Psalm 7
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by...
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music,
Awake, my soul!
These words of David parallel my current journey. We began in late Feb 2014 with a visit to my oncologist. That led immediately to a biopsy, which led to another biopsy, to a CT scan and within 1 week my second diagnosis. My prayer so many times through those early weeks was “be merciful to me”. I didn’t say it as eloquently as David, it was a “please God, no! Please not again. I have done this already.” But in my heart, I was screaming, “BE MERCIFUL.”Ā It is in Him that my soul has always seeked safety, protection. Hide me here Lord, until the storms has passed. I begged for that storm to just cease, but it had to pass. And through 2014, I was by my Savior’s side until the noise quieted, the clouds parted and the sky showed its beauty again. 
I knew no other way to cope.
Through the month of December the clouds began to part. I could see the end of the storm like a dark cloud in the distance slowly making its way past me. I waited and watched, counting down the days. And the last day of radiation was I guess when the sky opened up again. The storm had passed.
I have a spoken risk that the cancer can recur again in the next 2 years. The longer I go, the more the risk decreases. And with the unknown of the future, it is hard to really celebrate this victory. I guess that is why it has been weeks before I even announced it here. It has taken a few loving friends to remind me of where we are today. Remind me that there is reason to celebrate, there is reason to give glory to God for bringing me through the storm. My body IS free of cancer. So forgive me for not passing out the party hats. It is so nice to be home again and have much of this treatment behind me, but I just don’t feel the victory like I did in 2010.
Many have asked what my next steps will be. I have completed all my treatments, my cancer is in remission and I am healthy and well. I will continue with close monitoring at MD Anderson for the next year and then slowly decrease visits. But I have also decided to take part in a clinical trial that is researching a vaccine that would enable your own body to kill tumor cells: http://cdmrp.army.mil/bcrp/research_highlights/14mittendorf_highlight.shtml. It will have little side effects on me, but the potential to help me and others fight recurring cancer in the future. Involvement will require treatment at MDA every 3 weeks for the next 12 months. It is inconvenient. Very. But Ethan and I agree that it is an important next step. Maybe that is why I don’t feel like celebrating too much, because I still have a year of treatments coming my way.
Thank you for standing by me. Thank you to those that open this window weekly looking for some news. Thank you to all the t-shirt orders and everyone who proudly Fights4 Me when they wear them. Lucky for you, since treatment is continuing you still have reason to wear your shirts on Mondays. My first treatment for the trial will be Feb. 16th and then every 3 weeks. People say they see the shirts all over Round Rock.
So the treatment goes on and so does the fight. We have come so far and I have to choose to trust again. Trust in the future as much as I trusted in the process. As one of my favorite songs says: “good shepherd of my soul… take my hand and lead me on.”
Awake, my soul, and follow.
Julie, You are so incredibly brave and such an inspiration. We stand ready with prayers for you to be free from this burden. Please let us know if we can do anything to help with the inconveience of the treatments. Carpools, kiddos, food…anything. Sending you warm hugs and prayers.
I am THRILLED to hear the good news today! Thank you for sharing your faith and updates with us. Gather your strength to fight the good fight. We support you and love you heaps! See you soon…it’s almost soccer season.
Once again, Julie, The Lord is using your story, your words to shine His light. Your words came as such encouragement today right at the moment I needed it. Thank you for sharing your soul, your struggle, as God is using you as His vessel. Continue to pray for you, your family, and your fight!!
Thanks be to God! Open invitation at our home!
I’m listening to that song as I write this – it’s in my iTunes rotation. Thank you for sharing the melodies with me Julie and Ethan. I will continue to be with you in prayer through your journey.
As to the clinical trial, I will pray that the research finds itself successful – a cure or one towards warding off sickness.
Love you!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful news, Julie! I am praising the Lord with you for your healing! And thank you so much for participating in the clinical trial. After my own minor brush with breast cancer, I am in awe of all that you have overcome with Jesus by your side. I am grateful that you have chosen to help the research of this vaccine that could bring hope to cancer survivors everywhere. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Praising God with you & for you,
Jennifer š
Sweet Julie, you are never far from my prayers and ALWAYS in God’s heart. I keep your postcard “For nothing will be impossible with God” in my kitchen at all times reminding me of you and of the One Who overcomes the impossible. He can do more than we ask or even imagine, and He has got you covered throughout these months to come. May His Glory keep outshining any clouds. He is faithful! Love you, Diane
Julie. It’s is so good to see you be happy with the news after the uncertain last couple of months. I know its a long road ahead but if it’s one thing I have figured out for certain is that you are STRONG in HIM. I had the chance to see Ethan and from the moment we started talking I knew I was standing in front of a man who loves his wife and his girls more than maybe any other man can. He is 100% prime time in love with you. You got yourself a catch and he won the lottery with you. I wish you all the best over the next 12 months. Maybe I’ll even get to drop by RR to see the two of you. Please let me know of anything I can do to help
Know that because you have shared your struggles and faith with us, some of us have been able to weather our own storms, walking alongside God too. Your perspective has helped me move forward as well. I appreciate your honesty and pray for you & your family regularly. The end.
Julie, you truly are an inspiration and awesome Christian disciple! We continue to pray for you and I will include you in the St. Peregrine novena (9 day prayer) that is starting on Monday. If anyone else would like to join me: http://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-peregrine-novena/
XOXO Paula
Whaleys – I don’t think a day goes by when I don’t think of you and your journey. I was overjoyed to hear there was an update and to read the words “remission.” I admire you for continuing the fight through the upcoming trial. My shirt will be on display in Sugar Land! Wishing you a wonderful birthday in a few days – let it be a wonderful day to celebrate being 39 years young!
Julie,
We have prayed for you and your family so much over the last year and will continue to do so. Brad and I are very thankful for where you stand today, though we cannot begin to imagine how difficult your road has been. We have often said to each other that you and Ethan are such a great example to us. You have faced such a challenging circumstance head-on, with tremendous faith. I loved seeing the picture of you ringing the bell at MDA. I admire you greatly for participating in the research trial. I believe cancer vaccines hold so much promise, and it is people like you who give many others hope for a cure.
Praying for safe travels. Thank you for taking the step for the trial. We are all grateful for your willing ness to help others in the future. I’m glad you’re healthy. Let’s hope for a fantastic 2015.