THERE'S SO MUCH JOY TO CELEBRATE!!

Here we are at the end of 2019….

• I’m wearing new glasses (stronger prescription) and smaller clothes than at the beginning of the year. 
• I’ve had 7 months with no SVT episodes (heart ablation in May).
• Dave and I visited family & friends on the west and east coast this year, building deeper relationships. 
• I’ve seen and experienced answered prayers. 
• I have scars proving I had breast cancer surgery this month.
• My heart has been awakened with a new level of gratitude. 
• Good news (tests results - negative) on Christmas Eve makes for a richer appreciation of family and Christmas.
• I’ve discovered you can’t express love or receive love without relationships becoming more meaningful, richer and stronger. 
• God still speaks and the angels surround us as we sing.  

"When Angels Land" 

Lift up your voice

this holiday

There's so much joy

to celebrate

Now love has finally brought us here together

with a wise and guiding hand

It's the miracle of Christmas

when angels land   

Descending from the heavens

with these gifts upon their wings

The peace we share

Goodwill for all

They surround us as we sing

Lift up your voice

this holiday

There's so much joy

to celebrate

Now love has finally brought us here together

with a wise and guiding hand

It's the miracle of Christmas

when angels land  

(Written by Kristin Chenoweth and Chely Wright

from the Hallmark movie, "A Christmas Love Story")

Good News

I just received a call from my surgeon's office with test results from my surgery last Thursday:

• Lymph nodes - negative (no cancer)
• Tumor margins - clear 

So thoughtful of them to call BEFORE the holidays with GOOD NEWS!!!  

I do believe I can hear the angels singing!

Merry Christmas!!

Post-Surgery....Pre-Christmas

It's been four days since my surgery. My compression wrap and bandages came off last evening. The steri-strips are still in place and should come off on their own. I'm feeling more freedom and I'm doing very well.

• I'm still not lifting anything heavy with my right arm.
• No Jazzercise yet, but I did walk 2 miles on an inside track at the Dipper today.
• I'm enjoying beautiful flowers and gifts I've received. 

• The impatiens I'm trying to keep alive during the winter actually had one bloom during my surgery time. I welcomed its message of hope and cheer. 

• Proudly wearing my "Save a Rack" sweatshirt. 

• My next appointment is January 8th and all the test results from the lump and lymph nodes should be back. At that time we will move forward with a treatment plan.  I see no reason to expect anything other than what's already been discussed....five weeks of radiation.  
• While I love the Christmas lights, decorations and gifts, my heart will be full of gratitude for the presence of family and friends. Their laughter, smiles, words, hugs and love will be the best gifts of all around our tree this year.  
• Merry Christmas to you and yours.  Make sure you get your mammogram next year and don't delay if forgiveness in a relationship is needed. Don't be afraid to make the first move. 
• Christmas songs I've enjoyed this season, both by Lauren Daigle
• Noel  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vwu-t7QRaE)
• Light of the World  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR5iwssnTn4)

Surgery is Over

I'm thankful to be on this side of surgery and that my recovery is going well.

Yesterday was a long day, but successful.

• I checked into the hospital at 8:45 am (10 degrees) and was released around 5:45 pm (-25 degrees).  
• Before surgery I was injected with a radioactive dye, which would travel to my lymph nodes, and a radioactive chip was inserted by the tumor to guide the surgeon in locating the tumor during surgery.  Dr. Fowler said some women experience pain and lots of discomfort with the injection of dye, but, thankfully, I only felt a little sting and no discomfort at all. And I'm not glowing. 
• While waiting for surgery I enjoyed the visits of family and friends and many of them waited with Dave while I was in surgery. Thank you Geoff and Nicole, Jami and Matt, Joan and Kaiden. Of course, Dave was with me the whole time. I received many encouraging texts that morning and Nancy prayed over me via the Marco Polo app. The prayers, love and support helped keep me calm and at peace. 
• About an hour and a half later than scheduled, I was wisked back to surgery. One lady assisting with the surgery team asked me what kind of music I would like to hear. My first thought was "no jazz, please." Then I asked for Christmas music.  She said, "Christmas music it is," but I was out and never heard any music at all.
• Surgery went well. The lump was removed along with a couple of lymph nodes. Everything looked as expected (no obvious signs of cancer migration). The lump and nodes will be sent off for testing, with results in possibly a week. If all is clear, which we're expecting, I'll begin 5 weeks of radiation in about a month. Thankful to be on this side of surgery.
• We were on my way home around 5:45 pm. We hadn't left the parking lot when I got a call saying they had forgotten to take out my IV.  I went back in and they met me at the door and removed.  Now we could go home.
• I was hungry for mashed potatoes and gravy, so Kaiden stopped by KFC and brought dinner home for the 3 of us. Later the family stopped by and we recounted the events of the day. I feel so blessed to have my family close by. I never want to take them for granted and I need to say "I Love You" much more than I do. 
• After the kids left, Dave and I settled down for the evening. I crawled into bed and he was next to me watching a Hallmark movie (😊).  I fell asleep but Dave woke me up at midnight to take meds. I was awake and started talking about the day: 
• how everyone at the hospital treated me with such care and respect
• Remembering people by name and specific things they had done to help me. 
• I laughed and cried (good tears) talking about how blessed I am. 
• I'm sure Dave was thankful I finally fell asleep....around 1:30 a.m.
• Today I am up and about and feeling good. Looking forward to movie night with the kids this evening. I am taking the advice of many to rest, rest, rest.  

A faith moment:

I recently read a book "He Called me Rhea" by Rhea Zakich (my 2nd cousin's wife).  She talks about picturing  Jesus in specific circumstances in our lives.  

Before surgery when I was having the radioactive stuff done (as I explained above), I was waiting in the room all by myself for 15 or so minutes. I was very nervous because the Doctor had already told me this could be very painful. I thought about Rhea's book and tried picturing Jesus in the room with me. My IV was already in and I was trying to get my left arm comfortable. In my mind I tried to picture Jesus holding my left hand, but I could not get a picture of it in my mind. The doctor returned and as he started the injection his nurse, not saying anything, took my left hand and held it while the injection took place. (As I described above, I experienced no pain or discomfort). I told the nurse how much I appreciated her holding my hand. So when the doctor started to insert the radioactive chip, the nurse came over and asked if I wanted her to hold my hand again. We both smiled and I said, "yes, please."  You may see this as simply the nurse holding my hand. I see (and feel) that it was Jesus, through this nurse, who was holding my hand. It was such a strong spiritual moment that I cannot even think about it without tearing up. I'll always remember Jesus holding my hand.  

I've received so many texts, private messages, cards, phone calls, flowers, gifts, visits.

How will I ever pass on these blessings?

The Party Starts Tomorrow

Surgery is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. tomorrow (12/19).  

Let's get this party started. 

Monday I had my appointment with my oncologist (Dr. J. Cox).  

• Years ago I would occasionally deliver Avon to a customer in the oncology center, never thinking I would one day be back as a patient.  
• As I was sitting in the waiting area filling out paperwork I was visited by one of the  employees, Sarah, who I had given piano lessons to when she was a young teen. It was fun catching up with this beautiful lady who is now a mother of two.
• Dr. Cox was very informative and explained the ins-and-outs of my cancer situation, surgery and all the what-if's. After all the conversation she wanted to do a breast exam. She and a trainee, who I thought was just there to take notes, both examined me….one on each side. It seemed funny to me and I mentioned that I had never been examined on both breasts at the same time - - and then they traded sides.  I have laughed at that several time since my appointment. 
• This reminds me of another time of laughter with this cancer business.  Several weeks ago I met with my ladies prayer group. At the end of the meeting they wanted to pray over me.  However, before the prayer we all got the giggles at something funny someone had said. We finally settled down and prayer was accomplished. I do think the good Lord enjoys a good laugh too.  

On Tuesday I had an appointment to discuss radiation treatments, but that was postponed until after surgery. My day suddenly opened up. O glorious day!

This morning I pre-registered at the hospital.

• Ms Deb, who took care of me, gets 5+ stars from me. Not only is she excellent at what she does, but she was very personable and comforting. I felt like we were old friends meeting for the first time. 
• This was my only appointment lately where a breast exam was not given.  Yahoo!!!
• I am using "Nicole Welch is my daughter-in-law" card every chance I get. (Nicole is Chief of Human Resources at the hospital).  :) 

No food for me after midnight tonight and no liquids after 6:30 in the morning (12/19).  Dave, where are you taking me for dinner tonight?  

We're all ready for Christmas, so I don't have to worry about that after surgery and during recovery.  

I have a paperback book (A Baxter Family Christmas by Karen Kingsbury) to read during the "waiting" times tomorrow.  Now, let's get this party started.  

PS I continue to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes.  

Things are Picking up Speed

Five more wakes-ups till surgery.

Monday morning, I have an appointment with an oncologist (Dr. J. Cox).  I don't have any idea what to expect from this appointment. What are they going to do, tell me I have cancer?

Tuesday morning, I meet with a doctor regarding radiation treatment. I assume they'll set up my treatment plan (five days a week for five weeks). I'm ready to get on with it but this will probably not start until mid January.  I have an early February birthday, so radiation will be one thing that will most likely be included in celebrating my 74th birthday. I wonder if they would give me the "day off" for my birthday.

Wednesday morning, I pre-register for surgery. Things will start to get "real" when they give me the actual time of surgery.  Lord, keep me calm.

Thursday - surgery day! As daughter Jami said, "it's time for cancer to be evicted."  Yes!!!

In the meantime Christmas is coming full bore.  I still have four days to get everything finished and ready.  Making a list and checking it twice. Decorations done, Christmas cards mailed, still some gifts to purchase, hoping Amazon orders aren't late, groceries to buy. What doesn't get done, Dave will be scurrying around to finish up everything....or it doesn't get done. Dave's been my rock during all this.  Lord, bless this man with strength and peace.

Our annual family Christmas move night is Friday (the day after my surgery) at Geoff (son) and Nicole's and I'm hoping and planning on being there with the family for the movie, snacks, and stockings opened by the "grands." It will probably be the best Family Christmas Movie Night I've ever been to. I'm sure being surrounded by family will help speed up my recovery.

I certainly wasn't expecting this interruption this Christmas, but Hope, Peace, Love and Joy of the season has NOT been cancelled or interrupted.  Joy to the World the Lord is come!

If I have to have cancer.....

After my biopsy (11/27), my primary doctor called with 5 things:

1. All the test results were NOT back
2. The lump was very small
3. It was breast cancer
4. I was being referred to a surgeon. 
5. My primary doctor (CS) was so gracious and kind in delivering the news.

Today (12/10), I met my surgeon for the first time and I now know at least 9 more things:

1. I have Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (.6 centimeters /6 millimeters/0.23622 inches - very small)
2. Stage 1
3. Current indication is lymph system is not involved
4. A lumpectomy will be scheduled
5. Five weeks of radiation (5 days per week) will be scheduled about a month after surgery.
6. No chemotherapy will be needed
7. If I have to have breast cancer, this is the best kind to have. It's treatable with the expectation of a complete recovery.
8. There's roughly a 98% chance of non-reoccurring cancer if no further complications are discovered during surgery.  
9. The surgeon was very informative, comforting, and comes highly recommended. I'm confident I'll be in good hands. 

Next steps:

1. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday, December 19th.  
2. Recovery should be fairly fast.
3. Hopefully I'll be able to attend Family Movie Night Friday, December 20th.  😊

Until surgery???  I'm in another "holding pattern" -  WAITING  the arrival of the day for surgery. I'm understanding "advent" a lot more this season than ever before.

THANK YOU for all the words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers that have been sent on my behalf.  

---------------------------------------------------

I'm feeling relieved, 

optimistic and 

blessed beyond measure!! 

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Ladies, Don't skip your mammograms. 😊

When Words Fail Music Speaks

My husband, Dave, and I were driving down the road today when he said he had a song he wanted to play for me. He said this song expressed how he was feeling about this season of life we've just entered with my diagnosis of breast cancer.  

He played a beautiful, expressive instrumental piece that starts mezzo piano,* builds to fortissimo** and ends mezzo forte.*** 
My tears flowed as the music enveloped my heart and emotions. 

When the song concluded, Dave said he loved how the song expressed his feelings; like moving from under a cloud to a sense of triumph and peace. There were more tears...

I invite you to listen to this 4:21 minute song with a backdrop of beautiful scenery.  

Song for the King

Michael W. Smith
(Click song title above to play)

*Mezzo Piano:  moderately soft
**Fortissimo: very loud
***Mezzo Forte: moderately loud

In May, 2020, my son printed this song on canvas for me and

in February, 2021, I added the pink cancer-pin.

It's a constant reminder of God's grace and healing. 

Merry Christmas, You Have Breast Cancer

After being on the east coast for a month I came home to my annual mammogram appointment.  After an ultra sound I was told there was a suspicious "nodule," and the day before Thanksgiving I had a biopsy. Because of the holidays the results took longer than usual.  Waiting is not my strong suit. 

On Monday, after Thanksgiving, my doctor, called me from home. You know it's not good news when the doctor who is on maternity leave calls you. The suspicion was confirmed.   Merry Christmas, you have breast cancer.  

The doctor who did the biopsy warned me it was very suspicious so I was not totally surprised to hear the verdict, but suddenly the world stood still.  My husband and grandson were outside putting up Christmas lights on the house and I couldn't go out and say, "i have cancer," because I didn't want to tell Dave in front of Kaiden.....so I waited (more waiting).  Did I mention it's not my strong suit?  In the meantime I did tell my daughter, son and daughter-in-law.  When I was finally able to tell Dave, the dam of tears burst.   

At the moment all I know is the lump is small (5-7 millimeters), my lymph nodes are clean and I have an appointment next week (Dec 10th) with a surgeon, here in Fairbanks, who comes highly recommended. So until then I wait again. It seems like a lot of that going on. 

Yesterday I woke up after the best night's sleep I've had for awhile and decided a few things....

• There's nothing I can do between now and my appointment with the surgeon and there's no need worrying over things I don't yet know. 
• So, I feel like I have the week off. The week off from worry, stress, what if's, etc.
• I want to continue to be as active and positive as possible. 
• Be deliberate in counting my blessings and passing them on.  

I have already received so much support, encouragement and love. It all brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart explode in gratitude.  

• Phone calls
• Visits which included hugs and laughter
• A dozen beautiful pink roses
• More blessings of flowers
• MANY text and messages of encouragement
• Scriptures and words of hope
• Written prayers and lots of "I'm thinking of you and praying for you."

I'm reminded that....

• Many others have been on this journey before me.
• I'm surrounded by family and friends who are supporting me with love and prayers.
• My faith in God still holds.
• I'm not alone.

"Lord, You stretch out Your hands to hold me, to purify and heal."

(From "The Other Stars Hover & Wait, Poems & Prayers for Advent" by Carrie Heimer)

 

 

30 Days of Thanksgiving

30 things for which I'm thankful...

1.   Vacations

2.   Safe travel

3.   Family, near and far

4.   The warmth of the sun

5.   Beach, sand and surf

6.   Laughter

7.   Cleansing of tears

8.   Hugs

9.   Friendships

10. Church

11. Prayer

12. Max Lucado's book: "Anxious for Nothing"

13. Smiles

14. Old pictures and memories

15. Shopping and eating at places we don't have at home                          

16. Empty middle seats on long flights

17. Home

18. Blooming Christmas cactus

19. Six months since my last SVT heart episode.

20. Mark Batterson's book:  "Double Blessing"

21. Thanksgiving cards received in the mail

22. A rose and a hug

23. Peace

24. The Marco-Polo app

25. Surrounded by family at Thanksgiving

26. Annual family photo shoot

27. Candles in the window

28. Leftover turkey sandwiches

29. I'm thirty pounds lighter since my heart ablation

30. I'm Grateful, Thankful, Blessed

October/November Travels

From the middle of October to the middle of November we spent time in Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania visiting family and friends.

A few of my favorite flowers and trees along the way:

A favorite Oak tree that the road was build around on Hill Street in Deland, FL.

An impatiens at Water's Edge in FL

A hibiscus wintering over in Nancy's sun porch (PA)

I love this big old tree at Poplar Forest, VA

A Chinese Maple Tree in Forest, VA

Family and Friends:

Family in Florida

Dave's Dad and wife

(Their caregiver in the background)

Eating out with

Rick and Joy, Marilyn and Steve, Raymond and Billy

Friends in Macon, GA

Foster and Sheila Bell  

Family in Virginia

Cousin Kathy's son and family  

Matthew, Brooksie, Blanks and Litty

Cousin Kathy's daughter, Alicia, and Mark

visiting from CA

Siblings

Cousin Kathy's daughter and son: Alicia and Matthew

Cousin Paulette and Jim from Ohio

came down to visit us in VA

(I missed seeing Paulette's family in Ohio - children and grandchildren)

Cousin Kathy and Jim in VA

--COUSINS--

Kathy, Kathy and Paulette

(Our Moms were sisters)

Family in Pennsylvania

 

Bruce and Nancy (sister-in-law) and our nephew, Brandon.

Activities

Digging sweet potatoes at Rick and Joys (FL)

Too bad the tomatoes were't ripe when we were there.  :(  

Dave and Steve moving the Welch's (Dave's Dad, Steve's mother-in-law) into Water's Edge Assisted Living Facility

The Welch's in their new home

Enjoyed places we don't have in Fairbanks.

Dunkin Donuts

A New Favorite Drink - Raspberry Snapple

Enjoyed Time at the Beach

This Baby is now 66 Years Old

Husband Dave found this picture of himself while he was at his Dad's house.

So cute!!!

Traffic Stopped Waiting for Cranes to Cross the Road (FL)

Poplar Forest (VA) - Thomas Jefferson's Private Retreat

Dave, Kathy, Kathy, Alicia, Mark and Jim

My cousin Kathy works at Poplar Forest and gave us a private tour of the house and grounds.

A most interesting place to visit.

Playing Mexican Train (VA)

Kramer (Jim), Kathy, Kathy and Paulette

Where's Grubb (Jim)? 

We started this game in the afternoon, broke for dinner and finished it late that evening. These people are crazy players....so fun!  😂

Dave Helped Bruce Re-Shingle His Shed (PA)

Making Cards with Nancy and Friends (PA)

 

A fun afternoon crafting and learning new card-making techniques. I now have a long list of items I will put on my Christmas wish list.   

At the airport - Time to go home!  

.  

Thanks Jami and Kaiden for meeting us at the airport in Fairbanks 

at 2:00 a.m.

Dave shoveling snow when we got home.  

_________________________________

It was hot and humid in Florida,

cooler in Virginia, 

cold in Pennsylvania and

colder when we got home (Alaska).  

__________________________________

❤️It was a great month of reconnecting with loved ones.❤️

I feel refreshed, encouraged, motivated and loved; 

blessed and thankful as we enter the holiday season.