Thursday, November 16, 2006
Shock and Awe
Shock...
The sarcoma that the urologist thought he "got it all"?
Technically, it was a grade 3 sarcoma with a 12 year survival rate of 35 percent.
Oh, and could my husband and I be in Los Angeles the next morning for a consultation with the only expert in this half of the country? He "just happened" to have an opening.
Awe...
That we would get such a quick appointment.
That we have enough ready cash to buy tickets on six hours notice.
That my friend Lori would listen to me gripe on the phone and still send us pizza for dinner (smile).
That my aunt would drop everything to pick us up at the airport and chauffeur us around Santa Monica.
That my friends would drop everything to cover childcare and shuttle my blessings around...and that they all got where they needed to be.
Shock...
Chemo isn't really an "option" at this point. It's the wise thing to do if I want to be around to hold my grandchildren (which I do).
The most effective drug for my chemo can cause kidney damage...so, with one kidney, the best place for the first two rounds of chemo, plus observation time, is in the Santa Monica clinic.
I have to be gone from my family for three of the next four weeks.
My husband doesn't get to be there to hold my hand.
Awe...
With chemo, the chances of the cancer never coming back increase to between 80 and 90 percent.
Who knew? Not only is he my knight in shining armor and my best friend, he's a rock.
My family is once again rushing to my rescue.
I've been overwhelmed with calls, messages of love, and offers of help.
Shock...
This is happening REALLY fast. (I have the surgery to place my port on Monday).
Christmas, and all of its associated hoopla, are still going to happen. The world doesn't stop because we're in crisis, and the laundry still needs to be done, and the kids still need to eat.
Awe...
The schedule lets me be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The people who love me--some of whom are coming for Christmas--don't give a fig if cards get sent, if the tree is up, if the presents are purchased or if we eat off of paper plates. It's going to be an amazing holiday with love as the main course.
Shock...
His grace was, is and continues to be sufficient.
He who began a good work in my will be faithful to complete it.
He knows the plans He has for my family, to prosper us and not to harm us.
He will keep me in perfect peace; my eyes are fixed on Him.
Awe.
The sarcoma that the urologist thought he "got it all"?
Technically, it was a grade 3 sarcoma with a 12 year survival rate of 35 percent.
Oh, and could my husband and I be in Los Angeles the next morning for a consultation with the only expert in this half of the country? He "just happened" to have an opening.
Awe...
That we would get such a quick appointment.
That we have enough ready cash to buy tickets on six hours notice.
That my friend Lori would listen to me gripe on the phone and still send us pizza for dinner (smile).
That my aunt would drop everything to pick us up at the airport and chauffeur us around Santa Monica.
That my friends would drop everything to cover childcare and shuttle my blessings around...and that they all got where they needed to be.
Shock...
Chemo isn't really an "option" at this point. It's the wise thing to do if I want to be around to hold my grandchildren (which I do).
The most effective drug for my chemo can cause kidney damage...so, with one kidney, the best place for the first two rounds of chemo, plus observation time, is in the Santa Monica clinic.
I have to be gone from my family for three of the next four weeks.
My husband doesn't get to be there to hold my hand.
Awe...
With chemo, the chances of the cancer never coming back increase to between 80 and 90 percent.
Who knew? Not only is he my knight in shining armor and my best friend, he's a rock.
My family is once again rushing to my rescue.
I've been overwhelmed with calls, messages of love, and offers of help.
Shock...
This is happening REALLY fast. (I have the surgery to place my port on Monday).
Christmas, and all of its associated hoopla, are still going to happen. The world doesn't stop because we're in crisis, and the laundry still needs to be done, and the kids still need to eat.
Awe...
The schedule lets me be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The people who love me--some of whom are coming for Christmas--don't give a fig if cards get sent, if the tree is up, if the presents are purchased or if we eat off of paper plates. It's going to be an amazing holiday with love as the main course.
Shock...
His grace was, is and continues to be sufficient.
He who began a good work in my will be faithful to complete it.
He knows the plans He has for my family, to prosper us and not to harm us.
He will keep me in perfect peace; my eyes are fixed on Him.
Awe.
Name:
11 Comments:
I can't lie and say I won't miss your holiday newsletter, but if the trade off is having you around for another 50 or 60 years, there's no contest! Please, do whatever you need to do to get well. And if there's anything I can do to help, even from FL, just let me know. I'm sure in a few years nobody will even remember the paper plates or the missing tree. They WILL remember that you love them, and you'll be here for a long time to show it!
Heather, Dave, Rachel, Josh, Hannah, and Michael -
Take comfort - in the midst of life becoming crazy all at once (so it seems!) our God is still sovereign and HE STILL REIGNS!
David wrote in Psalm 22 that although his life was in turmoil, with enemies all around and his own body a mess, nevertheless, he praised his God:
But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! . . . You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!
I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the Lord, praise him!
We love you all - let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do to help - we're just a phone call away.
Praying earnestly for you all. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. May you continue to be "awed" by blessings and miracles!!
:-) Susan
I am praying for you Heather. A verse that has encouraged me through the years is:
Isaiah 49:15,16
"Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me."
Julie D.
I'm in awe, Heather. I read your post crying, amazed at what God is doing in and through you. Thank you for sharing this journey with us...
Love and Prayers,
Amy
Heather,
What a beautiful and moving testimony of counting it all joy in the midst of trial and how to think Biblically. Thank you for allowing yourself to be an example by sharing such personal and honest thoughts. This family in South Carolina is lifting you and your family up in prayer daily.
Beck
wow...yah...it's kinda like THAT! ;-)
Sooooo are you going to be down HERE by yourself? Or will you have some friends & family around?
Kt,
I'll be with my aunt, and my sister is coming for the first round...but I'd love to meet you somewhere (Disney, LOL?) during my second.
Your post is an awesome testament to your faith in Christ, Heather. Praying for you daily~
Disney...did someone say DISNEY? I'm ALL over it! :-) In between Black out days...I'm THERE! I can crochet you a fuzzy beanie to wear....want some PINK hair? lol
We're praying for you here in Charleston, SC, Heather. Keep us posted (I'm sure Susan will keep me updated, too!)
Take care of yourself and know that yes, God sees it all. He holds you in His hand.
Much love!
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