Wednesday, February 9, 2011

its done. i did it. its over.

we are home. we made it. we made it through 12 chemotherapy treatments. it was joyful and emotional. hard to celebrate because i really do not feel very well at all. but either way its over and i never have to get chemo again. i can not explain what this means to me. i have cried more today than i have since this all began. i had no idea i would feel like this. but i am so thankful its over. and i did it. we did it. we freakin' did it. its done. i could scream. justin did scream in the car when we drove home. i will scream when i feel less exhausted.

thanks for loving us. and for the texts, emails, mail, and flowers that arrived today. it helps that so many people are celebrating right along with us.

i am in bed. ava is sleeping. and we are watching top chef. our favorite. my husband is beside me working on his lap top. its so nice to be together. to celebrate how far we have come together. i thought we were a strong team before...but man...cancer does something crazy and special and deep to a marriage.

in bed but enjoying today.
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50 comments:

  1. kristaFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Welcome home my sweetheart. Congratulations. I love you! God has blessed you.

    Mom

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  2. saraFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Praise God! I am so happy! Love you all so much. You've been a warrior and you deserve to rest and celebrate.

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  3. NoneFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Hi
    I just started reading your blog via "enjoying the small things" Congrats on finishing up your chemo!! What an accomplishment!!! My father was diagnosed with cancer back in October and I am happy to say that he is also in the final stages of some "last min" chemo just to make sure everything is gone! So happy that another family is lucky enough to have a happy ending!!

    Jen

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  4. kristaFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Dear Ava,

    Oma has a special little celebration gift for you (& your folks)...but we will give it to you soon, in person, in Kentucky. Can't wait to see you walk over to give me a hug!

    Love you,

    Oma

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  5. The Conway'sFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Woo hoo!!! Congratulations for being finished with chemo...an awesome feeling I'm sure.
    Rest up and get feeling better!

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  6. CindyFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Today seemed so far away, but it's here!!!! I'm sorry you feel so awful, though. Hope you feel better soon!

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  7. MistyFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Yahooooooooooo!! There. I screamed for you! I am so happy. God is good.

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  8. Megan FunkFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Congrats Ryders! You are beautiful people.

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    AWESOME----CONGRATS-We are so happy for you.....

    The Forest Family

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  10. UnknownFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    Lib,
    We are so excited for you!!!!!!! I have loved praying for you in this process and am so grateful for you to share your heart with so many people. You and Justin have been a blessing to Seth and I by praying for you and growing in our thoughts about how big and awesome our God is. We love you both!
    Jules

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  11. melissaFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    let's eat cake!

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  12. LaurenFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Congratulations on your last day of chemo, Libby! I've been reading your blog since you first started writing back in August, and it has been truly amazing and inspiring to read about your journey! Thank you so much for sharing part of your life, you've blessed so many people (including me!) with your honesty and truth about Jesus. I hope these next few days are some of the best post-chemo days you've had yet, you deserve it! Stay strong!

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  13. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Yay! Congrats Ryder family! Hope you feel better soon!

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  14. ErinFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    Congrats!!!

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  15. AmyFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Praise Jesus! Congrats, Libby!

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  16. The Watts WatchFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    God is good! Congratulations to you and your family! Ava has such a strong mommy!

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  17. kellimossFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    Yay!!!! I am so thrilled for your sweet family. I can't even imagine what you have endured. Thank you for being a beautiful example of obedience, faithfulness and strength. You're amazing! Please keep blogging...i love reading about your sweet family :) To God be the glory...

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  18. Janet PhillipsFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Congratulations Libby from another follower you have never met. We have mutual friends and have followed your story from the beginning and have been praying and pulling for you! Your blog has read like a psalm, so honest and real and so full of faith. Thank you for sharing all your ups and downs with us and for reminding us each time we read that God is enough. God bless you and your precious family and here's to getting on with the rest of your life!! Yeah!

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  19. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    So, so happy for you!! Thank God this part of your oh so very hard journey is over!! Praying that you continue to feel better and stronger every day!

    ~Andrea

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  20. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! you did it girl ;)

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  21. KendraFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    I'm so happy for you! And absolutely proud of how strong your family is! You're an amazing threesome and I can't wait to follow your next adventure in life! :)

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  22. UnknownFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    YAY YAY YAY! So beautiful the story God has written for you guys. And just as beautiful is you and Justin being obedient to it :)

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  23. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    yay!! amazing. get some well deserved rest.

    love and blessings
    the doughtys

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  24. MarleneFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Libby,
    There are no words to express how happy, excited, and so very proud we are of you here in TN. No one could have handled this whole situation with more grace and faith than you. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your heart and taking us on this journey with you over the last 6 months. Celebrate big! Love you all so very much. Can't wait to see ya!

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  25. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Libby,

    I have been reading your blog since this past July, one of my friends sent it to me. I have been going through trials of a different kind... but trials all the same... and I just wanted you to know that your honesty, perseverance and unrelenting joy have been therapy for me. Thank you for opening your life to the world and allowing Jesus to speak so clearly through your pain. "Thank you" doesn't really seem to justify it, but thank you anyway. :)

    Anne Wilson

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  26. LizFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Congratulations, Libby and fam!! What a joyous day... oh, victory in Jesus!!!! I've been reading your blog since you began this journey (I also live in Ches. and found out about your blog from a Sovereign Grace person). I've never commented before, but thought I could not leave your blog without commenting today. Thank you for your openness and "realness." God has used you as His voice to the world reminding us that He is always faithful and always near in times of trouble. Thank you for being His vessel, even through the pain. Many blessings for a healthy, happy future!!!

    Liz

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  27. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Congratulations! Celebrate all month long! I am so happy for you and your family! God is amazing - and you have been amazing, showing God's tender mercy and faithfulness ALL the way!

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  28. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    God is so good! You are one amazing woman!

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  29. Caroline EFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Congrats! I have been following your blog for a while now and have prayed for your family. I am so happy that you are finished and I am humbled by your steadfast faith during this extreme trial. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  30. Nina ConcepcionFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    You are such a testament to the love of God & your story is TRULY inspiring. Thank you for sharing it!!!!

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  31. Hannah LeilaniFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Yippeeeeeee!!!!!!! Ahhhh babe i cant even express how excited i am for you!! Love you so so so so much!!

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  32. Crazy MeFebruary 9, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    That is awesome! I'm sorry your currently feeling so crummy but just think after this round of yuckiness, it should all be over!! Your strength through it all is amazing and what a beautiful story you are sharing to everyone on how to keep going and being wrapped in God's love through it all!

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  33. JudyFebruary 9, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Praise the Lord!! We have been praying for this day to come! Congratulations. Today is the first day of the rest of your lives. Live it to the Glory of God. Blessings for a glorious tomorrow.

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  34. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    I have never been so happy for someone that I don't know and have never met before. I have read your blog from the beginning and you so very awesome and inspiring.

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  35. The WitbecksFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    CONGRATS!!!! That is SO exciting! I am thrilled for you and for what lies ahead for you and your sweet family!

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  36. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    THE first day of the rest of your life!!!!! Praise the Lord, my sister.....
    Blessings as you heal from this treatment.
    Prayers and praise from Va

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  37. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    We are so proud of you and are amazed by your strength! We look forward to seeing you. Here's to a wonderful 2011! We Love You!TJF

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  38. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    Your one strong lady and you made it! Wishing you all the best getting back to your normal, healthy self.

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  39. BrittanyFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    So happy for you and your sweet family. Thank you for sharing your heart and teaching me about the important things in life: faith, love, and health. Praying for your continued recovery and so thankful chemo is inthe past for you.
    Brittany, KY

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Yay Ryder Family! You did it! What a joyous day. Looking forward to August with you all! Love the video...what a gift that will be for Ava one day. Thanks for letting us in and allowing us to walk alongside you through this, so that we, too, can catch a glimpse of the Savior. Thank you. We love you all!
    The O'Donnells

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  41. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    So so happy for you Libby, Justin, and Ava! God is good. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. You are an amazing individual, Libby.

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  42. UnknownFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    WOW! You have done it Libby!!! I have been following your blog from the very beginning and am still amazed at your faith and strength. You are truly an inspiration to us all. May God bless you, Justin and Ava and I can't wait to see what He has planned for you. I will continue to pray for you and hope you are feeling better. Stay strong, Libby! Sending hugs your way.

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  43. SuzeFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    So happy for you to get through this finally! Continuing to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

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  44. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    SO HAPPY FOR YOU. glad it's over. i read your blog every tuesday but i got on especially today to make sure everything went as planned.

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  45. TammyFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    AWESOME....Yes, you did it! So happy for you that it's all done. Praying for you to feel better real soon....love you.

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  46. AnneFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Woo-hoo!!!!! Praise Jesus! Such a joyful day. Derek and I are so happy for you. We love you all!

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  47. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Libby, At last it is done...I am so happy for you. Get some good rest. You have no idea how bad I need a haircut.

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  48. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    amazing...hooray! so happy for you and your family tonight...praying that you will not feel sick over the next few days. YOU DID IT!! God is good.

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  49. LaurenFebruary 9, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    I found your blog at the beginning of your journey and I have followed ever since. You are such an inspiration to us "younger girls" and also make ME realize just how much I have to be thankful for. Thank you for showing me how to be happy and joyful during even the most trying times!
    YOU DID IT! :)

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  50. RebeccaFebruary 10, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    lib...thank you for letting us all be a part of your journey...we have been blessed through it...thank you for not wasting your cancer...i know i have said it before, but i mean it more than ever...i never knew i could look up to my younger sister this much, when i grow up i want to be just like you...i haven't cried in a while either, and i have cried more yesterday & today than I thought I would...i can't imagine life without you, this world wouldn't be the same if you weren't here...i am just so happy that none of us have to experience that...ava has her mommy...justin has his wife...and we (your family and friends) have you...thank you for beating this...praise God for your healing...xoxo...b

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