12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - - KJV
We will have the strength to move forward through these rough times.
Now, our Aunt M is in this morning for emergency Quad Bypass surgery.
Another hit to our stress levels and family units.
More examples of mortality.
With all this, we will come together with those we love or part with our good-byes and memories. Either way, it is with the inevitable confidence that we smile, because we will see each other again with Him after we part here.
Whether we are now separated by location or events, we have lived, loved, laughed and shared a lifetime of family. We rejoice in the moments we have NOW and live to enjoy each moment, even if tinged with pain and strife.
God Bless our Aunt M and the doctors working on her today.
Showing posts with label hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hope. Show all posts
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
In all things there is good? (aka The Bright Side)
How does one find the silver lining in just about anything? It surely takes practice and diligence.
I say this as I'm recovering from the another blow, as my sister is now getting tested for ovarian cancer.
I don't even want to capitalize the name of it for fear of giving it power.
She's understandably concerned but rather than sit back in shock over the health crises of the family this year, we need to get her up and say, "OK, so worst-case scenario, you have Stage IV cancer. So then what? You'll have to start a healthy diet, quit smoking and exercise while taking chemo/radiation. Just start now and don't even wait the for the doctors and tests to be lined up."
As noted in my previous posts on myself and my Dad, the worst part is the waiting 'cause you sit there with all kinds of scenarios in the head. There is not the option of just riding this out to see where it heads. Insurance or No Insurance.
Pick up now. Start the healthy lifestyle. And if Life catches up to you, well, we've gotta have an end to the story sometime, right? Might as well make it a positive ending. Seek others and use this time to connect with people of the same fabric.
Cancer is crap. The silver lining is that if you find out you've got some time, use it fast. And when you come out on the other side - wherever it is - you can smile that you did the best you could.
Fight!
I say this as I'm recovering from the another blow, as my sister is now getting tested for ovarian cancer.
I don't even want to capitalize the name of it for fear of giving it power.
She's understandably concerned but rather than sit back in shock over the health crises of the family this year, we need to get her up and say, "OK, so worst-case scenario, you have Stage IV cancer. So then what? You'll have to start a healthy diet, quit smoking and exercise while taking chemo/radiation. Just start now and don't even wait the for the doctors and tests to be lined up."
As noted in my previous posts on myself and my Dad, the worst part is the waiting 'cause you sit there with all kinds of scenarios in the head. There is not the option of just riding this out to see where it heads. Insurance or No Insurance.
Pick up now. Start the healthy lifestyle. And if Life catches up to you, well, we've gotta have an end to the story sometime, right? Might as well make it a positive ending. Seek others and use this time to connect with people of the same fabric.
Cancer is crap. The silver lining is that if you find out you've got some time, use it fast. And when you come out on the other side - wherever it is - you can smile that you did the best you could.
Fight!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
KJV Quote of the Day -14
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Relay for Life - - A Walk of HOPE
I'm still letting all the emotion sink in from the wonderful experience of "Relay for Life". Our Orange County relay occurred on 5/21/2011 this year. It was my first one and I'm committed to continue participating and will be meeting with the rest of the team to start fundraising efforts for the 2012 race.
If you need support as a cancer survivor or caregiver or just as someone who cares, this was the best therapy imaginable. After visiting my Dad the weekend earlier, my emotions were still so raw that a teammate asked how the visit went and I just immediately started crying. She and some other ladies came running over on the spot and gave me a group hug. I didn't feel so alone.
Our team raised over $16K and all the teams together in Orange County VA raised over $60K for the American Cancer Society. They've been there for me as I researched information on Thyroid cancer and Bladder cancer. That was also how I found out about Relay for Life and this great group of people in my own community.
I've made some wonderful friends and cannot thank them enough for all the strength they give me so that I, in turn, can give strength to my family during these difficult times. ChooseHope.com is another great resource and they provided the necklaces and beads for purchase so that we could keep track of our relay progress. A portion of their funds goes directly to cancer research as well.
For anyone suffering the effects of Cancer in any form, I sincerely recommend that you join a Relay for Life team in your community. This is one way to feel some sense of control during this time of powerlessness.
When God gives us the strength and opportunity, we should take it and use it to help others.
Thank you to all the members of the Saturday Nite Sisters team of Relay for Life - Orange VA and to all of the people involved in Relay for Life.
May we all reap the blessings from your hard work in finding a cure,
/mo
If you need support as a cancer survivor or caregiver or just as someone who cares, this was the best therapy imaginable. After visiting my Dad the weekend earlier, my emotions were still so raw that a teammate asked how the visit went and I just immediately started crying. She and some other ladies came running over on the spot and gave me a group hug. I didn't feel so alone.
Our team raised over $16K and all the teams together in Orange County VA raised over $60K for the American Cancer Society. They've been there for me as I researched information on Thyroid cancer and Bladder cancer. That was also how I found out about Relay for Life and this great group of people in my own community.
I've made some wonderful friends and cannot thank them enough for all the strength they give me so that I, in turn, can give strength to my family during these difficult times. ChooseHope.com is another great resource and they provided the necklaces and beads for purchase so that we could keep track of our relay progress. A portion of their funds goes directly to cancer research as well.
For anyone suffering the effects of Cancer in any form, I sincerely recommend that you join a Relay for Life team in your community. This is one way to feel some sense of control during this time of powerlessness.
When God gives us the strength and opportunity, we should take it and use it to help others.
Thank you to all the members of the Saturday Nite Sisters team of Relay for Life - Orange VA and to all of the people involved in Relay for Life.
May we all reap the blessings from your hard work in finding a cure,
/mo
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Results are Good
My turn for results. After yesterday's great news about my father, I didn't even feel like calling for my own results. I wanted to enjoy the tears of joy so I waited for Thursday to call for my own. Was actually glad they didn't call me first, which gave me hope that it wasn't serious.
Great news! "Normal" - no cancer! I am so grateful.
Yes, I could pursue and worry further to figure out why these tumors are occurring and what I'm to do with the remaining lumps and what they will do to my body. But I'm not going to concern myself with it until something makes me have to address it. I will say that I will not go into any volutary surgeries again. I will only go through this again only if a medical necessity. It was very difficult.
My body is still trying to recover and when I see my doctors over the next 3 weeks for follow-ups, I need to address some minor complications such as this painful and bruised vein in my hand from the IV.
All will be well.
Great news! "Normal" - no cancer! I am so grateful.
Yes, I could pursue and worry further to figure out why these tumors are occurring and what I'm to do with the remaining lumps and what they will do to my body. But I'm not going to concern myself with it until something makes me have to address it. I will say that I will not go into any volutary surgeries again. I will only go through this again only if a medical necessity. It was very difficult.
My body is still trying to recover and when I see my doctors over the next 3 weeks for follow-ups, I need to address some minor complications such as this painful and bruised vein in my hand from the IV.
All will be well.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
God IS Great
Amazing GRACE!
With the concern that Dad's cancer moved into the lungs based on the "spots" that were found on initial test, we were nervous.
But God IS Great and DOES respond to prayers!
Indeed a miracle that the PET scan revealed that there is no cancer in his lungs and the "spots" are mysteriously GONE!
Thank you so much for all of the prayers and I thank God so much for granting my father hope.
Amen.
With the concern that Dad's cancer moved into the lungs based on the "spots" that were found on initial test, we were nervous.
But God IS Great and DOES respond to prayers!
Indeed a miracle that the PET scan revealed that there is no cancer in his lungs and the "spots" are mysteriously GONE!
Thank you so much for all of the prayers and I thank God so much for granting my father hope.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
One Week until Preparations - Positive Thinking
One week from now, I'll be getting ready for surgery: making sure bills are paid, house is cleaned and chores are done. Then the fasting will begin and the nerves should kick into full fear.
And at that moment, I'll pray and re-read all of the blessings and well-wishes sent to me from survivors. I'll remind myself of the good surgeon I have. I'll remind myself that this surgery routine and tests will come back benign. Positive thinking. That's what all the survivors are telling me is the success to this thing.
So if you're preparing for something difficult, visualize success and remember all will be well.
I wish you the best in your day,
mo
And at that moment, I'll pray and re-read all of the blessings and well-wishes sent to me from survivors. I'll remind myself of the good surgeon I have. I'll remind myself that this surgery routine and tests will come back benign. Positive thinking. That's what all the survivors are telling me is the success to this thing.
So if you're preparing for something difficult, visualize success and remember all will be well.
I wish you the best in your day,
mo
Friday, February 4, 2011
Finally, a Surgery Date
Literally choking back a lump in my throat, I'm able to write today with hope: Surgery is set for Thursday February 24th.
My jaw hurts and my submandibular glands are swollen today. Although the surgeon can't guarantee that ANY of my symptoms will be relieved by the removal of this large thyroid mass, I'm hopeful that the lump plays a key part in these symptoms. And that I will find relief.
Yes, I'm scared of the surgery and almost ran out of the room when hearing again the risks and disclaimer statements that need to made legally through verbal and written statements. Lesson learned: Don't go to these doctor meetings alone or without a full understanding ahead of time about what you're getting yourself into. My only relief was that I had already discussed this with my primary care doctor and endocrinologist and I kept telling myself, "you have to do this, you've already concluded this is your only option, you already know that risk, etc, etc." If you can't research your surgery on the internet in advance, then take a loved one or someone you trust with you. Sometimes our brain hears one sentence and we grapple with it while the doctors says two or three other sentences and then we struggle to catch up. Another set of ears for you in the room will help. Some hospitals even offer patient advocates if you are alone.
My biggest fear, over the cancer possibility, is losing the high end of my singing voice but I've done all the crying I need to realize that my creativity will come out however it comes out and last resort: I can always write, so my voice will not completely disappear. But these are just worries. I must set these aside with confidence that everything will work out to God's plan for my life. They can cut things out and we can still move forward with a full life.
Medicine may not have all the answers, but it can keep us pluggin' along and singin' a song.
Life is good no matter what our circumstance and is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. These hurdles may get in the way to slow us down, but keep running and lifting those legs and our foward motion will keep us in the game.
Caregivers: Thank you for your support and love. And for the space you provide us when our anger over our situation gets in the way. You lift us up and help us to bounce back with renewed smiles for a new day.
Go Steelers! and have a great Super Bowl weekend,
mo
My jaw hurts and my submandibular glands are swollen today. Although the surgeon can't guarantee that ANY of my symptoms will be relieved by the removal of this large thyroid mass, I'm hopeful that the lump plays a key part in these symptoms. And that I will find relief.
Yes, I'm scared of the surgery and almost ran out of the room when hearing again the risks and disclaimer statements that need to made legally through verbal and written statements. Lesson learned: Don't go to these doctor meetings alone or without a full understanding ahead of time about what you're getting yourself into. My only relief was that I had already discussed this with my primary care doctor and endocrinologist and I kept telling myself, "you have to do this, you've already concluded this is your only option, you already know that risk, etc, etc." If you can't research your surgery on the internet in advance, then take a loved one or someone you trust with you. Sometimes our brain hears one sentence and we grapple with it while the doctors says two or three other sentences and then we struggle to catch up. Another set of ears for you in the room will help. Some hospitals even offer patient advocates if you are alone.
My biggest fear, over the cancer possibility, is losing the high end of my singing voice but I've done all the crying I need to realize that my creativity will come out however it comes out and last resort: I can always write, so my voice will not completely disappear. But these are just worries. I must set these aside with confidence that everything will work out to God's plan for my life. They can cut things out and we can still move forward with a full life.
Medicine may not have all the answers, but it can keep us pluggin' along and singin' a song.
Life is good no matter what our circumstance and is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. These hurdles may get in the way to slow us down, but keep running and lifting those legs and our foward motion will keep us in the game.
Caregivers: Thank you for your support and love. And for the space you provide us when our anger over our situation gets in the way. You lift us up and help us to bounce back with renewed smiles for a new day.
Go Steelers! and have a great Super Bowl weekend,
mo
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Referred for Surgery - an ongoing adventure
Good morning Everybody!
Although I feel like I've got my upper body in a vice, I'm "alive and kicking". That old phrase has been one of my many life's quotes. Just like James Brown's "I feel good", these every-day phrases in my life have always held hope. Not matter what we keep kicking and crawling and fighting until we get to the top and shout "I Feel Good!".
After the visit to the Endocrinologist, I was referred for surgery and now await the appointment with the surgeon. I believe that from there, I'll be able to get a date for the surgery. I'm currently placed on an on-call list in case Doc has a cancellation. I'm ready to get this thing OUT! My collar-bone is painful today so I don't know if that's from pressure or vascularization in the area around the lump.
The Endo said that my lump is actually 2 inches by 3 inches, which is enough on its own to warrent surgery. Unless I'd want to have ultrasounds and painful biopsies every 6-months. NOT!
But because my pain, breathing and voice symptoms are still hanging on, we're going for Operation Removal.
As I wait, I pray and rest and take the prescribed medicine to help ease my symptoms; knowing that all of this is in God's hands. I've made the calls and have taken the necessary steps to help myself and now I await what's next.
Update on Dad:
My father goes in for surgery next week and good news is that the bladder cancer is in Stage 1.
Wherever we go, let's try to remember that someone might be suffering with something that we are just not aware of. I will try to be compassionate to all who cross my path today.
Although I feel like I've got my upper body in a vice, I'm "alive and kicking". That old phrase has been one of my many life's quotes. Just like James Brown's "I feel good", these every-day phrases in my life have always held hope. Not matter what we keep kicking and crawling and fighting until we get to the top and shout "I Feel Good!".
After the visit to the Endocrinologist, I was referred for surgery and now await the appointment with the surgeon. I believe that from there, I'll be able to get a date for the surgery. I'm currently placed on an on-call list in case Doc has a cancellation. I'm ready to get this thing OUT! My collar-bone is painful today so I don't know if that's from pressure or vascularization in the area around the lump.
The Endo said that my lump is actually 2 inches by 3 inches, which is enough on its own to warrent surgery. Unless I'd want to have ultrasounds and painful biopsies every 6-months. NOT!
But because my pain, breathing and voice symptoms are still hanging on, we're going for Operation Removal.
As I wait, I pray and rest and take the prescribed medicine to help ease my symptoms; knowing that all of this is in God's hands. I've made the calls and have taken the necessary steps to help myself and now I await what's next.
Update on Dad:
My father goes in for surgery next week and good news is that the bladder cancer is in Stage 1.
Wherever we go, let's try to remember that someone might be suffering with something that we are just not aware of. I will try to be compassionate to all who cross my path today.
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