Follow along as Marcia and her family walk this journey to healing from rectal cancer.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
What is chemo "really" like???
My dear friend blogged about our time together today so here you go:
Click on this link to read her post
Saturday, November 7, 2015
I cannot lose....
.....when I choose GRATITUDE. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I am reminded of all the things I have to be grateful for. These past few months have been a cycle of " on week, off week." I feels like chemo dictates a lot of our lives right now. Every other Tuesday comes around rather quickly. However, I feel as though God multiplies my time on my off weeks. I cherish getting out of the house and spending time with my family. I soak up the beautiful weather and love waking up to the birds singing out my window. It is a daily morning reminder that God has His eye on me ( and you)!
I have 7 chemo treatments done and 5 more to go. I'm over the hump! The doctor is happy with how I'm tolerating it. I get pretty tired and sleep a lot which is also a nice relief from the nausea. I'm also so grateful to say that I did not miss any of Kyle's soccer games- a wonderful diversion from feeling yucky!
An answer to prayer for us has been our health insurance. We thought that our plan would be discontinued at the end of this year and we would have to shop around. We got a notice about a month ago that the plan will continue till the end of 2016! Another sweet reminder that God cares and is watching out for us.
I feel as though we have been on the receiving end of things and it is very humbling . All the rides to chemo, all the meals, all the sweet notes of encouragement, all the house cleaning, all the hugs and prayers add up to a lot of LOVE! My family and especially Duane take care of me so much without receiving in return during my treatments. True love!!! Times like these you see the goodness of God in very tangible ways.
Psalm 119:116-117
Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; Do not let my hopes be dashed.
Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.
Love these verses! Jesus is sustaining me on this journey!
I want to ask you to pray for a friend ( her name is Carol) that I met this summer at a gathering of cancer survivors. She found out that her cancer is back and has to do more chemo. Pray for complete healing and peace for her and her family.
Other things to pray for :
-That me and my family would stay healthy
-That my blood counts would stay at a level that I can continue treatments
- That we would be at peace and stay close to Jesus
This past week at our Life Group we focused on Mark 4:35-41.
Jesus calms the storm. Have faith! He has it all under control!!
Blessings!
Marcia
I have 7 chemo treatments done and 5 more to go. I'm over the hump! The doctor is happy with how I'm tolerating it. I get pretty tired and sleep a lot which is also a nice relief from the nausea. I'm also so grateful to say that I did not miss any of Kyle's soccer games- a wonderful diversion from feeling yucky!
An answer to prayer for us has been our health insurance. We thought that our plan would be discontinued at the end of this year and we would have to shop around. We got a notice about a month ago that the plan will continue till the end of 2016! Another sweet reminder that God cares and is watching out for us.
I feel as though we have been on the receiving end of things and it is very humbling . All the rides to chemo, all the meals, all the sweet notes of encouragement, all the house cleaning, all the hugs and prayers add up to a lot of LOVE! My family and especially Duane take care of me so much without receiving in return during my treatments. True love!!! Times like these you see the goodness of God in very tangible ways.
Psalm 119:116-117
Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; Do not let my hopes be dashed.
Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.
Love these verses! Jesus is sustaining me on this journey!
I want to ask you to pray for a friend ( her name is Carol) that I met this summer at a gathering of cancer survivors. She found out that her cancer is back and has to do more chemo. Pray for complete healing and peace for her and her family.
Other things to pray for :
-That me and my family would stay healthy
-That my blood counts would stay at a level that I can continue treatments
- That we would be at peace and stay close to Jesus
This past week at our Life Group we focused on Mark 4:35-41.
Jesus calms the storm. Have faith! He has it all under control!!
Blessings!
Marcia
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
More "Take Her A Meal" opportunities! :)
Hello to all of Marcia Stauffer's faithful blogger readers!!
Marcia is on her last 3 months of chemo!!!
If all goes as planned she should be done by Jan. 5th!!!
I want to finish strong in supporting her and the whole Stauffer family! So there is a new meal schedule with more dates open for those who would like to bless them with a meal!
click on the link below to sign up:
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=KEYA2647
Thank you soooo much for loving on Marcia in this way! <3
I know the whole family really appreciates all the meals!
Marcia is on her last 3 months of chemo!!!
If all goes as planned she should be done by Jan. 5th!!!
I want to finish strong in supporting her and the whole Stauffer family! So there is a new meal schedule with more dates open for those who would like to bless them with a meal!
click on the link below to sign up:
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=KEYA2647
Thank you soooo much for loving on Marcia in this way! <3
I know the whole family really appreciates all the meals!
Monday, August 31, 2015
Oh Happy Day...
.....my lung nodule went away!! Just a quick update. I had an unplanned chest CT scan on my trip to the ER for chest pain. Today I met with Dr. Balepur and he told me that the nodule in my lung went away! We do not know exactly what it was but I am rejoicing because it is an answer to prayer!!!
He decided to lower my chemo dosage by 10% and hopefully my blood counts will not drop so drastically for the duration of my treatments and there will be no more trips to the ER!
Thank you for your continued prayers! Tomorrow I go for my third round of chemo!
2 Corinthians 4:13-18 The Message
We’re not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, “I believed it, so I said it,” we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
Amen!!
Marcia
He decided to lower my chemo dosage by 10% and hopefully my blood counts will not drop so drastically for the duration of my treatments and there will be no more trips to the ER!
Thank you for your continued prayers! Tomorrow I go for my third round of chemo!
2 Corinthians 4:13-18 The Message
We’re not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, “I believed it, so I said it,” we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
Amen!!
Marcia
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
2 down...
...and 10 more to go! Last Thursday I finished my second round of chemo. I'm tolerating them fairly well. I feel pretty yucky and tired for about 4 days during and after the treatment ends and have some weird ( but normal) side effects. Mostly, I deal with nausea, fatigue, neuropathy in my fingertips and throat when I touch something cold. This requires me to drink my liquids at room temp. As you can imagine, not super appealing. I'm getting creative to keep my self hydrated!!
My WBC was lower than the doctor wanted so they gave me a shot on Friday to boost it and it worked! I know that because I ended up in the ER at LGH on Sunday night with severe chest pain, throbbing heart and a rapid pulse rate.They did blood work and a bunch of tests on my heart and everything checked out fine. We are still not sure what caused it but it is possibly an uncommon side effect from the shot or from the chemo.
They kept me overnight for observation and got me hydrated. I'm just so thankful for caring doctors and nurses on this journey. I think I say it every time but it means so much to be cared for when you are sick!
I am really enjoying the weeks I have off from chemo! I cherish the normal things in life like being able to cook and clean and help my kids with their school work. We even had a great camping trip 2 weeks ago that was so relaxing. We were out the night of the meteor shower. Such a joy to witness all the beauty in God's creation and be together as a family. I feel as though God is providing extra special treats for us on this journey and I am continuing to witness that God is able to take a terrible thing and turn it into something good. I'm believing that we will be able to testify to so much more of this in the coming months! Only God can do that!
Suffering is never a pleasant thing. We all experience it to some degree at some time in our life. It is part of the fallen world we live in. Yet, I believe it is God's desire to bring heaven to earth as we go through these trials. He is showing Himself faithful to us in so many ways. We are so encouraged by all the people praying for us, bringing us meals, cleaning our house ( Mom!!!), taking me to treatments and showering us with gifts and love! We could not do it without you and it means the world to us!
We love you!
Marcia for all
My WBC was lower than the doctor wanted so they gave me a shot on Friday to boost it and it worked! I know that because I ended up in the ER at LGH on Sunday night with severe chest pain, throbbing heart and a rapid pulse rate.They did blood work and a bunch of tests on my heart and everything checked out fine. We are still not sure what caused it but it is possibly an uncommon side effect from the shot or from the chemo.
They kept me overnight for observation and got me hydrated. I'm just so thankful for caring doctors and nurses on this journey. I think I say it every time but it means so much to be cared for when you are sick!
I am really enjoying the weeks I have off from chemo! I cherish the normal things in life like being able to cook and clean and help my kids with their school work. We even had a great camping trip 2 weeks ago that was so relaxing. We were out the night of the meteor shower. Such a joy to witness all the beauty in God's creation and be together as a family. I feel as though God is providing extra special treats for us on this journey and I am continuing to witness that God is able to take a terrible thing and turn it into something good. I'm believing that we will be able to testify to so much more of this in the coming months! Only God can do that!
Suffering is never a pleasant thing. We all experience it to some degree at some time in our life. It is part of the fallen world we live in. Yet, I believe it is God's desire to bring heaven to earth as we go through these trials. He is showing Himself faithful to us in so many ways. We are so encouraged by all the people praying for us, bringing us meals, cleaning our house ( Mom!!!), taking me to treatments and showering us with gifts and love! We could not do it without you and it means the world to us!
We love you!
Marcia for all
Monday, July 27, 2015
Take them a meal :)
This is Lynnea:
So Marcia starts chemo on Aug. 4th I thought it would be a blessing and a huge help to their family if we would do another meal schedule and bless the Stauffer gang during this time.
Marcia will have 6 months of chemo but I only have 3 months of dates listed on the meal schedule. Once we get closer to October I will add more dates to get us through till January.There will be lots of opportunity to take a meal. :)
She thought meals on Tuesday and Thursday's will be enough...but we will see how she is feeling and may add more as needed.
THANK YOU.....I know they appreciate it so much and feel so loved. <3
Click the link below to sign up:
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=KEYA2647
So Marcia starts chemo on Aug. 4th I thought it would be a blessing and a huge help to their family if we would do another meal schedule and bless the Stauffer gang during this time.
Marcia will have 6 months of chemo but I only have 3 months of dates listed on the meal schedule. Once we get closer to October I will add more dates to get us through till January.There will be lots of opportunity to take a meal. :)
She thought meals on Tuesday and Thursday's will be enough...but we will see how she is feeling and may add more as needed.
THANK YOU.....I know they appreciate it so much and feel so loved. <3
Click the link below to sign up:
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=KEYA2647
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
I am Free...
.... In Jesus Name. This is the name of a song by Darlene Zschech. She battled cancer and takes a moment to pray for others during this song who are fighting cancer as well. The words of this song are a very powerful declaration. I love hearing my girls walk around the house singing this!
"In Jesus' Name"
"In Jesus' Name"
God is fighting for us,
God is on our side
He has overcome,
Yes He has overcome
We will not be shaken,
We will not be moved
Jesus You are here
[x2]
Carrying our burdens,
Covering our shame
He has overcome,
Yes He has overcome
We will not be shaken,
We will not be moved
Jesus You are here
I will live, I will not die
The resurrection power of Christ
Alive in me and I am free
In Jesus' Name
I will live, I will not die
I will declare and lift You high,
Christ revealed and I am healed
In Jesus' Name
God is fighting for us,
Pushing back the darkness
Lighting up the Kingdom
That cannot be shaken
In the Name of Jesus,
Enemy's defeated
And we will shout it out,
Shout it out
[repeat]
I'm making good progress with my surgery recovery. The soreness has become much less over the last week. My ileostomy is working well and is also healing nicely. Friday it will be 4 weeks since surgery! My energy level is still not back to normal but my family is picking up the slack nicely! I'm just so thankful to have wonderful family and friends to cover us in prayer and help us on this journey!
God is on our side
He has overcome,
Yes He has overcome
We will not be shaken,
We will not be moved
Jesus You are here
[x2]
Carrying our burdens,
Covering our shame
He has overcome,
Yes He has overcome
We will not be shaken,
We will not be moved
Jesus You are here
I will live, I will not die
The resurrection power of Christ
Alive in me and I am free
In Jesus' Name
I will live, I will not die
I will declare and lift You high,
Christ revealed and I am healed
In Jesus' Name
God is fighting for us,
Pushing back the darkness
Lighting up the Kingdom
That cannot be shaken
In the Name of Jesus,
Enemy's defeated
And we will shout it out,
Shout it out
[repeat]
I'm making good progress with my surgery recovery. The soreness has become much less over the last week. My ileostomy is working well and is also healing nicely. Friday it will be 4 weeks since surgery! My energy level is still not back to normal but my family is picking up the slack nicely! I'm just so thankful to have wonderful family and friends to cover us in prayer and help us on this journey!
Monday, July 6, 2015
After a week in the hospital...
...it is so good to be home. After a few days at home....I'm buggy. Ha Ha!! Well, it is still very good to be home. I am now 11 days post op and I'm getting stronger each day. I still sleep a lot and just am focused on eating healthy, resting and taking care of me. I went nearly a week without much sustenance so my body had to get used to eating again. I still have some intense belly aches at times but they are becoming less and less. I'm not in pain other than the usual tender belly and bottom from things being rearranged in there. The Drs are very pleased with my progress. I'm still waiting on the pathology and CT scan results.
I would have to say the recovery was more difficult than I imagined and I'm so glad the surgery is behind me. I know I was able to be peaceful through it all because of your prayers and just trusting God for each moment. I spent an hour one night commanding gas to come out of my belly in Jesus name!! Imagine 5 days of farts trapped inside your already bloated belly. Yeah! Not pleasant! I told Duane I would rather have 5 babies than go through that again!
My Mom brought the girls to see me every day. One afternoon when I was feeling miserable, they prayed over me for the bloating to go away. Soon after that things started moving. Precious times to see them growing in their faith and helping to take such good care of me.
Yesterday I was feeling discouraged and was hitting God with the why questions. Today the title of my devotions was "Coping With Life's Challenges". Life is a set of challenges. We are tempted to see these challenges as preventing us from carrying out the ministry that God has given us. In fact, dealing with the problems is the ministry. (Bible in a year)
Right now, my ministry is continuing to walk in gratitude and trust God in each moment.
You may never know, in this life, how God uses your faithfulness in the face of challenges.
Today, I'm encouraged to keep on keeping on. God can and will use all this stuff for good. May He be glorified!!
I took the world off your shoulders, freed you from a life of hard labor.
You called to me in your pain;
I got you out of a bad place
The Message
Psalm 81:6-7
Lots of love!
Marcia
I would have to say the recovery was more difficult than I imagined and I'm so glad the surgery is behind me. I know I was able to be peaceful through it all because of your prayers and just trusting God for each moment. I spent an hour one night commanding gas to come out of my belly in Jesus name!! Imagine 5 days of farts trapped inside your already bloated belly. Yeah! Not pleasant! I told Duane I would rather have 5 babies than go through that again!
My Mom brought the girls to see me every day. One afternoon when I was feeling miserable, they prayed over me for the bloating to go away. Soon after that things started moving. Precious times to see them growing in their faith and helping to take such good care of me.
Yesterday I was feeling discouraged and was hitting God with the why questions. Today the title of my devotions was "Coping With Life's Challenges". Life is a set of challenges. We are tempted to see these challenges as preventing us from carrying out the ministry that God has given us. In fact, dealing with the problems is the ministry. (Bible in a year)
Right now, my ministry is continuing to walk in gratitude and trust God in each moment.
You may never know, in this life, how God uses your faithfulness in the face of challenges.
Today, I'm encouraged to keep on keeping on. God can and will use all this stuff for good. May He be glorified!!
I took the world off your shoulders, freed you from a life of hard labor.
You called to me in your pain;
I got you out of a bad place
The Message
Psalm 81:6-7
Lots of love!
Marcia
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
A long road....
This is Lynnea:
Marcia had a good day yesterday and felt the best she felt since the surgery!
At 5:30 last night the family gathered for a training session on how to care for her illi bag. It was a bit surreal. It was something you never thought you would be doing/getting together for. But it was so sweet and special to see her family rally around her and be interested and caring on how to care for Marcia during this season. (I was just there to take notes and observe.)
But this morning Marcia texted me and needs our prayers. Pray that this bloating will GO AWAY. In Jesus name. She felt very uncomfortable again overnight and I think is just over it all.
In terms of this surgery recovery she is doing really good. This is all "normal" but that doesn't make it any easier.
Duane is able to hang out with her today (which I think will lift her spirits, I know just having your hubby there is comforting) and she is hoping that things will start moving better and she is HOPEFUL that she can maybe come home tomorrow.
But the bloating/pressure has to subside and her illi has to start having more solid discharge (not just bile) and she has to be drinking enough on her own so she doesn't get dehydrated.
Thanks for your continue prayers and concern and thank you for those who have signed up for meals. The family is very appreciative of them and there will be more opportunity in 6 weeks when chemo starts to love on them more! :)
Marcia had a good day yesterday and felt the best she felt since the surgery!
At 5:30 last night the family gathered for a training session on how to care for her illi bag. It was a bit surreal. It was something you never thought you would be doing/getting together for. But it was so sweet and special to see her family rally around her and be interested and caring on how to care for Marcia during this season. (I was just there to take notes and observe.)
But this morning Marcia texted me and needs our prayers. Pray that this bloating will GO AWAY. In Jesus name. She felt very uncomfortable again overnight and I think is just over it all.
In terms of this surgery recovery she is doing really good. This is all "normal" but that doesn't make it any easier.
Duane is able to hang out with her today (which I think will lift her spirits, I know just having your hubby there is comforting) and she is hoping that things will start moving better and she is HOPEFUL that she can maybe come home tomorrow.
But the bloating/pressure has to subside and her illi has to start having more solid discharge (not just bile) and she has to be drinking enough on her own so she doesn't get dehydrated.
Thanks for your continue prayers and concern and thank you for those who have signed up for meals. The family is very appreciative of them and there will be more opportunity in 6 weeks when chemo starts to love on them more! :)
Monday, June 29, 2015
Noises!
From Lynnea:
It is hard seeing your friend in so much pain and discomfort. I wish I could take this away from her.
The best thing we can all do is pray for her....I know that sounds so "simple" but she cherishes those prayers for specific things and she knows it is helping!
Pray for a good nights sleep and that her bloating and pressure will subside.
She is experiencing LOTS of bloating and pressure in her belly. But her illi bag started to "burp" this afternoon....which is a very positive sign. That means the air is leaving her body and that gave her some relief.
She did sit and eat a little broth and hot tea tonight which was encouraging! Hopefully tomorrow she can move on to thicken liquids. (Doesn't she look amazing for not showering in 4 days?!?!?)
The doctor says that she is "right on schedule." So I guess that is good....but Marcia would say these last few days have been the worst days she has ever had. She didn't realize/grasp how hard this kind of surgery was going to be. But by God's grace she is keeping a positive attitude through it all.
It is hard seeing your friend in so much pain and discomfort. I wish I could take this away from her.
The best thing we can all do is pray for her....I know that sounds so "simple" but she cherishes those prayers for specific things and she knows it is helping!
Pray for a good nights sleep and that her bloating and pressure will subside.
She is experiencing LOTS of bloating and pressure in her belly. But her illi bag started to "burp" this afternoon....which is a very positive sign. That means the air is leaving her body and that gave her some relief.
She did sit and eat a little broth and hot tea tonight which was encouraging! Hopefully tomorrow she can move on to thicken liquids. (Doesn't she look amazing for not showering in 4 days?!?!?)
The doctor says that she is "right on schedule." So I guess that is good....but Marcia would say these last few days have been the worst days she has ever had. She didn't realize/grasp how hard this kind of surgery was going to be. But by God's grace she is keeping a positive attitude through it all.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Small Update
Lynnea again:
I texted Marcia today and it sounds like she is in a bit less pain....which is encouraging!
But she is so very tired and wiped out that she isn't up to any visitors at this time.
Please continue to pray for her and for her family as they are missing their queen.
Marcia was able to get up a walk for a bit this morning...so that is another positive praise report!
She sees her surgeon tomorrow so she most likely will have more of an idea of how long she will be in the hospital for after he assess her progress.
Blessings!
I texted Marcia today and it sounds like she is in a bit less pain....which is encouraging!
But she is so very tired and wiped out that she isn't up to any visitors at this time.
Please continue to pray for her and for her family as they are missing their queen.
Marcia was able to get up a walk for a bit this morning...so that is another positive praise report!
She sees her surgeon tomorrow so she most likely will have more of an idea of how long she will be in the hospital for after he assess her progress.
Blessings!
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Prayer Points
Lynnea again:
I was able to see Marcia this morning and she is in good spirits. She needs to rest and let her body heal but the doctor is happy with her progress.
The doctor wanted her to get up and try and sit in the chair today and she almost passed out. She is very bloated and tender and is pushing the morphine pump! So you can pray for that the pain will be controlled and that she can get a solid nights sleep.
Pray that her bowels will start working, the illio bag is working but she is just passing bile at this time.
She is drowsy but her positive spirit shines through. She is amazing and I'm so very proud of her!
She is happy to have this part of the journey over with.
She told me she feels very loved and cared for and she appreciates the prayers so much.
I was able to see Marcia this morning and she is in good spirits. She needs to rest and let her body heal but the doctor is happy with her progress.
The doctor wanted her to get up and try and sit in the chair today and she almost passed out. She is very bloated and tender and is pushing the morphine pump! So you can pray for that the pain will be controlled and that she can get a solid nights sleep.
Pray that her bowels will start working, the illio bag is working but she is just passing bile at this time.
She is drowsy but her positive spirit shines through. She is amazing and I'm so very proud of her!
She is happy to have this part of the journey over with.
She told me she feels very loved and cared for and she appreciates the prayers so much.
Friday, June 26, 2015
In recovery
This is Lynnea updating for Marcia while she is in the hospital:
Marcia's surgery started around 2:00 and lasted about 4 hours.
The surgeon took out about a foot of her colon and the lymph nodes surrounding it and it all is being sent away to pathology. We should have those results in about a week.
It sounded like the surgery part all went smoothly. She has her ileostomy bag in now and will have that for about 6 months.
She will be in the hospital for about 3-7 days.
Of course everyone is praying and hoping for 3 days!
The whole family appreciates the prayers and love for them during this time.
His eye is on her!
Marcia's surgery started around 2:00 and lasted about 4 hours.
The surgeon took out about a foot of her colon and the lymph nodes surrounding it and it all is being sent away to pathology. We should have those results in about a week.
It sounded like the surgery part all went smoothly. She has her ileostomy bag in now and will have that for about 6 months.
She will be in the hospital for about 3-7 days.
Of course everyone is praying and hoping for 3 days!
The whole family appreciates the prayers and love for them during this time.
His eye is on her!
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Providence...
...means God's foresight: the way He anticipates and prepares for the future. It is the protective care of God. It is the way He guides and steers your life personally. In all the circumstances of your life and the events going on around you, you can trust in the providence of God.
Taken from my "Bible in One Year "app
Providence. This is my word for today.
This morning I met with a lung specialist to discuss a nodule in my right lung that showed up on the PET scan back in February. It was 5mm in Feb and shrank to 2mm on the May CT scan. They do not know what it is but it is suspicious because it shrank during chemo. It could be a fungal infection or it could be cancer. It is very tiny and therefore they cannot biopsy it. The only way to really know what it is would be to have lung surgery and remove it.
At this point, the plan is to watch it. If it grows, it needs to come out. This would mean surgery on my right lung to remove the whole bottom lobe. It is major surgery and would require a week stay in the hospital.
If it stays the same or disappears they will rescan me periodically to monitor it. I am due for another scan the beginning of July.
As you can see....all of this is in the hands of God and totally out of my control. I share this so you can be in prayer that God will completely heal me. He knows best, how to bring that about. Pray for wisdom for the doctors. Pray for the PEACE of God that passes all understanding to rest on me and my family. God sees everything and He knows everything. He knows the future and already has a plan in place for me.
Divine Providence (according to Wikipedia)- God's extraordinary intervention in the life of people!
aka Miracles!
I'll take it!!
Job 10:12 You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.
I love you Jesus!
His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over me!
Marcia
Taken from my "Bible in One Year "app
Providence. This is my word for today.
This morning I met with a lung specialist to discuss a nodule in my right lung that showed up on the PET scan back in February. It was 5mm in Feb and shrank to 2mm on the May CT scan. They do not know what it is but it is suspicious because it shrank during chemo. It could be a fungal infection or it could be cancer. It is very tiny and therefore they cannot biopsy it. The only way to really know what it is would be to have lung surgery and remove it.
At this point, the plan is to watch it. If it grows, it needs to come out. This would mean surgery on my right lung to remove the whole bottom lobe. It is major surgery and would require a week stay in the hospital.
If it stays the same or disappears they will rescan me periodically to monitor it. I am due for another scan the beginning of July.
As you can see....all of this is in the hands of God and totally out of my control. I share this so you can be in prayer that God will completely heal me. He knows best, how to bring that about. Pray for wisdom for the doctors. Pray for the PEACE of God that passes all understanding to rest on me and my family. God sees everything and He knows everything. He knows the future and already has a plan in place for me.
Divine Providence (according to Wikipedia)- God's extraordinary intervention in the life of people!
aka Miracles!
I'll take it!!
Job 10:12 You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.
I love you Jesus!
His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over me!
Marcia
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Be anxious for nothing....
...but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus! Phil. 4:6-7
It has been awhile since I blogged! I've been busy jamming my summer into one month and oh what fun it has been! These past weeks hold many sweet memories and it feels good to have phase one behind me!
I'm so thankful for:
1. Energy!!! I appreciate being able to cook and clean again believe it or not!
2.A wonderful family vacation at Raystown. I even squeezed in some water skiing! Such a peaceful place to be!
3.The end of the school year and more free time!
4.Many precious birthday celebrations from breakfast parties to pedicures, lots of presents! Hobby Lobby shopping, lunch with friends, dinner with family and lots of laughter! I felt quite spoiled, loved on and blessed!
5.Adrienne's new job.
6.A bigger work van for Duane. He is having fun getting it all set up.
7.Kyle's job and that he can help Duane out when needed.
8.Summer! My favorite time as I get a break from homeschooling and can catch up on housework and projects.
9. Unhurried mornings to meet with Jesus.
I cherish these gifts and so many more!!
There are times when anxiety and fear want to creep in as I think about the future. Fear of the unknown and the reality of the changes that will be taking place in my body occupy my thoughts. Add hormonal changes to that and you get a very interesting mix of emotions! Mostly tears! I'm so thankful for friends and family who understand. I know that it is very normal to feel this way. The best cure is to continue to feed on God's word. His words are truth and I'm so thankful to have something to hold me firmly. He is my anchor in all of this!
My surgery is scheduled for Friday, June 26th. They will resection my bowel and will give me a temporary ileostomy. It will probably be about a 3 hour surgery and I'll be in the hospital for 4-5 days. Some days the waiting seems long and I just want to get it over with but I'm sure it will be here before I know it!
For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord...
Jeremiah 30:17a
God is challenging me to speak His word over myself daily. Isaiah 55:11 says, " So is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." This season of my life has caused me to dig into God's word even more. That and your prayers enable me to walk in peace when the fears come. The more I dig into the Word I see that it is full of power, life and good news and promises!
Laughter is so refreshing and I pray that this next phase holds lots of it! I'll just say in advance, that if I fart, fluffer or toot in your presence, I'm sorry, I can't help it.
I know you are either laughing or totally grossed out...oh well. Get used to it.
Thanks for your prayers and love!
Marcia
It has been awhile since I blogged! I've been busy jamming my summer into one month and oh what fun it has been! These past weeks hold many sweet memories and it feels good to have phase one behind me!
I'm so thankful for:
1. Energy!!! I appreciate being able to cook and clean again believe it or not!
2.A wonderful family vacation at Raystown. I even squeezed in some water skiing! Such a peaceful place to be!
3.The end of the school year and more free time!
4.Many precious birthday celebrations from breakfast parties to pedicures, lots of presents! Hobby Lobby shopping, lunch with friends, dinner with family and lots of laughter! I felt quite spoiled, loved on and blessed!
5.Adrienne's new job.
6.A bigger work van for Duane. He is having fun getting it all set up.
7.Kyle's job and that he can help Duane out when needed.
8.Summer! My favorite time as I get a break from homeschooling and can catch up on housework and projects.
9. Unhurried mornings to meet with Jesus.
I cherish these gifts and so many more!!
There are times when anxiety and fear want to creep in as I think about the future. Fear of the unknown and the reality of the changes that will be taking place in my body occupy my thoughts. Add hormonal changes to that and you get a very interesting mix of emotions! Mostly tears! I'm so thankful for friends and family who understand. I know that it is very normal to feel this way. The best cure is to continue to feed on God's word. His words are truth and I'm so thankful to have something to hold me firmly. He is my anchor in all of this!
My surgery is scheduled for Friday, June 26th. They will resection my bowel and will give me a temporary ileostomy. It will probably be about a 3 hour surgery and I'll be in the hospital for 4-5 days. Some days the waiting seems long and I just want to get it over with but I'm sure it will be here before I know it!
For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord...
Jeremiah 30:17a
God is challenging me to speak His word over myself daily. Isaiah 55:11 says, " So is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." This season of my life has caused me to dig into God's word even more. That and your prayers enable me to walk in peace when the fears come. The more I dig into the Word I see that it is full of power, life and good news and promises!
Laughter is so refreshing and I pray that this next phase holds lots of it! I'll just say in advance, that if I fart, fluffer or toot in your presence, I'm sorry, I can't help it.
I know you are either laughing or totally grossed out...oh well. Get used to it.
Thanks for your prayers and love!
Marcia
Thursday, May 7, 2015
To God be the Glory....
...great things He has done!! I am now one week post radiation and chemo and I feel so much better!! The nausea is gone and my energy is coming back. On Sunday I went for a three mile walk by the river with my family! It was a slow go but it felt so good to be outside getting some exercise! I am slowly transitioning from a low fiber diet to adding some fresh fruits and vegetables. I still need to take Imodium till my GI tract heals.
Yesterday I met with the surgeon. I will have surgery sometime mid to end of June to remove the part of my bowel that had cancer. They will also remove some of my lymph nodes and send it all to pathology. It will be laparoscopic surgery which made me very happy (no big incision) but I will also need an ileostomy for 4-6ish months, which did not make me very happy ( poop in a bag from a stoma on my abdomen). Woo hoo! I'm looking at about a week stay in the hospital to make sure everything is working properly. I will then heal for 4-6 weeks before I start more chemotherapy. The ileostomy will be reversed after I'm done with Chemo.
I would be lying if I said these things excited me. I'm laughing as I type this because it just helps. A few hours ago I was crying about it. It is all part of this process. Emotions are real and so is the faithfulness of God!
My devotions today just hit the nail on the head! This is from Jesus Calling on May 7.
If you learn to trust me - really trust me with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from my Peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me. This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you. Joseph was a prime example of this divine reversal, declaring to his brothers: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." Genesis 50:20a
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. Fear no evil, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter.
What a great word! I feel as though God is asking me not to dread the future but to focus on the fact that, come what may, He is with me all the way! Everything within me wants to escape these unpleasant experiences but I do not want to escape the loving arms of Jesus who will carry me through! What an amazing God we serve. The same God who bottles my tears challenges me to trust Him with my whole being. The same Jesus who bore all my sickness and disease is healing me! I choose by God's grace and your prayers to walk this journey full of faith, trust and peace!! I want to experience Gods' divine reversal on this journey.
The month of May holds some special stuff and I'm soaking it all up- Mothers Day, my birthday, time away with Duane, a day to spend with my dear friend, family vacation and the sweetness of a God who loves me and will never leave my side!
Blessings to you this day! May you experience the love of God whatever you are facing!
Marcia
Yesterday I met with the surgeon. I will have surgery sometime mid to end of June to remove the part of my bowel that had cancer. They will also remove some of my lymph nodes and send it all to pathology. It will be laparoscopic surgery which made me very happy (no big incision) but I will also need an ileostomy for 4-6ish months, which did not make me very happy ( poop in a bag from a stoma on my abdomen). Woo hoo! I'm looking at about a week stay in the hospital to make sure everything is working properly. I will then heal for 4-6 weeks before I start more chemotherapy. The ileostomy will be reversed after I'm done with Chemo.
I would be lying if I said these things excited me. I'm laughing as I type this because it just helps. A few hours ago I was crying about it. It is all part of this process. Emotions are real and so is the faithfulness of God!
My devotions today just hit the nail on the head! This is from Jesus Calling on May 7.
If you learn to trust me - really trust me with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from my Peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me. This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you. Joseph was a prime example of this divine reversal, declaring to his brothers: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." Genesis 50:20a
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. Fear no evil, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter.
What a great word! I feel as though God is asking me not to dread the future but to focus on the fact that, come what may, He is with me all the way! Everything within me wants to escape these unpleasant experiences but I do not want to escape the loving arms of Jesus who will carry me through! What an amazing God we serve. The same God who bottles my tears challenges me to trust Him with my whole being. The same Jesus who bore all my sickness and disease is healing me! I choose by God's grace and your prayers to walk this journey full of faith, trust and peace!! I want to experience Gods' divine reversal on this journey.
The month of May holds some special stuff and I'm soaking it all up- Mothers Day, my birthday, time away with Duane, a day to spend with my dear friend, family vacation and the sweetness of a God who loves me and will never leave my side!
Blessings to you this day! May you experience the love of God whatever you are facing!
Marcia
Saturday, April 25, 2015
24 down....
...and 4 more to go!! Ahh! I'm ready for a BREAK! God has been so good on this journey. I know He is with me moment by moment, but the end of this phase is in sight, and it just can't come soon enough. I don't really feel good most of the time. The past week I've been really tired and by mid afternoon I'm not good for much other than sleeping on the sofa. So thankful for those of you who are feeding us, cleaning my house and driving me to treatment!
I do feel confident that the treatments are doing their job. I feel different. What I'm suffering now seems to be more the side effects of radiation and chemo rather than the cancer itself. I'm so thankful that God is working on my behalf and healing me!
So many Psalms speak to me in this time. David was so honest at expressing His feelings but I love that he always ends on a positive note reminding himself of God's goodness and faithfulness in the face of suffering.
Psalm 31:14 is one the many verses that bless me in this time.
Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God!
Hour by hour I place my days in your hand,
safe from the hands (cancer) out to get me.
Warm me, your servant with a smile;
save me because you love me!
We definitely do feel so loved and have been warmed by many smiles! This Sunday we have plans to go see Tim Hawkins at The Worship Center. We are ready for some fun and laughter. We planned this way before we knew I had cancer. Please pray that I will be able to go and enjoy it! I plan to do everything within my power to be rested up but some "higher power help" would be nice too!
We don't really know any specific details about the next phases of my treatment yet. The month of May will hold more Dr. appts and planning. It will also be a time for me to heal, gain strength and take a vacation with my family!...oh and turn 42 years old! :)
Blessings to you all! Thank you for your prayers! I'm gonna go snuggle on the sofa!
Marcia
I do feel confident that the treatments are doing their job. I feel different. What I'm suffering now seems to be more the side effects of radiation and chemo rather than the cancer itself. I'm so thankful that God is working on my behalf and healing me!
So many Psalms speak to me in this time. David was so honest at expressing His feelings but I love that he always ends on a positive note reminding himself of God's goodness and faithfulness in the face of suffering.
Psalm 31:14 is one the many verses that bless me in this time.
Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God!
Hour by hour I place my days in your hand,
safe from the hands (cancer) out to get me.
Warm me, your servant with a smile;
save me because you love me!
We definitely do feel so loved and have been warmed by many smiles! This Sunday we have plans to go see Tim Hawkins at The Worship Center. We are ready for some fun and laughter. We planned this way before we knew I had cancer. Please pray that I will be able to go and enjoy it! I plan to do everything within my power to be rested up but some "higher power help" would be nice too!
We don't really know any specific details about the next phases of my treatment yet. The month of May will hold more Dr. appts and planning. It will also be a time for me to heal, gain strength and take a vacation with my family!...oh and turn 42 years old! :)
Blessings to you all! Thank you for your prayers! I'm gonna go snuggle on the sofa!
Marcia
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Faith is...
..not wishful thinking or believing what you know isn't true. Instead, it is the conviction that God will always do what He promises to do, regardless of the circumstances. Faith proclaims the trustworthiness of God and His complete and willing ability to do what we cannot.
This comes out of a little devotional called "Time for God with Mothers". I love that definition of faith! I am just reminded over and over again how much God wants us to totally trust Him with our lives and that He is totally trustworthy! It is impossible for God to be unfaithful or untrustworthy! He cannot be those things! Let that sink in and build your faith!
I'll be honest, I've sort of been dreading these next 3 weeks and the possible side effects. The doctors say the effects of chemo and radiation are cumulative. It feels a bit like waiting for a bomb to drop.
However, God is giving me grace for each moment and taking away my fear of the unknown. I'm praying that the opposite will be true...that I feel better and better the closer I am to the finish line! Sixteen down and twelve more to go!
My WBC actually came up a bit which is an answer to prayer! I'm enjoying lying on the trampoline these sunny days to boost my Vit D levels which also boosts my immune system. My RBC went down a little so I sent Kyle and Valerie to the store for some steak. It is tricky sticking to a low fiber diet but it is worth it cuz I feel so much better when I do. I am being very intentional about napping every day and not pushing myself. Duane and the kids have been great at running the house.
We are just so thankful for everyone who has blessed us with meals, gifts, transportation and prayers! You are the hands and feet of Jesus! Going to treatment is so much more FUN when you can spend the time with your girlfriends!! I am looking forward to summer and feeling good and having a break from treatments. I am also trying to savor this time and the sweet presence of Jesus as I rest and heal. I will be patient. This is a small part of my journey in the grand scheme of life and I do not want to miss anything that Jesus has for me!
I love you all and have a fabulous day!!
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
This comes out of a little devotional called "Time for God with Mothers". I love that definition of faith! I am just reminded over and over again how much God wants us to totally trust Him with our lives and that He is totally trustworthy! It is impossible for God to be unfaithful or untrustworthy! He cannot be those things! Let that sink in and build your faith!
I'll be honest, I've sort of been dreading these next 3 weeks and the possible side effects. The doctors say the effects of chemo and radiation are cumulative. It feels a bit like waiting for a bomb to drop.
However, God is giving me grace for each moment and taking away my fear of the unknown. I'm praying that the opposite will be true...that I feel better and better the closer I am to the finish line! Sixteen down and twelve more to go!
My WBC actually came up a bit which is an answer to prayer! I'm enjoying lying on the trampoline these sunny days to boost my Vit D levels which also boosts my immune system. My RBC went down a little so I sent Kyle and Valerie to the store for some steak. It is tricky sticking to a low fiber diet but it is worth it cuz I feel so much better when I do. I am being very intentional about napping every day and not pushing myself. Duane and the kids have been great at running the house.
We are just so thankful for everyone who has blessed us with meals, gifts, transportation and prayers! You are the hands and feet of Jesus! Going to treatment is so much more FUN when you can spend the time with your girlfriends!! I am looking forward to summer and feeling good and having a break from treatments. I am also trying to savor this time and the sweet presence of Jesus as I rest and heal. I will be patient. This is a small part of my journey in the grand scheme of life and I do not want to miss anything that Jesus has for me!
I love you all and have a fabulous day!!
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Strength for today....
...and bright hope for tomorrow! God is continuing to meet me on this journey. Last week I was feeling a bit blue, hormonal, sad...you get the idea. I was driving alone to meet Duane so we could ride to treatment together. I was telling the Lord how yucky I was feeling and was feeling bad about my attitude. I said out loud, " I just want to hear my song." The words were barely out of my mouth when the music to "His Eye is on the Sparrow" came on WJTL. Of course, I started crying tears of wonder and joy. It was just a very small (big to me!) reminder that God will never leave me. He hears my every prayer! He is covering me with His wings and taking care of every detail of everything!!! He is my Father, He is faithful and He is trustworthy!
I've also had the opportunity to meet with some dear ladies who are gifted in prophetic ministry and healing. God has been impressing on my heart that He cares deeply about every aspect of our health- emotional, mental, spiritual and physical. To be ministered to in a very personal way is a precious thing and truly a gift from the Lord on this journey!
I am continuing to tolerate the treatments pretty well. I am very careful about eating low fiber foods which help to manage (along with Imodium) diarrhea. My insides are a bit tender and I'm a bit more tired but over all the Dr. is very pleased. They will continue to monitor my WBC to make sure it does not go too low. My motto is one day at a time.
Everybody has a story. Waiting for radiation is a bit sad knowing that every person who comes in is battling cancer in some shape or form. Some look very sickly. I often wonder if they have a caring family, someone to bring them, and if they know that Jesus loves them very much! Opportunities are all around us and we all have something to give. The nurses show such compassion and understanding. That is a ministry in itself. They understand that none of us ever wished for this.
That said, I'm so thankful that such a place exists to care for us and that God uses the Drs. and nurses to bring healing.
There is something very special about writing this blog and putting my thoughts and feelings into words. It is a salve to my soul and a sweet way for me to share with you what is happening. I want to remember all the ways that God is caring for me!
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Marcia
II Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.
These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.
There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
I've also had the opportunity to meet with some dear ladies who are gifted in prophetic ministry and healing. God has been impressing on my heart that He cares deeply about every aspect of our health- emotional, mental, spiritual and physical. To be ministered to in a very personal way is a precious thing and truly a gift from the Lord on this journey!
I am continuing to tolerate the treatments pretty well. I am very careful about eating low fiber foods which help to manage (along with Imodium) diarrhea. My insides are a bit tender and I'm a bit more tired but over all the Dr. is very pleased. They will continue to monitor my WBC to make sure it does not go too low. My motto is one day at a time.
Everybody has a story. Waiting for radiation is a bit sad knowing that every person who comes in is battling cancer in some shape or form. Some look very sickly. I often wonder if they have a caring family, someone to bring them, and if they know that Jesus loves them very much! Opportunities are all around us and we all have something to give. The nurses show such compassion and understanding. That is a ministry in itself. They understand that none of us ever wished for this.
That said, I'm so thankful that such a place exists to care for us and that God uses the Drs. and nurses to bring healing.
There is something very special about writing this blog and putting my thoughts and feelings into words. It is a salve to my soul and a sweet way for me to share with you what is happening. I want to remember all the ways that God is caring for me!
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Marcia
II Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.
These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.
There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Ever Be..
Your praise will ever be on my lips. These are some of the lyrics to a Bethel song that I've been soaking up. Powerful words. This is a goal of mine these next weeks to keep God's praises on my lips. I have so many things to be praising Him for:
1. My devoted Heavenly Father whose love never fails.
2. My devoted husband who is faithfully and cheerfully walking this road with me.
3.My devoted kids who are picking up the slack around the house.
4. My devoted friends and family who bring us yummy food and take me to treatments.
5. So many cards and sweet notes of encouragement.
I could go on and on because we feel so cared for and words just seems so inadequate to express Thanks!
One week down and five more to go! This week has been pretty easy. I've had a little nausea ( kind of feels like I'm prego) and some diarrhea (Imodium is my friend). I get a nap every afternoon and plenty of sleep at nighttime.
I desire to live these next weeks well, with a cheerful heart. I believe praise is a very powerful tool that God has given to us to defeat the lies of the enemy, tear down strongholds, calm our fears, heal our diseases and so much more. Confessing God's wonderful promises with our mouths chases away the enemy!! We all know that the Israelites grumbling didn't gain them anything, in fact it kept them from achieving all that God had for them. So, that said, you can pray for strength for me and my family to do just this!!
I'll tell you a bit about my radiation treatments. I go Mon-Fri. They are very short. In fact, it takes longer to get me all set up and positioned on the table properly than it does to actually get the treatment. My understanding is that there are three red laser beams that intersect at the tumor to deliver the radiation. They use my tattoos to make sure the beams hit the right spot. Of course, I can't see what is happening because I'm laying face down on a special table that has no middle. My belly sags so that my other organs are protected from the rays. It is not really comfortable but not painful either. I feel nothing when I'm actually getting the treatment. The purpose of the radiation is to shrink the tumor. Sometimes the tumor completely disappears. ( That is what I'm asking God for! ) They will scan me again at the end of these 6 weeks to check how it worked. I lay on the table and declare God's promises over me. He is my Sun and My shield! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly etc...
We love you all bunches and we feel your prayers!
Psalm 63:3-8
3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
1. My devoted Heavenly Father whose love never fails.
2. My devoted husband who is faithfully and cheerfully walking this road with me.
3.My devoted kids who are picking up the slack around the house.
4. My devoted friends and family who bring us yummy food and take me to treatments.
5. So many cards and sweet notes of encouragement.
I could go on and on because we feel so cared for and words just seems so inadequate to express Thanks!
One week down and five more to go! This week has been pretty easy. I've had a little nausea ( kind of feels like I'm prego) and some diarrhea (Imodium is my friend). I get a nap every afternoon and plenty of sleep at nighttime.
I desire to live these next weeks well, with a cheerful heart. I believe praise is a very powerful tool that God has given to us to defeat the lies of the enemy, tear down strongholds, calm our fears, heal our diseases and so much more. Confessing God's wonderful promises with our mouths chases away the enemy!! We all know that the Israelites grumbling didn't gain them anything, in fact it kept them from achieving all that God had for them. So, that said, you can pray for strength for me and my family to do just this!!
I'll tell you a bit about my radiation treatments. I go Mon-Fri. They are very short. In fact, it takes longer to get me all set up and positioned on the table properly than it does to actually get the treatment. My understanding is that there are three red laser beams that intersect at the tumor to deliver the radiation. They use my tattoos to make sure the beams hit the right spot. Of course, I can't see what is happening because I'm laying face down on a special table that has no middle. My belly sags so that my other organs are protected from the rays. It is not really comfortable but not painful either. I feel nothing when I'm actually getting the treatment. The purpose of the radiation is to shrink the tumor. Sometimes the tumor completely disappears. ( That is what I'm asking God for! ) They will scan me again at the end of these 6 weeks to check how it worked. I lay on the table and declare God's promises over me. He is my Sun and My shield! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly etc...
We love you all bunches and we feel your prayers!
Psalm 63:3-8
3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
6 I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
7 Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely.
meditating on you through the night.
7 Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Tattoos, Treatments and Testimonies!
So this week I got "tattooed" for my radiation treatments. Just 3 small dots, but they are now a permanent part of me and my story. God is writing my story. It is full of twists and turns that I did not anticipate but nothing takes God by surprise. I'm trusting and believing that He is at work preparing the way before me and making the path smooth. My prayer is that there will be many opportunities to testify of God's faithfulness on the road ahead.
This has been a week of rest, preparation and fun. My Mom is helping me give my house a good cleaning. A dear friend of my Mother-in-law took the girls and I to see the movie Cinderella as a special treat. I am working on getting my blood count back up to normal by taking iron and eating iron rich foods and getting plenty of sleep!!
God has blessed us with the opportunity to talk to several other people who have had my diagnosis and are now cancer free. It is so great to be able to ask questions in a setting other than the doctors office!! I feel like it helps me to know what to expect and I know they will also be praying for me!
On Monday the daily ( M-F) trips to the cancer center begin. Chemo and radiation begin on Tues., March 24th and end on Apr. 30th. provided I do not miss any days. Here are some verses that I'm claiming and praying over myself for the next 6 weeks.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield,
The Lord will give grace and glory,
No good thing will He withhold from
those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11
This verse spoke to me because I see the radiation as God's sun on my cancer to kill it and praying that He will shield my other organs in the same area from unnecessary side effects.
The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One will save.
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you in His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matt. 6:34
As always, we cherish your prayers for our family. We do feel God quieting us with His love and calming our fears. We are asking God for minimal side effects from the treatments, wisdom for all the Drs. and nurses caring for me and grace to live and thrive the next 6 weeks!
Thank you so much!
Marcia
This has been a week of rest, preparation and fun. My Mom is helping me give my house a good cleaning. A dear friend of my Mother-in-law took the girls and I to see the movie Cinderella as a special treat. I am working on getting my blood count back up to normal by taking iron and eating iron rich foods and getting plenty of sleep!!
God has blessed us with the opportunity to talk to several other people who have had my diagnosis and are now cancer free. It is so great to be able to ask questions in a setting other than the doctors office!! I feel like it helps me to know what to expect and I know they will also be praying for me!
On Monday the daily ( M-F) trips to the cancer center begin. Chemo and radiation begin on Tues., March 24th and end on Apr. 30th. provided I do not miss any days. Here are some verses that I'm claiming and praying over myself for the next 6 weeks.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield,
The Lord will give grace and glory,
No good thing will He withhold from
those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11
This verse spoke to me because I see the radiation as God's sun on my cancer to kill it and praying that He will shield my other organs in the same area from unnecessary side effects.
The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One will save.
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you in His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matt. 6:34
As always, we cherish your prayers for our family. We do feel God quieting us with His love and calming our fears. We are asking God for minimal side effects from the treatments, wisdom for all the Drs. and nurses caring for me and grace to live and thrive the next 6 weeks!
Thank you so much!
Marcia
Sunday, March 15, 2015
His Eye is on the Sparrow...
So, I'm new to blogging but I think this will be a great way to keep you all informed of my journey. I found out a few weeks ago that I have rectal cancer. I'll share some minor details with you as to what lead up to this diagnosis. If you don't want the details just feel free to skip the next paragraph.
About 3-4 months ago I started having a lot of diarrhea and noticing some blood and mucous in my stool. I also had some pain that felt like a really bad hemorrhoid and I was very tired. This lead to me having a colonoscopy done. That is when they found the tumor. I'm sorry for the details but many of you have asked what my symptoms were. Maybe it is the nurse in me that does not mind sharing. I'm so thankful for a husband who made me get to the bottom of it ( no pun intended) and that they found the problem.
The past two weeks have been full of scans, Dr. appts and waiting for test results. Needless to say it has been a very emotional two weeks. In the midst of it all God has met me and calmed my fears. I know that is because of all your prayers.
I have a wonderful husband, a caring family and a very dear friend who have all rearranged their schedules to be by my side these past 2 weeks.
My diagnosis is stage 3 rectal cancer. There are a few lymph nodes that also showed up on the PET scan in the same area as the tumor. The plan of treatment is oral chemo and radiation together. This means a trip to the health campus cancer center Mon- Fri for 6 weeks. I will probably be starting treatments in the next week or so.
After that, they will do surgery to remove the mass which should be much smaller at that point. Then I will get 4 more months of Chemo by IV. That is a lot to think about right now but we are just remembering to take one day at a time. God gives each of us what exactly we need for THIS day and we are not to worry about tomorrow!
God has ministered many precious things to my heart through songs and Bible verses these past weeks and I've been journaling them to remind myself of His faithfulness on the days when I feel yucky.
There is an old hymn called "His Eye is on the Sparrow" that the Newsboys recently put on an album. I heard this song on the radio one day when I was waiting to hear my test results. I felt like God spoke to my heart clearly that He is watching over me. How comforting these words are to me!
Here are the lyrics:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
What is the price of two sparrows- one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 11:29-31
I'm believing that God is going to do great things in my life and the lives of my family on this journey. We are praying and believing for complete healing from cancer. By His grace and strength I will not despair but be filled with joy...even in suffering. You can agree in prayer with us for all this and much more!
Blessings!
Marcia
About 3-4 months ago I started having a lot of diarrhea and noticing some blood and mucous in my stool. I also had some pain that felt like a really bad hemorrhoid and I was very tired. This lead to me having a colonoscopy done. That is when they found the tumor. I'm sorry for the details but many of you have asked what my symptoms were. Maybe it is the nurse in me that does not mind sharing. I'm so thankful for a husband who made me get to the bottom of it ( no pun intended) and that they found the problem.
The past two weeks have been full of scans, Dr. appts and waiting for test results. Needless to say it has been a very emotional two weeks. In the midst of it all God has met me and calmed my fears. I know that is because of all your prayers.
I have a wonderful husband, a caring family and a very dear friend who have all rearranged their schedules to be by my side these past 2 weeks.
My diagnosis is stage 3 rectal cancer. There are a few lymph nodes that also showed up on the PET scan in the same area as the tumor. The plan of treatment is oral chemo and radiation together. This means a trip to the health campus cancer center Mon- Fri for 6 weeks. I will probably be starting treatments in the next week or so.
After that, they will do surgery to remove the mass which should be much smaller at that point. Then I will get 4 more months of Chemo by IV. That is a lot to think about right now but we are just remembering to take one day at a time. God gives each of us what exactly we need for THIS day and we are not to worry about tomorrow!
God has ministered many precious things to my heart through songs and Bible verses these past weeks and I've been journaling them to remind myself of His faithfulness on the days when I feel yucky.
There is an old hymn called "His Eye is on the Sparrow" that the Newsboys recently put on an album. I heard this song on the radio one day when I was waiting to hear my test results. I felt like God spoke to my heart clearly that He is watching over me. How comforting these words are to me!
Here are the lyrics:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
What is the price of two sparrows- one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 11:29-31
I'm believing that God is going to do great things in my life and the lives of my family on this journey. We are praying and believing for complete healing from cancer. By His grace and strength I will not despair but be filled with joy...even in suffering. You can agree in prayer with us for all this and much more!
Blessings!
Marcia
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