Strength Through Music 
So you’ve been diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer. You’ll soon discover (if you haven’t already) there will be days when you’re angry, days when you’re depressed, days when you’re confused, days when you can’t get out of bed because you’re in pain, too weak or because the tears just won’t stop flowing. I experienced all of these (sometimes still do). And it’s okay as long as I don’t get stuck in any one of these emotions for too long; that could be dangerous. I found it’s helps to have something to get me back on track…putting one foot in front of the other, back to positive thoughts. For me that “something” is music. It may the entire song, just a verse, the chorus or even just 1 line.
According to Tallahassee Memorial Health Care, music can alter your mood, as well as relieve stress. Below are some of my favorite “go-to” songs I listened to during chemo and post-surgery. Even now I find myself asking Alexia to play my “Give Me Strength” playlist almost everyday! Music….an incredible life/therapy tool!
Spiritual Songs
When I began chemo at MD Anderson, I listened to this song often. I felt the singer was speaking directly to me, "In your hurting, in your sorrow I will ask my God to move...I'll pray for your healing, that circumstances will change, I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus' name. I pray that a breakthrough will happen today..."
"When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me. Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be...And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me; shinin' until tomorrow, let it be."
"Where are you now when darkness seems to win? Where are you now when the world is crumbling? I hear you say "Look up child!"...You're not threatened by the war, You're not shaken by the storm, I know You're in control. Even in our suffering, even when it can't be seen, You're in control...I hear You say, "Look up child!"
"I believe in You. Maker of stars, the sun and moon. Heaven and Earth, designed by You...Even when fear tries to dim my light, I won't walk by sight 'cause I can feel Him rising on the inside. A fire burning wild and bringing me to life. My God is so much more than just a feeling; You are my healing, You are my healing. You're right here by my side. If I'm going through hell, I'll be alright. I'm standing on what You promised me. Yes, I believe this is true that every time You'll see it through. I know I'm safe, You never leave...My God is so much more than just a feeling; You are my healing, You are my healing!"
"...There is beauty in what I can't understand, Jesus it's you...I believe in the wonder working God, you're the wonder working God...you heal because you love, oh the miracles we'll see, you're too good to not believe...just the mention of your name can raise the dead, all the glory to the only one who can...too good to not believe...we've seen cancer disappear, we've seen broken bodies healed, don't you tell me He can't do it, don't you tell me He can't do it!"
“I was walking on water just a week ago not a care in the world even a day ago. Not sure what happened but all of the sudden I saw the crashing waves all around me. Cling to the promise though you stumble you won't fall. I will uphold you now just trust me with all. Just look at me and I will lead you as you cling to the call…”
This song wasn’t part of my “Give Me Strength” playlist at first. But then after listening to is I realized I need I needed to grow my faith in God, faith that He has me through this cancer journey. “I wish I could see just three steps in front of me. But the lamp unto my feet, it only moves when I take a step. And believe Your word to me… faith, it's the confidence that You are holding me. It's stepping out, it's breaking through all my doubts.”
“Let faith arise in spite of what I see. Lord, I believe… He already knows my every need. Surely He will come and rescue me… This world is shaking but You cannot be shaken. My heart is breaking, but I'm not broken yet. Your love is fearless. Help me to be courageous too. Oh, there is nothing impossible You're the God of miracles.”
“Blood flows down. Flowing from the hands of the Healer. Death is bound… It’s broken in the hands of the Healer. So beautiful oh so beautiful… Purchased by the hands of the Healer…Sanctified…How precious are the hands of the Healer. So beautiful oh so beautiful. So beautiful Your love. Glory to the King who gave His life.”
I love this song for the chorus! It was one of the songs I chose to go into my “Give me Strength” playlist. Great statement cancer cannot make me give up hope!. “…I'll rise up. I'll rise unafraid. I'll rise up. And I'll do it a thousand times again. And I'll rise up. High like the waves. I'll rise up. In spite of the ache. I'll rise up. And I'll do it a thousand times again.”
“…my strength comes from God who made heaven and earth, and the mountains. When I'm caught deep in the valley with chaos for my company. I'll find my comfort here 'cause I know that You are near. My help comes from You. You're right here, pulling me through. You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness. All on Your shoulders… My help comes from You.”