I rang that bell like nobody’s business!!! Yesterday was my last chemo treatment….If God will it and the creek don’t rise! Part 1 of my journey has been quite the ride. From side effects to missing work occasionally and having to miss out on outings and being in public places when my immune system could be compromised. But I won’t complain. I have a WONDERFUL village both near and far. Everyone around me has been ENCOURAGING and POSITIVE which is half the battle. 
I have especially been BLESSED with the most SUPPORTIVE husband who continues to make me feel SPECIAL and LOVED and BEAUTIFUL! This man has coached me along the way. My husband, coach, confidant, prayer partner and hold me down man, Bonnie and Clyde kind of way! Always by my side making sure I’m comfortable and have my water and vanilla ice cream! This part of the journey, to me, was the most challenging. If you are going on this journey or are in the midst of it, surround yourself with positivity and positive family and friends, those who have empathy not sympathy. You need love and PATIENCE, PRAYER and INSPIRATION. Find daily devotionals, scripture that inspires you and lifts you spiritually and anything that reminds you that this journey is a part of a DIVINE plan to impact not only your life but the life of those around you from family to friends, colleagues to church members and even strangers placed in your presence specifically for your purpose.
For my PEACE of MIND, I really love the Holy Bible YouVersion Bible App. There are great plans to follow that provide daily devotionals, scripture, prayers, and even videos that seem to touch the very place you’re in and places you in the spiritual place you need to be. I have also begun reading “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, using the companion Reflection Journal. It is a 40 Day journey to discover your PURPOSE. Today will be my day one and prayerfully, I will be able to stay on track, read and reflect EVERYDAY and complete this SPIRITUAL JOURNEY by April 12th. Ironically, the 40th day is the day before my post-op appointment. Maybe more divine than ironic! Since my diagnosis, I’ve been searching for my purpose in this new journey. Is it for me alone, my family and/or friends…. do I have a new platform to help others through this blog, in person at work, at the grocery store, community service, what is my purpose now? I have been trying to figure it out on my own. Well, consistently, I’ve been hearing, reading, and it has been revealed to me that I should stop looking for my purpose and pray for GOD to reveal HIS purpose to me! HE is the only one who knows. HE is just waiting for me to hear HIM!
The bell ringing ceremony was a highlight and a significant ending to journey part 1. I’ve watched a couple of patients ring that bell and cheered them on awaiting my special day. This bell ringing symbolizes the ending of treatment and the beginning of your new life’s journey. This tradition began in 1996 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Center. A U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Irve Le Moyne completed his treatment for head and neck cancer and decided to install a brass bell to ring signifying the end of treatment. This tradition has been adopted in several cancer centers and treatment facilities around the country. I was so BLESSED to have this wonderful OPPORTUNITY!
My CANcer Wisdom to You:
Those on a CANcer journey or any health journey, read the all CAPS words alone. Hopefully, they will fill you with encouragement, hope, and inspiration. Stay positive and pray, have faith and not fear. Strength comes from the MOST HIGH!
Those who are the caretakers, the family or friends, church members or colleagues, bring patience and positivity. Pray often and stay strong. Take care of yourself so you can be a BLESSING to those who need you the most and read the all CAPS words alone as well. May those words bring you comfort and understanding.
On to Jouney Part 2! Love to all in the presence of this blog!
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