First Anniversary; One year post-chemo

First Year Anniversary...one year post- Chemo
February 28, 2013

It's an anniversary, It's a CELEBRATION!!!  One year Cancer FREE!!!  God be praised!!
Tomorrow; one year ago, my last chemo treatment...

It's hard to believe that a year can go so quickly and yet SO slowly.  Last Fall, post-op from the major surgery and cancer diagnosis, days were long and filled with God's care for me from my husband, children, sisters and many dear friends.  I well remember another post-hysterectomy gal telling me it took her a year to feel back to normal.  I couldn't begin to imagine 12 WHOLE months.  But, in many ways, she was right. 

It's 12+ months now, and I certainly am feeling more normal, energy wise more than ever.  Praise the Lord, from whom ALL blessings flow.  Last year,  I was preparing for my first chemotherapy treatment, mid-November, preparing to loose my hair, praying for strength as my body healed from surgery and asking God to help me be a testimony in all of this for His glory.

The past months, post chemo have been full and delightful as I get back into the routine of daily life and God continues to heal my body.

On May 17th our oldest son & his wife had their third child.  We were called and asked to come to the hospital to meet this new one, "don't ask any more questions, mom, just come".  After assuring us that mother & baby were all doing well, we couldn't get there fast enough to meet this new one AND to find out the baby's gender.  Such excitement as my dear hubby and I headed to WBH...After going through all the security we arrived in the birthing room, I couldn't wash my hands fast enough.  Our son, handed me his newborn and said, "Mom, I want you to meet "Molly Jewel".   Named for me, this beautiful treasure was placed in my arms and my knees when weak and the tears flowed.
You see, the same week as my cancer diagnosis, they found out this little darling was "on the way".  I was greatly honored and touched.

This was the next day, when the local cousins met
"Molly Jewel"...my arms were joyously full, but not as full as my heart.  God had richly given be the blessing
of seeing my "children's children" -Psalms 128:6

One day in early spring, tears filled my eyes as I washed my face and realized that my eye lashes had grown to a length enough to apply mascara.  What joy!  It's in the little things in life that we can rejoice in God's blessings!  I called my sisters, and we had a celebration of joy; even my lashes were growing.



The beginning of June, I headed back to work after a 9 month medical leave, working 3-4 days a week.  That certainly was an adjustment, but one I continue to enjoy as I interact with customers and sell kitchen & laundry appliances at our local appliance dealership.  Little by little my energy is returning and I am feeling more like myself.  The aches are slowly leaving my body and the hair is returning...
They say that strength returns in the same measure as your hair returns and chemo is leaving your body.



The last week of June our family of 22 gathered for a week vacation on the Jersey shore!  The laughter & fun was in abundance and my heart was FULL!
The grandchildren ranged in age from 6 weeks to 15 years.  The sun and sand were delightful as were all the shared meals, time on the playground and fun in the ocean!  God blessed us in so many ways.  Safety, health and just time together.  This was something I dreamed of as I sat in my chemo chair and lazy-boy recovering.  God truely gave me the desires of my heart to enjoy our family for those days together!  Praise His name!

 This is our precious family. 

Each one such a gift from the Lord.

Who would have believed 36 years ago when we were planning our wedding;

that our union would grow to such a fun group of loved ones.  God has been good to us!

Sometimes, we are just plain crazy...but SO fun!!!



In October I had a CT Scan as well as the three month interval of blood work.  All is normal and we are thankful!  Thankful to God for good reports and good doctors.  I am certain that the Lord blessed me when my family doctor on first visit sent me on the right path to an ovarian cancer diagnosis. 
 
This fall,  I saw both my family doctor and my oncologist.  I was thankful for the opportunity to thank them both for the good medical care.  My family doctor was VERY perceptive when he listened to my symptons to send me on the right track to find the cancer early stage.  What a blessing to be in the care of both of these professionals.  God has been GOOD to me!

In January it was time for blood work and  back to the doctor; again.  This time, my gynocologic oncologist.  She, as well is an amazing care  giver; for whom I am thankful.  All the results were again clear and blood work; including my white blood count (which has struggled since I began chemo) was NORMAL for the first time.  Maybe due to a slight infection I was fighting off, but regardless, I was praising the Lord. 

Late January, my husband & I spent some time in sunny Florida for some R&R with some dear friends.  The weather was warm and delightful and the fellowship sweet.  Another gift from the Lord.

My good man of almost 36 years!

Our 8 younger grandchildren the last time we were together!  Such delight!!!

My 4 beautiful daughters; two of which married into our family!  Love them!!!

These days 1 year out of chemo, I am feeling much more like myself.  Yes, I will continue to have quarterly visits with my Oncologist for blood work and  bi-annual ct scans.  Hopefully next February, I will be able to have my medi-port removed.  (Doc says I should leave it in for 2 years; just to be sure I don't have a re-currance of cancer and need more chemo).  Not to worry; I know my God has a plan and nothing apart from His perfect will comes into my life without going thru His Hand of love.    I trust Him completely. 

I continue to reach out to others who are on a cancer journey.  Praying that I can encourage them as I have have been encouaged & blessed by many of you.  I have been encouraged as I see others learn to trust the Lord in their own journey and I trust that in some small way, I can bless their lives as they go thru treatment and the aftermath of surgery.  It can be a tough regiment and some days are very bleak, BUT God is faithful regardless..

Sometime people comment about how I am doing,....my response; "God is good", but "He would still be good even if I were laying sick in bed."   cause His character cannot change.  He is GOD REGARDLESS and He is GOOD!



I have SO much to thank my heavenly Father for. 
for the blessing of cancer and all I learned on the journey.  It has been a year & half of much dependence on God's grace, of trusting His word and enjoying the blessings of family and friends on this side of eternity.

Today, I recieved a note from a friend to celebrate one year out of chemo.  This gal has stood by me; praying, sharing verses, encouraging, calling, etc.  In fact, she took me to my last chemo treatment February 29, 2012.  That morning before she picked me up, as she was reading her Bible, she read the following verse.  One neither of us knew was in the Bible, but one that fit perfect for that day.

"This is the day we have waited for, we have lived to see it."  Lamentations 2:16b

It was indeed, the day we had waited for...my last chemo treatment.  I rejoice that the "chemo chapter is complete. 
I have learned much about how to care for others in time of need.  I am blessed beyond measure...

Thanks to each of you who prayed and journeyed with me this last year and half.  You blessed my life in more ways that you ever know.    I am a Survivor;  a result of God's mercy & faithfulness in my life..

~Jul

1 year anniversary. God be praised! Sept 2012

This is from my journal 5+ months ago.   September 2012    On the anniversary of my cancer diagnosis...
I know it is late and belated but I wanted to share it with you...



This past week we celebrated an anniversary at our house.
It was Thursday morning and I texted my local children...it read something like this;

This evening last year we all gathered at our dinner table to share news none of us wanted to hear.  A cancer diagnosis...
But God has graciously brought us thru this year of cancer battle, so please come celebrate tonight this year of God's goodness around a table of JOY, celebration, (and dinner).

We greatly missed our Virginia family but most of the others were around the table. It had such a different flavor this year as my good husband grilled steaks to rejoice in God's healing to my body.
Last year there were many questions, tears, and prayers for wisdom.

This year I took opportunity to verbally share some of the verses God used to minister to me on this journey, I wrote out the verses & placed them on the table, one for each of the adults to read so we could all reflect on how God uses His word to encourage us.

I'll share some of them with you.


Isaiah 41:9b,10,13

"...you are my servant; 

I have chosen you & have not rejected you. 

So do not fear; for I AM WITH you. 

Do not be dismayed for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you & help you. 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

For I am the Lord your God,

Who takes hold of your right hand & says to you;

Do not fear I will help you!"

God often used this to let me know He would help me get thru chemo or the aftermath. 

"He will have no fear of bad news;

his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."   Psalm 112:7 

 We need NEVER fear what God allows or brings into our lives when we Trust in Him. 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. "  2 Corinthians 12:9 

Oh, His ABUNDANT grace. How I continue to learn to depend on it. 

Psalms 18:1-3

"I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress & my Deliverer. 

My God is my Rock in whom I take refuge. 

He is my shield & the horn of my salvation. 

I call to the Lord who is worthy of praise. "


Life is a journey; it's just the "passing through".  For on the other side of eternity is the "real deal".  But God promises to continue to carry us thru the journeys of this life in preperation for the glory and celebration on the other side...Heaven!

Cancer Club Friends...

Cancer Club...
Not a club you ever want to be a part of ...
that is unless you have a cancer diagnosis; then if you are like me and a few others, it is quite the place of blessing.  You see, sometimes camaraderie is a blessing from the Lord.

As my dear husband and I have walked this "cancer journey" in the last 7 months, we have found ourselves drawn to others walking a similar path.  We made new friends and strengthened others. Sometimes we contacted them by phone or email or snail mail.  We had coffee or dessert or dinner with them as we shared this path we have found ourselves on; a path specifically designed by Father God. 

We laughed together, we cried; we prayed  and we talked about what its like to process information that you had hoped you would never have to learn about. Somehow we all felt part of this "club" and were intently thankful for each other.

One of our friends; a male also going thru chemo; wanted to try on my wigs and take pictures of the two cancer patients.  We laughed till we cried.

Another friend and I taught each other how to use a pashmina scarf and make it into a turban type hat for "winter covering".  It was warm and perfect for that season.  We had such a good time; laughter was good for the soul.  We journeyed together thru hair loss, dr. appts and chemotherapy.

Another friend sat whispering with me on the sofa about how to process such a diagnosis and the goal of getting well and the celebration of a cruise she and her husband will take when she finishes chemo and radiation treatment for breast cancer.

This is my cousin from Vancouver, CN who was treated for ovarian cancer and is two years out of treatment.  Doesn't she look healthy and great!!  She taught me how to do this head wrap.

She has been a real encouragement to me.

Sometimes we pray together over the phone or text one another verses from scripture that encouraged us that day.  And yes, on chemo day and other days there are text messages back & forth of encouragement with sentiments of love, care and prayers.

Some journeys are more serious than others.  Some are life threatening and others will recover nicely.  Regardless; cancer is never a fun journey.  BUT God is in control and for each of us; He has a plan for His glory.  Tim & I pray faithfully for these we have come to love and care for.

One of my dear friends has battled approx 7 different cancers in the last 11-12 years.  Linda loves the Lord and has truly been my hero in the last 7 months.  She's the one that called following my diagnosis and reminded me that "even in the seeming mistakes along the way, you will see God's hand and leading".  She was right and she knows first hand.  It so happens that Linda receives Chemo treatments regularly at the Health Campus as did I.  Twice we received chemo at the same time.  It was a blessing to see her smiling face and chat a bit while we were "hooked up".   

Here we are chemo and all.  Glad for the company of "friends".

She was there there the day I finished chemo and celebrated with me.  What a hero; celebrating when she still has a long road of treatments ahead receiving "healing poison".

Please pray for Linda.  The cancer journey has become very difficult lately for her with fever and a nasty cough.  Pray for God's continued care for her.  She never complains and is always cheerful!

My dear friend, Beth; another member of the "Cancer Club" has stage IV Colon Cancer.  Beth continues to use this journey to bring glory to God and speak of His faithfulness.

This photo was taken this winter at a fund raiser for their family. 

Tomorrow, April 11, Beth is headed for a 10-11 hour surgery in Baltimore to remove the tumor on her colon and approx 25% of her liver.  Please PRAY for Beth and her family as they head over the mountain of such major surgery and long recovery.  She will be in the hospital for 10-12 days and then have to remain in Baltimore for an additional week to recover nearby her surgeon and oncologist.  The verse I left with her last night before she left with her dear husband for Baltimore was

Exodus 33:14

"The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you and I will give you rest."

as well as Isaiah 41:10 & 13

Do not fear, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed for I am your God,

I will strengthen you & help you.  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,

"do not fear, I will help you!"

So, I'm sure you can see, there is always a "silver lining" in any journey and God sure has blessed me/us with wonderful folks to share the journey with. 

Life after chemo...

I am almost 4 weeks post chemo and truly this is uncharted waters for anyone finishing chemo treatments. It's rather exciting to see how one "feels", how the body responds, and literally how to go on to a new "normal". One thing for sure; God has a plan for my life and I anticipate Him revealing it on a daily basis.

This morning I was reading the following verse.
Psalms 16:11 "You have made know to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasure at a your right hand."

The most blessed place in life; regardless of the circumstances in "in the presence of the Almighty". I'm not talking about heaven here, but yes, heaven here on earth. Obviously; for those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Savior, heaven; eternity with Jesus is our ultimate goal. But for now, this place we call home (here on earth) should be lived in the presence of the Almighty. There is such peace in His presence; there is joy; there is confidence; there is grace for each moment...I could go on and on. The blessing of being in the presence of God daily: moment by moment affects our whole life. This is all much easier said than done. Everything tugs at our time and our days.
To spend time "in His presence" is somehow a bit different that just opening my Bible, reading & saying a prayer. That's a great place to start... But taking the time and energy to really focus on WHO He is and seeking His direction & wisdom for the day becomes such a rich time of hearing from Him and having my mind & heart transformed into His plan for my day. The privilege we have to spend time with God in His Word is a gift... And truly these are the times when God speaks the most clearly to me: when I take the time to go into His presence and "hear" from Him. I continue to trust in Him.

Lamentations 3:24-26
I say to myself, "the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

On Thursday I had blood work and a post-chemo appt with my Oncologist. We thank the Lord for the good report on my cancer blood work. It is at normal levels for ovarian cancer.
My other blood levels have headed downward before heading back to normal. This is all a result of the chemo in my body. The chemo drugs are good for killing cancer cells but also can do some damage to other parts of the body. My white cell count and platelet counts in particular have dropped significantly. This will take some time. The nutritional supplements I take should help build them back to normal levels in time.

I will have blood work weekly to keep tract of these. As a result of these low levels; energy has not yet returned to normal. I have been feeling so good, that, I must discipline myself to "rest" daily or I pay... I still have some neuropathy (numbness & tingling) in my hands & feet. This can take months for the nerves to get back to normal. And my head remains bald. On the flipside, I still don't have to shave my legs. Haha. There's always a "silver lining". They say the hair growth is a good sign that the chemo drugs are leaving the body. so, we'll wait and see how long it takes. I'm told my hair is likely to come in grey and curley. I will just be fun to see... Until then, you might see me in a lightweight cap like this. I have so much to be thankful for.

 This is Hudson our 6 1/2 mo. grandson.  Who is enamored by my cap...and I am enamored by his sweetness.

Thanks for visiting me today!

Round 6...Final

This morning I was reading the following passage from Psalms and the Lord greatly encouraged my heart...
so much so that I had to share it.
It sounds like rain today; which is no surprise.  I think it rained 5 out of the 6 treatment days.
Must be God showering His goodness on me...


Passage from Psalms 119: 105-114

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word. 

 Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.^[d]
 I hate double-minded people, but I love your law.
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end...(vs.112)

God has a plan and I will serve Him in it!!!
Anxious to see what the next chapter looks like; one day at a time...

To God be the glory!!!
jul

Eve of Final Treatment

It's the eve of my final chemotherapy treatment.   WooHoo!!
Tomorrow, last day of February, 2012 (good thing its leap year so I could be done before March). I will finish my 6 rounds of chemo in less than 4 months.

God has been SO faithful to have my blood work suitable for each treatment; even through the help of a "neulasta shot"  to boost my white blood cells for some of the treatments.

These last few months have been full of God's faithfulness in SO many ways.
I have SO much to be thankful for and even though, I have yet to endure the aftermath of round 6 and allow my body to de-tox all the "healing poison" of the last few months...I rejoice in God; my Saviour!

When I start this blog I used the name "He is my Strong Tower" and indeed God has been my Strong Tower; a shelter in the storm..
Psalm 61:3
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

He has so often encouraged my heart as we walked this journey foreign to us in so many ways.  Many times scriptures were  just "right" for the day or the discouragement... 
Other times, a card or knock at the door was the bright spot God used to remind me of His grace & goodness.
I held onto "His righteous right hand" for each step of the way...
Just last night I was sharing these verse with a good friend also fighting a battle with cancer...

Isaiah 41:9b-10; 13
‘You are my servant’;  I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
¹³ For I am the LORD your God  who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;  I will help you.

Yes, countless verses like this one God used to encourage my heart.  It's amazing the peace His Word brings in the midst of questioning and dispair.

Just last week, I was reading in a devotional about Trust & Thankfulness.  Those two things have been utmost in my journey.  Placinmg my trust in my Saviour and reviewing ALL the things I have to be thankful for.

Among my thanks...
-The rich blessing of prayer support... reminders of believers (some I don't even know) praying faithfully and the gift of those I love regularly praying for me/us.
-The phone calls & texts to check in and see how I'm doing...
-The flowers, cards, visits, food, and many other thoughtful gestures.
-Those who visited me at chemo even though I slept thru the visit with conversation & eyes opened.  Those medications make me SO tired!
-Those who transported me to and from chemo, and other medical appointments.
-Wonderful parents on both sides to assist in SO many ways.
-Amazing siblings to both Tim & I who pray & encourage.
-The side-kick sisters, who attend to so many needs and were with me thru thick & thin.
-The love and support of our children amid their own busy lives.
-Our grandchildren who call and make me cards to show their love.
-The faithful love and care of my beloved husband of 35 years in March.
-The grace & faithfulness of my Lord & Saviour.

-Everyone should be as blessed to have such amazing love & support from family & friends.

I thank the Lord for each of you and ask Him to shower you with His goodness and blessing for all you have done for us.

I expect the next month to be similar to the weeks following other treatments; but to actually finish this course is rather exciting!  It's starting to feel like a reality and you might just hear me do the "victory dance" of praise to the Lord from the Lancaster Health Campus when I'm done...
God be praised for great things He has done!

My wonderful Oncologist; Dr. Oyer tells me I'll come back for blood work & an exam in one month; then 4 weeks later more blood work as well as a CT scan.  Then I will be on a 3 month rotation of blood work and CT for several years.  If all is well, eventually the appointments will go to a 6 month rotation.

Cancer is a scary thing; one never knows when it might rear its ugly head again...But God is in control of my life and He has my days numbered for His glory. Therefore; I WILL TRUST in HIM and not fear! 
He has a plan in all of this...and its for His glory.

Family

I come from a large family of 6 children.  The generations live from PA to Ohio and Virginia. 

There are 4 generations of over 70 dear ones. 

It is a very Rare occasion that we ALL are able to gather together. 

But this January God blessed us with this opprotunity as we gathered for our Christmas celebration.  EVERYONE had planned to be in attendance; so my precious mother did lots of planning to have a family picture taken.  This was quite a task, but one that she did with ease; to find a location, professional photographer and common time for all.  You are truely amazing, mother, your energy at 78 blesses me; I can only hope that I have 1/2 of your stamina at your age...



The four generation of the  James M. Garber Family





Our family makes up 20 of the 70+ 





These are our 10 grandchildren ranging in age from 15 to 1 month. 
Our hearts and arms are delightfully BLESSED!!



Below are some fun pictures I snapped during our early morning photo session

My beautiful neice & nephew...siblings

My nephew's wife and their daughter, my great-neice

Cousins sometimes show up dressed in similar shirts!

These cousins, 2 of my beautiful granddaughters had matching dresses.

And these cousins, my grandsons looked great in their stripped sweaters!

These two cousins, live states apart, but love each other & are together whenever they are able!

Soon we all gathered in a large room at the location of choice 

where my beautiful niece graced us with her glorious piano music. 

After we sang a few Christmas carols together and read "The CHRISTMAS Story" from Luke 2,

My wonderful dad, & mother began the task of calling each name and presenting each with a small gift bag.

He asked each to wait to open the gift until all had recieved.

Inside the bag was a shirt for each family member. 



All 71 of the family dressed in the Garber Family Shirts.
 Check out the 72 taped onto the front of our DIL shirt as she carrys the next great grandchild.  73 is taped on the shirt of my neice who is due a few weeks after #73, (the number is not visable on this picture).





Yes, each person's shirt was colored according to the generation they belong...
Dad & Mother in white,
their children & spouses in red

Grandchildren & spouse in tan

Great grandchildren in black

Each one numbered as they entered the family!



These are our two daughters with 70 & 71 in their arms. 





My precious parents #1 and #2
flanked by the orginal siblings #3 thru #8



My dad always says, "it all started with a walk in the park..." with my mother.

It is fitting that the line would be part of the logo of the family shirts.

These shirts are a tribute to my dear parents, their love for each other and their Saviour!

As well as the fine way their raised their family and continue to bless the generations to follow.

From there we all gathered at the home of my sister & BIL for Christmas dinner. 

Each had a seat and felt the fine hospitality of these two and my gracious sister & BIL.

These two handsome young men, cut & served the PRIME RIB.

They are the sons of my sister & BIL in Ohio who own & operate Duma Meats...

There is always Duma Prime Rib; compliments of my parents at Christmas Dinner.



My family is such a gift from the Lord; as you can see I am richly blessed!

Thanks for taking the time to visit me here...