I have to tell you, I feel so much better! I still tire easily, and and sleep alot, but I could get use to this “no radiation” feeling!
Many of you have asked if I am going to continue to homeschool, and the answer is “sort of”. We have found a school here in town who will teach the kids on Tuesday and Wednesday and allow me to teach them on Monday, Thursday and Fridays… I didn’t want to put the back in to school based on how I have felt this past 6 weeks, so this seems like a perfect solution to that problem!
I have been super busy (well, as busy as my body will allow me to be!) Friday night Mark took me out to dinner and a movie. We really really had a great time. I married an awesome awesome man.
Saturday I took Easton to see “Hairspray”. She thought that it would be like High School Musical, but it wasn’t. I wasn’t really fond of the “dance moves” in the movie, and we talked about that afterwards. It did have a good message! Easton and I had an amazing time, just the two of us!
I am sorry for not updating regularly. When I feel good enough to get out of the house, I take advantage of that! Today I met my high school friend Karly and her kids at her moms house and really had a great time. We talked about the good ole days, and how we have changed since then… It was really good to see her!
I am debating whether or not to continue chemo, so pray that the Lord would give me direction in that situation. I felt so very very bad on it, and they cant tell me if it is working or not. My oncologist said that this is what they treat Stage IV cancer patients with, so they assume that it will work on my type of cancer (Grade III) but he said that it was completely and totally up to me and many with my type of brain cancer choose not to be on it. That is a big decision, and I dont want to take it lightly. I have until August 16th to decide. I will also ask many questions regarding the pros and cons with my Oncologist at Moffit on the 16th.
So that is it! I’m on the way to mending, both physically and emotionally. Since April, my life has been a whirlwind of heartbreak and chaos. Now that I am done with cancer treatment I want to begin putting the pieces back together again and am enjoying my family and friends. I haven’t been out of my house much since cancer treatment started, so I am taking full advantage of feeling as good as I do!
“The way we mend” Bebo Norman
Heather, I’m so glad you’re feeling better and off the radiation! God truly did see you through this and I know all the prayers surrounded you as you went through this very huge ordeal. I will be praying that the Lord will give you wisdom regarding the chemo. Enjoy life, enjoy the days with your family and being out again. God bless you!!
Heather,
I’m so happy that you are feeling stronger! I think it is awesome that you took advantage of that and enjoyed time with your family! I think after a tramatic event we value our time with others much more than before…
I will be praying for you and your decision with Chemo. I can only say that you have to do what you feel led to do. My mother was in a similar situation…they didn’t know how to treat her cancer. Since we do not know the ending to your story, we will have to let God guide you there…no right or wrong answer. So, do not stress, give it to God and give him the glory!
Many blessings,
Paula
Heather,
I’ll continue to pray for healing and guidance.
While at first it felt strange not to have a daily post from you, I was thrilled to know what wonderful memories you were making with your family instead — that is what really matter — those of us in the blogworld will never begrudge you of these respites!
Heather it was so nice to hear you talking like you were chatting over a cup of coffee. How nice you had a mother daughter date. Praying you keep healing!
May the Father guide you in wisdom and conviction as you make this big decision about the chemo. Praising Him with you in all He has done and will do IN you and THROUGH you.
Blessings,
~Toni~
Am so glad to hear you are feeling better! Will continue to pray for you and your family.
IT’S GREAT THAT YOU ARE GOING OUT AND FEELING THE FLORIDA SUN. WELL IN BETWEEN OUR AFTERNOON RAINS. HAVE FUN AND ENJOY EACH DAY , REST AND JUST GIGGLE EVERY NOW AND THEN ,KA
Thank you Jesus for moving Mountains for Heather in the last couple of months. Please direct her in the decisions they have to make as a family. When she did not know what to expect it was easy to say “whatever it takes Lord” That is harder now and she needs YOUR wisdom, YOUR council and YOUR strength no matter what she does, be glorified Lord Jesus in her life and in her smile.
because of Jesus, Bobbie
It’s so good to hear your up and running again (kinda). It does sound like you have a awesome husband and family! Thank God for that. We pray for you often and this chemo decision will be added. My husband often askes, How’s her speach, movements? Maybe you could post where you are at with that. We pray that it has all returned. You are such a blessing to me in your posts. Love ya.
Heather–Prayers continue to be with you and your family. I am glad that your radiation is over and you are beginning to feel better. My story–15 years ago, my niece was born with a brain tumor. The doctors operated at 6 weeks old and my brother and sister-in-law began chemo treatments. When they saw what the chemo was doing to the baby, they elected to discontinue treatment. The doctors told them to take her home and prepare for her funeral. We recently celebrated Kyra’s 15th birthday with her actively in attendance. She has some development delays and is hearing impaired but she is here and glorious and a true blessing. God does work miracles and we continue to pray for you.
Celebrating your good days with you and so happy that you are feeling better than you were!
I’m so glad you’re feeling better….I’ll be joining others praying for your decision regarding chemo…..God is so good and He will let you know what He wants you to do! Nancy
Heather, great to hear the good news. And the date with hubby…wonderful!
I loved hearing you talk of your dates and living. I hope feel-good days completely consume the feel-bad days.
Hugs, good thoughts and prayers always…
I’m glad you’re able to get out more! That’s a big help!
I was beginning to wonder about you; it had been a while since I got my posting notification from your site. I thought my work had blocked your site or something!
I’ll be praying for direction and clarity for your big decision about continuing the chemo.
I’m praying for you Heather and I pray that God guides you in the right direction with your treatment. Take care of you and God bless!!
I’m so glad you are feeling better. Praying for more strength and lots of wisdom.
Just found you blog, & my heart goes out to you for your bravery. I will lift you in my prayers for the right direction to be clear to you.. Enjoy the freedom you have now….
Dear Heather,
I am so glad you are feeling better. I am still praying God will touch you and make you whole. Don’t worry about keeping up your blog, just enjoy yourself. I have a new blog, and I have listed you among my Favorite Places.
I have been checking in on you regularly. So glad to see you posted.
I will pray for wisdom in regards to your upcoming decision on whether or not to forge ahead with the Temodar. That is one heavy decision. Only God can answer. Seek Him first. Be on your knees. Dave fasted during our decision as I couldn’t. If you want any further information do not hesitate to contact us.
REST – REST – REST!
& HAVE FUN – FUN – FUN with the kids and family!
Hoping you find a good balance in recovery.
Much love and concern,
The Snodgrass’ from St. Louis
So good to hear you are feeling better. I can see what a hard decision it must be about the chemo. Praying for wisdom for you, and continued strength and growing energy and health.
Dear Heather,
I have been reading and praying for you for about a month now, posting ocassionally. How would I know in reading your blog and listening to your songs of encouragement, that God would be preparing me for heart break. My dear sister in the Lord, best friend, was taken overnight by leukemia @ age 45. No warning, just gone. I have listened to Praise You in This Storm and cried a bazillion times. But the point is, I would not have been comforted by that particular song, or verses that have been shared on your site, if it weren’t for you. Thank you for your transparency, your testimony, your love for the Lord, your obedience to His will. I am praying a perfect peace for you, and great wisdom for you and your family as you make tough decisions in Him. Love in Christ, Lynne
Hi Heather,
I have been wondering…have you looked into any natural cancer treatments…I mean such as diet changes, foods to add or not to eat etc? The reason I wonder is because my son has had an ongoing battle with cancer cells (long story) being found in his biopsy and me feeling helpless, researched and researched hours and hours and I found such a connection with food/diet and the reproduction of cancer cells. If you choose to discontinue chemo, it may be worth looking into. I have read Jordin Rubins books as well as begun juicing based on the book Juicing For Life . The health improvements in my entire family have been amazing, even the drs. are shocked at the turn in my sons skin disease. I pray the Lord gives you direction and that you continue to feel better each and every moment!
Heather~
I’ve been following your journey, and you’ve really touched my heart. Thanks for opening up your world…and allowing us the priveledge to watch God’s touch on your life.
Even at your point of great need…you’ve ministered to me….at my point of need!!
Kim~
So glad you are feeling better – that’s great news!
I hope things become clear regarding the chemo – will be praying for that. Hopefully you will have received a parcel yesterday or today from Windblown Media – it’s from me!
OH PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!
We will be praying Isaiah 30:21 for your decision!
It is SO good to hear that you’re feeling better — and having a GREAT time!
Hi Heather,
You have been in my prayers. I am glad to hear that God is blessing you with some great everyday moments and family time. Your witness impacts me and I have been led to pray more.
so very glad to hear you are feeling better Heather
Sending you love, love and more love.
I thought of you today when I read this wonderful article by Tony Snow
I just want to encourage you in your decision to stick with home schooling. When my mother was diagnosed with ALS I took 2 years off of work to take care of her. The first year was okay but the second required my to be with her at least 8 hours a day and that meant my three little home schooled girls were with me. Someone offered to pay for the three of them to go to a Christian school for that year and I was so excited but I decided to pray for a couple of days as a formality. But that night I just could not sleep, no peace. The next day I went to a friend who also homeschooled and told her how crazy I was feeling and how that lack of peace could just not be right. Then she said something to me that totally changed my view of home schooling. She said, “maybe the girls needed to learn something more than math, English and history this year. Maybe they need to learn how a daughter loves her mom by caring for her and how granddaughters can bless their grandma.” So that was it, we started our day daily asking the Lord to be their teacher and for Him to make time for us at the end of the day to do school if that was His will each day. Somedays we had great school, somedays I just put them to bed and felt like a failure. But at the end of the year when they were tested… are you ready for this… they scored better then they had ever scored on testing in the past! God placed that knowledge in there when I was not able to because we were in His will. Thank You Lord!!!
So be encouraged, it is not an outrageous thought to continue to homeschool even when life is crazy. That is the essence of home schooling, learning through living.
Blessings to You,
Charlene
Hurray for Heather! Hurray for the God who loves her! Hurray for a wee bit more normalcy!
I will pray for God to bless you with His wisdom concerning the chemo. That IS a big decision either way. My gut instinct would be to forgo it because it’s so toxic, but I’m starting to learn that God is bigger than my gut…which is saying ALOT!
You just stay STRONG! Stay Strong. God will give you direction on whether to continue the chemo or not. Stay Strong
Praying for you Heather! I love you much in Jesus!
Holly
Praise God for good days…well bad ones too. But I am glad you are feeling better.
Hi Heather,
I keep praying for rest and peace for you each day in this new recovery
journey you are in. Be gentle and patient with yourself as you mend. And you may find your hormones playing musical chairs inside, ups and downs and that’s normal too. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family and you continue to feel better and better with each day that passes. God loves you and I know He is so pleased with you being such a wonderful witness for His Goodness to you. Love you much and He will guide you with the decisions ahead. ~*~Love,Peace and Hugs from Ca.
to you~*~Laurel
Heather,
It is so good to hear from you and see that you are doing well:) I often think of you and I will be in agreement for God to give you HIs direction if you should continue chemo or not. I am thrilled that you are out and about! Many blessings to you!
Tracy
Another weekend is here and I hope it finds you rolling around giggling with your sweet family. I pray you are regaining your strength daily and your joy without measure.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
It is so wonderful that you are feeling better. God’s graces are beautiful. You remain in my prayers.
Just want to let you know I think you’re a Rockin’ Girl Blogger
http://lizas-eyeview.blogspot.com/2007/07/were-rockin-girls.html
My thoughts….
Yes the chemo is bad and yes it makes a person very sick. The healing effects of chemo are the best in the first few months I’ve heard. Try as long as you can stand it till you can’t anymore. Maybe without the radiation combo it will be a bit better. It’s doing it’s job and that’s important.
I too have the low platelet syndrome. It’s not fun either but my body has learned to live with it, going on 11 years now. You will get to know the signs that the counts are up or down just by how you feel.
Congratulations on being done with the radiation, I bet that feels good to know that one thing is finished and done.
Isn’t it amazing what one can live through – just one day at a time!
Blessings on you and your family
Marie
I can’t get you off my heart and I am praying for you. I know the Lord is being glorified through you so much!
Love jenny williams, pelham al
Heather, I’m celebrating for you right now. Mending in mind, body, and spirit is right where He wants you to be. I’m excited about all the details of your getting to spend more time with family and friends, and the homeschool/other school situation. You rock. Blessings. Prayers for wisdom and peace re: your chemo decision. love,gretchen
Heather – I’m so glad you are feeling better! Mending – I like that word! It is a hopeful word. May you continue to mend until you are cured. I’ll keep you in prayer concerning the chemo. May the Lord give you complete peace about your decision. Don’t worry about not updating – live your life! Life comes first, then we can write about it when we have time. I remember how much I cried when I first heard of your diagnosis. I was sad for days. I had no idea what the future held for you – and here you are, done with radiation, feeling better and possibly stopping chemo. You are living! I’m so, so thankful and very grateful that the Lord allowed me to be part of this. Seeing your strength and faith has been a blessing to me. Enjoy your life, your husband, your kids. I’m so glad you are here!
Kate
(keeping you in prayer)
You are incredibly inspirational. I am glad that you are able to get feedback now and you can see the way you are touching people. I read your blog firstly because of Emma Grace and her autism (I have a very severely autistic son) but returned due to your absolute faith and honesty.
I particularly like it when you trust us (your readers) and post when you are low and depressed. I know I speak for many when I say at that point we start praying HARD for you and your family.
I will pray you are guided to make the best decision re chemo. Bless you x Rinty
Hey, Heather. I hope you are still “mending”. I have been thinking of you (and worried a little too) since you have not posted in a few days. I hope you are resting and gaining your strength each day. Please know you are being prayed for.
Mandy Hopkins
GA
http://www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com
Hope you’re having a good week. Been thinking about you.
Hi Heather, just checking in on you. I’m concerned, since we haven’t “heard” from you in a while! Just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you, and that you’re missed! Blessings! ~Sharon~
Heather–You Stay Strong. Just stay strong. Whatever decision you make will be right for you. Stay strong
I believe your steps are ordered by the Lord and He will give you wisdon you ALL your decisions. Praying!