One Year Later

Good morning friends,
Well, we just recently passed our one year mark. A brief recap for those who may just be happening upon my blog.
May 9, 2017 I went to the doctors because I thought there maybe a problem.
May 12, I had a biopsy done confirming I had breast cancer.
June 26, Started first round of chemo at Dana Farber.
Oct. 24, Ended Chemo.
Nov. 13, Had Surgery which was very successful.
Nov. 17, Received a phone call from Boston which was to tell me I was cancer free!
Dec. 19, started continuation of Hercepton and  Prejeta treatment.
Jan 8, 2018 Started and ended Taxol chemo. Went into anaphylactic shock was hospitalized for two days.
Jan. 22, started a third chemo. Praise the Lord all went well with that.
March 14, ended my chemo!
March 21, I met with the radiologist for my radiation treatment.
April 4, Radiation began for five weeks.
May 2, Radiation ended.
June 4, my last Hercepton Perjeta treatment .

As I look back over these dates some more exciting than others I see how much I'm loved by our Lord! He's seen me through every second, every minute , every hour, every day and never forsaked me.

I Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

The moments of your day and the needs of your heart are in His hands!!  I gave my life to God many years ago to be used for him.

Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

What a great verse for today and not just today but every day. We're to die daily to self and part of that is giving our hearts to Him. Dieing daily in the valley an on the mountain top. I learned over the past year that dieing to self in the valley is a lot harder. I'm sure there are ladies maybe men reading this that would and do know this, but when you actually are in the fire and at points don't know what's next it can an is more of test to die daily to self. If you are asking how do you, do this? First if you're not saved you need to accept Christ as your Saviour.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. "
You simply trust in the Lord,  stay in Gods word and pray fervently.

In the valley, God is there.
On the Mountain side, God is there.
On the Mountain top, God is there.
God is always there, even when it seems he's not.

In the valley, God is love.
On the mountain, God is love.
God is forever loving me, He's there even when it seems he's not.

So, in the valley, on the mountain you can count on God through it all!

Blessed Beyond Measure
Make Today Amazing

Taken just a few days ago. A yr after my first biopsy.

A little bit of everything....

Good evening, as I share things in different places I tend to forget one or two places I want to share so the following screen shots/pictures are things I've shared over the past 7 days or so.

As you read through these it's thoughts the Lord gave me and I shared with you an others.

My journey is still going but praise the Lord, I'm prayerfully through the roughest part. 

Blessed Beyond Measure

Make 

Rejoice in the Lord

I've not posted my daily scripture the past few days but trust me, each day brings new thoughts new verses and encouragement that only the Bible and God can give. Today as I was thinking about no radiation needed, no chemo needed, no doctor's needed for almost two weeks I couldn't help but think about Mrs. Marlene Evans favorite verse (or one of them) "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice."  Philippines 4:4

It's not been easy to rejoice through everything but I rejoice in that the Lord brought me and my family through this journey.  So many have no hope, they see no need to depend on anything or anyone other than science and medicine. Praise the Lord though through Christ we have hope, we have a reason to rejoice. 

Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say rejoice

Rejoice

rejoice 

And again I say rejoice!!!! 

These photos are from the past year. All the way to basically no hair. 

Blessed Beyond Measure

Make Today Amazing

What can Cancer NOT Do?

It's limited to only the body but if you're not saved it could do what this poem says it can't.  As I've now been to Dana Farber Cancer Center,  Harold Alfond Center for Cancer plus all the doctors. As I've seen and talked to so many people with an without cancer. I'm amazed, yet saddened at how people don't rely God. They don't have a church nor want one they can go to for support. My husband and I have talked to many people about salvation we've seen some saved, some flat out refuse to even listen, somelisten them say nope it's not for me. While others say they only depend on science an the doctors. May 9, 17, I was told I had something wrong, the doctor said, I needed a series of test done. On May 12, it was confirmed I have cancer possibly stage four. What do I do? That's where my Heavenly Father became even more real to me.

Below are verses that one could add to this poem to not allow cancer to take over in your joy, strength, love etc.

I John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not Good, for God is love."

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

Galatians 5:22 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Philippines 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Psalms 27:14 "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the LORD."

However before you can fully have these things you must need, to know the Lord as your Saviour.
All you need to do is realize you are a sinner. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." No one is perfect.
"For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." We dont have to pay for our sins! The Lord has already made that payment, we just simply need to accept his free gift of eternal life. That free gift is plus nothing an minus nothing. Just simply take it!
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Simply believe in Him.
Friend I have been through a lot! I'm not perfect and apparently I'm a lot stronger than I personally feel I am. But, God, my husband,  my Pastor & his wife, my church family, my family and friends have been there for me. This journey couldn't have been the way it has without all these people and most importantly the Lord.

January 8, 18 I came the closest I've ever been to meeting Jesus. It wouldn't have be bad at all, but I'm so grateful I'm still here. God's not finished using me yet.

He's still working on me, to make me what I aughta be. It took him just a week to make the moon an stars, the sun an the earth an Jupiter and Mars but he's still working on me!

Would you, if you had gone through all the chemo, all the shots, biopsies, surgery, all most dieing, radiation and lots to still do, be saying, Cancer can't _____________ and whatever you won't let it control?

You can put other things there as well not just cancer. Let your sickness, your trial, your cross, be a platform for sharing Christ and helping others.

Don't whine and cry about your cross pick it up say, "Lord, I may not understand but I'll carry the cross you gave me." Because you know my future an what your plans are for me. I'm the clay and your the master. I'm the vessel you've chosen to use, use me! 

Blessed Beyond Measure 

Make Today Amazing 

I Shall Come Forth as Gold

When I am tried and purified, I shall come forth as gold.

What trial in your life is going to purify you and bring forth gold? Yesterday March 12th I was nervous as I lay on the table for radiation even though it was my 13th treatment, I couldn't focus then this phrase "I shall come forth as gold" came to mind. The Holy Spirit gave that to me as I lay there for my treatment.

Throughout the day and evening I've thought about it. When I am tried (cancer) and purified (chemo, surgery, more chemo, radiation, nine more months of infusions) I shall come forth as gold (healed if the Lord sees fit,maybe more refining to be a better witness for Him)

Every day brings something new or different. I believe that is the Lord refining what is to come.

Job 23:10 "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

The Lord knows the way you'll  take, because he's  leading you. (Cancer, death of a lived one, a sick child etc)
He knows the trial you'll  face, because he's already in your tomorrow.  (Where to go, what medicines to take, what doctor to see)
He knows the pain, the heartache, the tears, the joy, the happiness.
So we just need to surrender to his will and you'll come forth as gold.

So friend just allow God to work in an through you in the valley an on the Mountain top. He holds your hand through the good and the bad. God's is always there to comfort an cheer.

What's your purifying to gold going to be like?

In my last post I had mentioned I have a verse a day for radiation. Yesterday's verse was:
Isaiah 51:11 "Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away."

This verse can be applied to, coming forth as gold. In that we can obtain gladness, joy, and have our sorrow and mourning pass away. What trial do you have sorrow in? Mourning the fact of ___________ (you fill in the blank).
God makes a way for us it's up to the individual if you're going to allow God to purify you through the trial and come forth as gold with gladness an joy. Or are you going to fight against it and not grow or learn from the trial.

I personally want to learn. I want to be a testimony for Christ, an use my trial for Him to see others saved. To help others come through their trial.

So, what will you do?


Blessed Beyond Measure
Make Today Amazing

What will you do during your trial?

Good Evening, Oh my I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted anything here. It's been almost a month since I posted last so I'll try to catch you up on everything. 

Chemo is officially over as off, March 7th. Then I as supposed to have 3 weeks with none or only a few appointments that didn't happen. Hahaha  So my year long treatments are still going, once every three weeks. Those are a breeze pretty much :)  I had to start PT for my left arm as, I have had lymphedema start. I was praying I wouldn't have to worry about it but since I do I'll just go on and not worry to much.

I'm now in full swing of having radiation take place. I've completed eight treatments thus far with 16 to go.  For those who may not know I have treatments five a days week and I have 3-1/2 weeks to go. 

Since starting radiation I decided to have a verse a day. By having a verse a day has helped encourage me and get me through each treatment. It also helps me focus on God and his goodness rather than what is going on. 

A few of the verses I've used as "My verse for the day" are:

~Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." 

~Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 

~Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

~Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

~Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."

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

~Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me. and I shall be saved: for thou are my praise."

~Psalms 27:14 "Wait on the LORD be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."  

Each verse the Lord gave me and he had something for me that day I could carry with me. It is also a scripture verse a day my nurses hear. While laying there on that cold, hard table having radiation done. I'm quoting these verses out loud. There's not a lot of time that I can actually talk to these ladies but I'm only in there about 10 to 15 minutes max and as soon as I get up they are preparing for the next patient. Praise the Lord though I've been able to give them all tracts and invite them to church. One was an intern so she's already gone back to Boston to finish her schooling.

No matter what you are dealing with, there are ways to be a testimony to others. Whether through song, such as Jesus Loves Me, which I sing or hum almost daily while in radiation along with quoting a verse of scripture.

Back when I first started this blog, I had no idea where God would take it or how it would end up. I have no idea who's life it may (or will) have touched or who it may have (or will) helped. All I know is that I was encouraged to use my Journey of cancer as a platform. To use this to be a light to others. To be an encouragement and example of Christ while traveling a road I had never planned to take. 

When we have a bump in life or a road we didn't plan to take it doesn't mean God is punishing us. It is simply a tool we can use for others. It's a tool that depending on how we choose to use it, depends on what God can do through us and with us.

I'm not a great Christian, I do however try to do my best, sometimes I may flounder, while other times I make it through but with Christ in my life and living a Christ like life to the best of my ability, God will use me or you if we only allow him to. 

So my friend, as you go through life just focus on how you can be a light for Him. 

Blessed Beyond Measure

Make Today Amazing

Update on my appointments:

Monday 4/9 through Friday 4/13 of this next week I have radiation at 10:15 every morning.

Monday 4/16 through Friday 4/20 radiation at 10:15 every morning. 

Don't Become Discouraged

You've heard bad news.
You've had test after test.
You've been through the fire.
You've wondered, is it worth it.
You've had good days but double the bad.
You've missed more church, more soul winning times, more of what you enjoy, than ever before.

Friend, let me tell you, God is in control!
He knows your fears.
He see your tears.
He hears your prayers.
He knows your tomorrows.
He knows your pain and suffering .
He knows your heart!

So why do we get discouraged ?
Why do we stop _____________ you put in what you've quit. The trials, the heart aches, the illness, the testing, everything is for a reason! It's not and it shouldn't ever discourage us. Now, we are human, our flesh gets the best of us at times BUT.....

Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee get an mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Psalms 91:15 "He shall call up in me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.

Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Friends, family, stranger, God is never taken by surprise when things come into our lives. If you don't dwell on the past, simply look to the present see what God has for you today. I know and believe that you'll be better for it.
Yes, we have things we're going through. As you know if you've read this blog much or know me, I'm dealing with cancer. A few days ago it hit me that it was around this time last year, I knew something maybe going on. There were signs of things, pain but we were headed to see our daughter, her family, our son and my parents. So wise or not I ignored it and went and enjoyed my family, bearing a burden that only God an I knew about.

God was and still is in control. The thing is I can't say what if I.... it's done and well, it's in the past. So, I'm going forward. I'm not going to let Satan discourage me, pull me down or destroy me.

The choice is yours! Are you going to let past circumstances, situations, illnesses etc ruin today and your future?

Pick-up where you are, run to your Heavenly Father,  lean on Him, trust in Him, call upon him!

So what am I going to do?
Make Today Amazing by Not getting Discouraged!