Aw sweet memories were made!

What a fabulous week we had with each other. It is such a joy to be with out children and their families and share days together. Then reality sets in and we have to come home to normal life and worst of all they have to go home. Such sweet times we had and those memories will be forever photos in my mind and I will recall them many times over the next few weeks. It is so hard as parents to let them go back to their families and homes after having them for a few days. I always shed tears and have a hard time during the following days and miss them terribly. Makes my heart hurt and I still hear Shiloh every morning coming down the hall saying "PopPop and SueSue"-she is a delight and we all just love her!!!!!!!!!!!
I came home to many more cards in our mail from people wishing me well and good health in the months to come. How sweet to know that so many are praying daily and interceding on my behalf. Cards from people I don't even know that have heard about me from mutual friends. This has certainly made me realize that I should do more when people are going through trials. So often I think good thoughts and pray for them but fail to carry through with a card or phone call when I should. I will certainly be better in the future because people need to know that they are being thought of. I am so blessed as I have said so many times before-God's grace is so good to us and I am thankful!
I am healing so well, this past week I can certainly see my strength returning. Now at home I can bend over, do wash, and reach up with little or no pain. Praises-feels so good to be able to do wash, cook, and pick up things from off the floor. We forget about the little things of life and how important it is to be able to do them for ourselves. I am so thankful to be able to do for myself again-but also so thankful for the many people here in Midland who helped me when I couldn't and never made me feel like an invalid, but like I had given them the opportunity to serve for the Lord. Sometimes we forget that the Lord calls us to let people serve us-a hard lesson learned but He has so graciously taught me to receive that service and be grateful. Isn't it great to be a child of God and know that He loves us through others!
I now will put up the last of the clothes from our trip and be so grateful that my family belongs to God and that He gave us a beautiful week together.
The journey continues next week as I look forward to the oncology visit-God continues to carry me through.
God is good-----------all the time! susan

Heavens declare You are glorious

This place is incredible. Living in Midland we often forget about beautiful trees and miles and miles of hills and mountains. We are having a wonderful time, just being with family and enjoying each other.

I am in this beautiful home in the mountains in Ruidoso, NM looking out the window into beautiful trees and it is a slow drizzle and soft thunder. Of course we just had a round with the boys as they were determined to go mountain bike riding and it is storming. A crack of lightening hit at the same time the thunder and they all came running back in the house. Thanks God, You spoke at just the right time-they weren't listening to me. I had even told them that if they went I would be stressed the whole time and stress makes cancer grow faster and they would be killing me! Didn't work----hate to pull that card but nothing else was working. Sometimes men can be so dumb! Enough about that.

Sitting out on this porch for hours on end has given so much time for contemplating God in all His glory. So many songs have passed through my head and thoughts of thankfulness for healing over the past few weeks.

Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolation's he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 


If God can do all of this for His earth, just think what He can do for us the pride of His creation. I am confident of His protection from now until the end of this journey. I have an appointment with the oncologist on Aug. 4, hopefully we can move along on this. Look forward with anticipation to next steps.

God is good----------all the time! susan 


Peace like a Pond? NO Peace like a River!

Going to Ruidoso tomorrow with all the family for a week. We are all so ready for some down time just to enjoy God's creation and some of that cool mountain air. I will be able to blog though so I can tell you what God shows me daily in this journey. I am feeling great and everyday I have just a little more strength and the incisions seem to be looser so I don't feel like they will come apart if I lift my arms (believe me that's a praise).

Had a great devotional this morning. Beth Moore gave the analogy that God did not say He would give us peace like a pond, but a river. I thought about this and what a fresh word that truely is. We are not to be ponds, stagnent and going nowhere, just growing moss and smelling stinky. We are called to be rivers of rushing fresh water sharing that water of life wherever we go. Our lives are to be like that! I dwelled on that river for a while and what a peace that is for us to know that no matter how many boulders, rocks, pebbles or dams are presented to us as we go through the river of life, our God never ceases to give us peace as we go around, through and over those obstacles that are placed in our lives. This journey I am on is just a boulder in my river of life and it will not stop me---may slow me down ,but I refuse to be stopped in midstream and become a stagnent, smelly pond! BRING IT ON-I'm ready to be peaceful no matter what is put in my path. Lord, I come to you in prayer, and I ask You now to let your peace, God, which transforms all understanding guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7)
God is good--------all the time! susan

Calmness in the midst of this storm

Home from Dallas and a great report from the surgeon. She released me and I don't have to go back until after chemo so I can have the port removed. Everything looked good and the incisions are healing as they should. Had some sweet time with our baby boy just hanging-God has so blessed us with great visits during all this chaos. We so missed our Weslee, Zach and baby Shiloh as they were away for a wedding at Zach's folks home. So miss those children, wished we lived closer. Times with all of the children are so special-even more so now!

Still waiting on records from Dallas and an appointment here with the oncologist. Trying to get through all the wonderful government regulations on releasing of records is the pits-I should have hand carried everything from Dallas. Will certainly know better next time (pray there won't be that opportunity).
My merciful Father, I claim and choose to believe Your Word that says that though You bring grief, You will show compassion, so great is Your unfailing love. You do not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. (Lam.3:31-33)
You have not left me as an orphan. You came to me. Even though the world does not see you any more I can see You through the work of Your Holy Spirit. Because You live, I also live. Help me to realize that You, Jesus are in Your Father, and I am in You, and You are in me. (John 14:15-20)

I do feel the Lord so much stronger these days as I find myself wondering what the days of chemo will bring. I want to go into them stronger than I have ever been before, because I have a beautiful family to watch grow. I look forward to walking with Wes through the many fun times ahead and the blessing of being able to share our children's lives. My daily prayer will be for God to allow me that blessing.
...Lord you favor lasts a lifetime: weeping may remain for a night, but how I thank You that rejoicing comes in the morning (Ps. 30:5). Thank you Lord that all looks better in the morning!
God is good----------------all the time! susan

Patience my child, patience

Sometimes people just don't move as fast as I want them to. Yes, my family tells me I am bossy and I know I am and I try to be not so pushy but sometimes we just need things done NOW!
I am still trying to get an appointment with Dr. Carr the Midland oncologist and finally got through to a person rather than a machine. Had to go down to the Allison Cancer Center and sign release papers so they could get records from the doctor in Dallas. Sure am glad I'm not at deaths door cause nothing happens fast. They were very nice though and said they would get right on it. Yes, I was polite and didn't scream or cause a scene because I want them to be nice to me when I have to come in for treatment. This whole thing is teaching me more patience and not everything runs on my time table. Do you think maybe God had that lesson in mind for me? Don't answer that, I KNOW!
Melissia is in the living room doing my ironing, I have a feeling this is going to be one of those "teachable moments." Last week Weslee did it and it was as well. Not bad though, I am just afraid they won't offer again as I am just a little picky about how things look. This young generation doesn't iron as much as us old timers do, so they don't know it takes a little extra time. No complaining out of either girl though-I am so blessed with wonderful children.
My desire is that all of these blessings will be turned back to others in time. I want to be obedient in that so that every blessing can be turned back to praise, just as the song says.
"Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity." 2 Cor. 8:2. No we are not poverty stricken yet, although some of these bills make us feel as such! Thank you Lord for good insurance and for a great Christian place for my husband to be employed so that needs can be met.
Lord, may we overflow with rich generosity toward others from the blessings you so richly bestow on us.
God is good-----------all the time! susan

Bodacioius hair, Bosoms, and Bunches of well wishers

This day was so full of fun and facing some of what will be coming up in the near future. Melissia and I went to Odessa to visit the wig shop, (those of you who know me well realize this was a huge step for me). I did get through it without tears until we got to the car and then they were minimal. Saw some really cute wigs and got ideas. The shop had the bosoms I will purchase when I get all healed up and I learned alot. Didn't know it was so involved to replace those buggers. Seems they come in all weights and sizes and they even have custom fit ones that are sculpted to your body size. What decisions, good I can take my time. We met so many nice people who have been where I am. I must admit it was a little weird being in a shop at the Music City Mall with people passing by looking in as you held fake boobs in your hands trying to see what would be the best. A little more privacy would be more desirable! Might try another shop next time.
So many people came by our house and my sweet hubby got to visit with them as I was not home. I am soooooo sorry I missed them and look forward to seeing them again soon. I must stick closer to home on the weekend.
As always I look forward to tomorrow and church and seeing everyone and having a day just for Jesus. I have so much to be thankful for on this journey-I must praise Him day by day!
God is good---------------all the time! susan

I love home, ESPECIALLY WITHOUT DRAINS!

It is so good to be home even though I was only gone one night. Wes is home and in place and all is well!
Praise God the drains are out and the thought of pulling them out was 100 times worse than the actual process. I have to go back next week just to let surgeon look at incisions and be sure they are healing nicely. Wes and I will fly up and back in one day (such jet setters we are), thank you to my bosses at Merle Norman for the airline tickets.
The appointment with the oncologist went great, so much information. Melissia recorded so we could remember everything she had to say. All the pathology reports were good and all my counts were right as they should be. Good decision to do a bi-lateral mastectomy because the cancer was very fast growing and all the biopsies were full of actively growing abnormal cells and that usually means it comes back in close places. Because of the fast growing type she is recommending chemo which we will probably start around the first of August after the surgery places are healed. I will have 4 rounds of one kind of medication and 4 rounds of another. They will be given every 2 weeks, hopefully will be done around Christmas. Not a surprise and actually a relief because I want to have all this gone and as much prevention as possible for a recurrence. I have begun to prepare myself for hair loss, that will definitely be difficult for me but I know it is not eternal and God and I together will get through it! Just part of the journey.
The Psalms speak to me once again...."You give me Your shield of victory: Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.........Arm me with strength for the battle; make my adversary bow at my feet. Make my enemy turn back in flight. Thank you, God! One day You will utterly destroy my foe!" (Ps. 18:35-36, 39-40).
I SO look forward to that day of victory!
God is good-------------all the time! susan

"On the Road Again"

Once again packing for Dallas and trying to remember every little detail. The girls and I will be leaving in the morning to go to Dallas. Wes flew out this morning on a overnight business trip to South Carolina and we will meet him in Dallas tomorrow evening. Pray for us "girls" as we set out in this old world alone. Weird not having my best guy with me but the girls assure me we are "big girls" and can do this!
Drains (ah the wonderful drains) seem to be doing good-not draining much but still they let me know they are still a part of me. Hopefully "drains be gone" on Thursday. I must say I WILL NOT miss them one bit. Seem to be having phantom pains in my breast that is no longer there-feels so weird but I am sure that is normal. I am sure my body is still in shock to loose parts. Everything seems to be healing well and looking good. We shall see.
Still so many wonderful blessings from people each day. Today a special surprise, a bright red prayer blanket crocheted by some wonderful ladies in the Dallas area. How thoughtful from people I don't even know. God is so full of surprises each day-surprises that lift spirits and assure us from being overcome by the waves of this ol' life.
Each day I am reminded of David in the Psalms as he poured out his fears, sorrows, joys and hopes to the Lord and we can be assured of the hope in the end.
Ps 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overcome you: when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; neither will the flame overtake you. Fear not for I AM WITH YOU!
Thank you Lord I feel your presence.
God is good----------all the time! susan

Thank God for Sundays!

What a great day at Crestview! So good to be back where I belong-such a welcome, seems like I have been out forever. It was really only one Sunday but feels like a month. I am so glad that God made Sundays, kinda puts the whole week in perspective and lines everything up for the week ahead.
I look forward to Wednesday, heading back to Dallas for post-op and find out what the plan is.
Even when our future is uncertain isn't it comforting to know that God is already there making plans for us and straightening the paths that we will travel. Nothing ever is a surprise to Him and He has known for years what we will face. Praise Him that He provides the eagles wings for us to be carried on so that we don't have to worry about what the future brings.
Love the verse Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon the Lord shall find new strength, they will fly on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary they will walk and not grow faint."
I'm waiting in anticipation to see where this journey takes me. So comforting to know God is with me, and a whole bunch of family and friends. Won't you join me?
God is good----------all the time! susan

Some days just make you want to cuss!

No, I didn't say bad words but as I woke up this morning I had thoughts of cursing everyone and everything. I just had to take a moment to tell the Lord that today was tough and that Satan was messin' with me and I needed some serious help. No prayer goes unanswered but we do have to get out of the way and let that answer come through. I'll have to admit I stood my ground most of the day and chose to be a grump.
My children insisted we go see Toy Story III and I went because I knew that was best but was not a happy camper (especially with doctor bills looming and the cost of movies RIDICULOUS)
The movie was great and of course it made me miss my "little" boy in Dallas. So hard to send them on their way as they grow up. I still believe in communes where all families stay together on the home land. We came home to lots of company and wonderful food and friends.
This day has ended in an amazing display of love from so many. One of my dear friends, Natalie, came over with homemade chicken spaghetti and a great verse that she said God gave to her just for me on this very day. Ps.10-17 "You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted, you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." Through Natalie, God answered me and encouraged me to not allow Satan to have the victory for today. You WILL NOT have this victory Satan-this day belongs to my Jesus and is to be met with victory and praise for what He has done for me and what He will continue to do for me and through me.
Praise to Jesus who sent exactly who He wanted me to be visited by today. From sweet Randy who came with roses and a precious card to Mike with the lasagna, Brittany with the cookies, JoAnn with the ice cream, to Alta Lynn and our sweet Br. John. The Lord knew who I needed in my life on this day as I struggled with myself. Thank you friends and especially my sweet family as they continue to stand by me step by step through this journey.
Tomorrow is a new day and I shall meet it with a renewed spirit and an outlook of thankfulness. Tomorrow I get to attend my beloved Crestview and praise my sweet Jesus-Sundays are the best day of all.
God is good-----------all the time! susan

Darn Drains

Well here we go with the drain saga again. Can't help but compare it with obsessions with BM's-how is that you say-well when we are new Moms you are always concerned with babies having a good poop at least once a day, then when we have surgery that is always a concern, and of course with age you always want to do that at least once a day. Well now with surgery and drains, to keep the liquid from collecting, you want it to come out but then they put this number for you to get down to, 30cc, before they take these things out, I AM NOT THERE, darn and darn again. Called surgeon this morning and told them my numbers and they said they will not be there by Monday so had to move my appointments to Thurs. Not wonderful news but, as I try to always say------it's not eternal! I will reach that 30cc and can once again not have tubing coming out of my sides and emptying of the bulbs as a twice a day ritual. Small price to pay for them getting rid of the "invader within". I WILL praise God for the drains, by golly!
I am reminded again that Jesus answers our prayers with a "wait on my timing"-this is His wait time and I know those are the times that turn out to be sweetest with Him. More time to focus on Him and what blessings He has poured on me during this journey. So many each day and fresh each morning as I face another day. His love has truly been lavished (I love that word because it sounds just like what it is) on me and my family. I thank Him for friends, family, the world and all that is so beautiful and sweet in it. Most of all for His Son He sent to give us freedom-the freedom to be His eternally.
"His word is new every morning". Thank you Lord for your word and all the promises that you remind us of daily!
God is good----------all the time! susan

Yea God!

This morning my devotional from Beth Moore devo book was so right on, I needed to hear it. Wanted to share.
Help me to call this to mind and therefore always have hope because of Your great love. I am not consumed, for Your compassion's never fail. They are new toward me every morning, great is Your faithfulness. I will say to myself. "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him" (Lam 3: 22-24)
I will be glad and rejoice in Your love. O God, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have noit handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place (Ps. 31: 7-8). Hallelujah!
You eternal God are my refuge and underneath are Your everlasting arms. You will draw out my enemy before me saying. "Destroy him" (Deut.33:27) Amen and Amen
My diagnostic reports came back as expected. No cancer in either lymph taken and the tumor was contained! No surprises said the surgeon. I go back Monday for post-op visit and we go from there.
What a mighty God we serve!
God is good----------all the time! susan

Pain of the drain

Recovery has been smooth but I'm just sayin' these drains are a pain in the you know what! It is just so weird having some tubbing hanging out of you sides all the time. We empty them twice a day and I am praying for the 30cc of liquid to get to that number now rather than later. I realize this is very petty considering why they are there but I long to be able to sleep on my side and not have the rubber hoses pinch in the night. That will come later though and this is all part of the process.
My sweet daughters have been so helpful and are working so hard so that I don't have to. They see to it that I have not had to lift a finger to do anything. Such a beautiful thing to see how they have become women and have such servants hearts-thank you Jesus for that blessing!
This morning as I took a shower my sweet grandbaby, Shiloh got in with me and as I soaped up this old fat body I could feel her picking up water and rubbing it on my back. So sweet, already learning to help others! She is such a sweety and has been such a joy to be around. Love that baby!
Today is the day that the Lord has made and I WILL rejoice and be glad in it, drains and all.
Thank you Lord for the drains so that all the fluid can run off and no one has to suck it out everyday. I am still amazed at modern technology and how God has taught us humans to hurry along His perfect healing.
God is good-------------all the time! susan

Have I told you how great my bed feels?

Finally home with my two daughters and sweet Shiloh and of course the most wonderful husband on the planet.
It is so nice to have all things familiar again. Things aren't so difficult to do and everything is where it belongs.
Thanks to the Crestview ladies that met us with a great meal, beautiful flowers, encouraging posters and sweet smiles on their faces. Friends are the best gift that God has ever given His children!
Takes forever to get ready in the morning and my sweet girls are getting an education in taking care of old naked women before it is their time but they have so stepped up to the plate and have helped. Makes it so Wes can get some work time in and I know that will cut down on his stress level a great deal.
The scars look great and my drains are doing their job. I hope they can be taken out on time as it makes for difficulty in finding clothes to put on. Certainly they don't make you look like a fashionista. Weslee has put them in Brighton bags to hang on my clothes and that made a world of difference. Thank you Brighton-I knew those things would come in handy someday.
I still marvel at the new world of medicine how they can reroute the human body to do things more quickly. Who would have thought I could be up and around in such a short time. It's hard not to do things as I am feeling good-I must mind though because I sure don't want to back up.
God is certainly teaching me, again, to let people help me! I have a feeling I will learn this lesson over and over in the next few months. I am so blessed, I can't say that enough.
He is so lavishing His love on me over and over through friends, family and just being alive and able to praise Him.
God is good-----------all the time! susan

Celebrate!

We were released from the hospital today before noon.Took several trips to leave the hospital because of all the beautiful flowers and accumlation of precious well wishes and gifts that were sent.
We traveled to Grapevine and checked into the Hyatt to rest up for the trip home tomorrow. All the family came to the hotel so we could watch the Grapevine fireworks. God provided a great room where we had a window that pointed straight to the Grapevine lake and we could see the fireworks right from our room. It was like a gift to watch the celebration right out our window with all of the kids. Shiloh loved it and jabbered continually until they were over. She kept saying WOW WOW WOW, loved them! We are so blessed to live in this free country where we can all celebrate that freedom and praise God for it. Marshall is right, sometimes it almost makes you feel guilty as you realize that many in our world do not have that. We must always remember and never let that freedom be compromised.
Tomorrow a new life style will begin at the house in Midland as I need to remember to do what the drs. said so that I can recover satisfactorily and quickly. Need to come back in about 1 1/2 weeks to get the drains out and meet again with the surgeon and the oncologist. Diagnostics should be back on Wednesday. Should look good-no doubt God was in that operating room.
So many nurses that cared for me said that they felt God's prescence in our family and my prayer is that that feeling would continue as we come in contact with more and more people on this journey. That, as always is my prayer, that God may be glorified as we travel this road.
I don't know what I will face in the coming days but I do know that my God will go before me and carry me through with strength and courage and the glory shall go to Him!
His power has surely been apparent in these past few days of weakness-praise you Jesus.
God is good-------------all the time! susan

Go God, Go

Today continued to be a day of tremendous improvement and marvel of how God can take you from shear panic to being awestruck.
The morphine drip was taken out because I didn't need it and they took the fluid IV out so my feet have began to go down finally. They looked like balloons and I was having trouble getting my brace on. I finally got it on and my foot has been much better, the fluid has begun to go away and of course I have numerous trips to the bathroom but I am thankful to be able to go on my own.
Thanks to a wonderful nurse, Debra, we learned how to change dressings, drains, and all about where the scars are and how great they look already. Dr. Brian is an incredible surgeon and certainly has this surgery down to an art. I thank God for leading us to her!
We got to all spend the day together as a family and I am sure this hospital will welcome our departure as we have all been piled in this room and laughing and just enjoying each other all day. There are flowers all over and it smells wonderful. The kids have all gone home now and it is so quiet once again. Just my wonderful husband and myself. We are so blessed with such wonderful children, they have all been so loving and helpful and enjoyed each other. It has been a truely special time for all of us to come together. Thank you Lord for the added blessing.
It is so sweet to hear from the nurses that we have a beautiful family and how they are delightful kids. I guess in our young unknowing way, Wes and I allowed God to help us raise these children. What a delight it has been to see what God has done and continues to do with them. I welcome many years to come as we watch them grow in the Lord and glorify Him with their lives.
The doctor and nurses say tomorrow we can get up shower, get dressed, and can leave the hospital and begin our second part of this journey. One night in a hotel across the street from the hospital and then back to Midland to recouperate and see friends and enjoy life with a new perspective.
We all enjoyed the fire works across from the hospital tonight and as I watched they seemed brighter than any other fourth of July. Sweet Shiloh loved them and I loved watching her squeal and clap as she watched. Funny how this invader has shed a whole new light on my life. Things are much sweeter and more precious than ever. I praise you Father for letting me enjoy this life with a whole new outlook. What a beautiful world this is and I am loving life.
God is good--------------all the time! susan

Day of miracles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sitting here in this hospital bed and am amazed at what God has done today. (why are we amazed HE is still a God of miracles). The surgery went wonderfully, cancer had not spread and they only had to take 2 lymph nodes. The surgeon was so pleased and made special cuts so she would not have to go under my arms because of my crutches. She covered the lymph node cut with many layers and I can't even feel my crutches when I get up to walk. That's right! I have already been up to go to the bathroom and could walk by myself. Praise God because as you know that was a huge concern of mine. I can't tell you what a relief that is to know I can get up and down alone and without straining my arm. Must admit when I went to the bathroom my pee was a bright green and that freaked me out (the dye they used for the lymph is blue and blue and yellow = green, was a pretty color though). I have a morphine pump but have only used it 4 times all day-very little discomfort from those old bossoms. That's great not to have to rely on drugs because I hate feeling out of control (imagine that). Tomorrow will be just as good I am sure.
Today was so sweet as I experienced my precious husband pray over me and as each of the children came they prayed over me as well. The picture of the church ladies praying during the surgery was more than I could fathom. I am so loved and I feel every bit of that "crazy Love" being displayed by all of God's children. So humbling!
This hospital is incredible-only 16 beds in the whole place, I had my own private nurse as no one else was here, catered in meals that are delicious and such sweet nurses with sweet spirits. What another blessing from my Jesus.
Wes has been so wonderful, never leaving my side and so attentive. His soft side has really come out, so concerned for my comfort, gentle and loving. What a gift he is to me. I love him so!!!!!!!
An end to an incredible day. God's glory was truely revealed over and over.His ways are perfect and He has traveled this road before me and carried me in His arms all day long. I am so glad He never becomes weary! His love is truely a "crazy love"! His grace has been giant today and I am madly in love with my Jesus.
God is good----------------all the time! susan

Day of miracles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She is out of surgery. It all sounds great! The tumor has been removed and they took some lymph nodes as well to check. It has not spread! God is good

The day begins! Mom has been prepped and is for surgery. We will keep you posted! Thank you for your prayers! -Melissia Hoke

God shall be glorified!

Tomorrow is the day I go under the knife and this invader will be removed and we shall see how far it has gone through my body. I am trusting that it has stayed within bounds and the treatment will be minimal.

I have to admit the anxiousness has caught up with me and I certainly am not looking forward to the day but am so glad to get this over and see what I have before me. I do know one thing God is with me and I feel His presents stronger than ever in my life. I am blown away at the prayers from people I don't even know but are brothers and sisters in Christ. I don't know how people go through these storms without Jesus by their side. He is carrying me through this storm and will deliver me on the other side.

Many songs have rolled through my head over the past few days but one continues to echo through my brain. 'He never lets go, through the calm and through the storm, oh no He never lets go no He never lets go of me-He keeps on holding and He never lets go of me.' I am claiming that with everything in me and I continue to reach out to Him and trust Him to calm these waves that seem to be engulfing me right now! I refuse to let them overtake me and tomorrow when I am taken into that surgery room I know the strength of the Lord will flow through every hand that touches me and He will be victorious in the end.

His paths are right and true and I welcome whatever He has in store for me-I will not fear for He is with me and He comforts me through it all.

God is good--------------all the time! susan