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!