Go the Distance

In my extended family, we have several athletes. I have a niece and nephew who run track and cross country, a niece who does gymnastics and a brother-in-law who competes in several triathlons a year. I’ve had the privilege of watching my nieces and nephew compete in several competitions. I’m amazed at how effortless they make it look. However, I know for a fact that they all spend hours each week practicing and staying in shape. They are strong athletes because of all the time they put in “behind the scenes.” If I were to attempt a 3 mile race or a flip flop, I’d fall on my face because I haven’t been properly trained. I feel like this lesson has become very clear to me throughout this experience with cancer. I need to stay in God’s Word and spend time in prayer to be a strong Christian. Without it, I will definitely fall on my face! Yet, I struggle with staying faithful and doing my spiritual exercise. I envy the discipline of athletes who train faithfully, despite snow, rain, sleet, pain or exhaustion. Dr. James Dobson has been quoted as saying his prayer is to “finish strong.” I totally get it! On a smaller scale, I feel like I see the “finish line” of cancer treatments. I’m counting the days and I’m heading into the final kick! As I view this entire experience and all the emotions associated with it, I don’t want to give the devil a foothold. I’ve been told by several people once it was all over, that was when it got tough. Kind of interesting, huh? So, I join Dr. Dobson in saying I want to finish strong, too and not stop "training" and growing as Christian!

Radiation is going well. As of today, I’ve got 12 down, 16 to go! I’m counting the days! The first few days, I developed a rash, which initially I thought were the burns starting already. It freaked me out a bit. But, turns out it was a reaction to the cream I’d been using to prevent burns. So far, I haven’t really felt any significant tiredness, so that’s been great! The Dr. warned me the last week and the week after will be the worst so we’ll just wait and see what happens. Fortunately, that will happen after school is over! “Normal” is slowly returning! Our eldest returned home from college, plans are being made for summer trips, we are looking forward to graduation celebrations with friends and family, I’m at work every day, enjoying evenings out with friends, and just living. Aside from my morning stop for radiation, my grey “crew cut” and some scars, I’m feeling great!

I’d appreciate prayers that my current energy level will continue and that any skin discomfort would be minimal. Pray that the radiation will be doing it's thing and zapping any stray cancer cells that remained! And, okay….is it wrong to pray for hair to grow more quickly? I’d love to be able to ditch the wig before it gets too warm outside!!

Thanks for your continued prayers and see you at the finish line!!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrew 12:1

Running this race in HIS Strength,


Cindy and the VK's

Climb Every Mountain

This past summer, our family was blessed to be able to take an incredible trip!. We loaded up the mini-van and headed out west to see Bryce National Park, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam and Sedona. One of our favorite places was Zion National Park. We met some dear friends there and spent the night in the park’s lodge, surrounded by mountains. The majesty and splendor of the park truly suited our maker’s name. And, we did sing “We’re marching in Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion” several times!

We arrived there on a Friday afternoon and our friends arrived about an hour later, approximately at 3 pm. I thought we’d have a quiet night chatting and enjoying dinner. However, they suggested we hit the trails. It was 101 degrees (but it was a DRY heat…ha ha!) and this out of shape Midwesterner wondered if it was a good idea. But, not wanting to miss out on anything and anxious to chat with our friends, off I went. The hike they chose was a moderate hike and was divided into three parts…the lower, upper and middle Emerald Pools. The first part of the hike
was spectacular although I was “glowing” like a pig. Our daughter was bright red and exhausted and asked to go back to the lodge. Truthfully, I wanted to go back with her. But, Dave quickly volunteered so I wouldn’t miss anything. (I thought he had offered because he was pooped, too, but he proved me wrong the next day when he did the difficult Angel’s Landing hike.) Not wanting to be a wuss, I trudged on. The second part of the hike offered no shade and was a much steeper incline, climbing in what seemed like sand. After the first 100 yards, I realized this was NOT a good idea. Our friends are in fabulous shape and seemed to have no problem. I was sure I would not make it and decided to turn back. However, my friends were incredible….they offered me their walking stick, shared their extra water to cool me, slowed down to my pace and encouraged me constantly that I could do it. And, I’m proud to say…I did! But it wasn’t a solitary victory. It was due to encouragement of my friends.

I’ve thought about this hike a lot throughout this cancer journey. I know without a doubt we have made it through this, thanks to all the encouragement and prayers of friends, family and even strangers. It's been amazing the people God has brought into our lives! When we were weak and tired, help was offered in a variety of ways. When we were too exhausted and overwhelmed to cook, incredible meals were provided. Unexpected phone calls or gifts of love brightened some dreary days. Just going to the mailbox each day is a reminder of love and prayers….one of my favorite things to do! This hike has become such a cherished memory to me throughout my battle with cancer and Psalm 121 became SO real to me…..

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

This Monday, I begin hopefully the final “leg” of this cancer hike. (FYI, the last part of the actual hike in Zion was incredible – more on that later!) Radiation begins at the Cancer Care Center at Good Samaritan Hospital. But, I’ve reached the point where I just want to be done and get on with life. I was able to return to school on Tuesday and that has been wonderful and such a blessing! Logically I realize I need radiation to eradicate any “stray” cancer cells that can’t be seen. But emotionally, I’m tired. So, I’d so appreciate prayers that I can finish strong and that the effects of the radiation will do their thing but not cause too many side effects or problems. I’m a little freaked out about the possibility of skin burns. But, as I'm reminded, God will watch over me, both now and forevermore!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping encourage us up this mountain!! Lord willing, and if I can make it happen, I plan to return to Zion this summer, take that hike again, thank God for LIFE and give thanks for all of you!!

In His Strength,

Cindy and the VK’s