"All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."
my3sons
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing...and clothed me with gladness...O Lord my God,I will give thanks to you forever.(excerpt from Psalm 30)
Glenn and I had a great time in Columbus. The Lion King show was fabulous! If you ever get a chance to go,you will really enjoy it!
The music and costumes had more of an African feel.Lots of color and lots of percussion. The "puppets" the actors used for each animal were incredible!
We ate dinner at Carrabba's and had dessert at The Cheesecake Factory. I had the lemon-raspberry cheesecake which was oh-so creamy and dreamy!
My sister Valerie and her hubby Ric were here to visit this weekend. It was GREAT being with them! They are SO special to me!
Tonight after evening worship I made two pans of enchiladas,black beans,and corn for our family meal at Mom and Dad's.
Valerie made awesome guacamole and fresh salsa! Yummo! Matt,Rachel,and their "babies" joined us for chow and we all enjoyed our time together.
Glenn preached this evening at Medina and gave an excellent lesson on Peace. Seems we all could use more peace in our lives!
I finally updated my blog photo,thanks to my baby sister's help. As you can see my hair got a major make-over! I'm still getting used to it. What do ya'll think of it?!
Tommorrow I need to ship a box or two home to TX. I've got to make all of my stuff fit in just two suitcases for the flight back home Wednesday afternoon. UH-OH!
I hope to get the report from my dermatologist SOON! It will be a month of waiting on Thursday. It's hard to be patient...Teach me Lord to wait....And Lord could you make it good news? Having my life repeatedly threatened is really hard on my nerves!
At this point I just want to go home and be a wife and mother and have normal,everyday problems like keeping up with the laundry and deciding what to make for dinner!
Wow! I don't know if I would have recognized you with your new "do". Very pretty hair color. Hope all goes well and you can get back to some normalsy soon.
Yesterday's triumphal elation is over! I just got shoved back onto the emotional rollercoaster and am headed DOWN!!!
Remember when I posted about having some biopsies done by the dermatologist about 3 wks. ago?
Well I've been told repeatedly my results are still "pending or being processed",when initially I was told the results would be back in 5 days. Arggg...
So I've continued to inquire if they are done. Today,my dermatologist calls me and tells me WHY there is a delay.
The one on my forehead was fine,but the deeper one that required stitches is quite suspicious! Suspicious for a malignancy!
He said it is "atypical" looking and is being reviewed DAILY to determine exactly what it is!
However,it almost looks like a lymphoma to them! WHOA! I NEVER saw that coming!
So I asked what is the prudent action at this point??? Do I need a scan or more tests?? WHAT do I do??!!
He said until he has a complete or a confirmed report,he can NOT really answer my question!!! AACCKK!!!
I reminded him I am returning to Texas a week from today and really need an answer ASAP.
I need MORE prayer! Could you pray with me about this? You all have been a great source of help in petitioning The Almighty on past occasions and I am very thankful to you.
I'm asking God to help them CLEARLY determine a diagnosis BEFORE I leave Ohio,if it is HIS will!
Absolutely. Would nothing have shown up relative to this on the full body scan you had last week? I don't like roller coasters! Hope you can get off yours soon.
Kim, I just want you to know that I love you and pray for you always that God will be your strength through all of this. Put it in His hands and trust that He will work it out. Love Jackie
Kim, I am amazed at what all you have been through already, and I am positive you can handle this downhill ride also. I’m praying that God will clear the rails of the coaster and make this a snappy ride! You are such an encouragement to me and you are in my prayers always.
I am no longer radioactive,but just in case I would happen to set off the metal detectors at the airport next week,the doctors have given me a special card explaining that I just received this cancer treatment. I hope it will serve as my "get out of jail free card"!!!
I have been VERY weepy today. I'm not sure if it's because my body is re-adjusting to getting thyroid hormones after a month of nothing or if it's because I'm so thankful for ALL God has done for me!
How many people can claim God healed them of three different cancers?! We truly have an AWESOME God who deserves to be praised and glorified!
Thank you all for your continued love and prayers. I am overwhelmed by your kindness!
Kimberly...you don't know me but I am a member of the Colonial church in Williamsburg. I just wanted to let you know that you are in our prayers and hope all goes well with you. Cary Howard
Yes, it was very nice. Now that the kids are older it makes it easier to do that. They don't seem to mind being left at all. :) It's nice we can feel comfortable in leaving them.
Yes, September 1, 1984. You remember that day, don't you?
OK,I admit I have that Destiny's Child song on my ipod and have been listening to it recently! However,I mostly listen to hymns because those provide me with much MORE strength and comfort.
Let me update you. This past Thursday and Friday were spent in Cleveland at the Cleveland Clinic. My social worker made all the arrangements for us again to stay at the Cleveland Clinic Guesthouse for a very reduced rate of $40./night. What a blessing!
The social worker was assigned to me back in May and has been helpful in "going to bat" for me in navigating the system and assisting in my needs while in Ohio and Texas.
Why is it we think ill of those who need a social worker??? Perhaps it is because we (and I include myself) associate our welfare system with social workers??? Hmmm... My experience with the social work department has been a positive one and found them to be a great resource!
The doctor was quite pleased with all of my lab results. All the hard work in maintaining the strict low-iodine diet paid off in the end! I was ready to receive the big treatment!
Thursday I had to say goodbye to my little Ethan and leave him with Glenn. Craig insisted on being with me for my treatment to the point that he delayed returning to his parents in Joliet,IL until I became radioactive. I am so glad he was there for me!
On Thursday afternoon,I was given the RAI 123 capsule or "tracer" dose in preparation for the thyroid uptake scan scheduled for Friday morning.
After our appointment in the nuclear medicine department,we headed out to Great Northern Mall and noted all the changes to the area. (*Note~ We lived in Berea from 1983-1986.)
We got a few items at Marc's and ate dinner at Panera. Of course I could only order a salad with no dressing because of my strict diet. But I brought my own herb baked chicken breast and homemade vinagrette to add to the salad.
I chose Panera's Orchard salad because I like fruit on my salad and this one had pears,almonds,and dried cherries. This was the first and only time I had eaten out in the past two weeks,so it was a treat!
We headed back to the Guesthouse for the night. I soaked in the tub while Craig watched "Mythbusters" on cable. We hit the hay early to prepare for the big day.
The full body scan went well. In fact all that was found was two very small remants of thyroid tissue left by the surgeon,near the base where the thyroid gland had been attached.
(It is nearly impossible to get every last bit of thyroid tissue removed,even by the best of surgeons!)
But NOTHING more was found any where else in my body. In other words,NO cancer was found in my lymph nodes,in my neck,or in any other place or organs! Praise God!
Based on the findings of the scan the doctor DECREASED the amount of RAI 131 I would receive!
Initially,I was to receive 100-150 mCi's. (m= milli,C= Curie,i= iodine) Yes,the Curie is referring to Madam Curie!
After a conference amongst my team of doctors,the agreed upon dosage was 95 mCi's!!!
Obviously this was good news! Why??? Less radiation means less damage,less side effects,and requires a shorter isolation period! Of yes...it also costs less $$$!!!! The cost is $116/mCi.
One last kiss to my hubby right before I became radioactive at 3:00pm Friday. Then Craig drove us back to my parents,while I sat in the back seat,opposite him.
Once back in Wooster,Craig loaded up the packed bags and promptly left to pick up Ethan at Matt and Rachel's house. But this was the plan.
Not planned was my sweet SIL/Rachel,serving dinner to my guys to feed them before hitting the interstate roads bound for IL. Thank you sweetie!
So I am in isolation and doing well,despite the nausea,some diarrhea,the metallic taste in my mouth,and of course quite a bit of fatigue. Tomorrow at 3:00pm my "sentence" ends!
Craig and Ethan arrived in Joilet at 12:30 am Sat. and promptly fell asleep at 12:35 am! They caught some sleep and then a non-stop flight around 2 pm bound for Houston. They are now safely back in Texas.
Glenn and I have tickets to see the off-Broadway production of "The Lion King" this Friday night. Craig said I needed to celebrate! He didn't have to talk me into it! Besides,we'll also be celebrating Glenn's birthday a week early...his birthday is on the 12th.
My sister Valerie is coming up Saturday! I'm so glad I will get to see her before I go home!
We plan to go the Wayne County Fair,but because of what I've been thru,I need to avoid the animal barns. That's ok...it just gives me more time to see the quilts,the art work,and the photography!
God continues to remember me and bless me over and over! I am overwhelmed by His loving kindness and mercy to heal me again and again.
May you feel His presence in your life this week.
You won't have to look very hard to see His blessings!
Showered in His blessings~
Kimberly
*I have to see the doctor once more and be scanned to see if the treatment worked. Then I will be released to go back to Texas. We are praying for success! My return flight is set for the 10th.
I'm so happy, Kim (in happy tears, in fact)! What a good report! Enjoy your play and the fair, your family time with your parents and Valerie, and the anticipation of a sweet reunion in Texas coming soon!
What a wonderful report to hear! THank you for the fabulous detail you provided. We have been praying for you and your family so much and it appears that they have been answered! I am also glad that Craig and Ethan arrived safely home prior to Gustav!
I am so thankful that your report was so good! I will pray that all goes well with this treatment and that you will soon be able to go back to Texas and your family. I[m really happy Craig was able to be with you. Enjoy the fun things you have planned after you are released.
What a wonderful report and so encouraging. You're an inspiration to me Kim! You have a wonderful attitude and I appreciate it so much!
We'll be praying that all goes well and that you'll be flying to Texas on the 10th.
This is absolutely GREAT news. How do people without the Lord make it thru the tough times? He had truly been busy lately answering the prayers of the faithful. I am so happy for you and that you will be able to go home soon.
Oh Kim…Great, great news!!! Enjoy the rest of you time with your family there and then hurry back to Texas to rejoin you family here!! I know Craig and Ethan will be so happy when you return as I’m sure your church family will be also! You continue to be in our prayers. One question…will Glenn be coming to Texas with you?!?!?
You are indeed a survivor! We're very happy to hear hope well you're progressing. It won't be long before you're with your family an able to put this all behind you. Hang in there!
Sorry for the delay in posting. I truly appreciate ALL of your loving comments and concern for me while I'm away from Craig and Ethan.
You all help me keep positive or like the song from the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?"~"Keep on the sunnyside,always on the sunnyside. Keep on the sunnyside of life. It will help you everyday,it will brighten up your way;If you keep on the sunnyside of life." Can you tell what movie I've been watching recently?! :)
My endocrinologist tells me all is proceeding well and that I'm still on target for the RAI 131 next week.
I have completed the Cytomel regimen and have begun the low-iodine diet. This is basically a diet that EVERY bite you eat MUST be prepared FRESH and there are a MULTITUDE of forbidden items!
It requires more work and is time consuming. It also takes alot of mental thought in planning,shopping,selecting,and just remembering ALL the rules. Needless to say I will rejoice when the restrictions are lifted!
However,it is vital that I do NOT screw it up...if I do,I will DELAY my treatment. So it is TOP priority on my list in order to get well. Besides,my stomach reminds me three times each day!
Two weeks ago Mom surprised me and said we should take a mother-daughter trip before the diet begins. So we went to Columbus! We went to COSI-Center of Science and Industry museum. It is ranks number two to the one in Chicago,but has always been a fun museum.
There was a special exhibit going on that we just could NOT miss. It was a forensic science exhibit called CSI just like the TV series. There were three crime scenes to investigate. They divided each small group into smaller groups and assigned you a crime scene to investigate.
We then watched a video,with the actor who plays "Gus Grissom" from the original CSI series,explaining what our job was and what he expected from us at the end. We were each given a clipboard,a pencil,and forms to complete as we gathered information during our investigation. It was alot of fun and we figured our case out...the only info I'll give you is that our case involved twins. Who knows? Some pleonasters may be planning to check out the CSI exhibit at COSI and I wouldn't want to take away from your fun time!
Mom and I ate at Red Lobster. I had the grilled Rainbow Trout and she had the Lobster pizza. We also did a little bit of shopping,but what else can you expect when you let two females loose in the city?!
We spent the night in a motel and then ate the yummy breakfast they provided. After that we were off to downtown Columbus where we toured the Ohio State Capitol building,including the statue gardens. I was able to get some good pictures inside and outside as well.
My next surprise came when my oldest son Glenn called to say he had given his notice at work to quit (if he didn't make a change we'd have to commit him for nervous collapse and exhaustion!!!But that's another long and complex tale.) and was coming to help me since I was alone! We both needed each other!
God amazes me over and over again! The timing for me and for Glenn could not have been more perfect. I could never have planned this! The way it has unfolded gives us goosebumps because we feel God's providential care warmly embracing us.
It has been a great blessing to have Glenn drive me to Cleveland and to not burden or tire out my parents with my numerous tests and appointments.
At my last appointment I had two skin biopsies taken by the dermatologist. One area on my forearm was suspicious looking and required taking a larger and deeper chunk of flesh for the biopsy. Yes,it hurt and now has three stitches!
The other was on my forehead. It hurt when they stuck the needle in my head to numb it and of course the head always bleeds a fair amount,but it is very small area and healing well.
However,I'm STILL waiting for the biopsy report!!! I was told they would call me with it on Tuesday...yea,right! So I'm making a pest of myself calling them everyday!
Wow! Could there possible be MORE surprises to tell?!
YES! I've saved the best for last!
Craig and Ethan will be here today! I'm SO happy to be blessed to see them again,before I become radioactive and am put into isolation. This will be my "booster shot" to get me thru the roughest part of this journey.
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow...and flow...and flow!!!!
Can adults visit with you durning that time, just not children, or neither can visit? How long will you be in the hospital? And I don't know if you knew or not, but CCF has free WiFi, so take a laptop with you. I know it has saved some people's sanity to have a way to reach out to the "outside world." If you guys need anything, or your son wants to stay closer to you, please do not think twice about calling us!!!!
Kim, you are a blessing to all of us! Even going through all the rough times you still maintain a great attitude!! You are an encouragement to me! I’m so thankful Craig, Ethan and Glenn are able to be with you some at this time. I also glad you and your mom had some girl time!! I enjoy getting to be with my mom every chance I get! She just turned 83 this month!! Hope things continue on schedule. I’m praying for you.
I hope the diet goes well. It would be hard.I am really happy that Glen is able to be with you and that Craig and Ethan are visiting. That will be a big boost for you.
You're still in our thoughts and prayers here. I'm so happy that your family will be with you. One day at a time, my friend, and it will soon be over. :)
I love you. I'm so glad to read this update and know you've had a refreshing time with your mom and family. I didn't know they'd put you in isolation so I agree that a laptop might be something you'll want to take. Hugs.
I got to see Craig and your son again. I didn't get to say hi, though, and I figured he'd probably never in a million years remember me from when I used to attend Medina COC with my mom and siblings. Anyhoo....he led song and did a GREAT job! They both did! It was a great singing service. You must be proud of your lovely family. You are all so great!
How are you feeling? Hope things are going well with you!
Hi, Kim. I am so, so sorry we missed Craig and the boys last night. Mark had open house and couldn't be there at all. And just when I think I'm on the mend, something else happens. Beth had gone to get Hannah from her tennis match, and they went on to services. She was going to spend the night at the Blackburn's to babysit the kids for them today, so Hannah needed a ride home. By the time I got to the building, I was in so much pain I knew I couldn't sit there. Terrible pain in the lower left section of my abdomen. Hannah and I left right after I got there. I was in pain most of the night. I made it to work and seem to be ok now, so I'm not 100% sure what it was. All I knew was that I couldn't make it through the service. Tell Craig how sorry we are. I hope you can all be up here again together so we can all get together again. Maybe another picnic in our backyard.
No, I'm sorry. Abby is not coming home. She actually has a good friend from Bowling Green, KY, coming to spend the weekend with her. I don't know when she'll be home again. Sorry.
We are praying for you. Are you like one of those women from India that has that red dot now? Walk 3 paces behind Craig? SUBJECTION!!! Oh well, only so much medical science can do, haha. Seriously both Ruth and are really praying for you.
