Thankful days 2010

Hello there. Busy days lately which I am most thankful. Little Stuart is not so little as he just had his 6 year birthday kid party this past Saturday the 20th. Much chaos! Carter, Cole & Stuart are doing well in school and basketball will be keeping us on our toes as ALL will be playing. Dave of course is coaching. Cole's team are the ones who get Coach Snodgrass. It is a delight to my heart to see him so active in their lives. As for me, I am working two mornings a week as a Bible study children teacher. I also have the joy of studying the book of Acts through CBS Community Bible Study!

As Thanksgiving is this Thursday. It brings me to contemplate the past few years of my cancer journey. As most I have a lot to be thankful for. Many blessings abound! No matter if it is Thanksgiving time when you read this ... I would love to hear what YOU are thankful for.

February is my next MRI & blood work. Update will be around that time.

Choosing To SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope

On May 21, 2008, Maria Chapman age 5 had been playing outside with her sisters, Shaohannah, 8, and Stevey Joy, also 5. Maria wanted to hang from the monkey bars on their playground, but wasn’t tall enough to reach them on her own. When she saw her big brother Will, then 17, steering down the driveway, she darted off to meet him and ask for his help. Will never saw her coming, and fatally struck his sister with the car.

Mother Mary Beth Chapman says more than 2 years later as she has written a book. “I can say now that God is good when things are really, really bad,” Chapman said. “But I couldn’t say it when (Maria died) because he hadn’t showed me the journey. (I had to figure out what I could say) that would also encourage people, and maybe they could start seeing their own life in the book."

Choosing To SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope

What Mary Beth put into words blessed my heart. It was something I had been attempting to say. I have not read the book but thought the quote was so personal. I want to steal her quote for my own (with my input in the quote):

“I can say now that God is good when things are really bad,” Chapman said & so does Kate. “But I couldn’t say it when (2006 & 2007 cancer journey was intense) because he hadn’t showed me the journey.

Much love to all today,
Kate

August MRI report finding

All's good. WHAT AM I SAYING... All is GREAT! Clear is the word. Next MRI & see the oncologist in 6 months - February 2011.

Thanks for praying,
Kate

MRI date change + summer pics

My MRI with blood work has been changed to Tuesday, August 17 at 9:00.

The doctor appointment is still on Friday, August 20 at 9:30. As stated in a previous post... when the scan proves clear I will go 6 months till the next MRI. I will try & make time to post an update on the weekend.

Summer is coming to a close all too quickly. Below are some pics of the fun we have enjoyed.

Stuart beaver dance with goggles
(he keeps us laughing)

Cole ready in the pitCarter taking time to contemplate
(this is a common pose for him lately)
Carter rock climbing ready to laser tagCole rock climbingCole's bug he caught
(he wants to be an entomologist)
Snodgrass boys at the zoo
(Stu was the first to ask for a pic)

A young one in disguise
(he goes into grocery store & says no one knows who I am)
ha ha ha

It was last week when I actually made my August MRI appt. It is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18 at 9 am. Bloodwork will be taken as well.

My oncologist appt is 2 days later on that Friday, August 20 at 9:30. If the above MRI proves clear I was told in April he will have me go 6 months till the next one.

Summer time is sure flying by. Sorry for not posting as much. I have been thinking about possibly doing a web care page where one can sign up for updates. I have a few friends with cancer that have one and I receive an email telling when they have updated. It is great! (not their cancer but their care page - better make that clear) Time is precious.

Chat later,
Kate

God's Providence

"Believing ahead of time what can only be seen by looking back."
Philip Yancey definition of faith

k-

Couldn't be...

The results from Monday's MRI...
The doctor read it and stated to us that he "couldn't be more pleased." No change has been noted from the December MRI. My blood work looks good as well. He especially was pleased to see that a certain radiologist read the scan. He is a good one to be reading your scans (per Dr. Needles) as he will pick out anything that looks suspicious.
Dr. Needles also said we will go another 4 months till I have another scan & see him. August is the month. Friday, August 20 is my next doctor's appt & a MRI will be scheduled a few days before. Blood work will be done at that time as well. He checks it to look at post chemo stuff. Did you realize that it has been over a year since I had chemo? Dr. Needles mentioned it today. Time flies!

Dave & I were able to have a lunch date. His birthday is on Sunday. It was nice to spend some one on one time with him. Dessert later was heavy on the stomach. One word. Ted Drewes. No complaints - love the dutch chocolate!

I am thanking God for a great report. Join me. He is the One who has made this day possible.

kate

April forgetfulness

It has been some time since I last posted. After coming home from Bible study on Wednesday I realized I forgot to ask for prayer regarding Mondays MRI. It was no where on my mind regarding Monday. I know the importance of prayer. Powerful! I have included a picture from Easter a few weeks ago. We could not have asked for better weather. Enjoy

April news!

After many people asking me about what is going on regarding my care, I just scheduled my MRI a few minutes ago for April the following is what is on the calendar concerning cancer appointments.

My three month MRI follow up is scheduled for Monday, April 12 at 9:45 am.
The doctors appointment with results is Friday, April 16 at 9:30 am.

Blood work will be taken along with the MRI. I usually am okay with waiting for the MRI results. It is hard to believe but I usually forget about the doctors appointment. My days are so filled with home stuff that cancer items are usually pushed aside. Days fly by along with time. The following scripture has been most meaningful to me lately.

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

² My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

I am and continue to be in good Hands...

kate

Meaningful memory verses +

I have been looking into scripture verses that were meaningful to me during the trials of 2006, 2007 and beyond.

... Lord there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty...
2 Chronicles 14:11a

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. Isaiah 43:2

The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. Psalm 69:33

... Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1 :9b

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

⁴ 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.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

An excerpt from a song + meaningful quote:

...Here I am at your feet in my brokenness complete...

"I'm not going to miss out on this, Today won't come back. Once I say good night to these girls, this day is a wrap - this moment, gone."
Robert Beeson, single dad to 3 tween girls

It mentions making every moment count with your kids and I needed that reminder these days as I am a easily frustrated parent. My patience runs thin and I don't like it. I have to make a conscious effort in leaning on the Lord for encouragement it also helps having Godly encouragement from friends. Accountability.

Hope your day is going well. Next MRI is in April.
kate