Monday 11 August 2014

Now Is As Good A Time As Any

" I have to tell you, you have a very rare type of rectal melanoma."

At least, this is how I remember the doctor delivering the diagnosis. What followed was 30 seconds or so of "blah, blah, blah, blah, blah……." and as he started making sense again, I began to get the gist of what he was telling me.

That appointment was on Friday, March 28, 2014. After that came a whirlwind of tests, scans and appointments with specialists to determine whether or not the cancer had spread to other regions, all leading up to surgery on April 17, 2014.

I considered writing a blog about this journey since that Friday in March, but procrastination, one of my finer tuned skills, kept me from getting started. And then, I received my inspiration while reading the blog of my friend Cindy Verheul, who was herself recently inspired after another blog by Houzz with these three words, "why not now?"

Indeed, why NOT now?
Now is as good a time as any.

Definitely there have been moments of fear and uncertainty over the last few months, but honestly, it wasn't all bad. Through it all I've been blessed with a conscientious and skilled medical team, the kindness of wonderful friends, strengthening of family relationships, the support of my fantastic church family, and the deepening of my faith in God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

I decided that I would face this interruption of my relatively smooth sailing life with determination and perseverance knowing I had the support and love from everyone listed in the previous paragraph. I've found the following scripture verse offers strength, purpose and encouragement in dealing head on with all that's come my way this season.

    "And let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us,
     Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."
                                                                             ~ Hebrews 12: 1b-2a NIV

I'll be writing about my personal experience and you are welcome to follow along. I do not fancy myself a writer. I am neither theologian nor medical expert. But, I AM an expert on my own journey. After all, I've been witness to it for the entire ride.


9 comments:

  1. I love that you are blogging about this- I hate that you have to go through this. I will be a reader and a partner in prayer. xoxo

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  2. I will be following you, Jane. Your journey is very close to me as 36 years ago a followed a similar journey when my Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer.

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  3. thanks for sharing your experience Jane. You are a great inspiration and I know that God is walking along with you on this journey. Love and prayers to you

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  4. Wow Jane, I think you can add writer to your great list of accomplishments. I will be following your blog, it is well written, inspiring and feels natural. I was feeling "blah" about my blog. I didn't understand the direction, but if I was able to motivate anyone just a tiny bit (I have another friend who has actually booked her ticket to Australia just because I said "why not now"), then I will keep going in that very direction. Thank you

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  5. Jane, you have a heart filled with kindness enough to share with all of us and a faith rich enough to lead you through this path. What a gift you offer to all of your readers!!

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  6. I remember telling you of my journey and you replying that is was now your turn. I was truly shocked but knew you would get thru it. We just do. Somehow this well of strength and positive outlook surrounds us and we know that He is with us. You truly do not know what a fellow cancer survivor/patient is going thru until it happens to you. It opens up a whole new way of viewing the world and people around you. Sometimes I feel that we have been blessed in recognizing our second chance and not taking for granted all the little things. I am proud and privileged to share your journey. Thank you for sharing. xoxoxo

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  7. Thanks for writing this Jane...and by the way, you are an eloquent writer :)

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  8. Wonderful idea Jane. Thinking of you always.

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  9. Love the blog idea and title! You are certainly a testament of His grace and love for us during seasons of difficulties. You never cease to inspire by your living example of perseverance and endurance in the face of trials. Your selflessness and positive attitude through this never ceases to amaze me. I look forward to following your blog. Thank you allowing us to share in your journey.

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