First Chemo Treatment
One of my favorite parts of the story of David and Goliath is found in 1 Samuel 17:48 – “As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.” Why is the running part not brought out every time that story is taught in Sunday School? (At least I don’t remember it). What a picture of faith! Not faith in David, faith in his God. We see that expressed a few verses earlier: “But David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” (Verse 45)
So as Dick and I begin this current chapter of fighting a disease, we can run to our battle with that same faith and knowledge of who is actually fighting it!
For any of you who haven’t walked through a chemo treatment, I’ll give you a brief picture of how my first one laid out. On the Tuesday before, Dick and I drove to TN Oncology in Nashville and met briefly with my Gynecological Oncologist, his Nurse Practitioner, and the Treatment Navigator. We talked through any questions we had, and they helped us understand (to the best of their abilities) how the treatment would go, and what the weeks ahead might hold. After that, the lab took me back to receive multiple vials of blood for various testings, in order to assure that my body would be up for the task ahead. We then headed back home until Friday.
On Friday morning, we arrived at the same location and were ushered back to the treatment center. But before I tell that part, let me push pause. As you can imagine, arriving for your first chemotherapy appointment about 2 weeks after you even learned of the diagnosis – no matter how much mental preparation – can be a little daunting. When we walked into the waiting room, we were initially the only ones there. A sweet receptionist/administrator signed me in and after a quick back and forth, the Lord opened the door for me to share that I am a believer, and I believe Jesus is going to heal me. She immediately said, “I love the Lord, too! I’m not supposed to initiate any conversation like that, but since you brought it up. . . . “ And I had a sweet God-wink before I even walked into treatment.
Now, let’s keep going. I’ve had a port installed under my right collar bone. It’s probably my least favorite part of this journey so far. It “gives me the willies” to see it there. I knew that the process would be to hook an IV up into that port . . . and no, I was not looking forward to it. They suggest that you put a prescribed numbing cream on the port site at least an hour beforehand, so Dick and I had lathered it up before we made the hour plus trip down from Bowling Green. By the time they were ready to connect the IV, I was good and numb in that area, which helped me be less apprehensive. A little. With Dick holding my hand (one of his main roles during treatment), they inserted the IV, and I didn’t even feel it! Another moment of the Lord saying, “I’m fighting this battle”!
After about 40 minutes of giving me Benadryl, steroids, and other things to prep for the main drugs, the time came for the chemotherapy to be put into my port. By now, I had on headphones and was listening to a very intentional playlist I had put together. As the nurse informed me that she was about to insert the medicines, I nodded, looked the other direction, and listened to a song that our daughter Kelsey wrote called “Hallelujah, God is Near”. Those 4 words are really all you need to know. Coincidence that those 4 words were ringing in my head/heart at that very moment? Nope. Not one bit.
The whole process had me sitting in the comfortable recliner for about 6 hours. I was then “unhooked” and we headed back to Kentucky. I’ll write in a future post about how I have fared over these weeks between treatments – physically, mentally, and spiritually (obviously, I’m still in the midst of that time frame). I will say that our daughter, Whitney, came to be with us on the 3rd day after treatment (which we had been forewarned could be a “crash” day. Yep!). Whit is a mom (compassion gifts), nutritionist (because she is Celiac, she has a deep understanding on health through the foods we eat, etc.), and oh yeah, an RN (did I need some nursing skills on board? You bet I did!). Again, more on that later . . .
On January 13, I’ll have my next labs, followed by treatment #2 on January 16. We will walk into that week with more understanding of what will be involved and a little more experience, but we will most certainly “armor up”, hold tightly to the Sword of the Spirit, and once again run to the battle! During that week, if you happen to hear a voice calling out, “Charge!!”, you’ll know where it’s coming from. Thanks for the continued prayers!
42 Comments
Julie Ditzel
Sharing these details helps everyone who cares about you. The knowledge gives more intention to our prayers; your gamut of emotions, more tenderness in our response and support; your deep river of faith cleanses us all in hope and trust in our Lord. And if you find a weary day where you don’t have the energy to write it out, our prayers will still persist. 🙏
Nanette Rasberry
I love how God has gone before you and sits besides you. Praying for you, Dick and all of your family.❤️
Deborah
Praying for you 🙏❤️
Tracy McDonald
Praying for you Mel
Tere Gardner
We are covering you and Dick in prayer 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️God is with you each step of the way. He is fighting for you!!! Armor Up is RIGHT!!!
Celeste Clydesdale
Mel, please know you will be in our prayers every day. I i admire the way you are dealing with this diagnosis. You know you full well that you have a mighty God, who is fighting for you! 🙏
Kim Robinson
I’m so glad Dick was able to be with you. My journey began when Covid protocols were still in place. Day 3 was definitely the crash day. My daughter was the best support system, so glad Whit can be there to help you through. Love and hugs!
Tana Lonon
Sweet friend from many years! I just read all your words and reflected on when I first met you….you were a receptionist as I recall. And God directed your path with your extraordinary gifts to become one of best singers. That same God that was with you then….is the same God who is with you now. I am just so sorry you are having to walk this journey but we live in a fallen world with temporary housing. I’m praying in agreement with you and thousands of others for supernatural healing and for His Grace and Comfort in the meantime! He is the lover of your soul and will not leave you nor forsake you. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹🙏🙏🙏🙏
Nancy Shotts
Mel your courage is from the Lord! And you are choosing to trust Him through this unexpected and painful journey! What a testimony of His all-sufficient grace in your time of need! Love you friend!
C. Grace
This journey is a faith journey for all of us. You are the leader and God chose one of the best for this role! Love you!
Donna Oxley
Praying for you, Mel. Your strength and faith is inspiring. God has you in His hands and I believe He will use you mightily in this fight. Lifting up you and Dick to the Father everyday. Love you. ❤️
Steven Cross
Mel and Dick, we are praying for you both and family. We have walked with family members through this journey. I am convinced your strong faith, you running towards this, and claiming early victory sets you up for great outcomes and powerful testimony of His healing power.
Linda Wright
Mel, I am lifting you, Dick, your doctors and medical team in my prayers every day. I am praying for healing, peace, and comfort for you on this journey. Your strong faith and determination are an inspiration to me and everyone who knows you.
Debra Coomer
Your faith is so inspiring to me! Praying for you!
Robin McLaughlin
This made me feel like I was there with you through it all! And I was in spirit! Storming heaven’s gates for you, Mel!
Carolyn L
Mel,
Praying 🙏 for every step of this journey and for every person that God allows to cross your path that you wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Not surprising at all that you are encouraging our faith even as you are receiving treatment.
Prayers for complete healing ❤️🩹!
Rhonda Williamson
Sending lots of love and prayers sweet Mel! ❤️🙏
Barbara Vick
Dave and I are praying with and for you in this journey! The armor you carry will serve you well and the Maker will see you through! Thanks for the great update!🙏♥️
Debbie Hardy
Sometimes I have no words but know that I get so scared– from you just reading your Port Story. I do not like needles. Anyway, I was awakened at 2.30 am or so and you Dick, and my own adult children we brought to God and laid before His feet. My prayer was for mercy!!
Cheryl
Love you and praying for you Mel.
Kathy Smith
Melodie, I’m hanging on to every word you write and charging into battle with you and your precious family. I was sitting in that same treatment area a few days before Christmas receiving an iron infusion. Although grateful my reason for being there was fairly benign, I was profoundly moved by the hopeful joy of those surrounding me who were receiving their chemo treatments. I have no doubt God will use you in an extraordinary way to minister to those who will share that room with you. Steve and I are going to be your Aaron and Hur, who supported Moses’ arms to secure Israel’s victory. You are so loved ❤️
Mary Morris
I am so sorry that you are going through this, Mel. Thank you for walking us through your treatment. It kinda gives us a better understanding of what people endure. I am thankful that Dick is able to be with you during your treatments. I am praying for you, Mel, that you will have a swift, complete recovery. God bless you and Dick, and your family.
Judy Heinecke
Know that we are keeping you in our prayers and knowing that the Lord is with you each and every moment!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Becca Manry
Mel, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’ll never forget when we were at Woodbine and you prayed Psalm 103 over me after my diagnosis, and I will be doing the same for you. Chemo stinks and it will get worse before it gets better, but God loves you so much, He will protect you and give you peace even on the worst days. I know that He will use you in incredible ways through this, even on the days when you don’t feel like being “inspiring.” Praying for complete healing and uneventful treatments!
mel.tunney@gmail.com
Thank you for that reminder, Becca. To see you now, with your precious family . . . what a testimony of what God is ABLE to do! Thanks for reaching out!
Nancy Anders
Your gift of writing shines thru at all times💕
Thank you for the update, it helps to know how you are doing and what you have facing you. I know you will minister to so many in every room you enter. Ps 139:5 says “He goes before us and He follows us (He hems us in) and He places His Hand of blessing on our heads”…as I pray this over my grown kids, Eddie and me everyday, I have been praying this for you, as well. May you feel His Presence, His touch, His healing and His calm assurance that He is with you! You are so loved by so many and I know He smiles at you as He carries you through this time!
Cristy Ludwig
Praying for you both everyday
Vondell Arledge
Thank you Mel for sharing your journey, I believe just as the Word says we go through things so God can use us to encourage others and I know God is using this trial in your life to encourage many. We are praying for you, I told my husband how I know you and I think it is so neat that God has allowed our paths to cross over all these years. My brother lives in a small town in KY called Tompkinsville and their daughter lives in Bowling Green. What a small world! I would love to see you at some point of the Lord allows it, so message me on FB, as I get over to Bowling Green occasionally. Know your journey has encouraged me already and know we are praying for you!!!🙏🙏❤️
Beth (Wilson) Simonds
Tears stream down my face as I read your words – every word! Your frank and honest words, your fears and pure faith inspire deep and fervent prayers. Chemo is harsh and its side effects are cruel, but I know God has control and will lead and guide you through.
Sharon Moffett
The picture of you running into this battle brings tears to my eyes. I just read this this morning, “You will never learn faith in comfortable surroundings. God gives us His promises in a quiet hour, seals our covenants with great and gracious words, and then steps back, waiting to see how much we believe. He then allows the Tempter to come, and the ensuing test seems to contradict all that He has spoken. This is when faith wins its crown. ”
I thought that was powerful and I believe you are winning your crown. I will keep praying for you, Mel.🩷
Bonnie K Keen
Most eloquent, beautiful Mel, these posts are pouring out of your heart with power and courage and vulnerability. Thank you for sharing your heart with all of us. Praying with you, running to the battle with you, in our Jesus onward!!
Dennis Morgan
Everyone who knows you and Dick loves you both. So the transparency with which you are appraxohibg this journey allows people who truly wish to walk with you that opportunity. And we are all praying you through!
Mike Simons
Mel, you are thought of often. And Dick too. MIKE Simons
Christy Jones
Doug and I are praying for you Mel!!! Thanks for inviting us all into this journey of suffering and faith. We are linking arms with you from afar and remembering that this is how we fight our battles.
Darlene Marrs
Mel, and Dick.
Dane and I are keeping you both in our prayers. Our Lord will guide you thought this Journey. He has warp his arms around you as you are walking through this. Praying ” Lord Jesus be with Mel and Dick through this time. Lord give her strength in her body, & complete healing in her body, and peace of mind and comfort to Dick. In Jesus name we pray.
Remember there is alote of friends and family praying with you.
Kim Livengood
I love you and am praying for you. As I type this message, I am wondering how many lives God will touch through your journey.
We don’t always understand God’s plan, and I have to admit, when my son died, I shared with our Father that I knew He had a plan but I didn’t like it. He listened to my human rantings and ravings and loved me anyway; comforted me, even.
This is my blessing for you:
“The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance unto you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24 – 26
Becky Thurman
I am reminded of our song you and First Call sang so many years ago. “I may not know what the future holds but I know who holds the future.” My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Becky Keith Richards
Mel,
I just heard of your diagnosis and days ahead for you from Allison Ware, my BFF since we were eight. I am also a TRUTH alumni, ’72 & ’73.
I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you as you put on all your armor and fight this battle of cancer. Our Jesus is the same God who healed the lepers, the blind, and the woman who touched the hem of His garment. He can heal today, also! I love your faith and determination. Please know you are in my prayers daily for His healing and comfort!
In His Love,
Becky Keith Richards
Connie Edwards
Hi Melanie,
I remember when I first met you, in the. BBC worship choir, I was going through breast cancer chemo treatments at TN Oncology. I was embarrassed to meet one of my favorite singers from First Call wearing a wig because of the cancer treatments. You were so kind and gracious to me and I will never forget that. Now on the other end as a BC survivor of 18 years, as I read your post, the memories all came flooding back. God was right there with me on the good and bad days and He will be for you as well! I am praying for you and successful treatments with minimal side effects. God bless you all!
Kay DeKalb Smith
Thx so much for sharing this journey with us. It helps to know how to pray. XOXO
T
Holding you close in my thoughts and prayers ❤️
Aimee
Dear Mel,
I only learned of your diagnosis this morning from a mutual friend. I am so sorry you are having to walk this path. As others have said, reading your words helps us know how to pray for you. Asking the Lord to uphold you with His righteous right hand.