Flowers from Friends

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. — Song of Songs 2:12

Here are the beautiful flowers I received from my friend to celebrate the end of my radiation treatments.

Sunflowers opening toward the sun, roses, eucalyptus, and more.

The bouquet is looking very festive as I'm taking a day off from work on Friday.

Thursday night another friend shared about a friend of hers who is now starting her chemo treatment as her cancer has returned.

I was sharing some of the wonderful resources I was told about when I started my treatments:

• A Livestrong exercise program at the Y for cancer survivors where families can attend for a year free
• Housecleaning services (2 provided free) while you're undergoing treatment
• Free webinar to show you how to tie headscarves
• Free Look Good Feel Better webinar with makeup tips for when you begin losing eyebrows
• Free and reduced wigs for patients with hair loss
• Hats and hairpieces designed for cancer patients from TLC.org and GodivasSecretWigs.com
• Exercise, mindfulness and nutrition classes through UCSD and Kaiser
• Support groups for patients and families

 It's amazing all of the resources and support available.

God provides for us during our storms and valleys.

His Song Is With Me

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. — Psalm 42:8

Today I have another Herceptin IV, but no more chemo.

Last time this IV only took an hour total, so I got to work by 10:00.

We'll see if that happens again today.

I got a new note from my radiation doctor to allow me to work part-time, if necessary, through November 7 (my birthday)!

I have been working full time since the week after my surgery, so I don't think I'll need to move to part-time, but I'm taking each week one at a time.

A week from today I'll have my first radiation appointment.

I don't think they actually start the treatment until the day after, but I'll find out.

God directs his love to me. At night his song is with me.

My life is a prayer to my God, the God of my life.

More Than Conquerors

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. — Romans 8:27

Thursday I had my last chemo treatment. From now on I have just Herceptin every three weeks.

No more chemo. Yeah!

The nurse had a hard time finding my vein because I had a chemo burn from the last treatment. 

So I'm a bit black and blue on my right arm.

Friday another coworker mentioned what an inspiration I am to her.

She has a friend who is also going through cancer, and we shed a tear together.

Our Virginia relatives arrived yesterday, and it is wonderful to have them staying with us.

Tonight we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. Tomorrow will be Gary's service.

We are more than conquerors through God, who loves us.

More Than We Can Imagine

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!— Ephesians 3:20-21

God is able to do so much more than we can ask or even imagine.

In fact, he even hears our prayers before we ask.

But he wants us to talk to him in prayer throughout the day, relying on his wisdom rather than our own.

God's power has been at work in me throughout my chemo treatments, keeping me strong enough to work full time.

He has also been at work in my life as I share my story with others.

One of my coworkers this week called me an inspiration. Wow! How humbling is that.

Filled with Joy

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. — Psalm 28:7 NLT

Thursday I completed my chemo in just 3 hours — an hour less than the last time.

My nurse was a young dad who had attended SDSU, just like Kirk, but graduated in 2016.

He and his wife bought a house in Chula Vista so he could be closer to his parents for helping out with babysitting.

So far he had only worked at Kaiser on Zion but he hoped eventually to be able to work at the one in Otay Mesa.

We talked about how home prices have increased like crazy over the past few years.

He was blessed to be able to buy a home. So were we.

God helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

The Lord Heals

Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. — Psalm 30:32

Thursday I completed my fifth chemo treatment. Just one more to go!

After that I'll start radiation.

And I'll continue Herceptin IVs every three weeks, but that should be closer to an hour instead of the four hours it takes now.

Our friends have been calling and texting their prayers and words of encouragement.

We feel covered in love and wrapped in God's loving arms.

And our garden is blooming.

God is healing, and we are thankful.

The Great Healer

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. — Psalm 6:2

Yesterday I discovered that I have shingles.

Until then I had been feeling great.

My back started hurting on Monday and after I finished jumping rope, I noticed a large rash across one side of my back.

I had a low-grade fever and occasional chills.

It continued to be painful, and my oncologist confirmed the diagnosis and started me on pills yesterday.

Fortunately, I had had a shingles shot 5 or 6 years ago so it most likely was not as severe as it would have been otherwise.

God is the great healer, so I know he has this covered.

Unfortunately, I had not had the booster shot that they now recommend for a better chance of avoiding shingles altogether.

Abby suggested it was probably caused by stress, and I think she was right. Dad's estate has gotten more complicated and I have not heard back from his lawyer with the forms we need to get things straightened out.

I am hoping we will hear something tomorrow. If not, I'll try calling once again.

We have an appointment for Monday, but I would like to have the necessary forms complete before we go in to save time down the road.

I am still on schedule for my fifth chemo session tomorrow, so that's awesome. 

Thanks for all of the cards and prayers.

Our Wise God

To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. — Romans 16:27

I continue to do well, although I have less energy than just a month ago.

Four chemo treatments down, just two left to go. Here's a photo taken just after my first chemo.

My work supervisors have been very supportive. They are letting me work at home one day a week so I don't have to battle traffic and lengthy commute times on that day. Much easier to conserve my energy this way.

I try to get to bed a bit earlier now, and I sing, walk, lift weights, stationary bike or jump rope every other day to keep myself in somewhat good shape.

Vegetables and fruit as well as chicken, beef, and bread still taste good, so I'm trying to eat healthy and keep my weight from going up too quickly.

I'm also trying to stay in God's Word and take counsel from His wisdom.

He is the author of wisdom. To Him be the honor and glory forever!

Words of Encouragement

He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people. — Acts 20:2

Gary with Mary and Richard

A few days ago, I was feeling great, having lost a few of the pounds that I'd managed to gain since Memorial Day.

I understand it's normal to gain weight while on chemo, but I still don't appreciate it!

So when I discovered I was a pound heavier yesterday, I got a bit discouraged, feeling that I looked flabby since I haven't been able to exercise as hard or often as I used to.

Walking in to our office building, I hopped on the elevator with two guys and a girl in her early 40s. When the guys got off, the girl turned to me and said, "I didn't want to say anything while the guys were here with us, but you have great-looking calves!"

I was shocked, but thanked her and explained that I jump rope. She said she had been doing it occasionally, too, and it was much more work that it appeared.

I agreed, we arrived at her floor, and we wished each other well.

Then I said a quick prayer of thanks to God for the word of encouragement just when I needed it most! Little did she know that she had made my day.

It made me think that I need to make sure I'm an encourager to others, too.

Trust in God

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
 — Psalm 62:8
 
Yesterday I had my second chemo treatment. It went well. No nausea, and we finished in 5 hours. Two treatments down! Four left to go.

Of course, Kirk was with me and we stopped for lunch afterward.

My hair is now coming out more frequently, but I still have quite a bit left. My hairdresser Vito will give me a buzz cut on Saturday so I can start wearing my hats and wig.

I did an online makeup session in the afternoon to help me "Look good, feel better" as I start losing my hair and eyebrows.

Today I'm back at work, and tomorrow we will celebrate Easter a day early.

God is our refuge. We pour out our hearts to him.

Running with Perseverance

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. — Hebrews 12:1-3

Today I did not take any nausea meds, for the first time since my chemo began on Friday. I made sure to eat small meals or snacks throughout the day but did not feel any stomach upset. Hopefully that will be a trend. We'll see.

Our sweet neighbor Leslie brought us a healthy chocolate brownie dessert, which tasted really good with vanilla ice cream.

I'm enjoying having and appetite and taste buds, especially since I know both will be going away over the next week or two. 

The good news is that both will also come back again in about five months when my chemo is over.

I will speaking at our women's retreat this weekend, talking about our beautiful feet and how God equips us for the journey so we can tackle the mountains and valleys that come our way.

This is one of the photos I chose to convey the image of mountains before us.

Running the race with perseverance!

 

God Knows What To Do

If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us. As it is, there’s not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we’re not much to look at. We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. — 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 The Message
 
Yesterday was my first chemo treatment. Overall, the day went really well. Abby and I went out for breakfast in the morning. iHop was the choice of the day.

Kirk's brother Kelly sent me this verse (in the Good News version) as I was starting the IV. What a wonderful encouragement!

I took Decadron the day before and the morning of. An hour before my appointment I took Cetirizine but will probably not need to take that one next time.

Then Kirk drove me over to the chemo suite where they gave me:

Tylenol 650 mg and Zofran (Ondansetron) tablets to mitigate headaches and nausea
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)150 mg IV around noon
Docetaxel 102.6 mg in Sodium Chloride IV at 2:30
Carboplatin 605 ms in DW 205 ml 10 mg/ml IV just before 5:00

They went really slow with the IVs to make sure I didn't have any reactions or nausea, which I didn't.

Kirk and Abby went to lunch and picked up lunch for me, which tasted really good. I will be losing my taste and my hair over the next few weeks so I was enjoying some of my favorite food.

We got home about six last evening and were greeted by these beautiful flowers from Brad and Peggy, created by Madison and company at Stem Floral Company. And we've already eaten half the snacks they brought for us. Very yummy and much appreciated.

So are the sweet cards, phone calls, texts, and information every is sending.

We are blessed. One down and just 5 treatments left to go for the chemo, every 3 weeks. The Herceptin IVs will continue every 3 weeks for a year.

God knows what to do, even when we dont.

I'm a Survivor

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. — Psalm 125:1

Yesterday one of Kirk's teacher friends gave me a Survivor necklace that a friend had given her when she went through chemo for cancer. I love it. Thanks to Kathy for her thoughtfulness!

On the back of the necklace is a collage of words:

The world is round and the places
which may seem like the end
may only be just the beginning.

Those of us who trust in the Lord are survivors. We are not shaken but endure even the hard trials knowing that God is with us to guide us each step of the way.

It reminds me of the song I'm a Survivor.

Today I will have my first chemo at 11:00. It will last about six hours so the nurses can make sure I'm not having adverse reactions to the meds.

Kirk, Abby and I will go to breakfast together in the morning so I have food in my stomach. Then they will alternate sitting with me and later will go to lunch together at our local restaurant, Troys. After they eat, they will bring lunch for me, too. 

Liz and Peggy have offered to come sit with me too, during treatments. How wonderful to be surrounded by my family and wonderful friends.

Gratefully trusting in the Lord!

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Hike

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. — Psalm 121:3-4

Los Peñasquitos Canyon

Yesterday some friends and I headed out to Los Peñasquitos Canyon for a beautiful morning hike. 

The bridge was out so we were not able to cross the river, but with all of the rain we've had recently, the grass and plants were growing tall and green. And the water was higher than it had been in a while.

The day started out chilly and cold, but warmed up as the sun came out and we started moving. 

One friend who joined us had had a lumpectomy last summer followed by radiation and is doing well. Her cancer is gone for now, and we are rejoicing.

Another friend's mom has been diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma and is undergoing chemo now. She will have her second treatment this week while I have mine. As we walked we talked about how it's especially hard because she lives halfway across the country and has been having a rough time of it with lots of nausea and fatigue. 

There's really nothing her daughter could do if she were there, but it's hard to be so far away and watch your mom suffer. It's hard to be close by and watch your mom or mother-in-law suffer, too.

God is watching over each of us, and He will not let us slip out of His reach.

He will neither slumber or sleep. When we turn to Him, He is ready and able to respond. What a comfort!



 

A Plan of Action

Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory. — Psalm 24:9-10

I finally got a call that my chemo will begin on Friday, March 29 and then will switch to Thursdays and will take place every 3 weeks for 6 treatments.

So on April 18, I'll have my second one, and Kirk is off that week for Spring Break. What perfect timing!

Of course, he will also take off the other days, too. I am blessed.

Friends have given me lots of tips, so I have my meds ready and will get a soft toothbrush and lots of crackers and bread to be able to eat something regularly to keep my stomach full and hopefully keep the nausea to a minimum.

God is with me and will come in to guide me down this path.

He is the King of glory.

Words of Encouragement

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  — Psalm 23:1, 4

Sometimes when we go through difficult times, God is preparing us so that we can encourage others who are going through similar situations in the future. So many people have reached out to me during this cancer diagnosis, and I am thankful, even through the tears.


Ann, one of my many thoughtful college classmates, reached out to me in January to let me know she was praying for me and had gone through the same thing last year. Even down to the same HER2+ diagnosis.

Here's what she emailed to tell me:

I am so sorry for your cancer diagnosis. Two years ago, I was in your shoes, right down to the HER2 positive cancer! One day you are going along just fine, and the next day your life takes an abrupt turn. Please remember this is not a death sentence, just a turn in the road. I had chemo first, then a lumpectomy, then radiation. I finished in June of this year. My cancer is gone. I tell you all of this to hopefully encourage you that while it will be a hard journey, it will not last forever and you will be ok! God got me through the ordeal and gave me the strength to make it all the way through. I am sure the same will be true for you.

I would be honored if I can help you in any way. If you would like to call me and talk, cry or listen, I am here for you. I look forward to hugging you as a fellow cancer survivor at our 40th reunion!

Please know I will be praying for you and am here if you need someone who knows what you are going through.

What a beautiful testimony to God's power and strength to see us through even the darkest times. He goes with us, even to places we would rather not have to journey. And what comforting words from a friend across the country who is covering me with prayer.

This photo shows Abby celebrating her climb to the top of Potato Chip Rock. Today I am celebrating Ann's difficult climb through chemo and radiation. God gave her the strength to travel through the valley and come out cancer free.

God is with me, I lack nothing.