Heidi Meerdink

On December 4, 2017, after struggling with a limp in my left hip and weakness in my left knee, I went to the doctor to have it checked out. I had been to the chiropractor and he couldn't fix them. It felt like a joint was out of place or like I had pinched a nerve. At worst, I was expecting to hear that I needed a hip and/or knee replacement. After x-rays and an MRI, cancerous lesions were found on my lower spine and pelvis. After further testing, on December 21, I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that metastasized to my bones. Thankfully, I have no pain even though with this kind of cancer pain is evidently a common occurrence. In addition, I have been very healthy and rarely struggle with sickness of any kind....another thing that surprised my doctor. I'm grateful for these things, as well as friends, family, co-workers, church family, and a community that have been so kind and supportive. My faith is surely being tested and "cancer" is a big, scary word that has kind of taken on a life of it's own in my mind. Psalm 139: 7-12 has become my favorite, most comforting passage:

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

I am trusting Him daily. He is good and He is faithful, whatever the outcome.