Wendalyn, thanks for sharing this inspiring story.

I've been away a while and was so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. I have been praying for him and his family daily. I will continue to pray for Angie and his family. He will be missed.

Praying for you Rosebud. It is so hard for you I know I watched my friends go through treatments , much love sent your way. It is always good to see you Wilma and I too guilty not coming here as often as I need too . Many unseen but loved friends here. Bargoo praying here also.

THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS EVERYONE ~ I know that some of you have very busy lives, and so I appreciate it all the more that you take out time to pray for me and my family. My CHEMO went really well today; just had mild symptoms (nausea and tinny taste and that funny whoozines but they all only lasted for a minute or so just at the beginning. The rest of the day, I felt perfectly well and strong. PRAISE AND THANKS TO GOD for answered prayer and a great trip today.

Now the really hard time is over the next two weeks (esp the second; around the 10th to 14th days) as the side effects get worse at that time as the chemo meds take the most effect at that time. PLus I found out the reason that I have been feeling so hungry and gained some weight is from the steroids we are taking with our chemo; they cause extreme hunger and cravings, so you eat. That's good for some people, but not for others.

I was told not to worry too much but will be seeing a dietician next time I go for some tips, but I think I already know what she will say. I saw a diabetic counsellor who pointed out that a few prepared foods that I was eating had way, way too much salt. So I have to eat more natural things instead; so I'll be on the hunt for that; that includes more veggies, salads, unlimited fruit, and unsalted natural snacks.


WENDALYNN ~ THANKS SO MUCH for that lovely story; so touching and inspirational and something that I believe in so much as well! THE BEST IS REALLY YET TO COME ... :angel:

Recently I was sharing with someone how JESUS offers us a kind of peace the world does not and cannot offer -- that is a kind of Divine Serenity and Holy Tranquility (and it comes from God's HOLY SPIRIT). They help us get to the point in our spiritual growth/walks where we have learned through some tough life experiences -- TO LET GO AND LET GOD ... and TO TRUST HIM IN ALL THINGS!

To ACCEPT HIS WILL IN ALL MATTERS -- that is to do & allow what is good and right and best for ALL OF US in any given situation, esp regarding illness and death; and to RECOGNIZE HIS SOVEREIGNTY AND POWER in all aspects of our lives, becuz GOD is bigger and more powerful than us; and HE can do more than we could ever imagine -- HE has so much more in store for us in our next life. As Saint PAUL said, "We cannot even imagine what GOD has in store for us there" pp. 1 Corinthians 2:9 -- "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

Here's a link to a neat song about this subject ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonOTKVmkeo

So while these kinds of illnesses are very difficult -- we are not defeated. While we may be broken-hearted, we are not hopeless; while we may be disappointed, we are not destroyed; while we are sad, we are not forsaken; and though we grieve, we are comforted, so that we may comfort others ...

GOD IN HIS INFINITE MERCY sometimes takes us home to heaven, to rescue us and our families from prolonged suffering -- which includes grieving both before and after their passing. So then, we pray and ask GOD to prepare them and their families for their passing therefore, I ask for a pain-free, peaceful transition back home.

They are not asleep; they are at peace. They are not suffering; they are healed. They are not alone; they are in heaven with all their loved ones who have gone on before; and with GOD, our loving Father; and with JESUS, our faithful Saviour & Friend.

They are not dead; they are TRANSFORMED, just as our LORD was ... Remember ~ HE IS RISEN! Our LORD rose on the third day, to show us that we will too. So, REJOICE; REJOICE; and again I say, REJOICE! For GOD'S EVERLASTING LOVE & MERCY & GRACE ... (((HUGS)))

I went for a 5K walk yesterday. Some of you know Gary had started a 5K (3.1 Miles) walk, exactly 5 years ago. Another thread suggested that those of us that wanted to do it again in Gary's memory. I did it yesterday and as I walked I was singing a chorus to an old song....

Oh! That will be glory for me
Glory for me, Glory for me
When by his Grace
I shall look on His face
That will be glory
Be Glory for me.

Rosebud-- saying prayers for you and hoping the side effects are minimal for you. I think about everyone here a lot and I know I don't take the time that I should to let everyone know how much you all mean to me.

Bargoo-- I also did the 5K in honor of Gary. I wasn't even concerned about time--- just wanted to reflect on all the nice, crazy, fun things that he has posted here on 3fc for the last 11 years.. It was a nice walk.

THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR PRAYERS ~ I really did well this time; again only mild side effects at the start for just a few minutes; and that is awesome. Felt good and strong since then as well. I awoke the night of the chemo day, singing the song, "HE TOUCHED ME -- and made me whole" -- that was so comforting to me.

My DAD & GRACE are up and we went to see their cottage nearby for the first time; and had a light dinner and lovely visit. We will see Dad & Grace again today as they will be staying up for a few days. GRACE's surgery is going to be on JUNE 4th (not 5th) so I will correct that in the current list (my DAD got the dates mixed up).

Woke up late in the night with a few nausea waves, but as before they only lasted a few seconds each time. Got up and had a coffee and felt better right away. PRAISE GOD, I am doing well, but do need to catch up on some sleep as my hours get screwed up for the xtra-early appts and travelling.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME; I know that GOD is answering everyone's prayers from our Warriors here, my Partners in a couple other places, and of course, our family and friends. I am blessed to have so much support around me and prayers for DH too. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ...

PRAYER REQUEST ~ for a young mother (name is RACHEL: pronounced ROCHELLE) with two small children that was having chemo with us on Tuesday. She had a bad allergic reaction the first time, but was OK the second; they think it was the steroids for nausea so changed it to another one. Her Aunt (who is also a cancer survivor) came in later to check on her, but missed her and was so worried for her. She told us that she had been bargaining to GOD for her niece but we told her that we would be praying for them both; actually we are praying for all of them.

^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours too, as always ... :hug:

Rosebud, your prayer request for the cancer patients reminds me of something I heard my pastor say. He related a story of a woman sitting next to him on an airplane. I don't remember the details but do remember him saying, "She can't stop me from praying for her." My belief is that sometimes people that know how to pray are sometimes put in the path of people that need prayer. I think that is what happened with the lady and her niece that you spoke about. You probably already know this.

Wendalyn's story gave me goosebumps when I read it. Thanks so much for sharing that.

Rosebud, I think of you and your battle so often. Your positive attitude and wonderful posts keep me inspired to keep my own thoughts in a good place. I had an appointment yesterday at the hospital with my fertility doctor but he's just one floor up from my cancer doctor. I'm always so mindful of all the patients I see and how lucky I am to be fighting a good fight. God has been so good to me thus far, I can't wait to see what He has planned for my future. No matter what path I'm given, I know He will take care of me.

Bargoo, I so agree with your post. Sometimes I pray for people but don't tell them as I don't want to offend them. And sometimes I encounter people who offer to pray for me and I get a warm, tingly feeling and am so glad they want to pray for me.

All of you in my prayers and thoughts . I heard from a dear friend at last, that I been missing. I was so scared something was terrible wrong, what a blessing it was to hear from her the other morning. God is so good! Thank you Lord....

Originally Posted by :
God has been so good to me thus far, I can't wait to see what He has planned for my future. No matter what path I'm given, I know He will take care of me.

ELVISLVR ~ yes, I feel the same way. I am so blessed to have so many caring friends and family that are surrounding us with so much love and support during this time too. I am so very grateful; and I really believe that I am here for goodly and GODLY purpose -- to encourage others along the way. Plus, if I can survive having a giant tumor removed, and a total hysterectomy done all at once, others can survive too. My wish is that it will give them all hope ...

I was also so very impressed that my surgeon was so aggressive with my care -- not waiting around for all my symptoms to get worse and weaken me even more. I was losing almost a lb a day just before surgery. I thank GOD for that brave & wise man & his team every single day.


WILMA & BARGOO & BOOTSIE & OTHERS ~ thanks so much for your prayers and support. I had some really good news from my oncologist's assistant this week -- she told us that they consider my cancer to be totally curable so that was so encouraging to hear, esp for my family. This is becuz of the early stage microscopic cells, and they were well contained within the tumor and didn't spread through all those years -- what a mighty miracle that was and is ... PRAISE GOD!!!

My tests continue to come back with good results as well; and I have been doing so well that they all say that they are amazed by it, esp since I had just had double major surgery just 8 weeks prior to starting my chemo rounds; and others said it took them longer to recover from theirs. I could feel the LORD's hand with me and my surgeon & his wonderful team. I could feel the results of all your prayers and I still do.

I still get visions and dreams and confirmations from GOD all through this process. I am so blessed and I know it. The LORD has been so faithful to me. You know, JESUS said "Abide in me and I will abide in you". I will never leave you nor forsake you (no matter what happens).

BARGOO ~ I agree, and I thank GOD continually; and spend a lot of time paying it forward -- praying for others who do indeed need prayers desperately. I really believe that GOD is putting me in their path. That lady that has been bargaining her life for her nieces almost made me cry on the spot. The nurse with us said, "We are going to keep you both!" I told them that untold numbers are praying for me and that we are praying for them ALL too!


^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours ... :hug:

Friends are special gifts from our Lord and I feel so well blessed here! So thankful your cancer is curable! Praise the Lord! I bet those are some awesome dreams Rosebud. Gary and I talked about someday touching the hand of Jesus, how that would be so awesome! I plan on being 100 years old at the time; just hope I am not to old to enjoy the moment.

Rosebud, I thank God for you. I think of you as a true servant of God, you have the gift of knowing how and when to pray , may God bless you abundantly for all you do.

Haven't been here in a while, but always remember y'all in my prayers.

Rosebud So glad to hear the good news about the cancer being gone. I have a friend in church that I saw today and she is going through treatments too and she looks great. I'm sure she is wearing a wig and it looks good on her too. The doctor says she is doing so well because she has a great attitude. Of course, she says it is the prayers. However, I think the key to the way things have gone for you and her are both the prayers and attitude. She is 80 yrs old and gets around great and says "God still has things for me to do". I thought of you when she said that to me. I believe that is true for you as well.

Prayers continue for all.

Oh Trish that is so awesome, my friend is in her 80's too and she has her ups and downs but she keeps pushing forward, love her like a Mother.God still has things for me to do! love it!
Feeling bad today but I will get over it think I have a touch of virus better get over it, I have work that needs to be done! Got my pickup packed up have to wash cabinets and walls and plant watermelons and I know I am late but potatoes tomorrow , think I am planning too much!

THANKS EVERYONE ~ as we are coming to the end of week one and start of week two -- the side effects are kicking in, so I need prayers for the tender skin & muscle soreness, fatigue, and the acne is just starting. Seems to be a pattern here, so we need to pray for the blood platelets to recover this week and that my temperature stays below 38 Celcius.

My hair is still thinning out a bit but I still have some and that is nice really. Hopefully with prayers the swelling won't be so bad this time, esp in my legs. Went for a walk the last few days and felt good; but will take it easy this week, so my body can recover better. Thanks so much for your encouragement and prayers.

^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours too ... :hug:

Sending good thoughts and prayers rosebud! I think of you daily

Praying for you Rosebud. Please all add West Texas to your prayers it looks like a war zone there . 14 people dead and homes demolished, the town just destroyed.

And let's nor forget those injured in the Boston Marathon Bombing. Lives have been changed forever for many of those injured.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS ~ the side effects are more bearable this time (better than last time), so I'm sure it's your specific prayers that are helping so much. THANKS & PRAISE TO GOD -- for hearing & answering all our prayers; plus for His kindness & compassion ... :D

Sending up ^prayers^ for the people of WEST TEXAS: that GOD will heal & restore their lives. Also sending more prayers for those who lost loved ones or were injured in the BOSTON MARATHON bombing. What a senseless & useless tragedy. Hugs to all ... :hug:

Hi All- I haven't been posting here but have been reading and praying.

I could use your prayers right now- I've been sick for over a month. I went to my Naturopath and she said she could hear congestion in my left lung, she gave me some herbs to help. They did help, and then after I got better I quit them and promptly got sick again. I went to my regular doctor thinking he'd do bloodwork and a chest x-ray and he didn't - he told me I had allergies and to take Allegra. That still didn't help. I feel like I'm having an asthma attack 24/7 and went back to my Naturopathic doc, who did bloodwork that confirmed I don't have allergies and I don't have a bacterial infection. That leaves a virus (probably) or something more insidious but let's not go there yet.

I could sure use your prayers. I'm scared, and tired of not being able to breathe. I really want to heal up. Any prayers you all could offer up would sure be appreciated.\

God Bless.

DEE ~ sending up prayers that your doctor(s) will get to the bottom of your chest/breathing problems. Can you get another family doctor where you are? We hope/pray that it's nothing too serious, but they won't know until they do the tests to make sure it's not pneumonia or a bad virus or allergies. No wonder people seek out alternative care ... at least they get some care & concern from them. The whole point of going to the doctor is to find out what is wrong and find a solution asap. It just seems that your regular physician is taking a no-action stance. :shrug: Prayers for peace of mind as well ... :hug:


PRAYER REQUEST ~ my sister has to have surgery to remove all her teeth about the first week of May. Naturally, she is nervous about this, but they are going to put her to sleep and do it all at once. She needs prayers for pain and infection relief (she had to ask for the antibiotics & pain meds). Boy, you really have to be assertive these days about your care. :dizzy: My DH also has a bit of congestion as well; he needs prayers that will clear up quickly. THANKS ...

Rosebud- Prayers going up for your sister and for your hubby.

Prayers going up for all...God bless:hug:

Dee, praying that your breathing problems can be cured.
Rosebud, praying for your sister as she goes through this that there will be no infection and a minimum of pain.

THANKS, EVERYONE ~ my sister had two abscessed teeth; they pulled only one this week, leaving the other for when they do the surgery in early May, but then the other one is still infected and painful. She went back yesterday and asked for pain meds & anti-biotics so she can work. How they would expect her to work with all that pain, I don't know. She had to use up a week of her vacation already as it is. The meds are helping so she worked late into the evening to try to catch up on her work.

YES, my DH has some kind of cold or flu this week, and it is not good for me to be near him with that, so I'm trying to keep my distance until it's gone. If it doesn't go away soon, we will have to try to find him a temporary doctor here (and that's not good for someone his age either, really).

^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours ... :hug:

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate everyone's prayers- after over a month of deteriorating, I actually feel somewhat better today. For the first time in days, I was actually able to take a full, deep breath. It comes and goes but I feel maybe I'm over the hurdle and starting to get better and am sure your prayers helped and I praise God for the improvement. Thanks everyone. You all are in my prayers, also.

Dee sure hope you get better soon . One of my friends went to be with the Lord this morning. It has just been a bad day all over, hit my had bad news twice , dog sick and I don't like that ,God made this day so that makes it a glories day! The stars must be out of wack but Jesus can fix em!
Gee! All of her teeth , will be praying for her!

:hug: BOOTSIE ~ may GOD give you peace at this time; and his healing touch for your doggie too. Yes, all her teeth have to go as they are all moving becuz of old root canals gone bad; plus her jaw is discinigrating, so the false teeth have to be pinned now before its too late. As you know, the root canals are abscessing which is very painful and unhealthy to boot. So, out they all must come asap. I know that once it is all done she will be so relieved to end all the work once and for all; she has spent a fortune on her teeth only to have it all go bad again. It's time to end the teeth torture -- poor thing. THANKS for your prayers; I know she really appreciates them.

DEE ~ PRAISE GOD -- I know that is answered prayer; sometimes nothing less than GOD's intervention will help in situations like these. :D

Hi Everyone. Prayers going up for all.

Hi-I have a huge prayer request this morning....I have mentioned my mom in the past and her bipolar schizophrenia. We had thought that eliminating wheat from her diet had been controlling her paranoia and other issues since she had quit her medications 6 months ago, but, apparently, it just takes that long for effects of the meds to wear off-or-she's become much better at hiding some of the symptoms. Last night, she called ranting about 'they' are after her again and 'they' have put chemicals in her home, which has always been the story when she's off her meds. She truly believes people are after her and trying to poison her by putting chemicals in her ductwork, drain lines, etc. I reminded her that we had talked about this when she went off her meds and that no one was after her (the people who she thinks it is are actually all dead now), but, as usual, when I told her this wasn't actually happening, she hung up the phone and refused to answer when we called again later. Maybe I'm hard-hearted, but I didn't drive the 15 miles to go make sure she was ok, as I'm really tired of dealing with her problems. I totally understand why my dad drank-who can you talk to? No one helps. The county can only force the meds if she states or implies harm to herself or others. And, she has never, ever, willingly taken the meds. Dad struggled with her the entire 27 years they were married.

I simply don't know what to do. I feel like the bad daughter. I do care about her, but, when someone won't get the help they need, I've learned (through al-anon) that, sometimes, you just have to stay away. I also have to protect the emotional health of my sons-they DO NOT need to hear any more of her rants.

Please pray that she will hear God telling her that she must comply with medical treatment. She has attempted suicide at least 4 times in my lifetime, so that is always a concern as well.

Thank you, my dear friends, for letting me vent a bit-I know it's only God's and the Spirit's intervention that will fix this situation.

A while back I asked for prayer for my brother who is fighting both lung cancer and brain tumours. This weekend he was admitted to the hospital and is now in ICU. He has double pneumonia. He is a tiny bit better this a.m. but is still on oxygen and antibiotics. Please pray for him and especially his wife and children. This is harder on them than it is on him. He is a believer and ready to go. He's only 49 and I guess I'm not ready to let him go yet. God's will be done.

Thanks!

Wilma-Prayers for your brother and you and the family. God can heal!

Prayers going up for Ronni and Wilma.

If I could ask again for prayers - I turned out to be allergic to the medicine my doctor gave me and have had to go off of it. My breathing is still better than it was, but I'm wheezy today and scared I'm going to get sick again. I will be calling my doctor in a few minutes to discuss what went wrong.

Thanks, God bless you.

Dee-Prayers for you, too. Sure hope the docs can figure this out quickly-you've been dealing with this way too long:hug:

WILMA ~ prayers continuing for your brother and his family at this time ... :hug:

RONNI ~ prayers going up for your mother; we had a friend that was in the same situation. He is now on meds permanently and doing well. Sadly, it took a bad episode to get him on meds; his behaviour escalated until he was put in the hospital where he was assessed properly and put on meds that finally helped him. PS -- Ronni, do you not have a community access support organization in your nearest city? They may have something similar in your state. We have this and are now getting some help for DH and I.

DEE ~ still sending up prayers that your doctor can find meds that don't cause allergies; and you feel better soon.

PRAYER REQUEST ~ I would appreciate prayers for my DH and myself. We are getting some help for him through "community access" and he will be getting an assessment soon (the doctor/nurses & support workers will assess DH to find the most appropriate meds & other treatments that will help him best). Please pray that he won't panic and will get the help he needs (so far, he is agreeing to it all). It will make the world of difference for him and me, esp while getting my chemo treatments. It is nice to get some help finally; and I am grateful. I just pray that it all works out in a positive way for DH especially; because we want him to be well & as contented as he can be.

Gotta go -- dinner is ready ... thanks everyone ... :hug:

Rosebud-

Prayers going up for you and your husband. I hope that the Community Access thing works out. :)

Prayers still going up for all concerns.I just don't seem to get here as much as I would like to but know that I think of you all the time and send good thoughts and prayers

Rosebud-I'm not sure what you mean by community access organization, unless that's the same as our county health department? The biggest problem in this situation is mom, herself. She only complied with the meds before because they had been court-ordered after she threatened the police chief and he had her committed. The only way she could get out of the hospital was to agree to take the meds and they had the county nurse come to her home every month to give her a shot. As soon as she found out the court order had expired, she told the nurse not to come back and went off the meds. That was 6 months ago and, apparently, it takes almost that long for the meds to 'wear off.' She's now back into her full-blown paranoia state. We can do nothing to force any medication unless she shows that she could cause harm to herself or someone else, which she's usually very careful about. She's learned from the past about how far she can go and still keep out of 'trouble' and the hospitals. God's intervention is the only thing that will make her see what she's doing to herself and everyone around her by not complying with going back on the meds.

I do have another request---my sister will be having a surgery tomorrow to repair a torn meniscus in her hip joint. It's a same-day surgery, but she'll have quite a bit of therapy afterward to get back to walking without crutches. She's used to being much more active, plus her youngest son will graduate high school next month and they're trying to get ready for that, as well as moving from the Chicago area to Phoenix as soon as she's healed from the surgery. She's a believer, but she's a little stressed right now and worried about how long it will take for her to be back to normal after the surgery.

Thanks a bunch! God bless. Prayers for all:grouphug:

Prayers for all. :hug: