Melissa and her boys

Hi, I am one of many 1000 + people on this earth who loves Melissa (Sinding) McMillan. She has many gifts, music and song might come to mind at first. But once you get beyond her magical musical talent, she has always had a way of making us all feel like we are the most important person in the room.  Her smile and laugh make you just feel better about life and humanity.   Her grace, love, wisdom, strength is remarkable!  As I type that last sentence, I can already hear Melissa's voice, "It is only by God grace, goodness alone!" Always giving our Savior the reason for the strength and endurance to keep doing what she does on the daily as a wife, mother, daughter, teacher, sister and friend.  As many of you probably have heard Melissa's cancer has returned.  I feel like her words are the best words to describe her event on November 09, 2021  



**November 09, 2021 (1st entry)
Journal Entry by Melissa McMillan — November 10, 2021
“Here we go again.” Those were my words to Kirk when I called him after my ultrasound on November 2. The radiologist had come into the room to tell me that they found something and when I asked her if it was cancer, she took my hand, looked into my eyes and said nothing. On Thursday morning, I had a ultrasound guided biopsy, in which they took samples from both the lump and one of the lymph nodes that thought looked questionable. A dear friend had sent me the lyrics to the hymn “How Firm a Foundation”, so while my biopsy was going on, I was thinking of the verse, “When through the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of sorrow will not overflow. For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”


Friday evening, I decided to check MyChart, and was not surprised when I read the words, “invasive carcinoma” and “lymph node metastasis”. It felt like a flashback to 10 years ago. Kirk and I told the boys and started letting family and friends know how to pray. I spent the weekend doing regular things like watching water polo, spending time with family and going to church.  
This week will be a “waiting” week, and then next week I have 3 different tests/scans scheduled. On Tuesday, November 23, I will be meeting with Dr. Clark to discuss the extent of my cancer and my treatment plan moving forward. I consider this week a gift. I don’t know what the future holds, but the Lord does, and He is helping me to truly enjoy the normalcy of this week and to not worry about things out of my control. I am so thankful for the prayers of so many and want to encourage you that the Lord is answering those prayers and giving me peace while I wait. There will be days ahead that will be dark, but that is not today, and I am grateful. **

Melissa has an online journal and I recommend if you aren't already dialed into it, please considers singing up.  Her writings are clear, and very informative.  Here is the link:  https://www.caringbridge.org (you might need to copy / paste to a new browser).  She would never complain about explaining in person her condition.  But I have caught myself wondering what the news was is on her condition, it so hard to explain.  So glad I get on her www.caringbridge.org  now.  It gives me a better understanding on how to pray for her. Her condition isn't simple and many of the medical terms used, I find myself looking up.  That must be so draining to try and explain.  Nothing would make us happier then to see a huge rally of all and of any kind of support to lift up McMillan Family right now.  Melissa needs all her strength focused on fighting this cancer. 

Since Nov. 9, 2021, she has written a handful of journal updates. Please log in and check them out.

I'm putting this out to share, please share and share!!! I know not everyone has the means this time of year.  Any amount helps!  You don't just have to send money.  So many people on FB (especially this generation.)  You can send prayers and words of encouragement to her!  I know she would really value that.  Above all pray, Our Lord and Savior is on the throne.

Thank you so much for your time.

Christ Alone.  

Love,

Friends and Family


**November 20th, 2021 (2nd entry)
Call from Dr. Clark
Journal Entry by Melissa McMillan — November 20, 2021
 
 
This past week, I underwent 3 tests/scans and was supposed to have a follow up with my breast cancer specialist this coming Tuesday. She ended up calling me last night to let me know that the scans showed that the cancer is in my bones in 3 spots: my vertebrae, my right rib and my right femur. This explains all of my pain, some of which I have had since the spring. She also said that they are several spots of the invasive cancer throughout my left armpit and that the cancer is in my left pectoral muscle. The plan moving forward is to meet with 2 or 3 oncologists at the beginning of next week and to start chemo soon after that. I am leaning towards a more wholistic approach this time and appreciate prayer for wisdom in this decision. 
I was hoping to hear more encouraging news from the doctor, but she said that this is treatable, and the Lord has continued to give me a calm spirit. There are still many unknowns, and He is helping me to wait on Him. Many of you have asked how to help. Thank you to so many of you for reaching out with encouragements, meals and house cleaning. We are truly grateful!!!
I have been held up by prayer these past couple of weeks. Please continue to pray! Pray that I will be able to sleep well since the pain keeps me awake much of the night. Pray that I and my family will continue to trust in the Lord and pray that we will be a light to those around us even in this darker providence. 


In the words of one of my favorite authors, C. H. Spurgeon: 
“Let us, by the aid of the gracious Comforter, shake off those doubts and fears which so mar our peace and comfort. Be this our prayer, that we may have done with the harsh croaking voice of surmise and suspicion, and may be able to speak with the clear, melodious voice of full assurance.” 
This is my prayer.