"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

Stillness in our world is rather rare yet God commands us to be still and know him. He desires for us to be near him and to recognize that He alone is God! The Lord is with us and we are so blessed!! This is Amy and I have been priviledged to care for Stacie these last days which has ministred to my heart.

Stacie did not rest as well last night as we had hoped but she was ready to walk this morning. The stillness of God was with us even as we were surrounded by commutors, runners and traffic. After breakfast and devo's we found ourselves attracted to a puzzle in the common area. We both love puzzles and are actually making some head way on it too!! Around lunch we decided to venture out and found a quiet deli. From there it was to the hospital for her treatment.

This afternoon and tonight Stacie has been struggling with a slight headache. We ask for continued prayers that she will be protected physically from headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Watching Stacie, I have been amazed at her courage, calmness and peace. Prayer is such a source of strength and it encompasses her entire day. I have been so blessed to pray for her, with her and over her. Your prayers are such a source of comfort and your cards are a great source of encouragement. Thank you for your constant love and faithfulness.

Back at it!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So after an amazing and wonderful long weekend...I'm back to Iowa City. Zac and I had a very relaxing weekend and the fatigue I had been experiencing has actually slowed down. I was tired Friday and Saturday and needed to rest in the afternoon. However, it never hit me on Sunday! I felt great all day! Praise the LORD! The shedding of hair has continued but I continue to be thankful for not losing all of it and for having hairstylists in the family if needed! But so far you can't even notice. I was able to see my dad and Zac and I made it to church Sunday - other than that a pretty low-key 4th of July.

I headed over this morning with my friend Amy, who's staying for a couple nights. I got through my 15th appointment and I now have only 10 more days and I'm still amazed at how quickly it's going. Please pray continuously with us that God will protect every good cell in my body. That he will guide the radiation and the medications directly where they need to go to shrink the tumor and no harm will be done to the healthy cells. We're praying for no swelling, no bleeding, no high blood pressure, no headaches. And that damage that has been done, would be restored.

I know I mention this a lot, but we are so thankful for the many prayers! We praise God everyday for our wonderful family and friends. As we've walked through this, we've felt the love and peace of God everyday and pray that you feel the same in whatever you're facing this day.

Hair Loss...

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid.

Matthew 10:30-31a

I don't think I've ever really explained the extent of hair loss I'm expected to have. I think most people (me included at one time) think that chemotherapy means total hair loss. However, all cancer treatment is different and with the chemo I'm taking, I'm not expected to lose my hair. However, from the radiation I'm expected to lose patches of hair where the radiation hits. It may or may not be permenant - but probably will not be. They said to expect it a few weeks after treatment starts. Well...this morning after I showered, I combed hair and was left with a small clump of hair in hand. Yikes! They can tell you it's going to happen, but when it happens, you're really not prepared. I am so very thankful that I won't lose all my hair, but it was still a difficult way to start out the morning.

Update

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 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

Just wanted to give a quick end of the week update. I didn't get around to it last night as the fatigue has set in! Wednesday night I slept great for once and even slept longer than the normal 5AM. I felt great all of Thursday morning. However, by the afternoon I was exhausted and that seems to be the case again today.

I met with both of my doctors this week and things seem to be going well. My radiation doctor called me a star patient. : ) I'd attribute that to the LORD, my Shepherd. I think the hardest part this week was digesting that fact that I'll be taking the chemo pills every night for 6 months! That's a long time. But Lord truly is my comforter and I shall not be in want. He will guide me through!

Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

Half Way Point!!!

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

It's hard to believe I'm halfway done with my radiation already! It sometimes feels like a crazy dream. It's all gone so fast. We are praising God of every minute that things have gone relatively well so far. God is good!! And we are so thankful for the many prayers of intercession.

I think the fatique set in today. Normally I get a little tired throughout the day and need to lay down for just a bit, especially in the afternoon. However, today I had my treatment and then met with both my radiation oncologist and oncologist. By the time I got back I was exhausted. It was different than just being tired. I got some rest, my mom cooked for me, and after dinner I had some of my energy back. They say the fatigue is from the radiation and also side effects from some of the meds. But I also haven't been sleeping much. It hasn't been a problem for me until today. But it's also a cloudy day, so let's see the sun tomorrow and I'll be back at it! : ) And as I place my hope in the Lord, may he renew my strength.

The week went quickly. I found out that because of the 4th, there is no app't on Friday, so I'm heading home tomorrow morning for a long weekend. It will be great to see Zac early. And it was comforting having my mom here this week to care for me.