Hey everyone! We have another little update we wanted to share with you all, thanks for being on this journey with us. The last few months the Ham’s have had quite a few changes to our lives. I’ve decided to go full cancer killer and have radically changed my diet which obviously affects what food we’ve been buying and cooking. I’ve also been going down tons of rabbits holes from books to podcasts to youtube videos and so much more. Sometimes it feels like the rabbit holes can be too deep or distracting but we’ve decided to go all in so if one aspect doesn’t feel appropriate to my condition I just move to the next. In many ways of course it’s overwhelming but at the same time helps to make me feel a little power over this situation.
As I’ve mentioned in other posts I’ve been doing mTor infusions every week and after doing 11 infusions of this cancer treatment, it was time to do a CT scan and see if this stuff is working. Once that date was on the calendar, the fear set in and I tried my hardest to stay distracted, hopeful and prayerful about what the scan might show. In the last 2 years I have had 2 extremely scary scan results where doctors are shaking their heads and looking at me in disbelief. All of those feelings from the past and uneasiness about the future play a part in what some have called scanxiety, which is totally a real thing. This scan of course could have gone any possible way. My last one showed literally more than a dozen tumors of various sizes (a couple the size of softballs) growing rapidly. So we had to really stop ourselves from going into those dark thoughts.
I did the scan and then it’s just waiting time… A few days later, Robert and I went over the results with my oncologist at our usual weekly appointment. If the results were good, then we stay on the mTor drug that I have been getting by IV each week. If they were not good, it would mean potentially switching to a different (harsher) chemo or whatever my oncologist recommended.
The scan results showed… shrinkage! Glory, hallelujah! After my surgery, they did a scan to get a baseline of the tumor(s) that were left. The surgeons were able to get almost everything, but there was one that was tough to get so they left that one to be taken care of by systemic treatment. It measured 5.9cm at the baseline scan and now is 3.5cm! It shrunk by almost half! There are also no new growths, which is a huge praise as well! I had so many pop up in such a short amount of time, that this is wonderful news. It was really hard for us to not just break down and hug our doctor, but we waited until we got into the hallway. Definitely some tears in there, but on the cancer floor it seems to be an appropriate reaction!
I truly believe that the drug is working, but also all of the proactive health decisions I am making at home and YOUR prayers are what is holistically helping me in God’s perfect plan. I am so grateful and can’t thank you enough for all the sweet messages, prayers and well wishes you have sent my way.
In His perfect timing, I feel so much relief as we head into the holiday season where I can be wife and mom, my favorite job titles, and help make this season special for my family who have been through so much this year. I did make a vegan, raw pumpkin pie which my fam was not that excited about – haha. Blessings to you all, let’s continue to beat the crap out of this 2020!
If you aren’t sure what I’m talking about, here are the links to previous blog posts that tell the story ;).
Hi Melanie! I learned to crochet a few years ago from you! I have thoroughly enjoyed your crochet tutorials. I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in October, so I know the scares and scanxierty that you’re going though. Mine was caught early, Praise God! However I do know the anxiety and all that surrounds it. You worry for your babies. I have a 17 year old autistic son. I worry if something happens to me how will he handle it? We all are on the road to this thing called life, and hopefully can encourage each other along the way. Just wanted to say hi and let you know what an inspiration you are to me! Hang in there! God’s got us!
Dear Melanie
We do not know one another and we are both physically and generationally separated. Our common thread, if you will excuse the pun, is the word ‘quilt’.
My reason for writing is to express deep gratitude to you for, not only teaching me a new skill at the great age of 63, but for teaching me more about who I am.
Your youtube video entitled ‘beginners quilt: part one’ popped up on my screen by chance, just as the pandemic began. Your instructions were clear, encouraging and joyful. Within weeks I had made not one but four quilts. Each time I made one I learned something new about myself. I wanted to list these new discoveries to show you how your teaching offers so much more than just learning to make a quilt.
I learned patience:
I had to unpick stitches because of mistakes and go back to the beginning sometimes. Each time I did this I felt less attached to the mistake-making and more accepting of the desire to do a good job no matter how long it took.
I learned how to connect with my son.
I included him in the design of the quilt and together we moved squares around on the dining room table and argued about the merits of the different colors, he in London and me in Atlanta. It was delightful piecing together our differences in taste to make a whole.
I learned how to listen
Carefully, deeply, to every instruction you gave and then I reviewed your video again and again, painstakingly.
I learned how to problem solve
When things did not go according to plan and everything seemed scattered and in disarray, I took out the instructions again and painstakingly put things back in order.
I learned about my own creative capacity
This is the gift that keeps giving. It is not just quilt making, it is knitting, drawing, writing, cooking, making up songs for my grandkids. It seems to be flowing out of me in a jumble of colors -not unlike the quilts.
I learned a little more about love
I am learning that love can manifest in so many different ways. Sitting with the quilt on my lap as I hand stitch the edging, I am thinking of my grandson Sid and my huge love for him. I cannot see him and do not know when I will be able to hold him but as I wrap up the quilt for the final time and seal the parcel I am aware that every single hour I was working on it was an hour that I was wholly with him.
Finally, this letter cannot be complete without me expressing admiration for your courage as you battle cancer. You are a wonderful example of how to face life’s challenges with optimism and grace.
yours very sincerely
Olivia
ps I have photos of the five quilts I have made but cannot upload them onto this comment site.
Prayers for you on this journey.. I have been thru this myself this year not the easiest thing to go through. I had chemo and radiation kicked my butt but am getting back to myself.. Prayers for a complete recovery..
Would love to know how you have changed your eating. 2020 has not been the best for me either!
I just discovered your YouTube channel yesterday and came to your blog to finish up a beanie for my son. Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you! And Katherine Wolf from Hope Heals is actually from the state I’m in, Alabama. Such a small world! Thanks for sharing and thank you also for your crochet tutorials.
I say she’s from here.. not 1005 sure actually, but I believe her husband is at least. =)
Great news! I am so glad for you. Continued prayers for you and your family,
Melanie, I am behind on your news. That said – praise God for the good scan results. If it’s ok, I’d like to put you on my “Future Cancer Overcomers” prayer list. It is a list of friends and family crushing cancer that I, and MANY others regular lift up in prayer as we petition for healing, peace, wisdom … whatever God lays on our hearts.
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
My cancer diagnosis came nearly 5 years ago. When I went public with it, I experienced an overwhelming sense of peace and love from the Universe. I pray that every day you’ll know the same love and confidence that all will be well.
I’m so happy that the treatment is working. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Love you
Great news that your treatment seems to be working, sending lots of best wishes from, Kent in the UK.
You probably didn’t realize you had so many people who care about you. Well, I’m one of them. My best wishes to you and your wonderful family.
Keep doing what you’re doing, we are all thinking about you. xoxo
Thank you for sharing this personal journey … also for continuing to share your talent and instruction with us. So gracious of you! Continuing to send prayers to you and your family for comfort and healing. As a healthcare professional, I feel your frustration, but your positive attitude is sp critical to recovery so that is a plus! You are on the right tract, as what you put into your body (food, emotions, thoughts) can either be healing or toxic, so glad you’ve chosen to eat ‘whole’ and healthier..sugar/bad carbs are inflammatory not good for alot of reasons …Frankincense, oil of biblical times is also super healing.. wink wink…Bless you and your family, and thank you for all that you do for this community! Sending warm hugs and aloha from Hawaii! Jan C.
Melanie I’m so happy you are responding to the med and making some progress. During this holiday season I send well wishes and prayers for your continued health.
Hello Melanie…very good news that the tumors are shrinking…I know that you and your family are very happy…I will keep praying for you during this journey…Thanksgiving will be very appropriate for you this year…praise be to God, no matter how you feel some days… I have read somewhere that to love and be loved at the end of the day is such a good feeling that makes each day special…that is what I wish for you❤️
So very glad to hear about the good report. I have prayed for you and will continue when the holy spirit brings your name to remind me. May God continue to Bless you and your family.
Brilliant news Mel! Have a very happy and safe holiday season 🙂
From
Em xxoo
Australia
Such great news about your treatment. Many more prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Your tutorials were the inspiration I needed to learn to crochet. I’ve been following your journey this past year and am thrilled to hear your are healing. God bless.
I am so glad to hear the good news! You are an inspiration to many women. Thank you for what you do! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
So happy to hear this news! I am very glad for you and your family. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so grateful to hear your good report. Stay faithful and know God loves you. Thank you for teaching me to quilt through YouTube. I appreciate all you do and I’m sending prayers your way.
Melanie,
I am so happy about your good news! My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving!
Peace,
Jenni
This is such great news. So happy for yourself and your family. Have a great Holiday season……
Thanks you so much for keeping your “fans” updated on your amazing progress Melanie. While I miss your tutorials and your awesome smile, I am so glad you are taking this time to take care of yourself and get well.
Continued prayers,
Carol (18 month breast cancer survivor)
Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I think about you and your family often. I’m sending lots of love and strength to you and your family.
I am glad to hear things are getting better. Sending you and your family lots of love and strength!
Praise God, sweet Melanie!! I’ve been subscribed to your channel since way before any of this happened and you’ve always been a ray of sunshine! I’ve prayed for you often after your cancer diagnosis and know that so many others are praying, too! It’s working! The doctors, medicine, your diet changes and the prayers are all working together! Praise the Lord! I’ll be continually praying and waiting for more and more good news!! Yes, let’s beat the crap out of 2020! What a year! With vaccines against COVID on the near horizon, things are definitely looking up for the whole world! And now your good news has really made my day a happy one. God is still on His Throne, no matter what others try to do diminish that. God is taking care of you, Melanie, and He and Jesus, our Savior, are watching over you and your family. Until next time, I love you and will be praying for your complete recovery!!! 💗💜💖 Charlotte, Phoenix. 🏜️🌄🌵
Praise God sweetie! I am so happy to see your smiling face and hear such great news. I hope you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas 💜
May God bless you and your family abundantly this festive and moving forward. God speed with your treatments.
Honey, you’ve got this! I love your positive attitude! You are in my prayers! Happy Thanksgiving! Love and prayers coming your way! 💕🙏💕🙏💕🙏💕💕
Melanie,
May you continue to be BLESSED!
Thank you for sharing your story and the unrentlenting POWEf of GOD
GOD BLESS THE FAMILY THROUGHOUT THIS JOURNEY!
Hi Melanie,
Being a beginner in Crochet, I have been thankful for your tutorials on YouTube, but have never really visited your blog much. Your email today,triggered me too and revealed to me your current situation. I really really hope god listens to all our prayers and your current treatment banishes this horrid disease away ! Keeping you in my.prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Melanie,
I am so happy for you and your family with your positive results! It’s the best we can ask for at this time. Yes…Scanxiety is real and a constant part of treatment. I hope you find a support group! It has helped me greatly as am Metastatic from breast cancer.
I’m so sorry you’re part of this ugly disease but I believe things happen for a reason. Obviously you being able to share your story through your platform is huge! If there’s one person we can help or comfort during this time I makes me happy! That’s all I want. Good luck to you and look forward to more about your improving progress!
Dearest Melanie, I am thankful beyond what words can express to read this update about your life journey! God is SO GOOD!! Please enjoy your holidays with your precious family. We will not stop praying!! God bless you!
Fantastic News! Enjoy the holidays with your family. I will continue to think of you in prayers. God bless.
God is good!
Hugs and kisses
Twila
Hi Melanie, so very pleased to hear that your treatment is going well, you are an inspiration to everyone. Your blogs are GREAT, I hope that you & your family can enjoyed your Christmas together and that 2021 is a better year for you all.
Take care of yourself & let your family spoil you.
Lv Ann xxx North Devin UK.
Melanie, I’m glad that you received the great news of shrinkage and no new tumors! Blessings for sure. I’ll continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. Take care as God blesses.
I am so happy, thankful and relieved for you and your family to hear this positive news! I was looking back at your journey and admire your strength of faith and family. Having confidence in your medical team is a major bonus. I noticed in one of the pictures, your daughter has your smile! So, sweet! My family will keep you and your family in our prayers as you all continue your journey. God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving! Sending gentle healing hugs…
I am so thankful for your continued recovery! You made such an impression on me, and through your “Stay At Home” quilt along you have made me into a full fledged quilting addict!
I found you accidentally and now I want to go back and see your other quilt projects! I am enjoying my alone time immensely now, all because of you!
You are a blessing and I pray those same blessings back to you!
I am definitely THANKFUL FOR MELANIE!!!
May our God be with you!!
God does love you Melanie and so do I. Laura
So so happy for you sweet Melanie! I’m so happy for you and continue to pray that you stay on this path to wellness.
I enjoy your tutorials and have made many of your fun projects. Keep doing what you doing!
Love and prayers!
Praise God…..
So happy for your great news….
Hugs….
I’m so happy for you and your family; 2020 has definitely been a trying time for you. The update couldn’t have been better. Happy Thanksgiving!
Awesome news. . . So many grateful and thankful prayers for you, your family and medical team. Your smile says it all.
Thank you for continuing to teach us all.
So very happy for your good news! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Melanie, thank you for the update! I pray you continue to have good success with your treatment. Have you checked out Chris Beat Cancer podcast/you tube/website? He also wrote a book. There are many positive testimonies from people following his menu.
I will add you to my prayer list and keep you in my thoughts. Many blessings to you and your family this season!
Take care and stay safe! Paula
Sweet Melanie~
Thank you for sharing your life with us. God is using you in more ways you ever imagined. Your faith shines through the darkness of this illness, as well as your talents He has gifted you. I prayed for you today and will continue to as the Lord works through your medical care and His perfect touch of healing. When you feel the gloomy darkness coming your way and you don’t have the strength to push it away, remember there are others who are standing in the gap for you! Rest in Him and meditate on His love for you. 🙌🏻🥰
I’m praying for you Melanie. May the Lord take those tumors away and give you back your health.
So so happy to hear this good news Melanie! I pray your healing will continue with God’s speed. Thought I’d pass this along for you if you haven’t seen it before, it is the Budwig diet. Perhaps it is something you are already doing?
Blessings to you and yours during this Thanksgiving holiday!
So so happy to hear this good news Melanie! I pray your healing will continue with God’s speed. Thought I’d pass this along for you if you haven’t seen it before: https://budwigcenter.com/the-budwig-diet/. Perhaps it is something you are already doing.
Blessings to you and yours during this Thanksgiving holiday!
OMG! Melanie,
I am praying for complete healing for you. Blessing dear!
Glad to hear some good news. I hope it keeps coming.
I have only recently discovered your Youtube channel and now blog. I am so glad that the tumor has been responding to the treatment. We have a son with serious health issues (although not cancer) and I wish I could make it all go away. I will keep you in my prayers and I let your ads fully play on your video. Many hugs and thank you for giving us the updates on your health.
Dear Melanie,
I just found your tutorial on the zippered pouches and came to your website to download the pattern for the small size one. I had no idea of the struggles you were dealing with and I am so happy to hear of the good news from your recent scan. Know that I will add you and your family to my prayers. Keep up the good fight .
Beth
I just discovered your blog and sewing tutorials. I was shocked to see that you have been going thru such a hard time. I pray your Faith remains strong and the God continues to guide and help you. Thank you for being sharing your talents and your trials.
I truly love your teaching.
Thank you again & God Bless you and keep you always.
Good morning Melanie. I have been making your brilliant Box Pouches now for a few years, for my friends and family.
I watched your Cancer update and it brought me to tears.
Guess what I’ll be making this morning?
Yep, a box pouch (for Christmas, for my daughter’s friend). I’ll let you know how I get on…
It’s a sunny morning here in England and I hope it is for you too today. x
Good morning Melanie. I have been making your brilliant Box Pouches now for a few years, for my friends and family.
I watched your Cancer update and it brought me to tears.
I think that you are a lovely person and have sent you some healing thoughts and prayers, with a smile added. I am a 60+ year old man from England and am amazed at your strength and your will to be happy. Brilliant! You inspire me as always – guess what I’ll be making this morning?
Yep, a box pouch (for Christmas, for my daughter’s friend). I’ll let you know how I get on…
It’s a sunny morning here in England and I hope it is for you too today. x
Praise God! Praying for you. Keep your faith, God is so good!
Praise God! I will keep you in my prayers! Stay positive and keep your faith, God is so good!
Melanie, wishing you the best in your fight. Will continue to pray for you! Keep fighting!
Melanie, wishing you the best in your fight. Will continue to pray for you! Keep fighting!
So sorry you’re going through this. Lots of love from across the pond. These new drugs are wonderful. Managing cancer seems to be the way forward like other diseases are managed rather than cured. God bless x
Thanking you for you, your story, your faith and your quilting and sewing videos. I will be keeping you in my prayers. Cancer is scary, I know. Keep your eyes on Jesus for there is no fear in His Love.
Dear Melanie, You have been such an inspiration to me in my new hobby of quilting. I have wanted to do it for many years and when I heard my neice was going to have her first baby I was determined to make her a baby quilt.
I searched the internet for all the tutorials but when I found yours you gave me the confidence to have a go. So I bought all the gadgets I needed , some of which I did wonder about but you were always right about what I would need. I have now made 5 baby quilts for friends and family and use left over fabrics to make 5 dolls pram quilts. I love quilting but not quite mastered the free motion bit yet but I’m working on it.
I was so sorry to hear of you being poorly and I wish you a speedy recovery. Get well soon.
Barbara (from the UK)
we all love you very much keep going girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such great news! Not sure if you have done this yet but… Please look into a whole food plant based diet as all animal products as well as sugar/white flours/etc fuel cancer cells! Sending prayers your way. 🙏🏻
So happy for you and your family !
Keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving next week.
Hugs from France.
Wonderful news alleluhah. Enjoy the holidays with your family….in the future will you mind sharing your new way of eating.
Praise the Lord! So thankful for His care over you! Continued prayers! ❤️
This is great news to lead into the holidays! Praying that it keeps shrinking!!!!
This is such good news! I pray you have the very best Thanksgiving with your family! Wrap your arms around them and cherish each moment! I continue to pray for you! 🙏🙏
Melanie I am so happy for you and your loved ones! This news makes the day super! I want to celebrate and I will do it even if from so far away physically, but so close in my feelings. You have been brave, strong and very very good! I understand when you talk about anxiety and fear, it’s part of the situation, but you handled those superbly too! As always we are here for you / all of you, we cheer constantly and very strongly. You are in my thoughts and in my heart. Keep it up and good, immense luck!
Dear melanie my beautiful friend , so happy your doing well,love to you and your family from Melbourne AustraliaX xX
This is amazing news, I am so happy for you and your family, stay safe and have a wonderful Thanks Giving
Melanie, You are so beautiful and talented! I am new to quilting. You have guided me on my new journey and I thank you for that. I didn’t realize you are facing this awful disease. So happy for you on your latest scan!! God is good! My prayers are with you!
G’Day Melanie,
That is wonderfully positive news for you.
My mum is undergoing chemo at the moment so I sympathise at what a tough journey this is.
Sending you all my very best wishes from across the seas (Sydney, Australia). Hope you can kick this cancer in the butt! x
We’ll continue to pray for a complete healing. God is good and is working through doctors, medacine, and prayers . 🙏🏼💖
Melanie 🙂 Not too many things made me smile in 2020 but this, ughhhh… I am just so happy for your recovery and continued health improvment. <3
Such good news for you & your family! Keep the direction going! God is good.
So glad it’s going in the right direction. Prayers being said for you.
Prayers for you Melanie and for your family. I pray that the tumor continues to shrink and God heals you. Get lots of rest and take care of yourself.
Good news! Stay safe and may you continue to find strength and good health on your path.
Melanie I am so glad that your tumor is shrinking. You are so strong. Lots of love to you and your family!!
💪🏼💙🙏🏼🙌 yes! Amen!!!
I am so happy you are doing well.. it totally changes your life…. soso proud of you.
You are doing all the right things. Do put you on my list of people to pray for.
I did have Cancer 9 years ago, Doing well, thanks.
Wish you well .. and more prayers coming your way.huX