thread for middle age to older Christian women.

NeverForsaken

Thank you Nancy and to all on here who prayed.

My surgeon called us last night and we will meet with him on Monday. My oncologist has been in the 'business' for more than thirty five years and is the best in our area. I know he will work out the best plan of action for me. My prayers are now that this one small (9mm) lesion was the only one and there has not been more spread. The good news so far is that it has all the receptors (triple +) so there are targeted treatments.

Had a good cry and a good sleep, now on my way to the apple orchard to get my annual hot cider donut!

NeverForsaken

Thank you for the invitation, Auroaya..I will go there very soon. Husband has the day off today so I am going to go play for awhile.

I am so happy to learn that you and others are doing well despite stage 4 BC..That is very inspiring to me.

This is the scripture that I found shortly afetr getting the news:

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.(Isaiah 41:10)

The word "dismayed" is exactly how I was feeling..still am.

Thank you for the encouraging scriptures also, dear ladies! he carries his lambs close to his heart..Love that!

God truly is the strength of my heart and always will be!

Ade

A few years ago there was a terrible drought here - didn't rain for something like 18 months! Then a huge wildfire swept through and devastated alot of acres. The fires stopped short of where we live now but many folks were not so fortunate. We're praying for the folks on CA and the brave firefighters in the battle.

Hello to the ladies I haven't met yet ~*~ I am praying for you all, and we know the Lord HEARS our prayers!

Hope your mom has a great birthday today Nancy! (NO SNAKES INVITED!!!)

We got some hope as James FINALLY - after THREE MONTHS got to see his cardiologist this week. The doc said that James is a poster boy for the extremely expensive injection therapy for his cholesterol, since he can't take statins. They have put in an application to get it free for him (It is over $1,300 a month). We're trusting the Lord to use this to save his life.

I have an onc appointment in December & we are trying to coordinate James' appointment for the same day since it is three hours away. I lost my planner so have tried for THREE DAYS calling my onc to find out my appointment date, but getting a machine - and they don't call back! Who does that! grrr

May our Lord bless and sustain and encourage you all with His lovingkindness,

Ade

bandwoman1234

Dear ladies,

I will post when I get back home. It has been a crazy last few days but my sister and I got done in my mom's basement what I thought would take us months. So needless to say I am exhausted. I have a little reunion with three other teachers on Sunday. We have not all been together in 44 years. We all started our teaching careers together. What is bringing us all together now? Breast cancer. One of my friends is going through chemo now and I know it has been rough but she won't really say. She lives alone as I do and that can be hard. Two of the ladies came to see me at my cancer clinic after one of my treatments. I hadn't seen one of these ladies for over 35 years I think. She lives in Canada now.

Lisa, praying for your MO appointment for Monday.

Ade, that is such hopeful news regarding a new treatment for James. Praying that will work out.

I have to go as it is late already and haven't started packing up yet.

I will post later when I am settled back home.

Love,

Nancy

Teka

NeverForsaken,

I'm praying your surgeon on Monday has an excellent plan of care.

Nancy,

A chore always seems easier when shared.

Enjoy your time with fellow teachers.

Blessings for one and all.

;o))

auroaya200882

Dear Friends:

I have to ask for prayers needed for my aging sick mother. She’s in the hospital in her hometown in Mexico. They’ve diagnosed her with gallbladder stones except she has no gallbladder having had it removed decades ago. So the stones made of bile have accumulated in the liver. She’s 83 years old and her attending doctor is recommending surgery. We are waiting for the surgeon to see her and see what they recommend.

It’s a loose loose situation if we go with the surgery because of her age there’s a chance she won’t make it. If she doesn’t have the surgery she’ll be in pain all the while getting worse till the end comes. My father died two years ago and she misses him so I know she wishes to join him soon.

I’m at peace but sad because either way I can’t afford to go see her right now. But thankfully she stayed with me for a month this summer and cherished each other.

Prayers for wisdom for her doctors in deciding what course of action to follow and for my mom to be in peace either way.

Thank you sisters.

Aurora

Ade

Aurora, may our Lord grant the medical team divine wisdom, may His healing hand be upon your mom, and may He grant you peace in whatever unfolds. I'm so sorry you are faced with this.

Lisa, Chris & Joanne - praying the Lord is granting you strength in Him and peace. Hershey how are you doing?

Nancy, did you find THE place for your mom? Did you have THE conversation with her yet? Hope your reunion was a blessed time. Rest up when you get back - you need it!

Lita, wondering how you're doing & praying for the folks battling fires there.

A pharmacy somewhere in TX called today to get James' drug insurance info (of which we have none as of yet) so she can fill the $$$$ ($1300+ per month) prescription from the cardiologist! We are confused. Thought it was going through a grant program. Guess we have some phone calls to make. (

Praying for you all with love,

Ade

PauletteK

I have been praying and reading scriptures, asking God to give me strength to fight this battle.

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings untilthe disasters has passed. Ps 57:1

bandwoman1234

Good evening dear sisters,

I am home now to flooding all around our area. I had trouble getting home from my little reunion last night because one of the main roads through my town was closed. We had an awesome time but I am exhausted beyond belief.

Aurora, I saw your post earlier and have prayed for this awful decision that has to be made. I had an unexpected doctor apt this afternoon so I didn't have a chance to post until now. I pray for peace for you. I completely understand how hard it is when you are away from your mom and feel helpless to do anything from a distance. I pray for your mom that she has some relief from the awful pain she is probably in. I pray that the decision can be made quickly so you will not be left hanging.

Ade, I sure hope that James can get these meds soon and that the red tape and bureaucracy can be cut through asap to your advantage. My sister and I visited only two places but spent a long time at each. Both had waiting lists and both required substantial deposits to even get on a waiting list. We paid for one and opted not to put a deposit on the other but still have not completely ruled the other one out. The "other one " called me today and left a message and I need to discuss this with my sister and see how we want to proceed.

I have not talked to my sister since the very generous man came with his trailer today to haul stuff away for us. My sister continues to see more snakes but I never did seen any all the times I looked and was down in my mom's basement. The critters seem to be smart enough to avoid all the glue boards put down to catch them. It is a great concert or course as we know snakes can climb. We did not have the "talk" with my mom as my sister did not think the only time we had left together was not the right time. The Lord has it under control but it is hard being back home and not being able to do anything from here. I can pray and we ALL know how powerful that can be.

My reunion with my friends was awesome. My friend going through chemo started what she called her first round in August and had several weeks in between treatments. She is now in weekly treatments of Taxol for twelve weeks. That seems to be the new mode of treatment. Have any of you know of this kind of regiment?

My mom played the piano for me. I knew it might be the last time I ever get to hear her play so it was savored for sure. For a 92 year old missing two fingers on her right hand and her challenges she amazes me. She mentioned me putting up Christmas decorations for her so I actually hope we get to have one more big holiday season in her home.

How is everyone doing?

Lita, I had hoped to get some pics of my yellow begonias which I cannot believe are still blooming at this late date. We are possibly having a frost tonight and I didn't have a chance to take any pics while it was still light but I was thinking of you in all of this. I had hoped to post some pics of them. My New Guinea Impatiens are blooming like crazy in two flower beds and this is truly a miracle for this late in October for this area.

Take care dear ladies. I pray for each of you regularly.

Love,

Nancy

bandwoman1234

Paulette, I just now saw your post. It takes me a looooooong time to type what I want to say so you beat me. I pray that God will give you the needed strength to get through this difficult time. When I have had tough times to get through where I felt like I had no strength of my own I just talk to myself out loud and say YOU CAN DO THIS. I have done this for many years and I do believe that it does help. It is stepping out in faith and saying that God is enough for my situation. He WILL get you through this.

Love

Nancy

Lita57

Hi ladies,

This last Taxol treatment week has been a tough one. Worst diarrhea I've ever had. Thank the Lord I was wearing a pair of Depends!

Yes, Nancy, RO's like to do weekly Taxol Tx on some BC patients, usually the Stage IV ones, because it keeps a more consistent dose in the body, and the weekly Tx are supposed to be more tolerable than the "dose dense," once every 3 wk infusions (but just tell that to my poor colon...).

Been having headaches of late...I just hope it's the Taxol and NOT brain tumor progression. My next brain MRI is not scheduled until next month.

My veins are starting to blow out - RO doesn't want to put a port in until AFTER the MRI. If there's major progression, they will put me on hospice. There will be no point in continuing if the 20+ tumors aren't under control from the whole brain radiation.

I am completely at peace about it. I know I am in the Lord's hands, and if He wants me to come home sooner than I'd planned, I'm okay with it.

Blessings and peace to you, my dear sisters,

Lita

PauletteK

Lita,

After I read your post, I don’t know what to say. I’ve been asking God for strength because I feel so weak and broken. When I read yours I feel sad. I can only share something I read

“I am with you and wil watch over you wherever you go ... I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Ge 28:15)

I read this morning I hope that will bring us peace.

Bandwoman - thank you!! I know God is watching over our shoulders.

Paulette

bandwoman1234

Lita, praying your MRI will show that the rads were effective against all those tumors. I am glad you are at peace. I know God is giving you more time than you thought and I am sure you see each day as a gift. I just wish you didn't feel so lousy. BTW my friend having the weekly Taxol is Stage 11 but is have it that way for the reasons you mentioned.

I am fighting off a stomach bug and waiting to hear from my oncology dept whether I should cancel my apt for tomorrow. I don't want to give other patients with weakened immune systems anything else to deal with.

Paulette, that is a great scripture for all of us. Thanks for posting that.

Aurora, any decisions made for your mom yet?

Love,

Nancy

auroaya200882

Hi everyone Lita I’m still praying for you and you Nancy. No no decisions yet, she’s stable and not in pain thank God but running a little desperate. She’s at the general universal insurance hospital but they may transfer her to a private one if they find they cannot treat her where she is. So we are waiting on burocracy to turn it’s wheels.

Please keep praying.

Aurora

HersheyKiss

Dear ladies,

I don't post often but I read all your messages and pray daily for your needs.

I have Taxol #8 this Friday. My white blood cell counts have been very low, but my red blood cell counts have remained stable since my tranfusion. I am grateful for that. Once Taxol is finished, my oncologist is giving me one month off before beginning radiation. To say I am looking forward to the drug holiday would be an understatement. I will need to schedule a radiation consultation, follow-up CT scan, and some blood draws during the time off, but not having infusions ... priceless!

May the Lord's grace and provision meet all your needs and situations.

With love and gratitude,

Hershey

PauletteK

Hi Hershey, taxol such a beast I’m going for #6 this Friday, will keep praying for everyone and Lord will look after us.

I was telling my PT this morning, I’m going to count my blessings now. Thanks God that I woke up and smell the fresh air, I’m fatigue, Lord gave me an afternoon nap so I feel better. Oh Lord please give me strength so I can knock down this taxol beast!

zjrosenthal

Praying for all here as I read. Please pray for my hubby. He is having difficulty dealing with the Alzheimer diagnosis. I too am battling fear of what the future holds. At present he is not willing to make any plans or even discuss it. Praise God the grandchildren are doing well. I had a fairly extensive surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma on my back last Thursday and am waiting for biopsy results on another spot on my neck. Not a big deal but each requires about 6 hours of travel down to Sloan-Kettering. Love, Jean

NeverForsaken

zjrosenthal

Praying for your hubby.

I am a huge homebody so I can totally relate to hating that kind of travel. May the Lord give you both peace in dealing with and facing the uncertainties of the future. ~In Jesus~ Amen

PauletteK

zjrosenthal - dear Lord please give you both strength and peace in dealing with all these uncertainties..... in Jusus name Amen

Ade

Jean, I am praying for you and your husband. As I said earlier in our messaging - my husband FORGOT to tell the doctor about his MEMORY problems! He is forgetting important things but I have been enabling him by reminding to the point of nagging. So I told him today I am no longer reminding him of everything (HARD to do!) so he will HAVE to face the consequences and REALIZE he HAS a problem. Boy this is tough on top of not feeling well ourselves even. Denial is a difficult thing but is an understandable an attitude of self preservation. I am very concerned about OUR future as I am really dependent on him. I DO understand your feelings and will pray for BOTH of you! The Lord is our Rock and firm foundation and we will not be shaken.

With love,

Ade

auroaya200882

Ade and Jean praying for the Lord to heal and give you strength.

Aurora

Lita57

Ade, you will slowly have to take on his responsibilities, just as I am turning more and more things over to my husband as I prepare to "transition" in the coming months.

It's hard, but you can do it. Set up a little binder or notebook, as I have done for my DH, and start noting the stuff you need to take over from him and HOW to do these tasks. Don’t put it off. Starting now, you can do a little at a time, and it won't be so overwhelming. If you wait, and he loses more faculties, you won't be able to ask questions and get the best directions.

Praying for you,

L

NeverForsaken

I'm going to my MO this afternoon to find out more about this new dx and figure out where to go from here.

i am nervous, but feel ready to fight again..this time not to be cured, but for more time to spend with my DH and family and friends.

I may not win this battle, but cancer will be sorry it messed with me again when I stand with Jesus with joy in spite of all the pain and fear!

bandwoman1234

Good morning dear sisters,

I'm sorry I have been MIA for a bit. I have been sick but my MO's office still wanted to see me yesterday. I did get to the store afterwards to get my BRAT diet items. I think the worst is over but I am just drained.

It seems that most of us are going through some very tough times be it our cancer treatments, dealing with stage four bc and not knowing what tomorrow holds and dealing with Alzheimers and dementia with our loved ones.

I was listening to some advice on a Christian station the other day and it seems that this advice would pertain to any situation. This "expert " on relationships etc. said run to Jesus. For me I sometimes take a detour in trying to solve problems and fix things and then after I have completely exhausted myself and my resources I realize that the thing I needed to do I hadn't done yet and that is RUN TO JESUS. He is our source for whatever our situation. He is really the ONLY person who really understands what we are going through.

My heart is heavy for so many of you going through such tough things. It is going to be alright. For those who know the Lord and can call him savior it is going to be alright. It doesn't mean we will not suffer or have trouble because we know the Bible says we will have trouble. We do not have to go through this alone by any means. Jesus will walk through your suffering with you and if you can glue your eyes to him it will help alleviate some of that suffering.

He has also given us friends family and community around us to help lift one another up. He has given us this forum full of dear Christians who are wanting to reach out.

God Bless each of you today as you deal with the unknown, as you deal with SE's as you deal with fear. Let Jesus envelope you with His strong arms. He is right there waiting for you to ask.

Love,

Nancy

auroaya200882

Praying for all of you dealing with new diagnosis, pain and side effects lift you up to heaven may God be a comfort to you.

Aurora

bandwoman1234

This book is so full of gems I am posting the whole chapter.

Philippians 4King James Version (KJV)

4 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

zjrosenthal

Oh ladies thank you for the orayers and praise God for His amazing answers. Turns out the biopsy on my neck got out all of the basal cell carcinoma there with very thin margins. I don't need more surgery just a topical form of chemo. God is good. Also we went to my husband's neurologist today and it seems that in a couple of months a new Alzheimers medicine is coming out that will not just treat symptoms but actually heal the disease and prevent any more plaque from forming in the brain. Because my husband did the clinical trial that showed beta-amyloid in his brain and has an Alzheimer diagnosis he will definitely be eligible for this new medication. God had everything arranged all the time and foolish me worries and frets. Wishing everybody a peaceful pain-free night with good rest. Love, Jean

PauletteK

Amen ..... Nancy I will try to remember Lord is our sources our strength. Prayers for everyone and we should stop crying and let Jesus takes over our burdens, 🙏🙏🙏🙏

bandwoman1234

Jean, that is great news on ALL fronts. PTL!

Ade

Nancy THANK YOU for your encouragement...I REALLY needed it! I hope you're feeling better.

Lita I will be aware now to learn the things I always depended on him to do - it truly frightens me but the Lord is my anchor.

Jean I am SO delighted the Lord has eased your concerns. Glory to God! This sounds like a miracle! At this point I can't get James to ACKNOWLEDGE he has a problem. I know there are treatments if caught early so this is frustrating. I have to trust in the Lord to move this mountain.

Bless your hearts, you stage 4 ladies ~ I am praying for His grace to surround you and lift you up as you walk this path. (Many of us will someday do the same and you are such inspirations, women of faith. Sending you big warm hugs!

We have our just-turned-3 grandaughter Addi for 3 days & 2 nights starting tomorrow. She has never been away from home overnight without her sisters before so this may be a challenge - and she doesn't take NAPS anymore! (Oh dear!) Lord grant me strength!

Blessings,

Ade