Defying the Odds

Another lovely day at the UAB Kirklin Clinic and the Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Oncology Center! These days are oh so long and they tire me out immensely, but today was worth it. Once again, my MRI scans were stable. Once again, I left feeling a surge of relief. Once again, the prayers of so many precious saints entered the Throne Room on my behalf. Once again, my sweet Savior listened and answered in the affirmative. My doctors are quite happy with the results of today's scans. One even said I was defying the odds--once cancer metastasizes to the brain, circumstances are dire. It's been two years since the radiosurgery--two years since I started the third portion of my journey. Two more years of prayers from precious saints. Two more years of life. I think of all that has happened within the last two years--so much that I would have missed without modern technology and, most importantly, your prayers. Defying the odds? Medically and scientifically speaking, maybe so. But when God speaks, none of that matters.

Honestly, there are many days that I don't feel that I have much value in this world any more and feel that going Home would be much better. However, I know that His ways and plans are much higher than mine. I'm sure He uses me in ways that are unbeknownst to me, as I'm sure He does with us all. Whether we like it or not, we impact the world around us. It is my prayer that mine is a positive one for Him.

I can't emphasize enough how much the fervent prayers of precious saints has meant in my journey. Do you realize He saves our prayers? He has kept each prayer that you have uttered. What kind of collection does He have stored for you? For me? 

"And He [Jesus] came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One [God the Father] seated on the throne. When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held the golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." ~ Revelation 5:7-8

"Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel." ~ Revelation 8:3-4

Our prayers are precious to our Father. Again, thank you for taking the time to enter the Throne Room on my behalf.

Happy Birthday Barbara!

I really miss my sister today. Happy Birthday Barbara. I know you are more alive and happier than you've ever been, but I'm selfish and I miss you. You were one of my biggest cheerleaders and best friends, and I really want to talk to you. I think about how you were there for me during my first round with cancer, and I know you'd be here for me now. Since I need to talk to you, I'm going to write this as a letter.

Mama's birthday was Saturday. 95! We were able to give her a small, fairly impromptu birthday party. She was so happy about it! Michael, Belinda, Carolyn, Lori, me, Neal, Rachel, Alice (her favorite caregiver at the assisted living), Jean, and Eual were all able to be there. (Eual is Jean's new husband. Bobby passed away years ago, which I'm sure you know since you've probably seen him!) We didn't give her much, since she moved to the nursing home last month and doesn't have much room. I gave her a calendar, hoping someone could mark the days off for her so she could keep up with what day it is. That's really challenging for her now because she spends most of her time in her room.

I'm not having a very good day. I felt ok earlier, but then I received a call from US Bioservices (my specialty pharmacy from which I receive my chemo). They said my insurance company was not going to cover my Xeloda this month. They've been covering it for over a year now, so I don't know what's going on with that. I contacted my doctor. Hopefully, she can call someone and get it straightened out. Since that phone call, I've developed quite a headache. Hmm...Coincidence? I know, no such thing!

Your children have practically grown up! Heather is 17 and a senior now, and Justin is a junior and about to be 17. I've told them about some or our shenanigans when we were younger. They love hearing stories about their Mom. I hope you don't mind. If you do, you can fuss at me when I get there. :-)

You'd be so proud of David and Rachel. David is working at Teledyne Brown, is married, and has a daughter! Can you believe that?! I'm a grandmother! Rachel is a social worker with the Jackson County DHR. Oh the stories I've heard! She knows her limits though. She never shares any names. :-)

I feel better already. I love you Barbara. Until we meet again!