Surely goodness and love will follow me.

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

Psalm 23:6

We finally made it back from Iowa City. It was a very long day as everyone was running behind. But the good news is - the tumor is still considered stable! My radiation oncologist always shows us the pictures side-by-side with my last set of scans and pointed out that it actually appears slightly smaller compared to February! But he was hesitant to say so until the radiologist submitted his report (which we never got today as they were running behind). However, Zac and I saw with our own eyes - and we could see a very, very slight decrease!

There's not too much to report regarding the appointments. My doctors didn't spend too much time with me, because nothing really is wrong with me! : ) I feel absolutely great. My headaches are rare. My vision and hearing are slightly improved. My balance is good. As we looked around the waiting rooms, we were just overwhelmed by the number of cancer patients that are always there. The children. The people so weak they can't walk. It made me so very thankful that, although I have a tumor, I am doing as well as I am. I'm able to physically enjoy life right now, with my husband, with my family and with my friends.

We got to Iowa City a little early this morning so we decided to stop by Hope Lodge (which is where we stayed last year during treatment). We wanted to say hi to Kim, who ran the place at the time (we didn't get to see her because she happened to be on vacation). As we pulled into the parking lot, I was overwhelmed. Tears welled up. Memories from last year came flooding back (as they have the last few weeks). It's funny how so many things remind me of last year - there are foods I ate last summer that make me sick to my stomach and certain smells that remind me of treatment. As we walked into the radiation clinic, I could distinctly smell what I smelled everyday during and after treatment (Zac couldn't smell a thing).

Zac and I keep praying continuously that this tumor will one day be gone. We pray for the day when the doctors come in and say they don't need to see me again. We pray for the day when I have my last MRI. We pray for the day when I have my last set of bloodwork done at the cancer center. We pray for the day when the only thing we drive to Iowa City for is for an Iowa Hawkeye football game. But until that day comes, as we pray continuously, we also praise God for giving me life these 3 1/2 years. We praise God that treatment is done. We praise God that we have seen improvements in my body over the year. We praise God for who He is - God over All.

ONE YEAR!!

I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40 1-3

It's so hard to believe that it's been a full year since going through treatment already! I remember when I started on June 15, 2009 thinking it was going to be the longest 6 weeks of my life. And then thinking - who knows what the outcome will even be from this? Where will I be in one year? Will this even be worth it since treatment is not a cure? Twelve months later and it was definitely worth it. I am feeling absolutely great! I am doing things that were not possible for me over a year ago. I remember the first time I ran this spring (I'm not a runner, I just ran across the street!) and it was the best feeling in the world. Before treatment, that would have sent me to the ground in pain. I've also had fun times this summer with my nieces and nephews - chasing after them, diving headfirst into a slip-n-slide with Kate, jumping on a trampoline. I guess after living like a 90 year old last summer, I've decided to live like a kid this summer. Why not? God is good - He has put a new song in my mouth!

There have been other changes over the course of the year. Last summer I spent my time hiding my bald spots. This summer I spend my time straightening my new hair. They told me my hair would probably grow in differently, and that it did! I would love curly hair - if it ALL was curly. But it's only in the spots where they treated me! Oh well, bigger things to worry about. Last summer I wanted people to speak up so I could hear them clearly. This summer there are some people that I wouldn't mind if they were a little more quiet! (Just kidding!)

It's now time to head back to Iowa City for a 5 month checkup. We're heading over this Monday, June 19. Please pray for a great report. As I continue to feel better each day, we pray that the tumor will shrink each day. Each time I've returned for a checkup over the year, they have been unable to tell me that the tumor is noticeably smaller. We boldly pray that this time we will hear those words - that the tumor has indeed shrunk. Please, please, please pray for this with us!

Please also continue to pray for healing of my eyes. Although my vision has improved, there is still more needed. My eyes probably give me the most trouble of all. They burn often throughout the day and eye drops haven't seemed to help. Pray also for increased strength in my facial muscles. Again, we have seen slight improvements but there is definitely more needed. These are probably the top two side effects from this tumor, but the column on the left has more things to continue praying for.

We'll be sure to let you know how Monday goes. And for my very few faithful followers of this blog, sorry for no new updates in such a long time. I guess we've just been too busy enjoying life to spend it on the internet. However, when I logged in to write tonight, I realized how much I missed this - being able to share what God is doing through this journey. About the only thing from last summer that I actually miss I guess!