Continuing to Celebrate Victories Each Day

Wednesday, November 27, 2007

I continue to have victories to celebrate! On Monday I had two great visits with Dr. Borland, my surgeon, and Dr. Crandall, my Advocate and spiritual healer.

Dr. Borland reported that my bladder infection has cleared up. YAHOO! He also told me that I am doing great from the surgery. especially considering all the “stuff” I went through prior to and during.

We has a great discussion about the type of cancer I had. He said that he was able to determine that the tumor started in the kidney and went into the ureter. Thankfully the disease was confined to these organs and was confirmed by pathology to be Transition Cell Carcinoma vs. Renal Cell Carcinoma. The difference between the two might not seem all that important, however 95% of Kidney cancer is the Renal Cell which therefore has the most published information.

Dr. Borland said, “If you are going to have cancer this is the best type to have.” If there is comfort to be found in that statement, I do have comfort. Dr Borland does not want to speculate about what additional treatment will be recommended by Dr Swartz, the oncologist. On Monday, December 2nd we will have our consultation with him to discuss options.

Our visit with Dr. Crandall was also positive with only minor tweaks in my blood thinner. My leg that had the blood clot is now almost back to normal. Although, the new normal is skinny. Dr. Crandall and I believe that the Lord has completed His healing once the cancer was removed. I will have to have periodic checks on my bladder and other parts to make sure that no cancer shows up elsewhere.

God’s hand has touched this body and continues to show Himself faithful. In spite of the reactions to the antibiotics, blood clots and infections, He has healed me so quickly. The doctors expected at least 6 weeks of recovery and I hit 4 weeks today, so I am 2 weeks ahead of schedule! My current full-time job is to gain back some of the 20 pounds that has vanished from my body. I am currently 124 pounds, which is about what I weighed when I was 20. Now if I could only have the energy of a 20 year old, that would be a different story!

What might be even cooler would be to just turn the clocks back 36 years to when Leo and I met. Our life together has been an incredible journey of highs and lows, but it’s a journey that has been blessed by God because of our obedience to persevere through all obstacles and adversity. Our walk with God has created a much richer walk with each other.

Very Blessed,

Candy

Thanksgiving and Thanks to the Giving !

Thursday, November 22, 2007 

It is now three weeks since my surgery.  I am getting stronger day by day, which is necessary to prepare for the chemo treatments we will be discussing with Dr. Schwartz, our oncologist, on December 3^rd.  It has been great that I have been able to get out of the house and visit friends while enjoying the fabulous weather. 

I have also been spending my time focusing on two other topics; first is the thanksgiving season that we are in, and second is thanks to the giving God who loves me so much that he wants me to be healed. My family means so much to me as well.

My husband Leo and I have always been close, but during this journey God has touched our relationship in a new way.  The road I travel is not easy but it makes it much lighter knowing that Leo is going right along with me.  His support and compassion is overwhelming, and I know without a doubt if he could he would make it all go away.  He is truly a reflection of our heavenly father. 

Our son Aaron and daughter Stefanie are two of the best people we know.  They are not only our children but our best friends.  We have always done everything together - the good, the bad and the ugly.  We have such a strong tie and God holds the cord.  I am so thankful that God touched Stefanie’s heart back when she was twelve (15 years ago) and Aaron’s when he was sixteen (15 years ago).  After that it was easy for each of us to follow suit and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  We are so proud of both of them.   

Our extended family has rallied by mail and blog to show their love and support.  This is a time when you truly get the meaning of family.  For no matter how busy we are with our lives, it is important to stop and let each other know of the love and respect we have for each other.

Our friends continue to love on us and shower us with prayers of thanksgiving.  God does such a better job picking out our friends than we do; we’ve been so blessed.  It’s wonderful to see him work through them to minister to us. 

Thanks to the Giver who is Jesus Christ, our father and healer.  He is giving me hope of a future.   

I have been reading “Healing the Sick” by T.L. Osborn.  It is one of the books that Dr. Crandall gave to me.   I think that it’s quite interesting that he notes that as Christians we sometimes pray for the sick with the faith-destroying phrase, “if it be your will”.  Have you ever heard that?  I have; in fact I’ve prayed those exact words much to my shame.  The message taught in the Bible is one of complete healing for spirit, and body, for all who come to Him.  Jesus wants to show His healing power today, just as He did two thousand years ago when He walked this earth.

Hebrews 13:8 (New Living Translation)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Matthew 14:36 (New Living Translation)

They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.The more I lean about faith and healing, I learn that one can not be undecided or half committed. Both faith and healing are free gifts offered to all who are open to fully accept from a great and mighty God who loves each and every one of us who accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

Exodus 15:26 (New Living Translation)

God said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.”If God said this, and God cannot lie, He meant it.  What God says is true.  So, healing is mine and it is yours! 

So, I have titled today’s thoughts as Thanksgiving and Thanks to the Giving.  

Thanksgiving – because I am so thankful for the blessings of my family, my friends, my healing and my faith. 

Thanks to the Giving – because I am so thankful to the ultimate giver and what God has done for me and you.

John 3:16 (New Living Translation)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

On Thanksgiving Day, as we celebrate all  that we are thankful for, I want to encourage you to think about what God has given on our behalf.

Thankfully accepting victory,

Candy

Beefing Up

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 

We are now celebrating two weeks since surgery.  Yesterday I reported that my staples were removed.  We also received a positive report on the speed of my recovery.  My number one mission now is to regain my strength and rebuild my immune system. 

It will be approximately two weeks until we meet with the oncologist.  Between now and then I am working toward living a productive life.   

We will be doing a once-a-week update beginning next Wednesday on what is going on so that you how know how to pray. 

We again want to thank you for the many prayers and notes of encouragement.  We are so grateful for what God has done and is doing through our lives.  So many things have been accomplished through the marvels of this blog.  We feel so much closer to all of you by having the opportunity of sharing this opportunity in our life. 

Claiming victory!

Candy

“I’ve Called You By Name”

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 

Today was my visit with Dr. Borland.  He took out all the staples (stitches).  What wonderful feeling!  I now feel as though I can bend a little bit.  The dog is thrilled as I can now bend down to give him his water.  Previously I had to take a cup of water and hold it waist high and aim at his bowl!  He looked at me like I was crazy, but he’s been looking at me like that a lot lately since I’m unable to get down and love on him like I used to.  I know that will change soon though. 

Once again, Dr. Borland also discussed the cancer he found in the two lymph nodes.  Of course he can’t be sure that the cancer did not travel somewhere else so he will be speaking to an oncologist during my surgery rehab time.  His main interest right now is for me to continue healing. 

He did detect what he feels may be a bladder infection.  Please pray over the next 48 hours that whatever it is will go away.  I’ve never had one before but he says that it is common due to the catheter that I had in for 10 days while in the hospital.  Of course if it comes out positive I will have to go on antibiotics and you know what that means for me.  I will be at high risk of getting the C-diff back again.  I am remaining optimistic and concentrating on God, my mighty healer.   

I took this scripture to the hospital and keep it at my side.

Isaiah 43:1-3 
“Fear not for I have redeemed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.”

“When you walk through the water, I will be with you.”

“When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you,

For I am the Lord your God the Holy One of Israel – your Savior.” 

Claiming victory,

Candy

Enveloped in His Arms

Monday, November 12, 2007 

Well, today I was finally able to do my daily devotions.  This was a huge victory for me.  I really missed it.  I had been in the habit, and it just always makes my day.  I have found, at least for myself, that while sick it’s hard to stay on any schedule…even one that you know lifts you up and encourages your spirit.  Even though I know that God sees our suffering and understands when we can’t physically attend to it, I still felt bad because I miss that time with Him.  The funny thing is He’s been here all the time with me, just waiting for me to be ready.  How patient is our God!   

My sister sent a beautiful video of a sand hill crane that laid two eggs over in Titusville.  It was a slide show with beautiful music.  One of the eggs hatched with a little duckling.  When it came to the baby being tucked under the wings of its mom I lost it again.  Yes folks, the tears came as I thought back to my suffering and fear when I was in the hospital.  I remember envisioning our Father’s arms just enveloping me.  Here is the web page for those who want to view this remarkable miracle.  It is a little lengthy so you may want to wait to watch it when you have time to just kick back.  Click here: ROBERT GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY  

Today I saw my friend Dr. Crandall.  He was amazed at how well I look so soon.  He said most people are not anywhere near looking as well.  I’ll take it.  It’s amazing what a positive perspective can do for you!   He was also able to level out my blood thinner Coumadin, for which I am so thankful. 

I’ve come a long way today but I must remember to slow it down, so I’m going to go now.  Please be in prayer for tomorrow’s appointment with Dr. Borland.  I am looking forward to having the staples removed (all 44 of them)!   

Good night dear blog friends,

Candy

A Beautiful Love Letter

Sunday, November 11, 2007 

Today was just a beautiful day of worship and family spending time together.  In yesterday’s blog Candy shared about her re-entry into home life and how much she values even the simple things like a grilled cheese sandwich.  She also said that this afternoon was a time for us, and that too is extremely special these days. 

We originally discussed not blogging today and we felt that everyone would certainly understand.   However, each day is a day deserving of celebrating the victories that God continues to bless us with.  So today, we can happily report that Candace is eating a little more (she is enjoying the chicken soup) each day and her strength continues to build.  Praise God that He is keeping the nausea away as she smells and eats food again.   

Oh, and for the record, I did feel like I had to ask God for His forgiveness for raising my voice to Him last week when we were in the hospital and I demanded that He show up NOW.  In His still quiet voice, He told me that since we are best friends it was cool.  He also said that He was glad that I interrupted; He had thousands of Miami Dolphins fans praying for their first win on Sunday.  However, he did indicate that He probably could not do much about that situation.    

Sorry for going down a bunny trail! 

What I really wanted to share today was that God has led me several times today to the Song of Solomon or The Song of Songs depending where you are reading.  There are several interpretations of this book in the Bible.  I looked at a few study Bibles to get a better understanding, but I will not be sharing my opinion here.  Instead, I encourage you to study and arrive at your own opinion.   

The study Bibles propose that this book is viewed as one of the following: 

1.  Allegory.  This view sees it as God’s love for His chosen people.

2.  Narrative. This view sees it as Solomon’s love affair with a woman.

3.  Parable.  This view sees it as a parable of Christ and His church.

4.  Literal.  This view sees it as Solomon celebrating the virtues of human love.

Then there is my favorite pastor who would say that this book is one that truly demonstratest that the Bible full of thrills, romance and adventure! What an exciting book!

Today, I declare the Song of Solomon a beautiful love letter to my gallant warrior, who has a heart of a lion and stands victorious though her faith in our great God.    A beautiful love letter to my Lady Candace. 

Blessings Blog Buddies, blog on, 

Leo 

I leave you with this challenge: 

Have some fun and come up with your own opinion of the Song of Solomon.  Click on this link http://www.biblegateway.com/ and read it in various translations of the Bible.   
 

Grilled Cheese Anyone?

 Saturday, November 10, 2007 

Any of you that know me well know how hard it is for me to sit for any length of time.  This morning I literally “hit the wall”.  I call it my crying wall.   Leo went off to teach GIG 401 in Royal Palm.  I was all set up once again on my lovely settee sitting in front of my water view slider.  The day, as you Floridians know, was a carbon copy of the lovely one that we had yesterday. 

By 10:00 AM my friend Faye came to take me out to get some smaller, looser clothing.  Funny thought, smaller but looser…. But given my incisions I need something that won’t rub them, and they need to be smaller because of my new petite size.  Much to my dismay, by the time she arrived I had collapsed on my bed too tired to go anywhere. 

We sat for a while and talked on my sofa, when don’t you know it, out of nowhere I start to cry.  I’m not much of a crier; oh sure I may water up once in a while. but downright cry without ceasing?  No!  Well, what better way to release all that I have been going through.   In a while we were able to gaze over the lake and thank God for His faithfulness to me and the surety that He has me right in the palm of His hand.  He knows everything that has and will happen to me.  He loves me and wants no harm to come to me.  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  What a wonderful reminder.  The crying was wonderful medicine for me…and long overdue. 

We spent a wonderful time together with Pastor Don stopping by for prayer.  Suddenly, who should appear but Char. (Char has recently gone through a six month plus journey with cancer) In her take-charge way, she told me to get on the sofa and stay there.  I needed recouping time.  (She knows me well).  She then told me to stop worrying about what I should eat and not eat.  She asked me if I’d like a grilled cheese sandwich.  I threw caution to the wind and said yes.  I ate the entire sandwich!  Folks, that is huge for me.  I haven’t eaten half a sandwich since my journey!  Plus she gave me a ¼ of banana.   

This is a turning point day on this journey. I just finished dinner and ate the entire bowl of Leo’s chicken soup and was actually looking for more!  Who would have ever thought I’d be thankful for something as simple as this!  It won’t be long before I’m back in my old clothes, so I’ve decided to forgo the shopping spree and leave things as they are. 

Tomorrow I look forward to Leo and Candy time.  It is Sunday after all.  He has services until early afternoon, so I will continue recouping and then he’s all mine when he gets home.  He is such a gem and I thank God for him.  Through this journey we are drawing closer to each other as never before.  

I love each and every one of you in more ways than you will ever know.  Please keep up the prayers for me to gain my strength back, and please pray for my appointment on Tuesday with Dr. Borland to discuss our next steps.   I’m also looking forward to having Dr. Borland remove all these staples from my mid section. 

I pray God’s blessing upon each of you.  

Candy.  

Dancing the Jig!!!!

Friday, November 09, 2007

This update today comes from the former patient who actually did dance the jig for the GI nurse practitioner, physical therapists and the shift nurse once they released me from my tether.  They said, “How can we keep someone here who feels that good?”

I have relieved Leo from his writing today for a new assignment which included the making of his secret family homemade chicken soup and firing up the Jack La Lanne power juicer for fresh, ripe fruit juices.  You should see this machine; it looks like I should put it next to the washer and dryer it is so big.

 

He is now fulltime in the kitchen preparing….. Only kidding, he makes chicken soup in barrels.  All in preparation to fatten me up as I have lost close to 20 pounds since the beginning of this journey. I am overjoyed to be out of the hospital!  No more being tethered to a bed 24/7.  After 8 days they finally agreed to let me out.  I told Leo that I would be terrible in prison.  Thank goodness you don’t have to share a room at the Jupiter Med Resort!

I am sitting here all freshly showered and in my pj’s just reveling in the beauty of God’s creation.  I will try and paint you a picture.  I am sitting on a small sofa in front of my open 12 foot slider.  The air has no humidity in the mid seventies and there is not a cloud in the sky.  The breeze is gently blowing as I sit gazing over our lake (for you Northerner’s, we call them lakes but they’re actually man made water ways).  It is just beautiful and I’m thanking God that He has brought me this far on the journey to recovery.  Now I am working on regaining my strength and appetite.

I have not been on any pain meds for two days. Yes, the incisions ache and it’s hard to get comfortable, but I must say it’s nothing that cannot be handled.  I am just so grateful to start smelling again.  For any of you who have been in a hospital for any length of time and been under anesthesia and meds, I’m sure you can appreciate what I’m talking about.  When I got home I was so disappointed to smell the same smell as the hospital until I realized it was me!  UGH.

 

I want to thank everyone for writing in and sending cards!  All your love and prayers have brought me through a rough time.  You all made the road easier and lighter and for that I thank you.  I have so much to share and yet it is so hard to write it all down (I was never a gifted writer like Leo).  I can tell you this, without all of you and my faith I wouldn’t be in the rehabilitating state that I am in right now.

 

So I sign off for today with a grateful heart.

 

Candy

To Have or Not to Have

Thursday, November 8, 2007

It was just late yesterday when we were told that Candace once again had c-diff, that nasty bowel infection. The culture has tested positive and she was considered in isolation. Anyone entering the room was required to wear gloves and a plastic gown. This wasn’t much of a surprise since the last two days she had several bouts with the nausea and vomiting. It was 6:30 PM and about an hour after she tried to eat a light dinner with little success, so we tried a liquid shake. We knew that she had to get some nutrition into her, because she was not going home until she was able to hold down food, solid, soft or liquid.

Just before our kids arrived she started to dry heave which quickly changed to anything in her stomach coming out. Sure enough the kids walked in just in time to be a part of it all. After about ten minutes of the constant heaving her incisions were causing pain and we had enough. The nurses tried something through the IV system and it did not work.

I started to stroke her head and quietly pray that my Jesus would relieve her of this nausea; I started to pray fervently that my God would intervene not tomorrow, but Now! I spread my body across her and prayed louder that my Savior would show Himself clearly NOW! Candace stopped being sick almost immediately.

Within an hour Pastor Don came to visit after Wednesday church service and told us about the number of people who were praying on Candace’s behalf. Shortly after that our third adopted sister came to have night two of the slumber sleep over. I must say she did look pretty funny getting ready to hunker down for the night with the gloves and plastic gown. I could laugh at her because I wasn’t wearing the protective gear. I figure if I hadn’t caught c-diff by the time they detected it I was not going down at all.

The girls had a good night and by the time I arrived at the hospital this morning Nancy had already left, and you guessed it, so had early bird Borland and Dr. Crandall. Interestingly Dr. Crandall left 3 books for us to read: “How to Receive a Healing”, “Healing The Sick” and “Christ The Healer”.

Candace was sitting up with no nausea, had eaten some breakfast and had some of my comfort food and was holding it all down. The docs had agreed that going home was in sight if she could continue to eat and hold it down.

We are now claiming victory over the nausea and praising God for His faithfulness to show up the night before.

We were pumped and getting excited about having lunch and keeping it down. Our other adopted sister Faye brought us some sandwiches that gave us an edge over the hospital food.

It was just before Faye arrived that the shift nurse came in and told us that she did not believe it but the records were showing a negative on c-diff. She called the GI doctor and told him about the new findings. He talked with Dr. Borland and Dr Crandall and they all agreed if we had a solid day we could go home tonight.

We are now claiming A MAJOR VICTORY, because I write this update from our home with Candace in her own bed. Praise God for showing up at the right time.

So, there shouldn’t be much question about the recurring thought throughout this day: Faith in my God.

FAITH is something that you either have or you don’t. We all need to have and build our own faith. Most people wait until they meet some crisis: They may become sick, maybe a family member becomes sick, perhaps a financial problem that is bigger than one’s checkbook balance threatens one’s peace and stability…whatever it may be, we will all face crisis in some form or another.

When crisis calls, many people typically run to find someone who can pray for them. But that doesn’t work if their expectancy for relief or resolution is based on another person’s faith. They have to have their own faith. Don’t get me wrong; God tells us to share our requests with one another. However, we have to have our own faith foundation.

To have faith or not to have faith is something that is completely up to us individually. Faith is not something that we are born with, nor is it something that our parents can give to us, or even teach us. Ah, you may be thinking that surely we can be taught to have faith. You can be raised in a loving family where your Mom and Dad have faith and they can teach you about it just like they can teach you the ABC’s, how to read books and how to do math.

So why is that I am saying they can’t they teach us faith?

I believe we can surely be raised by Godly parents who teach us God’s principals and values and they can even teach us who God is. We can also know all the biblical stories they are willing to read to us as children. BUT until we exercise our own individual free-will to accept the precious gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit will not take residence in our heart to start us on our very own journey of faith.

Romans 12:3 (The Message)
I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

So once again I have to leave you with a few thoughts:

Where are you going if you have a crisis in your life?

Will God listen to you when you call out to him?

Do you know the exact day that you established your own personal faith?

You know what’s coming next, if you don’t know the answers to these questions, then today is the day that you can make changes that will effect your place in eternity.

Blessings Blog Buddies, Blog on,

Leo

Slowly I Turn Step By Step, Inch By Inch

Wednesday, November 07, 2007 
 

Yes, another Chamber of Commerce day in Palm Beach County, mid to high seventies no humidity, light breeze and clear skies.  For all of our blog buddies around the country and around the world we throw that in just to make you a little jealous.  I know, I know there are all those months of heat, sun and humidity and who would want to put up with that horrid climate. Good thing not everyone wants to fight such elements. 

This morning when I arrived at 8:15 AM, I had just missed Dr Borland, (go figure) and Lisa had just left.  Lisa one of our adopted sisters.  She and Candace decided yesterday to have a sleepover slumber party.  Sounds like fun but Candace has actually been having more bouts of nausea and vomiting any time food comes into the picture. Getting a nurse or aid in a moment’s notice just is not very easy in the middle of the night, thus the real reason for the sleepover.  Lisa is the mom of our son Aaron’s girlfriend…what a way for the two moms’s to get a lot closer.   

It was late today that further study confirmed that Candace once again has c-diff, that nasty infection that she had after the first procedure earlier on this journey.

      What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) colitis?

Antibiotic-associated (C. difficile) colitis is an infection of the colon caused by C. difficile that occurs primarily among individuals who have been using antibiotics. It is the most common infection acquired by patients while they are in the hospital. More than three million C. difficile infections occur in hospitals in the US each year. After a stay of only two days in a hospital, 10% of patients will develop infection with C. difficile. C. difficile also may be acquired outside of hospitals in the community. It is estimated that 20,000 infections with C. difficile occur in the community each year in the U.S.

Prior to this late day development, we were planning to go home tomorrow.  This may add another day or two to our stay at the Jupiter Medical Resort.  Earlier today I was able to take Candace outside to the Prayer Garden, which is a beautiful courtyard garden area with sitting areas or as we called them prayer stations.    

Today completed one full week here, which is when they like to get guests out.  I told you…it really is like a resort.  I even asked if I could trade one of my RCI timeshare weeks for our extended stay.  I still believe shared ownership of hospital rooms is a good idea.  To my development friend: this could be a market coming to bloom with the aging Baby Boomers. 

The recurring thoughts the Lord has laid on my heart today has been about the support group that has been around us every minute of this past week.  At the risk of omitting anyone from the list, I will not attempt to name all who have been there to lift-up and support my mighty warrior as she prepared for and has endured this journey.  To my inner circle who has been there holding me up as I start to lean , and to my ministry team who has grabbed the bull by the horns and charged on, I love you all.  To our platoon of doctors and healthcare professionals on our medical team who pray for Candace daily, we know God is using your medical skills and the words of your prayers. 

The Holy Spirit of God gives us the ability to; literally love the fear out of one another.  His love creates an environment of support, a safe zone, a place where we can share our joy and pain, along with our victories and setbacks.

1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (The Message)

 The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.

We have armies of prayer partners around the globe.   Thousands of people are lifting us up, many who don’t even know us.  They only know that we are children of God and they know that we have asked for prayer, so they faithfully pray. The thought of that is beyond expression. 

So, day eight has brought a bit of a roller coaster, but we have always enjoyed riding the roller coasters of life.  We charge on with the bold confidence that our Lord holds us in the palm of His hand. It is our God who is the great healer, and it is our God who owns all the cattle on a thousand hills, so to our God this is just a cheeseburger.

Proverbs 29:25 (The Message)

 The fear of human opinion disables;  trusting in God protects you from that

So, I leave you with these questions; 

Do you have an inner circle? 

Do you have the safe place to be you? 

Do you have the trust in God that he is your heavenly Daddy? 

You know what’s coming next…if you don’t know the answers to these questions, then today is the day you can make changes that will effect your place in eternity. 

Blessings Blog Buddies, Blog on, 

Leo 

Oh, I am sorry that the Tuesday update was delayed in posting. You may see this coming, but I have not set this up!   We regrettably experienced CCD (Cyber Connection Dysfunction).  Can you believe it! 

A Little Humor to Ease the Tension

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Today is the seventh day since Candy’s operation and I am pleased to report that things are looking better and brighter. We are claiming victory on this day before it even starts!

Today was another perfect South Florida day with bright sun, a slight breeze and temperatures in the low eighties. I’m not sure if the weather played a part in Candace’s health, but she was just as bright and cheerful as the day outside!

Just in case I haven’t told you lately, she is my heroin for toughing out this mighty battle. She has the courage of a warrior and the heart of a lion, but the personality and charm of Lady Candace.

Today, the heart monitor and all of its wires were removed. The pain management was changed from a drip morphine plus an extra shot hand pump to a much less aggressive pain pill. If you are wondering why there was such aggressive pain control it was because they opened her up like they were going to climb in. The incision on her belly, which I previously reported as four inches, is actually closer to six inches while the incision on her left side is close to twelve inches. Dr. Borland did a great job of cutting in straight lines and did a remarkable job of stapling her closed. They resemble those big plastic zippers you would see on a heavy winter coat.

We did have some fun talking about how she would deal with battle scars of that size. The words beach and bikini was mentioned a few times in that conversation, but a full body suit may have been mentioned more. Personally, I think it would be a lot of fun to not hide the obvious and take a proactive approach. We could get creative by doing body art that incorporates a really big zipper.

I know, easy to say for me, it won’t be my body wearing the body art!

On another topic, the number of people who are staying connected to the blog continues to fuel Candace’s recovery and my writing. We can feel the love and prayers from all of you.

To our friends who have taken the time to write to us, we are sorry that we have not been able to answer you individually. Perhaps when Candace regains her strength she will take that project on.

To our friends who just stop by the blog to get updated, thank you for staying tuned-in.

To all of our friends who have opted to use snail-mail, thanks for taking the time to go out of your way with a personal touch. All of your efforts have blessed us, so as the saying goes keep ‘em coming.

Then, there is another group that deserves a special thank you. This group is the over 50 crowd that use e-mail because if they didn’t they would be admitting their unwillingness to change with the times. Just to note, I am 50 plus and believe that is not even an option for us Baby Boomers.

I was talking with a 50 plus male friend who has been traveling on business and was staying tuned in for updates. He said that there has been one technological problem with blogging for him. He could not figure out how to leave a comment on the blog.

So now that I have been hanging with all these doctors, nurses and health care professionals I quickly slipped into the diagnosis mode. After a few inquisitive questions, I diagnosed that he had one of two possible conditions and offered him my professional recommendations.

Good Morning, ————-

We did receive your note on the blog last week. It has been the only one caught by the SPAM man for some reason. Perhaps because you are a single, cyber-active adult, you accidentally contracted a cyber social active virus and it is being detected by Dr. Spam.

However upon further study, I am considering an alternative diagnosis.

Perhaps you are experiencing Cyber Connection Dysfunction (CCD). Accordingly, I recommend that we consult with an expert computer geek before I prescribe using CYAGRA. While using CYAGRA you may experience high blood pressure, high speed glitches, slow booting starts or loss of weight and/or appetite. If you experience a connection for longer than four hours, contact your Geek immediately.

Believe it or not, he understood this completely and today he is a healthy blogger.

Just a little humor to ease the tension!

Blessings, Blogging Buddies! Blog On!!

Leo

Live to Learn and Learn to Live

Monday November 5, 2007

Today is the day we have been waiting for since last Wednesday when the surgery was done. No matter what I say in this first paragraph, you only want to know the results of the pathology report. I will not hold back or try to build suspense.

Dr. Borland was here bright and early, not quite 4:00 AM as he has done last week, but we were his first stop. Dr. Borland was the bearer of good news. He reported that of the eight lymph nodes the harvested during surgery for further testing, two have traces of the Transitional Cell Carcinoma. This is not the best we could have done, but it is still great in the scope of potential.

We are claiming VICTORY with this.

The next step is for Dr. Borland to meet with oncology to determine if treatment is necessary or if we will just need to watch for further growth or development.

The title of today‘s update “Live to Learn and Learn to Live” probably makes you think that I am now going to start to talk about changing our lifestyle as a result of all that is happening. There are probably plenty of you out there who are saying, “Hello”, it’s about time. Well, that is something we can talk about later; for now our title holds another meaning.

The meaning of this title today is to give all of our friends something to think about. Seldom a week passes that we do not hear about someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. This is something that we WILL all deal with at some level until we pass through the gates of heaven and enter the halls of eternity.

It has been Candy’s desire to help as many people as possible as she walks through her journey so the point of the title is this:

Live to Learn – We all have to be life long learners. Education does not end when one completes college or special training. In fact, education is only the foundation that holds up the building of life. The best investment anyone can make is in themself. Learning is a life long journey.

Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose Driven Life, says “The moment you stop learning is the moment that you stop leading.”

John Maxwell, the author of 58 Leadership books, says that “Leadership starts by leading yourself,” and “to grow you have to be intentional” and “you will not grow unless you have a personal growth plan.”

Learn to Live – As I said above we WILL all be dealing with this horrid disease called cancer and we have a choice to be educated about it or not. We need to understand symptoms, causes and cures..

John Maxwell has also said, “ The greatest obstacle to discovery isn’t ignorance or lack of intelligence….it’s the illusion of knowledge.”

Norman Vincent Peal, renowned author, said “We always need to be striving and never arriving.” The need to educate is our own personal responsibility.

He’s not the guy who said you can never be too rich or too thin!

Every great person of accomplishment accepts the accomplishment as a stepping-stone to the next accomplishment.

Since we have been on this journey, we have spent hours becoming educated on the topic. It has been extremely helpful in communicating with the doctors and sharing in the strategy options. We suggest that you be prepared for the day that you find yourself having to participate in the decision-making process on behalf of a family member, a friend or heaven forbid, yourself. It is not our desire to alarm you, scare you or shock you; we warn you because we love you, and in some cases, we have walked before you.

Live to Learn and Learn to Live; and do it as if your life depends on it because it does. Learning can be taught or caught, take it anyway you can get it.

So, I will leave you with these thoughts:

Do you have a personal growth plan?

Do you know how you will face potential health issues?

Do you know where you will be for all of eternity?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, don’t run and hide or feel inferior. Today is a great day to start your journey. Remember God has wired us to belong to His family because He knows that we are better together.

I cannot close without a quote from perhaps the wisest man of all times, King Solomon and author of the book of Proverbs who said,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.”

Blessings Blog Buddies, Blog on!

Leo

It’s All About Family

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

Today is Sunday and generally a family day for many going to church and connecting with family and friends for various activities. In our busyness, we tend to forget about the healthcare professionals that are giving care to the sick and lame on Sundays and holidays. They also have families, but they chose to work in a profession that does not stop to allow them to have family day on Sunday.

This Sunday is certainly a lot different for our family. For Candace, today started like the past few days, with a parade of doctors, nurses, physical therapist and assistants. They don’t even sleep in just a little or start a little later! It is just another day of poking, probing and propping.

Yesterday the docs thought that with a few less wires and hoses hooked to her it would be good to try to make the transition from a “clear liquid diet” to a “soft diet”. This would allow her to start eating and it would get the gut and internal plumbing going again. Much has been “asleep”, so to speak, since the operation.

It was only three days ago that they cut her belly and her left side, went in and moved everything around to get to the cancerous kidney, removed the kidney, and then removed the complete ureter which connects to the bladder. This surgery was like having two major procedures at the same time.

This morning before I arrived Candace was eating some soft bread for breakfast but it got only part way down her throat before it decided to stop. I’m sure you can start to get this not too pretty picture. This happened just after the nurses removed the Foley as they call it, non-healthcare professionals call it a catheter, and us guys call it a bag. Fortunately, her urologist and nephrologist had both just been in to see her and were still on the floor. They were able to make the necessary corrections. Unfortunatley the Foley was re-installed, so she is back on the “clear liquid diet”.

This day did not start out with the victory we have been enjoying these last few days.

Another slight set back is that she developed a cough last night that clearly sent a signal that there was something going on in her left lung. In addition, there was some swelling in her legs. Needless to say, these developments required more testing. Since being here I have learned that the doctors don’t like to use the word ”test”. Instead, they say the patient needs “further study”. Generally, tests are perceived as a pass or fail result; one cannot flunk further study.

Well, these developments earned her another ride down to the x-ray department for the lung thing, another blood test and a therapist for breathing exercises. She also had to have a sonogram for the swelling in the legs. They are either still studying the results or they didn’t find anything that required further action.

To be honest, at this point victories were getting hard to come by today.

However, it wasn’t too much longer before we did enjoy our victory for the day. It was the victory that we have found when we came to know the Lord. It was the victory of His presence and the presence of our family. Ah, here we go, back to the family conversation!

We have all heard it said, “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family” and “Don’t feel like your family is unique; everybody’s family is crazy.”

Candace and I have been together since 1971 and have been married since 1972. We both grew up in solid, loving homes with typical families, and while they were not unique, they were just a little crazy. (Love you all)

Family is a place where we are accepted, supported and challenged. It is truly a place where we know we belong. It is an environment in which we plan to leave our greatest legacies. Eight years ago, we shifted our professional focus from business to full-time ministry. We shifted from a focus on monetary gain to a work of eternal significance. While the pay isn’t great, the retirement plan can’t be beat! We know that our treasures are being sent ahead and stored in heaven. Our children are our priority and their inheritance will be the values of family and a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, their personal Lord and Savior. This inheritance is something far greater than anything I could earn. I am so blessed to know that my children will not lose their inheritance. How great is that!

God has designed us to belong, and He wired us that way because He knows that we are truly better together. God, in His infinite wisdom, has provided a way to belong which allows everyone to be a participant in His family. He has created His church, which is not a place with four walls, but a community of His children. Church is not just a place to go to on Sunday, but rather it is a place to belong. It is a family of God’s children that will last for all eternity.

In the American culture today all families do not look like the families in the old TV shows of the 50’s, 60’s or the 70’s like “Leave it to Beaver”, Little House on the Prairie” or “Happy Days”. In many cases, today’s families resemble television families like “Married with Children, “Roseanne” or the “Munsters”. Forgive me for even such dated television shows…I don’t know the names of today’s morally bankrupt shows, but I hope you get my point.

The point of this is simple; do not hold yourself back from experiencing the blessings of God’s family just because you may have been robbed of the blessings of a stable family when you were a child. And don’t back away from God’s family if you have made wrong decisions at some point in your life. My Senior Pastor constantly says that if you were not handed a legacy of being a part of God’s family, it does not have to continue to the next generation. You can start the spiritual legacy in your family today.

So, I leave you with these questions:

Who’s your Daddy? (Do you have a personal relationship with God?)

Who is your family? (Are you plugged into a church?)

Are you building your family? (Are you serving others)

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, then make changes today look for that place where you can “do life together”. Look for that place where you can unconditionally give love and be loved, give trust and be trusted, give acceptance and be accepted.

God’s family always has room for more; what’s another heart to heal or life to be transformed. Who knows, maybe they will do a TV show about God’s family! I think it could be called, THE Father Knows Best!

Just to keep the score straight, today was victorious because God is in charge!

Blessings blogging buddies,

Leo

Relationships of Commitment

Saturday November 3^rd, 2007 

Once again, we started this day with blessings from your love notes and prayers.  These words of encouragement continue to fuel Candace’s recovery and fill my tank with gratification that someone is reading what we are sending. 

Our first morning visitor was our friend Dr. Chauncey Crandall; he is a renowned cardiologist who has been managing Candace’s anti-coagulants. Why a cardiologist is involved with this case has baffled more than a few docs and nurses on this journey, but he is one of the dream team that God has assembled and uniquely picked to handle our case.    

Dr Crandall comes uniquely qualified with a level of compassion and understanding of the battles of cancer.  It is incredible that God would have a friend from church with these credentials placed on our medical team.  Just in case we did not realize that God’s hand was leading this journey, God shows how He will bless His people abundantly.  God also picked Candace’s surgeon Dr Neal Borland who is a renowned urologist specializing in prostate cancer. (Dr. Neal did understand this was a kidney job). Dr. Borland also comes uniquely qualified with a level of compassion and understanding of the battles of cancer.  

Through them we see the unmistakable fingerprint and heartprint of God.  These uniquely qualified individuals have both lost immediate family members to cancer within the last two years. Dr Crandall lost a teenage son and Dr. Borland lost his 30 something year old wife.  Perhaps you will agree with us that God is using these men as His hands and feet.  They constantly and genuinely show us God’s love, mercy and compassion.  

Let me get back on track to report this day!  

Late this morning Candace was released from the INTENSIVE Care Unit.  It was our goal to get her out before Monday when the construction crews return.  Oh, I neglected to tell you yesterday that 25 feet from her room was the expansion of the ICU wing, complete with hammers and saws going all day.  This environment certainly did not provide the rest necessary for recovery. 

Anyway, we have gone from the second floor to the fourth floor, which I refer to as the Jupiter Medical Resort.  We have an easterly view so we get to see the Jupiter Lighthouse (our local monument), great sunrises and off in the distance we can see the good old Atlantic Ocean.  The good thing about this resort is that we do not have to take any time-share tours, although perhaps our medical bills would be cheaper since we are here for the third stay in less than three months!  

Sorry for getting off task again! 

The thought of this day has been about Relationships of Commitment as this posting has been titled.  We continue to see that our relationship with God has shown God’s commitment to us.  We continue to see that our relationships with friends and family, such as you, has sustained us in our time of need. 

James 3:18 in the Message Bible says, “You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor”.  Wow, that makes it pretty easy to understand what it takes for relationships with commitment. 

It’s clear to me that the strength of our relationships are measured by our ACTIONS, not by our THOUGTHS.  The development of relationships of commitment therefore require our DECISIONS not our REACTIONS. Hmm!!! 

      TRUE LOVE is given unconditionally with no guaranties of return

      TRUE TRUST is given unconditionally with no guaranties of return

      TRUE GENEROSITY is given expecting nothing in return 

TRUE Relationships of Commitment go beyond superficial, beyond friendship, but go to a level of life commitments. 

This posting is getting way too long so I will leave you with this;  

      Who are you committed to?

      Have you told them lately?

      Have you shown them lately? 

Candace and I have been abundantly blessed on this journey by the blessings of God and the blessing of our friends and family. 

May God’s Blessings be upon you, 

Leo 

The Power of Encouragement

Friday November 2^nd, 2007 

Today was the third day after surgery and the third day Candace’s body has tried to adjust and recover from the trauma of major surgery.  The healthcare professionals in ICU are the best of the best and they perform at the highest level of excellence consistently.  To them we are incredibly grateful.  

The fact remains that when it comes right down to it, our bodies just simply have to do their part in the healing process. Each day there are a fewer tubes and wires attached to Candace and to the cluster of monitors and bags of fluids.  Each day the ordeal of getting out of bed and making it to the Lazy Boy gets just a little more bearable.   

Today Candace’s day started at 4:00 AM with a visit from Dr. Borland her urologist and surgeon which surprised her a little as to why he would be working at that hour and why he would be coming to see her.  She didn’t know if his day was ending or beginning. It was the latter and he was there to remove yet another tube from the smaller of two incisions (4 inch in the center of her stomach).  Certainly not bankers’ hours as they say!  We claimed that as the first victory of the day. 

A few hours later Dr. Rappenport, her nephrologist, examined her and heard what he suspected as a possible blockage in the left carotid artery. He immediately ordered an ultrasound.  The result were all clear with a high percentage of circulation.  We claimed that as the second victory of the day.  

Shortly after that was the next Lazy Boy drill with an added task, she had to walk, actually it was a shuffle to the nurses station twenty feet away and then, yes, back to the bed.  Now that does not sound like a big victory but three months ago she was walking two miles nearly every morning.  So she is coming back and we boldly claim the third victory of the day and this was all before 10:00 AM. 

In addition there were the visits from the assistants to check her fluids and record her vitals.  My job is to stay out of the way, give and take this and that upon demand from either her or the various caregivers. During all of this activity I was continually reading her the notes of encouragement that you have been posting on her blog. 

It was close to noon and she had one more procedure which was a blood transfusion to help get her red blood cell and heart rate up. I know this sounds a bit scary but it is actually a strategy to accelerate her recovery time. The positive part of this procedure was it required Candace to lay still and quiet in bed for two hours.   

Finally she will be able to rest a little and I knew I needed a break, so I left her thinking “nap time for her.”  I left to get some lunch and catch a few breaths of fresh air from a nearly perfect day outside.  I grabbed a quick sandwich and drove over to the beach to see the incredible waves from the tropical storm that pasted off shore.  The waves, the sun and a satisfied appetite was the perfect formula for me to fall asleep like a baby.   

Two hours later I returned thinking Candace would have had some great sleep, but when I returned the transfusion had been completed, another Lazy Body drill, a time for her personal hygiene, house keeping for the room and change of bedding.  Now I completely understand why ICU is called INTENSIVE Care Unit. 

So while it was a day that we curtailed visitation, it was anything but quiet.  Tonight after we had prayer time, Candace told me to make sure I brought the computer in the morning so I would continue reading her the notes and prayers of encouragement.  It was your prayers and notes that gave her the ability to push through the pain and regiment of this day. 

The Message Bible tells us in the book of Proverbs 18:21, “Words kill, words give life: they’re either poison or fruit – you choose”.  In a world where people are built up or knocked down with words, we have the power to give life.  Since this blog has been up, you have been telling Candy that she matters to you, her life counts and God has a purpose for her. 

Today each of you have been used by God to be His voice of grace and to speak into Candy’s life.  Your encouragement empowered her when she did not have the power to push herself. 

We are not taught through our education that words of encouragement can have a very specific impact on ones physical or emotional life. It is only through life’s experiences that we hear incredible stories of the words of encouragement.  Can you imagine if each of us intentional encouraged just one person each day. 

We encourage you to be the voice of God’s grace, by encourage someone today. 

Encouraged and Blessed 

Leo