#3...Half way there :)

Hi family and friends,

I'd like to start off by saying thank you all so much for your prayers, love and support! It means so much to me to know how many are praying for me. I know in this time the Lord is using this trial to strengthen me and increase my faith, and I'm so thankful for that. James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." So, as hard as it may be, I will be joyful in this trial, knowing that the Lord is working on me.

After my 1st treatment my oncologist let me know that my hair would start falling out 2 weeks later. Wouldn't you know it, it sure did! One day before that started my dear friend, Jen, flew down from WA and we chopped off our hair together! Once my hair loss became too much for me to handle, I decided to have Mike shave my head. This part of chemo and my cancer certainly proved to be difficult. At least now I don't take as long to get ready in the morning. ;) The kids have taken this part pretty good, the boys like to joke saying that I look like Daddy now, and my sweet Elizabeth says she knows that she is still looking at her same mommy. What a blessing it is to have such wonderful children.

My 2nd treatment brought on a lot more nausea than the 1st on did. I wasn't as weak and tired, but really was extremely nauseous. Looking back at my pregnancies and being nauseous with all 3 of them for 9 months, makes me think that the Lord allowed that so that I would know just how to take care of myself through chemo and the nausea. Again, taking the joy in this and accepting it as growth. ;)

So, this Thursday will be my 3rd treatment, which means I'll be half way done, Praise God!!

Please, pray that the effects of this round of chemo are as mild as possible on me. Also, my insurance is investigating my claim, stating that they believe this to be a preexisting condition and reviewing my policy for eligibility. So, please, pray that they would find that I have never had a previous cancer diagnosis, and that they would resolve this issue and pay my medical bills. Also, that they would approve the need for me to get a port for my IV treatments, as finding good veins are tough for my nurses. Please, also pray that my husband and I would honor God in how we handle this trial with the insurance company.

Thank you again.

Love and Blessings,
Melanie

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


PS. We are also posting new needs on the calender for meals after my next treatment. Thank you for your love and support.

Widget from Melanie's best friend Jen

Hi Everyone.  As we are facing some challenges in addition to and compounded by the cancer (financial and insurance related), Melanie's friend Jen and Jen's sister Lisa have created a "widget" for fundraising.  Since this is a first for me, I'm posting it here as instructed...  (and THANK YOU Jen & Lisa)