Strength for the weary

I love this verse... May it be an encouragement to you...
kate

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29 -31

December is approaching...

Happy fall to you and your loved ones. The boys have had fun playing their respective sports. We will be finished officially this weekend with soccer. Lovely rainouts made for busy weekends. Basketball is on the rise with both older boys.

Stuart has been counting the days since October when his 5th birthday will come. We are happy to report... ONLY 2 MORE DAYS - That's right, Friday is the day! Woo Hoo. I am so thankful to be here celebrating his birthday. He is a joy.

I just scheduled my December MRI for Wednesday, the 9th at 9:45. It has been 3 months since my last scan. If this one proves clear the oncologist stated we will go 4 months. Please pray for a clear scan.

In October I experienced severe head & eyeball pain similar to a migraine. I'm not sure what was the cause. Just thankful it didn't reoccur. If so, the doctor would have most definitely been informed. ER could have been an option. Thank goodness for OTC pain meds.

My VERY FAVORITE holiday is just around the corner - Thanksgiving.
Chat later,
kate

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Fall 2009 Favorites

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:17

Thus far these are the pictures I love this fall. Cole playing soccer should be in these pics but he has had so many rain outs that we are playing into mid November. Ugh, cold games. I did bring my camera one game but lightning & loads of rain came so quickly it was canceled for good reason.

Cole's creation on a day off from school.

Dinosaurs helping army men defeat playmobil men.

Stuart ready to play soccer.
Carter participated in a punt / pass competition at a local school

and won 1st place overall 5th grade boys.Dave & I went to California in October. Beautiful scenery.

Hope you are well this fall. See you soon and Happy Thanksgiving in November. Lots to be thankful for this fall.

kate

And a half...

Sorry for the delay in keeping you up to date today. After picking up Stuart we played at the park (a promise needing to be kept), made lunch, mop sticky kitchen floor from morning spill - now here to the computer. Normal house stuff with kids.

Okay on to today's update from the oncologist, Dr. Needles. It was three months ago from my last MRI. Today the report showed no change. The next scan will be in three months. If that one is great we will go to four months after December. Do I hear some sighs of relief? I have been wanting to ask the doctor if I would ever be considered being in remission. Dave asked for me per my request. The doctors reply "Remission? You are better than remission." "Remission implies evidence of tumors. You have no evidence of active cancer." As I type this I am amazed at God's hand in my life during this journey. He is faithful. I am humbled as I am not.

Prior to seeing Dr. Needles I get a weigh in and blood pressure check along with temperature - normal stuff. The question of "Do you have any pain today?" is asked. I say no slowly while being weighed then change jokingly to "Well, yes after this discovery." Ugh! She was kind to say it is ___ and a half. Okay she could of said the extra one pound but didn't. I was grateful in a silly way. Half pound does that count on the charts?

Another answer to prayer was during my MRI on Wednesday. Many were praying for peace that passes all understanding. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 I fell asleep or something during the actual scan as the time FLEW. MRI scans are obnoxiously LOUD - banging, knocking, clicking, etc.

Off to be a soccer mom this weekend along with basketball & fall ball. Life is good. I need one of those bumper stickers and shirts but they are costly (at least the shirts are).

Thank you for praying. I cannot thank you enough. And a half we go...
Kate

September MRI

Not much to say but please pray for a clear scan. As most of you remember, the past few years it was in the fall where changes have been noticed. Fear has crept in my thoughts concerning this scan.

Wednesday, September 9 - MRI (last one was in June)
Friday, September 11 - doctor appointment with results

thanks,
k-

Back 2 School Boys 2009

Cole 4th grade, Carter 5th grade

Stuart Pre K

School started this past week. I just now had the time to post pictures. Our home is in full swing with fall activities. Bible study starts soon for me. It was a difficult decision deciding which one to do on which day. I am so thankful for the options.

Cancer stuff:
Wednesday, September 9 - MRI (last one was in June)
Friday, September 11 - doctor appointment with results

* clear scan is the desire of our hearts

Have a great rest of the week!
k-

Summer is a blur

Summer already seems like a blur. The boys start school Wednesday, August 26. Are they ready? I say yes! Carter & Cole say no. Stuart is excited about seeing his friends (as I think they all are). Every time I think about a blog post my time has been too precious to sit at the computer (not that I don't want prayer) as the boys are needing much attention. I do need a daily rest time still of about an hour so.

My next MRI is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9 at 9:45. The results will be known on Friday, September 11 at my doctors appointment. How am I feeling? Well, is my best response. Cannot complain. ...God is my strength and my portion... Psalm 73:26

Sorry for the lack of updates as I was busy being a mom for the summer. Also facebook has allowed me to do daily one sentence updates when possible.

kate

All Clear!

The June MRI shows no change. I will have my next MRI in 3 months before my oncologist appointment on September 11. No blood work will have to be done. Like that. Actually, I like ALL OF IT! Dr. Needles was in a cheery mood today. After I asked what is to be done from here? He wanted / thought he would be getting more questions from me. I just said "Haven't I asked enough? I actually am just glad to not see you in three months." He laughed and jokingly said I hurt his feelings. Boo hoo, go on to your next patient.

Thinking about celebrating at the zoo with the boys tomorrow to see the new stingray exhibit.

Thank you for going on this journey with me,
k-

Cancerland

The title is a little off but, I couldn't think of what to call this one...

Today my church cancer support group met. We meet on the first Sunday of the month. Everyone has different cancers yet similar struggles & trials. Some spouses also come to the meeting. It is great encouragement.

Yes, my MRI along with blood work were on Saturday. Tuesday the results will be made known by my oncologist, Dr. Needles. (on a side note: every time I write Needles, I chuckle and think it is quite odd to have a doctor with that sort of name-aghhh. Ok, on to the post...) That will hopefully be the time I will know how he (you know who) wants to proceed with my care post chemo. Scans every 3 months? is my guess. Blood work was taken during chemo to monitor the WBC. Brain cancers do not unfortunately exhibit "markers". Scans are the most informative. I will try to post the information as time allows after Tuesday. Our prayer is that it is clear - no change from previous scans.

I have been enjoying summer with the boys. We have gone twice to the library and only once to the pool due to weather. My fatigue is getting somewhat better. I am tired mid day but I have always been that way. Brain cancer did not bring that on. I have to rest for about 20 minutes after lunch. Stuart is slowing cutting out his quiet time which is making some days difficult. On those days, Dave (to no surprise) has been great to help so much at night when I am oh so tired and want to expire by 8pm. Please pray for his stamina & energy as he is doing double time.

This past weekend was a bustle. Carter's 11th birthday celebration was at Nascar speed park on Friday with friends. Lazer tag, go carts and cookie cake you cannot go wrong. Last night Dave & I hosted some of my moms friends for dinner to surprise & celebrate her 60th birthday which is mid June. It was great!
Thanks for checking in,

k-

Schools Out!

Today is the last day of school. Summer here we come. Stuart's last day was yesterday. He was trying to understand why he won't be returning next week. At dinner he was given a lengthy "four year terminology" explanation for him to hopefully understand. Carter and Cole are so ready for summer. Mom... I am not so sure. It will be a summer of pool, library, pool, library, family trip to Indiana for Dave's high school reunion, outside fun, pool, library (you get the picture). Gotta keep them engaged. Carter is attending a summer camp in Illinois for approximately 5 days in late July. Cole is not interested in any way possible leaving home. He is my home body which is just fine with me.

Need to make breakfast, I'm taking the boys to school. Busy morning!