Door of Faith Orphanage

This is a video I just found while "googling," of an orphanage where I worked when I was just out of high school, way back in the '70's. How exciting to see how God is still using people to move His kingdom forward in this way. The kids still look the same and the orphanage does too, except there are many new buildings and new people.

I lived in a run down trailer while I was there and had wonderful experiences. The Freezes were the founders and Von and Agnes, their son and daughter-in-law were the administrators. Wow, great memories.

Thanksgiving/Christmas Letter 2009

Since we have much to be thankful for this year, we decided our annual letter should have a Thanksgiving theme.

T is for Thankful. We are thankful for the end of this trying year of cancer treatments and a good report for Peggy: cancer free. The diagnosis of breast cancer came just before last Christmas. Surgery in January, chemo from February through June, radiation July through September, and continuing side-effects and fatigue … made this year a long one. But we now seem to be near an end and coming through victoriously.

H is for my wonderful Husband who stood with me and supported me, holding my hand and sometimes my head. Sitting through chemo treatments, cooking me macaroni and cheese, buying crackers and cheese, milkshakes and whatever else sounded good at the time. But most of all carrying me through this tough year with love, courage and strength, cheering me on, never letting me give up.

A is All the prayers our many friends and family prayed for us. Without those we would never have made it through. It was all of you lifting us up in prayer that held us together through this tough time.

N is for Never giving up hope that God is in control and is still on the throne.

K is for the Kindnesses we were shown by helpful friends who sent cards, phoned, cheered us on, visited, emailed, brought meals, prayed some more, went with us to chemo treatments, cheered us on some more, and basically carried us through this past year.

S is for Simplicity. We have learned to appreciate the simple things of life more … like life and health.

G is for God, the center of our lives and to Whom we owe everything.

I is for Incredible. That is what all of you are, and what God is, and what our lives are post-cancer. (Both of us are now cancer survivors.)

V is for Victory. We’ve got it.

I is for Ice. (We usually have an ice storm around January.)

N is for Next Year. It is going to be a lot better than this one!

G is for the Grace and Goodness of God, which we feel so very much.

Ken continues to keep busy, though with my treatments, he cut his travel way back throughout 2009. I once again did taxes for the elderly though on a more limited basis than normal. My bookkeeping for the beautician also continued but my loss of hair ceased the varied hair colors that were a fringe benefit of the job!

We found a home for our extra kitty. She decided that she wanted to fight with Purkitty so we had some problems with them living together. She found a good home with a college student here in town and soon had new toys and outfits! Her name was changed to Lily. We received several emails on her escapades.

Ken and I also completed four book projects. When Ken spoke at a Writers’ Conference in Arizona, I went along to visit my cousins in Scottsdale. Ken did some other teaching on writing, including a couple of classes for doctoral students at the seminary. We had Garage Sale #4 in May for Mom and Dad’s house and the house is finally on the market. We continue to sell items on Craig’s List.

In May Ken attended the Evangelical Press Association Convention in Oregon and won another EPA award, this year for “Grizzly Attack,” a pastor’s story of survival in Alaska. He went fishing in Texas with good friend Carl Miller. And we celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary.

In summer we went to Orlando, Florida, for General Council. We also went to Dallas together.

In October Peggy was surprised at a major Convoy of Hope event by being awarded with the first Key to Compassion award, named in honor of Matt Key. Matt died in an accident last year. The award recognizes an individual deserving of recognition for touching needy people with genuine compassion. (Ken wrote this part and is really proud of his wife.) The International Pentecostal Press Association Board (Ken is the president) met here in Springfield. We ended the sessions with dinner at Lambert’s Home of the Throwed Rolls.

As we look back we realize God has been faithful, and has blessed us with many things … the richest being faith, family, and friends. May you be blessed with these gifts at Christmas and all year through. Merry Christmas.


Love, Peggy & Ken & Purkitty

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YAY!" she exclaimed. "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything!

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

— Author Unknown


I have been feeling a little sorry for myself because it's taking so long for my hair to grow back in! I think I have needed an attitude adjustment. I'm glad I found this, I like it!

A Great Day for a Laugh

Talk about getting old! Not a bad day until I was leaving UPS and got in the car after noticing a new ding! A little upset, then I noticed the inside of the car was really messy. Man, I didn't remember being such a slob! I knew I had been running errands and throwing stuff in the back for dealing with later but I really hadn't realized how bad it had gotten!

"Oh man, this isn't my car!" It really wasn't my fault that someone had parked an exact model of mine right next door and left it unlocked!! People should really be more considerate - really! I sure hope they didn't see me get out and run...

Of course the first thing I did was ask the lady on the sidewalk if it was hers. She said "no" and I said, "it's not mine either." Later I wondered what she thought of that comment! Then I called Ken and we laughed and he said to watch out for the police! Nice husband. Then he proceeded to tell everyone on facebook about my senior moment!

Well at least I'm good for a laugh every now and then! Have a great day, I did.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Thought you might enjoy this video from an Oregon hospital. Celebrate breast cancer awareness! Get the word out. Have you had your mammogram?

Cancer Free - More Proof!

One long three hour series of tests today but results are - cancer free! PTL! Let the parties begin!

Rear Ended

I've been out of commission for a few days. While minding my own business someone rear-ended me Thursday. I really felt bad, she totally took the blame and she was getting married this weekend, so I can see how her mind was somewhere else!

I immediately had a headache and neck pain but went home and called my own doctor. When I finally got a call back they said I needed to go to urgent care or the emergency room due to needing a CAT Scan. I then called urgent care and they said they didn't have a CAT scan so I needed to go to emergency. Well after four hours at emergency and pain meds that just made me sick it was decided I had whiplash so I went home and am once again recuperating with Ken taking good care of me. No mac and cheese as yet.

I was ready to start goofing off! But this is just a short delay!! Hopefully it didn't stunt my hair growth!! My main concern was that it didn't delay getting my port out on Wednesday! But all is still on schedule. Life is great isn't it?!

Dallas

Ken had a media thing in Dallas last week and since it was kind of last minute and I have a good friend there he decided to drive and take me along.

He had a great event and good interviews and I had good shopping and visiting. Now I know what it's like to shop till you drop. Not quite back to normal but really working on it.

I did get an appointment to get my chemo port out and will be doing that next week. You'll hear some shouting when that happens. Will be real happy to have that out. Kind of like the final remnant of chemo, no more bruising, no more flushing it out, no more having it in there.... Thank you Jesus.

Arizona Was Hot, Hot, Hot! & Cancer Update or Non-Cancer Update!

Had a great time visiting with Melba and Dick but it was hot! Broke a record for the hottest ever on one of the days we were there, I think it was 107! We obviously stayed in pretty much most of the time. But the visiting was really nice and we enjoyed getting to be together.

Ken had a great time teaching his classes and he had great response. There were about 50 in attendance and many were published authors. He really enjoyed it.

In the airport on the way back I saw two couples that I knew. They of course didn't recognize me since on this trip I decided to start wearing my own hair! No more wig. It feels good but it's really, really short. My mother's comment when she first saw me was, "your wig looks really good." So you can probably imagine! And for some reason it's coming back white and gray! But not curly as sometimes happens.

CANCER UPDATE:

Cancer check-up yesterday 9/30 - all good. Doctor's comment: "the chemo did it's job." I'm cancer free! And the ports comin' out. I am just waiting for the surgeons office to call with an appointment date. Praise the Lord. Of course we know God did it - the Great Physician. Thank you Jesus...

Last Minute Fun

I am headed to Arizona to visit with my cuz Melba. You might remember that she came and spent a couple of weeks with me during my chemo.

Ken is speaking at a Writer's Conference in Phoenix and she lives in Scottsdale so I decided to fly out for a week on an Allegiant ticket and visit her. Ken will spend an extra couple of days over the weekend so it will be a little bit like a vacation during that time.

My cousins, Dick, her husband is special too, are the ones that sent Nurse Gurdy so she will be going home during this trip and then be put to work on the home front since my cousin fractured a vertebrae over the summer and is having problems with that. Nurse Gurdy to the rescue once again. She does a great job!

It's still hot in Arizona so we won't be doing a lot but it will be nice to visit and get away from the house for a few days.

I hate to admit but I have been in a bit of a slump. I guess getting over the treatments and back in the swing of things, well really not swinging much yet, but ready to swing and not feeling up to it. Some of the symptoms are hanging on and my hair is not growing fast enough! Do I sound ungrateful? I am working through it but this week should help. I am looking forward to getting out of the house and having a little push from my cousin. Look out Scottsdale!!

Treatments Are Over

Well today was a big day. Treatments are over and I am sleeping in tomorrow! Ken went with me so I have pictures to share.

Last Radiation Treatment

Headed to my last radiation treatment. Ken's going with me so you know there will be photos!! Last night we got carried away with his new Photo Booth with me hairless. Needless to say, you won't be seeing those!! Unless we get into another laughing spell like last night after that session!

One More Radiation Treatment

Tomorrow, Thursday, is the big day. The last radiation treatment! Yes! I think I'll sleep in on Friday just cause I can! No more daily trips to the treatment machine. I'm almost done, I'm almost done!

Last Week of Radiation Treatments

Only two treatments to go. Yippee! Can't wait to be on the other side of all of this. A treatment tomorrow and meet with the doctor, then another treatment on Thursday, then I am done for six weeks with the radiation side of things. The six week appointment will just be a recheck. Then I won't have to see them for another six months. Sounds good doesn't it?!

Not sure of my next steps as far as the chemo doctor and rechecks on that side. Should know something soon.

I think I'll ring the bell on Thursday as I walk out of there, finished with another round of treatments.

God is good and He is faithful.

Cancer Treatment Update

I have eleven radiation treatments to go and I will be finished - I hope. That is the plan. Many of you have asked about my diagnosis and so I am including it here - I was what is called S2A or stage 2 which is worse than stage 1 but better than stage 3! Or also Stage T2N0 ER- PR- HER eratic. In English: One of the two tumors was larger than 2 centimeters but there were no lymph nodes involved. Now you are completely confused, right?! That's OK, just know this, because of your prayers and His healing touch soon I will be done with all of this and life will go on - praise the Lord.

I will be excited to not be driving to Cox Cancer Center every day and getting back to real life. We are continually working on book projects and I am working on a women's book at this time hoping to involve some new women in the project.

Life is good...
Friends are great...
God is ever faithful.....

Home from General Council

We are home and had a great time. We saw lots of friends and we had a wonderful time seeing many of you who have been praying for us through this time. I returned home tired but it was well worth it.

Nahum 1:7 (New International Version)

The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in Him.

General Council in Orlando Here We Come

Getting ready to leave for General Council August 2. If you are going to be there, please stop by the Pentecostal Evangel booth, I will be there a lot of the time and would love to see you! Ken's making me work! Actually I love it because I get to see so many people and talk to so many. Looking forward to thanking so many of my prayer warriors in person. I do know that without you we couldn't have walked this valley the way we did. God was faithful and so were you.

Today we pack and get the final things ready for the booth and the website going live and you can check that out at www.onwardbooks.com.

I am also excited about being off from the radiation treatments for a week. I have started to burn a little so this week will give me a chance to heal and hopefully be enough time to get over that and not do it again! Three more weeks when I return and then hopefully a clean report of no cancer and no more doctors for a while! Of course I do know they will be in my future for a while but just not so often! I do have to say that everyone of my doctors and nurses and everyone handling my care have been extremely good to me, and the experience, if I can say, has been very positive in the way I've been treated.

Well we have come a long way together. And know this, "We can do all things through Christ that strengthens us." Have a great week, I plan to. Hope to see some of you in Orlando.

Third Week of Radiation

Starting in on my third week of radiation. Have to have blood work Monday also. Checking up on me to see if my counts are staying up. Getting a little tired but nothing like chemo. Still having the tingling in my feet and hands. Starting to have pain in my chest but hoping that doesn't get any worse, will be talking with the doctor on Wednesday regarding that, see what he has to say.

Looking forward to next week when we go to General Council in Orlando, Florida. Will be getting ready this week and fly out on Sunday. Ready to have a great time, seeing friends we haven't seen for a while (probably last Council, two years ago!), eating at good restaurants, goofing off, and not thinking about treatments!

Well praying you all have a great week and keep smiling...

Second Week of Radiation

Starting in on my second week of radiation. One down five to go. Compared to chemo this is a piece of cake!! Not chocolate but ... more later.

Not happy about still losing my eyebrows and eyelashes! Shouldn't this part be over!! I guess I'll go read a scripture about vanity!!

AG TV Interview

Check out Ken being interviewed by our General Superintendent Rev. George Wood.

First Radiation Treatment

OK now I've had my first real radiation. Went fine, no problems. Met with the doctor after, which I will do once a week. I am now on a roll...

First Day of Radiation - Almost!

First radiation day is over but no radiation! Today was a dry run! Just running me through for fittings, settings, and x-rays! One of my set-up tattoos didn't show so I had to have another one! Don't tell my mom! The real thing starts tomorrow.

Still Having Symptoms

I know you guys are ready for me to start writing some positive stuff! I am still feeling the effects of the treatments, having pain and nausea. I feel like they double doused me but I am sure it's just the amount of stuff input and will take some time to get it out put!! Looking forward to the good ole days. I go for radiation simulation on Monday and find out what that's going to entail. More blood work on Wednesday which I understand from talking to the doctor at my last chemo appointment (doesn't that sound good) that I will be having a lot of. Keeping my chin up and knowing God has that and me in His hands.

Last Day of Chemo Treatments

Nurse Gurty wanted to ring the bell!


I rang it for all it was worth!

Praise the Lord no more chemo treatments. Today was the last chemo treatment and I am thrilled. After months of chemo we are done. Yippee. No more poison going into my body. Now I just have to experience the effects of this treatment and get the junk out of my system which should take about a month but then it's over.

I start radiation in about six weeks, which won't be bad, just some fatigue and possible burns but nothing like the chemo. I will definitely be ready for next year!

Again thanks for all your prayer support and everything else you've done for us along this journey. We haven't taken it for granted. We love each and every one of you and really couldn't have done this without you. May God richly bless you for your willingly to come alongside us during this time. Thank you.

Six Days Till My Last Treatment

This is the bell I'll be ringing on the last day of treatment as we walk out the door! Don't worry you'll be able to hear it no matter where you live. I'll be ringing it loud and clear!

(Hey, Melba notice the nice purse?!)

A Nice Weekend

Ken and I had a great weekend. We went to Branson for a media weekend and saw several shows and just had a wonderful time. I felt pretty well the entire time and was able to keep going and it just was nice to be out of the house and able to do something other than sit at home!

We got to see Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan, we went to several other shows and a picnic on Sunday and horseback riding! I rode Hammerhead!

Now I am totally exhausted and unable to do anything but it was all worth it! We really enjoyed ourselves and had a great time. Did I mention we really had a great time!

Chemo #7 Down

Nurse Gurty overseeing my treatment.

Well this was the next to last chemo treatment. Now that sounds good to say. Seven down, one to go. In two weeks I'll be ringing the "I'm finished" bell!

It went pretty good yesterday, but a long day, six hours, but with Ken there it's not too bad, he's pretty good company, even bringing me lunch. Now if I had a choice I'd go somewhere else to eat it but being hooked up to that IV pole it's a little hard to get around, so....

A friend, Ken Martin, was just leaving the office when we arrived and we got to visit a little. He offered (threatened) to put the needle in for me but I told him I thought I'd just let the nurses do it this time! Thanks, anyway! I've only had to have it pulled out and reinserted once and don't want to have to do that again!

I am sure that you as well as me will be glad when I have something else to write about other than chemo treatments. It's almost over, yippee. Praise the Lord and thank you friends for hanging in there with us.

Not Blogging As Much

What can I say? Another chemo treatment, sick, pain, another chemo treatment, sick.... Sorry do I sound down, I'm really not, it's just life right now. I want to be encouraging and I really am because I know that God is seeing us through this and I am doing really well. It could be really worse. It's just getting old!

I know the prayers of all of you have been what has gotten us this far. I know that God has held us up. Seen us through this difficult time. Held us together. I am coming out the other side. I really am doing good. I really am positive. I can see the light at the end of our tunnel. Two more treatments and we will be through with chemo. About four more weeks and we can say we made it.

There is a big bell on the wall in the medical center that you ring when you finish your chemo treatments. I am going to being ringing it soon. There will be a picture on this blog site!! Keep watching for it!!

Here I am trying to steal a new bandana. With the summer coming I think this wig is going to be awful hot. Simon wasn't having any of it and he's keeping his bandana!

Sixth Treatment Over

Another long day, but it's over. Six hours but we are home. Only two treatments to go. Praise the Lord. The end is finally in sight.

Not a bad day, just long. Ken is hanging in there with me and I really appreciate it. There was a lady sitting next to me doing treatment and she said she was alone, going through surgery and treatment with no one with her. It made me realize how truly blessed I am with such a wonderful husband and great friends and family holding me up in prayer and supporting us through this time. Thank you so very much, we need you and don't take you for granted. You have truly blessed us and are holding us up. We could not do it without you and without the great Physician.

Sixth Treatment, 36th Wedding Anniversary

Tuesday we celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. Wednesday I will have my sixth chemo treatment. After that only two more. It seems there is an end in sight. June will see the end of treatments. In August I will start radiation. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I am sure Ken will take more pictures and I will post more after tomorrow!

Isaiah 26:3 (New King James Version)

"You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You."

It's Been a While

Sorry it's been so long since I've written. The last few treatments have been bears! I am finished with the AC drugs and have started the last series of treatments with Taxol. These treatments will have different side effects and I am now experiencing those. Not as much nausea but more pain and discomfort. More metal taste in my mouth and fatigue.

Ken and I are involved in Relay for Life this Friday and Saturday and are raising money for the American Cancer Society. We are both survivors now and will walk the first lap as such. Our team "Convoy of Hope" purchased luminaries in our honor and there will be four of us on the team walking as survivors. If you are interested in donating in our names you can go to the site at:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09PL?team_id=500092&pg=team&fr_id=17392

and go to donate, then follow instructions.

I will do a follow up when we finish and let you know how we did. Well actually I will let you know how I did, Ken won't have any trouble!

Half Way Done with Chemo Treatments

Ken and I took a short walk by the lake near the Cancer Center before my treatment.

Yippee, kayooh, kayay, today was the day that got me half way! Not feeling real hot, but feeling real happy!

Carl Miller, a good friend, stopped by during my treatment to say hello before heading back home for Texas.

After treatment Ken and I went to Logan's for dinner. Nurse Gurty joined us. She was head over heels for the peanuts. We hadn't fed her before going to treatment.

Fourth Chemo Treatment

Well today is the fourth chemo treatment. That means when I get home I will be half way through my chemo. I will have finished the "AC" part of the treatment and the next half will be the "T" or Taxol part. I've been taking two drugs so far and now they will change to another drug for the final treatments. Okay, enough mumbo jumbo! I'll be half way there!

I am missing the Raleigh, North Carolina Convoy of Hope this weekend. That's one of the bummers of this thing; I'm not able to go on the Convoys. This will be a big weekend and I won't be there! Had hoped maybe to be able to do this one but with my change in schedule and missing a treatment it put this right at a bad time, so guys I'll miss you but do good without me ... and I'm expecting lots of souls for the Kingdom.

I'm getting ready for one more garage sale at my folks' house and then I'm putting it on the market. My daddy's been gone now two years this past Monday. Our neighborhood is having a garage sale so it will be easy enough to tag on to that and there's not a lot left at the house, so I am going to try and get energetic for the weekend of May 1-2.

So lot's coming up and my brother is headed our way. Will keep you posted.

Busily eating Hawaiian cookies!

People Have Been Blessing Me

Thank you Danny and Martha for the delicious cookies. They arrived yesterday and yum they are good. You are a blessing.


Another friend Lynda sent me this blessing, "May your pillow always be soft." She also included a beautiful silk pillow. Linda you are the blessing.

Then my precious cousin made this chart for me to mark off my chemo treatments. Inside each pocket is a saying to open after completing a treatment. The first one was about being brave, the second a funny saying about cats, and the third terribly important information about learning three knock, knock jokes so I'd be interesting at events! I look forward to future openings!

I've Been Platinum Before

Ken just scanned this photo a few weeks back. I remember having this wig in the early '70's and didn't know I'd have another one the same color later in my life!



I think I bought the first one for a much "funner" reason but I'm sure I was just as sassy!

Dinner Out Tonight

Tonight I felt good enough to have dinner out at our favorite Mexican restaurant in town. Ken took this shot when we left. Is that taco sauce on my shirt?! Did I use the word "shot?"

Chemo #3

We stayed up late last night watching videos and slept in a little bit this morning so I didn't have to think about what is ahead. We head to the oncology center at noon and hopefully I will get treatment #3. Our fingers are crossed and most importantly everyone's praying that my white cell count is up and my port is working and they will say I'm a go for treatment.

"The moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along ... He knows us far better than we know ourselves ... that's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good" (Romans 8:26-28).

WE'RE HERE


Getting my temperature, blood pressure, and blood count.

Thank you for all you're prayers. My count was way up! I am getting my treatment, sitting in the chair as I type. I even gave blood! So you have really been on the ball and on your knees. Thank you, thank you, thank you....

Sitting in the Cadillac chair for chemo with Nurse Krista.

Had a Great Saturday

We had a great day. Ken took lots of photos so I will try to upload some here later today. We started by leaving the house at 8:45 a.m. I got to bed at 8:30 p.m. Ken pushed me around the park all day in a wheelchair as ordered by the chemo center!

We really did enjoy our day at World Fest. We started by having international foods "Tastes of the World" including Irish stew, Czech meat pies, Greek salads, desserts from baklava to tiramisu and much more. Then on to the Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China with a troupe of two dozen acrobats and head balancing monks doing things you can't even imagine! Then we saw Feet of Fire Irish dancing featuring nearly two dozen step dancers, singers and musicians including two "fire-dancers" twirling flaming fans and more. We also saw Invaders, a steel drum band from Trinidad and Tobago, the Los Pampas Gauchos from Argentina, Jenny Blackadder from New Zealand and her mastery of the banjo. We ended the evening on the balcony of the Culinary & Craft School overlooking the amphi-theatre for the evening show of Great American Country Nights enjoying the music and entertainment with lemonade and refreshments.

A long, good day with great company—my best friend and hubby—Ken.

Silver Dollar City and A Good Day

Shot #3 out of the way, pain better and a good day planned. We are headed for Silver Dollar City in Branson today. We are going for a Media Tour and have special plans so that I won't be around a lot of tight groups. We are taking a wheelchair and Ken plans on pushing me through the park! If I get tired we will leave for a while and Ken will fish nearby while I nap and then we will return for the evening show and lemonade on the veranda! This is the international season and we start with a meal of various items from around the world, then we see a show called the "Balancing Monks", we will see another show called "Irelands Feet of Fire" and much more throughout the day. I am looking forward to spending time with my man and having some fun.

Will fill you in later and add some photos...bye, bye.

Neupogen Shot #2

Today the pain is a little less and I had my second shot of Neupogen. They did a blood sample and my counts are up so it is working. I could have told them that from the men working with sledge hammers in my bones!

My cousins sent me a scripture today: "I know what I am planning for you ... I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future" (Jeremiah 29:11.)

Chemo #3 Doesn't Happen

Today my white blood count (1.3) was too low. As I understand it they won't do treatment if it's anywhere below 1.5 and sometimes not even if it's near that. They gave me the first of a series of shots (Neupogen); I will have these on three consecutive days. This medication stimulates the blood system (bone marrow) to make white blood cells, helping you fight infections.

We sat next to a nice Christian couple from Monet in the treatment area, Ken and Marianne. He had had the shots before and said the pain can make you uncomfortable. When we left we had two new prayer partners. Marianne was knitting dishcloths and I mentioned having tried to learn to knit them but being unsuccessful! She said they were prayer dishcloths. She prays as she knits and then gives them to someone needing prayer. Needless to say I ended up with the one she finished during her husband's treatment today.

After arriving home I began experiencing severe back pain. It is bone pain these shots cause. Pain medicine does seem to help. We will try again next Wednesday for another chemo treatment. Thanks, all, for the many prayers. I am including here a scripture Ken posted in his blog:

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair...." (2 Cor. 4:8, NKJV).

Another Appointment

Just returned from an appointment with the chemo people. My blood count is somewhat up so that's a good thing. They thought they might delay my next treatment giving me a series of shots to build my cell count. But today they were good so we'll see what next week holds. They gave me another anti-nausea medicine to take with what I am already taking to see if that can control the sickness I am experiencing. We can only hope...

Ken went with me, taking photos on his I-Phone the whole time. What am I going to do with that man? He leaves for another trip in a few hours so I will miss him once again. My friend from Texas is coming while he is gone and so I won't be alone this time. Hope to feel better while she's here. Maybe we can get into a little trouble.

Been feeling a little down, okay, a lot down, so sorry for not keeping you updated. Will work on my attitude this weekend and hope to get out of this slump. Ken brought me See's candies from Houston when he returned last week, that has helped a little although chocolate is only being consumed in small doses, can you imagine that?!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Well actually today, it's all gone. I have my wig on my head and I'm doin' fine. Don't quite recognize myself in the mirror when I walk by, it's a little darker than my own hair, well than the last color I had!

God has had quite a job keeping up with me the last day or two. You know the scripture, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:7). I hope He doesn't write that stuff down, that would have taken a lot of note paper with all the cross outs and start overs!

Ken just called and they were just at a school dedication and now headed to lunch. I am so glad that he is getting to do this trip. The Lord has really blessed us here in Missouri with the opportunities to travel and see how God is working in different areas of our world. Look for the upcoming story in the Today's Pentecostal Evangel. A little plug for the hubby.

Well I am back to working on taxes. Hoping to complete the two that are most pressing on my mind and then finish up some Maranatha taxes and have everything done by next week when Ken leaves once again and my friend, Karen from Texas, comes to visit and play. I may also ship a couple more boxes of books!

See, I'm doing fine...

Must Be Gonna Be Better

It just must be gonna be better, I already have three hours of work in and it's only 7 a.m.! I have boxes ready to ship, I have bills ready to send out, I have invoices ready to run through the charge machine. Boy, I hope when I get home I'm energetic enough to follow through! Then I plan on doing two people's taxes, now I'm taxed! I will head off for my port dye test and see what they say and then I plan to hang out at home the rest of the day. Note the word "rest." I plan to get some of that in. Will fill you in with more later. Have a good one, I plan to.

Chemo Lesson Learned: When hair begins falling out it is best not to use product that you put in with hands! Such as wax, texture, etc.

End of Day: Port study went okay, they only stuck me twice. After hearing, "Ooops!" I wasn't worried at all! The blood thinner they gave me yesterday hoping to be able to draw blood must have kicked in because today I was working fine.

I did get packages shipped, phone calls made, but that other stuff listed above—the only other one I did was rest! Now I'm going to bed. It was a better day.

Not a Great Day!

Sorry, I want to stay positive but today was a bummer. Started by loosing hair in the shower. Then I was uncooperative during my chemo appointment and wouldn't give up my blood. It was decided that my port is not working properly or that my blood has created a film over the opening and since they can't draw from the port they also can't give me the drugs through it. Which, for today, meant that I had to have them in my vein in the back of my hand. Ouch. Tomorrow I will go to outpatient and have a port dye study to see what is going on. Then they will decide what to do next. Also my next treatment is possibly on hold due to my blood count. I will go in next Wednesday for a blood test and see how I am doing and if my counts are low they will give me a shot to boost my levels. This may postpone my next treatment. So all in all not a great day. As you can probably tell I am a little low. But I promise I'll get back up and be smiling tomorrow. Promise. "Cast all your cares on Him, for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Nurse Gurty and my friend Starr went with me to lunch and treatment and I am posting pictures for your amusement and mine. Nurse Gurty outdid herself.

Olive Garden seems like a good meal before chemo treatments. Nurse Gurty agrees. Although she looks a little tipsy.

Nurse Gurty got tired of the whole shebang and sat in for me. She was fine. They think she may be a little hard of hearing.

Here's Nurse Gurty overseeing the Red Devil Juice. Since they couldn't use my port today they had to give this to me from this syringe!

My friend Starr from South West Missouri Office on Aging went with me for moral support. Here she is raiding the candy jar. She also carried all my stuff, brought me drinks, told me jokes, asked questions, prayed with me and held my hand. A good friend. Thank you Starr.

To end the day right Ken called and he made it to San Salvador. Now I feel all better.

Ken Headed Out

Ken is busy packing for his trip tomorrow. He is headed to El Salvador for a story for the magazine. He is feeling bad about being gone for my second chemo treatment but I told him I would be fine. After all I will have Nurse Gurty with me! He was feeling so bad I finally agreed to take a friend and now he and I both are feeling better about the whole thing.

Ken's trip will be a fast one. He leaves tomorrow and returns late on Saturday. Then next week he is gone again, but this time in the states, to Oregon. Then if the doctors will approve it I am hoping to get to do a Convoy in April! I have my fingers crossed.

Feeling Better

I had a pretty good day today. The new anti-nausea medicine seems to be working much better than the others and we did a few errands and had lunch out.

What a difference not being totally nauseated makes! I forgot what it feels like. I really appreciate all your prayers and concern and will keep you updated as this journey continues.

The next treatment is this coming Wednesday, March 18. I am suppose to start loosing my hair following this one. My wig, do-rags and scarves are standing ready! Fashion Peg is on the rise.

This Morning

This morning went off without a hitch! No deodorant hairspray. But no hilarious laughter either. I wonder which I'd rather give up??? Will keep you posted!

Ken's Blog for the Day - My Defense!

Ken - Before Peggy began her chemo following her recent cancer surgery, we were warned of several side effects that might arise. But I thought one of them wasn’t supposed to happen for some time yet.

This morning as I was getting ready for work, I asked Peggy if she had any hair spray. She handed me a can, then traded it for a second can that she thought would be better because it was unscented. I sprayed my hair but couldn’t get it to hold. I kept spraying and still nothing.

I looked more closely at the can. It said, “unscented … deodorant.” I had thoroughly doused my hair with spray deodorant!

We have been told that long-term chemo can play some tricks with your mind. But this soon?

Peggy - Should I defend myself? Nah, we had a good laugh and that was worth much more than the anti-nausea medicine I had to take later in the day!

A Good Day

Praising the Lord for a really good day. I felt pretty good during the day today. Ken and I were even able to get out for a walk. I am on the anti-nausea drugs but feel that the Lord is holding me up and keeping me strong.

Ken is being a great helpmate and it's making all the difference having him with me.

First Chemo Appointment Over

We had lunch at Olive Garden before going for my appointment. No one said I couldn't have a good meal first and soup, salad and bread sticks sounded like a really good meal to us. Nurse Gurty went with us to keep an eye on me.

Well the first treatment is over and I am doing well. I feel a little funny but not sick. They gave me anti-nausea drugs before the treatment and then pills to take tonight and in the morning and a prescription for more pills. I am set.

Ken stayed with me through the treatment. We arrived at 1:30 and got home at 6:30. He is staying home Thursday in case I need him. We shall see. I think I am going to do fine. But hey, what an excuse to have him home. He is going to work on Friday instead of Thursday.

Thanks again for all your emails and prayers and thoughts. I really appreciate hearing from you and knowing that you are standing with us during this time. We couldn't do it without the Lord but we also couldn't do it without the support of all of you. THANKS SO MUCH...

Tomorrow's the Big Day

Well tomorrow's the first day of chemo. Lots of unknowns. What do I eat? What do I wear? What do I take to do? How long will we be there? How will it feel? Will I get sick?

But the big question—and I know the answer—God will be there. And He will be holding my hand and I know He won't let go.

So off we go, Ken, God and me...

First Chemo Appointment Scheduled

Well they called! My appointment is set for Wednesday. What else can I say...here we go...

Port Installed

The port is in and now we are back to waiting. I got a few phone calls over the weekend about patience and I am working on that! No, I didn't pray for patience, I know better! The area where they inserted the port hurts enough that I have decided that patience might be a good thing! I had been going to call the chemo office today but think I'll wait.

I am going to make an effort today to get some things accomplished. I have tried to stay positive through this process but this last week I've been a little bit low. Gonna climb back up today! See you at the top I've got things to do, people to see, places to go...

Quick Update

Appointments and tests this week. I am having the port for my chemo inserted this Friday. We have to be at the hospital at 5:45 a.m. Neither of us is excited about that! Probably only be there about 3-4 hours and then wait again for the chemo department to call and set me up for the first chemo treatment. Thanks again for all your prayers. Hey all these delays are really good cause I'm getting more prayer, right?!

How's This For Encouragement?

This eagle only has one wing. If she can do it I guess I better stop complaining and get with the program!!

Port Update

Just got a call from the surgeon's office. I have a consultation appointment on Monday morning with the same surgeon that did the cancer surgery to talk about inserting the port for chemo. My electro-cartiogram is on Tuesday so if I pass that, the "installation" will possibly be on Friday!

Chemo Consultation Appointment

Well, not the best news yet, but I guess not the worst! Since the tumor was large and the fastest growing kind they have decided to give me the most aggressive type of chemo drugs. But that said they will give them to me every other week for 16 weeks so not the 6 months we had expected. Then we wait one month and start six weeks of radiation. The weird thing about it all was the doctor's phrase "You will loose your hair" keeps going over and over in my head! This hadn't even bothered me until now. Maybe I just need something to focus on to get me through the next couple of weeks! I go for a heart scan, then have a port surgically inserted and then we start.

We'll keep you posted. By the way, we got some pictures of Ken in his do-rag today. He looks pretty good! Much better than if I let him shave his head in sympathy!

Editing and thinking!

Ken and I have spent this weekend editing another Onward project. It seems like the last three projects have all been "rush." This one should be able to be over-nighted to the printer on Monday and we are hoping to have the final book in hand by the 5th of March. Whew!

It was probably a little good to have the project this weekend as I am feeling my first feelings of scariness towards the chemo. I think it's mostly the unknown, but it's finally here and we will know on Wednesday what we face and how long we are looking at.

I would still love to do the women's devotional but I can't seem to come up with a good title, and that's a pretty important part of it! I want to put something out there that is positive and uplifting, something that would encourage ladies with their walk, with their everyday lives. Something that would empower them to step out to speak with their friends and people they meet about their relationship with Christ and their walk with the Lord. No downers, just how exciting it is to live for Him and how good He is. Now that doesn't sound so hard does it!? They talk about chemo-brain I think I already have it, for some reason I am in a stall. Is it me or is it God?

Well I will let you know how Wednesday goes and what we are in for. I know this temporary fear is mostly the unknown and "this to shall pass!"

Love all you and thanks for the prayers.

In Branson

Ken and I are sitting behind a booth at the Chateau on the Lake Hotel in Branson at a Conference today. We are giving away free books and TPE magazines. There is free wifi so I decided during one of the sessions that I would catch up on my blog.

We found a home for our kitten this week. I got an email from a student at SMU this week and she picked up the kitty and has emailed me a couple of times about how good "Smokey" is doing and how well she is getting along with the pug that her roommate has. It is nice to know that she is doing well and is loved. The girl has told me she will email us with updates and pics.

I still can't come up with names for the new devotional book, I think my brain is dead. I have come up with a few but I want to have a title by Monday, that is my goal. Need to move forward and get an email out to the potential authors. Well better get back to paying attention to the booth.

Have a great weekend.

Showing Off My Flowers

These were from Betty & Bernie Foote (Hal Donaldson's Mom)

These were from the Outreach Team at Convoy of Hope

These were from Pat, Mindy & Debbie (My Sister & Nieces)

These are from Janet & Earl Creps

These are from my Brother & Sister, Niece & Her Family

I also received beautiful Lilies from Karen & Kary Kingsland, and many cards from many of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And especially for the prayers which are continuing to hold me up!

Finally

Well I had to go to the surgeon's office today about pain I had been experiencing and talked with him about not having had a call from the chemo doctor. Well when I got home I had had a call from them and my appointment is scheduled for February 18th. Seems like a long time off and as I have been indicating the wait is the hardest! But with the appointment this morning I am still healing and there is a lot going on with the healing and still a lot that needs to heal. So ... frustrated I am but I know I need to be patient and behave myself and for those of you who know me well, you know this will be the hardest part!!

What's that saying about time heals all wounds, hate that ... who's got time like that?! Oh yeah, I do.

Debbie - Get Well Quick

Uncle Ken made this card for you ...


We love you.

Note: As we previously mentioned our niece had surgery after mine and is now home recuperating. I am sure she would appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery. The Lord has been great and the surgery went much better than the doctors had expected. PTL!

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

It started raining this afternoon and soon it was freezing rain. I could hear sirens all the rest of the day as cars were sliding off of the roads and they were suggesting people stay inside and out of the bad weather.

Tonight's news showed school closings and then at 10:10 p.m. Ken got the automated call from Headquarters that the building would be closed tomorrow due to bad weather. People are bundling up and planning on staying inside and close to the fireplace and heaters and I am glad Ken will be able to stay at home tomorrow and not have to go out in this awful cold.

Stay warm!

New Book Project

In the midst of all of "this" I thought I'd start something new ... how about a new book project! I've contacted past contributing authors on "A Quiet Escape" and "Times of Refreshing" and have gotten great response. We're going to do another book.

I'll keep you posted, after I clean the house!

Radiation Oncology Appointment

I had my first appointment today with Radiation Oncology. It seems a little funny since I will have chemo first and then radiation but hey, I want some answers so I don't mind having them out of order if I get some!

This was actually a consultation and short exam, so I registered and then watched a video detailing all that will happen over the 6 1/2 weeks that I will undergo radiation treatments. The treatments will be daily, Monday-Friday.

When I complete chemo I will wait and rest for one month and then call and schedule my treatments with radiation. I will go in for a simulation appointment where they will give me my first tattoo (don't tell my mother), and schedule my treatment times. The next time I go in they will perform a "dry run" of the actual treatment only taking X-rays to verify proper positioning. From that point on, when I arrive I will check in and spend approximately 15-20 minutes for treatments except once a week when I will see the oncologist and that appointment will be approximately one hour.

Hey, Ken thought of shaving his head if I lost my hair during chemo, do you think he'll consider a tattoo?!

One Appointment Scheduled

I got an appointment card in the mail. I got all excited and was ready to start my appointments and realized it was for my radiation consultation. I know I shouldn't really be that excited about starting chemo—but I'm ready to be through with all this—so in order to do that, I've got to start it! I go Friday for a consultation with the radiation department and doctor and find out all about that so will let you know what I find out. Maybe we'll just skip the chemo part...

I have been working off my list of to dos and have finished all the things I needed to get done for my boss by the end of the year! Pretty impressed aren't you?! After all it's just the 22nd! I have a meeting with him on Monday so I thought I better get busy!

I am going to take Mom to lunch tomorrow. This will be the first time I've driven that far (she lives across town) and been out that long so we'll see how it goes.

List Day

I've made a list. I am working off of it and hoping to accomplish something today. Ken is helping me. I still haven't gotten my boss those end of the year items he needs! He is being patient. There are many thank yous to write. So many people have done so many things. Meals, flowers, and so many of you are praying and that is where the strength to do all this is coming from. Thank you ... I am going to have a great day.

A Quiet Weekend

We had a quiet weekend. I am still feeling some pain but the actual incision seems to be healing well. If I get carried away and overdo I feel it and then pay for it with pain. Since it's my right side I do forget occasionally and reach out to do things and then realize I shouldn't have!

We did go out for breakfast with friends Saturday morning and enjoyed the outing. We actually saw some other friends while out and just enjoyed the time out of the house. I am hoping to be able to take Mom to lunch this week.

Questions

So many questions, not many answers. That's what it seems we have. We are now waiting for an appointment for chemotherapy. We don't know when it will start, we don't know how long it will last, we don't know how it will be administered, we don't know how it will affect me, we don't know much about it at all. It seems this has taken over our lives hard as we try to not let it. We can't make plans because we don't know when this will be over—but hey, I'm cancer free! That has to be the focus, all this other is just stuff, life stuff, but just stuff...and just remember how cute Ken is going to look in his do-rag!

Life Goes On

We have had a roof leak and we are waiting for repairmen to come and fix it! They actually came last Wednesday morning, the day after my surgery and we asked that they return this week and they agreed. Hah! When they hadn't shown up by Wednesday I called and asked when they were coming, they said Thursday so I waited all day Thursday and no repairmen. Now I have arose to await their arrival once again but since there is snow on the ground this morning I have a sneaky suspicion that I won't be seeing them today either! What do you think?

Ken's Blog - My Comments

Disappointed

Peggy had her post-surgery follow-up with her surgeon today. We are still grateful for the good news. He says we got the best possible result from the surgery.

However, there is a disappointment. All the area between the tumors was cancerous so they are looking at what they took out as one very large tumor and it appears Peggy will need to have chemo after all. She was prepared for it, but I did not expect it.

So that purple wig may be needed after all. I told her that if she loses her hair I will shave my head. She has forbidden me to do this however. She must think I look bad enough already.

So we worked out a compromise. If she loses her hair, I will cut mine short and wear a do-rag. May need some of you bikers to help me out with this. I don't want to look funny. The do-rag will need to look good in my new TPE profile shot.

We're not happy, but you have to laugh at times like this. Beats the alternative.

My Comments:

I have forbidden Ken from shaving his head because I love his thick hair and I don't want to chance it coming back in grey or not coming back in! I also don't want him to look worse than me! I have to look at him, I can avoid the mirror! Also maybe I can teach him what else he can do with a do-rag, like dust, clean, etc.

I am somewhat disappointed but want to do all we can to avoid this cancer coming back. God has done His part, now we will do ours. Hey I've always wanted to know what I'd look like with really short hair—now I'll know, or maybe not, it may not fall out!

Just remember God is good!

A New Week

I was going to change the title to "A New Weak" but then I am trying to stay positive. I know I am getting better everyday and God has done a great thing but I am getting ready to move on! So human aren't I?! I am still sore, still tire quickly, still ornery as Ken would probably tell you, but not to my face, and still anxious to be doing something, anything other than sitting around!

I have been trying to edit an Onward Book project blue lines, it doesn't usually take me four days! I will get it done. I still have things to get Hal (my boss) before the end of the year! I need to take things to UPS, I need to pick things up at the IRS ... I won't be doing much of those things but maybe a few ...

So you can see I am getting better. God is good.

Note: Surgeon Appointment on Wednesday afternoon.

Cancer Free - That's Me!

Called the doctors office today and the pathology report shows no more cancer. They got it all! Yippee, hallelujah ... thought you'd like an update!

My next appointment is Wednesday where I go for a check with the surgeon and then I guess we will talk about setting things up with the oncologist for 6 weeks of radiation. We're on the home stretch. Thank you Jesus and thank you friends for your love, support, prayers and calls. It all means so very much to us during this time ... you are special.

The Healing Begins

We are hearing from so many of you and it means so much ... thank you for your prayers, the flowers, the meals, the concern, the cards....

The surgery is over and from sight they think I am cancer free. We should know on Friday after calling pathology if that is true and of course we are believing for the best. With all of your prayers how can it be anything else.

The pain is slowly lessening and my good looking home health guy is taking good care of me. Bringing me things, helping me on and off with my sweater, helping me in and out of bed, cooking! All is going well. I would ask that some of those prayers you are praying for me you could direct his way, he can't seem to kick the cough and possible bronchitis that he's had since before Christmas. With having to get up through the night to give me pain pills, etc. he is not sleeping well and I know this is not good for his recovery.

Again, thanks so much for your faithful support through this for us. You are loved.

One More Day

I have a long list of things I want to get done today. But then again I shouldn't have to do anything right ... yeah right!

Starting to feel a little bit of apprehension. Not fear or worry but just wanting to make sure all of you are praying for me. I know you are and I know that is why I have been so calm and of course God's peace and comfort have been so real. How do people do it without Him? Actually that's the thought I will leave off with because I do know He is with me and I do know that you are praying and that we have a BIG God and GREAT friends that care. THANK YOU.

Mood Swing!

Not sure what kind of mood I'm in today! Got some things done but then I didn't feel like doing anything! Ken says that's OK. But I didn't think I would remind him that that's all I will be doing for a week or two.

I am not afraid or worried. I know that God has everything under control. I just don't really want to deal with Tuesday. Hope to get some things done tomorrow so I can feel like I can relax and not feel anxious about anything undone.

Thank you for all your prayers in regard to my surgery and the cancer. I really appreciate all the calls and emails. You are special...

Getting Things Done

Today I am in a "getting things done" mode. I feel like I have to have everything done before I go for surgery on Tuesday. I don't know how I will feel on Wednesday so I don't want to have things left undone and feel like I need to do things!

Hey, that's how I feel even when I'm not having surgery. Actually I just want to skip Tuesday and be done with all of this, but of course, that's not an option. Too bad.

You can kind of see how my minds working. I'm not fearful but I am ready to get on with life and have this "interruption" behind us.