Tis the season to be celebrating the birth of Jesus, and that's what we've been doing. This is one of the first Christmas seasons that I have stayed calm and de-stressed. It has always been a time of year that I've struggled with feeling overwhelmed, but this year I've kept joy in the middle of the busyness. We have Christmas and 2 birthdays in one week, plus this year Betsy graduated...but, it's all been good. I know that this is a gift of peace from the Lord, because it is not my natural mode. So...I'm very thankful!!!
Our Betsy did graduate yesterday! We are so proud of her and thankful for who she is, not just this accomplishment. We had a good day of celebrating with her...even went to the big city of Little Rock and everything. :-)
Now I'm shifting gears for Mary's birthday celebration on Tuesday. Then Jesse comes home on Wednesday. We'll all be together...which truly is Christmas enough for me! Then after Christmas we will celebrate Jesse's 25th birthday...wow.
Regarding my health...I'm doing fine. I go in tomorrow for a CBC blood test, just routine...they are checking iron and Vit D levels. I also have started my shots to go to Africa in January. Please continue to pray for my body to easily handle all those vaccinations. I really don't have any other appointments until I return in February. Our trip is from Jan 30th to Feb. 16th. I would love for you to keep us in prayer before, during and after this trip. I'm asking for people to pray for safe travel, physical strength, protection from spiritual attacks of any kind, and also, clear vision to see what the Lord wants us to do when we are there. Tom has lots to do, but I will be looking for where I'll fit in to the schedule. Thanks so much for your prayers.
I continue to live with a grateful heart, thanking God for each day. Sometimes it just hits me...I'm still here! I'm healed! I get overwhelmed with emotion that is wrapped up with thankfulness. God has been faithful...God has been good...and He continues to show His love to me everyday. I cannot live one day without Him.
May the Lord bless you richly during this coming week and watch over you in the new year. All glory and praise to the One who came as a baby, died on the cross, and rose again, all because He loves us. Merry, merry Christmas!!!!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
November 20th
Last Thursday was test day, again. I went in for morning appointments...first, a CT scan over my chest and abdomen, and then a bone scan from head to toe. I actually went by myself to the appointments. I had some people offer to go with me, but I wanted to go alone this time. Every time is different...sometimes I have a friend go with me, sometimes I go by myself. I wasn't really alone, the Lord was with me.
When I finally saw my doctor around 2:30 pm. she said the scans were clear! No cancer detected. YEAH God!!! Woohoo again!!!
They could still see the lesions on my humerus bone and scapula, but they were still unchanged and remained stable, and the report again said "benign". That was GREAT news!!!
There were a couple of other issues that came up. My oncologist wants to change my medicine, from Tamoxifen to Arimidex. I told her that I didn't want to change right now but that I'd think about it. That sounds so assertive...and I guess it was. But after two years of seeing SO many doctors and having SO many tests I guess I have come to a place of speaking out more boldly. She said it was fine for me to think about this and was very understanding...and that it WAS my decision ultimately. They both are estrogen blockers, but work in different ways.
The other thing was my iron level...low iron, again. BUT...if that's my big problem, then, hey, I'm happy. That can be fixed with some supplements and black strap molasses. :-)
God continues to teach me and gently walk me through all of this. I've learned so much and have watched His faithfulness through the valleys and the mountaintops.
So...why do I still get anxious before a test day? Because I'm just human and still look at the storm and the waves, instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus. I recently read in Mark 15 the story of Jesus being on the cross. Even He had a hard time, struggling to understand it all. "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" I read that with different eyes this time. He really is asking His Father an emotional question. It's a comfort to know that I can wonder and ask the Lord these questions. Usually just expressing it helps...and I move on to trusting Him with the unknown.
I'd like to get to the point that I just keep my eyes on Him and NEVER get distracted by the fears (the storm and the high waves crashing).That's what I want to do...only look at Him. I figure that's a lifetime lesson.
Well, it was exactly one year ago that I heard them say "you have metastatic bone cancer".
And one year later I am praising the Lord for His mighty healing hand in my body and in my life. Oh God, thank You! Praise to the LORD God Most High for His loving mercy and kindness!
I am very, very thankful for each one of you. Tom and I are so blessed with wonderful friends and a strong, wonderful family. May the Lord BLESS you all during this Thanksgiving season. I hope you have safe travel and good food and great conversations with loved ones. Have a GREAT THANKSGIVING!!!!!
When I finally saw my doctor around 2:30 pm. she said the scans were clear! No cancer detected. YEAH God!!! Woohoo again!!!
They could still see the lesions on my humerus bone and scapula, but they were still unchanged and remained stable, and the report again said "benign". That was GREAT news!!!
There were a couple of other issues that came up. My oncologist wants to change my medicine, from Tamoxifen to Arimidex. I told her that I didn't want to change right now but that I'd think about it. That sounds so assertive...and I guess it was. But after two years of seeing SO many doctors and having SO many tests I guess I have come to a place of speaking out more boldly. She said it was fine for me to think about this and was very understanding...and that it WAS my decision ultimately. They both are estrogen blockers, but work in different ways.
The other thing was my iron level...low iron, again. BUT...if that's my big problem, then, hey, I'm happy. That can be fixed with some supplements and black strap molasses. :-)
God continues to teach me and gently walk me through all of this. I've learned so much and have watched His faithfulness through the valleys and the mountaintops.
So...why do I still get anxious before a test day? Because I'm just human and still look at the storm and the waves, instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus. I recently read in Mark 15 the story of Jesus being on the cross. Even He had a hard time, struggling to understand it all. "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" I read that with different eyes this time. He really is asking His Father an emotional question. It's a comfort to know that I can wonder and ask the Lord these questions. Usually just expressing it helps...and I move on to trusting Him with the unknown.
I'd like to get to the point that I just keep my eyes on Him and NEVER get distracted by the fears (the storm and the high waves crashing).That's what I want to do...only look at Him. I figure that's a lifetime lesson.
Well, it was exactly one year ago that I heard them say "you have metastatic bone cancer".
And one year later I am praising the Lord for His mighty healing hand in my body and in my life. Oh God, thank You! Praise to the LORD God Most High for His loving mercy and kindness!
I am very, very thankful for each one of you. Tom and I are so blessed with wonderful friends and a strong, wonderful family. May the Lord BLESS you all during this Thanksgiving season. I hope you have safe travel and good food and great conversations with loved ones. Have a GREAT THANKSGIVING!!!!!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Anniversary Day
Today is October 18th. Two years ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and my life turned upside down.
Two years later - I am alive and praising God for all He has done! Yeah God!
This day could be a mournful remembrance day. That is easy...if I stop and think about all the unpleasant memories of the past two years, it would be mournful. And I will tell you, tears have fallen from my eyes today.
But, I don't want to stay there at all. I choose to celebrate this day instead.
After all, I am alive and well. That is not a small point. I am grateful to the Lord for His love and mercy in my life. Not just that He saved me from this awful disease, but that He saved me from sin...an even greater disease than cancer. Praise to God! All praise to Jesus Christ for the gift of forgiveness, redemption, and healing that He gave when He went to the cross for us. He's real, this Jesus. I praise His holy Name! I can't, nor do I want to, live one day without Him.
So...I celebrate two years of being a cancer survivor. Two years of new life.
Philippians 3:13 "...but one thing that I do, forgetting what lies behind
and straining forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal, toward the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 18:16-18 "He reached down from on high, He took me, He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my enemies, from my foes who were too
strong for me. They confronted me on the day of my disaster, but
the Lord was my support."
Thank You Father for Your amazing love.
Thank You Jesus for coming, for dying, for raising from the dead and for being my Friend and King.
Thank You Holy Spirit for gently comforting me and guiding me, quietly working through each day.
I dedicate my life to You again and again, O God, as a living sacrifice.
In Jesus' precious Name, Amen.
Two years later - I am alive and praising God for all He has done! Yeah God!
This day could be a mournful remembrance day. That is easy...if I stop and think about all the unpleasant memories of the past two years, it would be mournful. And I will tell you, tears have fallen from my eyes today.
But, I don't want to stay there at all. I choose to celebrate this day instead.
After all, I am alive and well. That is not a small point. I am grateful to the Lord for His love and mercy in my life. Not just that He saved me from this awful disease, but that He saved me from sin...an even greater disease than cancer. Praise to God! All praise to Jesus Christ for the gift of forgiveness, redemption, and healing that He gave when He went to the cross for us. He's real, this Jesus. I praise His holy Name! I can't, nor do I want to, live one day without Him.
So...I celebrate two years of being a cancer survivor. Two years of new life.
Philippians 3:13 "...but one thing that I do, forgetting what lies behind
and straining forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal, toward the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 18:16-18 "He reached down from on high, He took me, He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my enemies, from my foes who were too
strong for me. They confronted me on the day of my disaster, but
the Lord was my support."
Thank You Father for Your amazing love.
Thank You Jesus for coming, for dying, for raising from the dead and for being my Friend and King.
Thank You Holy Spirit for gently comforting me and guiding me, quietly working through each day.
I dedicate my life to You again and again, O God, as a living sacrifice.
In Jesus' precious Name, Amen.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Hard to believe that it's that time of year again. The Pink Ribbon Month.
This is the month I was diagnosed.
This is the month that I will, again, rejoice that I am a survivor.
This is the month that I will, again, thank God for healing me.
Actually...it is really a daily occurrence.
Daily...I rejoice that I am a survivor.
Daily...I thank God for healing me.
Daily...I remember who I was before I had cancer and who I am now, and
I am thankful for where God has brought me.
So much gain from something the enemy meant for evil.
God redeems everything in our lives. Even cancer.
Thank You, O Lord...thank You, thank You, thank You.
For today.
For tomorrow.
For You.
In Jesus Name. Amen.
This is the month I was diagnosed.
This is the month that I will, again, rejoice that I am a survivor.
This is the month that I will, again, thank God for healing me.
Actually...it is really a daily occurrence.
Daily...I rejoice that I am a survivor.
Daily...I thank God for healing me.
Daily...I remember who I was before I had cancer and who I am now, and
I am thankful for where God has brought me.
So much gain from something the enemy meant for evil.
God redeems everything in our lives. Even cancer.
Thank You, O Lord...thank You, thank You, thank You.
For today.
For tomorrow.
For You.
In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Trip to VA and D.C.
Tom had some business to do in East Tennessee and Maryland so Mary and I have joined him. Since she is homeschooling this fall we just packed up some books and headed out with Tom last Friday.
Whenever there is opportunity for me to meet more people the Lord gives me opportunities to share my story with others. I love telling people about how wonderful and how faithful and good God has been to me during this journey, and for that matter, all my life. I tell them about the breast cancer diagnosis and then the second part, the bone cancer diagnosis. I'm SO thankful to get to say one more time "God is amazing and good and let me tell you what He's done in my life!"
We're in D.C. right now. I think I'm going to wear my Race for the Cure shirt today. It may give me some more opportunities to share the good news of Christ. We're going to see some of the museums and historic sites today.
This coming Sunday I'm speaking at Kingsport Church of Christ. Tom is speaking Sunday night about his ministry but they asked me to speak to the ladies class on Sunday morning. They want me to give my testimony and share some thoughts. I truly feel grateful to share my story...to His glory.
Lord, thank You for Your continual love and mercy in my life. Thank You for opening up chances to tell others about You. Thank You for today....this IS the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Whenever there is opportunity for me to meet more people the Lord gives me opportunities to share my story with others. I love telling people about how wonderful and how faithful and good God has been to me during this journey, and for that matter, all my life. I tell them about the breast cancer diagnosis and then the second part, the bone cancer diagnosis. I'm SO thankful to get to say one more time "God is amazing and good and let me tell you what He's done in my life!"
We're in D.C. right now. I think I'm going to wear my Race for the Cure shirt today. It may give me some more opportunities to share the good news of Christ. We're going to see some of the museums and historic sites today.
This coming Sunday I'm speaking at Kingsport Church of Christ. Tom is speaking Sunday night about his ministry but they asked me to speak to the ladies class on Sunday morning. They want me to give my testimony and share some thoughts. I truly feel grateful to share my story...to His glory.
Lord, thank You for Your continual love and mercy in my life. Thank You for opening up chances to tell others about You. Thank You for today....this IS the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Faith Support Ministry
Today, Saturday September 6th, I went to Cabot, AR for a lovely brunch with a roomful of breast cancer survivors. Lots of pink everywhere. Festive pink, even a little flashy. The brunch is a special event planned each year by a ministry in Cabot called Faith Support Ministry. They have a simple calling...to encourage people going through cancer with the hope of Christ.
I first heard about them in October 2006 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I received a box with little gifts and books and a lovely white fleece blanket with my name embroidered in the corner and the words "Faith Support Ministry-2 Timothy 1:7". I didn't know these folks or the church that it is based at. So I called the church and asked how they knew about me. They said there was a young girl that went to our daughter Mary's school and she gave them my name and asked them to pray for me. I was so surprised and honored! I couldn't believe that complete strangers had taken the time to mail a blanket to me.
But that wasn't all. They also wrote me letters...snail mail notes...all year long! As a matter of fact, I still get notes from one of the women from time to time now. (Marilyn, thank you!!!) Those notes would show up at just the right moment on just the right day. It was amazing. These women are faithful encouragers and prayers warriors to many cancer patients.
This ministry is a blessing to SO many people. I'm telling you about it because if you are ever looking for a ministry to give to that helps people with cancer, check this one out. Their website is www.fsm.faithcabot.org They are doing the first and most important thing...praying. Plus, they are sending out gifts and notes to say "we love you and don't give up".
And then today...today was a beautiful brunch with real silverware and china and favor bags...all of it just to encourage us in the Name of Jesus Christ. I brought a friend with me who is a brand new breast cancer survivor. We both were so glad that we got to be there.
Thank you Faith Support Ministry, for blessing me and many, many others. Yes, this is an advertisement. No one asked me to do it, I just wanted to tell you one of many ways God has blessed me and supported me through His church. I'm thankful for all they've done and for what they continue to do to give Jesus' love to others.
I first heard about them in October 2006 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I received a box with little gifts and books and a lovely white fleece blanket with my name embroidered in the corner and the words "Faith Support Ministry-2 Timothy 1:7". I didn't know these folks or the church that it is based at. So I called the church and asked how they knew about me. They said there was a young girl that went to our daughter Mary's school and she gave them my name and asked them to pray for me. I was so surprised and honored! I couldn't believe that complete strangers had taken the time to mail a blanket to me.
But that wasn't all. They also wrote me letters...snail mail notes...all year long! As a matter of fact, I still get notes from one of the women from time to time now. (Marilyn, thank you!!!) Those notes would show up at just the right moment on just the right day. It was amazing. These women are faithful encouragers and prayers warriors to many cancer patients.
This ministry is a blessing to SO many people. I'm telling you about it because if you are ever looking for a ministry to give to that helps people with cancer, check this one out. Their website is www.fsm.faithcabot.org They are doing the first and most important thing...praying. Plus, they are sending out gifts and notes to say "we love you and don't give up".
And then today...today was a beautiful brunch with real silverware and china and favor bags...all of it just to encourage us in the Name of Jesus Christ. I brought a friend with me who is a brand new breast cancer survivor. We both were so glad that we got to be there.
Thank you Faith Support Ministry, for blessing me and many, many others. Yes, this is an advertisement. No one asked me to do it, I just wanted to tell you one of many ways God has blessed me and supported me through His church. I'm thankful for all they've done and for what they continue to do to give Jesus' love to others.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Another praise report!
Today was my test day. I thought I was having some other tests, but when I got there I ended up having a CT scan of my chest and arms.
The results? All was clear and well...no cancer! YEAH GOD!!!!! (Thank You, Lord!)
They were looking at my lungs and ribcage and they were both healthy. They also were looking at the lesions on my humerus and scapula bones. The lesions were still there but there was no change at all...they were stable, no growth. This was not what my doctor expected last December when the needle biopsy showed that it was not cancer. She was expecting it to grow. I've had 3 tests now, February, May and August. My doctor used the word benign. She said "because there has been no growth they are believing them to be benign." Yeah...I like that word.
PRAISE GOD for His steadfast love endures forever! I am grateful. I am rejoicing. I am full of joy. The Lord IS my Joy and my Strength and my Redeemer.
Hallelujah!!!!
The results? All was clear and well...no cancer! YEAH GOD!!!!! (Thank You, Lord!)
They were looking at my lungs and ribcage and they were both healthy. They also were looking at the lesions on my humerus and scapula bones. The lesions were still there but there was no change at all...they were stable, no growth. This was not what my doctor expected last December when the needle biopsy showed that it was not cancer. She was expecting it to grow. I've had 3 tests now, February, May and August. My doctor used the word benign. She said "because there has been no growth they are believing them to be benign." Yeah...I like that word.
PRAISE GOD for His steadfast love endures forever! I am grateful. I am rejoicing. I am full of joy. The Lord IS my Joy and my Strength and my Redeemer.
Hallelujah!!!!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Celebrating 30 years of marriage!!!!
Today, July 29th, is our 30th anniversary! YEAH! That deserves a giant WOOHOO. :-)
We are SO grateful for each and every year. Thirty years ago we were fresh out of college and in love. We didn't know all the roads we were going to walk down or how the journey would unfold. BUT...God has been with us throughout this marriage journey...and we are SO thankful to Him for blessing our marriage. We are not so "fresh" or young but we are still in love. I'm so thankful for my precious husband. I am blessed.
We're going to celebrate tonight with just going out somewhere for dinner, but our BIG celebration was that we went to Hawaii for 8 days in July. That was incredible!
We were on the Garden Island, Kauai, and it was just amazing and gorgeous. There were mountains and the ocean and a deep canyon and sunsets and rainbows! It was so beautiful. God blessed us with a wonderful time.
It's been awhile since I've written on my blog, but I think I just needed to take a break from it for awhile. I'm going to get back to writing at least once a week. I still very much want prayers for continued health, so I'll try to write about what is going on with me so you can pray more specifically.
My next test date is August 14th. I will have a CT scan of my trunk area, once again checking organs, and then a bone scan of my whole body. If you talk to cancer survivors you will hear us talk about the anxiety of coming up to a test. I don't want to be anxious. I want to walk in complete trust and faith in the Lord. But the truth is there is a mental battle that Satan uses. Lots of negative questions come to my mind. Instead of me just trying to fight this battle alone, I've tried to be honest with family and friends and ask for prayer...to send away the thoughts and any fear, any doubts. So, please do keep all this covered in prayer. Thanks.
Lord,
Thank You for this special day, that I am here, well and strong and rejoicing in You. Thank You for all You have done to bless us for 30 years! What a generous and loving God You are!!! I give all praise to You, O Lord, for Your faithfulness to walk with us. Thank You for our children, our family, our friends.
Thank You, thank You, thank You, thank You...
With love to You, O Lord,
Lisa
We are SO grateful for each and every year. Thirty years ago we were fresh out of college and in love. We didn't know all the roads we were going to walk down or how the journey would unfold. BUT...God has been with us throughout this marriage journey...and we are SO thankful to Him for blessing our marriage. We are not so "fresh" or young but we are still in love. I'm so thankful for my precious husband. I am blessed.
We're going to celebrate tonight with just going out somewhere for dinner, but our BIG celebration was that we went to Hawaii for 8 days in July. That was incredible!
We were on the Garden Island, Kauai, and it was just amazing and gorgeous. There were mountains and the ocean and a deep canyon and sunsets and rainbows! It was so beautiful. God blessed us with a wonderful time.
It's been awhile since I've written on my blog, but I think I just needed to take a break from it for awhile. I'm going to get back to writing at least once a week. I still very much want prayers for continued health, so I'll try to write about what is going on with me so you can pray more specifically.
My next test date is August 14th. I will have a CT scan of my trunk area, once again checking organs, and then a bone scan of my whole body. If you talk to cancer survivors you will hear us talk about the anxiety of coming up to a test. I don't want to be anxious. I want to walk in complete trust and faith in the Lord. But the truth is there is a mental battle that Satan uses. Lots of negative questions come to my mind. Instead of me just trying to fight this battle alone, I've tried to be honest with family and friends and ask for prayer...to send away the thoughts and any fear, any doubts. So, please do keep all this covered in prayer. Thanks.
Lord,
Thank You for this special day, that I am here, well and strong and rejoicing in You. Thank You for all You have done to bless us for 30 years! What a generous and loving God You are!!! I give all praise to You, O Lord, for Your faithfulness to walk with us. Thank You for our children, our family, our friends.
Thank You, thank You, thank You, thank You...
With love to You, O Lord,
Lisa
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Great report
Praise God AGAIN and AGAIN!!!
The MRI that I had on Friday did not show any problems...nothing suspicious...all normal. WOOHOO!
He went before me! Thank You, O God! Thanks to you all for your prayers!!!
The MRI that I had on Friday did not show any problems...nothing suspicious...all normal. WOOHOO!
He went before me! Thank You, O God! Thanks to you all for your prayers!!!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Friday
I had my MRI done yesterday and that went fine. It was shorter (about 20 minutes) than when they did my humerus and scapula bones. I did not find out the results yesterday but will hear then on Monday or Tuesday.
I find myself week by week becoming more evangelistic about praying for others. Yesterday while I was in Little Rock I needed to buy some new prescription glasses. I met a really nice woman at the store that I went to look for these glasses. She was an optician tech person and was helping me with the whole process. I finally picked out some frames and so we sat down and started talking. Somewhere along the line I got to share with her that I was a breast cancer survivor. Then she revealed to me that she was just recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer, or what they THINK is thyroid cancer. Then I told her about what has happened in the past 3 months...told I had bone cancer and then that the last test showed it was gone and that we had prayed and prayed and God heard our prayers! I told her I would be praying for her that it would be gone and then gave her my home number if she wanted to call me. I am praying for the Lord to totally heal her. To be continued...
When I read the stories of Jesus healing the sick, He healed to bring their hearts to Him, believing in Him. I think that is still true...when people see that God is still alive and active and listening to us, they want to know Him, to know more about this loving God. SO...my evangelistic heart is really not as much about everyone having to be healed as it is that I want everyone to know God cares about them and loves them very, very much. He is so wonderful!
Thank You O Lord...for being with me yesterday. Thank You for the peace I felt all day. Thank You for going BEFORE me...just like You said!
In Jesus Name. Amen.
That's all for today! I'll write when I hear the results.
I find myself week by week becoming more evangelistic about praying for others. Yesterday while I was in Little Rock I needed to buy some new prescription glasses. I met a really nice woman at the store that I went to look for these glasses. She was an optician tech person and was helping me with the whole process. I finally picked out some frames and so we sat down and started talking. Somewhere along the line I got to share with her that I was a breast cancer survivor. Then she revealed to me that she was just recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer, or what they THINK is thyroid cancer. Then I told her about what has happened in the past 3 months...told I had bone cancer and then that the last test showed it was gone and that we had prayed and prayed and God heard our prayers! I told her I would be praying for her that it would be gone and then gave her my home number if she wanted to call me. I am praying for the Lord to totally heal her. To be continued...
When I read the stories of Jesus healing the sick, He healed to bring their hearts to Him, believing in Him. I think that is still true...when people see that God is still alive and active and listening to us, they want to know Him, to know more about this loving God. SO...my evangelistic heart is really not as much about everyone having to be healed as it is that I want everyone to know God cares about them and loves them very, very much. He is so wonderful!
Thank You O Lord...for being with me yesterday. Thank You for the peace I felt all day. Thank You for going BEFORE me...just like You said!
In Jesus Name. Amen.
That's all for today! I'll write when I hear the results.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Yesterday
Praise God!!! After all my tests were finished I went to my doctor to hear the results. The CT scan and bone scan showed that my humerus and scapula bones were "stable", by that she said "unchanged". I was a little surprised that it was not completely gone but the main thing that she said was "this is benign, not cancer". THAT'S WONDERFUL! She will check it again in 3 months. She'll send these test results to my orthopaedic surgeon so he can continue to monitor everything too.
I also had a bone density test. I have some bone loss, kind of "pre-osteoporosis" but I actually consider that a great report because oftentimes people who've gone through chemo get severe bone loss/ osteoporosis. SO...basically she said start taking calcium and Vitamin D. No problem. I can do that! Praise God that the extent of my bone loss is that I have to take some vitamins! Yeah!
Tomorrow I go for my MRI over my chest area. That test is at 1:30 on Friday. This is more of a post-treatment baseline and checkup. I am trusting the Lord with this test also. What else can I do?
Great day, great report. WOOHOO! All glory and praise to God for His continued mercy and love in my life. I am so grateful!
Oh Lord God, You DID go before me! You DID fight this battle. Thank You, O God!!! I praise your holy Name, the Name that is above all names...Jesus. Amen.
I also had a bone density test. I have some bone loss, kind of "pre-osteoporosis" but I actually consider that a great report because oftentimes people who've gone through chemo get severe bone loss/ osteoporosis. SO...basically she said start taking calcium and Vitamin D. No problem. I can do that! Praise God that the extent of my bone loss is that I have to take some vitamins! Yeah!
Tomorrow I go for my MRI over my chest area. That test is at 1:30 on Friday. This is more of a post-treatment baseline and checkup. I am trusting the Lord with this test also. What else can I do?
Great day, great report. WOOHOO! All glory and praise to God for His continued mercy and love in my life. I am so grateful!
Oh Lord God, You DID go before me! You DID fight this battle. Thank You, O God!!! I praise your holy Name, the Name that is above all names...Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Test Week
It's been a little while since I've written. Tom got back safely from Ghana and had a very good trip! We were thankful for all his safe travels and return.
This week is test week. I will go tomorrow morning, Wednesday, for a CT scan of my shoulder, a bone scan of the whole body and a bone density test to see about the strength of my bones after the chemo. I am not anxious, which is NOT a small thing. I know that is the Lord giving me peace. I am gratefully walking with peace, which I know is coming from lots of praying folks asking the Lord to be with me this week. Thanks for your prayers!
Then Friday I go for a MRI for my chest area. This is at the request of my breast surgeon, who says I will need to do this every 2 years for awhile. They are just keeping a close watch over that area. Once again, I feel peaceful. Praise God!
The Scripture that I'm leaning on comes from 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat has a whole lot of armies coming against his kingdom, Judah, and a prophet tells him:
"Fear not, and be not dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not have to fight this battle; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not, and be not dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you." And then they all stood up and praised the Lord.
They praised Him BEFORE they won. That is so hard. To trust before we get to SEE it happen.
So...today, the day before I go in for all these tests, I've decided is a day of praise. I'm not going to be asking Him all day long "please rescue me tomorrow, let all these tests have great results." Instead, this is my prayer...
Thank You, O Father, for going before me in this battle! Thank You for letting me stand firm and take my position while You fight, not me! Thank You for loving me so much and for giving me Your word that reminds me what to do...to NOT fear or be dismayed. I trust You with today. I trust You with tomorrow, O Lord, my Rock and my God. I praise Your holy Name. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
This week is test week. I will go tomorrow morning, Wednesday, for a CT scan of my shoulder, a bone scan of the whole body and a bone density test to see about the strength of my bones after the chemo. I am not anxious, which is NOT a small thing. I know that is the Lord giving me peace. I am gratefully walking with peace, which I know is coming from lots of praying folks asking the Lord to be with me this week. Thanks for your prayers!
Then Friday I go for a MRI for my chest area. This is at the request of my breast surgeon, who says I will need to do this every 2 years for awhile. They are just keeping a close watch over that area. Once again, I feel peaceful. Praise God!
The Scripture that I'm leaning on comes from 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat has a whole lot of armies coming against his kingdom, Judah, and a prophet tells him:
"Fear not, and be not dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not have to fight this battle; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not, and be not dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you." And then they all stood up and praised the Lord.
They praised Him BEFORE they won. That is so hard. To trust before we get to SEE it happen.
So...today, the day before I go in for all these tests, I've decided is a day of praise. I'm not going to be asking Him all day long "please rescue me tomorrow, let all these tests have great results." Instead, this is my prayer...
Thank You, O Father, for going before me in this battle! Thank You for letting me stand firm and take my position while You fight, not me! Thank You for loving me so much and for giving me Your word that reminds me what to do...to NOT fear or be dismayed. I trust You with today. I trust You with tomorrow, O Lord, my Rock and my God. I praise Your holy Name. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Check up yesterday
I saw my oncologist yesterday. My blood levels were almost back to normal, which was good. Then I talked to her for the first time since I got the biopsy report back that said "no cancer" (Dec.28)
My doctor was encouraged by that report but "not convinced of it". I told her that I believe God has healed my shoulder, and she was open to that but said she still wanted to keep testing me, to keep an eye on it. SO...a month from now I will go back for a bone scan, a CT scan and a bone density test (to check on osteoporosis). I asked her about getting my port out but she said not yet, which means she believes I may not be through needing it. On a good note, I asked about going to Africa with Tom and she said "Yes, that would be fine." She thought it would be a good thing for me to do.
That was the report. She wants to be convinced there is no cancer and so she has ordered more tests. Ever since I left her office I have been thinking and praying and reading the Scriptures. Basically she spoke words to me that were words of doubt and concern and unbelief that there was a healing afterall. It is so interesting to me...I have one friend who is a well respected surgeon and he wondered about the first diagnosis, whether it had been read by the radiologist correctly or not. My doctor, who is a well respected oncologist, is wondering about the last test, the biopsy, and whether it was read correctly or not. I don't know the answer. I have to go back to what I do know.
I know that God has been moving in my life in a new way. I know there were many, many evidences of the Lord stepping into this story. Too many coincidences to be called coincidences. Whether there was no cancer and it was a false report, or if there was cancer there and it was an accurate report, I believe now there is no cancer. No cancer, in Jesus' Name.
NOW...how that looks on a scan or a medical report or a doctor's visit, I don't understand that part. Those are all "seen" things. I am believing the unseen.
That's faith. I don't understand everything, but I am believing that God has healed me.
I told her that I was fine with getting more tests and walking this out, because I believe the Lord will continue to show what He has done on each test I take.
I guess I was naive to think that this was all wrapped up and finished. I can see now that the battle is still on. Satan is not about healing, he is all about destruction. I am leaning on the One who has already won the battle against the enemy so many years ago at the cross. Jesus defeated our enemy, Satan.
He lost.
SO..."by His wounds" I am healed. I Peter 2:24
The story continues. Stay tuned.
My doctor was encouraged by that report but "not convinced of it". I told her that I believe God has healed my shoulder, and she was open to that but said she still wanted to keep testing me, to keep an eye on it. SO...a month from now I will go back for a bone scan, a CT scan and a bone density test (to check on osteoporosis). I asked her about getting my port out but she said not yet, which means she believes I may not be through needing it. On a good note, I asked about going to Africa with Tom and she said "Yes, that would be fine." She thought it would be a good thing for me to do.
That was the report. She wants to be convinced there is no cancer and so she has ordered more tests. Ever since I left her office I have been thinking and praying and reading the Scriptures. Basically she spoke words to me that were words of doubt and concern and unbelief that there was a healing afterall. It is so interesting to me...I have one friend who is a well respected surgeon and he wondered about the first diagnosis, whether it had been read by the radiologist correctly or not. My doctor, who is a well respected oncologist, is wondering about the last test, the biopsy, and whether it was read correctly or not. I don't know the answer. I have to go back to what I do know.
I know that God has been moving in my life in a new way. I know there were many, many evidences of the Lord stepping into this story. Too many coincidences to be called coincidences. Whether there was no cancer and it was a false report, or if there was cancer there and it was an accurate report, I believe now there is no cancer. No cancer, in Jesus' Name.
NOW...how that looks on a scan or a medical report or a doctor's visit, I don't understand that part. Those are all "seen" things. I am believing the unseen.
That's faith. I don't understand everything, but I am believing that God has healed me.
I told her that I was fine with getting more tests and walking this out, because I believe the Lord will continue to show what He has done on each test I take.
I guess I was naive to think that this was all wrapped up and finished. I can see now that the battle is still on. Satan is not about healing, he is all about destruction. I am leaning on the One who has already won the battle against the enemy so many years ago at the cross. Jesus defeated our enemy, Satan.
He lost.
SO..."by His wounds" I am healed. I Peter 2:24
The story continues. Stay tuned.
Monday, January 21, 2008
January 21, 2008
Tom left for Africa on Friday and arrived safely in Ghana. I haven't talked to him but I got an email that said the trip was uneventful...which when traveling to Africa is a GOOD thing. All the luggage arrived with them, flights were on time, etc. We are thankful for his safe arrival!
Last week was busy getting Tom packed and ready to leave, but it was also a week of prayer, praying for people about healing. I felt like the Lord was going to open up opportunities for me to share my story with others, and that is happening almost daily. But along with that is the opportunity to pray for healing for the people that are contacting me. I am thrilled to pass on hope to everyone that calls me or contacts me in someway.
Three things happened last week. One was a dear friend in Tennessee that was asking for prayers regarding her thyroid. She went in on Tuesday and the levels were too high so the doctor wanted to get her started on thyroid medicine. But her daughter encouraged her to go get another blood test. Wednesday night many people were praying for her. Thursday she went in for the blood test and the levels were completely normal. We have been thanking the Lord!!! The other two were people that we went to their home to pray with them, praying for their healing and believing that the Lord will do that. We don't know how or when...that's God's job. We are just praying for them. It is pretty exciting to be stepping into this world of faithwalking.
I was thinking about the whole teaching that we should believe BEFORE we can see the evidence happening. The Scripture that comes to mind is Mark 11:24 "Whatever you ask for in prayer believe that you've already received it and it shall be yours." Jesus said that.
That is SO hard!
The definition of faith is believing without seeing and taking action. I started thinking about how we do that with relationships. If there is a conflict between me and someone I love, I want to go ahead and step out with action showing love even if I'm not completely "feeling" it. For example, if Tom and I had a fuss about something (yes, it's true, sometimes we fuss)...even to the point of being irritated with each other, we would still at some point try to hug and make up and say "I love you". My heart may still be irritated, but my words were true. My words and action were going ahead of my feelings.
So...believing the unseen is kind of like that. You speak and act in ways that say "I believe this is going to happen by God's power" even if your "feelings" haven't quite caught up with your words. This is something I am learning, I sure don't have it down. But I believe the Word of God, the Scriptures, are true. So if they're true, then...WOW! That's what it says..."it shall be yours". My whole life I've added my own qualifying words to that sentence. Well...it shall be mine IF it's what God wants and if I'm good enough or whatever. Those words are not there. It says "if you believe that you've already received it, it shall be yours."
SO...I'm learning to pray differently. I'm still learning. I'll keep you posted.
Thank You, Lord, for today. Thank You for all Your blessings that You continually give to us! I'm so grateful to You for Your love, Your mercy and the joy that You've given to me. You are an awesome, holy God!!!
Last week was busy getting Tom packed and ready to leave, but it was also a week of prayer, praying for people about healing. I felt like the Lord was going to open up opportunities for me to share my story with others, and that is happening almost daily. But along with that is the opportunity to pray for healing for the people that are contacting me. I am thrilled to pass on hope to everyone that calls me or contacts me in someway.
Three things happened last week. One was a dear friend in Tennessee that was asking for prayers regarding her thyroid. She went in on Tuesday and the levels were too high so the doctor wanted to get her started on thyroid medicine. But her daughter encouraged her to go get another blood test. Wednesday night many people were praying for her. Thursday she went in for the blood test and the levels were completely normal. We have been thanking the Lord!!! The other two were people that we went to their home to pray with them, praying for their healing and believing that the Lord will do that. We don't know how or when...that's God's job. We are just praying for them. It is pretty exciting to be stepping into this world of faithwalking.
I was thinking about the whole teaching that we should believe BEFORE we can see the evidence happening. The Scripture that comes to mind is Mark 11:24 "Whatever you ask for in prayer believe that you've already received it and it shall be yours." Jesus said that.
That is SO hard!
The definition of faith is believing without seeing and taking action. I started thinking about how we do that with relationships. If there is a conflict between me and someone I love, I want to go ahead and step out with action showing love even if I'm not completely "feeling" it. For example, if Tom and I had a fuss about something (yes, it's true, sometimes we fuss)...even to the point of being irritated with each other, we would still at some point try to hug and make up and say "I love you". My heart may still be irritated, but my words were true. My words and action were going ahead of my feelings.
So...believing the unseen is kind of like that. You speak and act in ways that say "I believe this is going to happen by God's power" even if your "feelings" haven't quite caught up with your words. This is something I am learning, I sure don't have it down. But I believe the Word of God, the Scriptures, are true. So if they're true, then...WOW! That's what it says..."it shall be yours". My whole life I've added my own qualifying words to that sentence. Well...it shall be mine IF it's what God wants and if I'm good enough or whatever. Those words are not there. It says "if you believe that you've already received it, it shall be yours."
SO...I'm learning to pray differently. I'm still learning. I'll keep you posted.
Thank You, Lord, for today. Thank You for all Your blessings that You continually give to us! I'm so grateful to You for Your love, Your mercy and the joy that You've given to me. You are an awesome, holy God!!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Faith
Way too much time has gone by since I've written last. Let me try to catch up.
We went to Dallas for the Medical Mission Conference. What a blessing that was to be with so many people who care about world missions and are either full time missionaries or people who use their vacation time to share their gifts in poor countries that have a great need. The conference went well, which was an answer to prayer. We were so grateful for the Lord blessing the whole weekend.
Ever since I found out my good news I've been telling my story to whoever stops long enough to listen. The main point that I say is that I believe the Lord healed me, from the time I heard the diagnosis in November to when I heard the great news on Dec. 28th that there was no cancer. Sometimes I give the 5 minute version, sometimes I give the full-length version which takes about an hour or so. As I start to tell the story I can see on people's faces how they are receiving the news. Some people listen politely and speak words of thankfulness for the good news, but I can sense their uncertainty about my perspective. They usually say "well...what WAS it?" (if it wasn't cancer). I say "I don't know." And I don't really know. The CT scan for the needle biopsy was not recorded on a film/CD...it is done live...so I don't know what they saw when they did the biopsy. I will see my doctor in 2 weeks. She may want another test done, I don't know. What I DO know is that the biopsy came back and they said the samples they extracted were bone fragments and blood. "No atypical cells present." Bones and blood. That's a good thing. :-)
Another response is that maybe the original radiology report was totally off. False report. I think that's possible. But I don't know that. What I DO know is that my doctor looked me in the eye and said the report says you have metastatic bone cancer, Stage 4. That was the report until it changed 5 weeks later.
Another response is total acceptance and dancing joy! They are just happy for me and rejoicing with me, without hesitation, without questions.
The more that I tell the story to people, whether they are close friends or strangers, the more I realize everybody has to decide what they believe as they listen to me tell my version of it. I thought about all the healings in the Bible and how the healed person would go home and tell the whole town what had happened to them. Then the listeners had to decide "is it true?" or "I need more information" or "who is this Jesus?" They had to decide themselves what they would believe.
A couple of days ago I walked into the kitchen and Tom and Mary were looking out our picture window, looking down on the ground. A bird had flown into the window and crashed and was on the ground. That happens more than we want at that window. We've seen some recover and some die. SO...I walked in and Mary was crying. She told me what had happened and she was sad because neither one of them thought the bird was going to make it. They watched it try to fly but it couldn't get off the ground. It was alive but not moving. I went over to Mary and hugged her and said "Let's just pray about this bird." She agreed. So I prayed "Lord, this bird needs healing. You made it. You created this precious creature. He can't sing your praises if he dies. Please, restore his strength so he could get back to singing praises to You, O God. Please heal him. In Jesus Name."
We looked down at the small bird. He started turning his head, looking around. Then, all of a sudden, he flew! He was gone! Mary and I looked at each other and started laughing...then gave each other a high five! :-) We thanked God for healing the bird! I know that bird is singing again, singing praises to the Creator of All.
Later I thought about that event. When the bird flew, we had to decide right then and there...WHY did the bird fly? Was it because we had prayed or was it because he was going to fly anyway? We decided to believe that God had indeed done just what we asked him to do...and the bird was healed. And then we thanked Him.
I've decided that this whole faith thing requires stepping out into a status of foolishness or wackiness.
Hey...I want to be foolish for Jesus. Go ahead and call me wacky. I'm there. I'd rather live in a world walking with Him then wondering if He's real. I do not wonder. I do not wonder. The more you step toward believing, the more the coincidences are just not coincidences anymore. They are Him, moving and working and orchestrating life. He is alive and active...and I am living proof of that. I KNOW and believe this truth...He healed me.
Thank You, O God, my Friend and Healer and Savior!
2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight."
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
"Jesus Freak" lyrics (D.C.Talk)
What would people say if they knew I was a Jesus freak?
What would people do if they found out it's true?
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
There ain't no denying the truth.
We went to Dallas for the Medical Mission Conference. What a blessing that was to be with so many people who care about world missions and are either full time missionaries or people who use their vacation time to share their gifts in poor countries that have a great need. The conference went well, which was an answer to prayer. We were so grateful for the Lord blessing the whole weekend.
Ever since I found out my good news I've been telling my story to whoever stops long enough to listen. The main point that I say is that I believe the Lord healed me, from the time I heard the diagnosis in November to when I heard the great news on Dec. 28th that there was no cancer. Sometimes I give the 5 minute version, sometimes I give the full-length version which takes about an hour or so. As I start to tell the story I can see on people's faces how they are receiving the news. Some people listen politely and speak words of thankfulness for the good news, but I can sense their uncertainty about my perspective. They usually say "well...what WAS it?" (if it wasn't cancer). I say "I don't know." And I don't really know. The CT scan for the needle biopsy was not recorded on a film/CD...it is done live...so I don't know what they saw when they did the biopsy. I will see my doctor in 2 weeks. She may want another test done, I don't know. What I DO know is that the biopsy came back and they said the samples they extracted were bone fragments and blood. "No atypical cells present." Bones and blood. That's a good thing. :-)
Another response is that maybe the original radiology report was totally off. False report. I think that's possible. But I don't know that. What I DO know is that my doctor looked me in the eye and said the report says you have metastatic bone cancer, Stage 4. That was the report until it changed 5 weeks later.
Another response is total acceptance and dancing joy! They are just happy for me and rejoicing with me, without hesitation, without questions.
The more that I tell the story to people, whether they are close friends or strangers, the more I realize everybody has to decide what they believe as they listen to me tell my version of it. I thought about all the healings in the Bible and how the healed person would go home and tell the whole town what had happened to them. Then the listeners had to decide "is it true?" or "I need more information" or "who is this Jesus?" They had to decide themselves what they would believe.
A couple of days ago I walked into the kitchen and Tom and Mary were looking out our picture window, looking down on the ground. A bird had flown into the window and crashed and was on the ground. That happens more than we want at that window. We've seen some recover and some die. SO...I walked in and Mary was crying. She told me what had happened and she was sad because neither one of them thought the bird was going to make it. They watched it try to fly but it couldn't get off the ground. It was alive but not moving. I went over to Mary and hugged her and said "Let's just pray about this bird." She agreed. So I prayed "Lord, this bird needs healing. You made it. You created this precious creature. He can't sing your praises if he dies. Please, restore his strength so he could get back to singing praises to You, O God. Please heal him. In Jesus Name."
We looked down at the small bird. He started turning his head, looking around. Then, all of a sudden, he flew! He was gone! Mary and I looked at each other and started laughing...then gave each other a high five! :-) We thanked God for healing the bird! I know that bird is singing again, singing praises to the Creator of All.
Later I thought about that event. When the bird flew, we had to decide right then and there...WHY did the bird fly? Was it because we had prayed or was it because he was going to fly anyway? We decided to believe that God had indeed done just what we asked him to do...and the bird was healed. And then we thanked Him.
I've decided that this whole faith thing requires stepping out into a status of foolishness or wackiness.
Hey...I want to be foolish for Jesus. Go ahead and call me wacky. I'm there. I'd rather live in a world walking with Him then wondering if He's real. I do not wonder. I do not wonder. The more you step toward believing, the more the coincidences are just not coincidences anymore. They are Him, moving and working and orchestrating life. He is alive and active...and I am living proof of that. I KNOW and believe this truth...He healed me.
Thank You, O God, my Friend and Healer and Savior!
2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight."
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
"Jesus Freak" lyrics (D.C.Talk)
What would people say if they knew I was a Jesus freak?
What would people do if they found out it's true?
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
There ain't no denying the truth.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Still rejoicing!!!!!
It is Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Happy New Year to you all!!!
We have continued to praise God for our good news! I was so thankful that I found out while I was in Tennessee visiting my family so that we could celebrate all weekend while I was there! We shared the news with so many people, pouring out our hearts with joy, telling the story one more time.
I drove back to Arkansas on Monday. We found out our news was announced at our church Sunday morning, so word is quickly spreading here in town. We had a wonderful New Year's Eve at some friends' house and sang worship songs into the new year. Tuesday and Wednesday have been catching up on laundry days and taking down the Christmas decorations.
Tom and I are heading to Dallas tomorrow for the Medical Mission Conference. We will continue to tell people our great news and tell about how wonderful God is!!!
All praise to my dear God, who has blessed us so much! We are grateful, so grateful and heading into the new year full of joy and hope! Praise to God!!!!
We have continued to praise God for our good news! I was so thankful that I found out while I was in Tennessee visiting my family so that we could celebrate all weekend while I was there! We shared the news with so many people, pouring out our hearts with joy, telling the story one more time.
I drove back to Arkansas on Monday. We found out our news was announced at our church Sunday morning, so word is quickly spreading here in town. We had a wonderful New Year's Eve at some friends' house and sang worship songs into the new year. Tuesday and Wednesday have been catching up on laundry days and taking down the Christmas decorations.
Tom and I are heading to Dallas tomorrow for the Medical Mission Conference. We will continue to tell people our great news and tell about how wonderful God is!!!
All praise to my dear God, who has blessed us so much! We are grateful, so grateful and heading into the new year full of joy and hope! Praise to God!!!!
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