Ending

Starting and Ending

Merry Christmas !

Merry Christmas

To so many friends who ask how I am.....thankfully, my lab reports and examination continue to show no evidence of recurrent disease. I am celebrating another Christmas!

Each one is special ...I now have 2 very, very special Christmas to remember.

Two very special ornaments. Christ the Good Shepherd ---- We celebrate HIS coming!
Mongolian Ger - amazing country with amazing people.

Happy New Year ! Hope to write again in about three months.

Mongolia and Beyond

Mongolia....an awesome country! We were privileged to visit Mongolia for a month and especially to visit with our son Mark, his wife Cinda, and children Annika and Toby. They live north of the capital of UlanBataar in the town of Darhan. We were about 50 miles south of Siberia. Beautiful Mongolia...the 'Land of the Endless Sky'. While 1.5 million people live in the capital, 1.5 others are scattered in the countryside and other towns. Many are nomadic, living in gers that they can move along with their livestock from place to place. Cows, horses, goats, sheep are everyday sightings, even outside your front door.

Mark and family work with many others in a NGO capacity. Mark is involved with a Christian Leadership Training Center, training church leaders from around the country. We celebrated the graduation of 6 who had completed this two year training program. Multiple other programs also take place. Cinda teaches ESL classes.

Returning to our lives in the states, we gratefully received the news today of good labs and a good examination. Thank you Lord again...! for your provision of life.

Pictures of Mongolia to follow...let me know if you wish to see them. Linda

Another Three Months

Three months have gone by from the 'Blizzard of 2011'. We have waited a long time this spring for some warmth and sunshine.

Today, my reports from the oncologist and the lab were all good! Those who have been this way know what it is like to wait for those numbers. I am so grateful.

Here is a photo from today of my oncologist; my hero who has overseen my care with competence and safety. She is outstanding!

Thank you Lord for these results.

Happy Spring.....Linda

Snow, Sunshine and Good Report

Following up examination today as well as blood work were all within good limits.

I was diagnosed and had surgery ONE YEAR ago today!

While I am feeling quite well, it is good to also get confirmation from the Dr. and with lab results.

Enjoy your weather, around the globe as we enjoy the sunshine and snow in Chicago.


"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."
Psalm 115:1

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Gratitude and Thanksgiving It is the month to think of this topic. For me it takes on a very special meaning.

It has now been two months since my last chemotherapy infusion. During this time, my energy has increased and my appetite returned. I have again been hungry! Food has flavor, does not cause GI symptoms, and is for the most part eagerly enjoyed. That is such a welcomed change from days and months of active chemotherapy.

I felt well enough to fly out to the East coast to see Sarah, Becky and their families in October. Visiting with four grandchildren was a highlight. From Boston's Chinatown and numerous parks to Maine's scenery and the Klein's chickens, it was a wonderful week.

Celebrated three November birthdays with a trip downtown via the train....Anna Heredia is 4 years, Beth and Linda ? Birthday are wonderful.

This week was so important. My first follow-up visit with my oncologist was good. My lab work was within normal limits. And I do not have to return for three months! I am overjoyed.

Each and every day is a gift that I no longer take for granted.

Thank you Lord.

Number 12 - the final chemotherapy

Number 12 Chemotherapy is infusing. I will finish this infusion and have the pump removed late this afternoon.

With this treatment, I complete the coarse of chemotherapy! There have been reductions in initial dosing, delays with low blood counts, and stoppage of one agent due to side effects. In spite of all of this, I was able to complete the coarse of 12 treatments.

I will see the Doctor in two months, then follow up every three months. This is a transition into an uncharted area. We truly wait upon the Lord for His healing at this time.

In the past seven plus months, so many of you have stood with us and supported us in numerous ways. Some have weeded our yard, planted flowers, cooked meals, sent cards, knitted prayer shawls, run a triathlon, baked cookies, fasted and more. Each expression of love has been appreciated. You have truly ministered to us. Most of all we appreciate your prayer support during these months. The Word of God is alive and we claim His promises for LIFE.

"They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 We wait upon the LORD.