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.