Warrior Mode Activated

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that, I still possess.” –Corrie ten Boom This Thanksgiving Day I have so very much to be thankful for! Chemo is DONE and I pray I never have to face it again. The chemo WORKED and the tumors are now undetectable! I made it through with no setbacks, which is a miracle in itself! I made a conscious decision once my emotions had calmed down from the shock of my diagnosis and that decision was to place this situation in God's hands. I knew there was no way I would ever be able to handle it otherwise, and I have been blessed beyond measure. The response to my illness, the outpouring of love and willingness to help, from family and friends, far and wide, has been overwhelming and humbling. The kids are home and they've been cooking today getting ready for tomorrow. I've not felt great and so they've taken over making some side dishes that they love. We are actua...

"Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them knowing we are not alone." ~ Pope Francis I've had several people recently tell me I am strong. I'm not. If there is any strength in me, it comes from God. After 4 months of wretched chemo, the only way I'm still standing is because I know that I am not alone. Every day I must make the conscious decision to place my faith and trust in God. I'm not claiming to have it all figured out. There are still days that I let fear take over. Thankfully, those days have gotten fewer and fewer. My prayer is that by being honest about my journey, it will help others facing trials.  It is Friday evening, November 16, 2018. On Monday, I will have my last chemo. I cannot wait for it to be over! Last night I had a horrible time trying to sleep. My fingers were hurting really bad and they kept falling asleep. I realized about 1am that it must be the effects of the last chemo. I have pra...

You may have heard the story about "Jesus With Skin On". It's about a child who is afraid to sleep alone on a dark and stormy night. She cries out to her mom who tells her that she needn't be afraid because Jesus is right beside her. The child replies, "But Mommy, right now I need Jesus with skin on!" I had my 7th chemo today. It went very well! There was a little blip that had to be addressed, but thankfully it didn't require me to postpone my treatment. I was sweating bullets over that one! My blood pressure today was only 85/60 and some markers on my labs indicated I was a bit dehydrated. After a raised eyebrow from the nurse and a caution from my Doctor that I needed to be drinking more fluids, my chemo was approved. Whew!! I really thought I drank more than ever the past 2 weeks. Oh well, I promise to do better these last 2 weeks because I want this to be OVER!! I am staying close to home the next couple of weeks because I cannot afford to get s...