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

Joseph M Bennett

I had a hard time thinking on how to write this to my friends on the blog. This has taken me days to ponder.

On Tuesday, December 15 my friend Joe Bennett passed away. Many posts in the past were written about Joe. Please see previous archive posts. More specifically...

2006 - December 29 - first meeting him* *
2007 - January 11 - how he coined me- peacoat Kate
August 9 - blessing him with birthday cards idea
August 16 - birthday card update
August 26 - update on his 1st lung cancer

Meeting Joe in the radiation waiting area of Siteman in December 2006 was a unexpected friendship journey. We would chat often & looked forward to radiation treatments (for what you could look forward to) from that point on. Our conversations were of interesting family stories. After finishing radiation in February 2007, we kept in contact through phone conversations and sometimes lunches (when he had St Louis doctor checkups). In August 2007, he ended up with lung cancer after his 2006 ear drum cancer and was given radiation to the lungs. This fall his lung cancer returned a second time full force. His lymph nodes were affected & enlarged, almost closing off his esophagus. He decided along with his family to not do any more treatment due to his age and already had gone through enough treatment. Joe was given 2 months to live without any treatment. The past few weeks he was at a local nursing home (his kids felt it best to have him closer to them in St. Louis). We had a good time talking in person the Monday before Thanksgiving. Joe was in good spirits.

This morning was his visitation and funeral it was good to visit with his children. His burial at Jefferson Barracks with full military honors is Monday at 1pm. The boys and I will most likely attend.

My heart is sad for I lost a friend this week. I do not regret getting to know Joesph M. Bennett. My life is fuller for it. He was a courageous kindhearted man.

I will miss you Joe.
Your friend,
Peacoat Kate

Cutting the tree pics...

Snodgrass clan 2009

Stuart wanting to help in some way.
The older boys helped by sawing part of the tree

I am working on a post regarding my friend, Joe and truly hope you've enjoyed these pics as much as I do.

kate

December MRI report...

Oncologist, Dr. Needles says everything looks "perfect". No change from previous scans. Bloodwork also good. "You're looking great." I say so I know. (jk not really) I am to go 4 months till my next MRI & bloodwork. He gets bloodwork since being on chemo for a long time not long ago. He likes to look at all aspects of my treatment. No complaints except the needle sticking part but, since it isn't monthly it is bearable. Whoa! I just got on a tangent...

I am thankful for God's mercy. Please pray I stay faithful in God's will for my life. To listen, obey, & follow.

Amazing love that HE came as a child to save us from our sins. May your Christmas be Christ filled.

Tomorrow we cut down our Christmas tree. The boys are way excited about decorating our home for Christmas.

Off to rest before picking up the older boys from school.

Upcoming MRI

The following are the upcoming cancer related items in my life:

Wednesday, December 9 = MRI
Friday, December 11 = oncologist report on the MRI

Please pray for a clear scan and peace throughout the week.
Thank you and sorry this is so short of a post...

Much love,
kate

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-