I’m about to go into surgery for my port.
A port is a small device that will allow me to receive all chemotherapy treatments without having to stick any more needles into my arm or leg veins. It’s located under the skin at the top left side of my body, right below my collar bone.

It’s 5:45am and I’m just arriving at the hospital. It’s still so dark outside. I’m sleepy and just walking into the hospital makes me cringe. The smell of the hospital makes me sick to my stomach.

Sitting in the quiet waiting room, I have goosebumps all over my body from being so cold.

I’m trying to be strong and not show a single emotion. But I’m so nervous and I’m hoping no one around me can tell.

But deep in my soul, I knew God knew my every emotion.

He sees the hurt in my heart like nobody else can. He’s seen the crisis in my soul. There’s no hurt that goes unnoticed by Him.

Psalm 56:6 says, “You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears.”

My name is called around 7am.

“Jacquelyn Aviles?”

I’m now walking into Pre-Op.

As I turn the corner into my room, a sweet smile filled my face. On the hospital bed was a pair of my favorite color socks!

I know what you’re thinking: “Socks? Really?”

Yes, really! Lol! It’s the little things! By the way, they’re all usually red socks but today I had yellow and that is my favorite color! (Hope that made you giggle a little.)

In Psalm 16:11, the Psalmist writes, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”

I noticed that being aware of God’s presence in every situation produces joy!

After speaking to several nurses, it’s my turn to head off to surgery.

Not gonna lie: my heart was pounding in my chest. I got kisses and love from my husband and sister, and, in no time, I was wheeled out into another room.

It’s now 7:45, I believe, and I remember laying in the bed, looking straight up at the huge round lights above me. I’m surrounded by 4 or more nurses.

I closed my eyes and the next thing I knew, I was awakened by a nurse’s voice, saying, “Come see her. She did great! All went according to plan. And she looks beautiful.”

Straining to open my eyes, I see my hubby and mother-in-law and not too much later my sister. Their faces were filled with relief that I was okay. Such a sweet moment!

I whispered “Hallelujah” as my first battle cry!

I was immediately taken to my first round of chemo. (Read “The Broken Rose” for more info on chemotherapy.)

May 17

I woke up this morning to my first battle scar.

I’m sore and a little achy, but my lips have not stopped praising my God!
This scar from my battle yesterday serves a purpose in my journey. This scar will tell a powerful sermon! Each scar in my life will talk about a battle – a battle won in Jesus Name!

You see, to tell you my story is to tell you of my God! His scars preached THE MOST powerful sermon. His scars told a story that no one could deny.

It’s my turn to make sure my story is told!

I now have my first badge of honor! 💪🏼
Romans 8:18

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us!”