A year ago today my life perspective changed-
I always said that God would sustain you through tough things. He had done that through a difficult 9 mos as my dad died. But I got a new opportunity to practice what I preached.
Could I give thanks in all circumstances?
Could I hang on to God when I was terrified - even if the answer was not good???
The colonoscopy left me too groggy to understand anything the doctor said, but Todd understood. He brought me home, tucked me in and went back to work, knowing that I had colon cancer. He had to lead a seminar that day...
Mid afternoon, he came home and woke me up, made a cup of coffee for me and we sat outside in the beautiful fall sunshine. I cannot imagine how hard it was to deliver that message....
When we began this adventure, I began blogging mostly as a communication tool, to let people know how we were doing and what was going on. Early on however, I began to share how I survive a storm like this and for me the only way is to hang on to God.
Ps 50:15 says, "call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me."
Time will tell whether I have been completely delivered, but I have been brought through this valley. There have been so very many times we have seen God's hand in all this that I cannot even begin to capture all of them - but I can point to a few very clear ones.
-Dad's house sold quickly, in a down economy
-My primary sent me to Dr. Carballo -- "the best"
-Doc C did not wait for pathology to confirm cancer, rather he saved us precious days cutting red tape and getting me in at the Vince Lombardi clinic in 5 days with all additional tests already run!
-The surgery date was originally at the end of Nov -- I pleaded with you to pray for this to be moved -- He heard you and it was moved up an entire month!
-When I went for the surgery for my medical port , it was delayed and panic set in--He sent me friends who texted me scripture and got me through the panic.
-God brought me through
surgery smoothly, blowing our minds with the 600+ hits on my blog to
check how I was. (this still makes me cry)
-He touched so many people's hearts to help and encourage us -
to send playlists - music - links to encourage us
to ease Todd's work load
to drive me to Bible Study
to bring us meals faithfully from November til March!
to clean house and do laundry
to check on me when Todd could not be here
to walk Chance when I couldn't
to walk with me so I got stronger
to send cards, e-mails, gifts and flowers
to pray for us - some who don't usually pray!
-He allowed me to encourage others
-He gave us gifts of time like
Christmas in Montana to celebrate Karl and Gretchen's engagement
Las Vegas with Todd for a conference
Time in Telluride to celebrate the end of chemo
Ten days in Montana with family to celebrate their wedding
-He gave me gifts of joy to brighten a long winter
Chance to keep me company, to wake me up, make me laugh
the birds activities
the change of seasons and each one's beauty
books to divert my mind
a warm fuzzy blanket to snuggle under
-He strengthened me to endure each chemo
there is so much packed into that line - He strengthened me to endure each chemo!
-He protected me so that I could attend public things like bible study, church and several funerals, and fly without getting sick. I never even had a cold.....while on chemo....
(when chemo compromises your immune system, it is not uncommon to wind up in the hospital because your body cannot fight off an infection)
That had to be God!!!
- and this is just a FEW of the things that we saw as being from Him!
(If you remember others - let me know! Some things are a little fuzzy to remember!)
I am crying as I write all this....
Who would have thought that something as awfull as cancer could yield so much good?
Now we have another chapter in our lives proving how God has blessed us, even when it didn't seem possible!
Prayer does change things
and
God can use all things for good for those who love him
and
One can learn and grow in difficulty especially when you cling to God
We will honor God, thanking Him for his provision
and
We have been blessed by all of you through this trial--
Thank you for your prayers and thanks for checking in!
ps
Side effects are dwindling - I still have numbness, but it comes and goes (how weird is that?)
and my fine motor skills are lacking.
My strength is not great - need to work out but hate going to the gym...
still am tired and my hair is a little fuzzy still, but I am thrilled to be this far....
Thanks for praying me here!
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