Since my trip to Italy, life just continues to look up.
The new job is great. I feel valued and challenged at the same time–which is the perfect balance. I have been getting up around 5 a.m. most mornings to get my runs in for the 1000 mile challenge and packing a healthy lunch and working vigorously from 8-5 p.m. I love feeling productive again.
Law school
The most exciting news since my last post is that I have registered to start law school this summer! Instead of waiting until the fall, I have registered to take Criminal Law this summer. I could not be more excited. We had an admitted students weekend last week, and I met some awesome ladies from my entering class, as well as a few people who would’ve been my classmates this year, who I have been connected with via Facebook. It was so encouraging to meet them in person and to feel so welcomed and supported. I can’t believe I would already be finishing up my first year–so much has changed since last August.
Chicago-Kent College of Law entering students
I also received exciting news that I am one of five finalists for a full tuition scholarship. I am so thankful to even be considered in the top five, and it would radically change my life if I am actually blessed with this gift. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but it’s so exciting to think of the possibility.
Surgery #2
There is still a small chance I won’t be able to do the summer class, but I am doing everything I can to make it happen. The only reason I would pull out is if a complication from my second surgery (April 26) is too great for me to handle on top of school.
As I mentioned before, there is a high chance of at least temporary damage to my vocal chords this time around. They are putting a large tube down my throat to hopefully prevent permanent damage, but in doing so, my vocal chords will be stretched and could be damaged up to six months post-surgery. We will have no idea until I wake up that morning. The Assistant Dean of Admissions has been so supportive and understanding–I can wait until the class is supposed to start and make my decision. She said she would easily shift my start to fall if I need to and I wouldn’t lose any money. She was the same person I talked with last August, when I had to defer school, so she has been following my story.
My story arc
Lately I have been noticing a certain redemption in my story that is starting to unravel. There has been a story-arc to the last eight months of my life which I could never have prepared for. Someone told me being diagnosed with cancer soon after moving across the country and then having to defer law school a year is just a “detour in my life,” but I would have to disagree. The longer I walk this road, the more I realize how instrumental this chapter of my life is. Instead of a detour, I believe it has firmly directed me down the road I was already journeying toward.
While I still have another surgery and a few more months before I can see if I am cancer-free, the countless blessings and answers to endless prayers I have seen realized in the last month is the hope I have been seeking and waiting patiently for. Thank you, Jesus.
“In those days when you pray, I will listen.If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.I will be found by you,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
My April calendar picture…
Lydia Joy Sharp 
Keep on keepin on Lydia! You are a strong, awesome woman!
Thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in February 2013. It was all contained and no lymph node involvement. I go back in June to recheck my thyroglobulin. After initial surgery it was .3 . I still need to have rai due to the tumor size. (2.7) hoping and praying things will be okay!
Vanessa,
Thank you for commenting, I’ve been thinking about you a lot. How are you doing with all of this? I’m thankful that everything was contained! When will you be having RAI? Please keep in touch and let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Hello Lydia,
Just wanted to let you know I’ve been thinking of you and praying for you ALL week! I stalk/follow you on instagram + your blog : ) and know you as a fellow thyroid cancer warrior, a woman of faith, courage, strength, and most importantly someone whom Christ is perfecting himself in! I remember my struggle with surgery/radiation one year ago…. I remember during the toughest days curling up in a ball praying SO hard for God to take the cup away from me…. I couldn’t take it any longer…. Then in awe I sobbed as I began to realize I was given the PRIVILEGE of being painted a picture of the sufferings of Christ by being given just a hair of HIS suffering before that cross. His blood was made even more precious to me than it’s ever been…. That is a gift that God doesn’t give to anyone and I as I think of you tonight, I meditate and think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I imagine Christ that night… I then think of you tonight… you may possibly full of fears and are probably praying as hard as anyone can pray. I just wanted to tell you before your surgery that I stranger in California is also praying for you tonight and though I may be like one of those disciples who fell asleep while Jesus was awake all night in agony, I still want to let you know that I am praying beside you and will continue to pray for you throughout the morning and in all your recovery. I pray that Christ be even more glorious to you! I pray that you be able to encounter special moments with the Lord that can only be present in physical weakness. I pray that just like Christ awakened to new life, that you too be awakened even more to HIM through this constant thorn in the flesh we’ve been given. Remember the words of Paul “ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 God Bless you Lydia! I am thinking of you and praying for you!
In Christ,
Natalie Marquez
Psalm 103:2-3
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your disease…