tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644678813606746502024-03-13T10:29:11.841-05:00LifesongI've heard the term "Living With Cancer". I couldn't apply that to myself. I wasn't fighting cancer in my body like some. I'm now accepting that term for myself--not in a defeatist way--in a proactive way. This is the plan God has for me. It's not what I would have chosen for myself, but I want to know what God means for my purpose in this. This blog is my journey and testimony of God's faithfulness each step of the way. "Let my lifesong sing to You"Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-35539965361659152682012-04-26T21:32:00.000-05:002012-04-26T21:32:54.169-05:00Shining the LightI sit here tonight completely exhausted, both emotionally & physically. The last week has been a whirlwind. My sweet mama went to be with Jesus on Tuesday morning. I was given the great honor and privilege to stand with her at the gates of Heaven. Maybe one day I will recount all of the goings-on of that morning (and the days leading up to Tuesday), but for now, I want you all to know that she left this world the way she lived - she was worshiping her Savior. She was barely responsive & had so very little strength left in her body. I noticed that she kept moving her hands (which wasn't unusual when she would try to clear the secretions from the tumors in her throat). At some point, it occurred to me that the song playing on her iPod at that moment had said something about "lifting my hands." So when she tried to move her hand toward her face again, I held her arm up, just as she would have done in worship. The next few minutes were so raw & tender - but I KNOW my mama was standing at His feet. There is no doubt in my mind that He took that feeble, weakened hand and brought her right to His side, whole and healed. I know she was singing out at the top of her lungs - something she hadn't been able to do well since her journey began, and not at all for the last couple of years. My dad asked me to help him write her obituary, and I just kept thinking, "How do I sum up the rich life she had in one simple paragraph?" The Lord reminded me that the most important thing to my mama was that the Light of Jesus shine, and that everyone know the hope that is the Gospel. This morning we had the celebration of her new eternal life - some people say funeral, but I'm telling you right now, that was no funeral. That entire service was pure worship. I wouldn't have expected any less, though, because that is exactly the way she wanted it. She & dad planned out the service together - well, I guess I should say, she told dad what she wanted & he agreed :) There were two songs that she chose to have two special men sing, both by Chris Tomlin - one was "Amazing Grace - My Chains Are Gone" and the second was "I Will Rise." I'm not going to try to find a link to them right now, but if you haven't heard them, go find them on YouTube - and be prepared to feel His presence! <br />
<br />
I will end for now by posting her obituary (I will omit the parts with our names). The love and prayers are felt. There are no words that could express our gratitude for the way that you have all held us up through this journey.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(I also wanted to let you know that I have made my blog private for a while; but when I start writing again, I will open it back up.)</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Cathy was born in Panama City, Florida in 1952, 2 months premature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the start of her life, it was evident that God’s hand was upon her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She married her sweetheart John, in 1971 and they were blessed with three children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After raising her children, Cathy served as the Music Secretary at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved her work and served faithfully for 6 years until January, when her cancer forced her to resign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing more important than her family was her relationship with Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout her life, she impressed on everyone who knew her an exceptional representation of God’s grace and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout her struggle with cancer, she allowed God to use her life to bring glory and honor to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What she desired more than anything was for her Lifesong to sing for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church (Walk Through Bethlehem) or Covenant Hospice of Dothan.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>sweethomealagirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17919824030731869137noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-89648388692004372422012-03-01T21:27:00.004-06:002012-03-02T14:17:58.486-06:00Full Circle<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here is a quick update: I had to quit work earlier than I thought. We've established a wonderful relationship with a local Hospice organization. Their goal has been to keep me comfortable and make sure I have everything I need. One of those being a pain patch which has helped to get my pain level under control. I received a <a href="http://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/tube_feeding.htm" target="_blank">PEG (feeding tube)</a> two weeks ago as it had become impossible to swallow anything by mouth. It has been a bit overwhelming at times but at least I can get nutrition I need. I find myself sleepy or needing naps more frequently, but at least my pain is under control!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It has been hard for family and friends, too. I can see God's hand working this out for many of them. I've tried to share with them that sadness is okay. Jesus had sad moments. I learned a long time ago that God is okay with my human emotions...as long as I take them to Him. What He doesn't want me to do is wallow in hopelessness, becoming forlorn. <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/forlorn" target="_blank">Forlorn</a>: a. Appearing sad or lonely because deserted or abandoned. b. Forsaken or deprived: <i>forlorn of all hope</i>. TheFreeDictionary.com </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That definition in itself takes God completely out of the equation. This emotion in no way brings glory to God as the focus is on self and circumstances that self does not want to tackle. All self effort to pull oneself out of this emotion brings no glory to God. That completely takes one's focus off of Him and His sovereignty. It takes one's trust off of Him. The only way God is going to get glory is to accept that He is sovereign. He can do whatever He wants to do, whenever He wants to. The ultimate goal is <u>always</u></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">going to be to bring Him glory. There's no use to get bent out of shape about the circumstances I have before me. God designed them. He will be there with me all the way through them. Whatever His choosing, the outcome will be for my good and for His glory.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My very first blog post on May 9, 2007 contained an article by Max Lucado,<a href="http://mylifesongforyou.blogspot.com/2007/05/it-starts-and-ends-with-his.html" target="_blank"> Peace for Anxious Days</a>. I received this in another email a few weeks ago. Please take time to go back and read it. The message is still very much applicable (almost) 5 years later. You might say God has brought me full circle. I've been told by 2 different doctors that the life expectancy after a diagnosis of this sort would be 2-3 years and 5 years. It has been nearly 8 years. God gave me fabulous doctors that did everything in their power to fight this cancer. I think that rates up there with miraculous.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I reflect on God's sovereignty in my life, it has to begin with my birth:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*I was born 3 months premature in 1952. I stayed 6 weeks in the hospital before being released to go home with my parents.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*He orchestrated how I would come to know Him through His son, Jesus Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*He gave me the best husband I could ever have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*He blessed me with 3 wonderful children to raise in understanding the importance of their own personal relationship with Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*He moved me to Dothan in order for my relationship in Him to grow to what it is presently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*He placed me where I had access to some of the best doctors anywhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*He has given me <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:7&version=ESV" target="_blank">peace that passes all understanding</a> in many circumstances. Philippians 4:7</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And I'll end this post with a quote by John Piper:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span class="messageBody" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life" (Ps 138:7). When this mercy is full, there'll be one for dying. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And the words from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ShkqkQhGT8" target="_blank">Broken Praise</a>:</span><br />
<span class="messageBody" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"If this is where my story ends, </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">just give me one more breath to say<br />
Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />
Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />
Hallelujah, Hallelujah"<br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Amen and amen! </div>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-38708558444669029382012-01-03T21:44:00.004-06:002012-01-05T23:19:12.202-06:00I'm running to Your arms<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I was watching Passion 2012 livestream today. Kristian Stanfill sang this song, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpUJkFmv8kE">Forever Reign</a>. I had been wondering how I would title this post. His song gave me the title. And this one by him, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb4VvNq8WEM">Always</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I did see my Birmingham doctor for a follow-up after stopping the clinical trial. I also told him I had been having pain at the surgery site with referred pain to my ear and jaw. He said it could be from scar tissue but could also be a recurrence. He scheduled a CT scan and a biopsy for December 7 with the follow-up visit on December 13.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We didn’t get good news—at all. There is a large tumor at the base of my tongue in the same area as before. There is also a suspicious spot on my voice box just below that. The type of surgery to remove these places is extremely radical. We had a choice of choosing such a radical surgery that would be life altering in itself or choosing quality of life. We chose quality of life. He said there was the possibility of chemo that might shrink the tumors or finding pain management to deal with what I have. Dr. M referred to this cancer as islands. He said he and Dr. H have been removing islands, only for another island to pop up somewhere else. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This was my Max Lucado devotional just a few days before this appointment: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.” Isaiah 43:2-3 NASB</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"God knows what is best. No struggle will come your way apart from his purpose, presence, and permission. What encouragement this brings! You are never the victim of nature or the prey of fate. Chance is eliminated. You are more than a weather vane whipped about by the winds of fortune. Would God truly abandon you to the whims of drug-crazed thieves, greedy corporate raiders, or evil leaders? Perish the thought!</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">We live beneath the protective palm of a sovereign King who superintends every circumstance of our lives and delights in doing us good.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Nothing comes your way that has not first passed through the filter of his love."</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">I was not totally surprised by anything the doctor told us. I had to ask myself and to God: “How do you want me to die?” As my daughter's pastor who has battled pancreatic cancer in the last 3 years said in one of his messages, “Cancer will never have the last word in my life. God will.” I believe that. I might die from an incurable cancer, but it will only be if and when God says so.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today we met with my oncologist. He agreed that he probably would not choose the surgery either if it was him. The options of chemo: The first one he would choose would be hard on a healthy person. The second one wouldn’t be as hard but would still affect my quality of life. I chose no chemo. He said he could begin with pain management. I had hoped for a patch, but he said it wouldn’t work for me since I’m so thin. So he started me on another couple of prescriptions to try. He suggested we go ahead and establish a relationship with hospice. He wasn’t trying to imply anything by doing that but just knew they can already be helpful to my needs even at an early point. So the hospice organization we chose will be contacting us. I was so glad to know God had gone before us, everything went smoothly, and it was going to be okay. We as a family still have a lot to process, but God has clearly shown He will not leave us to flounder by ourselves. He will be with us every step of the way.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.tammytrent.com/">Tammy Trent</a>'s Twitter post tonight: </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"God has mapped out the path B4 U. He is fully aware of every detail & is committed 2 walk beside U as a guide & comforter so UR never alone"</span> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-34576721677581214632011-12-17T21:13:00.001-06:002012-01-17T18:16:19.562-06:00The Story<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I got this CD set, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/various-artists/music-inspired-by-the-story/5099902852522/pd/CD95252?event=ESP113083%7C2605187%7C113083">The Story</a>, and watching the live stream of the tour. Wow! A few of the songs' lyrics that really speak my heart:</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The song of Moses, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCSWDHGq2L8&feature=related"><u>It Must Be You</u></a>: </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"If there’s anything good<br />
Anything that’s good in me<br />
Well, it must be You<br />
Must be You<br />
And if there’s any part of my shaking heart<br />
To see this journey through<br />
It must be You<br />
It must be You<br />
Must be You<br />
It must be You"</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">David, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aWEhNqnjuY&feature=related"><u>Your Heart</u></a>:</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"At the end of the day, I wanna hear people say<br />
That my heart looks like Your heart, my heart looks like Your heart<br />
Unashamed I will dance, In Your name, lift my hands<br />
‘Til my heart looks like Your heart, my heart looks like Your heart" </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And Job, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ShkqkQhGT8"><u>Broken Praise</u></a>:</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"If this is where my story ends, </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">just give me one more breath to say<br />
Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />
Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />
Hallelujah, Hallelujah" </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-65740024020115244602011-12-02T00:11:00.001-06:002011-12-02T00:12:20.274-06:00Contend for me<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Psalm 35:22-23</span></i>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-73971973738919280122011-11-11T21:50:00.000-06:002011-11-11T21:50:09.807-06:00Diary of a clinical trial<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, I began the <a href="http://mylifesongforyou.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html">clinical trial </a>September 1. I stopped it on October 31. I went into this thinking I could do 12 months. It might get hard, but I could do it. None of the information I was given could have ever prepared me for the side effects I experienced. They pretty much sounded similar to what I had while on Erbitux for 3 years. Any others were manageable. After week one I started losing my hair by MANY strands at a time. That was unexpected so soon. Wasn't even listed as a top side effect. The other side effects were manageable, thankfully. By the end of September assorted rashes started. Rashes are a common side effect. I managed to get through the month okay. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As I got into October good, rashes of all sorts came up. Dry, VERY itchy, some painful, some with welps, some burn-like, some just a rash. I find out the research nurse is out on medical leave till mid November & my home onc wants to defer to B'ham so as not to compromise the study. I put up with this for various issues until the itching from the rashes became so overwhelming physically and mentally. I was on the verge of depression. I took the last pill on Monday, October 31. When I got up on Tuesday, November 1, I knew I could never take that drug again. Though I was greatly discouraged at this point God amazingly spoke to me over and over to not be discouraged but hold onto hope.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I texted my husband and told him why I was stopping. I told him there was no one to talk to about it. He asked for the contacts and phone numbers. By the time he got through with both places, things were hopping. My local dr. called and left a message for the research nurse. (The alternate had failed to return my husband's message.) The research nurse was on the phone to my husband within minutes and an email to me as well. To her credit she was checking my email updates at her home and assumed the alternate or my local dr. was helping. She told us to have my doctor do whatever I needed. Well, he already had. He thought I needed to be on an antibiotic rather than a steroid. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By Friday the rashes and the itching had subsided. However, I woke up with a very painful, burn-like rash on my inner thighs. There was no way I could wear pants. I used the aloe gel with Lidocaine that I used when on Erbitux plus Aquaphor around the area that was extremely dry. Finally, by Tuesday I could tell it was beginning to dry up and heal and wasn't as painful. Still not able to wear pants, though. I emailed a friend that has a vast wardrobe of skirts and asked her if I could borrow one to try to go to work on Wednesday. After she got off work, she brought me 10 skirts! Said it didn't even put a dent in her closet, lol. So with her help I was able to go to work on Wednesday and know I could work comfortably...and I did.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had an already scheduled appointment on Thursday morning with my local oncologist. He and his assistant were shocked at the severity of my rash. I told them it was already a week old. He is keeping me on the antibiotic longer and prescribed a round of steroids. I will be going to B'ham on Tuesday, the 15th, for a check-up. He said they might suggest lowering the dose of the medication. I told him I didn't care what dose it might be, I wasn't taking it. Told him some lung cancer patients who have been on it see their tumors shrink. They endure the harsh side effects because of that hope they are given. I told him I didn't have that to look at. I have no idea if this medicine is helping me or not. He understood. He doesn't want to return to the Erbitux. He says there are still things he can do. It would be actual chemo, though. He wants me to discuss it with my B'ham doctor next Tuesday. Then I will see him after Thanksgiving to make a decision. For now that's how it stands. He said my hair should stop coming out when this drug is out of my system. My skin continues to be extremely dry and sensitive and peeling in the areas of the rashes. It will just take a little time to get over the side effects fully.</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-37952635711850859872011-11-07T11:19:00.000-06:002011-11-07T11:19:57.673-06:00Reminder to self<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What Cancer Cannot Take From You</b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It cannot take away your Faith,</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">shatter your Hope,</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">or lessen your Love.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It cannot destroy true Friendship,</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">invade the Soul,</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">or take away Eternal Life.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It cannot conquer the Spirit. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoLiOkrl2vI9Yip6U5oK5s9YhrmMVcipzNqp6kGMCPoPnScVkZvwNzcMnRHE-cBjhC9jofH8xs902SgUCT9WQAKouSny9L2tyg13cQry1Ls1H-VyknmrRElzRaWOG2VXuix7NnDGhVws/s1600/Pic+from+Jacob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoLiOkrl2vI9Yip6U5oK5s9YhrmMVcipzNqp6kGMCPoPnScVkZvwNzcMnRHE-cBjhC9jofH8xs902SgUCT9WQAKouSny9L2tyg13cQry1Ls1H-VyknmrRElzRaWOG2VXuix7NnDGhVws/s320/Pic+from+Jacob.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Given to me by Jacob, 12-25-04</span></div>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-55269764057386587042011-10-17T22:20:00.000-05:002011-10-17T22:20:41.554-05:00SHE-RO<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's the name my high school prayer partners have given my <a href="http://themonkeyboysmama.blogspot.com/">daughter</a>. That is a very applicable name for her. She has been a trooper this year in fighting breast cancer. She spent 8 months doing chemo. She then had breast surgery on Thursday. She is doing amazingly well after surgery. Her spirit of hope and victory is contagious to all who she touches/reaches. I spent several days with her and her family to help however I could during this time. She was doing so well that I got to come home today. I was listening to my iPod music coming home and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cu_eexXBbA&feature=related&noredirect=1">this song</a> came on. It took on a whole new meaning to me to hear Matthew West singing the words, "We are survivors!" Who would have ever dreamed we would both one day consider ourselves breast cancer survivors! But we are! We are!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><em style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)</em>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-75438724658678739902011-09-06T22:17:00.000-05:002011-09-06T22:17:24.515-05:00A new direction--breakthrough?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I saw the PA after my last surgery (July 1), she told me about a clinical trial the Head and Neck Division at UAB is doing with a medicine not ever used for head and neck cancer patients. It is for patients who have had recurring tumors and radiation is no longer an option. It is a pill, Tarceva, taken once a day for a year. I told her I'd like to talk it over with my local oncologist. I told her I was already on Erbitux, and she said he might not want me to change. The next Monday the research nurse called to ask me if I would be interested in being a part of the clinical trial. I told her I'd be seeing my oncologist in 2 weeks, and I'd like to talk it over with him. She said she would send me the information about it so I could look over it and share it with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fully expected I'd be getting my Erbitux treatment when I saw him 2 weeks later. I gave the information to his assistant so he could look over it before seeing me. He was very much in favor of me doing the clinical trial. He has four lung cancer patients who have been using the drug long term. He knows all the doctors at UAB involved in the study. This clinical trial is Phase II of the study. He said that meant they had to have had positive findings in Phase I of the study to move on to Phase II. He encouraged me to participate. He said I could be on the breaking edge of something new. He said he would be glad to assist in whatever way he could.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sent the papers and a note to the research nurse and she called me when she got them. She said I would have to come for an initial appointment to get set up and sign the papers with her. She said that since it was UAB's study, only they could monitor me. So she set me up for an appointment to see Dr. M again. We went to Birmingham on Tuesday, August 23. She said she had contacted my local oncologist, and he had sent a note agreeing for me to take this course of treatment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had the initial blood work and the chest x-ray, but they had to wait for one other report. When the dr. was examining my mouth he saw a small ulcer on the area that is now a part of my tongue. It was actually where my top molars were resting. I had not even noticed it. I was more concerned about what felt like a lump on the left side of my neck. So I was not expecting to hear that he wanted to do a biopsy on something in my mouth. I then told him about the lump on my neck. After examining me he told me it was not a lump or a lymph node but part of my neck's anatomy. The look on my face must have said, "You're going to have to do better than that." So he went and got a model of the neck to show me what I/he was feeling. He even had me feel the same area on his neck. I was then okay with what he was telling me...though the 'lump' has only gone down to feeling normal to me in the last day or two. Anyway, the nurse contacted me last Monday to let me know the biopsy was negative for cancer! Also, the blood work and chest x-ray were fine. So she would have the Tarceva pills in the mail to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I started the Tarceva on Thursday, September 1. On Sunday I had fatigue and was achy like when I had Erbitux treatments. The same kind of rash started on my face over the weekend, too. I am also using Nystatin for thrush in my mouth. I'm really thinking that is a reaction to the Tarceva though it is not a common side effect. So, hopefully, just things I've dealt with before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't know when I'd finish another post, but this devotional today about a breakthrough seemed most timely. I couldn't find a direct link to the devotional without posting the whole thing here and it's kinda long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It used Isaiah 64:1 - <em>"Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your Presence…"</em> It included this part in a prayer from Carolyn Baker: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Why is it, My Father, that so many people are presently sitting on the edge of a great victory – a great breakthrough - and don’t even know it? I suppose part of it is because You rarely do what we expect You to do – so we are not looking for it! Your victory often looks unlike what we thought it would. We are, as humans, skeptical all too often. This gives us a worldly mind set – not a heavenly mind-set. Therein lies our confusions. You are first in my life - and because of that, You have often rewarded me with a greater wisdom and understanding. All along my path You have shared your insights with me – continually reminding me that breakthrough was at hand.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether I 'deserve' it or not, He keeps reminding me :)</span><br />
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</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-31013571870916020502011-08-18T23:50:00.001-05:002011-08-18T23:53:19.918-05:00We can do it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/WxIt70j_SPk/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WxIt70j_SPk&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WxIt70j_SPk&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm Gonna Love You Through It - Martina McBride</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-13916961333748574982011-08-16T12:32:00.003-05:002011-08-16T15:20:56.639-05:00Listen and trust<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been following a CaringBridge.org blog for almost a year. It is about a young man that our family knows from homeschooling and church for most of his life. He no longer lives in our town but in North Carolina with his wife, Liz, and their two children, Sawyer and Bennett. His wife is the blogger. Here is her introduction to her blog and a link:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brian Sanders: Brian is a devoted husband and loving father who became critically ill on September 18, 2010. He spent 52 days in ICU and 3 weeks in a rehab hospital in Charlotte before returning home, where he faces a long road to recovery. He is learning to cope with the loss of his vision, and continues to work to regain his memory. </span><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/briansanders"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/briansanders</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is heart wrenching at times to read about the hurdles they are trying to get across. However, Liz makes it clear where her strength and determination are based. She is an inspiration to me and, I'm sure, to all who follow this journey along with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her post for August 13th was especially profound for me. Simple, yet so full of truth that I need to remember to apply to my own situations. I asked permission if I could share it with you, and she has graciously given her permission. I hope it blesses you as much as it has me. Please take time to follow the link to her blog posts over this past year, and pray for them as you feel led. Thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Bennett turned one today. Our little guy certainly started his life under turbulent circumstances, but he is the poster-boy for the resiliency of young children. He is the picture of health and happiness. His smile lights up the room, his giggles melt away the stress of even the hardest days, and his slobbery kisses are pure sugar. Happy birthday, baby boy. Mommy and daddy love you up to the moon and back.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Brian sat next to Bennett’s highchair as Bennett enjoyed his very first taste of cake. He had a chocolate birthday cake with peanut butter frosting, and his sister was kind enough to “help” him eat it. Brian reached over to Bennett and smeared frosting on his face, so Sawyer and I dabbed a little frosting on Brian’s nose. Shortly thereafter, there sat both of my boys: side by side, faces kissed with frosting, grinning from ear to ear. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>To start the day, Sawyer and I enjoyed a Saturday morning ritual: mommy/daughter breakfast at Chick-Fil-A. This tradition began over a year ago, when she was waking up at 5:30 or 6 each morning. I started taking her out to give Brian a chance to sleep later on Saturdays. Although we have clocked hundreds of hours at Chick-Fil-A over the years, today was a first: Sawyer got stuck at the top of the play place. There are different levels to climb on and tunnels to crawl through, many of which lead back to the entrance to an enclosed spiral slide. Once she climbed to the very top, she looked around and couldn’t figure out where to go next. Even when she sat on the edge of the platform, she couldn’t touch the next step with her toes. I tried to coax her down several times, but to no avail. It didn’t matter if the next step was only a few inches from her feet. She couldn’t see it, so she wasn’t jumping. It was a very long 10 minutes. Finally, she let out a big sigh and teared up. “Mommy, I’m afraid.”</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I tried so hard to help her understand, but the more she fought my instructions the more anxious she became. I was asking her to drop down to a step she couldn’t see. Talk about a leap of faith! I took a deep breath, made eye contact with her, and simply said:</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>~Listen to my voice.</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>~I know you’re scared, but I am here to help you.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>~I can see where you are going, and where you will land.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>~You just have to trust me.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Not long after that, I heard a very determined little voice say, “ok, mommy, I will”. And she did. She pushed off from the net, she slid down on her belly, and she dropped a few inches to the step below her. Success! She crawled through the tunnel, slid down the slide, and emerged from the tunnel slide ready to go again! (No ma’am! .... mommy needs a minute to recover before you can try that again...)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>As I stood in the play area, it occurred to me that I am stuck, too. Maybe not at the top of the Chick-Fil-A play place, but certainly stuck in a place where I am scared. Stuck in a situation I can’t get out of. Stuck in a situation where I can’t see the next step, let alone the next 50 steps. And the harder I struggle to fix it on my own, the more frightened and alone I become. If I am quiet, and if I seek the Lord with all my heart, I will hear:</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>~Listen to my voice.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>~I know you’re scared, but I am here to help you.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>~I can see where you are going, and where you will land.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>~You just have to trust me.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Trusting that He knows what is ahead is a difficult choice, but in this case it is the only thing that will work. I can’t do this on my own. I can’t figure my way out, I can’t search for an alternative exit, and I can’t have someone else do it for me. I just need to seek the Lord. Listen to His words. Trust that they are true. And be obedient.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6</em></span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-63662679110357253272011-07-24T11:19:00.004-05:002011-07-24T21:19:39.102-05:002 Corinthians 4:17<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is an excerpt from the April 2011 issue of Homelife. God had especially brought 2 Corinthians 4:17 to my attention a few days ago. Then I found this magazine today. I was reading it while waiting to be pre-admitted for my surgery in March (not knowing that that surgery would begin a chain of events for the next 4 months). I remembered I saved it for a reason. This is why:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Since that fateful day in 2006, I've witnessed all of the good that has come of tragedy, and I'm beginning to recognize why it was necessary. The flashing sign INCLEMENT WEATHER. NO UNNECESSARY TRAVEL was not a word of admonition; it was a word of instruction. God was teaching me His wisdom for living the Christian life. I cracked the code: Trials are necessary to accomplish God's higher purposes. This is for my good and His glory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Although these days the world appears to be out of control and seems utterly chaotic, know that there is a God with a perfect order to things, a God who does everything out of love to produce something better in us. The pain we experience is the principle consequence of living in a fallen and flawed world. But God's redemptive promise is that, one day, He will remove evil and suffering from this world, after accomplishing a greater, eternal good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Bible tells us in </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:45&version=NASB"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 5:45</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that God causes His sunlight to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Regardless of the climate today or the forecast tomorrow. keep the faith. Muster the strength to pray:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <em>Dear God, whether or not You choose to change my circumstances, I will trust in You still. And Lord, whether or not You call on me to suffer a little longer, I will worship You even still, for You embodied 'suffering well' for my sake. Either way, Lord, I know that You are in control. Not my will, but Yours be done. In Jesus' name, Amen.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Perhaps you're currently facing the buffeting tempests of a job loss, a financial crisis, a startling medical diagnosis, or personal tragedy. As believers, we don't have to linger in the dark storms of life, waiting for the ominous shadows to pass. We walk in the assurance of God's redemptive plan because we're covered by the ultimate umbrella of protection: Jesus Christ. Second Corinthians 4:17 reminds us, "For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Whether you're grieving a natural disaster, mourning our disordered universe, or weeping over misfortunes of your own making, don't allow your current trial to blot out the light. Look toward the Son, and you will find refuge in Christ alone during life's fiercest storms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Weathering the Storms of Life - Casey Ewen Avenriep</strong> (Read her full personal story </span><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/wPenpGf-4YE*YfFscsh6PkHTzGkKr7r47FX5rdbwfiJr*LhixNpQ1zMYRTNWh1MU0h6DrbVwX6omioKu5gaTQ5IraxvJDJpk/WeatheringtheStormsofLife.pdf"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://mylifesongforyou.blogspot.com/2009/06/still-my-god.html">Still My God</a></span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-15407361786478567712011-07-18T22:40:00.000-05:002011-07-18T22:40:07.079-05:00Courage<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please read the latest post written by my daughter on her blog: </span><a href="http://themonkeyboysmama.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finishing</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God never ceases to amaze me at the ways He lets us know He's there.</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-69058786852721112372011-07-07T20:57:00.001-05:002011-07-07T21:12:03.658-05:00Good report<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so glad to be able to share that we got a good report today. My surgeon had told us that he would be on vacation this week, and I would see his physician's assistant. She was able to tell us that the biopsies from surgery last week all came back with clean margins. No cancer found! We were so relieved and so thankful. I've learned to not put God in a box. I wanted to believe we'd get the good news. I also know that we didn't hear what we expected after my last two surgeries. I know God can do whatever He wants to do, and He will always be faithful through the circumstances. We are so thankful He chose to give us good news today! Since the report was good I was released from this surgeon. I'll soon make an appointment to see my primary surgeon in Birmingham in the next few months. Though I will still be making trips to Birmingham, it is "back to normal". Normal in this context is a good thing :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Edited to add: <a href="http://sonvine.com/2011/07/08/its-scary-to-be-us-beth-moore-video/">It's Scary to Be Us - Beth Moore</a></span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-46567012472314496382011-07-02T16:38:00.007-05:002011-07-02T21:55:22.806-05:00Step by Step<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And step by step You'll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Sometimes by Step" by Rich Mullins</span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SVOBKbWndU&feature=related"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sung by Brooke Fraser Ligertwood</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We just got home from Birmingham. This was one of the songs I listened to on our way back. Brooke Fraser songs just lift my spirit at just the right moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surgery went well. I was told to be at the hospital at 8:00 a.m. on Friday morning. My surgery was about 12-12:30. Don't know exactly when. I just know I was present in the operating room before it started ;) Recovery wasn't a great experience due to a not so attentive nurse. I'll just leave it at that. (I didn't have to have a feeding tube this time. I know pain meds will be my friend for the next few days, though.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Dynasplint did its work once again. The doctor basically did the very same surgery as before to get deeper margins all around this time. They weren't able to do a quick test in surgery. I still have inflamed tissue that needs to fully heal from the surgery on May 27th, and the results of a quick test wouldn't have been reliable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should, hopefully, find out the results of the pathology report on Thursday when we go back to Birmingham for my follow-up appointment. Please pray that we get a good report. The doctor said he felt good about the surgery, but he's now done everything he can do robotically.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was my devotional from <strong>Jesus Calling</strong> on Monday: "Rest with me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey. I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I am with you, watching over you wherever you go. </em>Psalm 143:8; Genesis 28:15</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing I do know. My God is sovereign.</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-89797645342627930622011-06-04T17:39:00.002-05:002011-06-14T22:39:32.567-05:00No Matter What<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well recovery has been a challenge. My body seemed to majorly rebel at being on a completely liquid diet. The fact that the antibiotic prescribed for me when I left the hospital was way too strong for me sure didn’t help. After just 3 doses, I knew I was going to have to worry about becoming dehydrated whether on a feeding tube or not. I stopped the antibiotic but dealt with the after effects for a couple of days. About the time that was starting to get better, I realized I had thrush in my mouth. The body was telling me to never take that particular antibiotic again! Tylenol continued to be helpful in keeping any pain under control but my mouth was very sore from the thrush.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went back to Birmingham on Thursday for my follow-up appointment. My doctor had some not so good news. During surgery the pathologist had checked the borders the doctor removed and all seemed clear. However, when they did the more concise dissection of the tumor after surgery there were some cancer cells at the very bottom of the tumor. The doctor said we could trust the quick test done during surgery or he could go back in and remove another layer from the base to make sure no cells were left. He left the choice up to me. Of course, I told him I wanted to make sure there was none left. He said he was glad I made that decision because he could do it July 1. He wants me to have time to heal from the surgery I just had, and he will do it robotically again. I will have to use the Dynasplint again. By not eating by mouth for a week and with the tube hindering what I could get to my mouth, my jaw has gotten tight again. Actually, tighter than it was when I first started using the splint. I started back today with a lesser tension and only 2 minutes. I will have more time to build up gradually this time. The doctor also prescribed medication to stop the bad effects of the antibiotic on my body.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So on June 30th we will go back to Birmingham to let him do this procedure on July 1. (We said he really must like doing surgery on holiday weekends!) The nice thing about this time is I won’t have to have a feeding tube. He said I probably didn’t need it the first time as he was going by his experience with other patients. The speech pathologist actually came in the afternoon after my surgery and did a swallow test with water. She said I did very well. My doctor said I’ve probably learned to adapt well to changes in my mouth because of my previous oral surgeries. That may be so, but right now I’m ready for my mouth to not be sore and my jaw to loosen up so it’s not a chore to eat. I hope that my mouth will soon feel better from the thrush and the Dyansplint will again do its job!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA3MSqufJP4">Here’s a song </a>I listened to on our trip to see my primary Birmingham doctor in March. I thought it was right on. Little did I know how right on it was until we were on our way home with a big decision to make. I had a lot of questions running through my mind, but the words that stopped the questions I had no answers for were “I trust You”…no matter what.</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-19957999635454276372011-05-28T21:13:00.000-05:002011-05-28T21:13:56.386-05:00Singing His praises<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, if I COULD sing His praises I would, but I'm singing them in my heart! It's hard to explain how God has gone above and beyond to meet my needs. I don't know why that would be so hard. I mean He is God, and He can do whatever He wants to do. I'm just thankful He's choosing to bless me and our family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was amazing the total peace I had throughout the day on Thursday as we prepared to travel to Birmingham and made the trip, getting there about 7:00 p.m. I was amazed at the total peace I had as we got up at 4:30 a.m. on Friday morning to be at the hospital at 5:00. I was amazed at the total peace I had as they got me ready in pre-op and waited for them to take me back. I was amazed at the total peace I had as they wheeled me into the operating room and they prepared me even more. I just knew that when I woke up, whatever the outcome, God was in control. Whether I was able to have robotic surgery Friday morning or had to schedule the more difficult surgery for another day. How happy I was to wake up in recovery and realize I was in recovery because I had just had surgery!!! When I was able to see my husband, he was able to tell me the details. The hard work with the Dynasplint had worked. The doctor said I had gained probably 9mm in range of motion for my mouth. He said that made all the difference in being able to do the robotic surgery successfully. (Of course, I know it was the tons of prayers going up on my behalf as well to make it possible!) He told John that when he cut into my tongue he was able to see the tumor and remove it. The borders he got in the OR were clean. It sounded like when my other doctor has removed tumors from my neck. It was under the surface. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did have to come home with a nasal feeding tube. My doctor said he didn't want to take a chance that it would be too painful to swallow, and I would become dehydrated. So I'm up to 4 Boosts plus water and the goal is 6 Boosts plus water. Not to mention the meds I will be crushing to go down via feeding tube. Thank goodness for liquid Tylenol which is easy to push through the tube. Oh, that's another praise. I have very little pain and Tylenol helps with that. Because there is still swelling in my throat, it is still difficult to swallow by mouth very well. Hopefully, that will improve in a couple of days. I'm free to drink liquids, milkshakes or have ice cream when I feel up to it. We're supposed to go back Thursday and will most likely have the tube removed then. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't begin to express the amount of thanks to all of you who have been prayer warriors for us through this. All I can say is: Prayer Works!! and God Is Good...All the Time!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will keep you posted as I progress. Just so grateful to share this huge praise and answered prayer! It's good to be home. I'm sure I will have to find the right position for sleeping comfortably for the next week, but I'm sure Ambien will help :)</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-80106770412491628042011-05-26T00:50:00.002-05:002011-09-30T00:43:12.462-05:00Here we go<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ok, I'm way late getting to bed and may not have a chance to post before we leave later today, much later today...being as the day has actually just started. We'll leave this afternoon for Birmingham. The doctor's office is supposed to call some time today to let us know what time we have to be a UAB Friday morning. I've faithfully been using the Dynasplint and have worked up to 30 minutes for each session. Today will give me 3 days of 3 sessions at 30 minutes each. The measurement of how far my mouth could open was 22 mm last Wednesday at the fitting. Tonight it is at 29mm. I have a LOT of people praying for me to have a BIG mouth on Friday so the dr. will be successful with the robotic surgery. I sure don't want to be awakened and be told to go home for surgery at a later date. Yes, with God all things are possible. God just keeps showing how BIG He really is and can be! He's so amazing! This was a nice short but concise verse in one of my devotional emails today. I think I'll hang onto it:<i> "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him." Psalm 91:14a </i>I would love be that Servant that holds fast to </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">God in determined love and receive the promise of his deliverance in this present circumstance. I hope to bring good tidings in a few day. Thank you for going with us in spirit and prayer and just hanging with us.</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-48436965076265029732011-05-17T23:16:00.001-05:002011-05-17T23:21:49.682-05:00This show is on the road<div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body"><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Content"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I called my Birmingham dr's office and my oncologist's office yesterday. Both of their assistants called me back asking, "What's going on?" Neither had gotten any reports from MD Anderson. I faxed them the PET & CT reports, the radiation oncologist report, and the nurse's telephone report from Friday. Within 30 minutes the nurse from Birmingham called to tell me she had gotten me an appointment with the robotic surgery doctor at 2:00 for today. Would I be able to come? I said "Absolutely!" The other assistant called to say that my oncologist wants me to see the new surgeon before seeing him. Ok, that's what I'm talkin' about!</span></div><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Content"></div><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Content"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was amazing! We got good news from the new doctor, Dr. M. He has scheduled the robotic surgery for next Friday, May 27. He at first said it would probably take a few weeks. He said he'd have to check his surgery schedule. Then he came back in and said, "I hope you don't have big plans for Memorial Day weekend because I can do it next Friday, the 27th". We said, "DO IT!" He said he will attempt to do it. My mouth doesn't open as wide as optimally needed. He said if he can't get all the instruments in my mouth, I will just wake up without surgery. I will get a device, a </span><a href="http://www.dynasplint.com/divisions/jaw/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dynasplint</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, tomorrow that will help stretch my jaws so that, hopefully, by next week my mouth will open wider. I'm supposed to use it 3 times a day starting out at about 5-6 minutes each time. I'm to increase my time every day by 1 minute each time. The doctor said he thinks there's a 60% chance he can do it. But with God all things are possible!! And as a friend pointed out, that's 100%! He said I will have a feeding tube through my nose for 1-2 weeks because my throat will be so sore I won't be able to swallow. </span></div><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Content"></div><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Content"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The alternative surgery would be so much more involved and with a feeding tube for about a month. God has orchestrated everything so far, I'm trusting He makes this possible, 100%! Prayer works!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And may I just add: To God be the glory! It's all in His timing.</span></div><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_ReferrerLink"></div><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Attachment"></div></div>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-25805705053883875272011-05-13T22:08:00.003-05:002011-05-13T22:12:20.888-05:00Hurry up and wait<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've been checking back here to see what we found out on Tuesday, sorry for the wait. We finally heard back from MD Anderson today at 4:30. After we didn't get the call on Tuesday...or Wednesday, I called the doctor's office yesterday morning. I was told the dr. was in surgery, and they'd get a note to him and his nurse. She called today around 1:30. She had no idea why she was calling me back. After I explained, she said they were in clinicals and would call back when finished. I asked her what time that might be, and she said about 2:30. She called back at 4:30. She basically told me everything we already know. The radiation oncologist concluded I can't have anymore radiation. She did tell me that the medical oncologist relayed information to my oral surgeon in Birmingham and my oncologist here about induction chemo before surgery to reduce the tumor. She said that Dr. H recommended the dr. at UAB for robotics surgery. She then asked me if I was interested in robotics surgery! Um, that's why we were referred to MDA! So it looks like I'll be calling my dr. in Birmingham on Monday to get him to make an appt. with the dr. at UAB. Also, I'll be calling my medical oncologist to get an appt. to see what he thinks about the possibility of chemo before surgery. It better be good! I'm not crazy about spending weeks with chemo to "see if it works" when the tumor could continue to grow. I'm ready for surgery. It has gotten more painful. Feels like a sore throat all the time. It has already been 4 weeks since I saw my B'ham dr. Sure thought we'd be closer to being finished by now! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tony Evans' post on Twitter this morning was timely and comforting: "When God is silent, He is not still." Also, on Tuesday, the reading from Max Lucado's new devotional, <em>Live Loved</em>. It was entitled, "Problems Have a Purpose". <em>Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. Psalm 50:15 NLT.</em> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">He ended the devotional with these words: "Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end--the glory of God" (from <em>It's Not</em> <em>About Me</em>). It's also been good to reread a book a friend gave me two years ago, <em>A Reason for Hope--Gaining Strength for Your Fight Against Cancer </em>by Michael S. Barry. And this from last Saturday in <em>Jesus Calling, </em>"Do not fear what this day, or any day, may bring your way. Concentrate on trusting Me and on doing what needs to be done. Relax in My sovereignty, remembering that I go before you, as well as with you, into each day. <em>Fear no evil</em>, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter. (Genesis 50:20 NASB; Psalm 23:4) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">God is good...ALL the time!</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-62303227678634708422011-05-06T13:38:00.002-05:002011-05-08T17:56:21.670-05:00We're home<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a long week. We left on Monday for MD Anderson, Houston and drove ALL day. Don't think we'll ever do that again. We got back yesterday about 4:00 p.m. after seeing doctors and having tests on Tuesday and Wednesday. One definite thing I've learned this week. Three doctors I consulted with agree with the doctors I already have. My doctor in Birmingham told me a year ago that I'm what they call an enigma. Well, they didn't say it in his words but basically said the same thing: enigma - something hard to understand or explain, a mystery, one that is puzzling, ambiguous, inexplicable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Tuesday we saw the main doctor/surgeon of the team, Dr. H. Instead of a physician's assistant coming in and taking down information for the doctor, a doctor teamed with the main doctor does that. He was young, asked a lot of questions about my history. He used a scope to do a laryngoscopy. It's a flexible scope that is inserted through the nose. He was able to examine my throat and tongue more clearly. He also examined my mouth well and felt the place where the 'bump' is. He left and said he would be back with Dr. H. In a few minutes the assisting doctor came back in with Dr. H. Dr. H also introduced me to a young doctor from China that would be observing. Everyone was so very nice. Dr. H went over my history as well asking more questions and allowing us to ask questions or comment. He too used the scope to examine my throat and tongue. Dr. H discussed surgery and treatment options. Robotics surgery is in question as my mouth may not open wide enough due to surgeries and scar tissue. He said the instruments are bulky. He highly recommended the surgeon at UAB that my Birmingham surgeon had mentioned. Dr. H said he was the best to do the type of robotic surgery I would need. That was good to hear. He said he would have to wait for test results and meeting with the other doctors to determine the best course of action. He said he would be out of town on Friday and in surgery on Monday. We would hear from him or his office on Tuesday. Then I went and had blood drawn for blood work. The last thing on my schedule for Tuesday was the PET scan. Since I could not eat 6 hours prior to that test, we headed out to find a place for lunch when I was finished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Wednesday morning my first appointment was with a radiation oncologist, Dr. G. He was young and very attentive as well. He also went over my history thoroughly and used the scope as well. At Dr. H's request on Tuesday we had called my home radiation onc's office and had them fax my records of previous radiation treatments. Dr. G was glad to have those in hand. After discussing the amount of radiation I had previously had, he concluded that it would not be a safe option to include radiation in this plan. There were nerves involved. It was risky and dangerous and might create life threatening physical issues. He had already had a look at the PET scan and pulled it up on the computer for us to see. We were taken aback as to how large an area was highlighted in the PET. Thankfully, there is no metastasis to any other area in my body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next we saw the medical oncologist, Dr. L. A doctor, referring to himself as a fellow with other hospitals, was assisting Dr. L. He asked a lot of questions about my history, taking very extensive notes. He said he would relay the information to Dr. L and they would be back in to see me. When Dr. L came in, he also went over my history. He was a kind, straight-forward doctor. He explained that chemotherapy was not advantageous with this type of cancer unless it had metastasized to another organ. My oral surgeon and med onc in Alabama had basically told me the same thing. Once the tumor is removed through surgery, there is nothing there to gauge whether a chemo is being effective. Medical Oncologists don't want to exhaust their 'big guns' if they should need a base to start from for treating metastatic cancer to major organs. Dr. L said he doesn't see cases like mine. I have been dealing with this type of cancer since 2004. The metastasis has remained in the general area of the primary tongue cancer - oral and neck - without spreading to a major organ. He said most SCC patients have had a metastasis to a major organ within 2 years of a primary and do not live far beyond this point. He had pages sent out to Dr. H and Dr. G. He got the call from Dr. G first and came back in to confirm that radiation wasn't a viable option. He said robotics surgery was questionable and the other surgical option would probably require a skin flap to my neck because of the previous radiation effects. Then he got the call from Dr. H. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As he left the room to take the call, we were left to think on all he had just told us. Rads not possible, chemo not an option, difficult future surgery, and basically, it's a miracle I'm still alive. There was a sign above the sink I had seen in the other doctors' offices that stressed the importance of washing hands before and after examining a patient. In the center of the sign was a set of open hands/palms. Across the palms were the words: <strong>It's in your hands</strong>. When I looked up and saw these words after Dr. L walked out, they jumped out at me. They immediately read to me as referring to the hands of God: <strong>It's in Your hands</strong>, without even a thought to any other meaning and said to myself, "Yes, it's in Your hands, God." I pointed it out to John, too, hoping it might comfort him as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. L came back into the room and told us that he and Dr. H had looked at the PET scan. It was Dr. H's consensus to try chemo before surgery to see if it was effective in shrinking the tumor. Dr. L concurred that would be a good course of action. He said he could communicate with my medical onc in Alabama to get that set up. He said that the team of doctors would meet at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday to discuss my case and go over test results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there we rushed over to my third appointment with the dental oncologist. She, too, discussed my history and then thoroughly examined my mouth. She said my mouth looked healthy and to continue the good care. She prescribed a toothpaste with extra fluoride. Radiation to the mouth causes xerostomia - dry mouth. This can cause increased tooth decay. She also measured the space of my opened mouth as far as I can open it. She suggested I do stretching exercises to enable my mouth to open wider. From there I went straight for my CT scan. I was called back quickly but ended up waiting nearly 1 1/2 hours for the scan. The scanner in emergency was down and all emergency patients were being sent to this department as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now we wait to hear back from Dr. H's office on Tuesday to know what the plan will be. We're both thinking I will be given an appointment with the robotics surgeon in Birmingham to see if he thinks I'm a candidate for this type surgery. Also, if chemo is an option, I will have to meet with my local medical oncologist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are some verses that I thought quite timely as I was catching up on Twitter posts last night:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>The LORD is good, </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NKJV</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you. I say to God, "Be my Lord!" Without you, nothing makes sense. Psalm 16:1 The Message</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NASB</span></em>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-19081206947192042772011-05-01T14:53:00.000-05:002011-05-01T14:53:44.942-05:00Of His Choosing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From <u>Jesus Calling</u>, May 1: "You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life...Every moment is alive with My glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let My Spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along <em>the Path of Peace</em>." Based on Luke 12:25-26; Luke 1:79</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-57738619006292237872011-04-30T21:31:00.001-05:002011-04-30T23:21:00.099-05:00A New Adventure<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This present journey we are walking began in 2004. We've made many trips to and from Birmingham in the last seven years. After this last diagnosis a couple of weeks ago, we'll be starting a new adventure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After seeing my surgeon in Birmingham on Monday, April 11, his office contacted <a href="http://www.mdanderson.org/">MD Anderson in Houston</a> to refer me as a patient. I received a call from Rochelle, my Patient Access Specialist on Thursday. She let me know that they had received the information from Birmingham, and I had to be medically accepted. A team of doctors would review my records to make that determination. She called again on Monday morning to let me know that I had been medically accepted by </span><a href="http://faculty.mdanderson.org/Ehab_Y_Hanna/Default.asp?SNID=318487510"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Hanna</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. She said he would be out the next week, and she would call me when she had the appointments. She called me back on Wednesday, April 20th to tell me that we were to be at MD Anderson on Tuesday, May 3, at 7:00 a.m. to sign-in at New Patient Registration. My appointment with Dr. Hanna would be at 8:00. She said that he also wanted me to have a PET scan which would be at 10:00 and a head and neck CT scan at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4. She said he also wanted me to see 3 oncologists, and she would call me when she got those appointments set up. I later learned that I will see a radiation oncologist on Wednesday at 9:00, a medical oncologist at 11:00, and a dental oncologist at 1:00. We will have 2 full days of appointments. Unless they schedule another one, we'll be free to head for Alabama on Wednesday afternoon. This visit will be just for consults and tests. We're hoping to hear that I am a candidate for the robotics surgery and a surgery date can be scheduled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our drive home from my doctor's visit on April 11, there was some stress about the cost of going to Texas. I chose not to discuss it and said that God would provide. On Tuesday of this week I read a simple post by </span><a href="http://www.tonyevans.org/site/c.feIKLOOpGlF/b.2017593/k.BE75/Home.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tony Evans</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: "Jehovah Jireh - God's Provision Shall Be Seen." God's provision HAS BEEN SEEN every day since Tuesday! Today my Heartlight verse on my computer desktop read: "<span class="messageBody">And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19. God isn't just meeting our needs financially but through the prayers of SO many people for every little detail of this trip and all it entails. I am beyond words at how God has proven Himself faithful and true to His name. I am humbled and in awe that He chooses to manifest Himself so mightily on my(our) behalf.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">*The initial post was edited to allow for adjustments in my memory :)</span><br />
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</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-76745288031934978222011-04-11T19:34:00.000-05:002011-04-11T19:34:41.575-05:00Living With Cancer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That phrase is something I’ve had to accept as a part of my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a biopsy in December of a bump on the very back of my tongue. My dr. in Birmingham thought it was probably scar tissue but did the biopsy. We were thankful the results came back as inflamed tissue. The bump got bigger and continued to bother me, though. So, when we went for my regular routine appointment in March, I requested that he take it out. I just didn’t feel comfortable leaving it there to possibly get even bigger and be more invasive if it HAD to be removed later. He completely understood, said he trusted me, and we set up a time for surgery. I had the surgery on March 29. He said it wasn’t something he could do in his office so it was set up as outpatient. We were at the hospital at 9:00 that morning, but it was nearly 3:00 that afternoon before they got to me. I ended up staying overnight in the hospital and coming home the next morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went back for my follow-up today. My dr. is always thorough and so he was with this surgery. A larger area to heal and some stitches, too. He said I am healing well. The pathology report showed…everything fine… Actually, that’s what we were thinking/hoping he’d say. He said it was cancer. Then he said we had two options. He could do another invasive surgery like I had in my mouth <a href="http://mylifesongforyou.blogspot.com/2009/02/part-1-february-5th-surgery.html">two years ago</a>. It would require cutting my neck, getting a free flap from my leg, and the same process as before. Second option would be to see if I’m a candidate for the da Vinci Surgical System, which is a robotic surgery. It would be way less invasive and less healing time. He said they only do it at MD Anderson in Houston and UAB in Birmingham. After going over the options with him, he told us to talk it over on our way home, which is a 3½ hour drive. He was pretty insistent that we call his office with our decision when we got back home. After talking, we decided to let him arrange for a consultation at MD Anderson. I called his office, and we will wait to hear back from him. Living With Cancer remains a part of life for now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sweet, amazing daughter is coming to terms with this phrase, too. (You can read about her journey <a href="http://themonkeyboysmama.blogspot.com/">here</a>.) Hearing those words cancer, malignant, carcinoma—and they apply to you—is terribly difficult. Not to mention the toll it takes on your family as they come to the reality that they too are a part of your journey. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could say she never dreamed to be on this road she’s walking. However, I think God saw fit to allow her to anticipate that this would some day be her journey. That, in itself, is amazing!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I was reading a passage in a devotional book by John Piper, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Life As a Vapor</u>. The passage was based on 2 Chronicles 30:1-12. He noted that in the verses the obedience of the people was based on a condition they must meet. Also, the obedience was a work of God that He produced in their hearts. He enabled them to meet the condition which would result in obedience. Piper said the Bible teaches two things: Many of the blessings of God are conditional upon our response of faith AND God Himself ultimately enables that response of faith and obedience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.” Isaiah 14:24; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Verses added by me.)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living With Cancer. It is not within ourselves to muster up the faith it takes to live that life day by day. We do not have the will to do it. God said in Jeremiah 29:11, “For 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”. As much as we think we can plan our life, God is the One who does the planning. Does it sound like cancer is a way to prosper me and not harm me? God says so. He made me in the first place. He chose for me to survive being born 2 months prematurely over 58 years ago…and he chose for cancer to be a part of my life…for His purposes. Part of those plans is to give me hope and a future. My hope is in Him, and He is ever faithful. A future, yes, I have a future. My future is not here. My life on this earth is limited, cancer or not. My future rests in spending eternity with Him one day. That future is based on the redeeming work of the Lord Jesus Christ that is summed up in this simple verse, John 3:16. Also, this one where my pastor preached from Sunday: "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this. I recently heard a message from my daughter’s pastor who is also dealing with cancer. He said, “Cancer <u>will</u> <u>never</u> have the last word in my life. <u>God</u> will.”</span><br />
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</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264467881360674650.post-6170308726906620592011-02-15T20:38:00.001-06:002011-02-28T21:30:49.399-06:00Snippets<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>"Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17 ESV</em></span> <br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>No event in your life is a mistake. I will use every circumstance to enrich your ministry and perfect your soul. (The Come Away My Beloved Devotional Book, Frances J. Roberts)</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a little devotional that was shared with me today by a friend before my <a href="http://themonkeyboysmama.blogspot.com/">daughter's</a> follow-up appointment. She got good news. The cancer is only in her breast, stage 1-2a. It is hormone receptor positive. The BRCA test for the hereditary gene was negative. It is easily treated with chemo. She will see the medical oncologist next Thursday. They will do chemo and see how the cancer responds to that before doing surgery. She said she will probably be a part of a clinical trial. They will use the same drugs, just different timing/variations. So I guess she will find out the schedule for chemo next week when she sees the oncologist. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is another "snippet" that God gave me on Sunday from a speaker at a women's conference I was attending. The speaker had been talking this weekend about us having a specific, personal assignment/agenda from God. Sunday her title was Broken Pieces. She said any assignment from God comes with resources from heaven, & we have full power with authority from heaven to fulfill that assignment. At the end of the session she lifted a necklace to show us. She said it was a Sea Jewel. It is broken glass that has been worn smooth by the sea or a body of water by the natural tumbling action of the tides, the waves, and the sand. Here is a paraphrase as I put the notes together of what she said: </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"God wants to make a sea jewel from breast cancer with the Living Water. Take God's assignment. It will come with authority to help others who will face this."</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I have been amazed at the ways God shows Himself through my circumstances, so have she and I as she embarks on this journey He has ordained for her to take with Him!</span>Daughter of the Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12516992880573115707noreply@blogger.com0