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.

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!

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.

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!

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
 
 

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





 

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
 

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
  

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.
 

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.