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.