Joy to the World!

Hi Everybody! It's me again! Chemo #3 went off without a hitch. More good news that the tumor continues to shrink! All my levels were within normal range and that concern I mentioned is something they will keep an eye on but it doesn't seem to be anything serious. YEAH!! The Dr. and nurse we met with were very encouraging. My chemo buddy this time around was a great friend who just makes me smile! We had a lot of fun, met some nice people and thankfully, didn't get kicked out of chemo for being too silly! Although, she ALSO beat me at cards! Are you noticing a pattern here? WANTED: A chemo buddy who lets me win at cards!

We are asking for prayers that again, side effects will be minimal and we can enjoy the holidays with family and friends! I'm looking forward to hugging some friends, nieces and nephews I haven't seen in a while. (You've been warned, guys!) Also, for continued good health for us. And, praise that the chemo is doing it's thing!

So, while we are feeling better about our situation, I can't help but think about people I care about who are right now going through their own personal grief. A recent cancer diagnosis of a young father, grieving the loss of a loved one, dealing with an ill parent, financial situations....ths list goes on. At this time of year, when it seems we are all supposed to resemble a happy Christmas card, it just makes things that much more difficult! Having Christmas "joy" can just be really tough! But, then we need to remember the MEANING of the word joy.....Joy as a fruit of the spirit is much more than "happy" because it transcends circumstances, surprises, disappointments, pain, life and even death. Nehmiah 8:10 says "The Joy of the Lord is our strength." As a Christian going through a tough time, what a blessing to have TRUE joy of hope in Him. And, at Christmas, that is something even this "Grinch" can truly celebrate ...the genuine joy that came down to us at Christmas.

We wish you all a joy-filled holiday season, no matter whether you are experiencing storms or sunshine! Have a beautiful 2008! Thank so much for stopping by!

In His Strength,


Cindy & the VK's

Here we go again!

Hi friends! The time is drawing near for Chemo #3. That happens this Thursday, on December 20. All in all, it's been a pretty good 2 weeks. I felt a little more tired, but hey, it's Christmas time! You find me ANY parent who isn't a little more tired this time of year! It's been kind of interesting as I've come to appreciate the days I'm feeling "good." This past week was really a fun one! A night out with a girlfriend, our Small Group Christmas party (always a lot of laughs!), dinner and a show with friends, laughing with the kids at school, Worship on Sunday, dinner with Dave's folks, our daughter's Christmas Band concert....just "normal" stuff. I commented to Dave on Sunday that I've had chunks of time when I've just forgotten I HAD cancer. It was just such a good feeling! And, truthfully, I think it's a little harder this time knowing I'll be feeling rotten during the holidays. But, on the flip side, it's nice to know when this one is over, I'll be half-way done with chemo!! And, knowing that the chemo is doing it's thing and the tumor is responding, well, that just makes it easier to swallow! And, I know it could be worse so I can't complain!

I'd really appreciate prayers again that all my levels will be okay so chemo can stay on schedule. I've got one thing that concerns me so please pray it isn't anything serious. Prayers of thanks for good health, especially during cold and flu season! Also, we are so grateful for the ways we are being loved through this! It has been an amazing experience and literally brings me to tears of thanksgiving!

I'll update again after chemo. Thanks for stopping by!!

In His Strength,



Cindy & the VK'S

Isn't She Lovely?

Wow! It's been a while since my last update. So, thought I'd take a moment to let you know what's been going on. My 2nd "post-chemo" experience has been SO much better than the first! First, I was much less anxious this time around. It was more like "oh yeah, I remember this." Those prayers for peace were definitely answered! I felt a tad more tired but nothing a little sleep doesn't cure! Dave said he can always tell when I'm feeling better because I'll start to "argue" with him about things. Who? Sweet little agreeable me? Surely he is mistaken! :-)

I was correct in saying the hair dryer would outlast the hair. The Friday after chemo I was losing large clumps of hair. I tired of finding it in my mouth, on the couch and figured one swift wind and it would be gone anyways. So, I called my good friend and hair dresser and she was able to take me that afternoon to do the "buzz." I was okay at first but Saturday it really bothered me for some reason. That night, I walked into my bathroom, put away my hair dryer and curling irons and I'll admit, had a little cry. Sunday morning I woke up and just felt "ugly." Society puts such emphasis on looks and I wasn't liking what I saw. I decided to remind myself what God holds of value and turned to Proverbs 31. Yes, that chapter that talks about the "perfect" woman. We all "hate" her, don't we ladies? (I once saw a shirt that said "I'm a Proverbs 32 Woman.....I sleep in until noon and my house is a mess." Hysterical....I want one!) I just wanted to be reminded that "Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain; But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." However, as I scanned the chapter, verse 25 caught my eye. "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." It stopped me in my tracks and I thought "I'd much rather laugh that feel sorry for myself!" Dave and I had a good talk that night, and I can honestly say I've made peace with my bald head. Bald is beautiful, baby! I've got a great wig...and life goes on!

Prayers would be appreciated for continued health. And, that during this crazy, busy, stress-filled holiday season, ALL of us have a chance to celebrate the birth of our Savior! HE's the reason for the season!

In His Strength,



Cindy and the VK's