FANTASTIC WEEK!!!

So, YES, this was a wonderful week for Mom! No chemo last week so that played a big part in her having more energy and feeling like being out and about!

Tuesday
-appt. with the heart doc....her dosage for blood pressure meds was cut in half
-shopped around at Macy's
Friday
-dinner at Cactus Cafe
Saturday
-shopping at Peebles in Rehoboth
-dinner out with Mack and Kendra
Sunday
-listened to Danny Tice's sermon on TV (Bay Shore Community Church)
-also listened to Charles Stanley on TV...I didn't realize he had a Sun. morning program. I started receiving his free InTouch magazines after reading some of Mom's magazines on the beach this past summer...highly recommend them...you can subscribe at http://www.intouch.org/.

One day Mom was at the grocery store with Dad and said she didn't feel tired like she has before after walking around Hockers. Also, Mom was checking her e-mail this past week (I knew b/c they have dial-up and I couldn't reach her when I had a cooking question) so that's another indication that Mom was feeling better this past week....and those of you who have sent Mom an e-mail over the past couple weeks, now you know she got it! :-)

A sweet friend of Mom's gave her a book called When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty written by Joni Eareckson Tada and her pastor friend, Steve Estes. For those who aren't familar with Joni (pronounced "Johnny"), she has lived as a quadriplegic for over 30 years and has ministered all over the world. Mom has been reading this book, and I'm going to order it as well. If interested in reading reviews of it, there are plenty on Amazon.com, and I listed one at the end of this post.

Tomorrow, Mom and Dad head to Hopkins for another treatment and have another one the following Monday. These days have become part of the routine, but that doesn't make it any easier. The day of the treatment isn't fun, and the days after aren't either, but I pray that the Lord would keep at the front of her mind that this is all temporary and that her energy will come back. Mom and Dad have become more accustomed to how Mom reacts and responds to the chemo, and they're trying to control the side effects the best they can.

On a different note, I wanted to commend Nascar...wonder why? Well, this afternoon before leaving Mom and Dad's, the race was about to start and I was amazed at what happened before our national anthem was played...there was a prayer! And later, the cameras even showed a racing team down on their knees in a circle praying...it's just refreshing when so many people are trying to take prayer out of everything, and it has remained in Nascar.

Praising God for...
-increased energy level this past week
-faithful friends, family, and neighbors
-for Ali (Lisa's daughter)...she turned 5 on Thursday and got to go to DISNEY on her birthday! :-)

Praying for...
-a smooth day of treatment and for the chemo to be ready so there is less time waiting
-continued strength for Mom and Dad

(A review by Michelle Holderman of When God Weeps:
"When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty" is one of the absolute best books I've read concerning the issue of "Why do we suffer?!?" and "Does it really matter to God?" A friend recommended this book to me, as I have struggled with my own chronic illness and the whole 'Why?' 'For what?' 'How come?' mentality. Plainly put, suffering is hard. There is nothing "glorious" about it. Since dealing with my disease and after reading this book, I've come to see that suffering takes us to a whole new level of God's grace. It accomplishes things we may not truly understand in this life. It is a teacher, albeit a difficult one a lot of times, but it draws us closer to God. It produces endurance and sharpens our character. Joni Eareckson Tada co-wrote this book with her pastor friend, Steven Estes, although Tada wrote the majority of it. I receive so well from her, because of all she has endured. She is an inspiration to me. This book is scripturally based and the firm, honest, yet compassionate approach to this painful issue was very well articulated. Sometimes, that can be a difficult feat to accomplish in the face of tragedy. I think so often, we as Christians may view "suffering" as something that involves only religious issues, when in fact, it permeates through every facet of our lives. This is another topic they touch on. She talks a little bit about some of her own struggles and gained insights over the years, and introduces us to a lot of people she's met along the way, who also endure suffering. "Endure" meaning to live with, to cope with. She asks the hard questions, but doesn't give 'pat answers.' This book is really more about the truths of God regarding suffering, than just 'suffering,' itself. There is a difference. )

Good news!

More good news...the numbers for Mom's CA-125 blood tests have continued to drop! They are now down to 188 (decreased by 100)!

Mom usually goes for treatments 2 Mondays in a row and then the next Monday off, and this week is the "off" week so she and Dad are both glad not to have to spend the day at Hopkins tomorrow. Although, she does have a check-up appointment with her heart doctor in Salisbury on Tuesday.

Praises:

~Blood test numbers have continued to drop.

Praying for:

~All to go well at the appt. with the heart doctor.

Thank you for continuing to pray for Mom and Dad!!!!!!

On another note, some of you may know that I am a Tastefully Simple consultant. "Founded in 1995, Tastefully Simple is the original national home taste-testing company. With over 50 delicious and convenient gourmet foods and gifts, we offer 'the food you love, the time you deserve'." From now until the end of June, whenever you place a Tastefully Simple order, 36% will be donated to the American Cancer Society. See below for some of my favorite products!

To order:

1. Visit http://www.tastefullysimple.com/ to view the all the products (which need 2 ingredients or less to make). Also, be sure to check out the recipe section!

2. E-mail your order to me at lwiltsey@comcast.net along with your address and phone number.

3. Your order will be shipped directly to you.

4. Payment can be made by check or credit card (Mastercard or Visa).

5. Thanks in advance for contributing to the American Cancer Society!

Some of my favorites:

Bountiful Beer Bread

Spinach Dip

Dried Tomato and Garlic Pesto Mix

Perfect Parmesan Biscuit Mix
Warm the Oven Savory Cheese Dip Mix\

Corn Black Bean Salsa

Nana's Apple Cake Mix

Creamy Caramel Sauce

Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix

Key Lime Cheeseball Mix

Cinnamon Muffin Melt Mix

Spring/Summer 2009 Products (available March-August)

Sweets & Drinks
Chocolate Bliss Cheeseball Mix
Country Blackberry Preserves
Just Peachy Cobbler Mix
Granola Goodness Jam Bar
Strawberry Sundae Chiller
Tiki Mai Tai Drink Mix
White Mousse Chiller Drink Mix
Pomegranate Blueberry Margarita Mix

Dips, Sauces, Salsas, Cheeseballs, and Dressings
Asian Honey Mustard Dressing
Asian Zen Noodle and Sauce Mix
Baby Blue Cheese Dip Mix
Chipotle Chili Dip Mix
Giddyup Guacamole Mix
Lemon Pepper Linguini & Clam Sauce
Mango Salsa
Pasta & Pomodoro Sauce Mix
Sassy Sangria Grill Sauce
Smoky Bacon Grill Sauce
Spicy Black Bean Dip
Pizzeria Cheese Ball Mix

Seasonings/Oils
Everyday Grillin' Seasoning
Greet Tea Peppercorn Seasoning
Meyer Lemon Infused Oil

THIRD treatment tomorrow

*Correction: Tomorrow is PART ONE of the THIRD treatment. The schedule has been a little confusing, but Dad was given a calendar last time so now it's more clear. PART TWO will be in 2 weeks.

On Saturday, we tried sandwiches from a newer subshop in Bethany. They were pretty good...Mom, Dad, and Dave had cheesesteak subs, and I had a Thanksgiving one (fresh turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce). AND can you guess what else was on the menu for the weekend? You're right, Dad's Shepherd's Pie! He joked today that he's going to open up a restaurant and serve JUST shepherd's pie...hmmmmm.

Tomorrow is a long day, but hopefully it won't be as long as last Monday when they had to wait a while for the pharmacy to send up the chemo. Also, they don't have to be there quite as early as last Monday. Last week, when there were there, Mom said there a man on the staff who was praying with one of the patients receiving treatments so that was pretty cool!

Thank you for continuing to lift Mom and Dad up in your prayers!

A prayer I found online:
Heavenly Father, You are intimately aware of the struggle Mom is experiencing -- the pain and the despair. You know the desire of our hearts for her to be healed of this illness. I ask now for Your healing touch. I know that You are able and that just like those you healed in the Bible, You can heal her. I pray that through this trial, she will draw close to You -- that You will be her comfort and strength. I pray that ultimately You will be glorified through her. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lyrics to the 2nd song on my song list (Lisa introduced this song to me....she sang it in the ICU.)

Healer

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

Pre-Chorus:
I trust in You
I trust in You

Chorus:
I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

Bridge:
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

Treatment tomorrow

Like many of you, Mom and Dad were able to enjoy this first little taste of spring this weekend! Dad took the Harley out for a spin Saturday afternoon, and later Mom and Dad went out to Magnolia's for dinner (Mom likes their prime rib). They also enjoyed a stroll in their community, and Dad said Mom was taking bigger steps and picking up her pace some. These warmer days will provide more opportunities for Mom to get outside and enjoy the scenery outdoors rather than taking laps through the kitchen and around the dining room table.

Mom also got some more exercise when they were at Hocker's on Saturday. They were getting groceries that included ingredients for Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Some friends are having them over for dinner tonight, and Mom is taking her scrumptious salad over.

Tomorrow is Part 2 of her SECOND treatment. She will receive the chemo through the IV, and then next Monday she will receive it through the port. These days are very long...they leave home around 5:00am and usually get home around 8 or 9pm.

PRAISES:
~Mom's increased energy level the past few days
~warm weather for some outdoor exercise

PRAYING FOR:
~strength for Mom and Dad for tomorrow's long day at Hopkins for the 3rd treatment
~peace for Mom going into this treatment and a good night's rest tonight

Music to our ears!

When leaving work today, I saw that Dad had called twice. I call Mom and Dad most everyday on my way home from work so I was wondering what had made Dad call me twice. It turns out he was excited to give me the results of Mom's most recent bloodwork...it is down to 288!!! It started at 1541, went down to 925, and is now down to 288!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!

Please pray that these numbers would be an encouragement to Mom. Anyone who has been through chemo before knows how hard it is on your body, and one is not exactly eager going into each treatment...but I pray Mom would feel confident and calm now that she's had 2 full treatments and has witnessed herself that she CAN DO THIS!!! We have an amazing team of people here on earth with friends, family, doctors, nurses, and surgeons, but the ONE on our team who loves Mom the most and who never grows weary is the true HEALER, our Lord and Savior!

The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower....

..the righteous run to it, and they are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there?My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Deuteronomy 31:88
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsakeyou. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Philippians 4:66
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Job 36:1515
But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.

Psalm 103:2-5
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Romans 8:37-38
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Visit with Lisa and the grandkids

What a fun weekend with the Dingles (pics to come)! I planned to pick Lisa and Ali (who turns 5 this month) from BWI on Friday morning and then drive to Mom and Dad's. On Wednesday, Lisa decided she just had to bring Ryan too (but didn't tell Mom)! So what a surprise when Pop-pop went out to get Lisa's luggage from the car and came back in with Ryan in his arms! Needless to say, the grandkids provided lots of smiles! We cracked up every time Ryan chased Missy around and used her as a pillow! Ali was quite the photographer and got lots of great shots with Aunt Lori and Uncle Dave's camera!

Mom's appetite has been pretty good. She made an Oklahoma Coconut Cake on Thursday, and it was soooo good...excellent recipe!!! A chocolate cake had been brought to them as well as two pies from Lancaster so we certainly enjoyed our desserts! Dad made some more Shepherd's Pie (see Feb. 8 post) and perfected his recipe by using only ONE can of gravy and added some peas and corn too! :-)

On Wednesday, Mom and Dad went to Rehoboth and got her wig trimmed. They also went to Nicola's and had lunch there....first meal OUT since before Christmas so that was a treat. Also, Mom and Dad went to Hocker's together on Thursday (Mom's first time at the grocery store in a long time) so it's a blessing for her to be able to do some of these everyday things again.

Mom and Dad are a part of Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View. So many people from their church have been praying and showing support with visits and meals. Last week, their Sunday school class gave them a gift card to Royal Farm to help with the cost of the gas needed to go back and forth to Hopkins...so thoughtful...what a blessing that is!

Praises:
~safe traveling for Lisa, Ali, and Ryan
~Mom's appetite
~Mom feeling like being out of the house last week
~meals that are continuing to come (thank you to all the readers who have brought one)

Praying that:
~Mom would feel peace about her next treatment coming up in a week (March 9)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
~We would all remember and hold true to: "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27)