Still Happy Dancing!

Hi friends,

Well, it's been a week since the good news and it's been so much to celebrate with many of you. Many people joined me in the "happy dance." I'm still grinning from ear to ear! Coffee Chat was a blast! It was a great opportunity to celebrate with so many sweet friends - and the message was inspiring! I'm committed to finding my voice. Are you?

I've been experiencing the consequences of round #7 this week and with each day I long more and more for the "less difficult" version of chemo that my doctor mentioned. Hoping that in the new year I will be feeling better and really have the energy to focus on building my immunity and strength while cooperating with the treatment plan.

Yesterday, I met with a new surgeon and the meeting had a totally different tone and direction from my last one. We will be scheduling a lumpectomy within the next three weeks. If everything goes as anticipated (that means clean margins and nothing in the lymph nodes) I will have a day procedure and a week or two of rest. Two incisions and no tubes. In addition, there is a possibility that I won't need radiation - but obviously we won't know the exact protocol until the pathology reports are returned.

I feel blessed by the projected outcome and I'm just ready to get it over with. After months of refusing to even think about it - because it stressed me out - now I'm just ready. Let's just get it over with. I'll keep you posted on the exact date and related information.

I am more convinced than ever that the Word of God heals. I've been reading a "new to me" book on healing. I am reminded again that something happens in our bodies when we eat, drink or speak the Word. I am so fortunate that so many people used the Word to help me in the past few months. In the next season, I must step up to the plate and take more responsibility for spending time in God's word in order to sustain my health. Here's my latest verse! Nahum 1:5 - Affliction shall not arise a second time!

I'm getting ready to go the Young Women's Retreat this weekend. I'm so looking forward to the peaceful location, the great women and a chance to just relax. This was one of my favorite activities last year - so I have high expectations. Believing for a fresh wind in my spirit - and in my body would be nice too!

Could I ask for some continued prayer?

1) Health for my whole family - battling flu like symptoms while my counts are so low is very limiting. Luke and Matthew have both missed school and they have a lingering cough. Trying to keep us all seperate and using lots of hand sanitizer!

2) My mom in law - you know.

3) My mom - getting her second cataract surgery in the next 2 weeks.

4) Ashley - dealing with some health issues that will require wisdom on our part.
Here's some good news! Last week I went to DBU and sat down with the financial aid officer. The end result was that they finally worked with us and I am so grateful for the plan we developed. She's re-enrolling - which was really up in the air.

5) Work - some new transitions happening that are really great. I need wisdom, flexibility and creative ideas to maximize each person. I love team development! I love this team!

6) My men - they went deer hunting last weekend and had a blast. They are headed out again this weekend. This is a highlight of their year and a great time with their dad. They are careful and well trained hunters - but still young and three of them at once is a lot for Mark to manage. Safety is the priority!


With love,
Jan