Melanie Ham

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Recovery, Healing and the Unknown.

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Thank you so much for sharing!

It’s been a few weeks now since our last update so I wanted to share a little bit of what’s been going on. First, I wanted to extend my endless gratitude to all of you who have been following my story, reading my blog, buying my classes and for the prayers, comments and shares. Ya’ll are so amazing and am so thankful for you. You have truly helped me through this journey.

Day one of treatment.

I’m now almost five weeks post op and feeling pretty good. My appetite is back and I can get up and move around on my own now. My incision is feeling better too, although I still have some healing to do so I’m taking things nice and slow. I even filmed a new video yesterday! Robert is so used to doing everything he saw me in the kitchen making my own lunch the other day and wagged his finger… but he’s just gonna have to deal, I’m mobile now suckers! 😉

As of this week I had my third chemical infusion of an mTOR inhibitor drug and so far so good. Thankfully there are minimal side effects and am feeling pretty good afterward. We won’t really know the extent of how much it’s working for a few months so at this point we’re hoping, praying and taking it day to day, week to week. I can’t speak highly enough of our experience at Cedars. It’s been comfortable, the staff is super friendly and helpful and they make our experience there as good as it can be considering.

Did you miss some of my other updates? Here they are:

All of this doesn’t come without a seemingly constant cloud looming over us. Will the treatment work? Will these tumors come back? Will I need another surgery? There are still so many unknowns but that’s where we have to just trust our Doctors and God as best as we can.

Watching the Lakers beat the Rockets – yay!

Every time I hit the elevator button to the “7th floor – Cancer Center” I’m reminded that this is pretty serious. Robert and I seem to be on the younger side of the patients there and it can be pretty somber at times. There are all types of people battling their own cancers, every ethnicity, gender, religion and they all have different stories

I’ve decided to focus on all the things I am thankful for; I have a great team, a great hospital, my surgery was successful, our treatment is going well, my kids are healthy and getting through school, and so much more. I also feel like this time has given me the opportunity to grow in my faith, in my relationship with my family and my husband and given me a new perspective on what I want for my future.

I’ve also been using this time to research more. I’ve gone down lots of rabbit holes about my treatment, my diet, my personal mental health and am working on fighting this disease at every level.

So now we wait… we’ll be doing this infusion every week until it seems to be working, or it seems to not be working and then we will reevaluate. Waiting can sometimes be the hardest thing, but when you think about it that’s so much part of life. So I’m learning to be grateful in the moment while I’m waiting for the unknown. I know this is a hard time for so many out there… a brighter day will come! Love to you all.

Melanie and Robert

Comments

  1. So sorry about your diagnose. I also have breast cancer and had surgery. A year went by and then I felt some lumps in
    my same cancer breast. So scary. I had a mammogram and found it to be scar tissue from the surgery, a miracle I thought.
    I still worry but am giving it to GOD. I am praying for you and your lovely family. You are such a great lady and I love all your
    information and videos. I am a beginner quilter and you have taught me alot. I hand sew everything and might get a sewing
    machine one day. Thank you so much.

  2. I just read about your site in a Facebook crochet group, where people were recommending it as a great place to check out. And then of course, I read your posts. I am a cancer survivor, and there are many, many of us out here. Stay strong, Melanie, and stay positive. You have the right attitude, and I know full well how hard it can be to keep that up all the time. But you have much to be hopeful about; cancer treatment has certainly come a long, long way, and continues to do so. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. xo

  3. Sending loving prayers and thoughts to you and your family. I have only just recently found you and your sites. I love your spunk, beautiful attitude and your an amazing teacher. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I pray you beat the C-Monster. That’s what a friend of mine called it when she was diagnosed with cancer. She said she didn’t want to give it the power of name to her body and she was strong enough to beat monsters under a bed for years for her kids. So it was a mental thing for her to say she was fighting the C-Monster and one day it will go away, just as the monsters under the kids bed went away in time with encouraging words and prayers every night. I hope her story helps you. Ps she won her battle! God is good! You will win yours too! Love, and hugs from a sister in Christ, Tracy

  5. Melanie,
    You are such a warrior!!!!! Such a positive person! You and your family are in my prayers ❤️

  6. Wow Melanie! You don’t know me, but I feel like I’ve known you for quite awhile. I renewed my passion for sewing during this Covid crisis, and even started a tiny sewing business, after leaving my 40 year career in dentistry. Your you tube video’s were one of the first that I discovered, and have been with me the whole way! You do a wonderful job of explaining step by step how to tackle a project. I thank you for helping me through MY transition.
    Today, I was using one of your videos, and there was the Subscribe button staring at me. I thought “why haven’t I subscribed?”.So I did. I have never subscribed to a channel before. That led me to your website, where I found out about your current journey. I truly believe God put all of this in my path. I will be praying for your recovery to be complete, and quick, and that everyday you will be strengthened physically, mentally, and spiritually. . I was so glad to read of your faith. How do people get through without it? “I will walk by faith even when I can not see.” 2 Cor 5:7 Blessings to you and your family.

  7. Hi Melanie, thank you for the update and living out loud, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Thank you for giving so much of yourself…I enjoy and have learned so much from your videos. Take care and Blessings to you and your family.

  8. You and your whole family are always in my heart and in my prayers. I Corinthians 13 tells us that love is the greatest gift. You truly embody love and inspire others with your love. May you now feel the love of God and of people from all over the world washing over you and holding you in a healing embrace. Thank you for being you! ❤️

  9. I will continue to pray for you and your family for comfort and healing. God is good and you will get through this hard time. Lean on Him and know that people love you very much.

  10. Melanie,
    I don’t know how I missed your latest update. Your attitude and words mirror your tutorials, positive and upbeat. You are always encouraging others as we try new things. It’s our turn to encourage you!❤️ I love your observations about life and just kind of taking stock in everything. You have such a huge support group, a wonderful team of doctors, and your faith in God. We are praying for you daily from all corners of the world, so girl, you are covered in prayers! Sending you hugs and love!
    Susan O’Neal Smith

  11. Uncertainty can be the hardest part. This is certainly a family disease and everyone is affected (been there!) so to the whole family we extend our well-wishes and prayers. It is SOOOOO great to see you back in action.

  12. Hi Melanie,
    I love your crochet patterns! I wanted to say that I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are dealing with your illness with such grace. I’m a cancer survivor, and I am pulling for you. Thank you for continuing to create new projects!

  13. May love and grace continue to surround you. Thank you for sharing your talent/gifts with us and I personally thank you for your tutorial that made me able to make my first quilt (I’m kind of hooked now).
    xo
    Kelle

  14. Melanie,

    My BFF, sister, and I all decided to start quilting after falling in love with sewing again from sewing face masks. We all started with your quilting 101 series and found it SO very helpful! We are all finishing our first quilt and cant’ wait to get started on another one! Thank you for providing wonderful instructions. Although the three of us are new here, we all wanted to wish you all the best with your treatment and recovery. We are pulling for you and can’t wait to finish watching all your videos (I’ll be buying the color theory instructions!) and see what else is come! Again, thank you! We’ll be here when you’re ready! Take good care of yourself!

  15. Melaine, Glad to hear you’re doing well and have the right attitude! I too am battling stage iv breast cancer aka metastatic cancer. I was dx 3 years ago. My first line of treatmeant stopped working and it can be scary. Although, I trust my medical team and they have me on the next best treatment! Sorry, to welcome you the world of “Scanxiety” (Noun. [skan-zi-etee] Uneasiness waiting for ones scans after cancer treatment. It’s my new world. We’re here if you need us… Take care of yourself, and as hard as it is, you need to make yourself the priority! Take care Melaine and we’ll see you the next time! 😍

    • Waiting can sometimes be the hardest thing, but when you think about it that’s so much part of life. So I’m learning to be grateful in the moment while I’m waiting for the unknown. I know this is a hard time for so many out there… a brighter day will come!

    • Waiting can sometimes be the hardest thing, but when you think about it that’s so much part of life. So I’m learning to be grateful in the moment while I’m waiting for the unknown. I know this is a hard time for so many out there… a brighter day will come!

  16. Melanie-Get well soon. May you find amazing inner strength, inspiration and wisdom. Check out Dr. Bill Bengston “The Energy Cure”. Create your want list. Totally appreciate your contributions to the sewing community.

  17. So happy you are doing better and getting stronger. I made one of your patterns for a pumpkin the other day. I did the same thing you did and used too large of a hook so the stuffing showed thru. My husband had a good idea. Turn the stuffing a rust color and with the beige yarn it will pop through. I just laughed. Blessings to you and your family. Thank you again for all you do.

  18. Dearest Melanie and family,
    I too, am 56 and found your amazing videos and blog searching to learn to sew to teach my granddaughter.
    Our family knows the challenges of health and the promises of God’s love.

    When you’re up to it- I think a quilt of bible verses proclaiming God’s love would be amazing! Maybe WE should sew a quilt for YOU! Anybody?

    I will pray for you earnstely and share this verse:
    “I will listen closely to God’s words. I will not let them out of my sight- I will keep them within my heart ; for they are life to all who find them and health for the whole body. ” Proverbs 4:20-22 (NIV)

    Much love in Christ-
    Wendellyn 🦋

  19. Hi Melanie,
    I’m so happy to hear that your surgery went well and your treatments have few side effects. I thought of you so often over these last several weeks and have prayed for your health to improve. It’s so nice to see your smiling face and positivity again! Take care and continued prayers for you and your family. PS- I just recently put together that you and Rachel Talbott are sisters-in-law, she’s great too! ❤️

  21. Hello Melanie,
    You are an amazing and strong woman. I didn’t know about your health struggles until I read your email the other day and I can’t stop thinking about you. I pray for you and your family and that you will get your health back soon.
    “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles ♥️“ You are my hero!
    Hugs,
    Else

  22. Hi Melanie, I’m so glad you are feeling fine and that the therapy doesn’t bother you much. it’s great that you are making some new videos with Robert’s help! I am glad that you are dealing with this disease by informing yourself about what can be best for your body and psyche. it’s so nice to see you on video with all your energy, positivity and the desire to get back to work and fulfill our requests! Focusing on what you are grateful for is a great attitude. We are very numerous out here and we are cheering for you. Our love is strong and it’s all for you and your family. Thanks for keeping us informed. A big hug.

  23. Sending healing prayers and wishing you and your family a happy and healthy future. Stay strong in faith .

  24. Go at your own speed. Don’t rush. But I can’t wait for you to come out of all of this better than ever. Excited for your new videos – it’s always a joy watching them. Thank you for your updates. May God bkess you, Robert and your family and wrap you in His arms for comfort. 🤗♥️🙏🏻

    • Hello Melanie,
      Your a women with so many gifts.I appreciate all that you share with use.I
      am praying for a speedy recovery.

      Margo Robinson

  25. Hi Melanie, I’ve been following all your updates. I’m so sorry for all you’ve been going through I know it’s not easy. By God’s mercy I am so happy that you are recuperating and that He’s giving you the strength to carry on. God bless you and your family. Please continue to be strong and take good care of yourself.

  26. Just so glad you are recovering well and the treatments are going well.
    Just hope things keep on that path and that the treatments work and kill that cancer.
    Healing thoughts to you.
    Take care

  27. My heart is touched by you and your strength! I’m 56 and have been wanting to learn to quilt…never even used a sewing machine in my life! Early in COVID I watched your step by step 6 part series on how to make your first quilt and I did it with your amazing help!!! I have also been following your progress evr since this started. Sending you prayers and lots of love!! I have been following your Let yourself heal for as long as it takes. You are cared for by so many!!! God Bless you and your family!

  28. My heart is touched by you and your strength! I’m 56 I’ve have been wanting to learn to quilt…never even used a sewing machine in my life! I watche your step by step 6 part series on how to make your first quilt and I did it with your amazing help!!! Sending you prayers and lots of love!! Let yourself heal for as long as it takes. You are cared for by so many!!!

  29. Continued prayers of healing for you Melanie! So glad to see you are able to slowly get back to things while taking the treatments. Just want to remind you of the good work you do to teach and encourage others. I have been one who has learned so much from your videos and blog. Take it easy and all the time you need. We will all be right here. 🙂

  31. We continue to keep you in our prayers & thoughts. We know your strength to fight is deep and your faith is deeper. All our love!

  32. I was diagnosed in July 2019 with three different cancers. The battle is hard, but you can do this. I understand all the emotions you shared. Cancer is not for the weak. I’m relatively young also, and every other week when I go for my chemo infusions, I am reminded of my mortality. I gave this to God. He is in control. I don’t have to stress or fret or worry about anything happening in my life right now because He is working out His perfect plan for my life. He is doing tthe same for you, Melanie. Praying for you.

  33. You hold a beautiful. Bright star in your hands! Do no let go! I wish you love and prayers. You are a fighter! I am there for you! -Diana

  35. You’re an inspiration Melanie! Prayers and hugs on the road to recovery. You are surrounded by your loving and supportive family and friends. Thank you for sharing your talents which is very helpful. Enjoying your insight and creativity. God bless.

  36. My prayers continue for you and your family. Your attitude and faith are an inspiration. Stay strong and keep the faith.

  37. Melanie, you have been and continue to be in my prayers. I’m thankful for your strong faith and positive attitude and your loving family there with you. ❤️

  38. Melanie… you are in my prayers… I am so thankful to have found you when I needed you most during a difficult time for me. Now it’s our turn to help you through power of prayers 🙏😘❤️

  39. You are a tough gal for sure! I am so thankful that things are going well and progressing in a good direction. I am thrilled to hear your doing some videos… decor and quilting are always two things I look forward too. Prayers for you, your family and doctors will continue. You really are amazing. Hugs! Diann

  40. Sending love & prayers to you Melanie. I am actually working on trying the crochet pumpkins. I have learned so much from your tutorials, finding my passion in creating things for others. May God heal you so you can continue to touch lives in such a positive way. Hugs!

  41. My only advice to you all is enjoy the extra time you have and don’t worry to much as it spoils the now. I certainly pray all is well and treatment works well. I spent a lot of time worrying about my cancer until a friend pointed out it wasn’t helping and it was making me stressed. 🌹🌹🙏🙏

  42. Blessings to you and your family. God walks with you in all things. I read the book: the Universe has your back, which was a great read to remind me of His eternal love. It helped me through a very difficult time. UNIVERSE=GOD. it also lead me to another, which is also worth a read…a course in miracles. Gabby Bernstein is the author. Believe. That is my mantra.

  47. Wow! Lots of prayers coming your way. I really found the “Why Worry?” series by Andy Stanley to be helpful. He is a wonderful pastor in Georgia. Sounds like it could be helpful for you right now. You can Google him and the series.

    Lots of love to you and your family.

  48. Thank you for sharing! Hard to believe it’s been 5 weeks but probably not so much to you since you’ve the one experiencing this journey. Keep your faith close to you….keep your beautiful outlook……continue sharing for us who want to learn so much more from you! My family continues to pray for you and your family.

    Blessings,
    Dee

  49. So glad that everything is pointing in a positive direction for you, Melanie. I think about you every day, & send prayers your way. Stay strong, befell better, & be happy.
    Thoughts & Prayers continue. 🙏🙏🙏

  50. Oh, Melanie! OUR Melanie! SO happy to read your uplifting update! You’re making progress every day! Keep the right attitude going, no matter what. Know that I continue to pray for you daily, Melanie. Love and prayers, Barbara

  52. Melanie, you look wonderful, so much of cancer therapy is a positive outlook! I was able to get on a clinical trial for a new drug 19 years ago and because of its success, I am able to cheer you on and send my prayers! Stay positive, we love you!

  57. Glad for the update, continuing to pray for you and your medical professionals, and of course, your loved ones! I like that you are taking it kind of easy, just not over doing it, as it will bite you! One day at a time is a good motto! God bless you, Melanie.

  59. God bless you. You are in my prayers continuously. I can’t wait to see the update telling us the treatment is working. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  60. Melanie, good to see you doing better each time you post.. Attitude is half th battle and you have a great one. Stay strong and positive. It won’t always be easy to do. At those times it’s okay to accept help.
    God Bless you. Prayers and positive thoughts are out to you and your family. 🙏🎗🌹

  61. God bless you and your family. Since you’re working on all angles to fight this, check the page of dr. Joe Dispenza on YouTube. Get his audiobook and listen to some of the amazing testimonies. Wishing you the best, Lucianna

  63. So sorry you have to go through all this, it is most difficult I am sure as I watched my father die from cancer. Gods Blessings and so many prayers for you and your family.

    • Thank you for sharing Melanie. My sister is fighting oral cancer at this same time. And you are both at the top of my prayer list every day. Hoping the best for both of you in this journey.

  64. God Bless you and your family so glad all is going well with your treatment ❤️💐 I love your ideas for your channel this fall and Christmas season. Make sure you get your rest too x

  65. Melanie, thanks for keeping us updated on your progress. You are on So many of Our minds. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery. Love, and hugs. Gail

  66. Oh Melanie… im so sorry for what is happening to you and your family. It sounds like you have a great support system and a deep faith and a positive attitude. These are what is needed to beat this ugly disease. You have a wonderful internet following and prayers are coming from all of us. So when you find your mind wandering to the what ifs remember we are all pulling for you and sending healing prayers and love. Tracy ❤️❤️

  68. You are an amazing lady…. my heart breaks for you and your family… Bless you, and feel the love and prayers sent your way by SOO many🙏🏻❤️

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