Chemo Treatment #3
There’s a lot to be said for experiencing something multiple times. I remember my first chemo treatment, knowing nothing of what to expect, but making it through. Then with the second installment, I wanted it to be similar, and it was. So heading towards #3 . . . hopefully it would resemble chemo 1 and 2 . . . which it did. I felt “experienced” and more relaxed going into this one than with my other two appointments.
But let me back up a second: the night before this particular treatment, I was met with an attack from the enemy that I won’t go into, but the overall issue that was magnified in my brain focused intensely on how dire an ovarian cancer diagnosis could be. And while Dick and I haven’t been denying the seriousness of this, we’ve made a concerted effort to focus on what God is able to do. Which by the way, is ANYTHING! And as we have tried to walk in Philippians 4:6-7 – to not be anxious, but offer prayers of petition and thanksgiving – He has surrounded us with promised peace over and over again. So the night before this treatment, I found myself outside of that scripture, being stressed and considering things I didn’t need to consider.
We prayed diligently about this before going to sleep. And in the morning, the first prayer I prayed was to ask the Lord for a specific scripture, or a specific word for me to carry with me through the day. As always, He answered. The word? Deliverer. I grabbed my phone, went to a Bible app I use, put in that word, and He led me to a specific passage I’ll share at the end of this. But needless to say, having that word in my heart played in to a peaceful, “easier” day for Chemo #3. As we drove down I-65 headed to St. Thomas Midtown, one of the songs we listened to was an older favorite, “Made Me Glad”. The chorus says:
You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion, Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present help in time of need
One thing I haven’t mentioned in my other two chemo treatment posts is something that actually hit me during the first round. To start the infusions, I’m first given Pepcid, Benadryl and a steroid in an IV through my port – this lasts for about 40 minutes. When it is complete, a little bell “alarm” goes off on my IV machine to tell the nurses it’s finished. At that point, my main nurse for the day comes over to hang the bag for the first chemo medicine, which will drip for 3 hours. As she approaches, I notice she is dressed in extra protection, a mask, gloves, etc. She then calls for another nurse by saying, “Can I get a chairside, please?” When the other nurse arrives, she is also dressed in protective clothing as nurse #1. As well, they ask Dick to put on a mask.
Okay, so let’s press pause here. My first thoughts experiencing this were, “Hmmm, you guys are dressed in hazmat suits to protect you from what you’re about to pour into my veins. Hey . . . should this be concerning to me????” The song came into my head, “Let it go, let it go . . .” Haha! Yep, don’t let those thoughts get frozen in your head. (Okay, bad joke, I know).
Before the chemo is released into my IV, nurse #1 asks me for my name and birthdate. She then repeats it, as she is reading the orders printed in front of her. Nurse #2 also has a copy of those orders, and she repeats the info as well. Nurse #1 then says something like, “Administering (whatever the medicine is) at (however many cc’s) and for a 3 hour drip.” (Or something along those lines). This is repeated by Nurse #2. Several more official words are spoken, validated, and repeated, and then they hook me up. I have to say I am comforted by the “officialness” and seriousness of making sure this medicine is specifically for me. Even if they are wearing protective clothing I’d rather not see. 😃
Late in the morning my friend, Ann, came and brought lunch from Noodles & Co which was such a treat. Dick was able to go and meet a friend of his, which was a blessing for him as well. Seeing a buddy during a time like this brings such joy and comfort!
I’ve mentioned this before . . . but one reason I believe the Lord has me on this journey is to provide an opportunity to shine His light to people I would never encounter outside of this experience. (And let me say, through many of YOU, the light of His love is radiating so brightly to me!) When you are in a room with others who are in a similar situation – facing a difficult diagnosis and illness – it’s easy to observe many levels of emotions. From despair to hope. Here are some people I encountered yesterday and a few gleanings:
- A young lady I’ve seen all 3 of the times I’ve come for treatment is a single mom of 2. We’ve had some brief but sweet conversations. The last two times she has been there, a young man has come, and from all accounts this is a fairly new relationship. He is tender with her, holding her hand, very protective. At one point, the nurse was speaking with her about some things. I tried not to eavesdrop, but she was in a chair very close to where I was sitting. In the midst of the conversation, the patient said, “Well, I’m about to get a mastectomy anyway, so that shouldn’t matter . . . “ The young man didn’t flinch. He offered a supportive smile. I thought to myself, “This is a good guy. Hang on to him.”
- Another lady came and sat in the chair next to mine about 2 hours into my treatment. She had a girlfriend with her. We each offered polite conversation, and I asked if this was her first time (I’ve never seen her before). She said, no, this was actually her third bout with cancer of some kind. I can tell she doesn’t want to say any more about it, so I just tell her I’m sorry, nice to meet her, etc. She is one who is wearing a little more despair on her face, and that is understandable on many levels. Later in the day, we speak again, and I get the sense she may be a Christian. I feel led to show her the socks I’m wearing. She liked them, and it brought a smile to her face.
- One last person I’ll mention was the highlight of the day! An older lady came in wearing a plastic silver crown, and a sash across her body. She told me she was celebrating her last treatment. She was cancer free! Later when she was finished, her husband took pictures of her ringing the bell. Everyone applauded and celebrated along with her! I’ll be ringing that bell sometime soon. I know it!
So let me get back to the word of the day – Deliverer. Obviously, it’s more than a word. It’s a specific name of God. As I mentioned, the Lord pointed me to a particular passage where I found that word included several different times. Here it is:
“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he delivered us from mortal danger, and he will deliver us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to deliver us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11, NLT).
Now, read that again with some short notes on how God used this to affirm things in my heart . . .
“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in Bowling Green. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die (at least that’s what the enemy was trying to instill in us). But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead (yes, God is able to do ANYTHING). And he delivered us from mortal danger, and he will deliver us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to deliver us. And you are helping us by praying for us. (That’s you!!) Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11, NLT).
And there are so many of you praying for our safety, our daily needs, my healing . . . and so much more. One definition of “deliver” says this: to save, rescue, or set someone free. The Lord is your Deliverer, too! If you need to know God’s delivering power in your life, as we do, I pray you’ll trust Him to save, rescue, or set you free. “You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.” (Psalm 54:7)
Chemo #3 . . . a very good day.
22 Comments
Mike Simons
Thinking of you Melodie. So happy for you both a you feel better soon. Thinking of Dick too. Love Mike
Rachel Byrd
Mel I am praying that God will place His angels around you constantly bathing you in the precious blood of Jesus There is power power wonder working power in the blood cleansing your body of all impurities The healing is not in the drugs it is in the blood of Jesus Sending you and Dick much love from Jackson Ms
Jen Larson
I’ve been a fan of yours and Dick’s since the early days of First Call and Sandi Patti. I came across your blog last week and have been praying for you both! As a Nurse Practitioner I’m intimately aware of the medical side of things but I’m appreciating your perspective as a patient. May God bless you with perseverance, health, strength, and peace.
Tina Torbert
I love you Mel & I continue to pray!🩷
Debbie Hardy
I am enjoying reading this uplifting message. What a wonderful witness you are. ❤️ He us faithful to His promises. I pray for your healing. ..that circumstances would change….miracles over your life in Jesus name. The power of His spirit is now and always-forever yours! Debbie Hardy
C Voyles
I love how you personalized the scripture. I do that also. I feel as if the Lord is speaking directly to my heart. I love reading your posts , it helps to know how to pray for you. I am thankful to be fighting this battle with you and your family 💕
BRUCE ROBERTS
Thanks for sharing! Love and prayers for you and Dick as you continue through this journey!!
Ann Chassereau
Mel I loved your blog! You have no idea how seeing and talking with you lifted my spirit! By the way, you are already delivered! I love you and Dick and you truly are the light oh Jesus! Love ya, Ann
Cristy Ludwig
Thank you for sharing your journey. It is really helping me on the journey my family and I are currently on. Praying for you and Dick every day Melodie. 💛
Hetti-Marie Manu
God is moving and doing things in the invisible, supernatural realm through this. Praying for your strength and rest.
Greg Nelson
Melodie,
What an inspiration it is to hear these reports from you
I think it can be so cathartic for you, but they’re also encouraging to Pam me in the faith. We pray for your Wellness,your strength, your comfort and peace. We pray, believing and with great expectation to see how the Lord works through all of this.
Sending you big hugs and a lot of love… Make that a whole bunch of love . You are precious to us
Ever always,
Greg and Pam
Paul Johnson
Mel…every time I read a new report from you I feel encouraged in a way that I wasn’t expecting. The graciousness with which you and Dick approach every new challenge is medicinal in its own respect for the rest of us. It sure is for me. Continued prayers for the next step in this adventure of faith…and thanks so much for the honor of taking us with you. Comfort and joy to you both each and every day. -PJ
BRUCE ROBERTS
Thanks for sharing! Love and prayers for you and Dick as you continue through this journey!!
Marlene E Davis
You are doing amazingly well. God’s got this!!!
Julie Phillips
Thanks for sharing your journey. Praying for you & Dick ❤️
Bruce & Lisa Wethey
We continue to pray daily for you both Mel. We love you and trust in the lord for His healing hand, strength, endurance and deliverance. 🙏❤️
Michael Adler
It was so good to hear Dick’s voice last week and to “see” his smile in my imagination as we spoke by phone. You two have always been soldiers and it’s not because you are strong tough guys. Christ in you is the hope of glory and we are right along side of you with prayers and cheers in this battle.
Gary Welling
I will be praying for you. In June 2024 the doctors gave me the diagnosis of colon and liver cancer. Through alot of chemo, scans, surgery, procedures the colon they say is gone. I will have nuclear beads put in my liver starting in 3 weeks for 8 weeks. Definitely not a journey I would pick. But as you mentioned we are on a platform that we have never been on before to encourage, pray for, support so many people now. I have prayed with people while I was doing infusions. I have prayed for medical staff. I have also had many reach out and asking me questions when they themselves or a loved one was diagnosed! One of my good friends last words to me after fighting cancer for a few years were. Fight the Good Fight! She is in Heaven now, truly with no pain or suffering now!
Dear Father God in Your Son Jesus Name and Your Holy Spirit… I pray for Your Divine Healing for Melodie body. You know everything going on and how to fix it! Just bring her Your Divine Comfort and Peace and Strength!
Will continue to pray for you! Keep shining your light and keep us posted on things!
Gary Welling
Dennis Morgan
❤️🙏🏼
Mary Morris
Mel,
You are such an inspiration and I thank God that you are the willing vessel He uses at this time. God bless you and Dick!
Karla Strawser
Mel, thank you for sharing your journey. On your treatment days especially, I wonder how you are feeling, what you are going through and pray for total peace for you. Your posts not only give us a glimpse into what you are experiencing as well as the other patients around you, but allow us to walk this journey with you and show us how to pray. Your are strong, you are a warrior, you are an inspiration and a joy. I’m so blessed to call you friend.
Janice L Houser
I too, want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. You are an inspiration to anyone who knows you. Your story , the journey you are now on, will prove to be a huge help to those going through similiar circumstance. It is so evident to see your faith in God. He will continue to be with you as you continue this path.
Love you Mel & praying daily for you.