Breast Cancer Survivor Celebration Quilt

I was pleasantly surprised to receive this Wonderful, heartwarming gift in the mail Monday. This is only one side..the other holds many lovely blocks as well.

It is absolutely GORGEOUS!

A photograph does not even match the beauty it holds....nor the hearts of the ladies who made this. I have been a member of an online quilting group for the past four years..and during this time we have shared not only Quilting helps, ideas and swaps..but we have shared a lot of our life with one another. A diverse group...aged 20's - 70's...from newbies Quilters to experts. I have met two of the ladies in person..and one in our group is also a very very dear friend of mine living in another state. We have watched many of us suffer through difficulties and losses. Their support has been most encouraging to me at this time of my Breast Cancer Journey...and now this.

A token of LOVE from ladies all over the world. The United States..from the East to the West...from the U.K. and Australia! Just amazing. I am humbled at this thoughtful gift given with so much talent and time sacrificed for me.


Here is a sample of one with the Breast Cancer Ribbon.



And then...look at this!! The lovely square patch says "HOPE".




I thank the LORD for blessing my life so much...at such a time! He truly does make our paths to cross in the lives of others for so many reasons. I have been encouraged by HIS WORD, HIS PRESENCE and the people he has brought my way...even my readers here. THANK YOU!

These same ladies helped me make a Patriotic Quilt for my youngest son while he was in Iraq. (see my blog post archive at THIS IS THE DAY)

(UPDATE) my fatigue seems to be getting better! Might be the energy bar recipe I've been making! I will be giving you more information on cancer itself in upcoming post and my own experience and what has helped.)

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. Psalm 89:15


Blessings to you..
HOPE

Radiation Therapy Graduation

Edit...there was some other picture here that was not mine...so it is now gone. I don't know how it came on here? Please excuse the note.

It felt this jubilent!! All smiles and hugs as I finished up my last treatment on Friday April 16th 2010.

My "girls" were such a blessing each day...very caring. We had a few moments to "chat" each day and share things about our lives.

The last day was very emotional for me. These young ladies became a part of my life history. I spent every day of 6 weeks with them...each morning rising, knowing I too would have a place in their lives. As with my ladies luncheon theme "Bloom Where You Are Planted (post on my blog... A Creative Heart) I wanted to plant seeds of faith in the hearts of all those around me.

BLOOM? I did.. in my own spiritual growth...seeing God's hand in various ways in my life..revealing my weaknesses...giving me strength...courage.

Several years ago for my birthday, I received a wonderful journal called;

"The Book of Myself"....A Do-it-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions



It is broken down into three parts of your life;
Early years/childhood...Middle Years/young adult...Later Years/Full Maturity

The topics are categorized also in each section by Family, Friends, Education, Work/responsibilites and The World

Some of the questions or statements to answer are;

Some of my favorites...My mother/father's traits were.....This gift really sticks out in my memory...My Parents felt strongly about passing on these lessons..
This is one of the most important things about life... This was big news in my youth... I saw the world around me change because of this..This is something I learned the hard way...If I could do this over, I'd....These people affected my life...These people were very dear friends to me...
This person had the most impact on my life...in my youth...in my young adult life...in my elder years.

Very sobering thoughts...to enter into your own autobiography.

I wonder how many people realize you record something about THEM that will be there for others to read. How about the BOOK OF LIFE...the record GOD keeps.

These girls will be written about in my journal of life...they will forever be in my thoughts as I pray and recall their names. They were with me through a journey that required entwined hearts. They have to watch patients day in and day out face the battle of Cancer....I as a patient watched them day in and day out..care for me.

It was a blessing to have these young women care about the work they do...with smiles and friendly voices. I have heard contrary in other locations of therapy..how sad. I thank the LORD for putting me in the hands of these Proffessionals with compassionate hearts. God has surely shown his loving kindness to me.

As I continue on my Cancer Journey...I will continue to give you information the I hope will be helpful and encouraging.

(Please continue to pray for Kelly Anne Johnson as she goes into a more aggressive phase of her Chemo treatments at this time)

Blessings...
HOPE

My Final Week of Radiation Therapy!

Week 6 and GRADUATING FRIDAY...as the doctor tells me!! He is a former Professor at a University so this must be HIS lingo for ending your course!

The LORD in his infinite graces...manifested it once again last week. I was SUPPOSE to be ending my treatments last week..but the machine was down. Nothing serious. Radiation machines run off a water cooling system. They do SAFETY checks EVERY day and Friday (that was the day, I just sooo happen to have to decorate for the Ladies Luncheon (see A CREATIVE HEART postings)...the water system was too warm.

NO THERAPY! AMEN.

I was concerned about being fatigued that day with so much to do and company arriving on top of it all...and the luncheon the NEXT day. I was tired..but nothing like the usual end of the week zap! Praise the LORD!

The weekend was MARVELOUS!

My dear friend I hadn't seen in TEN YEARS was visiting and went with me on Monday to my regular scheduled therapy. What a blessing to have a "friend" come along...

"I hope I can keep up with everything..was my prayer"

Company visiting..special meetings at church..EVERY NIGHT for a WEEK....
and dinners at church too!

Well...Tuesday, Wed and Thursday...the machine is down due to waiting on a part!

NO treatments!

(I did get the 24 hour flu bug Tues..survived! whew)

but...Thanking the LORD that the entire week was not with the usual fatigue....and had I had the treatments...my skin would have been something to deal with..NO WORRIES there either. AMEN.

Friday...I had ONE treatment...saw my doctor and all was fine....made it to the last Preaching service of the week...sang a special as planned...and enjoyed the fellowship of our dear friends ...ALL WEEK LONG!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last Friday.. I gave gifts to my "team" and let them know how much I appreciated their time and encouragements..even if they do get PAID!

How surprised and pleased they were. I made the women HOPE-TOTES as shown above.
My oncology nurse Rose...even gave me a hug and was very touched by the unexpected gift. I PRAY that SHE is the one God sent me to minister to. She is very receptive. Please pray for her this week.

I can't express my THANKFULNESS for the sweet comments and your prayers!
God bless..
HOPE

A Mission Field in the journey of Cancer

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. II Corinthians 4:3-5

Today as I was speaking with my sweet radiation nurse about how I was doing. She asked about the upcoming ladies luncheon; the menu and that she'd like to see photos next week. With this OPEN DOOR...I told her that we are having a special meeting the following week and that the gentleman's wife is our speaker at the luncheon. I handed her the testimony tract of our speaker and was pleased that she asked to keep it...My hearts desire.

I then offered the same to another person with rejection. Saddened my heart...and I had to remind myself ...because we can take rejection so personal...

They are not rejecting you...they are rejecting the wonderful light of the glorious gospel...the very truth that bestows the most magnificent GRACE of life.

Servants..for Christ sake. For HIM...to give on HIS behalf...HOPE for others.

But, I thank the LORD for the opportunity...for the time at hand to be faithful to try and reach others with this Glorious Gospel of Christ.

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Acts 28:24

New faces...New places...at such a time...

to serve on...A Mission Field

even in the midst of a journey with cancer.

Hope

Week 5 of Radiation

Radiation Therapy continues to go well. I have just two weeks left. This being the fifth of six weeks of treatment.

The fatigue comes in waves...more so in the evening...with the day catching up on me.
My husband is such a blessing, always helping in any way he can.

We have a big week-end and week a head. Our 8th Annual Ladies Spring Luncheon is this Saturday and I'm the hostess! PLEASE pray the fatigue doesn't overwhelm me~! I have a lot of ladies helping and the LORD has blessed in another way. Friends we have not seen in years are coming to visit and one dear couple is staying with us. Janie will be a huge help and a blessing to the utmost just being here to fellowship with. The LORD's timing.... The perfect time, and person to visit me~! THANK YOU LORD!

Easter week we have a special speaker in from Sunday through Friday. So that means my regular scheduled therapy time and then a day of visiting and nightly preaching.

Whew~ I'm tired thinking about it all..but wouldn't miss it for anything!!

There will be so much to GLEAN from the Preaching...the blessings of fellowship and the anticipation of the GOOD work of the LORD done in the hearts of all who attend.

Each year is a BOUNTY of BLESSINGS!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When my therapy is over; I will post about my diagnosis and how this led up to my radiation therapy choice and my further course of treatments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE REMEMBER Kelly Johnson, Lois, and Cindy in your prayers. They are in this fierce battle with Cancer....

I love reading the OLD Testament and the Victors of the many battles fought with the LORD in their midst!

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

As the song says..VICTORY THROUGH GRACE

Conquering now and still to conquer, Rideth a King in His might
Leading the host of all the faithful Into the midst of the fight
See them with courage advancing, Clad in their brilliant array
Shouting the names of their Leader, Hear them exultingly say:

Not to the strong is the battle, Not to the swift is the race,
Yet to the true and the faithful, Vic'try is promised through grace.

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Blessings to all...

HOPE

Week 4 Radiation Therapy Blessings!

Thank you!....I appreciate so very much your prayers...they are effectual!!

I have had opportunity as we have prayed to talk with others around me...no other patients but my radiation team...all great people! Very receptive! We are having a special meeting Easter week at our church and I've already invited some out..please pray they come. Our visiting preacher has an amazing testimony of who's tract I gave out. None can deny by this man's life the wonderful work of GRACE...as in our own lives.

A young man recently visited our church and sang a song I had never heard before and I was so touched...tears came(of course with me this happens often!!). I asked him afterwards if he could send me the words..and he opens his binder and hands me the page!!! Praise the LORD!

"You're Looking At God's Grace"

Take a look at my hands, there's no nail print there.
Take a look at my brow, no crown of thorns do I wear.
Take a look at my back, no whip has ever left a trace.
Take a good look at me, you're looking at God's Grace.

When you're looking at me...you're looking at God's Grace.
I should have hung on the cross in disgrace.
But God sent his Son there to die in my place.
When you're looking at me, you're looking at God's Grace.
(partial song lyrics)

How true this is for those who have trusted the LORD Jesus as their personal Saviour! Just a sinner...seeking redemption and finding God's Grace! and the humble thanksgiving of what he bore for us on the cross of Calvary!

This too was me one day. I pray when I go for my treatments...that they see this in me also...

When you're looking at me...you're looking at God's Grace!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God... Ephesians 2:8 KJV

I spoke today with my sweet technicians of trusting God's will for my life when I was first diagnosed. How I pray...my time there will yield fruit...

Our Ladies Luncheon is coming up and the theme is

"BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED"

Bloom in planting seeds where you are, seedlings reseeding!...Bloom in your own spiritual growth and Bloom by being a blessing where you are!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I spoke with my Radiation Oncologist today (Tuesdays). For your information..it is NORMAL to feel some pain. The tumor removed left a cavity and also the nerves and blood vessels are healing. This can last up to a year. A type of "electrical" shooting. Brief but noticeable. I mainly felt this on Friday and Saturday...my main fatigue days also. ALL NORMAL. I have lost a few pounds..YEA! and amazingly my blood pressure is going down!! So I'm doing well with radiation therapy!!

My skin, I'm told, will start to show some marked treatments signs this next week. Also this 4th and 5th week...will be the most felt of the fatigue. Thankfully, I have friends coming from out of town for the luncheon and meeting (the 6th week!)...so I have HELP on the way! God's timing is so PERFECT!

Thank you once again for your prayers and sweet comments!
HOPE

Week 3 ...day 3.. and GUS!

Now I know you see this one!!! Can you believe it!!? I decided to CLOUD WATCH again during treatment time...like there is a whole lot to do! SMILE!!

So there you go...I found my dog GUS The Schnauzer in the BLUE of the sky! I don't know why the clouds are showing up yellow...they are a vibrant WHITE in the panels.
I got the biggest kick out of finding this leaping Schnauzer! You can see his infamous "eye brows" if you look closely. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Now I see him at each visit. Yesterday I had just showed the girls that do my treatments photos of him..one of them just adores Schnauzers..so she laughed when I said..NOW you really won't believe what I just found in the clouds!!

I think it actually brings a SMILE in their day...as I think upon the many patients they treat on a daily basis. Some I'm sure in bad shape...Chemo patients have to have radiation also...and if theirs is after weeks or months of Chemo treatments, I'm sure they are not as up to a cheerful visit as I am. I PRAY that I make a difference for them each day I am there.

I am doing well...I see my Oncologist each week and the Onco-nurse...my skin looks great to them. Me..it is fine..just some color changing..a very minor itch from time to time. The nurse told me of a SALT bar that you wet and use like deodorant for when the skin is moist in humidity. No deodorant with radiation treatments..and no perfumed soaps or lotions allowed. She said the Salt block is also found right along with the deodorants or near Natural products like TOM's.

The fatigue is still an issue with me...have to watch myself. Just yesterday, I had a WONDERFUL day of TEA with friends (will post on THIS IS THE DAY) and today, could feel the tiredness of a whole day out yesterday. It was WORTH it!!!

When I have more time, I will post on my diagnosis and some information that might be helpful to you or others you know.

Please continue to PRAY for my friends...Kelly, Cindy and Lois.

Blessings...
HOPE