Today mom got the call from her oncologist that the PET Scan done on Monday was all clear. A couple of weeks ago, mom had written in this blog that her tests came back cancer free and this was just the follow up (to check on the Lymph Nodes.) So, we are incredibly grateful for this report.
My sister Becky and her family made it home from Uruguay last week and it is wonderful to have them all back on the same continent. Her husband, Kevin leaves on the 30th of June for a one year position in Iraq. Becky will rent a home in Indiana for a year with the children. Then, they will move to Washington D.C. for 3 years so that their oldest, Tim, can graduate from the States. Laura, 11, just signed up for horseback riding lessons and will be starting the Swim Team at the YMCA with Anna, 8. Tim watched a soccer practice and plans to join.
The teenager cousins are all at Mom and Dad's church's Youth Camp. This is something they all look forward to all year and are thrilled that Tim can be a part of it this year too. What great memories spend summer break together. My brother Jim helps out there too, so they love having him there.
Jim and Becca are expecting their baby in September, all is going fine with that as they prepare Penny, 19mos, to be a big sister. I'm sure she will be lots of help.
Jeannie and Jeff continue to move forward as they adjust to the changes their jobs from the past few months. Joel, 15, conditions during the summer for football and even has some lawns that he mows in the area. He is going to a Young Life Camp in VA in the next few weeks. Jocelyn, almost 7, enjoys swimming, and gymnastics and is attending some local VBS in the area.
Life at the Raraigh Ranch is never dull. Alaina, 17, just got her Wisdom Teeth out this past week, and I am keeping my fingers crossed as I sent her with soft food and pain meds to Youth Camp. She works as a hostess at Kings Family Restaurant and has a summer babysitting job. She will be starting her Senior year at Lenape Tech and is taking Advertising and Digital Technology. She also is a band manager for the Freeport Marching Band. Nathan, 15, finished playing baseball for the JV team and is excited to start another year of marching band playing his trumpet. He was thrilled to be given a Trumpet 1 part this year. David and Devon, 9, are both playing Little League baseball and are loving it. June is a busy month for me at church as I prepare for VBS. We leave for vacation June 30 and can't wait to go to Ocean City! Dennis' job continues to be well.
We can't say enough about the prayers, well wishes, thoughts, meals, and help you have given our family over the past several months. "His Grace is sufficient," and we are learning daily to trust and love Him more. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I Corinthians 4-9
4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
A note from Gingie
Dear Family and friends,
I have been wanting to write to you for so long. The kindnesses extended to Rod and I, by you, are unbelievable.
A month ago I was able to start to write individual thank yous. It was most upsetting to realize I had misplaced them which did not please me at all. I have your cards and notes as well as the list of treats, meals which we received. These tangible items were so touching. I am overwhelmed realizing the number of prayers offered . I am just not able to express thank you enough for your gentle touch to me in such a sweet way.
My family has been something else. They are quite good at patiently continuing to tell me of the comings and goings of four months of my life. Their care of me was so precious. I became a nurse to be able to care for them but they came to care for me.
Thank you. Each of them did what they could do. It makes a person get wet eyes!
Now to Him who able to keep you from falling.......... I have felt His peace from the day I got the Cancer diagnoses. I knew it was a possible diagnosis. I felt like I was stopped in my tracks. But today, following five full months of, I guess I will call it treatment, like they do, I was blessed by God with the news of no cancer today. I will be in for doctor visits every two to three months as well as reruns of many tests but for today ....He touched me. And how do I feel? Well, I have been blesssed more than I can say and I want to be sensitive to what he wants me to do from day to day.
May He bless you and keep you and keep His face shine on you. Love, Gingie
I have been wanting to write to you for so long. The kindnesses extended to Rod and I, by you, are unbelievable.
A month ago I was able to start to write individual thank yous. It was most upsetting to realize I had misplaced them which did not please me at all. I have your cards and notes as well as the list of treats, meals which we received. These tangible items were so touching. I am overwhelmed realizing the number of prayers offered . I am just not able to express thank you enough for your gentle touch to me in such a sweet way.
My family has been something else. They are quite good at patiently continuing to tell me of the comings and goings of four months of my life. Their care of me was so precious. I became a nurse to be able to care for them but they came to care for me.
Thank you. Each of them did what they could do. It makes a person get wet eyes!
Now to Him who able to keep you from falling.......... I have felt His peace from the day I got the Cancer diagnoses. I knew it was a possible diagnosis. I felt like I was stopped in my tracks. But today, following five full months of, I guess I will call it treatment, like they do, I was blessed by God with the news of no cancer today. I will be in for doctor visits every two to three months as well as reruns of many tests but for today ....He touched me. And how do I feel? Well, I have been blesssed more than I can say and I want to be sensitive to what he wants me to do from day to day.
May He bless you and keep you and keep His face shine on you. Love, Gingie
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Today's Testing
Hello All:
Gingie and I went to a Sigmoidoscopsy today. The visuals we saw indicated that there is still radiation inflammation and an ulcer. We have an appointment with the Dr. in two weeks to get a course of treatment for the ulcer. Will let you know more when we find details.
Thanks
Rodney
Gingie and I went to a Sigmoidoscopsy today. The visuals we saw indicated that there is still radiation inflammation and an ulcer. We have an appointment with the Dr. in two weeks to get a course of treatment for the ulcer. Will let you know more when we find details.
Thanks
Rodney
Friday, April 12, 2013
Note from Dad
I think that it is time for an update. Gingie is feeling better. Each day she seems to do a little more than the day before. She still tires quickly. The VNA stops once a week and her nurse is quite pleased with the progress. There will be scans and tests scheduled the first of the month to see how effective the treatments have been. I continue to pray that all the cancer cells are gone and the tissues completely heal.
We are told that all of us have cells that go rouge and become cancerous. Our immune system fights these off and they don’t grow. For reasons yet unknown, individual’s immunity is weakened and fails to eliminate these wild cells and cancer develops. There are lots of guesses about compromised immunity, but no hard facts. Gingie needs her immunity system restored to God’s perfect level. We are told the it might take up to a year.
My prayers now center on Gingie gaining weight and her blood counts increasing as the chemo continues to leave her systems.May God’s healing hand strengthen her and give her complete health quickly. Thanks to each of you for praying along side of us and holding us up when those tough times seemed oh so dark and gloomy. Our faith in God has only increased and as a family He has drawn us closer through this than we have ever been.
Thank you,
Rodney
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Easter Bunnies
Mom and Dad always made Easter special at our house. Well, looking back, I am not sure how much time and thought Dad really put into it, but I now understand how those things work. There was one big huge basket with lots of candy, mostly chocolates. Chocolate is one of Mom's favorite things, so come the "chocolate holidays," she never disappointed. There would be a nice assortment of Sarris Candy, sometimes a large peanut butter melt-away egg, M&M's, turtles, chocolate covered pretzels, maybe some Whoppers and some jelly beans.
Being a girl, we would often get a new Easter dress too. That was always a big deal. Things were different then. We wore a dress to church each Sunday and we weren't allowed to wear nude panty hose until we were 13. We would either wear tights or knee socks. We could break out the new white patton leather shoes or white sandles for Easter, but we didn't wear them again until after Memorial Day. We were allowed to wear make-up in 7th grade and were able to get our ears pierced in 8th. I don't remember real rules for shaving, there was just always the big lecture of "once you start, you'll have to keep on going and it will grow in darker and thicker like Daddy's whiskers " I remember one of my sisters trying to fib her way out of saying she didn't shave her legs, but the ring around the bathtub told otherwise. Yes, it is a surprise that wasn't me!
We had two Easters that had an extra surprise. The first, I don't remember the year, I would have been early elementary ages, we came out to the dining room table to find a white bunny with pink eyes in our basket. Three little girls fell in love with her right away (It was B.J. - before Jim). We named her Puffy. We were so excited to have a cute new pet to play with. Of course WE would feed it and clean the cage. HA! I do remember helping to paint her cage and we had to move the cage around the yard to give it fresh grass spots. Puffy really do much, but lay there - she got so fat and lazy, she even forgot how to hop!
We all were excited for the time that we found out that Puffy was going to have babies! (Now that I think about it, I am very surprised that Dad agreed to that and I don't know where she even met her boyfriend, she was usually gated up on her own!) Well, we watched as she got ready to be a mommy. We were amazed how she pulled the hair from under her chin to make a nice soft nest for her new baby bunnies. It was very exciting. What colors would they be, would any of them be white with pink eyes like her? How many would she have? Oh the tension and the thrill was so thick you could almost taste it! Finally the day came that we found out that she had her babies. I don't really remember the time frame, I imagine it all happened pretty quick, but dad, not always being the most sensitive, told us that none of the babies made it. Puffy ate all her babies! "EWWW!!! GROSSS!!!!! She ate them? Why would she do that?" Then the science teacher in him came out. He explained how sometimes that just happens. (I don't really remember his words.) I do remember him telling us thought that maybe she was a "special needs bunny." He said that her parents probably were brother and sister and she just didn't have the right things in her for her to be a mom. What is a child suppose to to with those thoughts?
Now that I think about it all, I have no idea how he would have know that, and I feel bad thinking that all these years we had a retarded bunny.
Several years later, Puffy had passed, and one Easter morning, another white bunny with pink eyes waited for us all, including Jimmy, in our Easter Basket. Jimmy named this one, Softy. I am guessing by the name, Jim would have been around 3. Mom had bigger plans for Softy. She had heard that some rabbits can be indoor pets, but they were super expensive, so we would just train this one. She thought it would look so cute of have a little black Poodle, Tosh, and a white bunny, Softy, greet you at the top of the stairs when you walked into our house. "All you have to do is train it to use the liter box. It will always go back to the same spot to do it's business. Well, yes that is true, it did go to the back bathroom liter box to go potty, but it also went in other places around the house. He also would like to hop behind the stereo system and that wasn't a big deal, until something would just stop working and dad would find the wires chewed and frayed. I am sure that didn't warm his heart to have to continually be repairing wires, but I am pretty sure the last straw to Softy being an indoor bunny was one of his "spots" that he would return to in order to do his business. You know, as a child one of the most comforting and secure spots was right between mom and dad in bed. Softy must have agreed too. He also loved that little dip between the pillows on their bed. Yes, after that, Softy was an outdoor rabbit.
Yesterday was a day of rejoicing. We all went to Jeannie's house for Easter dinner. Grandma Allshouse was there too and mom looked great. She had on a new pair of jeans, a fleece vest and shirt (my guess is from LL Bean!) Her hair was beautiful - still there. Her color looks a lot better than the last time I saw her. Dad even put on a nice dress shirt for the family gathering. A good rule of thumb for dad to follow would be "if you got it free, like for giving blood, some kind of special varmint control, or our old high school musicals, - probably isn't appropriate for a nice family gathering. Not that there is anything wrong with varmint control, I'm all for it...just saying...
I made the ham, Becca made the salad, and Jeannie made the potatoes, veggies and rolls. In the corner, I spotted a familiar Tupperware container. It was one mom always put her cookies in. In the clear bottom, were round tan objects with black spots. "Could it be? Are those the famous homemade chocolate chip cookies?" When I questioned, the answer was "YES!" Mom and Dad together made cookies. It was perfect.
When we were finished with our meal, but were all still at the table, the phone rang and made the evening complete. We all talked to Becky on speaker phone at the table for about 45 minutes. We all can't wait for the summer when we will all be together and for the year she and her kids will have in Indiana, with us all as a family.
Easter Sunday and Mom finally went to church. What a day to make it back for the first time! She still needs to be careful with germs, but she is able to get out. She will be scheduling times for visitors to stop by as she still tires easily and it can be very overwhelming. Please call or text her if you would like to visit.
We can not thank you enough for all your thought, kind words, meals but especially your prayers. Please continue to pray for complete healing.
Being a girl, we would often get a new Easter dress too. That was always a big deal. Things were different then. We wore a dress to church each Sunday and we weren't allowed to wear nude panty hose until we were 13. We would either wear tights or knee socks. We could break out the new white patton leather shoes or white sandles for Easter, but we didn't wear them again until after Memorial Day. We were allowed to wear make-up in 7th grade and were able to get our ears pierced in 8th. I don't remember real rules for shaving, there was just always the big lecture of "once you start, you'll have to keep on going and it will grow in darker and thicker like Daddy's whiskers " I remember one of my sisters trying to fib her way out of saying she didn't shave her legs, but the ring around the bathtub told otherwise. Yes, it is a surprise that wasn't me!
We had two Easters that had an extra surprise. The first, I don't remember the year, I would have been early elementary ages, we came out to the dining room table to find a white bunny with pink eyes in our basket. Three little girls fell in love with her right away (It was B.J. - before Jim). We named her Puffy. We were so excited to have a cute new pet to play with. Of course WE would feed it and clean the cage. HA! I do remember helping to paint her cage and we had to move the cage around the yard to give it fresh grass spots. Puffy really do much, but lay there - she got so fat and lazy, she even forgot how to hop!
We all were excited for the time that we found out that Puffy was going to have babies! (Now that I think about it, I am very surprised that Dad agreed to that and I don't know where she even met her boyfriend, she was usually gated up on her own!) Well, we watched as she got ready to be a mommy. We were amazed how she pulled the hair from under her chin to make a nice soft nest for her new baby bunnies. It was very exciting. What colors would they be, would any of them be white with pink eyes like her? How many would she have? Oh the tension and the thrill was so thick you could almost taste it! Finally the day came that we found out that she had her babies. I don't really remember the time frame, I imagine it all happened pretty quick, but dad, not always being the most sensitive, told us that none of the babies made it. Puffy ate all her babies! "EWWW!!! GROSSS!!!!! She ate them? Why would she do that?" Then the science teacher in him came out. He explained how sometimes that just happens. (I don't really remember his words.) I do remember him telling us thought that maybe she was a "special needs bunny." He said that her parents probably were brother and sister and she just didn't have the right things in her for her to be a mom. What is a child suppose to to with those thoughts?
Now that I think about it all, I have no idea how he would have know that, and I feel bad thinking that all these years we had a retarded bunny.
Several years later, Puffy had passed, and one Easter morning, another white bunny with pink eyes waited for us all, including Jimmy, in our Easter Basket. Jimmy named this one, Softy. I am guessing by the name, Jim would have been around 3. Mom had bigger plans for Softy. She had heard that some rabbits can be indoor pets, but they were super expensive, so we would just train this one. She thought it would look so cute of have a little black Poodle, Tosh, and a white bunny, Softy, greet you at the top of the stairs when you walked into our house. "All you have to do is train it to use the liter box. It will always go back to the same spot to do it's business. Well, yes that is true, it did go to the back bathroom liter box to go potty, but it also went in other places around the house. He also would like to hop behind the stereo system and that wasn't a big deal, until something would just stop working and dad would find the wires chewed and frayed. I am sure that didn't warm his heart to have to continually be repairing wires, but I am pretty sure the last straw to Softy being an indoor bunny was one of his "spots" that he would return to in order to do his business. You know, as a child one of the most comforting and secure spots was right between mom and dad in bed. Softy must have agreed too. He also loved that little dip between the pillows on their bed. Yes, after that, Softy was an outdoor rabbit.
Yesterday was a day of rejoicing. We all went to Jeannie's house for Easter dinner. Grandma Allshouse was there too and mom looked great. She had on a new pair of jeans, a fleece vest and shirt (my guess is from LL Bean!) Her hair was beautiful - still there. Her color looks a lot better than the last time I saw her. Dad even put on a nice dress shirt for the family gathering. A good rule of thumb for dad to follow would be "if you got it free, like for giving blood, some kind of special varmint control, or our old high school musicals, - probably isn't appropriate for a nice family gathering. Not that there is anything wrong with varmint control, I'm all for it...just saying...
I made the ham, Becca made the salad, and Jeannie made the potatoes, veggies and rolls. In the corner, I spotted a familiar Tupperware container. It was one mom always put her cookies in. In the clear bottom, were round tan objects with black spots. "Could it be? Are those the famous homemade chocolate chip cookies?" When I questioned, the answer was "YES!" Mom and Dad together made cookies. It was perfect.
When we were finished with our meal, but were all still at the table, the phone rang and made the evening complete. We all talked to Becky on speaker phone at the table for about 45 minutes. We all can't wait for the summer when we will all be together and for the year she and her kids will have in Indiana, with us all as a family.
Easter Sunday and Mom finally went to church. What a day to make it back for the first time! She still needs to be careful with germs, but she is able to get out. She will be scheduling times for visitors to stop by as she still tires easily and it can be very overwhelming. Please call or text her if you would like to visit.
We can not thank you enough for all your thought, kind words, meals but especially your prayers. Please continue to pray for complete healing.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
It Is Well With My Soul
A great weekend was had by all! The OGF (Old Girl Friends) didn't disappoint and was just what the doctor ordered. They got Eat n Park To-Go, pizza, enjoyed homemade brownies, watched movies and even gave each other pedicures!
Dad's weekend was a bit different, campfires, family, reading, kids, target shooting, walks in the woods and eating ice cream sandwiches. Again, exactly what the doctor ordered. When mom called him at camp, Sunday morning, his comment was, "she sounded just like she did before, her voice was normal again." That was very good news.
I called yesterday, Monday, and had awful timing. Her upbeat and cheery voice answered the phone, but she told me that all the nurses just walked in, so I called back later. She is getting along well, and passing all her tests with flying colors. The home health nurse, PT and Occupational Therapy all observed her in her new normal routine: taking a bath, getting dressed, making herself something to eat and even doing a bit of laundry. They all gave her high scores and will re-evaluate if their services are still needed. She told me that she had put a pair of jeans on yesterday for the first time. They were not painful for her to wear and she felt more like a modern lady not an old grandma that has to wear pants with elastic. ( I remember after having a baby or after foot/knee surgeries how good it felt not to wear the pants that you HAVE to wear, but what you WANT to wear!) She was so excited and I could tell she felt good wearing them. She said she feels no pain while wearing them as she did before as the seam lays right on the tailbone.
She still tires easily and was ready to take a nap after they left and was done "performing" for them all. We are enjoying being able to make Easter plans and mom commented that she can't wait to hug the kids! She has missed them. I have to admit that I am looking forward to making dinner plans and thinking about what I am going to cook, not so much the care and aid of my mom. I will do that again in a minute, but this is much more fun.
Dad had commented when we were away at camp how close we have all become as a family through all this. It is a different kind of relationship when you are there for each other like we have been. We have laughed, cried, have been concerned and relieved. We have had amazing doctors that we swear must have photographic memories that make us feel like she is the only patient they have or will ever have, and we have had doctors that we are ready to report to someone...yeah, who do we report them to? Some of the nurses and aides we have felt to be like family and the first question we would ask when we would call is, "who is the nurse on today," and ones that would come in, shut the door and sit down and talk to us about her care and they weren't even on duty with her.
The end of April will be further testing to see how her treatments have affected the tumor. Please pray that it is 100% GONE! She is still having some discomfort from the tissue and area involved and radiation's side effects. Dr. Raminini, her oncologist, told her that this was the worse case of this type of cancer that he had ever seen. We are hopeful that she is on the down side of this all and are claiming healing for her.
This week is Holy Week. This week is the base of our Christian faith the WHY we believe what we believe. This week we are reminded of Christ's sacrifice He made for us. We were reminded of his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem as we celebrated Palm Sunday and were reminded to call him "Blessed" because he comes in the Name of the Lord! We look toward taking the cup and the bread as it was His body and His blood that were given for us. Friday, the day the cross, carried for each of us, our sins, the pain He endured so that if we confess with our lips and believe in our hearts, we too can live forever with Him in heaven. Easter Sunday a day of rejoicing for our Resurrected Savior!
This experience with my mom, her journey has forced us to stare in the face, death. None of us know the day or hour, but we have to be ready, no matter what. I am thankful for one more day with my mom. I rejoice in the fact that whatever day it may be, SHE knows where and why she will go when her time comes. I am thankful for a family that comes together in a time of wonder, and pain and friends that are willing to hold us all up as we travel the journey. And in my dad's words I close. "It is well with my soul." Amen.
Dad's weekend was a bit different, campfires, family, reading, kids, target shooting, walks in the woods and eating ice cream sandwiches. Again, exactly what the doctor ordered. When mom called him at camp, Sunday morning, his comment was, "she sounded just like she did before, her voice was normal again." That was very good news.
I called yesterday, Monday, and had awful timing. Her upbeat and cheery voice answered the phone, but she told me that all the nurses just walked in, so I called back later. She is getting along well, and passing all her tests with flying colors. The home health nurse, PT and Occupational Therapy all observed her in her new normal routine: taking a bath, getting dressed, making herself something to eat and even doing a bit of laundry. They all gave her high scores and will re-evaluate if their services are still needed. She told me that she had put a pair of jeans on yesterday for the first time. They were not painful for her to wear and she felt more like a modern lady not an old grandma that has to wear pants with elastic. ( I remember after having a baby or after foot/knee surgeries how good it felt not to wear the pants that you HAVE to wear, but what you WANT to wear!) She was so excited and I could tell she felt good wearing them. She said she feels no pain while wearing them as she did before as the seam lays right on the tailbone.
She still tires easily and was ready to take a nap after they left and was done "performing" for them all. We are enjoying being able to make Easter plans and mom commented that she can't wait to hug the kids! She has missed them. I have to admit that I am looking forward to making dinner plans and thinking about what I am going to cook, not so much the care and aid of my mom. I will do that again in a minute, but this is much more fun.
Dad had commented when we were away at camp how close we have all become as a family through all this. It is a different kind of relationship when you are there for each other like we have been. We have laughed, cried, have been concerned and relieved. We have had amazing doctors that we swear must have photographic memories that make us feel like she is the only patient they have or will ever have, and we have had doctors that we are ready to report to someone...yeah, who do we report them to? Some of the nurses and aides we have felt to be like family and the first question we would ask when we would call is, "who is the nurse on today," and ones that would come in, shut the door and sit down and talk to us about her care and they weren't even on duty with her.
The end of April will be further testing to see how her treatments have affected the tumor. Please pray that it is 100% GONE! She is still having some discomfort from the tissue and area involved and radiation's side effects. Dr. Raminini, her oncologist, told her that this was the worse case of this type of cancer that he had ever seen. We are hopeful that she is on the down side of this all and are claiming healing for her.
This week is Holy Week. This week is the base of our Christian faith the WHY we believe what we believe. This week we are reminded of Christ's sacrifice He made for us. We were reminded of his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem as we celebrated Palm Sunday and were reminded to call him "Blessed" because he comes in the Name of the Lord! We look toward taking the cup and the bread as it was His body and His blood that were given for us. Friday, the day the cross, carried for each of us, our sins, the pain He endured so that if we confess with our lips and believe in our hearts, we too can live forever with Him in heaven. Easter Sunday a day of rejoicing for our Resurrected Savior!
This experience with my mom, her journey has forced us to stare in the face, death. None of us know the day or hour, but we have to be ready, no matter what. I am thankful for one more day with my mom. I rejoice in the fact that whatever day it may be, SHE knows where and why she will go when her time comes. I am thankful for a family that comes together in a time of wonder, and pain and friends that are willing to hold us all up as we travel the journey. And in my dad's words I close. "It is well with my soul." Amen.
Friday, March 22, 2013
OGF to Visit
Mom has been getting a little better everyday. She still is having some pain, but it is manageable with some pain meds and Tylenol. She is eating and is gaining her strength back walking around the house. She has even made herself something to eat at times! That is a really big deal. She saw her doctor today. Her WBC is 2.8. Please pray that this continues to raise. He said it is close enough to the magic number (3) to not get the Neupogen shot. Her potassium is now normal, so she no longer needs that supplement - one less thing to take!
This weekend was one we have been looking forward to and talking about for a while. Mom's friends, OGF (old girl friends - friends from high school - the gals she went to Hawaii with) are staying with her for the weekend. Our family, on my dad's side, once a year goes to my Aunt Jan's camp, King Camp, by Lockhaven, PA. This is that weekend. I talked to Jeannie today while she was at my parent's house and I could hear chatting and giggling. Perfect. Just what the doctor ordered!
Please pray that this weekend is healing for us all! My dad needs to get lots of rest. Please pray that the laughter and memories made w/ the OGF can also be a different kind of healing for my mom. We can all use some fresh air to the situation.
This weekend was one we have been looking forward to and talking about for a while. Mom's friends, OGF (old girl friends - friends from high school - the gals she went to Hawaii with) are staying with her for the weekend. Our family, on my dad's side, once a year goes to my Aunt Jan's camp, King Camp, by Lockhaven, PA. This is that weekend. I talked to Jeannie today while she was at my parent's house and I could hear chatting and giggling. Perfect. Just what the doctor ordered!
Please pray that this weekend is healing for us all! My dad needs to get lots of rest. Please pray that the laughter and memories made w/ the OGF can also be a different kind of healing for my mom. We can all use some fresh air to the situation.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Hope
Mom has been home from the hospital now for a couple of days. The visiting nurse was there yesterday. Her blood counts are down a bit, and that says that the chemo is still having it's effects on her body. We also found out through her that things with her were a bit worse in the hospital than we even were aware of. We are so glad for God's protection and care for her through it all.
She has been pretty down. Please pray that her spirits are lifted as her healing continues and that she starts to feel HOPE. Aunt Marilyn is still there helping and mom feels very comfort in that. She still seems to have good days and bad days - praying for more good in the near future. She has been eating well and her strenght continues to increase.
She has been pretty down. Please pray that her spirits are lifted as her healing continues and that she starts to feel HOPE. Aunt Marilyn is still there helping and mom feels very comfort in that. She still seems to have good days and bad days - praying for more good in the near future. She has been eating well and her strenght continues to increase.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Warren Road Bound!
I am sorry that I have not written lately. Mom is still in Indiana Hospital, but is to be released today (Monday) to go HOME! Warren Road, home. There had been discussion on a nursing home and rehab, but she has been doing great, has no tubes, eating, walking the halls and her own bed and couch will be just fine.
She has been in the hospital 9 days! It has been a long road for sure. Dad and Aunt Marilyn had taken turns staying the night and Jeannie has been there during the day too.
Mom is no longer on the Morphine! Her blood counts are normal. Tissue is healing. She has been hungry! These are all amazing hurdles that she has overcome. With the type and location of her cancer, it has been hard to answer the simple question, "how is your mom doing?" This is my new blanket statement: "The prognosis of her cancer seems good, with a high percentage that this is curable. However, the side effects of the chemo, radiation and pain meds have been incredibly rough on her effecting her physically and mentally. Her scheduled chemo and radiation are over and we have a few more weeks to wait before further testing can be done to see how treatment worked on the tumor."
We are all ready for home care and everything that will bring.
I was there last week when a family friend stopped by. She said that it is hard for her to read this blog because she needs a lot of time and a box of tissues close by. I am sorry if anything I have said has been upsetting or stories too long. Please know that my intent has never been to make anyone sad. It is hard when you are going through this with a loved one to know what to say and what not to say. It is difficult when someone asks how things are going not to go into medicine names and lab numbers. I struggle with what I am to say and what not to say and to be sensitive to all. I pray that my words are used to God's Glory in everything I do, in my daily life and on this blog for my mom. It is not an easy thing to go through and we are so grateful for God's grace, sacrifice on the cross and hope for TOMORROW!
She has been in the hospital 9 days! It has been a long road for sure. Dad and Aunt Marilyn had taken turns staying the night and Jeannie has been there during the day too.
Mom is no longer on the Morphine! Her blood counts are normal. Tissue is healing. She has been hungry! These are all amazing hurdles that she has overcome. With the type and location of her cancer, it has been hard to answer the simple question, "how is your mom doing?" This is my new blanket statement: "The prognosis of her cancer seems good, with a high percentage that this is curable. However, the side effects of the chemo, radiation and pain meds have been incredibly rough on her effecting her physically and mentally. Her scheduled chemo and radiation are over and we have a few more weeks to wait before further testing can be done to see how treatment worked on the tumor."
We are all ready for home care and everything that will bring.
I was there last week when a family friend stopped by. She said that it is hard for her to read this blog because she needs a lot of time and a box of tissues close by. I am sorry if anything I have said has been upsetting or stories too long. Please know that my intent has never been to make anyone sad. It is hard when you are going through this with a loved one to know what to say and what not to say. It is difficult when someone asks how things are going not to go into medicine names and lab numbers. I struggle with what I am to say and what not to say and to be sensitive to all. I pray that my words are used to God's Glory in everything I do, in my daily life and on this blog for my mom. It is not an easy thing to go through and we are so grateful for God's grace, sacrifice on the cross and hope for TOMORROW!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wednesday
Mom's WBC count is slowly coming up. It is up to 1. She still can't have visitors. Today she was given a NG tube (Nasogastric intubation). This will allow her to receive nutrition since she has not been eating well. She also will be taking her antibiotics orally now too. There is talk of sending her home in the next day or so. We have mixed emotions of that.
Please continue to pray that she becomes more alert, that her WBC count increases along with platelets, that her infections are healed, she regains her strength, that her appetite increases and that her body is restored to complete health. Please pray for our family, my dad, aunt and siblings that we are all able to remain strong and rested.
We love you and are thankful for the love, prayer and support you have showered on us. Thank you.
Please continue to pray that she becomes more alert, that her WBC count increases along with platelets, that her infections are healed, she regains her strength, that her appetite increases and that her body is restored to complete health. Please pray for our family, my dad, aunt and siblings that we are all able to remain strong and rested.
We love you and are thankful for the love, prayer and support you have showered on us. Thank you.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Courageous Kids
Recently, I changed the name of our junior youth group at church. 3rd - 5th graders met once per month for lessons and games and was called FW Friends. It stood for Faith Weaver Friends. FW Friends was the curriculum that was used for that group when started about 15 years ago, but with new kids and new leaders, they hadn't used that material for several years. So, this year, I decided to switch things up a bit. We now meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month and will go on one "outing" per year - not once a month. The kids really seem to love the change, breaking into small groups and having 3- 4 rotations. It works well. I also changed the name to Courageous Kids which seems more fun and appropriate.
I have to be honest in saying, I have been feeling sad lately about what is going on with my mom. I have been convicted about earlier posts that I had written myself on this blog. I do know that it is going to be ok, whatever that means for my mom, and I do know that God is in control of the situation. I am not fearful, it just really sucks right now. Yes, that is what I said. Yes, it is a word that I do not allow my kids to say, it is such a strong, harsh kind of vulgar word, but really does apply.
Mom is still in the hospital and is to have no visitors since her WBC is still very low. Saturday night she fell, and got 2 staples in her head. Yesterday I went to Indiana for the day. Dad had spent the night at the hospital. She wants to get out of bed, but she is too weak to walk, so someone needs to be there with her to make sure she is safe. Aunt Marilyn arrived from Illinois late afternoon. Early evening when we had woken her up to eat dinner, we noticed she was warm to the touch. Yes, she had a fever. Not cool! She started with diarrhea a bit later and it lasted all through the night. She had been given a Nupogen (sp?) shot to elevate the WBC count and was given 2 units of blood through the night to help the platelets & WBC to rebuild. Being careful to not give too many specific details, going to the bathroom, clean up, and then the ointments for the burns and blisters (from radiation) makes for a VERY long and painful night for her, the caretakers and nursing staff. It is just plain awful to watch. I can't imagine going through it.
The chemo's side effects and the Morphine make her really confused. It is interesting how the mind works, though. All her main life circumstances seem to be jumbled up in her and come out in crazy, mixed-up short comments. Babies, wedding, grand kids, puppies, medicines, nursing, cooking, friends, entertaining and properly placed bedding makes for an interesting hospital stay. It is kind of a game trying to put it all together!
As of this morning, Monday, March 11th, her WBC is only .4. It need to be above 3. She will now get the Nupogen daily. They did a stool sample and it was negative for Cdiff. They will grow that culture for a few days. (Glad I don't have that job!) She will get a CT scan of her abdomen because she has been complaining of feeling "full" when she really doesn't eat much at all. She has no fever today. Her oncologist will come back this afternoon to check on her.
Dad went home through the night to sleep and Aunt Marilyn stayed at the hospital. Jeannie relived Aunt Marilyn later this morning, so she could go back to mom and dad's house to get some rest.
This morning I wasn't feeling too "encouraged." Having a few short nights, probably hasn't helped, but that is just how that goes sometimes. One reason I like to listen to the radio station KLOVE is because they call themselves "Positive and Encouraging." Today I decided to look up on their website their "Encouraging Word." http://www.klove.com/ministry/encouraging-word/
Today's Bible Verse:
This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
“A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:8
(Now I feel like my mom - with phrases, songs and movies of the past rolling around in my tiny little brain!) This is one of those verses that you hear used for lots of different reasons and situations, and of course I quickly start to quote what I think is scripture, or maybe it is from the movie Footloose, or that song from the Byrds, "Turn, Turn, Turn." (Better double check on this one!)
No, I can not get the italic print to turn off on here...grr...sorry.
Never-the-less, mom is a child of God! HE is with HER! He is with me. He wants, demand, me to be strong and courageous (check out the punctuation at the end of that scripture). ! He does not want me to be afraid or discouraged. He reminds me that this is all in HIS time - all of it - the good and the bad...(singing along, "turn, turn, turn...") He reminds me that he is with me. He wants me to be a Courageous Kid.
I have to be honest in saying, I have been feeling sad lately about what is going on with my mom. I have been convicted about earlier posts that I had written myself on this blog. I do know that it is going to be ok, whatever that means for my mom, and I do know that God is in control of the situation. I am not fearful, it just really sucks right now. Yes, that is what I said. Yes, it is a word that I do not allow my kids to say, it is such a strong, harsh kind of vulgar word, but really does apply.
Mom is still in the hospital and is to have no visitors since her WBC is still very low. Saturday night she fell, and got 2 staples in her head. Yesterday I went to Indiana for the day. Dad had spent the night at the hospital. She wants to get out of bed, but she is too weak to walk, so someone needs to be there with her to make sure she is safe. Aunt Marilyn arrived from Illinois late afternoon. Early evening when we had woken her up to eat dinner, we noticed she was warm to the touch. Yes, she had a fever. Not cool! She started with diarrhea a bit later and it lasted all through the night. She had been given a Nupogen (sp?) shot to elevate the WBC count and was given 2 units of blood through the night to help the platelets & WBC to rebuild. Being careful to not give too many specific details, going to the bathroom, clean up, and then the ointments for the burns and blisters (from radiation) makes for a VERY long and painful night for her, the caretakers and nursing staff. It is just plain awful to watch. I can't imagine going through it.
The chemo's side effects and the Morphine make her really confused. It is interesting how the mind works, though. All her main life circumstances seem to be jumbled up in her and come out in crazy, mixed-up short comments. Babies, wedding, grand kids, puppies, medicines, nursing, cooking, friends, entertaining and properly placed bedding makes for an interesting hospital stay. It is kind of a game trying to put it all together!
As of this morning, Monday, March 11th, her WBC is only .4. It need to be above 3. She will now get the Nupogen daily. They did a stool sample and it was negative for Cdiff. They will grow that culture for a few days. (Glad I don't have that job!) She will get a CT scan of her abdomen because she has been complaining of feeling "full" when she really doesn't eat much at all. She has no fever today. Her oncologist will come back this afternoon to check on her.
Dad went home through the night to sleep and Aunt Marilyn stayed at the hospital. Jeannie relived Aunt Marilyn later this morning, so she could go back to mom and dad's house to get some rest.
This morning I wasn't feeling too "encouraged." Having a few short nights, probably hasn't helped, but that is just how that goes sometimes. One reason I like to listen to the radio station KLOVE is because they call themselves "Positive and Encouraging." Today I decided to look up on their website their "Encouraging Word." http://www.klove.com/ministry/encouraging-word/
Today's Bible Verse:
This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Provided by: New Living Translation
I do sit down and read my bible. Not daily, which I know I need to do, but I do read it. For my job at church, of course, I use scripture for my lesson plans and how I develop and create my ministry. I did not go to seminary, and I am not a good memorizer, so I have to be very careful! I try to be sure I look things up carefully before I start to quote! One of my favorite tools to use is a website BibleGateway.com. I can search for a phrase or story and it will look it up for me exactly and if it isn't just the way I remember, I can search through different translations until I find just what I am looking for. It makes my job a lot easier! Just like my mom, I have a lot of life experiences and things in my head, so I have to work hard to "channel" the right thing at the right time when I am trying to quote (not a strength of mine...).
"...Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged!" After spending the day and evening with my mom an seeing all she is going through, I REALLY needed to hear THOSE words today. Yes, it was Positive and Encouraging to me today. I thought about those words and looked a little more at that webpage. A little lower on the page was "Previous Verses."
Ecclesiastes 3:8
(Now I feel like my mom - with phrases, songs and movies of the past rolling around in my tiny little brain!) This is one of those verses that you hear used for lots of different reasons and situations, and of course I quickly start to quote what I think is scripture, or maybe it is from the movie Footloose, or that song from the Byrds, "Turn, Turn, Turn." (Better double check on this one!)
No, I can not get the italic print to turn off on here...grr...sorry.
Never-the-less, mom is a child of God! HE is with HER! He is with me. He wants, demand, me to be strong and courageous (check out the punctuation at the end of that scripture). ! He does not want me to be afraid or discouraged. He reminds me that this is all in HIS time - all of it - the good and the bad...(singing along, "turn, turn, turn...") He reminds me that he is with me. He wants me to be a Courageous Kid.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Staples
Tonight, in the hospital, mom fell. Dad had stepped out to get some dinner and was only gone 20 minutes. Jeannie just happened to stop by to find mom laying on the floor. She hit her head. The CT scan and shoulder xrays came back clear. They gave her staples. Dad is going to stay the night with her. I will go in the morning. I was going to go to church with him in the morning - not sure if I will just go straight to the hospital now. I'm sure my dad feels awful.
Thanks again for your prayers.
Thanks again for your prayers.
In the Hospital
Last night, mom was admitted to the hospital. Her WBC is VERY low, .08. She also has a UTI. Any infection right now is very serious. She is getting IV antibiotics. They are doing their best to aid in her sores and blisters. Painful seems like too light of a word to describe things right now for her. The level of care that my dad has had to help with for my mom certainly falls into the worse part of "for better or for worse." The combination of morphine and pain that she is experiencing makes her again confused and now angry.
She of again is allowed no visitors.
Please pray that:
~ Total healing continues
~ Mom's pain is eased
~ WBC & platelets are quickly raised
~ Infections are healed
~ She is able to rest in the hospital
~ It would be awesome if she doesn't remember this phase
~ Strength & Rest for Dad
Thank you again for all your love and support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-KM_zpwfr4
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, you're my hope and stay
She of again is allowed no visitors.
Please pray that:
~ Total healing continues
~ Mom's pain is eased
~ WBC & platelets are quickly raised
~ Infections are healed
~ She is able to rest in the hospital
~ It would be awesome if she doesn't remember this phase
~ Strength & Rest for Dad
Thank you again for all your love and support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-KM_zpwfr4
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, you're my hope and stay
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Last Radiation
"Today was the last radiation treatment. Chemo ended last Friday. Now is the waiting time so that all tissues can heal and get back to normal . Gingie is suffering radiation burns. She takes break through medication for pain. We continue to value your prayer support for this healing time and that when we get to the place of treatment evaluation we will have excellent positive results. God's presence is real. He is our All in All. Praise to Him from whom ALL blessings flow.
Rodney"
Rodney"
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Roller Coaster
Well, as good as yesterday was, Mom had a very painful morning.
Thank you again for being on this ride of a life with us.
Thank you again for being on this ride of a life with us.
A GREAT Day
Sunday I went to visit mom after I was done with church. It was nice. I stopped first at Giant Eagle to buy the things needed to make us grilled Rubens. I know those are one of her favorites! Then I went over to the Meadows to get her some frozen custard, again, one of her very special favorites! We are all happy that it is now open.
Uncle Dick was there for the morning and it was so nice to see him. Later in the afternoon another friend stopped by to visit. I left around 7:30 and I guess with a day full of visitors she was exhausted. SHE SLEPT ALL NIGHT!! WOW!!!! She and dad BOTH really needed that rest. Thank you Jesus!
Yesterday after radiation, she had made an appointment for a manicure. Jeannie was able to take her. After her appointment she asked Jeannie if she had any other errands that needed to be done. Jeannie told her she needed to go to Bon Ton to get a few things. Mom thought well enough to go along. She did not use the wheel chair as sitting is still very painful now due to the blisters from radiation. I guess the shopping went just fine and when they were done mom told her that a hamburger and french fries sounded good from Eat n Park! So, they went and got take-out. Mom did eat 1/2 the burger and some fries!!!! What an amazing day and HUGE milestone. Mom said it felt so good to do something normal! It made me really happy.
This is the last week of radiation! She is still feeling the side effect of chemo last week and I am sure the radiation side effects will stay for a while too. After next week, she will then need to wait about 6 wks for testing to see how the treatments have worked.
Please pray that her body continues to heal completely and that no other treatments are necessary. It is amazing how friends and family have come together during this time of Mom's journey. Although I hate how my mom has had to suffer, I am amazed as to the love and support we have.
Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Uncle Dick was there for the morning and it was so nice to see him. Later in the afternoon another friend stopped by to visit. I left around 7:30 and I guess with a day full of visitors she was exhausted. SHE SLEPT ALL NIGHT!! WOW!!!! She and dad BOTH really needed that rest. Thank you Jesus!
Yesterday after radiation, she had made an appointment for a manicure. Jeannie was able to take her. After her appointment she asked Jeannie if she had any other errands that needed to be done. Jeannie told her she needed to go to Bon Ton to get a few things. Mom thought well enough to go along. She did not use the wheel chair as sitting is still very painful now due to the blisters from radiation. I guess the shopping went just fine and when they were done mom told her that a hamburger and french fries sounded good from Eat n Park! So, they went and got take-out. Mom did eat 1/2 the burger and some fries!!!! What an amazing day and HUGE milestone. Mom said it felt so good to do something normal! It made me really happy.
This is the last week of radiation! She is still feeling the side effect of chemo last week and I am sure the radiation side effects will stay for a while too. After next week, she will then need to wait about 6 wks for testing to see how the treatments have worked.
Please pray that her body continues to heal completely and that no other treatments are necessary. It is amazing how friends and family have come together during this time of Mom's journey. Although I hate how my mom has had to suffer, I am amazed as to the love and support we have.
Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
A Note from Dad
"The second chemo is finished. Chemo is tough. Gingie started the week with the most energy she has had in weeks. As the week progressed the chemo sapped her strength and by Friday she was not a lucid she has been, but it is done. We are confident that it has completed its job and even though the experience is rough, the end result of the cancer being destroyed is the desired result.
Radiation continues next week until the 7th, then it is finished. Gingie is suffering radiation burning. I am praying that the pain stops. We anticipate good results here too. The doctors and the two oncology centers have been excellent, we are receiving exceptional care.
Faith is now the watch word. The confidence that God is in control of all of this is very real in our home. Yesterday we had a visit and a phone call that once again proves to us that God is using this experience for His Glory. There is purpose in Gingie's Journey. We could not have anticipated this and wonder just what He has in store as future days unfold. I am reading "Don't Waste Your Cancer" by John Piper. You can read it on line @ http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/books/dont-waste-your-cancer if you so choose. It's a good read.
I wish that all of you could experience God at work in your life as we do here, but of course without the cancer. We are trusting Him completely "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Rom 8:28.
Rodney"
Faith is now the watch word. The confidence that God is in control of all of this is very real in our home. Yesterday we had a visit and a phone call that once again proves to us that God is using this experience for His Glory. There is purpose in Gingie's Journey. We could not have anticipated this and wonder just what He has in store as future days unfold. I am reading "Don't Waste Your Cancer" by John Piper. You can read it on line @ http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/books/dont-waste-your-cancer if you so choose. It's a good read.
I wish that all of you could experience God at work in your life as we do here, but of course without the cancer. We are trusting Him completely "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Rom 8:28.
Rodney"
Thursday, February 28, 2013
One More Trip Around the Sun
"Ralph Bag-a-donuts, taking up space, Grum-pucker-itis"...these are some of the old familiar sayings of my Dad. I guess he is going take my twins Snipe hunting in a few weeks at King Camp. Poor things...I remember myself, probably being about my boys age, sitting with my back against a tall tree, and a brown paper bag between my legs, clicking two rocks together three times. "Click, click, click." You had to wait sometimes a long time before the Snipe would run into the bag. Dad was the only one who would ever catch one.
"One more trip around the sun," as my dad would say, or simply, "Happy Birthday Mom!" Today is my mom's 66th birthday. I called this morning to wish her a happy day, but only chatted for a minute. I called around 8:30, so they were in their morning routine of getting meds, breakfast and getting ready to go to radiation.
I don't really know how mom feels about her birthday. I have always been a birthday lover and always look forward to my special day, (as I approach my 30-something-ish b-day), but I don't know if my mom feels the same. I remember it hasn't been that many years ago that mom had said that Mark wasn't the first thing she thought of when she woke up on her birthday. See, we had an older brother, Mark. Mark was born before Jeannie in December of '69. He was the first born, a son. When Mark was just 10 weeks old, he died of SIDS and went to be with Jesus. They were living in McDonald, PA and were visiting with friends for the day. When mom went to check on her sleeping baby, she found him face down and not breathing. She tried to give him CPR, but he was already gone. Mom doesn't talk a lot about the time she mourned, I am pretty sure that was personal, and a long time ago, but we always talked about Mark. We wondered what he would be like, who his friends would be and what he would have liked to do. Mom would tell a story about when she took my brother Jimmy to the cemetery once to put flowers on the grave. She said that Jimmy put his arm around Mom and said, "I sure do miss Mark." Mom said, "I do too." He always had kind of been a part of us and I can't wait to meet him someday!
I can't imagine loosing a child. Actually, I think it is probably one of the things most moms fear. We endlessly check on our babies, why? To make sure they are still breathing. We sneak, we hold mirrors under their nose, we place our hands on their tummy or back, then when we feel that gentle rise and fall of their chest, we silently sneak back out of their room. I have had a few times with my kids that have been pretty scary and honestly, times that I wasn't sure if they were going to make it. At those times, I could hardly speak, and I will be honest, I couldn't even pray, I could just say the name, "Jesus." I remember once when my Nathan, 4 at the time, was sick and having convulsions. I knew from Alaina having epilepsy, that the longer the seizure lasted, the more O2 was deprived to the brain and damage was possible. I timed as he shook. 10 - 15 minutes they would last with 5 minutes in between. As I stood above Nathan's bed waiting for the ambulance to arrive I remembered thinking, "Oh God, please don't take him now, I know he belongs to you, but I just want him with me a little longer!" I thought of Mary, watching her son, Jesus, not just die, but be tortured - standing and watching as it happened, knowing she couldn't do anything about it.
After arriving by ambulance to the closest hospital to get Nathan stabilized, he was then Life-Flighted to Children's. I got to ride along in the helicopter. (I'm not sure how, they usually don't take guests, but I got to go.) After several tests and a week stay in the hospital, Nathan was release to go home and only diagnosed with Febrile Convulsions. He never had them again, and I am so thankful, it was pretty scary.
When Mom found out about her cancer, I remember sitting with her and talking. She said she was just so sad. She was sad for all the people that she had to tell about her illness. We were all sad, and we could be together, but we had to start getting the word out. She said it reminded her of the night that Mark died. She said she hated to go to bed that night because she had to wake up and tell everyone the news of her baby's death and that would make a lot more people sad. She didn't want to be the source of such news.
Mom has always been a "giver," so now that she just is sitting back "receiving" the care, meals, cards and love, it is out of her comfort zone. We have been surrounded by so much love and support it is incredible. I am so thankful for a steadfast and God-fearing family. Please don't get me wrong, I have been through a lot of times I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, but I love that I have parents that have been strong and wise, not perfect, but doing their best. I am grateful for a husband that took me and my children in and called us "his own." I am humbled by sisters that are now my best friends and we can laugh and cry together. Jimmy? Honestly, I am still shocked that he actually graduated from high school, survived in the Army, made it through college - all 4 yrs and be came a teacher - of all things! Although I still picture him about 5 yrs old playing hide and seek under my desk and covering his eyes as he "hid," it is fun being an Aunt to his little girl and watching him continue to become a man, husband and father.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Happy Birthday Mom and here's to "One More Trip Around the Sun!"
"One more trip around the sun," as my dad would say, or simply, "Happy Birthday Mom!" Today is my mom's 66th birthday. I called this morning to wish her a happy day, but only chatted for a minute. I called around 8:30, so they were in their morning routine of getting meds, breakfast and getting ready to go to radiation.
I don't really know how mom feels about her birthday. I have always been a birthday lover and always look forward to my special day, (as I approach my 30-something-ish b-day), but I don't know if my mom feels the same. I remember it hasn't been that many years ago that mom had said that Mark wasn't the first thing she thought of when she woke up on her birthday. See, we had an older brother, Mark. Mark was born before Jeannie in December of '69. He was the first born, a son. When Mark was just 10 weeks old, he died of SIDS and went to be with Jesus. They were living in McDonald, PA and were visiting with friends for the day. When mom went to check on her sleeping baby, she found him face down and not breathing. She tried to give him CPR, but he was already gone. Mom doesn't talk a lot about the time she mourned, I am pretty sure that was personal, and a long time ago, but we always talked about Mark. We wondered what he would be like, who his friends would be and what he would have liked to do. Mom would tell a story about when she took my brother Jimmy to the cemetery once to put flowers on the grave. She said that Jimmy put his arm around Mom and said, "I sure do miss Mark." Mom said, "I do too." He always had kind of been a part of us and I can't wait to meet him someday!
I can't imagine loosing a child. Actually, I think it is probably one of the things most moms fear. We endlessly check on our babies, why? To make sure they are still breathing. We sneak, we hold mirrors under their nose, we place our hands on their tummy or back, then when we feel that gentle rise and fall of their chest, we silently sneak back out of their room. I have had a few times with my kids that have been pretty scary and honestly, times that I wasn't sure if they were going to make it. At those times, I could hardly speak, and I will be honest, I couldn't even pray, I could just say the name, "Jesus." I remember once when my Nathan, 4 at the time, was sick and having convulsions. I knew from Alaina having epilepsy, that the longer the seizure lasted, the more O2 was deprived to the brain and damage was possible. I timed as he shook. 10 - 15 minutes they would last with 5 minutes in between. As I stood above Nathan's bed waiting for the ambulance to arrive I remembered thinking, "Oh God, please don't take him now, I know he belongs to you, but I just want him with me a little longer!" I thought of Mary, watching her son, Jesus, not just die, but be tortured - standing and watching as it happened, knowing she couldn't do anything about it.
After arriving by ambulance to the closest hospital to get Nathan stabilized, he was then Life-Flighted to Children's. I got to ride along in the helicopter. (I'm not sure how, they usually don't take guests, but I got to go.) After several tests and a week stay in the hospital, Nathan was release to go home and only diagnosed with Febrile Convulsions. He never had them again, and I am so thankful, it was pretty scary.
When Mom found out about her cancer, I remember sitting with her and talking. She said she was just so sad. She was sad for all the people that she had to tell about her illness. We were all sad, and we could be together, but we had to start getting the word out. She said it reminded her of the night that Mark died. She said she hated to go to bed that night because she had to wake up and tell everyone the news of her baby's death and that would make a lot more people sad. She didn't want to be the source of such news.
Mom has always been a "giver," so now that she just is sitting back "receiving" the care, meals, cards and love, it is out of her comfort zone. We have been surrounded by so much love and support it is incredible. I am so thankful for a steadfast and God-fearing family. Please don't get me wrong, I have been through a lot of times I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, but I love that I have parents that have been strong and wise, not perfect, but doing their best. I am grateful for a husband that took me and my children in and called us "his own." I am humbled by sisters that are now my best friends and we can laugh and cry together. Jimmy? Honestly, I am still shocked that he actually graduated from high school, survived in the Army, made it through college - all 4 yrs and be came a teacher - of all things! Although I still picture him about 5 yrs old playing hide and seek under my desk and covering his eyes as he "hid," it is fun being an Aunt to his little girl and watching him continue to become a man, husband and father.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Happy Birthday Mom and here's to "One More Trip Around the Sun!"
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Chemo Crazies
Not sure of the extent, but it seems that the chemo once again is altering Mom's mind. We know this is normal, it just makes it hard and a different level of care. With this in mind, please know that if you speak to her, the information may not be accurate.
Thank you for praying that she feels peace through this last leg of treatment. Just a reminder that this Thursday, 2/28 is her birthday. Please email me or facebook if you would like their address. raraigh@zoominternet.net.
Thank you for praying that she feels peace through this last leg of treatment. Just a reminder that this Thursday, 2/28 is her birthday. Please email me or facebook if you would like their address. raraigh@zoominternet.net.
Monday, February 25, 2013
How Great is Our God
One of Mom's favorite things is to have all of her kids go to church with her. Now, 2 out of 4 kids live in Indiana and attend their church. This summer, Becky and her family will be home and will stay for a year, so, 3 of 4 kids will be attending their church. Since I work of our church, Sunday is a work day and it is hard for me to miss. I do try at least once/year to make that happen. Hopefully, this summer, I will be able to come back home Sunday mornings a few times to spend time with my family. Mom always wanted to "fill a pew" with her family. Well, when we are all there, we take at LEAST 2 rows! I think her goal has been met.
Yesterday I was so happy to be able to go back to Indiana to visit Mom. We went to our church as a family, I did what I needed to do for the morning to accomplish my responsibilites, stopped at the house for a quick lunch and down the road we went. My husband was going to a friend's house to watch the NASCAR race and my kid's went to Jeannie's house since mom is to not be around children right now. It is so nice to be able to go there just as me, an adult daughter and not to worry about my kids. I can focus 100% on what needs to be done for her and their home. Mom said she was feeling good and it showed in actions around the house. Dad thought I could help her finish a project she had started...organizing the cd's. She wanted them grouped, Classical, Christmas, Jazz, Christian, show tunes and Gospel. We put tabs between them so they were clearly seperate. I quickly put them back under the TV stand before she thought to ask me to put them in ABC order too! We are all so very different as to how and what we choose to organize!
We then sat down and went through wig catalogs. She put tabs on wigs, hats, scarves and "bangs only" she thought she would like to try. If anyone has any suggestions or experience in this department, please let us know. She still has her hair, but we aren't sure how long it is going to stay. I think this is pretty hard on her.
Mom has really been missing church, so yesterday, Dad recorded it for her. We watched it together. Jeannie happened to be singing on the praise team, so she really enjoyed seeing her up there too. It was pretty cool and I shared that not only did both their church and our church sing the song, "How Great is our God," both lesson talked on Paul and Corinthians. Very neat. Someone from their church shared about "impossible sitations." I hoped that mom was listening closely then and feels that, "nothing is impossible with God." Nothing.
In this song, "How Great is Our God," it compares God to many things: a king, light, timeless, Father,Son,Spirt, Lion and Lamb. It also encouages us to call on those around us, "sing with me." Not "listen to me" or "you should be singing...," but "sing with me." With.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZFN8TBfgNU
One word toward the end of this song is "heart." My heart will sing, how great is our God. Not my brain (to think), not my lips (to speak) , not my hands (as if to serve), but my HEART ~ what we love with. God's greatest gift to us, His Love. There was NO greater love ever in all time than the gift of His Son, Jesus. Heart - what pumps the blood though your body to keep you alive - and it was His blood that was sacrificed for each of us. "My heart will sing, how great is our God." I love how it then transitions into "How Great Thou Art." "Then sings my "SOUL!" Again, not the brain, lips, hands or anything else...my SOUL- the deep insides of my being- my soul.
HOLY NUMBERS BATMAN!!! 8.0 was mom's white blood cell count. (It has to be over 3.0) Her last reading was 1.8, so with the injections to boost the count and lots and lots of prayer, today, Mom is receiving her chemo. How Great is our God!
1 Cor 1:4-6
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way - in all your speaking - and in all your knowledge - because of our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
We thank you for all your prayers for our family.
Yesterday I was so happy to be able to go back to Indiana to visit Mom. We went to our church as a family, I did what I needed to do for the morning to accomplish my responsibilites, stopped at the house for a quick lunch and down the road we went. My husband was going to a friend's house to watch the NASCAR race and my kid's went to Jeannie's house since mom is to not be around children right now. It is so nice to be able to go there just as me, an adult daughter and not to worry about my kids. I can focus 100% on what needs to be done for her and their home. Mom said she was feeling good and it showed in actions around the house. Dad thought I could help her finish a project she had started...organizing the cd's. She wanted them grouped, Classical, Christmas, Jazz, Christian, show tunes and Gospel. We put tabs between them so they were clearly seperate. I quickly put them back under the TV stand before she thought to ask me to put them in ABC order too! We are all so very different as to how and what we choose to organize!
We then sat down and went through wig catalogs. She put tabs on wigs, hats, scarves and "bangs only" she thought she would like to try. If anyone has any suggestions or experience in this department, please let us know. She still has her hair, but we aren't sure how long it is going to stay. I think this is pretty hard on her.
Mom has really been missing church, so yesterday, Dad recorded it for her. We watched it together. Jeannie happened to be singing on the praise team, so she really enjoyed seeing her up there too. It was pretty cool and I shared that not only did both their church and our church sing the song, "How Great is our God," both lesson talked on Paul and Corinthians. Very neat. Someone from their church shared about "impossible sitations." I hoped that mom was listening closely then and feels that, "nothing is impossible with God." Nothing.
In this song, "How Great is Our God," it compares God to many things: a king, light, timeless, Father,Son,Spirt, Lion and Lamb. It also encouages us to call on those around us, "sing with me." Not "listen to me" or "you should be singing...," but "sing with me." With.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZFN8TBfgNU
One word toward the end of this song is "heart." My heart will sing, how great is our God. Not my brain (to think), not my lips (to speak) , not my hands (as if to serve), but my HEART ~ what we love with. God's greatest gift to us, His Love. There was NO greater love ever in all time than the gift of His Son, Jesus. Heart - what pumps the blood though your body to keep you alive - and it was His blood that was sacrificed for each of us. "My heart will sing, how great is our God." I love how it then transitions into "How Great Thou Art." "Then sings my "SOUL!" Again, not the brain, lips, hands or anything else...my SOUL- the deep insides of my being- my soul.
HOLY NUMBERS BATMAN!!! 8.0 was mom's white blood cell count. (It has to be over 3.0) Her last reading was 1.8, so with the injections to boost the count and lots and lots of prayer, today, Mom is receiving her chemo. How Great is our God!
1 Cor 1:4-6
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way - in all your speaking - and in all your knowledge - because of our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
We thank you for all your prayers for our family.
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