you and your honesty and vulnerability on the journey.
You are a treasure friend. Continued prayers.
Cristy Ludwig
I am praying for you Melodie 💛
Patrick C Keller
Oh Mel, you are such an inspiration to me! Your faith in God, your strength through this trial you’re going through and your ability to have a positive attitude in the midst of your storm. I don’t think I could be that strong. But you give me hope in knowing God has His hands on you (all of us) no matter what we’re going through. Thank you for your beautiful smile and allowing all of us to share in this health journey of yours. You are so loved, keep fighting the fight!
Karl Byrd
Praying for you and Dick faithfully
Karl