"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven". Today is Wednesday, the last day of February can you believe it? Where does the time go? I pray that what ever we do today we will truly understand our "purpose" and strive to accomplish our goals for this day.
Marvin and I went to the doctor yesterday for blood tests and to get the last stitches out. Unfortunately, the blood results were not that great. There was significant drop in my white cell count (from 6.5 to 1.8) and in the platelets from (325 to 135). This means right now I don't have very much strength to fight off infections so I will have to be extra careful where I go and what I do for the rest of the week. They told us that the week after chemo was usually the lowest point and I should start to build back up next week if all goes well. Next Tuesday I will go back for another check and if I haven't built up in those areas they will give me something to help in order to be strong enough to take the next chemo on March 14th. I plan to do all I can to rest and eat right between now and then. It is so hard to remember that I can't keep on like I used to because God has blessed me so much and I haven't felt "bad" or had any of the awful symptoms that some women have had but I will remind myself to "slow down"; I don't want to be foolish. I appreciate your prayers.
Speaking of prayer, my sweet friend, Sandra Byars, (whom I wrote of before) is having a biopsy on her adrenal gland this Friday at 7:30. Please put her on your prayer chain as well. Also, she has a cousin who lives in Canada, Judy Sinclaire, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and she had her surgery yesterday. I have written to Judy and told her that we will pray for her too.
In closing, it looks like another beautiful day - spring is just around the corner. Time to"plant a seed" (a word of love, a smile for someone, a prayer a note or a hug). Sowing seeds of peace - what a great way to spend a day full of "purpose".....never underestimate the power of a seed.!
I love you guys!! Judy
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Weekend Greetings
Today is Saturday, a beautiful day as it has been the past few days--"a breath of spring". You can feel spring time in the air, a time of new beginnings and new life. I pray that you have a wonderful weekend. May God's creation bring you pleasure as you look around you today!
I hope that you are not growing weary of my little blog notes but I love being able to "visit" with you this way and to share with you the wonderful grace of my Savior.
This past Thursday I had to go in for an injection to build up my white blood count which gets depleted by the chemo. This is done in one shot which has to be taken within 24 hours of the treatments and I had to administer it to myself. I immediately thought of my dear friend, Markie Haynes and of my precious Dad (both diabetic) who had to do this every day! I was a little anxious about having to "stick myself" but it really wasn't too bad. Now I can do this at home and won't have to travel all the way into the doctors office. The effects from the shot were rather uncomfortable for the next 24 hours. After about two hours I started to run a slight temp and was aching all over my body (like a BAD FLU). Needless to say, I didn't get off the sofa for quite a while and finally crawled into bed to sleep it off. Because the medicine goes directly into the bone marrow that is why it is so uncomfortable but also so necessary in the treatment. When I got up on Friday, I was feeling much better; only having a little feeling of "morning sickness".
This Tuesday, 27th, we go back to the Oncologist for a blood test to see how the chemo is working and then over to Dr. Hardcastle's office to hopefully get the stitches out from my port. I will try to write my next blog after that.
Have a wonderful weekend. I leave you with this thought: "Every day is a blessing; whether a good or a not so good day. We can't give up, we can't stop, we can't quit. For, if we do we may miss the answer to our prayers and the greatest blessing yet to come."
Thank you for praying with us, dear friends. May your blessings be many! Judy
I hope that you are not growing weary of my little blog notes but I love being able to "visit" with you this way and to share with you the wonderful grace of my Savior.
This past Thursday I had to go in for an injection to build up my white blood count which gets depleted by the chemo. This is done in one shot which has to be taken within 24 hours of the treatments and I had to administer it to myself. I immediately thought of my dear friend, Markie Haynes and of my precious Dad (both diabetic) who had to do this every day! I was a little anxious about having to "stick myself" but it really wasn't too bad. Now I can do this at home and won't have to travel all the way into the doctors office. The effects from the shot were rather uncomfortable for the next 24 hours. After about two hours I started to run a slight temp and was aching all over my body (like a BAD FLU). Needless to say, I didn't get off the sofa for quite a while and finally crawled into bed to sleep it off. Because the medicine goes directly into the bone marrow that is why it is so uncomfortable but also so necessary in the treatment. When I got up on Friday, I was feeling much better; only having a little feeling of "morning sickness".
This Tuesday, 27th, we go back to the Oncologist for a blood test to see how the chemo is working and then over to Dr. Hardcastle's office to hopefully get the stitches out from my port. I will try to write my next blog after that.
Have a wonderful weekend. I leave you with this thought: "Every day is a blessing; whether a good or a not so good day. We can't give up, we can't stop, we can't quit. For, if we do we may miss the answer to our prayers and the greatest blessing yet to come."
Thank you for praying with us, dear friends. May your blessings be many! Judy
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Another Bend In The Road
Well, I made it down another "bend in the road"; my first trip down the road to chemo and hopefully, recovery Yesterday morning was a day that I had been anticipating for quite a while and it just seemed to get here much too fast for me!! As I walked down that long hallway (@11:30) to the treatment room each step seemed harder to take so, I just tried to picture in my mind how my Precious Savior must have felt when He climbed that hill to Calvary's Cross and what He knew was ahead for Him. Knowing that He took my place on that cross I had total peace that He would never turn His back on me in my time of need. Sure enough, by the time I sat in that chair and was hooked up to the bags of chem and they started to drip His perfect peace was covering my heart and my fears. As I sat there I realized just how many other people were sitting there in that room just like me, going through the same feelings and I prayed for them!
Marvin and I got home around 5:00 and even though I was a little tired I really felt pretty good; sleep came easy. There have only been a few moments today (Wed.) of fleeting feelings of sickness (sort of like morning sickness when expecting a baby) but nothing worse than that. (GEE, you'd think if I have to have "Morning sickness" that I would at least get another "grandchild" out of it wouldn't you?) Ha.Ha.
Thursday morning (tomorrow) at 9:30 I go back to the office to have an injection that will help to build my white blood cells back up to help me fight infections. They say this goes straight to the bone marrow so I will have lots of aches and pains in my bones for a couple of days. Sort of like a bad flu. There will be a few days of pain and discomfort but when I am feeling low I will just focus on all of you and how blessed I have been through your prayers. I will keep hope alive, by keeping memories alive. Happy memories of good things hoped for that were fulfilled, and grateful memories of bad things that I've survived. God is still at work!!
God bless you all, Judy
2Cor. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
Marvin and I got home around 5:00 and even though I was a little tired I really felt pretty good; sleep came easy. There have only been a few moments today (Wed.) of fleeting feelings of sickness (sort of like morning sickness when expecting a baby) but nothing worse than that. (GEE, you'd think if I have to have "Morning sickness" that I would at least get another "grandchild" out of it wouldn't you?) Ha.Ha.
Thursday morning (tomorrow) at 9:30 I go back to the office to have an injection that will help to build my white blood cells back up to help me fight infections. They say this goes straight to the bone marrow so I will have lots of aches and pains in my bones for a couple of days. Sort of like a bad flu. There will be a few days of pain and discomfort but when I am feeling low I will just focus on all of you and how blessed I have been through your prayers. I will keep hope alive, by keeping memories alive. Happy memories of good things hoped for that were fulfilled, and grateful memories of bad things that I've survived. God is still at work!!
God bless you all, Judy
2Cor. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The God On The Mountain
Yesterday, (Sun.) was a great day! The Church service was so special for me. Our Choir Director told me before Sunday School Class started that the choir was going to sing a song in the morning service just for me (one of my favorites). But, it seemed like every song was meant to encourage my heart. (songs: I Choose Jesus (my favorite), To God be the Glory, and The God on the Mountain is Still the God in the Valley). I can't even begin to describe what a blessing the service was!! Isn't it great to be in God's House with his people and to feel the sweetness of His Spirit.
After church we gathered at our house with the Landtroop Grandparents and family and friends to celebrate Nathan's first birthday. Jill and Mark had made a video of his first year and as I watched it (with tears in my eyes) I was reminded once again just how much of a miracle he is. God has carried that sick little preemie baby boy through his first year and he is a picture of health now. To God be the Glory. I know He has great plans for Nathan.
Today, Monday, my doctor sent me back to the hospital for some more tests. On the way to church yesterday I coughed-up a blood clot and he wanted to make sure that there weren't any more clots floating around in my body. Marvin and I were there from 2:30 until 7:00 but, good news, all was clear. When we got back home from the hospital I had another surprise--the ladies in our neighborhood had gotten together and packed two large laundry baskets full of food, ginger ale, water, cards, magazines and much more for Marvin and me!! Sometimes I am just over-taken and humbled beyond measure at the goodness and love that has been shown to us during the last few months. Oh! how I pray that I will one day be able to give back to others just as much!!!
Tomorrow, Tues. at 11:00 I will have my first chemo treatment. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. I am about to travel a path filled with "unknowns" but I know I don't travel it alone. All of you will be with me, my sweet family and friends, Marvin who has stayed every step by my side and I know......."The God on the Mountain will also be my God in the Valley".
I will write again soon.
Love to all, Judy
Mark 10:27
After church we gathered at our house with the Landtroop Grandparents and family and friends to celebrate Nathan's first birthday. Jill and Mark had made a video of his first year and as I watched it (with tears in my eyes) I was reminded once again just how much of a miracle he is. God has carried that sick little preemie baby boy through his first year and he is a picture of health now. To God be the Glory. I know He has great plans for Nathan.
Today, Monday, my doctor sent me back to the hospital for some more tests. On the way to church yesterday I coughed-up a blood clot and he wanted to make sure that there weren't any more clots floating around in my body. Marvin and I were there from 2:30 until 7:00 but, good news, all was clear. When we got back home from the hospital I had another surprise--the ladies in our neighborhood had gotten together and packed two large laundry baskets full of food, ginger ale, water, cards, magazines and much more for Marvin and me!! Sometimes I am just over-taken and humbled beyond measure at the goodness and love that has been shown to us during the last few months. Oh! how I pray that I will one day be able to give back to others just as much!!!
Tomorrow, Tues. at 11:00 I will have my first chemo treatment. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. I am about to travel a path filled with "unknowns" but I know I don't travel it alone. All of you will be with me, my sweet family and friends, Marvin who has stayed every step by my side and I know......."The God on the Mountain will also be my God in the Valley".
I will write again soon.
Love to all, Judy
Mark 10:27
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
A Valentine Messge
First of all, Happy Valentine's Day to all of you. We love you and we thank God that He has brought you into our lives. I hope that you felt God's love everywhere you went today!!
Marvin and I spent the day at the hospital and I got my "Valentine Gift", another successful surgery without any problems. I am so thankful that He watches over me and brings me back home to heal. The port is now in and I am ready to start the treatments next week. Whenever I get a little anxious thinking about chemo , Jesus just taps me on the shoulder and says, "Your Father can handle that for you", and I know He can! Once again, I thank you for your prayers and for all the comfort you have been to us. I will write again soon but until then remember just how much I love you.
Judy
Colossians:3:14
Marvin and I spent the day at the hospital and I got my "Valentine Gift", another successful surgery without any problems. I am so thankful that He watches over me and brings me back home to heal. The port is now in and I am ready to start the treatments next week. Whenever I get a little anxious thinking about chemo , Jesus just taps me on the shoulder and says, "Your Father can handle that for you", and I know He can! Once again, I thank you for your prayers and for all the comfort you have been to us. I will write again soon but until then remember just how much I love you.
Judy
Colossians:3:14
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Latest Up-date
Hi Dear Friends,
Yesterday I went to the Oncologist to see what the next step for me would be in the way of treatments for my cancer. The reports showed that my tumor was negative for estrogen, progestin and Her-2 . This usually indicates a more agressive form of cancer than if just one or all of them had tested positive. Therefore, the treatments I will need are not the ones we had hoped for. On Wednesday, Feb. 14th, Dr. Hardcastle will do an out-patient surgery to put a port into my chest wall that will make it easier for me when the chemo treatments begin. My first chemo treatment is set up for Monday, Feb. 20th at 11:00. I will have 6 treatments in all-each one being administered every 21 days. All total the treatments should last for 5-6 months. I have to admit that yesterday I was a little "down". It all seemed so hard to face (the nausea, weakness, pain, hair loss, brown skin and all those "possible" side effects). I had trouble going to sleep last night but when I woke this morning I decided I was NOT going to let satan invade my mind or my heart! I prayed while I was still in my bed that God would help me and speak to me from his Word and bring me the peace that I so wanted before I faced this new morning. I read my Bible (Through the Bible in One Year) every morning with my "eye opening" first cup of coffee. Well, let me tell you how God answered that prayer. For today's date the study was in Exodus 23:25: "Worship the Lord your God and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take sickness from among you. I will give you a full life span". Boy! Did the tears fall from my eyes when I read that and my heart was strong again!! Now, I know that God was talking to the Israelites many many years ago and that they were in a total different circumstance than I am but, I also believe His word never changes regardless of the time or circumstance. God left these precious words for all of us to live by and to follow and I am going to claim them as if "just for me". I know I am about to travel down a new road that I know nothing about but I know I won't travel it alone. My family and I covet your prayers---prayer is powerful and so I ask you to please continue to remember us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I will write again soon. This weekend (Sat.) we are celebrating Marvin's 62nd birthday, next Sat. we will gather again to celebrate an early 5th birthday for Ashlyn and then on Sunday, the 18th all the Landtroops and Mitchells will be celebrating little Nathan's first birthday and Mark's big 30th. That's what they mean when they say "Count your blessings" and I do, each one!
God bless you all, Judy (Psalm 91)
Yesterday I went to the Oncologist to see what the next step for me would be in the way of treatments for my cancer. The reports showed that my tumor was negative for estrogen, progestin and Her-2 . This usually indicates a more agressive form of cancer than if just one or all of them had tested positive. Therefore, the treatments I will need are not the ones we had hoped for. On Wednesday, Feb. 14th, Dr. Hardcastle will do an out-patient surgery to put a port into my chest wall that will make it easier for me when the chemo treatments begin. My first chemo treatment is set up for Monday, Feb. 20th at 11:00. I will have 6 treatments in all-each one being administered every 21 days. All total the treatments should last for 5-6 months. I have to admit that yesterday I was a little "down". It all seemed so hard to face (the nausea, weakness, pain, hair loss, brown skin and all those "possible" side effects). I had trouble going to sleep last night but when I woke this morning I decided I was NOT going to let satan invade my mind or my heart! I prayed while I was still in my bed that God would help me and speak to me from his Word and bring me the peace that I so wanted before I faced this new morning. I read my Bible (Through the Bible in One Year) every morning with my "eye opening" first cup of coffee. Well, let me tell you how God answered that prayer. For today's date the study was in Exodus 23:25: "Worship the Lord your God and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take sickness from among you. I will give you a full life span". Boy! Did the tears fall from my eyes when I read that and my heart was strong again!! Now, I know that God was talking to the Israelites many many years ago and that they were in a total different circumstance than I am but, I also believe His word never changes regardless of the time or circumstance. God left these precious words for all of us to live by and to follow and I am going to claim them as if "just for me". I know I am about to travel down a new road that I know nothing about but I know I won't travel it alone. My family and I covet your prayers---prayer is powerful and so I ask you to please continue to remember us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I will write again soon. This weekend (Sat.) we are celebrating Marvin's 62nd birthday, next Sat. we will gather again to celebrate an early 5th birthday for Ashlyn and then on Sunday, the 18th all the Landtroops and Mitchells will be celebrating little Nathan's first birthday and Mark's big 30th. That's what they mean when they say "Count your blessings" and I do, each one!
God bless you all, Judy (Psalm 91)
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Prayer Request
Prayer---what a privilege it is to be able to bow at The Masters feet and know that He is always there and ready to hear from us. We lift our prayers of praise and thanksgiving and our needs as well. Today I am sending an urgent request for prayer for a dear Christian friend (and six year cancer survivor), Sandra Byars. Many of you met her in the hospital waiting room on the day I had my surgery. She wanted to be there for me as she has walked with me every step of the way during my discovery of breast cancer. She has spent many hours talking on the phone and answering my many questions, but she has spent even more hours than that in prayer for ME. Now I am asking you to pray with me for her. She found out this week that a cancer in her glands (not breast cancer) has grown over 30% in the last few months and that a new spot has now shown up in both glands. She has an appointment with her doctors to discuss her options. Please cover her in prayer that her doctor would give her good counsel, that her options would be clear and that she would have wisdom and peace as she has to make important decisions regarding what her treatments need to be. I love Sandra and know the best thing I can do for her right now is to PRAY. Thank you for joining me, let's lift her up in our hearts and prayers right now. Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them."
Just a quick update on my doctor visit this Monday. I am healing well. The two test results from pathology were back. The Hercept Test was negative and that was wonderful news. THANK YOU LORD for answering that prayer. The Estrogen-Progestrin tests were opposite from the way Dr. Hardcastle had hoped they would be but, it is not a big set back. It only changes the type of treatments that I will have to take. On Monday, Feb. 5th, I have a 12:00 appointment with the Oncologist and there I will learn more about "the next step". Right now, it seems so complicated but I know when the time comes for me to make that decision, God will make it clear for me. I'll take that "bend in the road" holding to His hand!!
Thank you again for your out- pouring of love. You all are so special to me!! God bless you. Have a great weekend. I love you guys. Judy
Just a quick update on my doctor visit this Monday. I am healing well. The two test results from pathology were back. The Hercept Test was negative and that was wonderful news. THANK YOU LORD for answering that prayer. The Estrogen-Progestrin tests were opposite from the way Dr. Hardcastle had hoped they would be but, it is not a big set back. It only changes the type of treatments that I will have to take. On Monday, Feb. 5th, I have a 12:00 appointment with the Oncologist and there I will learn more about "the next step". Right now, it seems so complicated but I know when the time comes for me to make that decision, God will make it clear for me. I'll take that "bend in the road" holding to His hand!!
Thank you again for your out- pouring of love. You all are so special to me!! God bless you. Have a great weekend. I love you guys. Judy
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