Solidarity & sisterhood

Now those are some beautiful faces, aren’t they!? Today was our last day for Bible Study Fellowship until it starts again in September. The last day of BSF is called “Sharing Day,” and it provides an opportunity for the entire class to get together and share what God showed them this year through the study of Matthew. Of course, I was unable to make the last day of BSF since I am at MD Anderson undergoing scans, an appointment and a simulation for my upcoming stereotactic radiation.

This image, however, indicates just how special BSF is. If you have known me any amount of time, you know how much the Lord has done in my life through the study of His Word with other incredibly “salty” women at BSF. I highly, highly endorse it. I have made lifelong friendships through BSF and this year didn’t disappoint.

Although I wasn’t able to physically attend today, my sweet sisters made sure I was represented in spirit by wearing “Sarcoma Awareness” t-shirts that said, “Faith, Hope, Believe.” The design also incorporated a butterfly with a burst of yellow (which is the official color for sarcoma awareness). The gals made sure the t-shirts they purchased went directly to sarcoma research as well. I was so humbled by their effort to continually support me in this battle.

Here I am representin’ in Houston today . . . I love you ladies!! I know God divinely placed your precious hearts into my life this year to be my cheerleaders, my shoulder to cry on, my iron-sharpening-iron and my hardcore warriors. As I promised in my FB message to you today, my goal & prayer is to return to BSF next year hipper, healthier and (hopefully) holier. Big hugs to my discussion group and all my unbelievable warriors through BSF. I am indebted to you for your partnership in this battle with me.

 
And speaking of t-shirts, we are excited to let you know we will be unveiling some customized t-shirts very soon that will help us raise funds for my holistic therapy, which is not covered by insurance. Many folks have been asking how they can help. We have been reluctant (perhaps too prideful) to share the most obvious need, but the greatest way people could help us as I venture down a new road in this journey is financially. More to come on that. We are currently working through all of the details but it will be on the blog soon, and I am so excited about it. My prayer is that the t-shirts will not only unite warriors across the country (and the globe) but more importantly provide an opportunity to share the Gospel and boast in our great God. I get goose bumps thinking about it.

Okay, enough about that . . .

MDA UPDATES

-- I survived my first two MRIs (hip/pelvis yesterday & full spine today). God provided me with sweet techs who patiently worked to ensure I was comfortable. However, I am so grateful they are over. I was able to lay still and the pain was tolerable. Ty so much for praying!

-- My tummy troubles (from constant narcotics) have been temporarily relieved. Please pray we can continue taking care of my tummy as I am swallowing so many meds.

-- Tomorrow, we head to MDA early (9:45am) to discuss my MRI results & treatment options with Dr. Brown. Then, the plan will hopefully be to undergo a simulation that afternoon (3:00pm) for my upcoming stereotactic radiation (planned for Friday, May 16).

PRAYER REQUESTS

-- Continued endurance with the constant pain I am trying to endure with grace. The pain is mostly in my upper back radiating around my ribs to my sternum. I also deal with continual nerve pain. This afternoon, I honestly questioned if I can wait another week and a half for radiation. The pain makes doing anything very difficult so I mainly stay reclined or just lay in a bed. I know this is redundant, but I am so, so looking forward to getting my life back (preferably – tumor/pain/narcotic-free).

-- Great wisdom on behalf of Dr. Brown and his team as they evaluate my spine & hip/pelvis on the MRIs. We pray for accurate assessment and effective treatment. Eliminating this pain is the missing piece in my ability to address the holistic therapy full-on.

-- For great wisdom on behalf of the simulation team who will be prepping me for stereotactic radiation. It requires all sorts of measurements, accuracy and the ability for me to lay very still. Prayers for that as well.

-- Safety & comfort of travel as we pack-up and head back to Dallas tomorrow after the simulation, and then on to Norman Friday morning. Hooray for getting to see Lil’ A and Pop too!

-- If stereotactic radiation is the answer and we pray it is, we also need to be pleading with the Father for smooth/speedy approval with my insurance. I have already talked with my case manager at BCBS today and she will be on the case, as will I. So, hopefully, this process will go much smoother than the last two times we have faced stereotactic radiation.

-- We haven’t unwrapped the dressing from my calf yet. We thought it would be best to deal with that after the simulation since they may be moving my legs in awkward positions and I don’t want my incision to be ultra-sensitive – especially as I will be expected to lay still.

In closing, I believe the devotional today from Jesus Calling was a great encouragement to me as I continue to face an ugly disease that brings with it ugly pain. May the “evil” I sense in my body continue to bring about the “good” God purposed before time for it to accomplish in and through me.

JESUS CALLING – MAY 7

If you learn to trust Me – really trust Me – with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from My Peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me. This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you. Joseph was a prime example of this divine reversal, declaring to his brothers: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

Do not fear what this day, or any day, may bring your way. Concentrate on trusting Me and on doing what needs to be done. Relax in My sovereignty, remembering that I go before you, as well as with you, into each day. Fear no evil, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter.

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” – Genesis 50:20

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4