I had my post-surgical follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Anderson, this morning. I am grateful I can say that I am cancer-free! My pathology report shows no residual! Praise the Lord!
Here are a few things I want to remember:
Back in late April '09, I was a part of a Relay for Life team, which raises money for cancer research. The challenge was to relay walk for 12 hours straight. Initially, Craig was going to be a part of it with me early on in the evening and then take the kids to my parents' house for the night and pick me up in the morning. It ended up that my parents took our kids home with them, and Craig stayed the night to relay with us.
Our team fizzled out, but I was determined to fulfill my commitments. I was encouraged to just throw in the towel and be done for the night. I couldn't do it. I was committed to walking for the people who had donated to me. I was honored to walk in memory of those who have/are fighting a battle with cancer.
Craig and I finished the relay, and I was so grateful to have him by my side. (Side note, Craig says flip-flops are not the best shoes to be wearing for a 12-hour relay. What a trooper! Remember, though, the initial plan wasn't that he was planning to stay and walk with me.) I'm grateful Craig was there walking along with me through the night. Looking back, it was yet another foreshadow to me. I have married my best friend and soul mate, and he'll always be by my side, no matter what we face together.
Little did I know.
Little did I know that I very possibly had melanoma at that point since my PCP had mentioned that I "should probably get that looked at before I got pregnant" in mid-March. I didn't know that I was already pregnant with the child who'd be instrumental in my discovering that I, too, will call myself a cancer survivor.
As I walked and prayed that night, I felt a conviction. I was convicted to persevere. I was convicted to be a part of this 12-hour relay in years to come.
Now I know why.
The word or theme, if you will, of the relay was HOPE. That word resonates with me. I don't know if Hope will be a part of this baby's name if we're having a girl, but I know that this baby has given me new hope.
As a 30-year-old mother and wife, I never thought I'd have to announce that I'm cancer-free, but I'm so grateful that I can. I have hope for a long life because I know God's not done with me yet. I have a husband to stand by, love, and respect, and I have three young children to raise in His image.
God was never surprised by my diagnosis. I am amazed at His timing and ever-grateful for this precious blessing that I believe one of his/her purposes in life has already been fulfilled, to help save his/her mommy's life and discover the melanoma before it was too late.
Thank you for praying with us and being part of this journey with us.
Praising God for His healing and timing of our third child!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
First Day of School
We registered Nolan for the three-year-old pre-k class at a church close to us. Although we don't feel he needs school yet for academic reasons, he will benefit from it socially, we're sure!
With his backpack and nap mat, he's ready to go to his first day of school.
Of course, we feared this was going to happen. Once we got to school and walked in the doors, he started to clam up. Not surprising, but still not the way we hoped this morning would play out. It was a tearful goodbye as we took Nolan to his class. He was clinging to Daddy's leg, and the teacher had to pull Nolan off of him and drag him into class as he's crying. Of course, it broke Mommy's heart watching him go off to school being drug into his class crying for us.
The June Cleaver in me came out, and I baked some cookies as a first after-school snack.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Mighty to Save!
As we were driving to visit my mom and sister for lunch today, we were listening to our local Christian radio station, KLTY. I was singing, the kids were clapping, and I didn't think much of it.
About three or four hours later, as Nolan and I were putting his train set together, I recognized he was singing Mighty to Save by Hillsong. I have always loved this song, and when I hear it, it sticks with me for quite some time.
Sweet Nolan had been paying attention (although, this isn't his first exposure to this song), and he knew many of the lyrics! I started singing it with him, and he soon became embarrassed.
A little while later, as I was working on the computer, I could hear him singing it to himself again while playing with a truck. I wish I had my camera next to me to catch it on video. It was the sweetest, most innocent sound!
This evening after Craig got home, we were singing it a bit more. I then heard Ella chiming in with the words "save" and "King" at the appropriate times.
My heart is full.
It's not an everyday occurrence that you feel and clearly see you're making much of a difference as a stay-at-home mom. Tonight, I'm fully aware that what my children hear matters. How I act and treat others makes an impact.
This is my job, to raise our children in a loving, Christian environment so that they will become followers of Christ. To see that Nolan is paying attention and being quite the sponge, I'm grateful I have the job I have; to be an example for our kids everyday. It makes me strive to be a better Christian role model in all I do, whether I'm being watched or not.
Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King
Jesus
shine you light and let the whole world see
were singing
for the glory of the risen king
I pray you know our Savior who is mighty to save!
About three or four hours later, as Nolan and I were putting his train set together, I recognized he was singing Mighty to Save by Hillsong. I have always loved this song, and when I hear it, it sticks with me for quite some time.
Sweet Nolan had been paying attention (although, this isn't his first exposure to this song), and he knew many of the lyrics! I started singing it with him, and he soon became embarrassed.
A little while later, as I was working on the computer, I could hear him singing it to himself again while playing with a truck. I wish I had my camera next to me to catch it on video. It was the sweetest, most innocent sound!
This evening after Craig got home, we were singing it a bit more. I then heard Ella chiming in with the words "save" and "King" at the appropriate times.
My heart is full.
It's not an everyday occurrence that you feel and clearly see you're making much of a difference as a stay-at-home mom. Tonight, I'm fully aware that what my children hear matters. How I act and treat others makes an impact.
This is my job, to raise our children in a loving, Christian environment so that they will become followers of Christ. To see that Nolan is paying attention and being quite the sponge, I'm grateful I have the job I have; to be an example for our kids everyday. It makes me strive to be a better Christian role model in all I do, whether I'm being watched or not.
Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King
Jesus
shine you light and let the whole world see
were singing
for the glory of the risen king
I pray you know our Savior who is mighty to save!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Summertime Lull
"Lull" might be the wrong word to use in this context because our summer has not consisted of much sleep, rest, or relaxation. It seems my blog hasn't been on my top list of priorities this summer.
I have so much to document, including our annual family vacation to Lake Whitney, some firsts for our kids, pregnancy progression, everyday activities, visitors, our wedding anniversary, and so much more. It seems I fall into this blogging slump every summer because it seems we're always on the go. I remember there being a list of things I wanted to blog about that I resolved to "get to later" but never found the time to post about them as I had intended.
I will post about many of those earlier listed things. I just won't tonight.
My blog is primarily my documentation of our kids. Tonight, I'm blogging as an outlet for me.
This afternoon, I was informed that the mole I had removed yesterday is a melanoma. WHAT?? REALLY?? I never suspected this. In fact, had it not been for other reasons due to the pregnancy, I can almost guarantee that I wouldn't have seen a dermatologist anytime soon. Now, that's scary!
Here are the facts as I know them now:
*The melanoma I have is called a superficial spreading melanoma.
*It's relatively thin. It measured .5mm, which anything less than 1mm is pretty local.
*I will see a plastic surgeon on August 18th for a consult regarding removing at least 1cm of tissue surrounding where the mole had been "residing."
*I will have that 1cm of tissue removed more than likely the end of August/beginning of September.
*It seems as though the melanoma was found and removed before it metastasized throughout my body.
I ask that you pray with our family. I will keep you updated as I know more.
I have so much to document, including our annual family vacation to Lake Whitney, some firsts for our kids, pregnancy progression, everyday activities, visitors, our wedding anniversary, and so much more. It seems I fall into this blogging slump every summer because it seems we're always on the go. I remember there being a list of things I wanted to blog about that I resolved to "get to later" but never found the time to post about them as I had intended.
I will post about many of those earlier listed things. I just won't tonight.
My blog is primarily my documentation of our kids. Tonight, I'm blogging as an outlet for me.
This afternoon, I was informed that the mole I had removed yesterday is a melanoma. WHAT?? REALLY?? I never suspected this. In fact, had it not been for other reasons due to the pregnancy, I can almost guarantee that I wouldn't have seen a dermatologist anytime soon. Now, that's scary!
Here are the facts as I know them now:
*The melanoma I have is called a superficial spreading melanoma.
*It's relatively thin. It measured .5mm, which anything less than 1mm is pretty local.
*I will see a plastic surgeon on August 18th for a consult regarding removing at least 1cm of tissue surrounding where the mole had been "residing."
*I will have that 1cm of tissue removed more than likely the end of August/beginning of September.
*It seems as though the melanoma was found and removed before it metastasized throughout my body.
I ask that you pray with our family. I will keep you updated as I know more.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorable Memorial Day!
What excitement there is in seeing and hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time.
As of this mornig, we're blessed to have experienced that joy THREE times now. Yes, we are pregnant with our third child! He/she will debut in late December, and we couldn't be more thrilled.
God's timing is beautiful.
As of this mornig, we're blessed to have experienced that joy THREE times now. Yes, we are pregnant with our third child! He/she will debut in late December, and we couldn't be more thrilled.
God's timing is beautiful.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Free Money
Seeing as though I've got about three readers, one of which is my mom, I'm sure this post isn't worth much.
Seriously, you should try out Diapers.com. With fast, free shipping for a purchase of $49 or more, why leave the comforts of your home for anything baby related? You can buy diapers, wipes, lotion, soap, books, clothing, bottles, pacifiers, toys, etc. For those of you who might not have kids (hint, hint mom), you can purchase gift certificates through them, too, for those people you know who do have young kids!
If you place a new order using my referral code by May 25th, we'll both benefit. As a first-time purchaser, you'll get $10 off your first order, and I'll get a credit for referring a new friend. Then once you become a customer, you can refer your friends and earn credits, too. They even have an opportunity to redeem your coupons through them, too!
Even if you only order once to try it out, what does it hurt? You'll instantly get $10 off your first order!
Head on over to Diapers.com, place your order, and include my referral code, JUMX8787, before you checkout. It's that easy!
Then let me know what you thought about it!
Seriously, you should try out Diapers.com. With fast, free shipping for a purchase of $49 or more, why leave the comforts of your home for anything baby related? You can buy diapers, wipes, lotion, soap, books, clothing, bottles, pacifiers, toys, etc. For those of you who might not have kids (hint, hint mom), you can purchase gift certificates through them, too, for those people you know who do have young kids!
If you place a new order using my referral code by May 25th, we'll both benefit. As a first-time purchaser, you'll get $10 off your first order, and I'll get a credit for referring a new friend. Then once you become a customer, you can refer your friends and earn credits, too. They even have an opportunity to redeem your coupons through them, too!
Even if you only order once to try it out, what does it hurt? You'll instantly get $10 off your first order!
Head on over to Diapers.com, place your order, and include my referral code, JUMX8787, before you checkout. It's that easy!
Then let me know what you thought about it!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
18 months
From this...
...to this
Our sweet Ella girl is 18 months old! It's hard to believe how quickly time flies.
At 18 months, Ella...
*eats very well with utensils and still has a healthy appetite. (See chocolate donut picture above!)
*sleeps 12 hours at night and takes one mid-afternoon nap for about 2 hours.
*always sleeps with a paci and her blankie.
*says some words besides family members' names: Amen, backpack, foul ball, car, shoe.
*is cutting three molars at once, which makes her nose drip like a faucet!
*loves to play with Nolan.
*is becoming quite vocal and independent.
*will squeeze my neck with the most wonderful hug when she wants to cuddle.
*makes some of the silliest faces!
*loves wearing bracelets and necklaces.
*has a smile that will melt your heart!
Ella, our lady bug, you are such a delight! You put joy in our hearts that's indescribable. We love you so much! Mommy and Daddy
...to this
Our sweet Ella girl is 18 months old! It's hard to believe how quickly time flies.
At 18 months, Ella...
*eats very well with utensils and still has a healthy appetite. (See chocolate donut picture above!)
*sleeps 12 hours at night and takes one mid-afternoon nap for about 2 hours.
*always sleeps with a paci and her blankie.
*says some words besides family members' names: Amen, backpack, foul ball, car, shoe.
*is cutting three molars at once, which makes her nose drip like a faucet!
*loves to play with Nolan.
*is becoming quite vocal and independent.
*will squeeze my neck with the most wonderful hug when she wants to cuddle.
*makes some of the silliest faces!
*loves wearing bracelets and necklaces.
*has a smile that will melt your heart!
Ella, our lady bug, you are such a delight! You put joy in our hearts that's indescribable. We love you so much! Mommy and Daddy
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