Happy New Year Dear Family and Friends,
I think it's time to sign off this blog with good news! I had a lung test Monday and the one enlarged lymph node they could reach.....tested ok. Thank you Lord!! They want me to repeat the PET/CT scan again in a year. The chronic pain remains since the first surgery....but thankfully the 10's unit makes it manageable and I don't have to live on drugs. I just can't stop praising God!!!
I started a file a couple of years ago that I titled "My Last Blog". I'd think of something.....or find something I wanted to share with you and put it in the file to use today! The file is now big enough for a book! ( I'll try to make this shorter). But a big surprise has happened to me as I leaf through the notes.....it's a precious file of God's encouragement! It will be a gift I'll treasure the rest of my life.
I'm excited to look ahead to the New Year that God has given each of us today. Blank pages to be filled with hopes and dreams....and no doubt.... disappointments and sadness. I've learned that through the years, there is a mixture of all each year. The thrilling part I have learned to watch for in each day is to see how God is working this day for my good.
For about five years, I've whispered a prayer each morning before I get out of bed..."Lord I don't know what you have in store for me today....but use me for your glory!" It seems to help me focus and see where and how He is working! Many days I whisper "Only God" as events unfold. Not only the good...but the bad events also....because in time I know I'll begin to see and understand the whys. Do I understand all "Whys"? NO. I think some of our "whys" we will only understand when we see God.
One of the main reasons I wanted to write this blog, I'll have to admit, was for my own family....especially my grandchildren. That someday..... they would be able to read these pages and see God's faithfulness to me. This desire for the blog comes from scripture in Psalm 78:4-7. It says: "We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.....then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands."
The other reason.... is my prayer that my journey could help others who are walking through the valleys of life....that they might be drawn to Jesus....and know and have peace that He is there for them. We are never alone!
You and I dear ones.... are God's plan for making God's love believable. This calling will look different for each of us. We simply need to find out where God wants us to show a bit of bravery for this season of life and the share it with others. I know you can do this also! There is so much work to be done and so many lives need our help.
Please know your prayers, love, gifts and act of all kind of kindness ....are precious treasures in our memories. I only pray I have many years to return these gifts to others... and to see those opportunities that He places in front of me each day.
Hug your family close each day..... and make each day count! We never know the days God has planed for us! This journey actually did fulfill my deepest desire to know Christ better! My prayer for each of you would be....that you walk each day in His love and grace.
Joyfully His,
Donna
P. S. A new favorite Scripture: Psalm 91:9-16. I encourage you to find your bible and see why I've found it so special.....God Bless!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Sunday, October 26, 2008
GOOD NEWS.....and a tiny concern!!
Hello Dear Friends and Family,
I'm sorry for the long time between updates.....I'm in touch with most everyone through my personal emails....but know there are some that check my blog on occasion. I really had planned to try to express my "thanks" and sign off my blog with my good news.....but.....
First the GOOD NEWS!! In Aug. this year my twin sister, Linda, called and said her husband's niece asked if they had tried a "tens unit" for the pain? Long story short.....we tried it and PTL it has helped A LOT!!! I have not had any "hard drugs" since the day I first used it! Sooooo incredible how much better I can function and feel!! In case you don't know about a "tens".... it is a small battery pack you hook on your waistband. It has 4 electrodes that stick on my back. It sends an electric current to the 4 patches. You can adjust the current up... or down... depending on the pain level. A guest at the resort this summer, who is a "pain" Doc....says the simple explanation.....the pain travels to my spinal column and the tens unit shuts the door before it reaches my brain and says "ouch"!! I don't care how it works....just thankful!! I know that not everyone finds relief from chronic pain with them....but give it a try if you face each day filled with pain!!!
Now for the tiny concern and why I didn't close the story yet! July 2007 I had a PET CT scan trying to find a reason for the new intense pain in my back. PTL the test showed no new cancer.... or reason for the pain.....but found a couple of lymph glands in my lungs that were enlarged. They suggested another check in 6 months to see if there was any change. Someone had suggested that almost ALL folks who live in the Midwest have histopalmosa (sp). I hated putting the radio active "stuff" in my body and didn't repeat the test. In May when I saw my oncologist he asked, "Where is the new PET CT report?" He wasn't happy I hadn't repeated the test and I told him I'd think about it! He suggested doing ONE more and if there wasn't any change....forget about it!! Well I thought about it and didn't want to do it.......but a little nagging thought wouldn't go away.....so the end of Sept. ....when the new report came back the lymph glands had doubled along with various other ones had increased in size. Oooops!
The good news Oct. 8th.... when I saw the oncologist again.....the blood markers had not changed. He assured me that what every was happening.... it was NOT related to the breast cancer. He wanted to set my up with a "lung Dr." in Denver....but I couldn't get in until end of Nov.!! We closed the resort last Sunday (Oct. 19th) and we are now in Il.
I do have an appointment with a pulmonary doc Dec. 15th in Texas when we get down there! The oncologist in Denver of course isn't sure....but says it might be sarcoidosis...which isn't cancer and doesn't seem to serious...or maybe lymphoma. I'm voting for the sarcoidosis....I think!!
I'll be back online a few days after my appointment in Tx. I do have peace about this....especially when the blood report came back. Thanks for your love and support through these days....there truly aren't enough "special words" to describe the feelings we have felt on this journey because of you.... and God's hand on our lives!
I don't know what tomorrow holds....none of us do.....but I pray you know..... along with me.... that we DO know who holds it!!!
Loving Him and EACH of YOU,
Donna
I'm sorry for the long time between updates.....I'm in touch with most everyone through my personal emails....but know there are some that check my blog on occasion. I really had planned to try to express my "thanks" and sign off my blog with my good news.....but.....
First the GOOD NEWS!! In Aug. this year my twin sister, Linda, called and said her husband's niece asked if they had tried a "tens unit" for the pain? Long story short.....we tried it and PTL it has helped A LOT!!! I have not had any "hard drugs" since the day I first used it! Sooooo incredible how much better I can function and feel!! In case you don't know about a "tens".... it is a small battery pack you hook on your waistband. It has 4 electrodes that stick on my back. It sends an electric current to the 4 patches. You can adjust the current up... or down... depending on the pain level. A guest at the resort this summer, who is a "pain" Doc....says the simple explanation.....the pain travels to my spinal column and the tens unit shuts the door before it reaches my brain and says "ouch"!! I don't care how it works....just thankful!! I know that not everyone finds relief from chronic pain with them....but give it a try if you face each day filled with pain!!!
Now for the tiny concern and why I didn't close the story yet! July 2007 I had a PET CT scan trying to find a reason for the new intense pain in my back. PTL the test showed no new cancer.... or reason for the pain.....but found a couple of lymph glands in my lungs that were enlarged. They suggested another check in 6 months to see if there was any change. Someone had suggested that almost ALL folks who live in the Midwest have histopalmosa (sp). I hated putting the radio active "stuff" in my body and didn't repeat the test. In May when I saw my oncologist he asked, "Where is the new PET CT report?" He wasn't happy I hadn't repeated the test and I told him I'd think about it! He suggested doing ONE more and if there wasn't any change....forget about it!! Well I thought about it and didn't want to do it.......but a little nagging thought wouldn't go away.....so the end of Sept. ....when the new report came back the lymph glands had doubled along with various other ones had increased in size. Oooops!
The good news Oct. 8th.... when I saw the oncologist again.....the blood markers had not changed. He assured me that what every was happening.... it was NOT related to the breast cancer. He wanted to set my up with a "lung Dr." in Denver....but I couldn't get in until end of Nov.!! We closed the resort last Sunday (Oct. 19th) and we are now in Il.
I do have an appointment with a pulmonary doc Dec. 15th in Texas when we get down there! The oncologist in Denver of course isn't sure....but says it might be sarcoidosis...which isn't cancer and doesn't seem to serious...or maybe lymphoma. I'm voting for the sarcoidosis....I think!!
I'll be back online a few days after my appointment in Tx. I do have peace about this....especially when the blood report came back. Thanks for your love and support through these days....there truly aren't enough "special words" to describe the feelings we have felt on this journey because of you.... and God's hand on our lives!
I don't know what tomorrow holds....none of us do.....but I pray you know..... along with me.... that we DO know who holds it!!!
Loving Him and EACH of YOU,
Donna
Sunday, May 18, 2008
2 YEARS AGO TODAY
Hello Family and Friends,
Could it be 2 years ago this day.... that I hear the word cancer spoken by my Doctor? The start of a new journey began that day, and I count is a blessing to be here to continue the story!
A special friend contacted me last week, because she had been watching my blog and not finding anything for so long. I'm truly story for any concern I have caused you... my faithful readers.... that I haven't posted for so long.....I have been waiting to be able to tell you good news. Thankfully I am better than I was when I last wrote. We have left Tx. since I last wrote.....spent the month of April in our home in Illinois....and now 2 week have passed here in Co. I am thankful I did the reconstruction....and very pleased with the results that Dr. Haws (Mindy) was able to create.....even though it seemed like it was starting over with the pain level...but know time will help.
While I was in Illinois, I found a Dr. that gave me 7 treatments of acupuncture. I was really impressed that it helped for about 24 hrs after a treatment....was disappointed I couldn't continue longer with him before heading to Co. He told me some good news....He said,"because I would get SOME relief....it wasn't permanent nerve damage. TYL (Thank You Lord). That was an interesting experience. I'd recommend anyone give it a try for just about any chronic pain! Our bodies are such wonderful creations....only God !!!
I have an appointment this Thursday with my PT (Julia) that I found last year in Denver. Julia was a BIG help last year....look forward to a weekly appointment this summer to see if I can get rid of more of the pain. Still sleeping in a chair about a third of the time and need percocet most of the days....know the increased pain now... is from long hours and extra activity getting our resort open for the season.
But....as I share the above....I'm so very mindful how blessed I am! Would I have wanted to missed this journey??? No!!. It may sound crazy to read that answer....but I have learned so much about the faithfulness of God.....the love of my family and friends...and that there is a purpose for my journey.
Your prayers for me an my family are treasures that we can't measure! Two years later.. we realize even more... the blessings that God has poured out on us through this journey. We pray that you also, see His hand on your life and experience His abiding love for YOU...... we are His precious children whom He loves!!
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna
John 1:16
Could it be 2 years ago this day.... that I hear the word cancer spoken by my Doctor? The start of a new journey began that day, and I count is a blessing to be here to continue the story!
A special friend contacted me last week, because she had been watching my blog and not finding anything for so long. I'm truly story for any concern I have caused you... my faithful readers.... that I haven't posted for so long.....I have been waiting to be able to tell you good news. Thankfully I am better than I was when I last wrote. We have left Tx. since I last wrote.....spent the month of April in our home in Illinois....and now 2 week have passed here in Co. I am thankful I did the reconstruction....and very pleased with the results that Dr. Haws (Mindy) was able to create.....even though it seemed like it was starting over with the pain level...but know time will help.
While I was in Illinois, I found a Dr. that gave me 7 treatments of acupuncture. I was really impressed that it helped for about 24 hrs after a treatment....was disappointed I couldn't continue longer with him before heading to Co. He told me some good news....He said,"because I would get SOME relief....it wasn't permanent nerve damage. TYL (Thank You Lord). That was an interesting experience. I'd recommend anyone give it a try for just about any chronic pain! Our bodies are such wonderful creations....only God !!!
I have an appointment this Thursday with my PT (Julia) that I found last year in Denver. Julia was a BIG help last year....look forward to a weekly appointment this summer to see if I can get rid of more of the pain. Still sleeping in a chair about a third of the time and need percocet most of the days....know the increased pain now... is from long hours and extra activity getting our resort open for the season.
But....as I share the above....I'm so very mindful how blessed I am! Would I have wanted to missed this journey??? No!!. It may sound crazy to read that answer....but I have learned so much about the faithfulness of God.....the love of my family and friends...and that there is a purpose for my journey.
Your prayers for me an my family are treasures that we can't measure! Two years later.. we realize even more... the blessings that God has poured out on us through this journey. We pray that you also, see His hand on your life and experience His abiding love for YOU...... we are His precious children whom He loves!!
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna
John 1:16
Sunday, February 10, 2008
One Day at a Time!
Hi Everyone,
Just a note to let you know I'm improving. Tuesday (12th) will be 3 weeks since surgery.
The colors of black and blue are now faded to some yellow. Left side is doing good. Right side is running about 2 weeks behind because of the extensive work that was done. Yesterday was the first day I could tell a little less swelling. Started an antibiotic 2 days ago to make sure the redness that remains in the right side isn't an infection. Didn't think I needed an antibiotic YET until the Dr. (Mindy) said,"We want to make sure we don't loose the implant"... I said....OK....almost fainted at the thought of that!
I'm back in the struggle of trying to take less BIG drugs for pain. Knowing how much to cut back and not getting way behind the pain is often hard to figure out. It is an on going problem. That would be my prayer request...discerning how much my body needs and the amount to take each day as I continue on this journey.
I find it so comforting how God's timing is perfect. I'm doing a bible study each Monday with some gals here in Sun City. It is a Beth Moore study on the book of Daniel. THIS WEEK we were reading about Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego that were thrown in the firey furnance. When king Nebuchadnezzar looked in, there were 4 people walking in the flames......God always abides with us through the trials of life. SOMETIME GOD DELIVERS US FROM THE FIRE. OTHER TIMES HE DELIVERS US THROUGH THE FIRE. STILL OTHER TIMES HE DELIVERS US BY THE FIRE INTO HIS ARMS! Beth says," Our God is able to deliver us, Beloved. Every time! And often He does!
If ever He does not and the flames of death or tragedy consume us, it is to light a fire somewhere and in some heart that can never be extinguished. Trust Him to the death. Trust Him through the death. In the blink of an eye, we'll understand"!!!
No...I'm thankful I don't feel the flames of death ....but what peace to know that He is there for all of us, who confess Him as Lord and Saviour....when that time comes!! In this journey, God's mercies and blessings are over whelming to me!
Your prayers and concern continue to touch our hearts. Almost daily... in cards, emails and calls. I pray the Lord lets me live a long, long time so I can try to repay others with the same kind of love you have shown us!
Joyfully His,
Donna
P.S. "spell check" won't work....no time to proof....but hope you can hear what my heart is trying to say!! Love Ya! D
Just a note to let you know I'm improving. Tuesday (12th) will be 3 weeks since surgery.
The colors of black and blue are now faded to some yellow. Left side is doing good. Right side is running about 2 weeks behind because of the extensive work that was done. Yesterday was the first day I could tell a little less swelling. Started an antibiotic 2 days ago to make sure the redness that remains in the right side isn't an infection. Didn't think I needed an antibiotic YET until the Dr. (Mindy) said,"We want to make sure we don't loose the implant"... I said....OK....almost fainted at the thought of that!
I'm back in the struggle of trying to take less BIG drugs for pain. Knowing how much to cut back and not getting way behind the pain is often hard to figure out. It is an on going problem. That would be my prayer request...discerning how much my body needs and the amount to take each day as I continue on this journey.
I find it so comforting how God's timing is perfect. I'm doing a bible study each Monday with some gals here in Sun City. It is a Beth Moore study on the book of Daniel. THIS WEEK we were reading about Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego that were thrown in the firey furnance. When king Nebuchadnezzar looked in, there were 4 people walking in the flames......God always abides with us through the trials of life. SOMETIME GOD DELIVERS US FROM THE FIRE. OTHER TIMES HE DELIVERS US THROUGH THE FIRE. STILL OTHER TIMES HE DELIVERS US BY THE FIRE INTO HIS ARMS! Beth says," Our God is able to deliver us, Beloved. Every time! And often He does!
If ever He does not and the flames of death or tragedy consume us, it is to light a fire somewhere and in some heart that can never be extinguished. Trust Him to the death. Trust Him through the death. In the blink of an eye, we'll understand"!!!
No...I'm thankful I don't feel the flames of death ....but what peace to know that He is there for all of us, who confess Him as Lord and Saviour....when that time comes!! In this journey, God's mercies and blessings are over whelming to me!
Your prayers and concern continue to touch our hearts. Almost daily... in cards, emails and calls. I pray the Lord lets me live a long, long time so I can try to repay others with the same kind of love you have shown us!
Joyfully His,
Donna
P.S. "spell check" won't work....no time to proof....but hope you can hear what my heart is trying to say!! Love Ya! D
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
IT'S OVER....and I'm soooo sorry I couln't tell you!
Good Morning dear family and friends,
I had promised so many of you that Michele or Teresa would post to this blog on Jan. 22. when my Reconstruction revision was finished! WELL.....MY USER NAME AND PASSWORD WERE CHANGED A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT WAS WRITTEN ON MY DESK PAD ....IN TEXAS.... and I couldn't remember it for any thing! We tried every combination we could think of to no avail!! I was plagued with worry that I couldn't tell you I was OK!!!!
We returned to Tx. Sunday night and was so glad to be in my own bed after being gone 3 weeks...(a side trip to Fl. with my twin sister and hubby in Daytona Beach before surgery).
Mindy (Dr. Haws) did an awesome job with the revision. The big glob under each arm is gone and they look much more normal. I'm swimming in huge pain again....but feel when time and swelling goes down....I'll be much better and more comfortable!!
"Thanks" never seems enough words when it comes to telling you how much my family and me appreciate and love each of you! You are one of God's greatest blessings to us.
On May 18, 2006, I never would have thought this blog would last so long......and perhaps it is not close to stopping....only God knows the plans for me....but I can say I'm overwhelmed with His grace and mercies on this journey. No matter how long the journey, I have such awesome peace knowing that, what ever lies ahead, He's walking with me and your love and prayers are supporting us! They are priceless to us. Please include Lloyd in your prayers....he is such an awesome life partner who cares for me with special details each day. (Flowers yesterday :}).
I'm praying for each of you in this New Year, that God will be pouring His blessings on you and your precious family. I pray as you climb into bed each night, that God will bring to mind the "little everyday blessings" He sent you that day. .....and you can say...."To God Be The Glory"!!
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna
I had promised so many of you that Michele or Teresa would post to this blog on Jan. 22. when my Reconstruction revision was finished! WELL.....MY USER NAME AND PASSWORD WERE CHANGED A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT WAS WRITTEN ON MY DESK PAD ....IN TEXAS.... and I couldn't remember it for any thing! We tried every combination we could think of to no avail!! I was plagued with worry that I couldn't tell you I was OK!!!!
We returned to Tx. Sunday night and was so glad to be in my own bed after being gone 3 weeks...(a side trip to Fl. with my twin sister and hubby in Daytona Beach before surgery).
Mindy (Dr. Haws) did an awesome job with the revision. The big glob under each arm is gone and they look much more normal. I'm swimming in huge pain again....but feel when time and swelling goes down....I'll be much better and more comfortable!!
"Thanks" never seems enough words when it comes to telling you how much my family and me appreciate and love each of you! You are one of God's greatest blessings to us.
On May 18, 2006, I never would have thought this blog would last so long......and perhaps it is not close to stopping....only God knows the plans for me....but I can say I'm overwhelmed with His grace and mercies on this journey. No matter how long the journey, I have such awesome peace knowing that, what ever lies ahead, He's walking with me and your love and prayers are supporting us! They are priceless to us. Please include Lloyd in your prayers....he is such an awesome life partner who cares for me with special details each day. (Flowers yesterday :}).
I'm praying for each of you in this New Year, that God will be pouring His blessings on you and your precious family. I pray as you climb into bed each night, that God will bring to mind the "little everyday blessings" He sent you that day. .....and you can say...."To God Be The Glory"!!
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna
Saturday, December 29, 2007
A Year Ends and New Year Begins with Surgery.
Hi Family and Friends,
Can 2007 be almost gone? It is a time to reflect on the past months and look forward with anticipation for what God has in store for us this New Year. The real blessing I focused on this year ....... I'm free from breast cancer. I pray for the day that a cure will be found for this horrible disease....and no one will die from it!!! I know so many who are really ill right now and my heartaches for them and their family.
After much thought, I have scheduled surgery in Nashville, Tn. Jan. 22nd for a revision. It was a year ago yesterday that I had my last surgery....in a HUGE BLIZZARD IN COLORADO!! Hope we don't find any blizzards on the way to Tn.!! We have a condo rented on the 19th for a week there....so should have a few days to make it in time if it should snow!!
Michele, our daughter, surprised us with the news yesterday that she will fly from Co. to be with us for 3 days....such a blessing. I know her girls and hubby will miss her....but we sure will enjoy having her with us!!
We know that you will be whispering our name in God's ear on the 22nd....and thank you so much for taking time to lift us up to Him. Pray also for Dr. Haws as she does the work and that it will help relieve the pain. I know you all have been a circle of prayers around us!! Will update the blog after the surgery or in a few days.
Please hit reply or email my personal email, and let us know your prayer requests also....it's a real priviledge to be included in your heart needs.
We will be praying God's blessings are pouring out on you and yours this coming New Year. Also, that He will give you eyes to see, even the smallest blessing that He's sending your way!!
Claiming Psalms 121:7 for you....The Lord will keep you from all harm---He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Joyfully His,
Donna
Can 2007 be almost gone? It is a time to reflect on the past months and look forward with anticipation for what God has in store for us this New Year. The real blessing I focused on this year ....... I'm free from breast cancer. I pray for the day that a cure will be found for this horrible disease....and no one will die from it!!! I know so many who are really ill right now and my heartaches for them and their family.
After much thought, I have scheduled surgery in Nashville, Tn. Jan. 22nd for a revision. It was a year ago yesterday that I had my last surgery....in a HUGE BLIZZARD IN COLORADO!! Hope we don't find any blizzards on the way to Tn.!! We have a condo rented on the 19th for a week there....so should have a few days to make it in time if it should snow!!
Michele, our daughter, surprised us with the news yesterday that she will fly from Co. to be with us for 3 days....such a blessing. I know her girls and hubby will miss her....but we sure will enjoy having her with us!!
We know that you will be whispering our name in God's ear on the 22nd....and thank you so much for taking time to lift us up to Him. Pray also for Dr. Haws as she does the work and that it will help relieve the pain. I know you all have been a circle of prayers around us!! Will update the blog after the surgery or in a few days.
Please hit reply or email my personal email, and let us know your prayer requests also....it's a real priviledge to be included in your heart needs.
We will be praying God's blessings are pouring out on you and yours this coming New Year. Also, that He will give you eyes to see, even the smallest blessing that He's sending your way!!
Claiming Psalms 121:7 for you....The Lord will keep you from all harm---He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Joyfully His,
Donna
Sunday, November 04, 2007
More Surgery----Maybe??
Hi Everyone,
Aug. 30.....such a long time since I posted....so much has happened.....where do I begin?
The trips down to Denver each week were truly a blessing. The relief was great when I left the office....but it didn't last but a day or so. However....as the time progressed I realized it was helping more than I realized. I'd go to do some thing....and think...."that didn't hurt as much as it use to". It was such gradual change I had not noticed. It's been almost a month now since my last therapy and I'm really sliding backwards into more pain. When we get to Tx. my therapist in Co. has found one in Austin that does what she does....can't wait to get there!!
I saw 2 of my doctors Oct. 9th...a few days before we closed the resort. Dr. Sedlacek (oncologist) wants me to repeat the PET/CT scan in Jan. (6 months) to be sure there isn't anything going on in my lungs. So will do that in Tx. Thankfully all the blood work came back OK! (A Blessings) Dr. Baker (plastic) wants to do a revision....to repair all the damage from the physical therapy I had in Tx. last March....stretched the pockets the implants are in. I asked about going smaller and he didn't think that would make any difference in the pain! Oh my....
When we got back to Il. for our month stay, I decided to get a second opinion on more surgery.
We went down to Nashville, Tn. last week and saw Dr. Haws...(Mindy went to school with our daughter Michele and Mindy's Mom is a childhood friend of mine that lives a mile from us here in Il....Mindy also referred me to Dr. Baker in Denver.)
I'm so glad I saw Mindy.....she thinks the implants are to wide for my body. I knew they made different sizes....but didn't know different widths!! She of course can't guarantee me that is will make all the pain leave....but feels that could be the cause for the pain under my arm and down along the sides....plus will be going smaller size and sewing up the pockets!! The thought of more surgery leaves me really anxious....but can't handle the thought of life like it is now. So will be praying for wisdom between now and Jan. when we are thinking about coming back to Nashville for the surgery.
I was really touched when someone sent me an e.mail written by Tony Snow...Pres. Bush's Press Secretary about his testimony as he fights with cancer. (Hit reply and I'll send it to you.) I may see if my friend Beth can post it on my blog on the side so others can read it.
Tony says at the end: "The mere thought of death somehow makes every blessing vivid, every happiness more luminous and intense. We may not know how our contest with sickness will end, but we have felt the ineluctable touch of God".
"What is man that Thou are mindful of him? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us who believe, each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place, in the hollow of God's hand." Tony Snow
This e.mail speaks for all believers who walk the journey through cancer....IN THE HOLLOW OF GOD'S HAND!! How blessed is that?
God Bless you all,
Donna
Aug. 30.....such a long time since I posted....so much has happened.....where do I begin?
The trips down to Denver each week were truly a blessing. The relief was great when I left the office....but it didn't last but a day or so. However....as the time progressed I realized it was helping more than I realized. I'd go to do some thing....and think...."that didn't hurt as much as it use to". It was such gradual change I had not noticed. It's been almost a month now since my last therapy and I'm really sliding backwards into more pain. When we get to Tx. my therapist in Co. has found one in Austin that does what she does....can't wait to get there!!
I saw 2 of my doctors Oct. 9th...a few days before we closed the resort. Dr. Sedlacek (oncologist) wants me to repeat the PET/CT scan in Jan. (6 months) to be sure there isn't anything going on in my lungs. So will do that in Tx. Thankfully all the blood work came back OK! (A Blessings) Dr. Baker (plastic) wants to do a revision....to repair all the damage from the physical therapy I had in Tx. last March....stretched the pockets the implants are in. I asked about going smaller and he didn't think that would make any difference in the pain! Oh my....
When we got back to Il. for our month stay, I decided to get a second opinion on more surgery.
We went down to Nashville, Tn. last week and saw Dr. Haws...(Mindy went to school with our daughter Michele and Mindy's Mom is a childhood friend of mine that lives a mile from us here in Il....Mindy also referred me to Dr. Baker in Denver.)
I'm so glad I saw Mindy.....she thinks the implants are to wide for my body. I knew they made different sizes....but didn't know different widths!! She of course can't guarantee me that is will make all the pain leave....but feels that could be the cause for the pain under my arm and down along the sides....plus will be going smaller size and sewing up the pockets!! The thought of more surgery leaves me really anxious....but can't handle the thought of life like it is now. So will be praying for wisdom between now and Jan. when we are thinking about coming back to Nashville for the surgery.
I was really touched when someone sent me an e.mail written by Tony Snow...Pres. Bush's Press Secretary about his testimony as he fights with cancer. (Hit reply and I'll send it to you.) I may see if my friend Beth can post it on my blog on the side so others can read it.
Tony says at the end: "The mere thought of death somehow makes every blessing vivid, every happiness more luminous and intense. We may not know how our contest with sickness will end, but we have felt the ineluctable touch of God".
"What is man that Thou are mindful of him? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us who believe, each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place, in the hollow of God's hand." Tony Snow
This e.mail speaks for all believers who walk the journey through cancer....IN THE HOLLOW OF GOD'S HAND!! How blessed is that?
God Bless you all,
Donna
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