LOOKING BACK

Hi Friends,

I was looking back on my calendar from last year, updating birthdays and such for this month, and was reminded that one year ago today (June 5th), I was at the Cancer Center receiving my last round of chemo treatments. I was amazed to realize that it had ALREADY been one whole year "free of chemo". Memories began to flood my mind; thoughts of nausea and fatigue, of the long drives to the treatment center, the shots that followed that were so hard, the low blood counts and all those many days I had to spend in isolation to keep from being exposed to illness.

Then, I thought of my sweet husband who went and stayed with me through the five hours of treatments every time I had to go, of the friends, neighbors, and family members who prayed for us and brought food and books and cards of encouragement, and of my children and grandchildren "who kept me going" when I didn't even want to get out of bed!! I thought of the other cancer patients just like me, the doctors and nurses who helped take care of me, and even those researchers whom I've never met but who are focused and dedicated to finding a cure. There are days that thoughts of chemo treatments haven't even entered my mind and then there are days, like today (June 5, 2008), when I am reminded and thoughts come flooding back.

Cancer will always be a part of my life now. Once it touches you, you are forever changed. I hope the "change" has made me a stronger person. Each day is a precious gift--"my "get to" day. So many things I "get to do" that in the past I would just have taken for granted.

My heart is filled to over-flowing as I reflect today on the blessings of life---"MY LIFE". The God who created me has never failed me. Today, June 5, 2008, I just want to praise Him. "Thank you, Lord, for one whole year "treatment free".

I love you guys,
Judy

Ephesians 5:20--Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.