Thankful!

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
My heart leaps for joy and
I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

Carter's verse on his paper cornucopia from school had Psalm 28:7 on it with the things he is thankful for.
Not in any particular order just written on the fruit and veggies.
- TV - because it is entertaining.
- Soda - because it "taest" good.
- Food - because I could not live without it.
-Baseball Cards - because they are entertaining.

Cole's cornucopia had Psalm 100:4 without thankful items written on it. I don't think it was the third grades assignment for that craft. Cole mentioned to me yesterday morning on the way to school that there is so much he is thankful for that it wouldn't fit on any paper. He mentioned bugs (he LOVES bugs) because we as humans are dependent on plants to give us oxygen. Without bugs there wouldn't be any plants was his reasoning. That is my deep thinker for ya. He did have a turkey made from his footprint with the following poem:

Thanksgiving is cool.
Pumpkin pie is awesome.
I love Thanksgiving.

We cannot leave out Stuart. He made two placemats this year. One for school the other at CBS (bible study). When asked what he is most thankful for his reply is "My puppy". That is his bedtime lovie. We cannnot go to bed without her. He calls puppy a her. At school yesterday, he made an adorable notecard with his fingerprint. Keepsake that is for sure!On the placemat is the following poem:

The Feast of the Tabernacles is a celebration
when God’s people remember the many wonderful
things He did for them after they left Egypt.

Remember, remember, how God loved them so,
And saved them from the Egyptians a long time ago;
He opened the sea so they could pass by,
He put a cloud of protection up in the sky;
He kept them safe and wanted them to know
To praise Him, to thank Him for loving them so.

Thanksgiving Day is a time when we give
thanks to God for all He has blessed us with.


I am thankful for many things this holiday. The depths of my thankfulness are hard to put in writing.

Update- so far I do not have a infection yet. Just a cold. Please pray it stays that way due to my low white blood cell count. My body most likely will not be able to fight off an infection too well. I am guessing it is still low. Time will tell.

The boys are off today for the start of Thanksgiving break.
Off to make breakfast...
k-

Clarifications

Some people have asked me the following questions so I will attempt to clarify in the blog.

1. Your WBC (white blood cell count) was low (3.2) in November when will you know if it has gone up to the correct range of 4.0 - 9.8?
I am to see the oncologist Tuesday, December 9. We should know then as I will be getting my labs taken prior to the appointment.

2. When will your monthly chemo regimen stop?
That is up to the oncologist. The November on call oncologist stated that it is desired for a brain cancer patient to take Temodar one to two years. A clinical trial has not been done on the findings of this chemo and how long it should be taken. So... one year most likely will be sufficient. It is solely up to my oncologist, Dr. Needles. My records state I started January 2008. I was thinking he would allow me to discontinue in February 2009.

3. What will happen after you finish the monthly chemo?
To be honest I am not sure. This is something we will ask at the next appointment. The following is my guess...

Monthly labs & doctors appointments most likely. MRI's (not sure how often) depends on the doctor. I am guessing every two months.

Hope that covers it
k-

Happy 4 Years Stu!

School birthday cookie & crown

Showing off my gifts - love the feet!

Blowing the cake candles

Breakfast tradition

Happy Day Stuart!

Sweet as candy

That's right! Did you see they are in the grocery stores? Clementines. It reminds me of my first surgery hospital stay craving and the clementine caper delivery. Was that a run on sentence? As for the clementines in the store... Stuart and I purchased our first batch for the season. I had to control our eating of them prior to the photo shoot. They do taste sweet as candy. Stuart ate two for lunch with his p b and j sandwich. I love how they are easy to peel with no seeds.

Driving home today I wanted to give you a funny of Carter and Cole's conversation ....

Cole: Hey Carter, what kind of truck would you buy besides a Honda or Toyota? I would buy a Dodge Ram. (after he just looked at a hot one on the highway.)

Carter: I'd get a Nissan.

Cole: quickly remarks Oh yeah I forgot about Nissan, I'll switch to that.

**Carter: Cole, a professional baseball player should have three vehicles. A run down car to take to the games so no one will steal your car then a hot one. Also your wife will need a mini van.

I piped in to say "Hey what if your wife doesn't want a mini van?" He just responded well she then can have anything she wants. If you have a only child then they can have a hot car as well. Clementines to minivans...

Carter relaxing after school

Stuarts 4th birthday party

So cute!

The pirates at play (Stuart & Christina) up on the boat

astronaut Sophie with elated pirate Stu
(he LOVES her - oh a 4 year old romance)

Today we celebrated with Stuarts friends his fourth birthday. The official day is this coming Thursday the 20th. He had a blast in the Creation Station at the Museum of Transportation. There were four year old pirates, astronauts, chefs, and fireman roaming around along with a multitude of train tracks. Great pretend play. I took some pictures while Carter video taped. After returning home we came to the realization that a group picture was not taken. Big bummer. Enjoy some of the pictures I did take. He had so much fun and is currently playing with the gifts upstairs with Cole .

He loved all his gifts and was especially happy to have his teacher, Mrs. Byars at his party. The Lightning Mcqueen sound effect book was a real hit! Thank you, Mrs. Byars. He adores you.

A funny part of the party was when Anneka asked "Is this Stuart's home?" The huge playroom was painted with transportation stuff galore. Oh to be four.

It was a low key party for me as I didn't do a thing except show up with cupcakes and enjoy in their fun. Cupcakes were served as it was the easy option - No cutting of cake. I am all about easy. You learn after three kids and cancer.

Chemo is going well. I am filling up on prunes to help with the constipation. I love the taste of prunes so it is not a bad deal.

Today was a good day.

Gotta think about dinner...
k-

Morning surprise

While doing my makeup for the day I noticed this little man was in my bed (after it was already made). It was a picture worth taking. Messed up bed and all. Have a good day. He is Indiana Jones with his hat and fake whip just thrown.

Gotta get going for the day. Carter & Cole are off half day.
k-

WBC low

Dr. Hu was my oncologist for the morning. My WBC is a low 3.2. The range is 4.0 - 9.8. My October WBC was 8.4. We will need to monitor this more closely. I am not sure at this point if my chemo regimen will be lowered Friday for Novembers cycle. I have a call into Dr. Hu as I forgot to ask. It is most likely going to stay at 350 mg. I also forgot to ask what is expected with a low white blood cell count. Time to google this information. See below.

White blood cells. These cells help your body fight infection. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) leaves your body more open to infection. And if an infection does develop, your body may be unable to fight it off.

Following up on my earlier post concerning early menopause...

80 - 90 % of patients taking Temodar (chemo) experience early menopause. Time will tell. I will find out more later with Dr. Needles.

k-

November doctors appt.

My November oncologist appointment is in the morning. Labs to be taken prior to the appointment. I forgot to do my labs on Friday & Saturday. Oops. Dr. Needles is out for a few days. I will see a doctor on call. I have a few questions this time around.

1. Chemo induced early menopause (I'll chat possibly later with you on this one.)
2. Chemo stop date - Will it be February? (of course this ? will probably have to wait till Decembers appointment)

Gotta get to bed...
k-

Two Year Anniversary

Today is the TWO YEAR anniversary from the first brain surgery. I can't believe it has been two years already. Last night a flood of emotions came over me. Carter was reflective at bedtime as well. He said that he couldn't believe it was that long ago. He said he is thankful that surgery is not for this Christmas season.

Below are some reflections I have for today. I may add more throughout the day as time allows. Some of these were reminded to me in a email from a friend watching her husband going through cancer.

1. As I study Romans in CBS...asking GOD to help me remember it all, and never forget what HE has done - the list is large and for me to ..." rejoice in this suffering, knowing it will produce endurance, character and hope-hope that will not disappoint because God's love has been poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit who has been given to me " ( Romans 5:3-5).

2. A desire for our boys to never forget watching their mom and dad go through this...They will tell of HIS wonderful acts...(Ps. 145:)... they (we) will eagerly utter the memories of GOD's abundant goodness...

3. God's goodness - Wow! Where do I begin?

4. The unknowns of cancer...vs...NO unknowns of God. He is in control. Hallelujah

5. The love of God never left me.

6. I can be here with my family for two good years. - Walking Talking, Laughing, Some processing (be it slow.)

7. A commited caring husband

8. The hands and feet of Jesus with people here on Earth. Meals, housecleaning, cards, phonecalls, an ear to listen, etc.

Add more in the comments as you see fit.
kate

Scripture for Voting Day

My Bible study leader sent an email today encouraging us with the following. It was a great reminder to me after I studied Daniel (end times) two years ago. Thank you, Sharon.
kate

As we pray about our nation and the elections tomorrow, let’s be comforted and encouraged by the truth that God is in control.

“Praise be to name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and season; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.“

Daniel 2:20-22

Trusting

May the God of
hope fill you with all
joy and peace as you
trust in Him.
Romans 15:13

The above verse is a card that was on my kitchen cabinet from someone who sent it to me last year. The past few days it has spoken to my heart. May you ponder and be blessed by it as well.
k-

Todays Pictures - Enjoy

Burning bush in backyard

Neighbors Tree

Backyard looking up

Pinecone in cul de sac

Front porch view

Happy Stuart on warm November day

C train in action (Cole)

Holly berry tree on corner of house in bloom