This fall weather helps keep my head clear!

What another beautiful, crisp morning!  It has been a few days and a whirlwind of thoughts running through my mind...Wednesday brought a 2nd opinion, and the last few days brought more 'God-sightings' (to steal a phrase from Joni camp!).  Visiting Fox Chase on Wednesday was worth it and I'm still waiting for an official, 'full' 2nd opinion since they review new cases as a group on Tuesdays and had not received all my medical reports yet, but the Dr. was very knowledgeable and confirmed the same characteristics of this cancer as the Paoli docs. Things lined up in that way.  Being a medical oncologist, her approach is different and she would tend to treat more aggressively with chemo if possible(which I personally would like to avoid if at all possible).  Again, I am waiting for a more complete evaluation of all my records by their team of doctors on Tuesday...waiting is the name of the 'cancer game'!  I am still planning on proceeding as planned with my surgery, but do want to hear what they have to say.  My doctor at Paoli seems to be looking at me more as a 'whole person' and how life will be post-surgery and I appreciate that...what would this be like to live with in reality?  Do I want to live with the possibility of recurrence and constant testing/biopsying?  And round and round we go...

In the midst of all of this, I find myself a bit overwhelmed but constantly buoyed by:

• a good friend who will roadtrip with me to Fox Chase, making me laugh while waiting over an hour for the doctor! (thank you, Brenda Shirk!)
• Yellow roses delivered to my door (You know who you are, and you have great timing!)
• Cards received almost daily, sharing Bible verses, love, encouragement
• Co-workers picking up the slack on those long days
• A Bible study at church pausing to listen and pray on the spot the day of my trip to Fox Chase
• A field hockey team that is doing WELL!  But, NOT playing this Saturday, so I GET TO GO SEE BOBBY and watch Geneva play!  That is very exciting to this Mom!
• the smell of homemade applesauce while it cooks 
• Texts from small group friends at just the right moment...

I am living the truth that the Lord is in the midst of very difficult times and I see it every day.  Tears in the midst of joy, struggle in the midst of rest, fear in the midst of complete trust.

Words from my cousin, Susan...

God's strength to pilot you

God's power to preserve you

God's wisdom to instruct you

God’s hand to protect you

God's way to direct you

God's shield to defend you

And the host of God to guard you.

I pray you have a blessed day.  And all of the above for you as well.  I am well aware that there are those in more dire straits that I am, and I hold you in prayer as well.  Enjoy the cool air, and breathe deeply...