What a world of difference one year can make. One year ago today, I completed my last round of chemotherapy at Jackson Medical Mall. Fast forward to today, and just look at me now! I am 33+ weeks pregnant with my little miracle baby- Emma Claire.
I’ll never question why I was diagnosed with cancer, because I already know the answer. My cancer journey strengthened me more than I ever knew was possible. My relationships with many grew beyond measure. Coincidently, my relationships with others seem to have vanished. I realized what is most important in life and what never even mattered. I do not dwell on silly things any longer. I try my very best to make each new day better than the one prior.
Let me catch you up on the past 8+ months. December 28, 2011 I was found to be cancer free! I received such wonderful scans and blood work, my oncologist cleared me to start trying to conceive. In the very beginning of this journey, even before my first chemotherapy treatment, my doctors shared their concern that I may not ever be able to produce a child. I believe they gave me a 20% chance to do so after my chemotherapy and radiation treatments were complete. Low and behold, I took that 20% chance and ran with it! I shared my first positive pregnancy test with Joseph on the night of January 26, 2012. It was the most joyous, scary night of my life! My dream was coming true right before my eyes. Over the course of the next 3 or 4 days, I took many more tests which all came out positive. That next week, February 1st, I had afollow-up with my oncologist. Oh they were so happy for me! To tell you the truth, they may have even seemed a little shocked at the news. July 16th,we found out we are expecting a precious baby girl! I can’t even describe to you how pink her closet has suddenly become after the baby showers. It’s abeautiful thing to be loved so much by so many!
Less than seven weeks before my expected due date is here, and I believe I am as prepared as I’ll ever be. I’ve taken birthing, newborn, and breast feeding classes at Anderson’s hospital over the past five weeks. Luckily, Mama was there with me to remember any information I didn’t log. Nursery furniture has been set up for many weeks, nursery bedding was sent back this week and new was ordered, car seat and stroller was put together this week, pack ‘n play was set up yesterday, and all of her little clothes are organized neatly, hospital bags are nearly packed and ready to go, and the list just goes on!
On another note, over the last year or so, I have slowly been finding my way back to a strong relationship with God. As a young girl, I can remember attending Shubuta Baptist every Sunday and Wednesday with my family. Can you believe we are all there Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights now—together!? Sure, we each took an extended break from actively attending church, but none of us stopped believing or leaning on the Lord for guidance. I am truly thankful to have found my way back to that wonderful church family. It’s as if they have been expecting our return for quite some time. Even more so, I am looking forward to sharing and guiding Emma Claire with our faith as her family. I believe in my heart that each child should be given the chance to learn and appreciate God’s word. How could I expect to be a good mother if I didn’t havethe good Lord in my heart to share with my baby girl? Yes, I have a long way to go, but I do know that I am moving in the right direction. I’m taking the path that God has set aside just for me, where are you traveling?
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