Greetings to all, but especially my new and dear friends who had not yet entered my life when I was experiencing this season of battling cancer, and the treatment prescribed for it.
Five years ago on this date I was (and this is how I remember it) enjoying my stay at "Club Providence", my pet name for the hospital where I was receiving aid in recovering from the effects of the treatments prescribed for ridding my body of the cancer that was found in June, 2011.
Today is a sunny August day just like the ones I remember watching unfold outside of my large window in my hospital room with the beautiful view of Portland's West Hills.
I am filled with gratitude for the complete healing that God has allowed in my body. I am enjoying the very best of physical (doctor certified), mental, emotional and spiritual health that can only come by the grace of God! How amazing is this? I am listing to Pandora radio and what am I hearing right now?
Amazing Grace!
Thank you, Jesus! You gave your life that I (and all of us) can come to You and be healed at any time, what ever our condition!
In Your name, Jesus, I give thanks and all glory to God our Father! Amen.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Closure. This Blog is Complete.
There isn't any cancer.
Not anywhere. No cancer. Nowhere.
Hallelujah!
I've had a colonoscopy. I've had my annual physical.
Everything checks out perfect.
Woo Hoo!
At least for a season - however long it is to be - cancer is not part of my life.
Yippee!
Even my hair is back! I got most of my "chemo curls" cut off today.
My hair cutter, who is quite the expert in these matters, said that my hair came in amazingly quickly, that it usually takes two years to have decent hair again.
So one more big Yessss!!
And this most appropriate scripture -
Lamentations 3:22-23
On to newer chapters:
Semi-retirement. That means working half time.
I'm getting a dog. Should I write a dog blog? Does anyone want to hear about that?
Reply to my email update notice if you do - I think I would like to keep a record of the dog adventure for my own interest, so I will share with anyone who says they're interested.
Otherwise, thank you for following, for caring and for praying.
Adieu.
Molly
Not anywhere. No cancer. Nowhere.
Hallelujah!
I've had a colonoscopy. I've had my annual physical.
Everything checks out perfect.
Woo Hoo!
At least for a season - however long it is to be - cancer is not part of my life.
Yippee!
Even my hair is back! I got most of my "chemo curls" cut off today.
My hair cutter, who is quite the expert in these matters, said that my hair came in amazingly quickly, that it usually takes two years to have decent hair again.
So one more big Yessss!!
And this most appropriate scripture -
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
On to newer chapters:
Semi-retirement. That means working half time.
I'm getting a dog. Should I write a dog blog? Does anyone want to hear about that?
Reply to my email update notice if you do - I think I would like to keep a record of the dog adventure for my own interest, so I will share with anyone who says they're interested.
Otherwise, thank you for following, for caring and for praying.
Adieu.
Molly
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Another Test, Another Good Result!
This is cancer's legacy after it's gone: checkups, procedures and tests.
A good thing, yes. We do want to find any unwelcome evidence as soon as medically possible.
This time it was a scan. No problem, except for the *%! dye I had to drink.
My poor gut did not like that dye. After the scan was over I got to endure half a day of excessively frequent trips to the bathroom, which wrung me out in a way that reminded me of last August when I ran out of electrolytes. Spent two unexpected days on the couch, which pleased the cat, anyway.
I was surprised by the reaction - I had the same dye and the same scan before I started treatments, and it did not affect me that way. Leads me to greater feelings of gratitude for feeling 100% again. Feeling 100% even though some areas are still a little whacked out and hypersensitive.
Feeling 100% and showing "perfect." (Dr H's word) on all of the recent round of scopes, scans and exams:
BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME for all this.
Did I do anything special to deserve this outcome?
Nope.
God let the cancer in.
God let the treatments eradicate it (yippee!), while giving me strength (at one point, barely!) to endure them.
God, who gave me great health to begin with, has now restored it.
For a season. A long season, or a short one, I am no more or less grateful.
For my praying friends: Thank you so very much for your faithful prayers! Continue, please, to thank God for such an awesome healing (from the cancer and the treatments!), and for revealing His power and love through me. Please pray with me that He will continue to use me each day for His glory, and that I will get out of His way and let Him execute His agenda, rather than me executing mine. You can pray that the cancer stays away if you want, but that is not a priority to me. It is big on my agenda for sure, but if God's agenda is different, that is OK. I know His agenda is the one I want governing my life.
Proverbs 3:5-7
A good thing, yes. We do want to find any unwelcome evidence as soon as medically possible.
This time it was a scan. No problem, except for the *%! dye I had to drink.
My poor gut did not like that dye. After the scan was over I got to endure half a day of excessively frequent trips to the bathroom, which wrung me out in a way that reminded me of last August when I ran out of electrolytes. Spent two unexpected days on the couch, which pleased the cat, anyway.
I was surprised by the reaction - I had the same dye and the same scan before I started treatments, and it did not affect me that way. Leads me to greater feelings of gratitude for feeling 100% again. Feeling 100% even though some areas are still a little whacked out and hypersensitive.
Feeling 100% and showing "perfect." (Dr H's word) on all of the recent round of scopes, scans and exams:
BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME for all this.
Did I do anything special to deserve this outcome?
Nope.
God let the cancer in.
God let the treatments eradicate it (yippee!), while giving me strength (at one point, barely!) to endure them.
God, who gave me great health to begin with, has now restored it.
For a season. A long season, or a short one, I am no more or less grateful.
Let them praise your great and awesome name - he is holy.
Psalm 99:3
There are no more tests scheduled for awhile. Until June, anyway. Colonoscopy then. Will plan for some extra couch time, just in case.
For my praying friends: Thank you so very much for your faithful prayers! Continue, please, to thank God for such an awesome healing (from the cancer and the treatments!), and for revealing His power and love through me. Please pray with me that He will continue to use me each day for His glory, and that I will get out of His way and let Him execute His agenda, rather than me executing mine. You can pray that the cancer stays away if you want, but that is not a priority to me. It is big on my agenda for sure, but if God's agenda is different, that is OK. I know His agenda is the one I want governing my life.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear (reverentially submit to) the Lord and shun evil.Proverbs 3:5-7
For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
1 John 3:20
Friday, January 27, 2012
Checkups, Procedures, Results, Oh My
Well! I'm just about off to Women's' Retreat and thought I should let you all know that I am thriving.
Two weeks ago I had two checkups and a procedure.
Dr L, Hematology Oncologist, reports I am fine.
Blood work shows blood is back to normal.
Bone density scan shows bones are still great.
Dr H, Radiation Oncologist, reports I am fine. Healing very well.
This week Dr. D, GI doc, performed a 'flex sig'. I call it 'colonoscopy ez'.
Prep was easier, and there was no anesthesia.
There was pain - brief but nasty. As intense as hard labor, but only about three short hits of it. I only hope I didn't disturb the neighbors - I yelled some, and growled.
But it was definitely worth the pain to not have to be knocked out.
The little camera showed minor radiation damage - I could see little red spidery arteries - but Doc. saw NOTHING that looked like it could be cancer.
So!! I am officially well, with no cancer discernible by man and his technology, and only minor damage from the Summer of Nasty Treatments.
AND! I feel great! Almost back in as good shape as I was when treatments began. Strength and endurance are 100%, but I'm still lacking a bit in the flexibility department.
Now, about those 10 pounds . . . back to fighting the old, long standing fight, sigh.
And the hair situation. So painfully slow. Sigh.
Enough! I'm outta here. Off to the beach!
Praise God, from Whom ALL blessings flow!
(and un-blessings too, but that's another subject!)
Two weeks ago I had two checkups and a procedure.
Dr L, Hematology Oncologist, reports I am fine.
Blood work shows blood is back to normal.
Bone density scan shows bones are still great.
Dr H, Radiation Oncologist, reports I am fine. Healing very well.
This week Dr. D, GI doc, performed a 'flex sig'. I call it 'colonoscopy ez'.
Prep was easier, and there was no anesthesia.
There was pain - brief but nasty. As intense as hard labor, but only about three short hits of it. I only hope I didn't disturb the neighbors - I yelled some, and growled.
But it was definitely worth the pain to not have to be knocked out.
The little camera showed minor radiation damage - I could see little red spidery arteries - but Doc. saw NOTHING that looked like it could be cancer.
So!! I am officially well, with no cancer discernible by man and his technology, and only minor damage from the Summer of Nasty Treatments.
AND! I feel great! Almost back in as good shape as I was when treatments began. Strength and endurance are 100%, but I'm still lacking a bit in the flexibility department.
Now, about those 10 pounds . . . back to fighting the old, long standing fight, sigh.
And the hair situation. So painfully slow. Sigh.
Enough! I'm outta here. Off to the beach!
Praise God, from Whom ALL blessings flow!
(and un-blessings too, but that's another subject!)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Six Months
Thanksgiving came, and went. I was deeply thankful. I blogged in my mind, but I never actually wrote.
Christmas came and went. I thought of how grateful I am for all of you who followed this blog and prayed and sent good wishes, but I never wrote.
The New Year came, bringing another chance to reflect, but all reflecting remained trapped in my head.
Now - I have been given yet another occasion for looking back - and I will write.
Six months ago today I was hooked up to the portable chemo drip and had my first radiation treatment.
The beginning of the great take-down.
Exactly two months after they began, treatments ceased, marking the beginning of the great healing.
After four months of healing I believe I am 95% done.
Just a bit of itchy type discomfort in the immediate area of where the tumor was.
I can sit for as long as I want on the hardest of chairs.
I can work at my desk at my office for as long as I need to.
I can walk as far and as fast as I was walking six months ago.
Stretching needs work! But, actually I am returning to my previous level of flexibility at a very gratifying rate.
So! Restoration is accomplished! Praise God!
The Lord allowed a cancer to begin growing in my body.
He provided people with knowledge find it and treat it.
And He has healed me from the damage the treatments did - as only He can.
Whether we have a little scratch from playing too roughly with the cat, or we're flattened by a disease, or by treatments, it is only God who heals. By His hand our cells regenerate. To me this is an Amazing Miracle. I am in awe of His power. I am in awe of His love. I am in awe of the healing that has occurred in my body.
Onward - in Christ - into the New Year - and beyond.
Christmas came and went. I thought of how grateful I am for all of you who followed this blog and prayed and sent good wishes, but I never wrote.
The New Year came, bringing another chance to reflect, but all reflecting remained trapped in my head.
Now - I have been given yet another occasion for looking back - and I will write.
Six months ago today I was hooked up to the portable chemo drip and had my first radiation treatment.
The beginning of the great take-down.
Exactly two months after they began, treatments ceased, marking the beginning of the great healing.
After four months of healing I believe I am 95% done.
Just a bit of itchy type discomfort in the immediate area of where the tumor was.
I can sit for as long as I want on the hardest of chairs.
I can work at my desk at my office for as long as I need to.
I can walk as far and as fast as I was walking six months ago.
Stretching needs work! But, actually I am returning to my previous level of flexibility at a very gratifying rate.
So! Restoration is accomplished! Praise God!
The Lord allowed a cancer to begin growing in my body.
He provided people with knowledge find it and treat it.
And He has healed me from the damage the treatments did - as only He can.
Whether we have a little scratch from playing too roughly with the cat, or we're flattened by a disease, or by treatments, it is only God who heals. By His hand our cells regenerate. To me this is an Amazing Miracle. I am in awe of His power. I am in awe of His love. I am in awe of the healing that has occurred in my body.
Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
You display your power among the peoples.
Psalm 77:13-14Onward - in Christ - into the New Year - and beyond.
The Hair Report:
At this point I have decent amount of short scruffy looking post-chemo hair.
In my opinion it is not in the least bit fit for public display.
I am enjoying collecting hats.
Monday, November 28, 2011
A Great Message
Yes, I know, again - it's about time . . .
A friend forwarded the following youtube clip earlier today. I just watched it. I find myself feeling that it is imperative that I forward it - and through the blog!
The link came with this message:
*It is about a pilot that was supposed to be on American Airlines
flight 11 the morning of 9/11. If you remember, Flight 11 was the
first Boeing 767 to fly into the World Trade Center. In the beginning
it sounds as if it will be another heart rending story about 9/11
or a video centered around the airline industry. It takes a turn
half way through the video and oh, what a turn it takes.
It will take about 15 minutes of your time, but to me it is time well spent.
Here is the link:
"In My Seat": http://www.youtube.com/user/peterscheibner#p/a/u/0/cLj4akmncsA
It's a great message, and gave me quite a kick in the butt. (Butt can take it now, it is only moderately sore.)
If you have ever wondered, 'why am I still here while others are not', this message is for you. And if you've never wondered . . well, it's for you too.
And, here I am, just fine. Nearly back to 100%.
I hope what I write next in no way dishonors or devalues the 'In My Seat' message. It's as trivial as it gets, but here goes -
All I want for Christmas is lots of growing hair. I still have only fuzz. I am suppressing the urge to call it pathetic. I am grateful for it. It is hair, of a sort, and it is growing, kind of. I am praying that someday it will amount to something . . .
A friend forwarded the following youtube clip earlier today. I just watched it. I find myself feeling that it is imperative that I forward it - and through the blog!
The link came with this message:
*It is about a pilot that was supposed to be on American Airlines
flight 11 the morning of 9/11. If you remember, Flight 11 was the
first Boeing 767 to fly into the World Trade Center. In the beginning
it sounds as if it will be another heart rending story about 9/11
or a video centered around the airline industry. It takes a turn
half way through the video and oh, what a turn it takes.
It will take about 15 minutes of your time, but to me it is time well spent.
Here is the link:
"In My Seat": http://www.youtube.com/user/peterscheibner#p/a/u/0/cLj4akmncsA
It's a great message, and gave me quite a kick in the butt. (Butt can take it now, it is only moderately sore.)
If you have ever wondered, 'why am I still here while others are not', this message is for you. And if you've never wondered . . well, it's for you too.
And, here I am, just fine. Nearly back to 100%.
I hope what I write next in no way dishonors or devalues the 'In My Seat' message. It's as trivial as it gets, but here goes -
All I want for Christmas is lots of growing hair. I still have only fuzz. I am suppressing the urge to call it pathetic. I am grateful for it. It is hair, of a sort, and it is growing, kind of. I am praying that someday it will amount to something . . .
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
s - l - o - w going, and a challenge -
Sigh.
Yeah, guys, I shouldda blogged way sooner than now.
I shouldda blogged on a GOOD day.
There have been those. Even though I still am sore, and itch and have only thin fuzz on my head and unreliable energy levels, there have been good days with friends and family, gatherings and outings, and working. Work is mostly at home on the couch, but it has been very satisfying to be productive in that area again.
But today, right in the midst of a happy day with my daughter visiting from England, I received a call from the disability people. They are reducing my disability payment by the amount of social security benefits I am eligible for, even though I have chosen not to receive them until the payment reaches maximum. This means two thirds of the disability payment I was first told I would get is gone - a shock to my short term financial planning and requiring major recalculations in my long term planning. Grrr.
I didn't think circumstances could rock me this bad.
Awwww - I'll get over it, but, dang, I'm upset over this low blow.
OK. It is GOD is who meets my needs. Not disability payments. Or Social Security payments. Or paychecks, even. By His hand these things happen. Or not. He meets my needs. He will give me the ideas for how to adjust financially. There are various options. I need to pray.
Please pray that I am sensitive to God's voice. Pray for wisdom. Pray for discernment. That His will be done.
There. I feel better already. With God's direction this situation will sort out, just as others before it have, and I can really only feel grateful that I know my God and that He cares for me. Over and over again He proves it. Constantly, He cares.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Psalm 55:22
Nahum 1:7
Yeah, guys, I shouldda blogged way sooner than now.
I shouldda blogged on a GOOD day.
There have been those. Even though I still am sore, and itch and have only thin fuzz on my head and unreliable energy levels, there have been good days with friends and family, gatherings and outings, and working. Work is mostly at home on the couch, but it has been very satisfying to be productive in that area again.
But today, right in the midst of a happy day with my daughter visiting from England, I received a call from the disability people. They are reducing my disability payment by the amount of social security benefits I am eligible for, even though I have chosen not to receive them until the payment reaches maximum. This means two thirds of the disability payment I was first told I would get is gone - a shock to my short term financial planning and requiring major recalculations in my long term planning. Grrr.
I didn't think circumstances could rock me this bad.
Awwww - I'll get over it, but, dang, I'm upset over this low blow.
OK. It is GOD is who meets my needs. Not disability payments. Or Social Security payments. Or paychecks, even. By His hand these things happen. Or not. He meets my needs. He will give me the ideas for how to adjust financially. There are various options. I need to pray.
Please pray that I am sensitive to God's voice. Pray for wisdom. Pray for discernment. That His will be done.
There. I feel better already. With God's direction this situation will sort out, just as others before it have, and I can really only feel grateful that I know my God and that He cares for me. Over and over again He proves it. Constantly, He cares.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
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