The Beginning
“He knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)
Even as I title this first post, “The Beginning”, I’m so aware that though Dick and I found out about this diagnosis on Dec. 4, 2025, our loving, all-powerful, sovereign, faithful God was not made aware of it on that day. Psalm 139:16 says, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” How comforting it is to know that the Lord was not surprised by this news. One bit. Initially, I was having a few “digestive issues” and because my dad passed away years ago from Esophageal cancer, I’m always very cautious and aware of times my tummy may be pointing to something. So my new doctor here in Bowling Green (where we moved 6 months ago) who is also a friend (I’ve known her for 8 or 9 years) said, “You know, let’s get this looked at.” And she ordered a CAT scan. All went well with that – in fact, I was kind of excited about just getting a “baseline” and knowing if I might need to cut back on spicy foods or something like that. Later that day, she called to see if we could stop by her office, and her first words were, “I don’t like what I’m seeing here.” She proceeded to say that the markers she was viewing were pointing her to ovarian cancer. “What did we just hear?”
Our next hours were spent processing, praying, processing, and praying. Shortly after that visit, I was referred to a Gynecological Oncologist in Nashville who had a cancellation and could get me in the following week. When we met with him, he confirmed the diagnosis and said the next step would be a biopsy to assess the full measure of what we’d be looking at. 5 days later, I was being prepped for not only that, but the addition of a port. Yes, this was a very fast moving train . . .
The biopsy once again confirmed what both doctors had seen, and the plan was put into place. 3-4 rounds of chemo (each 3 weeks apart), followed by surgery (a complete hysterectomy) and then 3 more chemo treatments. Aggressive? Yes. Were we at peace from day 1? No. Are we more at peace now? Yes we are. As we’ve watched the last 29 days unfold (that’s crazy for me to type in), we are seeing the Lord’s hand at every turn – providing us with Christian doctors and nurses, settling us into a church family who are already caring for us quickly and deeply, and surrounding us with an ARMY of prayer warriors who are “running to the battle” just as we are!
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and more importantly, thank you for joining us in prayer – for healing, for strength in the journey, and for continued peace. I’ll keep you posted in this blog as the Lord continues to rewrite our story . . .
61 Comments
DT
Grateful for anyone who joins us on this journey.
Peggy Hughes
Mel, we love you so much, and we will continue to ask God for your healing.
Tricia
Praying fervently for the Lord’s peace, comfort and complete healing.
God bless,
Tricia & Chas
(We know Whitney & Shawn from Providence Church in Raleigh.)
Dick Tunney
Love this army of prayer warriors!!
Tammy Carroll
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you. God is still in control and your cancer journey is no surprise to him. I believe he is wanting you to witness to someone that is going through the same thing , where you are having treatments. If I can help you in anyway, please let me know.
Jerry Anderlik
We’re all here to support you. But a surprising thing is also happening. You’re building up our faith, certainly mine. God doesn’t waste anything, does He? I’m so thankful for your medical team and extended support system. The love is palpable. You and Dick are in my prayers.
Cindy Blevins
I’m so thankful for your inspiration and faith. You are a blessing to me!
Brooke White
I follow your daughter, Whitney, on Instagram. She is such a precious soul who brings much encouragement to me as a Christian, homeschooling mother. I am lifting you and your family up in prayer!! May the God of comfort, comfort you all with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Dixie Harris
You all have been dear since you came to Providence for concerts and then Whitney and Shawn moved to Raleigh to serve at Providence. So you are dear to my heart. Praying for you both as you go through this challenge. I love the verse from Psalm 139 that you shared. How great is His love!! Praying for peace and healing.
Gina Gilliland
Oh wow! When you hear the big C word used in a sentence with you as the topic it is such an intense roller coaster ride…almost like an out of body experience for a little bit…as you hear the words, while trying to process that they are intended for you, while trying to wrap your brain around what is being said, while trying not to run ahead of God, while being bombarded with thoughts of all kinds from all different places…& If you’re like me questions pop in your head that you can’t fathom we’re on Earth they came from or one of those particular questions being answered in the moment are so important to you. All I can say is…we ARE praying
Much love to/for you both!! 💕💕 Gina
Shawn
We’re in this with you! All the way!
Kim
I hope you have the same onc/gyn I did. At the very first visit he mentioned the word prayer. I knew then God put me in his care.
Debbie Hardy
Mel, you know I and your friends are asking God for complete healing for you…. However He chooses to heal. God’s men and women are in every field of work and this doctor team is accomplished! Doctors, nurses, cna’s, volunteers, my prayer is that you will be surrounded with Christians. Let these folks work their miracles with you and I bet you will be just fine. 🙂
Terry Sims
Continuing to pray for healing and for those caring for you and laying out your plan for treatment. love you dearly.
Erik newby
We’ll be joining the “army of prayer warriors” and pray that His hand of healing would work miraculously.
Missy Clements
What a great site!
I’m so proud of you Mel. You’re walking so boldly and faithfully-trusting the Lord as He leads you through this battle. Love you so much and am right beside you all the way!!!
Tina Torbert
You are on my list & I have been bringing you before our Heavenly Father daily! You are loved, Mel!♥️
JoAnna Beddingfield
Praying and running with you. God’s got this! 💪 Love you!
Laura Nichols
Joining the army of prayer warriors. You are one of the strongest women I know and God is showing up in all you do and share with us. Thanking God for His guidance so far and for His paving the pathway for others to follow. Love to you both!!
Dennis Morgan
We love your spirit and approach to news no one wants to receive. Not only are we praying for healing but – as I know you both desire to be – that you will bless and encourage others along this path. We love the Tunneys!
Cynthia Crichton
You have been on my mind daily….so have taken you and Dick before the Lord each time! Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
Teresa Zellers
Continuing to keep you in prayer. So comforting to know God is never surprised by anything and knows the end from the beginning. ❤️🙏🏻
Kim Reinking
We are praying for both of you as you go through this journey – and for your family as well. May you continue to feel His arms around you and the peace and comfort only He can give. 🙏💜
Becky Wallace
Following, praying, caring, loving – every day.!💞🙏💞
C Voyles
Harry and I have joined your army. As the Lord brings you to mind we pray. Looking forward to the beautiful things Our Lord reveals to you and blessings that come from this journey that we are all on with you. You are a beloved and precious friend to many and I am thankful to be one of those friends.
Fletch Wiley
Love you kids. There might be “many miles before you sleep”, but He walks each step with you. You are in our hearts and minds with you.
Penny Cosson
Dearest Mel and Dick, my heart aches for you, but I know you’re faith is strong. Our God is a Mighty God and I know y’all are trusting Him. Praying for your girls and their families. God bless y’all .
Glenda Dodd
Mel we are praying for you daily.
Linda Forrester
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers! You and Dick will always have a special place in our hearts! I will never forget how often you called and prayed with me when I was diagnosed with melanoma! And… the wedding song! I still have the music and the CD! Praying hard for complete healing and peace and comfort through the journey! ❤️🙏
Marla Patterson
Praying for you and will continue! 🙏🏻❤️
Alison
Praying for you <3
Wendy Joseph
Love the name (kept on the journey)!
As you mentioned to us the other day
God truly is our “KEEPER” and is watching over and protecting you on this journey.
Thank you for blessing us with your words sweet Mel. I know God is using you as His mouthpiece.
I recently read a quote “God’s biggest miracles often happen in the most difficult circumstances.” Praying for you my friend. ❤️
Beth (Wilson) Simonds
Mel: You, Dick and the girls are in our prayers. This will be a journey like none you have traveled. God will reveal Himself to each of you in different and remarkable ways. My verse for this year is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” This year will seem chaotic at times with so much to process, please know we are supporting you, your family and your medical team with continual prayer.
Kim Robinson
Love you Mel. Continued prayers and support for you and Dick.
Nanette Rasberry
Mel…. you know how I feel about you. I am praying for you every single day!!
Steve Livengood
Kim and I will continue to pray and look forward to what the Lord is going to do.
Bonnie K Keen
Most beautiful friend of my right hand, I am ever inpsired by your courage and faith and honesty in facing this battle with the power of the risen LORD on every side. I love you and Richard so much and am here to battle with you every day and night. Prayers ongoing and love overflowing sweetheart!
Pam Thurman
Praying for every step.
Carolyn L
Mel,
We are still on this journey with our daughter.
“Be still and know that I am God” is the 1st thing that comes to mind.
Love and support you, 🙏♥️♥️♥️
Carolyn
Tess Hudspeth
So glad you started this blog so we could keep up with your progress. I remember finding great comfort in knowing that my diagnosis was no surprise to God and remembering that Gid had a perfect plan for my life. Prayers will continue ❤️🙏
Debbie Sanders
Love you and praying for you on this journey. I pray that the amazing love of Jesus will be a precious surprise and filled with unexplained joy. I love you…always sweet friend.
Anna Joyner
Zak and I are here and praying for you both! What a comfort to know that what is unexpected to us, is not a surprise to God and He holds us firmly in His hand. Love you and Dick and will be lifting yall up!
Sharon Moffett
I will continue to pray every day, sweet Mel!
Marie Guthrie
Mel, thank you for sharing your heart during this season of diagnosis and treatment. You are deeply cared for, respected and loved. Your faith is always an inspiration. Prayers for you and Dick.
Charity Porter
Love you, Mel! Praying daily for your healing. So thankful to have you in my life! You are a blessing❤️
Tiffany Coburn
I am standing with and praying FOR you my precious friend. Love you Mel!
Tracy McDonald
Melody,
Praying over you, your doctors and staff. Healing prayers. Prayers of direction for your Dr.’s. Love to you & Dick.
Chuck Goon
Mel & Dick,
You have our earnest prayers.
You both have been untold blessings to so many.
God’s blessings and comfort during each step of this journey.
-Chuck & Tara
Carla Lambright
So glad you started this on-line diary, & to hear what the plan for battle is. I pray for you daily & am interested to keep up with you. Know your faith is strong & thankful that He alone is worthy of your confidence, as Creator & Great Physician! Sending love & hugs
Danette Ferro
As I read again, your treasured words, I have realized that not only is there a resolve in them, but there is a deep peace! That peace is empty of doubt and anger, and full of trust and patience. I love your spirit of belief and willingness to wait upon the Lord! We are on this journey with you and know that our God is faithful and loving!
Carolyn Bateman
I follow Whitney on Instagram. Please know that I am praying for God’s healing touch and that his precious peace descend upon you and your family 🙏
RoyandGeorgia Johnson
Mel,
Wanted you to know that Georgia and I are praying for
You and your family every night.
Roy and Georgia Johnson
mel.tunney@gmail.com
Aww, thank you, Roy. My dear friends and former GA leader! 🙂
Tracy Steelman
Mel, what a blessing this blog is/will be to others who are facing their own battles! I know God is using your battle for his glory. I am joining with Missy praying that God will sustain you through the fire as he sustained Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo. I am praying for continued strength, peace that passes understanding, wisdom for your doctors, and for complete healing in the mighty name of Jesus.🙏❤️
Joyce Ciotta
Mel, THANKYOU for sharing your story and for bravely facing the journey with confidence in our Savior. You will learn so much and God will be faithful but I have to say it really stinks you have to go through this. I will be praying for you and for Dick as you walk together. Gods got you in the palm of his hand.
Cristy Ludwig
Praying for you and Dick everyday Melodie
Kara Pittenger
Yesterday, God put you on my heart to pray for you. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit does that. I was just doing house work. We’ve never met, but I follow your daughter on Instagram and have listened to your music since your First Call days. May you find peace and comfort that can only come from our Lord.
Rodney Taylor
Just know you and Dick are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this very personal journey.
Nicole Jefferson
As I petition in the courts of heaven, I will include you in my prayers and thanksgiving. I don’t know you personally (I am subscribed to your daughter’s email newsletters) but I am inspired that you’ve chosen to share your journey, thus being a ‘good and faithful servant’. I just finished our family devotion with my children reading from 1 Peter 2:9-12. The end of the verse speaks about letting our good deeds Glorify God in the day of visitation. You are a testament to this call and I thank you for living your faith out loud in real time. Blessings!
Jerry Hoek
We are praying for you, Mel
Susan Zartman
Lifting you both up knowing God is with you each step of the way.
“For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the LORD your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”
Isaiah 41:13
💕🙏🎶