“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
-Emily Dickinson
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
As a little girl growing up on Jackson Street in Mentor, Ohio my friend across the street had a mom who was a nurse. She had a sash that she wore with the words “Miss Hope” emblazoned on it and she traveled around northern Ohio in a camper because, I was told, she beat cancer and went around telling her story to encourage others with the disease. I didn’t quite understand it all, my world being untouched by such a big, serious thing.
It’s been a minute since I’ve posted here. There’s a good reason for that. I have been fighting my own unexpected cancer journey and I want to update you on my progress – a “caring bridge” type post. In brief, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma (breast cancer) on November 3rd through a biopsy following an irregular mammogram and subsequent diagnostic tests. An MRI revealed even more cancer. Five days before Christmas I had a bilateral mastectomy. Final pathology showed an affected lymph node and a tumor that was actually 7 cm.
Today I am doing extremely well! My surgery is healing nicely and I’ve been doing appropriate exercises and weight lifting, although I can’t swing a pickleball paddle just yet. I have been pursuing alternative healing through diet and exercise. I will not need chemo (no benefit in my situation), I think I will forgo radiation, and I am weighing aromatase inhibitors (hormone therapy). My oncologist (fittingly named Dr. Watson) approves of this course and will support me whichever route I go. What a blessing!
I have learned so much through this. Really, my whole life – all the sermons, Bible studies, Charlotte Mason reading, talks – have been preparing me for this. All at once I get to apply the fortitude, courage, simplicity, hope and more for such a time as this. Your continued prayers mean the world to me. I’ve missed all the relationships that I’ve cultivated through my speaking, consulting, and teaching. Lord willing, I will be back at it in February.
So yes, hope. It never stops because it’s in and through Jesus. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I may not be Miss Hope but I certainly am always hopeful. And my friend’s mom? She is still with us, 50 years later.
Here is a precious song I want to share with you. Years ago at a Charlotte Mason conference, my friend Janet Pressley-Barr performed this melody to the words of Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Hope’s” the thing with feathers. It stopped me in my tracks and still does today.
Warmly,
Nancy
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.-Emily Dickinson
It is so good to have this update Nancy! I’m praising and thanking God that you’re doing so well, and praying that you’ll very soon be back out on the pickleball court and back to all of the things that you love! XOXO
Thanking God with you for this encouraging update! May God continue to uphold and strengthen you through this journey to complete healing (and maybe even a second pickleball trophy)!
Nancy,
You’re right, everything has led and built you up for such a time as this! How beautiful. Thank you for the update, I had been wondering about you. Praise God for a successful surgery, no chemo, and alternative health treatments to nourish your body. May He continue to walk near to you and bring you healing.
I’m so glad to hear you are doing well!! Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. You are in my prayers!
Thank you, Charissa. So glad you are in my life!
It has been so nice to have Lizzie here this week, Nancy. She shared a bit about your recent journey, and I’ve prayed for you often since I heard about your diagnosis. I will continue to pray.
I lived just down the street from Emily’s house in Amherst, and that’s one of my favorite poems of hers. I try to work it into my current English classes and Teen Storytelling class every semester! The song is beautiful!
I appreciate your prayers. Thank you for sheltering Lizze! She loves your family. I bet your classes are delightful. Wish I could sit in on one!
Warmly,
Nancy
I have been waiting rather impatiently for an update! So thankful to hear from you, and of course, in your usual way, you are still encouraging us, with your message of hope 🤗. Praying!!
I am overwhelmed with gratitude over the prayers and kindness from you and everyone else.
Warmly,
Nancy
Thank you for sharing your journey and message of hope. I’ve been praying for you since your surgery, and I’m so happy to read this update. You are a light, and we’re cheering you on! xo
Oh, thank you for your sweet comment, Amber. Since God is with me, it makes ALL the difference.
Warmly,
Nancy
Thank you for sharing, Nancy! Our family has been praying for you everyday, since you shared in your December Nancy’s Notes email. Praise the Lord for how he provides what we need before we ever know. We’ll continue to pray! And we have a piece of artwork in our home quoting that poem. <3
We had a print of the poem hanging in our bathroom for many years, lol. Yes, I’ve seen God’s provision over and over through this time.
Love you guys,
Nancy