Well, I realized today that perhaps I left a few folks hanging over the weekend. And by folks I mean my friends and loved ones who are far away and read my blog to keep up with what’s going on with me. So sorry about that.
If you don’t need to know, by all means, you don’t need to continue reading this blog post. I don’t intend to make my blog solely about dealing with illness by any means – but I do want to give a quick shout out to everyone who would like to know. Seriously, I’m not good at this whole thing.
So what did last Friday’s gift turn out to be?
This was my gift in the mail today:
Last Friday at my appointment, okay wait, let me back up a bit…
Michael and I have been praying for guidance. Should we ask for further opinions regarding my ongoing treatment? Was it reasonable to ask my current physician to ask for a referral to a separate practice where they only treat my condition?
This is all very new territory for us and we don’t really know what we’re doing. When I got to the appointment I had plenty of time to wait and pray. I felt as though God was preparing my way. And He was.
Before I had barely begun conversation with my doctor, he suggested that he didn’t really know what my treatment plan should look like, wasn’t terribly familiar with prescription I need to use, or really with my diagnosis, for that matter. Further, he said that he thought I should proceed with a referral to the clinic at Vanderbilt. There is a physician there who specifically treats different forms of T-cell Lymphoma.
On July 10th I will go to Vanderbilt for my initial consult and a less ambiguous course of treatment will be put in place. This is a huge blessing, and we rejoice that He removed from the path what seemed like a complicated obstacle.
In one sense, receiving this package in the mail today was difficult. Every time we move a step forward with treatment, the diagnosis becomes that much more real in my heart of hearts. But, this gift that came today, continues to be just that: a gift. It seems to be an invitation to press in closer and lean harder on my Heavenly Father who is walking this journey with me. In the midst of my reality, He is good.
If I could say one thing to all of you, who are my friends and loved ones walking this road with me, caring faithfully for me it would be this: THANK YOU! If I could hug each of your necks I would! The prayers you offer on my behalf have become the very peace of my heart and I am so very grateful. Please, don’t stop!
These words from James 5 are new to me at this time in my life:
15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. and lots of love to you all.
Melody.
daily portion 