When my oncologist looked at me yesterday during our regular 6 week visit and said, “So you’re done!” it took me a minute to understand what he was saying.
Fresh from the treatment room where I had received the IV medication I’ve taken every 3 weeks for the last year, I was still groggy from the Benedryl. “What?”
“That’s it! You’re all done with your treatments!” His smile grew bigger.
“But I thought I still had 1 more!” Much more alert, I also suddenly felt scared, interestingly enough.
“Nope. You haven’t missed any and 17 is what I generally give and today you got 17. You’re all done.”
Nearly 24 hours later, and I can still hardly believe it. In February of 2015, when I was told it would take 18 months to complete the course of treatment recommended, I honestly didn’t think I could do it. 18 months was a lifetime! It wasn’t just the surgery I had to face. It was 6 rounds of chemotherapy. It was the 35 rounds of radiation. It was a year’s worth of Herceptin, and all the poking and prodding and testing in between. It sounded like a hideous 18 month clusterf*** of pain and danger and potential side effects to deal with.
This wasn’t a sprint. It was a marathon and I hate running!
I didn’t think I could do it. I literally did not know if I’d be strong enough or brave enough to do it! All I felt was fear – Me, who didn’t think she was afraid of anything, was suddenly a coward begging God to PLEASE make it all go away!. Seriously, I promised to do literally ANYTHING if it all just miraculously disappeared.
But in spite of the prayers, God didn’t make the cancer go away. At least, not supernaturally (which I know happens.) Instead, S/he took me by the shoulders, pointed me towards the fiery furnace, and said, “Go. Just take one step at a time. And I will be with you all the way.”
That’s exactly what happened. With every step I took, God was there walking with me, never leaving my side and – during some particularly dark moments – carrying me through the flames. One step. Then another and another.
Suddenly, 18 months was over. I made it!
I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that all prayer is answered, just not necessarily in the form that we think or hope it will be. Experiencing an immediate deliverance or an unfolding grace for the journey – both are answered prayer and both are miraculous.
Day and night. Light and Dark. The Lord created them both and while we may not always understand it, the Dark IS holy. There are certain things we can learn only by experiencing a Dark Night, as fearsome and lonely and painful and confusing as it might be. That’s why authentic Shamans are those who have experienced a real and traumatic “death and rebirth” of some type. Not at all like the New Age folks self-identifying as shamans after taking a few courses, beating a drum, and finding a few hawk feathers.
Learning to accept the dark days of our lives as part of the natural order of things helps relieve some of our suffering. We come to understand that we aren’t being punished when bad things happen to us – when we suddenly find ourselves face to face with the fire. We are being called to transform.
In 18 months, I learned to prioritize and simplify my life. To say “No” where before I said “Yes”. I learned who my real friends were, and how to care for myself when no one showed up. I learned to trust “in spite of”….in spite of my fears, in spite of what others had experienced, even in spite of doubt. My personal spiritual beliefs were honed and sharpened. I know now what I believe in, and WHO I believe in, with a deeper understanding and depth than ever before. The dross floated to the top and has been skimmed away.
The fire purifies, if we let it.
Every tear I wept was gathered in gentle Hands and kept for safe keeping. Every time I bowed my head….in weakness or humbleness or fear or worship…those same Hands tenderly smoothed over my hairless head and brought me physical comfort, and an soulful awareness that I wasn’t alone.
And every groan of despair that rose from deep within my belly and broke through lips cracked and blistered was turned into a song of deliverance.
The dark is not to be feared, but revered. For without the darkness of the night sky, we’d never see the stars.
So. That’s it! And I have such mixed emotions. As I turn the page to close one chapter of my life, the blank page of the next is staring me full in the face. So much has changed, but I’ve never been more ME. I’ve lost much….friends, my job, my old identity…but I’ve gained so much more.
I feel like a new being. I know that the Next Right Thing will reveal itself to me in due season. The right people. The right events. The right stuff. Trust in the Divine Plan for my life has never been stronger, forged in the furnace of affliction.
I have walked through the fire and, as promised, made it to the other side unscathed.
To God be the glory.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:2
God Bless You and Blessed Be! <3
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Thank you! God bless you, as well, and Blessed Be!
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You did it! And I’m genuinely so happy for you even though we don’t know each other.
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Oh, thank you so much! :) I appreciate you taking the time to say that! xox Be well!
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Thank you for sharing this. Peace is not the absence of turmoil but the presence of God. May God continue to bless you and shape you. Congratulations and welcome to your next chapter! xox
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Thank you so much for your blessing and your wisdom! Xox
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🙏🙏🙏🙏 Blessings to you as you pick up the pen/pencil and start that new chapter
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Thank you! Am already doodling in the margins…can’t wait to see what comes next. :)
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It does take strength and faith.
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Strength and faith and sometimes, just holding on and telling yourself, “this too shall pass…this too shall pass.” xo
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I am so pleased for you Jane, as I can so understand the relief and the emotions having walked with my sister along a journey so close to your own.. Prayers I firmly believe in their power.. And I also believe in the power of our thoughts and intentions,,
Now the through this dark passage you have passed through you have also been shown many new doors.. Now its time to DREAM and put them into this reality by focusing your intent into them..
Loved my catch up with your news this late afternoon here..
Wishing you Love and Lots of it Jane..
And May God continue to hold her arms around you my friend..
Love and Light
Sue xxx <3 <3
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Hi, Sue! Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments. Yes, I imagine you do understand. There is something mixed with the “relief” that feel a lot like fear but I am breathing through it and sticking with my positive affirmations, prayers and faith. Hugs right back!
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Sending you love and more hugs.. and thank you for replying dear Jane. x <3
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“I am the God that healeth thee, I am the Lord your Healer. I sent my word and I healed your disease. I am the Lord your Healer.” one step, one breath, one tear at a time, you walked through the flames into the green valley of delight.
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Singing it and still singing it. Yes indeed!
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To hear the doctor say that the treatment’s over must be like music to your ears as it is to mine. I have 7 more herceptin infusions to go. I thought it is standard procedure to undergo 18 cycles. I wish my Oncologist would also reduce mine. Wishing you the best through life’s journey!
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Thank you so very much. Here is hoping that YOU hear those words much faster than you thought you would as well. I can’t offer anything on the number of rounds. The doses in each round could be different, or they are given differently depending on the stage/type of cancer, etc. I am just so thankful that Herceptin is available, and that I am finished.
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Through the flames and into a blaze of joy! Brightest blessings and a rainbow of loving energy!
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Thank you, Mother Wintermoon. Hope all is well in your world.
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