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

I'm on the Top of the World!

Yep...it's me again! I just had to share some incredible news. We had our second chemo session today, which went really well! (Aside from Dave beating me at cards!) Before chemo, we met with the Dr, who examined me. She said the tumor has shrunk about 4 centimeters!! This just amazes me that from ONE session, we had such a great response!! To put things into perspective, the tumor was at about 10 centimeters so that is a significant reduction. The Dr. said she is "very pleased!" So are we!! I'm doing the dance of joy!

Tonight at dinner devotions, it was my turn to read the Bible. I did okay but when I got to this verse, I got rather choked up and had to pass the Bible to Dave to finish....."And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. " (2 Corinthians 9:8) What an incredible encouragement to be reminded that in ALL things at ALL times, we have ALL we need! We are surrounded by God's grace to do His work. We are not on our own power because God makes His grace abound to us! Even on those days we are tired, frustrated, or feeling cruddy, He can still use us! I guess I never really thought about it like that.

Speaking of feeling cruddy, if last time is any indication, Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be the days I'm really beat. But, somehow, I think they'll be a little "sweeter" knowing we are making progress!

So, to my wonderful prayer warriors, major PRAISE for this great news!!

In His Strength,



Cindy and the VK's

Give Thanks, with a Grateful Heart!

Hi All! It's been a while so I thought it was time for another update. We had a fabulous Thanksgiving with a lot for which to be thankful! I've always really liked Thanksgiving...it's a low key holiday with none of the pressure to "be merry" or perfect gift expectations. Instead, it's a chance to gather with friends and family, eat lots of good food and be grateful for our blessings. (Plus I love all the pumpkin and pilgrim decorations! They are just so cute!) This year, our list of things for which we are thankful was a little different.....we were thankful for an excellent oncologist, for all the love, support and prayers of everyone throughout this ordeal and for the way God has placed so many "medical" people in our live to help answer our questions. Our Pastor had a great sermon Thursday morning where he pointed out we are told to to be thankful IN all circumstances, not necessarily FOR all circumstances. I can honestly say I don't know that I'll ever be thankful for cancer. But, we can be thankful for the way God takes care of us through our trials. And, that is something for which we are, well, thankful!

Chemo #2 happens this Thursday. This appointment will be proceeded by labs where they will check several things to make sure I'm healthy enough for another session. Please pray that everything will be okay so we can continue with treatment. I'm also grateful for a really good past week! I'm hoping that now that I've gone through this once, I'll know a little bit more what to expect. Also, please pray for peace....it's a bit unsettling when each new thing occurs wondering "Is this normal?" I'm definitely learning that I'm NOT in charge right now!

Oh, and the hair is still there, although I'm "shedding" quite a bit. My hair dryer is making a horrible noise and I'm wondering what will go first, the dryer or the hair! My money is on the hair!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Thanks again for your love and support!!

In His Strength,


Cindy & The VK's

Just Give Me a Head with Hair, Long Beautiful Hair...

Okay Ladies....let's be honest. We have all looked in the mirror at one point or another and thought "I HATE my hair." I know I have! When I was young, it was thin and never did what I wanted it to do. I was from the generation of the Farrah Fawcett curls and it never seemed to want to "flip" correctly. As I got older, I found a fabulous stylist and friend who understands my hair and knows how to clip, color and style it so it behaves. And, although it's not perfect, it's mine and I like it! It's a weird feeling to look in the mirror and know it will probably be gone in less than a week. I've been told hair loss usually begins on day 14, which will be Thanksgiving. I heard on the radio that for 60% of women facing cancer, losing their hair is their number one worry. Yeah, I can relate. I'm wondering if I will resemble the female version of Mr. Clean.

However, as usual, my dear hubby put things into perspective. He reminded me that although the chemo will make me lose my hair, it's saving my life. We're told in Matthew 10:29-31 "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." I know that God will see me through yet another part of dealing with this cancer. Who knows....maybe my wig will be even better than my own hair! Plus, I'll get to pick out some cute hats and scarves. I'm already thinking that getting ready in the morning will take less time. And, of course, the "frugal" part in me appreciates the money I'll save on my hair the next year. But, I'll honestly admit, I'll look forward to it's return!

Our first "post-chemo week" went pretty well. I felt great the day after and thought "this isn't so bad." But, Saturday morning, the extreme fatigue set in and I did a lot of sleeping over the weekend. I also experienced a couple of annoying side effects, one that warranted a return trip to the Dr. but nothing serious. I'm definitely on the upswing and hoping things will remain stable until my next chemo session on Thursday, November 29.

A real concern of mine is getting sick so please pray that our family stays healthy! Also, for the side effects of the chemo to subside. Praise that I was able to work this past week..it was good to be there. And, as always, that the chemo will do its thing and shrink that tumor!!

Thanks for stopping by and "hairs" to you for your prayers and support! :-)

In His Strength,


Cindy and the VK's

We've Only Just Begun.....

Hi Friends! Today was our first chemo session. It's the first step in what will be a tough battle but it felt SO good to finally be doing something! We arrived down at Rush around 9:30 and met our chemo nurse who was wonderful! She was a Christian lady who had such a gentle spirit and we really hit it off well! We were given a private room, since it was our first treatment. It was a little disconcerting hearing all the side effects that could happen while receiving the drugs and then to make matters worse, before we began with the chemo drugs a woman nearby had a really bad reaction and things sprung into high gear. The doctor was called, nurses went running....things were pretty tense for a few moments. Thankfully, she was treated quickly and was able to continue her chemo. Not something you want to see when you are waiting to begun. I'm happy to report things went very smoothly for us. We had no problems with any of the meds. We can feel how we are being bathed in prayer!!! Dave and I came prepared to wait because we had been warned. We brought books, magazines, movies, cards, MP3's, blankets, snacks, laptops. It's like we were moving in! Pretty hysterical! We landed up playing cards all day. Dave destroyed me the first game but I came back and beat him the next two. He CLAIMS he let me win, but sorry, I'm not buying that!! :-) We arrived home around 6 pm and enjoyed a great dinner. The nurse doubts I'll have too much stomach problems because they gave me a ton of drugs to curtail that. Tiredness should kick in tomorrow. We'll see how that goes.

I had an epiphany early this week because this past weekend, I spent a lot of time worrying. Turns out my ankle was actually fractured so I worried about needing a cast (thankfully, I didn't!). I worried about chemo, I worried about our kids, I worried about long term survival, I worried I won't be able to work due to poor white blood counts, I worried about the cancer coming back, (uh, Cindy....let's get rid of it first!). Thankfully, God hit me over the head with this passage....

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' (Comment from CVK: Does this mean I don't need to cook or do laundry? Ha ha!) For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-29

Now, I realize, we all have more "worries" ahead....it's just human nature. I don't think God wants us to bury our worries, put on a happy face and say everything is great all the time. He knows that we are frail. But, we do need to carefully examine these verses and realize that we DO need to seek HIS kingdom first. Personally, I love verse 27 that says.. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? What a great statement! Instead, I know I wasted time worrying, rather than enjoying the moment. This will be an ongoing challenge for me!

Well, I've rambled on long enough. We truly can't thank you all enough for your prayers...it's a gift of unmeasurable comfort and strength to all of us! Please pray for minimal side effects, that I will stay healthy to do my job (I love the staff and kids at TC, they make me smile!!), and for health for our family. If we can pray for something for you, please don't hesitate to let us know!!!

Thanks for reading this epic! Have a great weekend!!

In His Strength,

Cindy and the VK's

P.S. I had to take of picture of Dave's shirt! Isn't it great?