March 4, 2015 - Chemo Reflections

A week from now, I will be finished with chemo. I will be entering the "after-chemo" time, which can be challenging, but nevertheless, I will be finished with chemo, and that will be awesome!!

Lots of people have "no mo chemo" celebrations, and I think that is great - but I am not planning to do that. One lesson I have learned is that we don't know what is coming around the corner. I never want to go through chemo again, and I am thinking that if I walk away quietly, rather than shaking my fist in its face, my odds are better that I won't be back there again. smile emoticon So I will give chemo the respect that it is due, will pray that it has accomplished its mission, and will close the door on this chapter in our life. 

I am a reflective person, and like to look back and think about what I have learned on this part of the journey. I have learned that worry accomplishes nothing, that I am not in control, and that life without joy is very empty. No matter what we face, there are positive things to find along the way. Joy makes a huge difference - but it is not joy based on what is happening around us, is not a joy that we can manufacture. The only real source of joy is found in the peace, security and strength that God alone gives. What I am finding is that the things we think matter, don't matter as much as we think. Our relationships with our friends and family, and with our Heavenly Father, are the only things that remain. I have gotten to know God my Father on a deeper level, and I have learned that no matter what the future holds, He will be with me. 

No one wants to have cancer. No one wants to deal with illness, pain and loss. But when we do come to that point in our lives, there is nothing to fear. We come out of the fire so much stronger, so much wiser, so much more grateful for each blessing. He is with us, and He is a good God. 

Thank you for walking with us on this journey. Thank you especially to Tony, Mindy and Kelli for taking such good care of me - I love you!!  smile emoticon Thank you to each person who has prayed for us, texted us, sent us a card or gift or meal. Thank you to people who have lightened the load at work, who have given medical advice, who have shared stories of similar experiences, who have celebrated, laughed and cried with us. You have made the journey so much sweeter, and we love you. 

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:3-6 NLT)