It Can Be Done!

*The following post was submitted to Paul Aslin for his blog as he trains for a half Ironman & raises money for Lance Armstrong's "Livestrong Foundation." Please see his blog www.paulaslin.blogspot.com for information to contribute to this great cause.

Shock! That's the only word that comes to mind when I heard I had cancer 6 months ago. I had no history of breast cancer in my family, am a non-smoker, had children before I was 30 & got a "clean" mamogram & sonogram only 5 weeks prior to discovering the golf-ball sized knot under my left arm! I had done everything right- in my mind- & still heard those dreaded words!

Not only did I have breast cancer, but it was fast growing & aggressive with only one medical regiment of treatment available. Even as my head was spinning with doctor appointments, scans & test results, the chemotherapy began. 8 rounds over 16 weeks. 4 months of intense, aggressive medications to fight a mean, aggressive cancer wanting to take my life!

Chemo is now done for me, as well as a mastectomy, but the journey still isn't complete. 5 weeks of radiation will begin next week & breast reconstruction surgeries will be in the spring of next year. Cancer- any cancer- is a long, daunting journey for the patient & their loved ones. Not one easy thing about facing cancer- but- IT CAN BE DONE!

*It can be done... with faith. I chose & still choose to walk this journey with God. He's the source of all strength, love & hope. He's on my side & I want Him close to me every step of the way. His peace is the peace I need! My family & I are stronger & closer through this journey because God is our refuge, protector & strength.

*It can be done... with love. I chose & still choose to surround myself with people I love & who love me. My husband & family are my anchor of support. Friends have constantly encouraged & supported us. Love is the best medicine ever!

*It can be done... with determination. I chose & still choose to think positively, to focus & do what I can to aid medical healing & count the blessings in the middle of this terrible circumstance. For there are always blessings in the midst of trouble.

Yes, this journey can be done! Facing cancer can be done one moment, one hour & one day at a time! With faith, love & determination, anything is possible!

Blessings!
Sharon

Thank you, Lord!

Looks like God has given me another beautiful sunrise & day to live! He's good- even when I don't always recognize it. He carries me even when I don't notice. He loves unconditionally, even when I struggle. So, thank you, Lord! Thank you!

This post may be a bit "here & there" as my mind is wanting to cover several subjects. So, I apologize in advance if it seems "all over the board."

1) 2 weeks out of surgery & I'm doing well. I've done the exercies for range of motion but haven't been able to lift with my left arm, yet, meaning I can't hold Baby B! But, I'm working towards that every day! (This is really torture for Sweets! LOL!) Takes 4 to 6 weeks to really recover from this, but I was able to go to church last night & LOVED it! Each day I'm a bit stronger from the surgery & so thankful everyone around me has done all the lifting, carrying & doing on my behalf.

2) Yes, I was done with chemo the middle of June, but it wasn't done with me! Doctor has told me it will be months before I've got my old self back regarding energy & stamina. I still take the pain meds for swollen joints which manages the achiness, so, another thanks! The first half of the day is proving to be more normal now, but by the the early evening, I'm pretty much- done. The stamina just isn't there, yet. My body has been through so much this year that I must stay patient about it. I wouldn't be honest if I said this was easy, but it's getting better & I see progress, so it's encouraging!

3) I lost the hair on my head months & months ago (within 2 weeks of the first chemo back in March) but didn't lose my eyebrows & eyelashes until after round #8 in June. (Just a funny tidbit of info about this whole thing.) My hair has started growing back & is a bit fuzzy at the moment. I haven't minded being bald, really, accept that it's awfully cold!

4) The CT Marking was last Friday. (Yes, I got 3 tattoos! LOL!) This is an essential step in getting radiation right as it shows the exact spots to grid my body for the treatments. I go back in next week for a "dry run", then will begin treatments Monday, August 3rd. The Radiation Oncologist has assigned me 25 treatments (each weekday over 5 weeks). Please pray the fatigue & "sunburn" are minimal for me. Fair skin like mine doesn't fair well, at times, with radiation. But, we all know when God is in the mix, all bets are off!

Thank you a million times over for your prayers for my family & me.
Blessings!

Time & State of Surgery

Time is a funny thing. Time drags for my daughter & her husband as he's deployed & they're away from one another. For one of my nieces who's in graduate school & planning a wedding, there's not enough of it! When spending time with someone we love, time becomes a friend. But, waiting for a test result or healing, time can be a foe. When doing something we love, time moves at a rapid speed, but just goes on & on when we're confronted with something unpleasant. Time rules our lives in many ways. We have to be at work or school at a certain time. We must get this or that done by a certain deadline. We're obligated to watch the clock & perform duties accordingly.

God is not ruled nor even acknowledges time like we do. He doesn't have to wach the clock to know when to eat or work or play. God is beyond time. God Is. It's amazing to think that one day we'll not be confined to time.

Because we do count & watch calendars for now, I can say there's been 9 days since the mastectomy & lymph node surgery. Physical healing is coming along nicely & we're so thankful. There's a follow-up appointment with the Surgeon in the morning & the drain will be removed if it's time. She'll check that & stitches (& admire her work like only surgeons can!) She's watching me closely so I can get to radiation asap (approximately 2 more weeks if all goes well). I have felt really well & then, yesterday had to lay in bed all day with no energy. All the doctors have said this is normal- to feel good one day & take a down-turn the next. The requirement is pacing myself & resting when my body tells me to. (I'm not good at either one, so prayers are appreciated.)

Mike & I met with the Oncologist last Friday & learned the pathology report more in depth. We're so incredibly thankful there's no cancer in the "bulk" of tissue! Of all news, other than miraculous healing, this is the best possible! We believe God used the medical community to work His plan & are praising Him!

Oncology will continue to monitor & scan my liver & bones for the next 2 years. Because this is such an aggressive cancer & some cells are still "floating" in my bloodstream, IF it grows again, it will do so in the next 2 years. (A slower growing cancer may take 5 to 10 years to re-occur.) So, the 1st follow-up scan is scheduled for November.

Mike & I have determined to live with the "cancer-free" mindset. This does not mean we're sticking our heads in the sand & not facing reality. It means we will not live in fear & it will not control us. We'll go to follow-up scans & tests but will not live today playing "what if?" games about the future. God has clearly said "YES!" to us today & we're good with that. Our "future" is Him, not the calendar. We have this day from Him- as a gift. He's not watching the clock- He's watching us! He's not counting the days, He's speaking them into being! He's not confined by time, but loves always!

Blessings!

What Now?

Thank you for rejoicing & praising God with us! Make no mistake- He is the great physician! We are forever thankful the pathology report from surgery shows no remaining cancerous tissue!

So, what now? Medically, we stay right on course. Chemo was first, then 1st mastectomy, radiation, 2nd mastectomy & reconstruction phase 1, & finally, surgery to finish up reconstruction. Medically, we follow a plan upon "presentation." In other words, the very first tests five months ago showed doctors what kind of breast cancer I had, the aggressiveness of this type & the stage. The plan of action was decided upon at that time & doesn't change, even with the great report we just received. The pathology report showing all the tissue to be negative shows us the chemo & surgery have worked, & that is praise-worthy news, so we continue right on with the fight.

6 weeks of Radiation to "sterilize" the area & kill residual cancer cells will begin as soon as I've recovered enough from this mastectomy. (3 to 6 weeks) Then, I'll have to "cool down" from radiation before I'll be able to have the 2nd mastectomy & reconstruction surgeries.

My body demands rest to recover properly from this mastectomy, so I'm doing that. I also do all the exercises the doctors have given me to do. This regiment will help the healing process & get me to radiation more quickly, so I do my very best to stay on task. Mike, Randi & Taylor help me temendously in encouraging both the rest & exercise. The long journey continues & God has shown us we're on the right track. We love Him & thank Him for His constant presence!

Blessings!

Praise! Praise! Praise!

The doctor just called us with the pathology results & it's ALL negative! This is the best news ever & we're giving God all the praise for saying "YES!" to us! We've all asked him for this answer & the cancer is gone! Our whole family is rejoicing right now! God is good- all the time! God is gracious- every day! God is powerful- throughout every situation!

Thank-you for praying for us! Thank you for standing by us! Thank you for being strong advocates for us!

Praises to Him! Blessings to you!

Very Good Day!

I've just had a very, very good day! Amazing, but there is very little pain so far, so I'm thankful! This is a huge answer to prayer as I've not been at my strongest point since chemo, but surgery was so important, it had to be done. The surgeon told me that after chemo I won't think anything else is a big deal. That, if I can do that, I can do anything! She's encouraging besides being a wonderful surgeon!
Taylor got here safely from Virginia (22 hour drive) & that's another huge answer to prayers! Having her here is the greatest! She tag-teams with Mike & Randi in my care & there aren't words to say how glad I am to have them.
Eric completely helps Randi with whatever she needs to help me. He takes care of the boys, cleans the house, etc & that allows her to help me in whatever ways needed! We always keep snacks for Eric, so he's well-cared for, too! :)
Tyrel texted me before surgery & called from the other side of the world! Hearing his voice was priceless! See why I say I'm so blessed?
Then, add my parents, our 6 siblings, their spouses (who are just as close as our own siblings), 13 nieces & nephews with 6 greats', aunts, uncles & friends, friends, friends! All of you are our blessings!
Please continue praying for all of us. We lean hard on you & the Lord! Randi continues to post updates about us on her blog even when I can't, so please scroll down on the right-hand side of my blog to Randi's name & click on it for updates- even if I haven't posted anything. She's helped me so much in this way to keep loved ones informed.
Thank you, Lord for every single gift from you, including this day!
Blessings!

Post-Surgery Update!

Got home a couple of hours ago from yesterday's surgery. Doing well & so thankful for all the prayers for us! Again, God saw us through the day, and not just barely. He saw us through in a mighty way! He's just so good that way & we thank Him over & over for all of you. It's keeping us humbled to have the loving responses we continue to receive from you. From the hospital, to texts, to cards, to Facebook & blog! Wow!

One of the nurses overheard us talking in pre-op about our anniversary being the same day as surgery. Later, 2 of the administrators of the hospital along with 10 to 15 nurses & techs showed up at our room with a cake & Happy Anniversary wishes! Total strangers bringing blessings our way. How great is that?

Only a handful of days ago, I don't think I was emotionally ready for a mastectomy. (Just being honest.) I believe I was spiritually ready because God has not left us for a minute. We've not felt alone, but instead, a strong sense of Him every day. I was also mentally ready. I wanted this surgery- intellectually. It was the right thing to do medically & we believe God is working through the medical venue for healing. He can heal anytime He wants with just a word, but right now, He's leading powerfully down this road. I wouldn't have cancelled the surgery at all mentally, but emotionally was another thing- since I'm rather "attached" to my body parts! LOL!

You have prayed on my behalf & God & I have talked about this at length! He had to get me ready because I was just not strong enough to do it myself. The day before surgery- Thursday- there was a peace that came over me I can't describe in words. This peace was not from "pulling myself up by my own bootstraps." It was from God. It's His promise of giving "peace that passes understanding." I'm saying He stayed true to His promise to me! He GAVE me this peace & there was no emotional apprehension Thursday or Friday. I was completely able & ready to face the day. I'm not sharing this to brag about myself- because I take no credit for it. I tell you because God did this for me. I'm forever grateful for the complete follow-through of His promises. He does what He says He'll do.

I'm thankful to be back home & doing well. I guess I'm the most blessed woman in the world!

Blessings!

Happy 33rd Anniversay, Sweetheart!

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

These 33 years have gone by quickly & I'd marry you again in a heartbeat! I love you with all my heart!

Thank you, on this day of surgery, for standing by my side & for loving me so deeply.

Love,

~Me

Update before Surgery

We have been covered up with love, support & prayers! There will never be a way we can adequately thank you or tell you exactly how much you mean to us. Please know we are so very grateful!

Through the last 4 months, we've learned a lot more about breast cancer than we thought we ever would. Something we'll always remember is that eventhough there are similarities with this disease, every cancer is different & every woman & situation is different. So, the next few months - according to "Plan A"- will look like this:

1) Friday, the 10th- First mastectomy & lymph nodes surgery. This will take several weeks of healing.
2) As soon as I'm able, Radiation will be our next step. (5 to 6 weeks, everyday Monday thru Friday.)
3) Weeks & months of healing will be needed after Radiation, then, another mastectomy surgery & Phase 1 of reconstruction will be next.
4) Phase 1 will take several weeks to a few months to complete. Once complete, the last step will be another surgery to complete Phase 2 of reconstruction.

I hope this helps in explaining the weeks & months ahead, as so many of you have asked & care so much about us! I've mentioned before that this journey is a marathon & not a sprint. I wasn't just kidding! LOL!

Please pray for us whatever the Lord puts on your heart about us. The Lord knows us & knows what we need the most. He's holding our family close & never, ever will we walk through one day of this without Him. Below I've listed some things that are on my heart to add to your prayers.

1) Thank Him for his faithfulness to us. Thank Him for seeing us through, so far. Thank Him for the power he has to bring healing & the utter love he displays every single day.
2) Ask Him to give me physical healing.
3) Pray Taylor's safe arrival on her long drive to help care for me & for Tyrel as he's away. (God knows about the details of this, so pray God's protection!)
4) Pray for Randi, Eric, Cason & Braden as they minister to me daily.
5) Pray for Mike. He's so faithful to be a wonderful husband to me through thick & thin!
6) Pray for extended family as they all are loving & supporting me completely!
7) Pray we all see this through God's eyes. That we pay attention to His power & His plan.

Blessings to all!

Little Drew Carey?

Don't be fooled! This is not a very small Drew Carey, but Cason Michael making Sweets laugh my heart out!

Cason, you're the greatest!

~Sweets

4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! This is a great country! Certainly not perfect, but the USA is beloved & I'm a big fan! The price for all the freedoms enjoyed has been a costly one & it would be crazy for me to say I grasp the sacrifices troops & families have made over the years to help make this country a free one. The bravery it's taken to protect the weaker ones of us here & around the world is amazing. Our troops & their families personally sacrifice so that many others can live safely & peaceably.

Our family is directly effected & I wouldn't be truthful if I told you this was not a hard thing! It is. But, we are so proud of the man our son-in-law is. He is a Marine & one of the brave ones. His wife is just as brave. (T&T, you are heroes to me!)

So, today I send my love & thanks for all those who work hard for this country & it's ideals. I will enjoy another free day- in great part -because of you!

Blessings & protection on this beautiful 4th of July!

"When It's All Been Said & Done"

The 4 deaths this last week of some famous but diverse people got me to thinking about life & it's twists & turns. Ed McMann (TV show host), Farrah Fawcett (actress), Michael Jackson ("King of Pop") & Billy Mays (Pitchman) all lived lives that were a mixture of blessings & tragedy. There was fame & failure, health & illness, fortune & debt, relationships & estrangments, joy & sorrow. The first 3 had fame & fortune for many, many years on TV & virtually every radio station in the country. I vividly remember "The Jackson Five" beginning from my late elementary school days. The 4th one had fame come later, but they seemed to have all the world offers. It's an intriging thing how people choose to "spend" their lives. In the end they're just people who need the same Savior I need. I could easily give my views of other's lives, but a closer look at my own might do me more good.

No matter how much or how little money or fame I acquire, life is this mixture of ups & downs. I can surround myself with the finer things in life but that will only shield me for a time from some hard things. Some of the hard things in life happen because this is a fallen world- apart from God. And, sometimes joy or sorrow comes as a direct result of my own choices or the choices of the ones I've surrounded myself with. I've got one shot at living. There are a myriad of choices in loving, using talents & gifts & choosing who & what I want to be. There's so much joy, love & meaning through life to choose. There's also tragedy, sadness & heartache if I want to choose that course.

Yes, before I'm too hard on someone else, looking in the mirror is the thing to do. Before I get side-tracked on someone else's choices, I have to look at the way I "spend" my own days. When it's all been said & done, we all need Jesus. All of us.

"When it's all been said & done, there's only one thing that matters.
Did I do my best to live for truth, did I live my life for You?"

Blessings!