Abiding...

Tomorrow is my last full radiation, I have completed 27 of 28! After my treatment tomorrow they will do the set-up for next week, five treatments that they call "boost" for the scars. The radiation will be concentrated on the scars from surgery, as studies show that the cancer likes to hide in that tissue. Next Friday I will be completely finished with the aggressive parts of my oncologist's treatment plan. The doctor I saw today is new to me, my doctor is on vacation, and said he was amazed at how well I am doing. He said that he was expecting my chest to be far worse at this point of my therapy. I am very pink and a little irritated in areas, but I am not miserable and not blistering. I am so thankful for all of your prayers on my behalf, and for the loving protection God has graced me with. I am feeling great, and very appreciative! As this final phase of my treatment comes to a close I confess to a tapestry of emotions. I am thankful for how I have been truly carried through this by the love of so many and by the grace of my Lord. Mason has been incredible through this and I am speechless at how this horrible disease has brought so much blessing to our marriage. Jillian, Mason Thomas, Ally, and Madi have been blessed by so many of you, as they have watched the body of Christ in such an intimate way. They have been strengthened in their faith as they have fully surrendered to their Savior who has beautifully revealed Himself to each of them in such special and unique ways. I wish I knew what tomorrow will bring, but I do not. I have learned much over these past months and surrender is at the top of the very long list. I have been really thinking on what it is to abide in the Lord. The stained glass image in the radiation room of the branch and vines has sent me to John 15, and each day I lay on that table I ponder God's word. That has been 27 days of pondering! I wish I had something profound to share with you, but I really don't. I have a peace and a joy that is quiet but real. I don't know how to describe it and I am certainly not a theologian, but to me abiding in the Lord means that I am ok not knowing what tomorrow will bring. His love is sufficient and perfect and I can trust Him with tomorrow. Understanding that love and trusting in it does not come easy to this child of a restless alcoholic, but as I abide in Him, that love is finally freeing me in a way I thought was not possible for me. Thank you for hanging with me on this very long and crazy journey, and for letting me share my thoughts with you as I learn and grow. Your prayers and support have been powerful and have meant so very much to the Vincent family! Please continue to pray for us as we continue in this battle, pray that the doctors will be blown away at the healing power of our amazing God! John 15:9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love."