Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Like the new layout?

I decided a needed a fresh new look!

I had my Day 2 treatment yesterday and I asked the nurses there to check my abdomen. They were able to feel the lump, too. So I decided it was time to go ahead with the scans. I called Dr. S and we got a full body PET scan scheduled for this Friday morning. Not sure when I'll get the results, but I plan to make an appointment with Dr. S next week to go over them. I already have an appt tomorrow morning. It's at questionable times like this that I prefer to see him directly rather than communicate through voicemail messages. That's just frustrating.

Right now my main symptoms are the upper abdominal pain, that feels like heartburn, a lump in my abdomen, and an ache in my left hip. The right hip had the spot of cancer in it, but now it's my left hip hurting. My nose is still having its same issues that its had all this time from the Avastin drug, burning and bleeding (nice, huh!). And my chest still aches. It's better if I don't have any constriction across my chest and upper tummy, so I wear loose clothes and no bra most of the time. I know, women's lib would be so proud of me!! Oh, and I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon (after my Dr. S appt) with an endocrinologist about my osteopenia.

Good news, my jaw is all healed and giving me no problems, thank you, Jesus! And my hair seems to have stopped falling out, thank you again, Jesus! Of course I did forget to wear my cold cap yesterday. John and I got caught up watching Don't Forget the Lyrics on the TV and we missed the time frame. Let me ask you what comes next in this song, "Wake me up before you go-go 'Cause I'm not plannin' on going solo. Wake me up before you go-go ___ ___ ___ ___" No googling allowed! Hint: it's the second verse of the chorus.

Girls are good. RR has begun taking martial arts this year and SHE LOVES IT! It is so her thing - action, drama, excitement - I see her as the next action movie star! Caroline will be taking jazz beginning in September, and it is SO her thing. She's always dancing around the house and this summer, she and I both were hooked on "So You Think You Can Dance." It's going to be amazing watching her develop as a dancer!

John is good, mom is good, Jan and her kids, all good. We're all just hanging in there, taking everything that's handed to us in stride and doing the best we can. Being grateful for our blessings when they happen, and taking on the challenges with God's hand to hold. Isn't that what we all do every day!

I appreciate all the quotes and inspirational messages I have received, the emails and the snail-mail. It means so much to me that so many people are sending positive thoughts my way and prayers up to heaven. Just the encouragement fills me with good energy to keep on going, enjoying my life and all its blessings.

It's a struggle sometimes not to think the worst and wonder what my outcome is going to be. But one night as I was talking with God if I should be preparing myself and my family for the worst, he spoke to me in a loud and clear voice, "Stop it! Don't entertain any negative thoughts, don't even put them out there. I will take care of you! You just have to have faith." Okay, then! It was humbling to realize that I was trying to do His job, predict the future. I need to stick with my own jobs - praying, believing, and taking care of myself! "Message received, Sir, loud and clear!"

8 comments:

Anne said...

What a beautiful thing - to hear the Lord's voice so clearly!!

LISTEN TO IT!!! I am believing with you!

adsamples said...

Melinda- you are a gift and inspiration to so many people. Your courage, your faith and you humor are amazing. Thank you for being YOU through all of this. You are ALWAYS in my prayers. Always. :) God is using you to reach and touch others through your faith. I'm so happy He spoke to you so clearly. What a blessing and comfort. Your post had such a sense of peace about it and now I know why.
Love you!
Alisha

Haley D. said...

Alisha said it way better than I could! You go, girl!!! You are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story, because it helps me have faith. Many many hugs and prayers coming your way!

Joy said...

You are amazing! God will indeed take care of you. Luke 12:25.

JeanAnn said...

Melinda,
I love your comment "taking on the challenges with God's hand to hold". How true that is and so easy to think we can handle life without HIM sometimes as we get busy with life and not focus on HIM. You are an inspiration - I wish I could be 1/2 of the wonderful woman you are and have 1/2 the confidence you have! So glad to get to know you through RR!

Jean Ann

Amy McPhail said...

You are such an amazing person Melinda! Thinking of you and your family and sending more prayers your way.
Amy

Susan Mullinax said...

You are AMAZING!!!!! Keep your strong Faith. Isn't it great to have GOD on your side.
May GOD bless you and your family~~~~,
Love, Susan M.

Susan Mullinax said...

Melinda,I read this while reading through my Guideposts Devotional Bible. It made my heart smile :) so I want to share with you; 2 Samuel 23:4~~~~~~~
"God Is Light" "He is like the light of morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth."
"Hang in there Girl"
Love ya, Susan