Ugly Sweater Contest for Christmas - 2011

The Clarks/Weavers participated in the 2nd annual "Ugly Sweater Contest."

While it was a tough decision, it was decided Brooke and Brad tied for first place. :-) You're welcome to voice your opinion.

Nonetheless, it provides good fun and laughter.

Shepherds

Here we are...only a few days left til Christmas. My focus (for whatever reason) this holiday season has been on the shepherds. Because of that, I was so excited for Logan to be a shepherd in his preschool Christmas program.

Shepherds is one of the oldest occupations, beginning some 6,000 years ago. Shepherds were employed primarily to keep the sheep from straying too far, to keep the mobs as healthy as possible, and to prevent attacks.

A couple a weeks ago Randy and I were driving home on a Tuesday night from Fort Wayne following Logan's preschool Christmas program. It was pitch black out and quiet. We popped in the Acappello CD of the New Gaither Vocal Band. The music filled the inside of our car. One of the songs on that CD is my Christmas prayer for you. Here are the words:

Gentle Shepherd come and feed us
For we need you to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd come and feed us
For we need your strength from day to day.

There's no other we can turn to
Who can help us face another day.

Gentle Shepherd come and feed us
For we need you to help us find our way.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Preschool Program

Last evening, Randy and I attended Logan's Christmas Program. Last year, we arrived just as his class was leaving the platform...:-( We made sure that didn't happen this year. What a blessing to watch these children singing songs about Jesus, especially hearing about God's BIG, BIG house. It should be noted that Logan was the cutest shepherd on the stage!!



I also had the privilege to meet Stan Buck (mentioned him in a previous blog). He is the senior Pastor at Sonrise, where Logan attends preschool. If you don't remember, Stan and I share similar journeys. I was reading an article published in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette..."A Reason for Thanks!" (published 11/24/11) What an uplifting story, Stan!

PT - OT

I had my physical therapy consultation last Friday...this week completed my first full week (2 office visits + stretches, etc., to do at home daily). I learned today they want to mix in some occupational therapy along with the physical therapy. Looks as if I will be a very, busy girl. As long as it helps/works, bring it on!

I am not enjoying the cooler temps...and to think it is going to get colder yet. Brrrrr.....

Happy Harvest!

Bad News...Good News

You may or may not know I had a MRI on my shoulder Friday. I've been struggling for a month or so with my left arm/hand...limited mobility. The doctor suggested to just go ahead and do my brain MRI (due mid October) while I was there.

Bad News: I do have a small tear in my rotator cuff and will be seeing an orthopedic surgeon on the 19th. Treatment TBD. If that includes surgery, I will have to stop my Avastin treatments because Avastin slows the healing process.

Good News: Brain MRI report was a "thumbs up!" PTL!!

The doctor is watching two Proteins levels. One is .60 (normal range .69-1.41) and the other is 6.0 (6.2-8.1). They are only slightly low, but would appreciate your prayers that they would rise to the normal range.

If you're reading this, please know how much I appreciate your continued love, support, and prayers...I am blessed because you are a part of my life!

NQC...Thursday thru Saturday

National Quartet Convention ~ Here are some highlights of our week:

Thursday ~ Speaker John Ashcroft (former Attorney General under President Bush)...AWESOME! Different comedians shared funniest stories ever heard; Gather Vocal Band Reunion (including Larnelle Harris coming down the aisle singing, "Amen").

Friday ~ Speaker Dr. David Jeremiah. We are studying his book in our Cancer Support Group, which he wrote when dealing with cancer; Bill Gaither's Homecoming sing-a-long; Dennis Swanberg's comedy showcase.

Each night concert showcase included quartets or family groups, trios, soloists...bluegrass (a little) or progressive southern gospel. Anybody and everybody connected to this music genre was there!!!

There were times we left our hotel room and didn't return for 10-12 hours.

We enjoyed the event immensely!

18 months

Here it is 8:30ish, and it wasn't until a few minutes ago, I realized the date. It has now been 18 months since learning my diagnosis.

This week brings to us a trip to Louisville for the NQC (National Quartet Convention). Randy and I thoroughly enjoy southern gospel music (especially quartets), so we are excited to make our debut there.

Hope you are all gearing up for fall...continued "thanks" for your support and prayers!

Labor Day Prayer

Lord,

Thank you for your grace which won’t let go, even when we face problems that won’t go away!

Amen.

I borrowed this prayer from Pastor Stan Buck. He is the Senior Pastor at the church where Logan (my grandson) attends Preschool. When I read his blog, I sometimes feel like I'm reading my story. We have never met, but we have way too much in common (diagnosis, treatments, ongoing MRI follow-ups, etc.)

If you think about it, say a prayer for Stan...

Round 3

The dreaded rash returned again last evening. While it is more intense than the second time (July), it is not as bad as the first time (May). While I can't be sure until I see the doctor later this month for my monthly check up, I suspect my partnership with Temodar (chemo pill) could cease.

What then? I don't know. I do know that when I began this journey, God gave me a verse/promise: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Standing on His Promises!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Dad (Ray Eakins)!

P.S.S. - 08/11/11

To correct my previous statement, this allergic reaction is by far the worst of the three. The rash even creeped up my neck to my face and all over my head. At one point, my eyes were half swollen shut. It also resulted in a fat ole lip. I keep waiting for the steroids to kick in.

While the itching isn't painful, it can become agonizing. I am just keep praying with each day, it becomes a little more bearable.

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.

The author of this hymn, Thomas Obediah Chisholm, wrote these words based on Lamentations 3:22-23.

"His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

As many hymns are, Thomas admits there was no dramatic story behind his writing these words. While serving the Lord in Vineland, NJ, Thomas sent several poems to his friend, musician William Runyan, who was so moved by this one that he prayed earnestly for special guidance in composing the music.

As we sang this song this past Sunday morning in church, I could not help but reflect how God has been with me every day of this journey. He gives me strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Now for my health report. I did have another allergic reaction this month (2.5 days vs. 5 days two months ago). I saw the doctor this morning for my monthly check up. Since the reaction wasn't as intense, we will try Temodar, again, in August and see what happens. He also proposed the theory of sun exposure, along with taking the Temodar being a possible cause.

He had the MRI report from Friday. As compared to my MRIs in December and March, there is complete stability.....no change!

Take time to reflect on the new mercies He gives EVERY day...

Rainbow

Randy - Blue, Peggy - Yellow, Glen - Red, Brooke - Purple, Brad - Green, Logan - Orange, Savannah - Pink

This group is my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...

07/02/1959 1:22p.m.

Love that smirk...Happy Birthday, Randy!

"32"

On June 30, 1979 at 1:00 p.m., I walked down the aisle as a bride to meet my groom. Here we are 32 years later. Happy Anniversary, Mr. Clark! XO

It's Been Six Weeks

I know it's been six weeks since my last blog. It's been a busy June with Randy's annual barbershop show and, just last Saturday, the 20th Annual Clark Reunion.

Nothing much really to report. I am feeling good...there were no repeat rash issues...:-) I will have my next follow-up MRI in July.

One thing I would recommend. I recently read the book, "Heaven is for Real." I am not typically much of a reader but this book is a must read!

Hope you are enjoying summer...it's hard to believe the days are already getting shorter.

ITCH...SCRATCH

It's been an interesting 24 hours. Last evening my skin started itching in certain areas. It looked like I had numerous bug bites of some kind. As the evening progressed, the areas were increasing as well as becoming blotchy. I call the after-hours office number. Of course, they suggested Benadryl, which I did. Slept lousy. By morning, it was much worse.

Saw the doctor this morning. He did not think at this point the rash was related to cancer and/or treatment. He believes I am reacting to something I ate or came in contact to. He started me on a six-day regiment of steroids. Let the appetite begin! :-) I have had two doses so far today. On one hand, it appears to be improving...on the other, not so much.

I am trusting with each dose, I will see more and more improvement. Thanks for your continued prayers!

Holy Week

It's been awhile since my last post...thought I would bring everyone up to speed. I had my quarterly follow-up MRI in late March. The Reading Radiologist noted a slightly enhanced area. It was decided to follow-up with Dr. Dropcho (from IU Med Center). He did not see this. In fact, he responded the findings were the same, if not better, when compared to my MRI in December. It also looks that I will stop the Temodar drug (oral chemo pill) after my May cycle. For now, I will continue with the Avastin treatments, atleast until October. Instead of every two weeks, though, they will occur every four weeks.

Not only are Randy and I thankful for the good report, we are most thankful for what this week means: HE IS RISEN.....HE IS RISEN INDEED!

P.S. Check out Logan and Savannah's Easter pictures...

NO...YES

As you know, we initially were told we would qualify for co-pay
assistance thru the Cancer Care Co-Pay Assistance Program.  After the
application process, we found out we did not.  My doctor's office
suggested another program to apply for.  I almost didn't because they
wanted basically the same information.  I thought if we don't qualify
for the first one, we most likely will not qualify for the second one.
I received this note in the mail today...

"It is with great pleasure that the Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay
Relief Program informs you that based on the information provided you
have qualified to receive assistance to use for co-pays for medications
prescribed in relation to your diagnosis.  Your award is valid for
twelve months from the date of this letter."  

This assistance is even more than the first one, not only taking care of
our deductible this year, but leaving some for next year's deductible.
Randy said to me, "Isn't it just like Him to give us what we need and,
sometimes, even more."

I am in "awe."  God is SO good!

The Revelation of God's Love

I borrowed these words from a page on Facebook. They come from David Wilkerson.

The Bible is filled with the truth of God's love. But at times, I allow myself to wonder how the Lord could ever love me. It's not that I doubt His love, it's more a failure on my part to keep myself in the knowledge and assurance of His love for me.

Understanding the love of God is the secret to an overcoming life. Multitudes grow spiritually cold and lazy because they're ignorant of the Lord's love for them. They don't know that their greatest weapon against Satan's attacks is to be fully convinced of God's love for them.

How long has God loved you? He's loved you since He has existed, because God is love. It is His very nature. He loved you as a sinner. He loved you in the womb. He loved you before the world began. There was no beginning to His love for you, and there is no end to it.

I needed these words this week!

365 days...

Friday, March 12, 2010. I would have never guessed that one day could change a person’s life so much. I have learned more in one year’s time than probably all my years before then combined. Medical terms I would have never known are now a part of my every day vocabulary. Emotions have gone higher and lower than ever thought possible. Love, support and, prayers have been the greatest of my life.

Overall, the year has gone supernaturally well. Randy and I cannot believe how good I have felt most of these past 365 days. Fatigue comes and go, but I can count on one hand the days I did not feel very perky. God has answered so many prayers (big and small), I cannot list them all.

Most people would probably say how something like this would draw you closer to God. While that is very true, I could not imagine getting through one of these days, let alone 365, without Him.

This is not a journey I would have ever selected for myself. But “our” ways are not always “God’s" ways.

After my diagnosis, the kids (and Randy) gave me a care package with the following message:

Cancer is so limited.

It cannot cripple love.

It cannot shatter hope (Jeremiah 29:11)

It cannot corrode faith.

It cannot destroy peace.

It cannot kill friendship.

It cannot suppress memories.

It cannot silence courage.

It cannot invade the soul.

It cannot steal eternal life.

It cannot conquer the spirit.

CANCER…..CANNOT!

Jamaica

Randy and I have returned from our all-inclusive "second" honeymoon from Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was my first trip outside the U.S. We stayed at the Grand Palladium Hotel and Resort (built on 2008). It was truly GRAND! The resort had 10 restaurants, not including snack bars here and there. There were several pools and beach areas adjacent to the Caribbean sea. I ate "jerk" chicken for the first time...yum yum. Temps were generally in the low 80's. We had rain one afternoon for a couple of hours. (Back home in time for the impending blizzard.) One day we took a 6-hour bus trip thru Lucea and Negril. I was overwhelmed by the poor living conditions Jamaicans call home. We truly are blessed! We ended the day at Rick's Cafe watching the sunset. I am grateful to have spent this time with my best friend/husband, Randy. He has been my rock these past 11 months. I am so glad for the memories we made together on this trip.

Welcome 2011...

I had my 9-month (routine) MRI on December 30th. Follow-up doctor's appointment was yesterday. Report was good, even indicating some improvement. PTL!!! Blood counts were also good. My blood pressure was high, uncharacteristic for me. We will monitor it over the next few days to see if it continues or was a fluke. For now, treatment will continue as is.

Great days ahead for 2011!!!

Happy New Year!

LIVING LIFE by Bonnie L. Mohr

Life is not a race ~ but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you," "I love you, and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more then pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental ~ search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself ~ plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.