RYLIE'S NEXT CHAPTER
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5/15/2018 27 Comments

MAy 18th, 2018

Chapter nineteen

The Light at the End

There’s something about endings. Whether it’s the end of a book, the end of a moment, or the end of a chapter in life. This coming Thursday I will be headed back to Texas Children’s Hospital for my final day of chemotherapy. What a special sentence.

Things to celebrate from the last few weeks: A little over two weeks ago I was crowned Prom Queen at my High School’s Prom. Needless to say, I felt like a Princess. The constant support from my school and my peers has been unbelievable. If you are a student at Round Rock High School and I haven’t had the chance to say “hi” or “thank you” for your support in the last few months, I want to say it now. Tye, thank you for making dancing in front of hundreds of people not too scary and so fun. It was a night I will remember forever. Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to serve with my church in the community at a weekend event we call Collide Impact. We started off the weekend with a night out at the Round Rock Express Baseball Game where I had the honor of throwing out the first pitch! The whole night was dedicated to cancer awareness and everyone was encouraged to show their support for those fighting cancer, those who have survived cancer, and the amazing doctors, nurses, and people who have dedicated their life to cancer research and oncology. A special thank you to the Almendarez family for their constant support and love through this time. Team Jana Forever. Last Wednesday night, I participated in my last ever high school Choir concert. In the Dragon Choir family, we have a special tradition where the President of the Choir gets to direct the last song of the concert titled “Not One Sparrow”. Some of the lyrics of the song are “Not one sparrow is forgotten....even the raven, God will feed. And the lily of the valley from his bounty hath it’s need.” We sing the song to honor the seniors that are graduating and moving on to new things. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to direct this song in front of my choir’s varsity ensembles and alumni members. It was a special, tear stained cheeks moment.

A medical update: As far as my health, activity, and spirit, things are going wonderfully. With each treatment I feel I have grown stronger as a girl with cancer and just as Rylie. I have been responding to my latest treatments with minimal side affects (nothing out of the ordinary) and I’m looking forward to my official last day of Chemo this coming Thursday. A little over a month ago, after receiving the results of my scans after round two, the doctors discovered a centimeter by centimeter mass located on my thyroid. We were encouraged that this was not a serious matter, but that we would follow up with further studies to make sure that the function of my thyroid was remaining normal. After completing an ultrasound and blood work tests on my thyroid, they have determined my function to be normal. Tomorrow morning I am scheduled to have a needle biopsy done on my thyroid to test for any cancerous tissue. We know that if this mass is considered cancer, the area is not active due to the results of my last scans. I will be going into the biopsy tomorrow with my head held high and nerves low. I am not concerned about this little speed bump in the road. My final scans are scheduled for May 29th!! These scans will follow the completion of my fifth round of chemo and will determine further plans for radiation. We have already learned some exciting news regarding radiation that was determined by my previous scans, but we will know all details for sure after the completion of Round 5 and my final scans.

This journey has been an exciting and scary time. I remain at a loss for words when it comes to the many emotions I have experienced over the last couple of months. I feel that I will never be able to truly express how much Cancer has changed my life for the better. I am thankful for this small chapter that I have lived through in the novel of my life.

A few weeks ago I applied for a Cancer related scholarship whose essay question involved explaining the lessons I have learned through discovering my diagnosis and the new goals I have set for myself as a young adult experiencing cancer. The following words were a portion of my answer: “As a teenage girl with cancer, I have been forced to learn a valuable lesson that I believe most people never truly grasp. Cancer brings confusion and concern. Cancer uproots our most inward emotions and pushes us into a reality that is experienced by many and feared by most. Through having cancer, I have learned the value of patience. I have learned what it means to set goals and have plans, but to be prepared for all of my plans made to be washed away in an instant. A personal goal I have for myself in the future is to take full advantage of every moment I am offered. I hope to take in every sunrise and every “windows rolled down hair (or bald head) blowing in the wind” moment. I have gained a new perspective on what it means to give everything I have to everything I do. I am stronger because of cancer. And yes, sometimes moments are stolen from us and goals aren’t met...but I am looking forward to the day that I get to share my story with the little girl sitting across from me who was recently diagnosed with this scary disease and has no idea what comes next. I’m looking forward to hearing about other people’s stories and the lessons they have learned. I look forward to making an impact on a specific community that has invited me in with open and loving arms. I am looking forward to meeting goals and making new ones, because cancer cannot stop me from pursuing a life for Christ and focusing my days ahead on loving others and loving Him.”

Here’s to an end. Not the end, of course…but an ending of a moment. Here’s to the end of a chapter that I never saw coming. Here’s to the light that has only grown stronger. As I complete the last few pages to this chapter, I remind myself of an important lesson I have learned in the now. My life is in His hands. My God holds all things. No matter how many times I wish that I had control, I have been forced to trust him in knowing that he is working for the goodness of his love through all things. I have learned that everyone has a story and that the world is loud. There are times when we must simply sit in the silence in order to fully understand God’s plan. I now consider the last four months of my life to be the loudest lived, for they will remain some of the biggest struggles I will ever have to endure. But, I know now that I could not have made it through this chapter without simply drowning out the overwhelming noise and chaos. I know now that the Lord’s voice and plan are ever present in our daily walk. All he asks of us is to sit, quietly, and listen.

27 Comments
Carley Altenburger
5/15/2018 06:05:45 pm

Rylie, sweet girl, you are so so so strong. I am beyond amazed with everything you are doing. I am praying for you. Siccancer💜

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Aislinn Henry
5/15/2018 06:07:09 pm

You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for encouraging me daily. You are impacting people’s lives in ways that only the Lord himself can understand, and for that::: I THANK YOU. God bless you.

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Mary-Ashleigh Hamlet
5/15/2018 06:08:37 pm

I love when you say “the world is loud” best quote I’ve ever heard.
Really happy for you Rylie. Nothing but prayers your way.

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Elizabeth Melber
5/15/2018 06:14:27 pm

Rylie!! You have inspired me so since your diagnosis. I have learn that no matter what we face or go through God is always present and wont hesitate to be there for you. That no matter how hard you fight the love and grace or the Lord is stronger. I am so proud of you and so thankful I have someone like you to look up to. Thank yu Rylie!!

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Billie A
5/15/2018 06:29:44 pm

Wow. Just wow. I am SO happy for you! Last round of Chemo?!?!? I am speechless. All I can say is #SICCANCER

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Lesley
5/15/2018 06:39:32 pm

Forever changed. So many of us are changed from watching you and your family navigate this. We love you and are cheering you on.

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Laurie McDonnell
5/15/2018 06:42:23 pm

Love your posts Rye! You have taught us all how to handle the challenges in life. With love, patience and most importantly, trust in God. You are changing lives! So thrilled this is the last round. Continuing prayers for you and your family!

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Lisa Carr
5/15/2018 07:14:20 pm

Rylie,
You certainly have learned some very powerful life lessons and by sharing your experiences you are helping others learn the importance of enjoying every moment, not taking anything for granted, and trusting that God is good and completely in control, even when things seem out of control. We continue to pray for you on this journey and are inspired by your positive attitude and wisdom beyond your years.

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Krissy Derrick
5/15/2018 07:33:37 pm

I’m thinking of you and your family always!!!

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Judy Robins
5/15/2018 07:40:15 pm

Rylie, you are the most amazing young lady. You are truly inspiring to others that have a similar story of difficulty with health issues. The Lord has blessed you with strength, compassion and love of mankind. Your story will give strength to many that need to hear your love of God's word. James and Marti are so lucky to have you as a grand daughter.

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Cindy Graf
5/15/2018 07:49:15 pm

Yay for the light at the end of this tunnel!The Big C is quite the journey but a journey that has some lasting possitive effects on our life. Celebrating with you in spirit on Thursday when you have your last infusion.

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Lauren White
5/15/2018 07:50:33 pm

Love you!!!

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Stacie Wollam
5/15/2018 08:37:19 pm

I am so thrilled that this is you’re last round of chemo and that you get new scans to show how well you’re doing. Praise God for your healing body and blessed soul. You are a tribute to His good Grace.

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Audrey Arechiga-Kajs
5/15/2018 09:13:05 pm

Thank you for sharing this with us. This is something I needed to hear tonight.

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Emily
5/15/2018 10:31:24 pm

beautiful! congrats and thank you so much for shining your light in a difficult time

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Jill Beerman link
5/16/2018 01:42:47 am

Rylie, thank you so much sharing your journey and please tell me you received a A+++ in Senior English because girl your words are so wonderfully written and you make me feel every bit of your journey.

Too many reasons to list how you have inspired me to live my best life everyday and there was something you said in today’s chapter that made me think...”am I giving everything I got for everything I do?” Thank you for helping me to strive to be the best person I can be through your devotion

I hope and pray your last treatment is as pain free as possible and that you are at the very end of this rollercoaster ride and onto next. We are behind you, Rylie.

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Ann Chenault
5/16/2018 05:52:17 am

Rylie you have led me on an amazing journey through your words. God is very pleased with you as we all are! Love you!💜💜💜💜

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Corona Family
5/16/2018 06:52:06 am

We love reading your words Riley. You're an inspiration to all. We're so happy with the progress you've made! Gosh your life has had so many changes in just the beginning of 2018 and you've handled it with such Grace and love for the Lord

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Kevin Austin
5/16/2018 07:00:00 am

Again I read this amazed as to your strength. I pray for you as I know others do and I too know the God of comfort and peace and healing. May God continue to strengthen you both physically and spiritually. Thank you for your blog that is so encouraging. May God continue to bless you and be with your family.

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Jill Calder
5/16/2018 07:19:08 am

Rylie, you are an amazing Child of God! What an amazing account of your experiences with cancer and fight to defeat it. Thank you for proclaiming God’s goodness in the battle. Sic cancer, Rylie! Our prayers are with you!

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Brenda Kouri
5/16/2018 11:42:40 am

Yea! I'm so glad you're at the end of this chapter. I know there were many difficult moments, but you handled them with such grace, and I'm so proud of you.

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Victoria Tackett
5/16/2018 12:21:31 pm

Rylie York, thank you so much for living your life out loud and allowing us all to encourage and pray for you through this Journey. Your light shines so bright for Jesus and I know you have had such a bold impact on RRHS and our community as a whole, and my family specifically! Each of us have stayed in touch by reading your blog and talking to your family, and your picture has been on our fridge since Bingo Night! I will not take it down, as we will continue to pray you through the days ahead. Your sphere LOVES YOU AND YOUR SWEET FAMILY! We are always just a call or text away! So happy for you to have reached the light at the end of this tunnel, and looking forward to seeing God continue to unfold His plans for you in the days and years ahead. Stay plugged into HIM and follow your heart, He will not lead you astray! Much love to you, Viki Tackett and the Tackett Family

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Pop Pop
5/16/2018 04:07:27 pm

After my heart surgery in 2003, you and your mom met Mimi and I at the S & W emergency room due to pain issues....when My name was called, and as I walked back I heard this sweet voice announce “ that’s my Pop Pop....”. Well, it’s time for this old Pop Pop to say, “ that’s my Rylie”....you are so amazing....love you so much....forever!

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Wendy herbrandson
5/16/2018 06:49:12 pm

Thank you for letting us all see into your heart. I am very thankful for your insight. Ava prays for you at dinner most nights.

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Jim & Sharon Silver
5/18/2018 12:31:37 am

Even though it may seem a strange and very difficult experience, you have been given a gift from God. You have experienced the confidence in knowing you can dig deep and overcome adversity with God's guidance. You have gained wisdom of what is really important in life: love. Love others, love yourself, love every moment of life we have been given from God - live every moment in the now, and savor every moment of being alive on God's earth! This maturity forced on you at a young age will serve you well as you go through life's experiences. You have a rare insight on what is truly important - enjoying every moment you can steal from this wonderful experience of being alive. Your life will be so much richer because of it! You are a great writer with a gift to impart to others - self reliance with God's guidance and help. You sound so much more mature and worldly than your years! Use this gift of insight in your current and future writing! You have so much to give to others in wisdom because you have faced adversity more than most. We are sure you are headed for great things as a writer! Godspeed Riley. Carpe diem - seize the day!

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Darla Thomas
6/1/2018 11:19:48 am

So proud to know you Rylie, so proud of you and will continue to pray for you during this journey.

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Orthopedic Surgeon link
11/4/2019 09:34:29 pm

Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I?d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I?ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

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