Friday, September 11, 2009

Peace in the Storm

I woke up today hoping that maybe yesterday had all been a bad dream. But it wasn't. I'm still here and I still have to have six months of IV chemotherapy. I do feel much better today, more settled with what's coming up. 

I called my friend, Debbie, yesterday. Debbie and I went to high school together. She recently fought breast cancer and won. I just needed to hear her tell me that I could do this. She was such an encouragement to me, reminding me that I won't be alone, God will carry me through. Thank you, Debbie! I love you!

I think the hardest thing for me this week was coming face-to-face again with the fact that I am fighting advanced rectal cancer. Everything has been going so well, test results have been great, the response to treatment has been the best it could be.  All of those things lulled me into thinking that this was easy somehow. The news this week was a stark reminder of the true nature of cancer. 

I read a quote from a doctor to a patient this week about that very subject. He said this, "This is not a game. We are dealing with a potentially very deadly disease!" 

But in the midst of all the grim reminders, I also saw flashes of hope. 

When leaving the oncologist's office the other day we rode down in the elevator with an older gentleman. He asked how we were doing, we said we were OK, and then asked how he was doing. He responded, "Just another day in paradise!" He was happy to be alive. He told me that he had been diagnosed with cancer five times. They had initially given him less than 18 months to live and that was 10 years ago. He was going strong and obviously grateful for each new day. I knew that he had seen me in the oncologist's office and he was trying to encourage me. What a sweet man and what a testimony of hope!

I also read the following quote this week. It was not the first time I'd read it, but it was a very timely reminder for me: "Stage 3 rectal cancer is a curable disease." I'm holding on to that!

"With God we will gain the victory." Psalm 108:13


11 comments:

  1. And when this is all done and it runs its due course, you will be the one who is able to bring hope and a smile and a touch and encouragment. You will be the one someone picks up the phone to call... you will be the one who touches the arm of a patient and reassures them and shares hope. God has plans for your life, for your light, for your smile, for your gifts and talents. Right now, just take the best care of you. Do all that healthy stuff like drink oodles of water and do immune system stuff and stay on the couch and work Sudoku puzzles.

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  2. I love you, Laurita! Keep going! You can do this!

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  3. Laura,

    I wish I could tell you it will be a piece of cake... I can't! But I know, you will get through. Day by day, treatment by treatment, moment by moment... God is FOR you and with you! I am, too! Love you.

    Stacey

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  4. You don't know me but I am a friend of Libby's. She shared your blog with me and I am so thankful she did.

    Your writings, your struggles, your victories, are an encouragement to me and helps me to keep things in perspective. Plus your blogs are such a testimony to the trust and faith you have in our sweet Savior...

    Thank you for sharing this journey you are on in this season of your life.

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  5. With tears in my eyes i'm encouraged that the issue i struggle with can be overcome. Thank you for being such an encourager.

    Johnie

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  6. Laura,

    6 months, sounds like a long time. Look at the BIG picture, and it's "just a bump in the road!"

    You will be planning your summer mission trips, ready for next summer to play in the pool and the sun, EASTER!!!! Easter Sunday falls on April 4, 2010 and you'll be "all done"! I am thinking of two of Scotty's favorite things to say, " I KNOW & WOW!!!" "We know" that GOD is with you and giving wisdom to those caring for you. It won't we long and you'll be doing the "Happy Dance" and saying "WOW" it's over!

    Thank you Lord for Laura, her faith, her testamony, her example! Be it a good day or not YOU are always with her, and through her many are blessed and encouraged!

    IN JESUS NAME,
    AMEN

    Love ya,
    Paula P.

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  7. Dear Laura,
    I ran across your post about my book and am so glad I found you. I hate that you're having to deal with this. And I love that you have friends like Debby, and that you have faith and are encountering blessed hope stories ("Another day in Paradise").

    Anyway, just wanted to reach out and let you know I appreciate your kind words about my book, but, more important, that I'm sending love and prayers.

    Always hope,
    Lori Hope
    www.LoriHope.com/blog

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  8. Laura,
    We are faithfully praying for you this week as you go to the oncologist and discuss the next plan and steps. We know that God has gone before you and we are praying
    2Thessalonians 3:16 for you that the Lord of peace Himself will continually grant you peace in every circumstance.

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  9. Hi Laura,
    It is amazing how God puts people together in strange places like the elevator of a doctor's office to give you a reminder that he is here with us. The man that you met is God's messenger to you that there is life after Cancer and to continue to be strong. I feel that it is the same way about us finding you and Mark's church. There is no such thing as a coincidence with the man upstairs. It has been a saving Grace for us in these past 3 weeks since we lost our little girl.

    Jaime and Randy Connell

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  10. Laura,

    My heart and prayers go out to you as you travel this journey. My brother and his family attend COF at Hockley and have been telling me about your struggles.

    I, too, have been traveling a "journey" since 9/23/08 when I was diagnosed w/ rectal cancer. Radiation & ostomy surgery were successful at "gettingn it all" and I have been taking adjuvant (preventive) chemo since 2/20/09. Know that 6 months is not that long - even with delays due to blips in health issues. My last round of chemo is due in 2 weeks,

    My oncologist is Dr. L.T. Campos of Oncology Consultants at Memorial City office. Surgeon was Dr. Joseph Cali.

    A really uplifting book I am reading is CANCER 50 Essential Things to DO by Greg Anderson. It's written from a positive standpoint and outlines 50 common things that thousands of SURVIVORS have in common - not the least of which is spirituality & a sense of purpose - YOU have BOTH.

    I've lots more to share from a comnmon experience, if you are in need or interested. My email is eoevermann@hotmail.com.

    Best wishes and lots of prayers as you embark on your journey.

    Emilie

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  11. My dear friend,
    Thank you for encouraging ME through your inspirational blog and soon to be best selling book! I love you too! And remember, pick up that phone day or night!
    Love
    Debbie

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