Good afternoon my dear friends,
Time for an update since Monday starts round 2 of chemo. To catch you up, the first week of chemo for me was like the lost week. Most of it was a blur, with much of it feeling surreal. The second week, praise the Lord, has been much better and I am learning what works and doesn’t work to help me. Of course, this can change on a dime too. I can begin a glass of water with it tasting fine, and half way through, it begins to get more and more bitter. They warned me that my hormones could get messed up which is quite a shock at 70 🙂 I feel like I am in my first trimester of pregnancy trying to figure out what I think sounds good to eat.
Al has been a jewel as he has become my primary nurse. He never complains and is ready to do whatever it takes to get me over the goal line. One could never have a more selfless teammate in the game. He reminds me of a linemen on the football team who sacrifices his body to give his running back a lane to run through. The only time his name is called is when he is penalized! I love those guys! They keep at it!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day our family kept everything as normal as ever as we went between our daughter’s house and ours. I was not in tip top shape, but God gave me the strength to enjoy and savor every last second with all of them. Everyone got their picture made with me while I still have hair (I insisted :). I think we all hugged a little longer and lingered together in conversation as all that matters was in clear focus before us. It was a treasure. For this, I praise the sweetness of Jesus.
Today is Saturday, the 28th of December, and as I am writing this it is my birthday. I have always hated having a birthday at Christmas as it seems so anticlimatic. Who cares? Everyone pushes through and acts like they can’t wait to see me again. So we will gather here for lunch which I picked out…chicken pot pie and jello! What a combination! They are lucky we are not having dill pickles for cake!
This birthday is especially notable….I turn 70. 70 is not 50 or 60. It is 70! It changes your perspective on so many things. For example, Al and I just built a new home 2 years ago, and I had to convince the roofer then that I was not interested in a 30 year guarantee. I said it would probably be 15 years at best before I moved into a senior living facility. Actually, it was somewhat freeing to realize that I was not so entangled with my earthly things.
This brings me to my point. As I begin the next round of chemo, I realize everyone will have an opinion of what I should do, or think, or where I should go for more help, etc. Usually I am so flexible and yield easily to anyone’s good opinion. I have found through this experience that I do have a voice. The voice I believe God is leading me to follow….His (and of course Al’s). My heart is surrendered to allow God to help me embrace what He has for me in this next stage of life no matter what. One thing I know, I want to be near my family and loved ones as much as possible. I do not want to run around wearing myself out in order to get more years, only to realize I flittered away the ones I had left. As strength allows, I want to be there for my grandchildren’s programs and athletics. To that end, I want to diligently seek strength and energy for this.
Mental and spiritual strength also are necessary for this journey. They need to be equally nourished. Many of you have already been nourishing me as you have sent me the kindest words of love and hope. And I also know there are many of you who are “praying without ceasing” for me. You are my linemen; the unsung heros who make a way for me to run. Do not underestimate your value!!
The verse in Hebrews that God gave me before the journey began was in Hebrews 12:2 where I had been teaching the months before. It says, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the suffering, despising the shame, etc.” . The final section of Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy that was set before Him.”
What was that? When Jesus quit looking at the pain and suffering that was going to come at the cross, He faced it by looking at what God was going to accomplish through His pain and suffering. What was that? He would be able to bring all of us, who by faith would accept His offer, into heaven to be with Him forever. What should my focus be ? To point others to that way he has made for us to spend eternity with him through his defeat of sin and death at the cross. The joy will be to celebrate him for all of eternity.
Clearly the hardest part of this journey for me is going to be the pain and suffering since I am wimp! So many of you have asked for specific prayer requests, so here are a few: that my bloodwork on Monday shows improvement, that the nausea eases so I can eat and stay hydrated, that the chemo starts working against the cancer and that God gives us wisdom for each step along the way. Thank you for walking this road with me. Your prayers and love mean everything.
With gratitude,
Nancy
I’m so encouraged by this update! I know you are suffering, but it does my heart good to know that you were still able to celebrate Christmas with your children and grand children. Thank you for sharing this!
A wonderful testimony to having all the right priorities.
Beautiful words, Nancy. Thanks for sharing and praying this week brings the best yet.
Praying 🙏 with and for you! As you know I was a cheerleader but I am willing to be a lineman.
Thank you for sharing, Nancy. I am bringing your requests before God and continuing to pray for you and for your family!
We love you Nancy and prayers are lifted each day for you and Al.
Praying for you and so thankful for you! You’ve always been such an example of Gods faithfulness to me! I love you dearly!
Praying for you and so thankful for you! You’ve always been such an example of Gods faithfulness to me! I love you dearly!
Precious Nancy, Thank you for your gracious update. Our hearts ache for you, Al and the family but yet our hope is in the sustaining grace of our Lord that loves you so much. He will never fail. We will continue to pray as y’all are in our thoughts continually. We aim to be the best linemen for our All-American friend.
Nancy, your perspective is inspiring and one that all of us should have as believers. In the end, all that matters is that God is glorified and that we spend eternity with Him. Praying for you and Al as you navigate this journey
Nancy, Mike and I are so devastated about your diagnosis!!! I know we haven’t seen you since we left Briarwood to help start a Church in Hoover. However, we raised our children together as they went through Briarwood School!!! Please know that we are following your posts and will be praying!!! Mike is a true prayer warrior and he has you on his list as well as me. Stand strong and know that God has you in the palm of his hand!!! Much love, Mike and Mikelyn McDavid
Nancy it’s an honor to read your words and how are you processing these events. It’s like I could hear your voice as I was reading. Thank you for being so real and sharing so authentically. and you made me smile too 🙂 Thinking of you. Sending love to you and Al and strength for the journey.
Nancy, praying for you every step of this journey. May God surround you with his loving kindness to heal you and comfort you.
With all my love,
Susan
Praying for you from New Orleans Mrs. Nancy! 🤍
Nancy, May God be
your strength this morning to encourage you knowing that His grace will be sufficient for you.
“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. II Tim
2:1. Ruth
Still praying for you, Nancy.
Nancy prayers for a better week with chemo. I’ve traveled your road now years ago. God brought me through with such peace and healing. I know He stands with you too. Continue to walk with Him and miracles do happen. We know it’s His will not ours.
One simple thing my doctor told me is old fashion popsicles can be your friend when you can’t take anything else.
My prayers will continue.
Please send me your address.
My dearest Nancy- your specific prayer requests are so helpful. Joining your many, many friends in prayer for total healing, peace, joy, and comfort throughout this journey. I love ❤️ you!!
Thank you Nancy for your testimony to the sufficiency of Jesus. You have always been a servant of the Lord and faithful to his glory. It is a privilege to pray for you as you journey with Jesus to fulfill His purpose for your life.
Nancy, what a gift for me to see you today at the oncology center. Your Christ -centered perspective, joy and humility were balm to my soul in walking my own journey. May Jesus continue to be glorified as you are his vessel of ministry as you graciously walk this difficult road He has set for you! Praying for you!
Such beautiful and encouraging words, Nancy, giving God the glory in all things. You are His precious child whom He loves deeply. We continue to ask Him for your complete healing!❤️
Nancy I pray for you daily. I was given these verses the morning before my mother went through some very difficult times
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 They held me up when both she and I were very weak. I pray for His strength to hold you as you go through this. Praying for nausea and for healing. Thank you for sharing. You are a blessing to me and I’m sure many others! Love, Frances
I love you so much Nancy. Your words and strength are so inspiring to me. I am praying so hard that God takes this cancer away and you have many more years to spend with family and friends. You keep running and fighting cancer. We are are all here beside you. ❤️
Precious Nancy!
We are so thankful you had such a wonderful Christmas! We are praying for these specifics , there is an army of us. You are soo loved And adored!!
Dearest Nancy,
As always, you’re magnifying the Lord to all of us who’ve loved and admired you over many years. Our hearts hurt for you, your dear Al, and sweet kids and grands. Please know you’re often in our thoughts and prayers.
Trust in the lord, with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight. Nancy, only God knows your path. Lean only on Him. Praying for your nausea and that God and the chemo is kicking the cancer. Praying for you this morning- always am and will be!
Hey dear! I love these words. And your heart and your “realness”. Following along closely. When you feel like it can I come see you (and your house?). I’ll bring dill pickles. I love pickles! You are a treasure to me! ❤️. Praying Praying!!
Nancy I am sending you prayers and more prayers as you go through this journey. Not sure if aunt Barbara told you or not but I went through breast cancer last year. It was caught very early and I was very fortunate I did not need chemo but I do know how scary that C word is..::: the lord has you and I know how strong your faith has always been and co to use to be…:know you have so many people here for you.::Lori Merritt weaver
Dear Nancy, Thank you for sharing your victories as well as your struggles. We know how to pray and so many are listening and praying. We love you and are praying daily. Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Every time we ride by your house – so daily and multiple times daily! – we always say a prayer for you and hold you and Al in our hearts. We would love to bring dinner if you will just let me know what might be something you can eat and when you want it!! PS: I agree with your decision above, that is what I would want if I were in your shoes. We love you! Gail & Ted
I am so proud and amazed at your strong faith. You’re forever in my prayers. Love you sweet friend/sister
Truly admire the faith and courage you are demonstrating as you travel this journey. Please know that we are praying for you and Al continually.
Nancy we love you and the whole Koinania Community Group is praying diligently for you! We hope to see you at church soon when you feel well enough to come. Godspeed beautiful sister! 😇🙏🙌💕
I am praying for you Nancy!
Patton is so concerned about Justin.
What a platform God has given you! I continue to be inspired by your faithfulness! Chuck and I continue to pray for you and AL.