.... and this year I'm doing so much better!!! I'm cancer free! Thank you Jesus!!
It is hard to believe it has been 10 months since I left the world of changing my ileostomy bag every two days and reentered the world of being "hooked back up" as some like to say.
Being "hooked back up" has been quite the journey. It is good I didn't know what was coming or I may have chosen to keep the bag. Now I can say I'm glad I went through with the reversal!
In July, I was feeling so desperate for some help with my GI tract. My Mom found a Naturopath Dr. who specializes in people who have had cancer. My visit with him was the beginning of great changes and healing for me! He totally changed my diet and put me on supplements to rid my body of inflammation and help my GI tract to heal from the chemo and radiation. I am so thankful for all that God has done for me. My quality of life has improved greatly and I'm able to live without being near a potty all the time!
I'll briefly share my diet for those who are interested. I'm grain free, dairy free( except for yogurt and mozz cheese), sugar free and mostly organic. This, of course, limits me but, because I feel so much better is it worth it!! I eat lots of protein and cooked veggies ( squash and sweet potato). I use Stevia to sweeten my foods. I've been finding some great recipes and am enjoying experimenting with new foods. Almond flour is a great substitute for wheat flour. I'm amazed at all the resources online for people who eat like me!
Through my recovery there have been many highlights as well! I was able to participate in my girls summer ballet recital with a small dancing part. Sweet memories! I'm just enjoying and cherishing the ability to resume my normal activities!
Duane is busy at work serving the Amish dairy farmer community. He really enjoys chatting with them and doing service pump work as well as line cleaning. This has been a tough year for many farmers because the milk price hasn't been the greatest. Hoping that next year brings them some relief.
Adrienne is enjoying her work at Clymer-Conrad Law. She has done well as a legal secretary and is now being trained in Real Estate.
Kyle is working as a waiter at Three Loaves Cafe and has transferred to HACC for the new year with a goal of returning to Central Penn in July to complete the PTA program. He is also enjoying spending time with a sweet gal he met at college named Paige.
Heidi is a junior this year. She also works part-time at Darrenkamp's Bakery in Elizabethtown. In her spare time you will find her dancing, reading or rehearsing for Encore's Beauty and the Beast..
Leah is in 8th grade. Recently she has become a huge help to me in the kitchen! She also loves to dance and will be in Encore's Beauty and the Beast performance in March with Heidi and Valerie.
Valerie is in 7th grade. The past 2 years have been a bit hard on her with Momma being sick but God so faithfully is healing her tender spirit. We've had some great chats about suffering and learning to trust in Jesus when we feel left down.
As I look back at all we've been through as a family I'm just overwhelmed with God's faithfulness. It sounds so cliché but I really cherish the moments more and try to live more intentionally.
Blessings to you this Christmas season whether you are in a valley or on a mountain top, may you know God's peace and faithfulness on your journey! Take a moment to focus on Jesus and let his love for you soak in! He is the greatest gift of all!
Marcia for all
