A Wrap on 2024 | From Wilderness to Wellness
As 2024 comes to a close and we usher in 2025, the results of my bone marrow biopsy are worth celebrating!
Yesterday, 30th Dec 2024, I received the call that we have all been waiting for. My trial nurse had the joy of reporting that my V&O treatment has been successful, achieving a complete response in both my blood and bone marrow. This means that cancer is undetectable in my body at a very deep level! This is definitely the best possible result from the treatment and what we’ve all been hoping and praying for. Hallelujah!
I received this news just as my family and I were heading off for a wonderful adventure in a remote area of the Coromandel, exploring a friends huge tract of native bush. In hearty 4WD territory, we bumped up hill and down dale to reach their humble off-grid abode. We lunched with views out over the vast ocean, fully satisfied by the goodness and richness of life. On foot, we then meandered for miles along rugged roads and tree shaded trails to discover a secluded sun-kissed bay where we could swim, fish, relax and explore. We savoured time together, healing, hope, life.
I couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate my results and the closure of 2024. It was a very special, gorgeous and stunning day and one that will forever be seered into my heart and memory.
The Sunsets On 2024
For me, 2024, my year of treatment, has been a significant year of learning to grow in the wilderness. Of drawing strength from deep wells despite the arid environment. I have walked through valleys of apprehension, depression, anxiety and fear. Yet on that dark road I have firmly cemented where my confidence is rooted, where my hope comes from. 2024 has been intense and profound and I think, at it’s conclusion, my internal condition, my wairua, can be summed up by this verse…
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
As I soak in the sunset of this year of treatment, I’d like to thank you all for the incredible support, prayers and encouragement Anton and I and our family have received this year. Many times I know we’ve been carried on and sustained by the flow of aroha (love) directed our way.
Borrowed Time
While CLL is considered medically incurable and predicted to return at some stage in the future, I am now blessed with “borrowed time” and look forward to continuing to share my journey with you as I live with purpose and appreciation of every valuable and precious minute I have been gifted.
2025 is a year dawning with the promise of health and hope. For me, it will be a year of restoration. Of living in the fullness of being cancer free. There’s lots of great things we are readying for as a family in this coming year and I intend to extract every drop of goodness out of this next season.
A toast to the dawn of 2025
New Years Eve is a time to reflect on both the road we’ve travelled and also look to the horizon with anticipation of what comes ahead. I’m excited about what 2025 has in store and am grateful to be here to celebrate the dawn of a new year with you.
The best news. Miracles to start the year with. Cried with joy when I read your news. What a testimony and answer to prayer. We celebrate with you. Much love xxx
Kylie this is way beyond wonderful news!! I am absolutely thrilled to hear this. Hurray! And praise God!!! I hope you enjoy the most wonderful year with your family! 💙💙💙!