Anniversary!

My cousin Melba just called to remind me that today is the anniversary of my last chemo treatment - one year ago. This was the day I rang the bell! Wow, I think we should celebrate! Ice cream?! Actually I am just really happy to have hair!

MOTHER'S DAY

It's Mother's Day a little early this year.

We are headed to the Evangelical Press Association Convention this week in Dallas, and then to Mississippi to visit Ken's family, so we won't be home next week for Mother's Day. We decided to celebrate the day with my mother early and go to church with her and then take her to lunch at her choice of restaurant.

Though we know she loved the company and the lunch, she especially loved getting her favorite cookies that she doesn't get too often since they are from Trader Joe's and we don't have those here! They are Lacey's with dark chocolate and she told me she only had three left from the last box she had been hoarding! She loves her cookies!!

After lunch we took a short drive around a small lake and saw fish and birds and enjoyed the beauty of God's creation.

All in all a great day spent together.

RELIEF EFFORTS IN HAITI THROUGH CONVOY OF HOPE

HAITI EARTHQUAKE UPDATE:


This little guy has two bags of the food like we bagged at the Convoy warehouse last week. This is some of the supplies that were in Haiti when the earthquake hit.

Convoy of Hope has confirmed that AID IS GETTING TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST. Because Convoy of Hope already had a presence in Haiti, including a large warehouse (which had just been fully stocked with food and medical supplies a week before the earthquake) distribution of relief has not been hampered. Water, food and medical supplies are being distributed along with qualified in-country emergency medical personnel.

Other outside organizations have been frustrated by the overrun single-strip international airport and additionally do not have the in-country logistics in place. But because of Convoy of Hope's long-term commitment to Haiti, they are equipped and ready to respond. AID IS GETTING THROUGH and making a difference.

Please donate! Your gift can be put to work immediately helping the victims of this tragic earthquake through Convoy of Hope. Go to www.ConvoyofHope.org to donate.

Brrrr...it's Cold Out There

The weather has warmed up today. It's all the way up to 17 degrees. It's a "Mom" day today so I will be going out in it. Wondering what I will do while Mom's at the beauty shop. It may be too cold to run errands like I usually do! Brrr...

Mom has called several times regarding her appointment. One was talking about my driving in the snow. She was going to cancel her hair appointment since it might snow. She has asked if I have driven in snow before and then she called back and had changed her appointment to earlier in the day. Then she called back and said she wasn't going to lunch at the dining room so she'd be ready earlier. I nixed that one. We had already canceled our going to lunch since that would have us driving in the snow more! It's only a 10 minute drive from her house to the shop! She originally had a permanent scheduled but now only has a set and comb out. Who knows what she'll be having done by the time the appointment time comes around!

This should be an interesting day–and it's just getting started.

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.