The First Day

Seems poignant to me that the first day I begin radiation treatment is the first day of my birthday month.

I've been talking with friends about how more special I feel this birthday is, even with it not being a milestone. One told me, "It is a milestone. The milestone is you survived."

With all glory to God, I am alive. I am living. I am grateful beyond measure.

While praying this morning I became energized, which from what the effects of radiation can inflict on one's body, I'm already ahead of the game.

I refuse to be sorrowful and forlorn going in. Combating against what I may feel, I got ready this morning for my first round of treatment with zeal! Like I was getting ready for a date, well sort of.

Sponged my hair, put on one of my favorite pairs of boho palazzo pants, just a tinge of eyeliner to make my eyes pop, and a light wrap.

I refused to walk in like someone who hadn't overcome anything. To me, that's not walking by faith. My insides pay attention to my outside attitude. I wanted my insides to feel good.

From the moment I informed my friends about beginning radiation, the calls and texts came pouring in. Their prayers and support warmed my heart. Positive words = Positive energy. Even as I was being led into the radiation room I was texting a friend "Thank you <3" replying quickly to his one sole heart.

I didn't know what to expect but I also knew a lot of things, due to the wealth of information given to me by my tri-fold team of oncologists.

My techs, Alyssa and Chris were exceptional! Their heart for service and care showed. They made me feel at ease. They were an answer to my prayers the night before and this morning.

Father God, I pray that all who touch me have a heart of tenderness and compassion as well as a mind of strength, and wisdom, with exemplary expertise.

Afterwards I walked. I looked up at the sky and thanked God.

After surgery, well even in my pre-op consult, I was given the standard duration time of 4-6 weeks. I figured it was the standard given to patients just to have that cushion of time. I prayed for God to decrease that time. That His healing would be so prevalent that I would not need 6 weeks. That I would not need 4 weeks.

My time is 3 weeks. I praised Him right there in the radiation room when they told me 16 days.

1 down 15 more to go.

Some may be thinking, "Yeah, well let's see if you're still this ardent at the end of treatment."

Who knows, who cares.

The one certain thing I do know for sure is that Jesus is with me. And as long as He is with me, my faith will always lift me up.