Friends,
I just got an email from a special lady in my life who told me the sweetest thing but before I share it....I wanted to give you an update on my treatment plan. I will meet with the Radiation Oncologist Monday afternoon. That's all I know :) I have no idea what we will accomplish at this next appt but I know this...it moves us one step closer to treatment #1 of 33. Let's do this thing!
Now for the sweetest thing I've heard and I'm trusting she won't mind that I'm sharing it ..... so... she said "I want you to know that I bought a box of pink tic tacs a few weeks ago, and everytime I pop one in my mouth- I pray for you and if my kids ask me for one they say , Mom, can I have a pink tic-tac, I'll pray for Cindy!" I am so honored and humbled by your prayers for me and I thank you. You are precious to me and I love you!
In fact, all of you are precious to me. I want you all to know that as need arises in your lives and certainly as God places you on my heart I will and I am praying for you. My struggle is not so large that I can't look beyond myself and pray for you. It is my honor and privilege to pray. Can you imagine the impact on our faithfulness to pray if we all bought pink tic-tacs and prayed for those precious family and friends that we know who are walking this path through illness and recovery? We would find ourselves being more faithful to the prayer promises we've made.
Well, I just had to share this with each of you that have been checking our blog and I want you to know that I'm honored that you are following along. May we encourage each other as we walk our individual journey's. I'm thankful that we have this moment to walk together. I'm blessed to call you "friend."
Love to you all,
Cindy K.
About Me
- CIndy K
- Rock Hill, SC, United States
- "My heart is overflowing with a good theme. I recite my compositions concerning the King. My tongue is the pen of a ready writer." (Psalm 45:1) This verse has become a life verse for me. As I continue to walk it out, I realize this journey as a breast cancer survivor has changed me but does not define me. I remain the loved, chosen, redeemed and blessed child of the living God who supplies me daily with more hope, strength, grace and courage than I ever dreamed I could possess! God has been so good to me ... indeed my tongue is the pen of a ready writer ... poised to tell the story of my faithful Father! I love Him so!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Favorable Test Results
Hi Everyone,
God is so good to me and I simply don't deserve His mercy.....His mercies are indeed new every morning! Today I went back to the Dr. to get the results from the OncotypeDX test that, you may remember, helps determine my risk of recurrence. I am happy to report that it was good news.....I am in the low risk category and will not benefit from chemo.
I'm heading straight to radiation in the next week or so. That will last for 6 1/2 weeks (5 days a week). The most troubling side effects will be the fatigue that comes on about the 2nd or 3rd week and continues until about 2 to 3 weeks after treatment as well as skin irritation from the radiation itself. There are things they will instruct me in to offset any skin issues.
All in all, I'm very encouraged. As I said, I don't deserve God's mercy to me. I'm keenly aware of the people who don't get encouraging reports. My heart breaks for them, in fact, sitting in the waiting room at the oncologist office today had such a sad affect on me. I saw men and women of all ages obviously in various stages of illness/treatment and my heart just went out to them. The really sobering thing is that now I am one of them sharing in this journey from diagnosis back to health. For some the road is harder than others but for all of us life is never the same. Nor should it be...
Oh may the sky be more blue, the birds' song more sweet, the breeze more refreshing and the touch of someone you love more special. More importantly may the time we spend in prayer and study become richer and as a result may our lives be made more fruitful. Afterall, it is just so all about Him! Right?
Blessings to you my friends.....thanks for your prayers and I'll keep you posted....I'm praying for each of you too.....it is my honor......
Cindy K.
God is so good to me and I simply don't deserve His mercy.....His mercies are indeed new every morning! Today I went back to the Dr. to get the results from the OncotypeDX test that, you may remember, helps determine my risk of recurrence. I am happy to report that it was good news.....I am in the low risk category and will not benefit from chemo.
I'm heading straight to radiation in the next week or so. That will last for 6 1/2 weeks (5 days a week). The most troubling side effects will be the fatigue that comes on about the 2nd or 3rd week and continues until about 2 to 3 weeks after treatment as well as skin irritation from the radiation itself. There are things they will instruct me in to offset any skin issues.
All in all, I'm very encouraged. As I said, I don't deserve God's mercy to me. I'm keenly aware of the people who don't get encouraging reports. My heart breaks for them, in fact, sitting in the waiting room at the oncologist office today had such a sad affect on me. I saw men and women of all ages obviously in various stages of illness/treatment and my heart just went out to them. The really sobering thing is that now I am one of them sharing in this journey from diagnosis back to health. For some the road is harder than others but for all of us life is never the same. Nor should it be...
Oh may the sky be more blue, the birds' song more sweet, the breeze more refreshing and the touch of someone you love more special. More importantly may the time we spend in prayer and study become richer and as a result may our lives be made more fruitful. Afterall, it is just so all about Him! Right?
Blessings to you my friends.....thanks for your prayers and I'll keep you posted....I'm praying for each of you too.....it is my honor......
Cindy K.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
God Is.....(author unknown)
A friend shared this poem with me today. The author is unknown but the words are so true. I thought you might be encouraged by it. Thanks Sandi for sharing!
God Is...
Author Unknown
He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the Creator of all creation and the Keeper of all he created!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The People couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Oprah can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy, He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!
I serve Him because...
His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is...
the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days,
the ruler of rulers,
the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers and the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size...
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God,
He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can defeat the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.
Every day is a blessing - for GOD Is!
God Is...
Author Unknown
He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the Creator of all creation and the Keeper of all he created!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The People couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Oprah can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy, He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!
I serve Him because...
His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is...
the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days,
the ruler of rulers,
the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers and the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size...
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God,
He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can defeat the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.
Every day is a blessing - for GOD Is!
The Radiation Oncologist meeting....
Hi All,
Today I met with the Radiation Oncologist and discussed my planned radiation treatment which cannot begin until we get the results of the OncotypeDX test. You may remember that this test will determine if I am a high or low risk for recurrence. If I am high risk we will need to stop by the Chemo room and do a round there before beginning radiation. This would add an extra layer of protection for me.
I should receive those final results on Tuesday, May 26th, when I once again meet with the Medical Oncologist. His office called me this morning to let me know that the blood work they had done on May 7th to check for my ability to use the anti-cancer medication Tamoxifen was positive which means that will be the med of choice for me. That is one more detail that can be checked off.
Well, that's about it with my medical update. I'm feeling great, started walking again, even unpacked my Juiceman Juicer - blew the spiderwebs out of it - and have been enjoying some, among other things, delicious spinach, carrot and pineapple juice....yes all mixed together. It's actually quite good and there is something about drinking it that makes you feel good to know you are getting the veggies/fruits that we all need each day. I can almost feel the cool juice running through the uttermost cells of my body. Okay that's a little melodramatic but it does make you feel good.
I hope that you have a great day today......live in the moment....live in His presence.....and remember His goodness....
Today I met with the Radiation Oncologist and discussed my planned radiation treatment which cannot begin until we get the results of the OncotypeDX test. You may remember that this test will determine if I am a high or low risk for recurrence. If I am high risk we will need to stop by the Chemo room and do a round there before beginning radiation. This would add an extra layer of protection for me.
I should receive those final results on Tuesday, May 26th, when I once again meet with the Medical Oncologist. His office called me this morning to let me know that the blood work they had done on May 7th to check for my ability to use the anti-cancer medication Tamoxifen was positive which means that will be the med of choice for me. That is one more detail that can be checked off.
Well, that's about it with my medical update. I'm feeling great, started walking again, even unpacked my Juiceman Juicer - blew the spiderwebs out of it - and have been enjoying some, among other things, delicious spinach, carrot and pineapple juice....yes all mixed together. It's actually quite good and there is something about drinking it that makes you feel good to know you are getting the veggies/fruits that we all need each day. I can almost feel the cool juice running through the uttermost cells of my body. Okay that's a little melodramatic but it does make you feel good.
I hope that you have a great day today......live in the moment....live in His presence.....and remember His goodness....
Psalm 27:13-14 (New King James Version)
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Be blessed,
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
From Cory's Heart.....To Mine.....
I was just reflecting on life today and thinking about being a Mom and what joy and pride our sons and daughters bring. It is a wonderful thing to watch God shape the lives of our children. We have them for such a short time before they are grown. As Believers we want nothing more than to see our children fall madly in love with the Lord of all creation and serve Him with all of their might and for all of their days and sometimes we get to glimpse the sacred work that He is doing in their hearts to accomplish this. On the day of my initial diagnosis, Cory (our 18 year old) took pen and paper and wrote from His heart the internal struggle to process our news. Below is the result and I share it with you today...
Just the other day some news came to my ear
For the first time of my life my heart is filled with fear
I'm trying to be strong; trying hard to keep my faith
Lord come here and stay; God I need You to carry on
So I'll keep my eyes on you
I won't look down at my feet
I know you'll see me through
And I won't miss a beat
God there's nothing I can do
Except to trust in you
So Lord lead on
Your will be done
And help me walk in truth.
Lord if You could send a sign or just shed a little light
On the situation that's before me, show me Your might
But if it should be Your will that I should bear this cross
Hold me close to You so that my faith will not be lost
So I'll keep my eyes on you
I won't look down at my feet
I know you'll see me through
And I won't miss a beat
God there's nothing I can do
Except to trust in you
So Lord lead on
Your will be done
And help me walk in truth.
So I will live my life as if there's no tomorrow
God will wipe my eyes and wash away my sorrow
No matter what life brings if what You say is true
Then You are in control and this road leads to You....
So I'll keep my eyes on you
I won't look down at my feet
I know you'll see me through
And I won't miss a beat
God there's nothing I can do
Except to trust in you
So Lord lead on
Your will be done
And help me walk in truth.
Be encouraged today wherever you find yourself. Hold tightly to your faith & keep your eyes on Him. I promise He will sustain you in midst of your day!
BTW, nothing new happening with me....just waiting to see the Oncologist again on May 26th for the results of the test that will determine if I should have a round of chemo before radiation....I will meet my Oncology Radiologist for consultation on May 20th.... am feeling good so meantime, you can find me......
Simply Abiding,
Cindy K.
Just the other day some news came to my ear
For the first time of my life my heart is filled with fear
I'm trying to be strong; trying hard to keep my faith
Lord come here and stay; God I need You to carry on
So I'll keep my eyes on you
I won't look down at my feet
I know you'll see me through
And I won't miss a beat
God there's nothing I can do
Except to trust in you
So Lord lead on
Your will be done
And help me walk in truth.
Lord if You could send a sign or just shed a little light
On the situation that's before me, show me Your might
But if it should be Your will that I should bear this cross
Hold me close to You so that my faith will not be lost
So I'll keep my eyes on you
I won't look down at my feet
I know you'll see me through
And I won't miss a beat
God there's nothing I can do
Except to trust in you
So Lord lead on
Your will be done
And help me walk in truth.
So I will live my life as if there's no tomorrow
God will wipe my eyes and wash away my sorrow
No matter what life brings if what You say is true
Then You are in control and this road leads to You....
So I'll keep my eyes on you
I won't look down at my feet
I know you'll see me through
And I won't miss a beat
God there's nothing I can do
Except to trust in you
So Lord lead on
Your will be done
And help me walk in truth.
Be encouraged today wherever you find yourself. Hold tightly to your faith & keep your eyes on Him. I promise He will sustain you in midst of your day!
BTW, nothing new happening with me....just waiting to see the Oncologist again on May 26th for the results of the test that will determine if I should have a round of chemo before radiation....I will meet my Oncology Radiologist for consultation on May 20th.... am feeling good so meantime, you can find me......
Simply Abiding,
Cindy K.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Living today in the "clear"
So my journey has brought me to this day...the first Friday in 6 weeks that I have not found myself standing on the brink of a weekend filled with waiting (and dreading) the results from one test or another. Oh yes, I feel very blessed indeed to have experienced my birthday, a favorable pathology report of "clear margins", a good first meeting with my oncologist (Dr. Boyd), and official release from my surgeon (Dr. Turk), all of this in the same week. I am appointment free until May 26th when I will once again meet with my oncologist to get the results of a test they are now doing on the tumor that will evaluate the chromosomes and predict chance of recurrence. If they find I am at a high risk for recurrence then we will do chemotherapy but if I am a low risk we will proceed directly to radiation. Either way, I am at peace. The Lord has impressed upon my heart to do exactly as my Doctor suggests. Praise You Lord for Your undeserved mercy and Your continued guidance.
I stand and breathe deeply of the joy that our Father is pouring into my heart at this moment. And while I do I am keenly aware that the joy I feel is entirely from and directed back to to the One who has sustained me in the initial fear of diagnosis and who will sustain me through the treatment phase and as I walk into the unknown of my future as a breast cancer survivor. I'm learning to live in the moment and the moment right now is a treasured gift from His hand...a respite of the struggle of the past weeks. I have comfort from my Lord for my Now and confidence in my Lord for my Future because I know it is secure. First Peter 1: 1-9 is beautiful...when you get the time take a moment and be reminded of the gift of salvation through faith that is ours as believers.
I've chosen to blog about my journey so that I don't leave anyone out of my email updates. You have prayed me through the urgency of the first weeks of this journey and I can never fully express my love and gratitude to you for the selfless prayers you have lifted on my behalf. You have gently carried me and my family to the very throne room of God and I am humbled by your act of love to me. I can only say that standing on this side of a prayer need has made me keenly aware of the importance of the prayers of the Saints. I will never casually approach prayer requests again. No, I will instead pray for others as though my own life depended on it. I have been so moved by the effect of prayer during this time, in fact, I've been desperate for it and you honored me by storming the gates of Heaven for me. I appreciate your continued prayer for my journey ahead as the Lord leads you.
I hope you have a blessed Mother's Day weekend. Share your love with your mother if you're lucky enough to still have her, remember her fondly if she has already passed away and most importantly thank God for His everlasting love.
Blessings to you my precious friends,
Cindy K.
I stand and breathe deeply of the joy that our Father is pouring into my heart at this moment. And while I do I am keenly aware that the joy I feel is entirely from and directed back to to the One who has sustained me in the initial fear of diagnosis and who will sustain me through the treatment phase and as I walk into the unknown of my future as a breast cancer survivor. I'm learning to live in the moment and the moment right now is a treasured gift from His hand...a respite of the struggle of the past weeks. I have comfort from my Lord for my Now and confidence in my Lord for my Future because I know it is secure. First Peter 1: 1-9 is beautiful...when you get the time take a moment and be reminded of the gift of salvation through faith that is ours as believers.
I've chosen to blog about my journey so that I don't leave anyone out of my email updates. You have prayed me through the urgency of the first weeks of this journey and I can never fully express my love and gratitude to you for the selfless prayers you have lifted on my behalf. You have gently carried me and my family to the very throne room of God and I am humbled by your act of love to me. I can only say that standing on this side of a prayer need has made me keenly aware of the importance of the prayers of the Saints. I will never casually approach prayer requests again. No, I will instead pray for others as though my own life depended on it. I have been so moved by the effect of prayer during this time, in fact, I've been desperate for it and you honored me by storming the gates of Heaven for me. I appreciate your continued prayer for my journey ahead as the Lord leads you.
I hope you have a blessed Mother's Day weekend. Share your love with your mother if you're lucky enough to still have her, remember her fondly if she has already passed away and most importantly thank God for His everlasting love.
Blessings to you my precious friends,
Cindy K.
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