This past weekend, I had the privilege of sharing my story at the Lynne’s Legacy Run/Walk in Hamilton. Andy and I, along with our family and friends, have participated in this event over the past five years, but I never imagined that I’d have my own cancer journey to share one day.
This road is not what we would have chosen, but God has taken the pain and allowed for beautiful truths and opportunities to come from it. We’re experiencing the same promises God gave the Israelite’s in the Old Testament when they needed comfort. “To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.” Isaiah 61:3
Indeed, God does make “everything [even relentless cancer that seeks to destroy, even horrific loss that paralyzes the soul, even terrible catastrophes that bring so much suffering, even the worst pain imaginable] beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 He makes everything, everything, beautiful in its time. We won’t get to see the complete fullness of that beauty on this side of heaven, but we can catch glimpses of that beauty here on earth. Being asked to speak at two events in the past month – that’s a glimpse! God is continually trading beauty for ashes in and through my life. Praise Him!
Filmed by Jamie Sindrey (audio) & Bruce Beacham (visual)YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/tlGLxx9oVMs
In terms of a medical update, I’ve been taking the oral drug recommended by both my oncologist surgeons in Hamilton and Toronto. They’ve sought advice from experts worldwide, including a doctor from Texas who specializes in low-grade ovarian cancer cases, who all agree that this oral drug is the best approach moving forward in my case. Again, this oral drug is NOT a trial, has a 15-20% success rate in fighting cancer, is taken twice daily from home and has minimal side effects.
We have been investigating other treatment options, in order to be well informed and prepare for next steps if needed. We had an appointment with phase one trials in Toronto, but are relieved that there is nothing for my medical profile at this time (another example of God’s graciousness in keeping me from going down unnecessary roads). For now, I will continue with this oral drug, and we’ll monitor its effectiveness monthly.
Please join us in praying that God would use this medication to miraculously eradicate all of
Thank you for your ongoing prayers for my health, Andy and I, our families, our close friends and all those journeying with us through the blog. God is at work, trading beauty for ashes, in many ways around us. I’m thankful for the energy to get out and about more. While I still need ample rest each day, I so enjoy visiting with family and friends in our new home, being back at church on Sundays and going for little walks in our neighbourhood. My voice has been fully restored, another huge answer to prayer as this means no vocal chord surgery in the summer! We believe these beautiful things are because of your faithful prayers to our loving God. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith
,who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”- Hebrews 12:1-3
