Easter 2012

March MRI report showed no signs of cancer. I will have my next scan in 6 months (September). This recent scan I was allowed to wear ear plugs & have a ear phone covering my ears (small one but thankful none the less).

Draw Near...

I have been reading the book, Draw Near by Sherry Blankenship lately. With laughter & tears it has been good on many fronts. A quote I would like to share that touched my heart (many did)... "God promises that if we truly love Him, He will cause even the most terrible things in our lives to somehow be used for good." In reference to Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.


March MRI is Thursday the 8th at 9:30
Follow up doctor appointment is Friday at 9:30. Will I go another 6 months or will he suggest a year till next scan / appointment?

I have so enjoyed seeing the birds outside my kitchen window sitting on the tree branch all puffed up & then eat their seed in the feeder. God thank you for your beautiful creation & giving us white snow as the backdrop.

Have a restful weekend,
Kate

September 2011 MRI results

Clear is the word for my September MRI scan! I am to return in 6 months for another scan including blood work - March 2012. Speaking of blood work I did have some mishap on Friday regarding my calcium which had nothing to do with cancer (he clarified) but the oncologist was concerned enough for me to do another work up. It ended up being a typo. Thankfully, because he mentioned seeing an endocrinologist if it was still a low number. All in all March is on the horizon for my next step in this journey. I have been asked if there will be a time when they will consider me cancer free & my answer is I do not know. Not sure if they go by years like insurance companies. Really, I have gotten used to the idea of not knowing what comes next.

On the home front the boys are enjoying their sports. Stuart & Cole soccer. Cole asked to play baseball this fall as he took a break during the summer. He enjoys having Dad as his fall ball coach. Carter is on another fall ball team and ready to start 7th grade football (games have yet to begin). Best part of Carter playing middle school football is that practice is during the school day. Love this idea!

Enjoy your autumn days,
Kate

just wanted to let you know

I had no idea what to title this one as it has been on my heart to let others know that I am weak. Yes, that is a good thing to be reminded of as Christians. He is strong and I am not.

I have consulted with others regarding my concern with the upcoming MRI. The extreme loudness of the new scan was almost more than I could bear last time. A patient normally has ear plugs & ear phones covering their ears due to the noise. In February that was not the case. The new machine (which is supposed to be faster - not that I could tell) does not allow for the brain scan patient to have ear phones as the cage placed over the head does not fit the ear phones. Yes, making for a LOUD experience. I did tell my oncologist at the last appointment that if I don't die of cancer I will have hearing loss. A long story summarizing that I have asked for some meds to help calm me during the scan. That was a hard decision to make. Not sure if it was my pride in knowing I used to be able to pray & sleep /relax at times long ago. Anyway, just wanted all to know I am taking medication to help calm me for Wednesday.

Please pray for a clear scan. I see Dr. Needles Friday, September 9 with results.

k-

4 weeks till Sept MRI

Today is Wednesday, August 10 and it marks 4 weeks till my next MRI. The previous scan in February was extremely LOUD and bothersome (more than usual). Laying for 40 minutes was difficult then and I cannot imagine what it will be like September 7.

Not sure what the oncologist will suggest at my follow up appointment Friday, September 9.

chat later,

k-

February happy dance!

MRI results are clear! No change. The oncologist was pleased as so was I. He did ask how was my memory lately. He is watching for radiation side effects to the brain - cognitive, concentration, etc. Dave & those around me will need to be watchful to see if they recognize these. The doctor said he is not too concerned just yet.

I will have my next MRI in 6 months (+ a few weeks). I scheduled it for September to ensure the boys will be in school.

Happy Dance Kate

February testing

My next tests...
MRI & Blood work - Wednesday, February 23

Oncologist follow up -Friday, February 25
If it is a clear report will I go another 6 months? I am unsure of what the doctor will say.

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

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.