At the moment, I’m surprisingly calm. It truly must be your prayers and the peace that surpasses understanding. I met with my Lymphoma specialist at Vanderbilt this morning, and round one of our game plan is set. On Monday morning, I’ll be admitted into Vanderbilt to begin cycle 1 of my R-EPOCH chemotherapy. I will stay there until sometime on Saturday. I can probably expect to see the swelling on my right eye and forehead begin to subside after this first course. And as most ladies can understand, the challenge of hair loss comes to the forefront of concern – although nothing compared to the hopeful anticipation of being cancer-free! If you know me at all, you know that I have the thickness and coarseness of hair equivalent to two or three women – often a blessing and about as often a curse. 🙂 I also have eyebrows of about the same description. My unibrow has been an ongoing challenge since age 10. . . Therefore, to lose both is losing a little bit of my identity.
A few months ago after telling my hairdresser that my chemo wouldn’t cause hair loss, she assured my that even if it did, it would be okay. She explained how she has helped several women transition through it. After knowing my new treatment has a 100% chance of hair loss, her words came to mind, and I knew I needed to see her. Today she cut my hair above the shoulders and gave me some bangs to cover what the doctors in Houston described as “impressive assymetry” of my eyes and “deformity” of my forehead. Amazing how a little haircut can make you feel better! She also prepped me for picking out my wig at the hospital, and how she and her hairdresser friend will make it look just like my hair. Such a sweet relief! Plus, who knows maybe after a little re-growth, I’ll embrace a short hairstyle.
I’m thankful to God for all of the tremendous support from my friends, family, “prayer warriors” and medical team. As I awoke to the scripture-of-the-day this morning (which in timely fashion was also mentioned by my mom as I went to bed last night), I was reminded of how so many of us suffer in so many ways. And often times in ways that are worse than I can imagine. But despite how hard it can get, God promises us that He is forever faithful, and we can put our full hope and complete trust in HIm. No matter what.
Praying for you this week, sweet friend!! May God continue to surround you with that peace that passes all understanding, and may He give you the courage and strength that you need. Love you!!
Michelle
Our prayers are with you always.
Love
Bret, Karyn, and Samantha
More love on the way! Up early praying for you all. Loving you all so much! Hoping you’ll let me come help when the time is right. Would do anything for your family. Hugs hugs hugs!
We just moved back from GA and are learning about your fight! We are praying hard for healing and peace. Your incredible strength and faith in God are evident and will bring you blessings. We have great love for your family and will continue to follow your journey and pray for you! Jessica very much wants to see Amber. We will hopefully have the two of them get together soon for a visit. Hope to see you soon after some rest for you and when thing settle a bit. God bless your family.
We think of you and your family everyday. Prayers for you are at the top of the list for us and many others. Keep up your spirit and faith, April. We love you and Jonathan and your precious children.
The Miller & O’Toole Families
Sweet April, Again your faith is never a disappointment. Yesterday at church our pastor talked about never being offended by God. You came to mind as he said those words bc you continue to stay calm and praise our father! Standing again in agreement with my fellow brothers and sisters. Love you!
We are thinking of you, and of course you are in our prayers. Your dad sent us the link to this blog and we are appreciative to him. We will continue to follow your progress and of course be sending up prayers for your recovery. Peace be with you.
Praying for you tonite and also tomorrow as you enter the hospital for your rx .We’ll pray for fear not to be there only peace and when that I.V. is dripping think that every drop is making you better and bringing you closer to being cured. God bless you little April and He is by your side always.
April & Jonathan,
Thinking about you guys a lot. If anyone can beat this with a positive attitude, it’s you two! Please let us know how we can help. Dinner? Childcare? Bus service? 😉 Don’t hesitate to ask.
Sending big hugs!
Christy
Dearest April,
Your mother and father were always so special to my mom and dad. I feel their presence in my life every moment, and I feel my mother asking me to remind you that we who know you little love you even more. As I follow your journey I am inspired by your courage and the love of all who hold you so dearly. Know that in the mountains of NC there is a woman, uour cousin, who keeps you and yours close to her heart and sends prayers and tenderness to you and yours. With love, Jan
Dear April,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers since your Mom and Dad gave us the news on your illness several months ago. You and Jonathan are amazing in so many ways, and we are hopeful for complete eradication of the Lymphoma. Your beautiful children and your faith will maintain you during the treatments, and your wonderful, loving Mom and Dad will be there for your family. We pray for strength for you, skilled hands and hearts this week at the hospital, and ongoing love and support to you and your family. Love, Susan and Pat
Our Dear April,
When we were with you on Friday you did seem much relieved that you now have your new treatment plan.
The peace that you have is so profound that I have felt it myself. The scripture you listed 1Cor 10:13(MSG) is one of the clearest and most meaningful. How great is our God!
Our Sunday School Class teachers informed us last evening that today’s class would be devoted to praying for you and your upcoming treatments. What wonderful prayers were lifted up in your behalf. Mom and I were so uplifted and we feel certain you have felt the power of these prayers and many more.
A spinoff that our family and many others have received and are receiving is that your quest has drawn us all closer to Him. We praise God and thank Him for the numerous friends and relatives who have lifted you up.
Much love always and see you in a week,
Dad and Mom
Praying that this next week passes quickly for all of you! Your last two sentences sum it all up…He is ever faithful and I’m praying you see and feel that in a special way this week.
I am so glad to hear that you will start treatment so soon! Will be praying hard that you will have fewer side effects than the doctors have told you. Hang in there. Is there anything we can do? Please let us know.
Awesome attitude! Nothing will ever diminish your beauty. Jason keeps his very short, but today he shaved it all off in your sweet honor. The two of you have always had a special something, you know!!!!!❤️
We love you!!!
April
What a blessing that you went to Houston to get a second opinion!
This treatment that they have sorted out for you should make you better. It will be hard
To go through but when you see results it will be worth it.
I bet the children were so pleased to see you when you got home. You have got such good parents. And a family who will always be there for you.
I hope all goes well next week you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love
Audrey
Speaking for all us guys over 40 who will never get our hair back, please enjoy your short visit to “The Hair Club”…we don’t even get to wear a wig!
Dear April,
I will be very much in prayer for you as you start these stronger rounds of chemo. I am sure I would feel the same way about my hair. I, like you(maybe not quite to the same degree) have a lot of hair and even though it is hard to deal with at times, it would be a tremendous adjustment to lose it. Your new cut sounds really cute! May God bless you and Jonathan and your precious children as you walk this road.
Love,
Jenise