The room became a frenzy of motion minutes after making the decision to have chemotherapy. My doctor was whipping out notepads and rattling off instructions like nobody's business. He was ordering lab tests and writing out multiple prescriptions while my head began to swim. It was a feeling of no turning back. I think he wanted to seal the deal before I could get away.
Reality was hitting me. I needed to slow things down and reconfirm my decision. I began probing my usually calm doctor who had just transformed into this version of mad-scientist-chemo-guy. My first question was simply, "Am I going to make it through this?"
"Yes," he answered.
"I have three kids," I reminded him.
"Yes. You will do fine. You'll make it."
"My youngest child is three years old," I countered.
"You'll make it," he repeated.
"I homeschool."
"Oh," was his reply as he turned to face me. I now clearly had his attention. The affirmative response was not coming so quickly.
We smiled at each other as he processed this final piece of the puzzle. I thought to myself… he gets it. He understands this all-consuming lifestyle we have chosen. This is not a quick yes, you'll make it, type of fact. His answer was wonderful, full of insight. He simply asked, "Do you have people that can help?"
This was an easy response for me. "Yes. I have great friends and family. I am so loved and supported."
"Then you will do just fine," he said.
It was a beautiful, calming moment in the middle of this medical chaos I seem to keep ending up in. Jesus, through my doctor, was getting the point across to me. I was going to make it because He was with me and I have many brothers and sisters in Christ who will not let me walk this path alone.
Colossians 1:17-18a "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church…"
It's an incredible support system. I'm going to be okay through this next season of treatment and perhaps even see my children thrive in their education. I'm taking Colossians 1:17 as a direct promise to me. In Jesus, all things will hold together.
"Am I going to make it, Lord?" I ask.
It's a resounding, "Yes. We will make it."
(I began chemo almost exactly one year ago today. This particular dr appt was mid-July, 2009)
thats crazy- I totally remember you leaving VBS last year to go to your first chemo! your an incredible writer, not that i haven't told you before. haha can't wait for next week!!!:)
What a difference a year makes…..PRAISE THE LORD!!!!
You are right, Lori…you do have a great family in Christ you ARE so loved!!! I'm glad you saw Jesus walking with you every step of the way…and YOU (plural) did make it!!!! xo
You are truly a blessing to us. I have always admired you and now with your fight, It is truly a gift to know you and to see Christ shine through you.
Wow ! Beautifully expressed .Brave to fight .An admiration for all .=)
that definitely brought tears to my eyes! i love you friend! so glad you made it! AND… with flying colors I might add!!!!
Awesome! Yes, Lori you made it! So did your family! You are one special lady!
What a comfort knowing people would help, and Jesus would be helping you make it through!
Thanks, Brook!! What a difference a year makes!
I do have an incredible family in Christ!!! Thanks for all your prayers and help.
Thanks, Nadine. So glad to have you following along. blessings!!
Thanks, Sidrah! I appreciate you reading along!!
Ooooh…. I love to bring tears to eyes! Thanks for reading! Love you!!
Thanks, Linda!!! I appreciate your encouragement!
I loved to read this today as a good friends husband passed away this morning from a particular aggressive form of Cancer. So good to see a positive side of things. THank you lori.
So sorry to hear about your friend's husband. So, so sorry. Thank you for reading along. I appreciate your comments. Many blessings to you.