DOCtober

On most weeks during the month of October, I had some sort of medical thing. That’s why in my book this October is now know as DOCtober. After the news at my October 1 follow-up, I scheduled my CT scan for the morning of Thursday, October 10. I made my appointment for blood draw on Thursday, October 17 and finally, I made my appointment for my yearly cortisone shots to the knees on Thursday, October 24. Do you see a trend here???

After being prayed over by my Bible study leaders and my choir family, I laid on the table for the CT scan and felt at peace and hummed songs from our choir cantata, etc. I didn’t think I would know the results until my appointment, but thanks to technology, I received the report about 4 days after the scan. I looked good to me, but then again, I’m not a doctor. The funniest thing on the report though, was the line that said, “Bones: Intact.” I was soooooo relieved about that!!!

The next medical thing was getting my blood drawn. After a little paperwork snafu, they got me in the chair and only had to stab me once! Hallelujah!!! Although I did have a huge “ouchie” on my left elbow, I was very thankful they got the vein on the first try. Again, thanks to technology, I was able to  access my results on the Monday afternoon before my appointment and in my opinion, it was good news.

On Tuesday afternoon, as I sat in the exam room waiting for the doctor, I was totally at peace with whatever the doctor said, because I knew the results. Of course, before the doctor came in, I had to be a “test” patient as a resident/intern came in and asked a bunch of questions. Boy was he was nervous!!! Finally, the doctor and the resident/intern came in. All he could do was shake his head. He could not reconcile the fact that my numbers were down and my CT scan was clear. How did that happen? It just doesn't happen. I then whispered, I know how & why it went down. He looked at me with a question in on his face. Did I have a secret weapon to fight cancer? I simply stated that the reason my numbers went down and my scan was clear was the power of prayer!!!

Mighty Prayer Warriors -- NEVER underestimate the power of your prayers to our Almighty God. He may not always answer how we want or we think something should be, but He always answers. I thank each and every one of you who took some time from your busy schedule to pray for my health. I will continue to praise the Lord as long I have breath in my lungs. As this song from Hannah Kerr states ..... I'm a WARRIOR!!!

And the last doctor I saw was on Thursday, October 24 to get a cortisone shot in each knee to relieve the arthritis pain. Within 24 hours, I had relief from my achy knees and I was on a plane heading to Houston for International Quilt Market. 

Work has been super duper busy. Personal life has been super duper busy. And on top of everything else ... we are still in the process of moving across town to Dad's.

Prayer Requests:

* Bloodwork on Wednesday, November 27 at 7am ET - pray for lower CA125

* Doctor appointment on Tuesday, December 3 at 3:15pm ET - pray for peace

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

A September to Remember

September was a busy month, but more importantly, September is always Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbon color for Ovarian Cancer is teal. Before I tell you about my crazy month, I want to make sure you know the symptoms of this silent killer. Please make sure all the women in your life know these symptoms and go to their ob/gyn if these symptoms persist. Unlike some other cancers, OVCA does not have a fail-proof test for early detection. Most women diagnosed are already Stage 3 or 4!!! I've even heard of girls as young as 7 years old being diagnosed with OVCA!!! 

Work was crazy busy due to the end of the fiscal year for the US government. Government employees want to use up all the money they can so that the next year they will get the same amount. In addition to work being extremely busy, all of a sudden, my personal life became extremely busy, too. Between a BBQ, teaching KidBlast, going to the PA National Quilt Extravaganza, choir rehearsals, ALPHA, Philly Modern Quilt Guild meeting, plus the normal grocery shopping, watching Eagles football and Phillies baseball, Bible study and vending at Artisan Bazaar in Lancaster, PA. I'm tired just typing everything. But the best part of the month was participating in the "Together in Teal - Ending Ovarian Cancer" 5K Run/Walk in Philadelphia for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). I did not run, but walked 1.5 miles as a proud member of the MD Anderson team and I was their top fundraiser. Thank you to all who contributed to my goal. Next year, I'm thinking of being the captain of my own team. If you're interested in participating, let me know!!! Here are some pictures from the day: 

Unfortunately, the end of the month did not end well. In preparation for my doctor appointment on October 1, I had to get my normal blood work. Again, it took 2 people to get 1 vial of blood. As usual, I get the results one day before my appointment and to my shock and dismay, my CA-125 took a GIANT leap from 47 to 102!!! After shedding a few tears during work, I just gave it over to the Lord and got on with my busy day. At my appointment, my doctor wants me to get another CT scan, more blood work and come back in 3 weeks. 

So.... Although it's not the best news, I know that God's got this and whatever is going on He is in complete control. This song from Vertical Worship has been running through my mind over the past few days. 

Prayer Requests:

- October 10 -- CT scan - approximately 9am ET

- October 17 -- Blood work - approximately 8am ET

- October 22 -- Doctor appointment - approximately 2pm ET

As always, your prayers, good thoughts and encouragement mean the world to me and I really appreciate each and every one of you.

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

Feeling Groovy

Fifty years ago on a 600 acre dairy farm in Bethel, NY, thousands of young adults gathered for a music festival called Woodstock. It was a rock & roll festival that has since been named "the greatest musical event ever." The almost half a million "hippies" gathered to hear some of best musical acts of that era - Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Joe Cocker, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young to name a few. The theme of the weekend peace, love and rock and roll. 

   

During the late 60's, demonstrations and marches for peace were held to protest the nation's controversial involvement in the Vietnam War. Everyone just wanted peace in the world.

2019 is no different, in fact, in some ways it may be worse. There is civil unrest, racial tension, a huge political divide, socio-economic worries, and a disregard for traditional Christian values. This world definitely needs the Prince of Peace. Our Jehovah Shalom. According to BibleGateway.com, in the English Standard Version (ESV), there are 361 verses that have some form of the the word peace in them. I think that God wants us to not only live in peace with each other, but also live in peace within ourselves. 

Too many times, we worry and over-think situations. We create our own anxiety, when we could rely on the one who calms the sea by just uttering the word, "Peace!..." (Mark 4:39).

Every time I get blood work, I have to remind myself that God is in control and I am not. I have to be intentional in letting God be my peace. It's not easy. Peace doesn't always rule my heart. 

Then on Tuesday morning of my appointment, in a Facebook group of Christian Ovarian Cancer survivors, I saw this:

After praying that prayer, I knew everything was going to be alright. My doctor confirmed what I already knew, my CA125 was down a smidge. We talked about a few other health-related issues and he said, "See ya in 6 weeks!!!" WooHoo & Praise the Lord!!!!! However, when I went to make the appointment for 6 weeks, he had no availability, so .... I'll see him in 7 weeks -- October 1!!! Here is a fabulous song from Hillsong Young & Free about peace:

Now onward to more exciting things -- packing & moving, a concert, teaching KBS (Sunday School), Choir rehearsal starts again, Bible study begins, Artisan Bazaar on September 28, and on September 14, my 2nd year walking in the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Together in Teal Run/Walk in Philadelphia. It would be honored if you would consider donating to my page. I've already had to raise my goal once because of the generosity of the company I work for and the many family and friends. I would love to raise it again because of you. You can donate here and thank you in advance:

https://runwalk.ovarian.org/philadelphia/4Philippians13girl

As always - Thank you Mighty Prayer Warriors for your encouragement, your love & hugs, but especially your prayers. 

Dates to remember:

September 26 - blood work at 7am ET

October 1 - Doctor appointment at approx. 3:45pm ET

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

The Sewing Room

I've been around sewing & sewing machines for my entire life. My grandmother sewed, my Mother sewed, my sister sews, and I sew. I learned to sew at an early age, but didn't spend much time at the machine. In 7th & 8th grade, I took Home Ec. It was there I became reacquainted with a sewing machine. I made a pillowcase, a blouse, a skirt, and a jumper. I even have a picture (somewhere) of me modeling the jumper in a "fashion" show. Unless you're a contestant on Project Runway, to make a garments, you need to purchase a pattern, fabric, notions and follow the directions. We have patterns in His Word, the Bible.

We should first clothe ourselves for our everyday battles. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10-18a that "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." The outfit may not always be comfortable, but wearing every item will help protect you.

Then along with that outfit, you need to put on what Paul writes about in Colossians 3, "...as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." That's a loaded list, but it is what God wants us to do.

In the first few moments of the video below, Michael W. Smith paraphrases part of Isaiah 61:3. The prophet writes to those who mourn to grant them " ...the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit..." 

I visualize this garment as an outer cloak-like garment worn over everything else. I want to wear a garment of praise every hour of every day. But how do you create a garment of praise? Praise is defined as "the expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship." In Psalm 145:1-3, David writes, "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." In the rest of the chapter, David continues to praise God for everything. Over the next several chapters, David continues his praise and worship to God. This is how I think a garment of praise should look:

But, it's hard to praise God when you get news that your CA-125 number jumped from 43 to 49. It's hard to praise God when the doctor suggests that you get another blood test in a month to see if there are any changes. It's hard to praise God when you just want to be cancer free but know that you will probably be dealing with this disease for the rest of your life!!! It's hard to praise God when you don't know the next step. 

BUT ....

Still I will praise Him. 

We worshipped God with this song several weeks ago. The lyrics are very simple, but powerful:

This is how I fight my battles.

It may look like I'm surrounded

But I'm surrounded by You

Take moment and listen to the truth in this song, "Surrounded."

Do you have your armor on? Have you "put on" all the items in Colossians 3? How's your garment of praise doing?

It may sometimes look like I'm surrounded with a disappointing diagnosis or bummed out by rising numbers, but I know that I'm surrounded by the Lord's protection, and the love, encouragement, and prayers of family & friends.

That's how I fight this battle!!!

Prayer Requests:
1. Blood test on Thursday, August 8 at 7am ET. Pray that they can find a vein, but more importantly, that my CA125 number would be lower.
2. Pray for wisdom during my doctor appointment on Tuesday, August 13 - approximately 1:15pm ET.

Only by His Strength,
Sandy

PS - I'm walking in the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) "Together in Teal" Run/Walk in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 14. I would love if you could donate a few dollars to support the fight to find a cure. This link should take you right to my support page. Thank you in advance.

https://runwalk.ovarian.org/philadelphia/4Philippians13girl

And the results are in!!!

Don't ever let anyone tell you there is no power in prayer because they are wrong!!!

Mighty Prayer Warriors - The CT scan was clear and my CA125 number even came down a bit. My Doctor is happy. I am happy. So, on this World Ovarian Cancer day, let's do a "Happy Dance (Mercy Me)!!!"

Next blood work: July 3

Next doctor appointment: July 9

Thanks again MPWs for all your prayers & encouragement. Love & hugs to all!!!!

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

The Un-Appointment, The Real Appointment & The Most Recent Appointment

Sorry for the super long delay in writing, but my life has been extremely busy & extremely stressful.

Well, I got my blood draw done bright and early on Thursday, December 6. The first girl who came in to attempt to draw my blood, looked at me and said ... "I remember you from the last time. I'm going to get someone else," and then left. I didn't see her again! The next girl came in and asked which arm, I said that it didn't matter and said she might need to use my hand. But she was determined to use one of my arms and she succeeded. Now to wait for the results on Tuesday, December 11.

While sitting at my desk working on Tuesday morning, my cell phone rang and I was advised that my doctor was called to assist with a medical emergency and all appointments for the day were cancelled. However, the lab had emailed my test results and my CA125 had gone down 7 points to 30!!! WOW!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Unfortunately, now I had to reschedule another appointment and get more blood work. The first available appointment was Tuesday, February 5 and blood work the previous Thursday. Oh joy, oh bliss!!! After time away in Birmingham to work at the home office, the company meeting in Atlanta, the one-year anniversary of my Mom’s passing, the end of the government shutdown and work becoming insanely busy, it was finally time to get more blood work. This time, the girl was able to find my vein and draw the lovely vial of blood on the first shot. Yeah!!! Again, wait, wait, wait. Finally, it was Tuesday and I could escape the craziness of the office. After pleasantries and an exam, my doctor advised that my CA125 had gone up to 35. He wasn’t worried, so neither was I. Again, thank you Jesus!!!

I made my next appointment for 2 months later. Finally, not 6 weeks apart, but 2 whole months — April 9. I scheduled my favorite thing ... blood work .... for Thursday, April 4. I arrived at my scheduled time and the girl thought she found a vein, but ... alas, she only got a “spirt” and then she went right for my hand. Ouch!!!!!! I was very, very thankful that I only had to give enough for 1 vial. I think I would have screamed if I had to give another one.

Onward to April 9 and my next appointment. After waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting and almost being forgotten, I finally was ushered in the the exam room and continued waiting for the doctor. Finally, he made his way into the room and completed my exam. He advised that my CA125 number had once again gone up to 43. He also stated that since it had been a while since I had one, he wanted me to get a CT scan and more blood work and then come back for the results.

So ..... on Friday, May 3, the cats will be scanning my body to see if any little nasty cancer cells have reared their ugly heads. I will find out the results on May 7.

Over the past few weeks, I have been dwelling on Psalm 46. It starts with "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling." Then at the end of the psalm in verse 10, it says "“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” I don't know about you, but I know that I can run to Him, rest in Him, and be totally at peace with whatever comes my way. And I will praise Him no matter what comes my way.

I heard this song by Elevation Worship one day after my doctor's appointment. I just love the words and the feeling of calm assurance throughout. One passage of the song says:

 Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I'm still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet

I've seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I'll see You do it again

I truly believe that God will move this mountain again. However, I need to remember that God doesn't always move they way I want. He knows what's best for me.

Prayer Requests for my Mighty Prayer Warriors:

Saturday, April 27-- Blood draw in approximately 9am

Friday, May 3 -- CT scan approximately 9am

Tuesday, May 7 -- Doctor's appointment for results approximately 11am

Once I process the results, I will blog again. 

Only by His Strength,

Sandy