In acceptance, lieth peace...

A dear friend shared that little opening phrase with me this morning, and it spoke volumes to me.  (Thank you, Joan)  Had a long day yesterday, including 2 special visits with friends and then on to the dr's office.  I thought I would get both drains out that are remaining, but alas, no.  Only one was ready to come out.  The other is still putting out too much drainage...sorry if I am being too detailed!  So, he began the process of expansion, for which I was not prepared and still so tender...but he explained why and didn't overdo it.  It will help force the remaining drain to finish its job, so to speak.  There were some tears while there, and he was most patient and kind, but I just wasn't prepared for this new procedure, especially still being so tender.  I am still trying to get my head around all that is and has happened, and just emotional (Imagine that!!  My being emotional!)  Friday's news was still sinking in and the long journey ahead seemed overwhelming, and I felt remarkably vulnerable yesterday.  Kristen was right there, holding my hand and so precious...

My need for radiation and chemo will put off the reconstruction process, or at least slow it down, which is fine.  No biggie.  Chemo first, but I don't know how much yet. That is the next step - getting an appointment with the oncologist.

So, if chemo holds true to its reputation, I may not be as sick as many have often been, but it looks like Bobby may be able to help me with my hair!  May try a Mohawk...for a few minutes!  I hope he would be around to do the honors...with the number of times I have shaved his head, I think he owes me!  We will see...not there yet.  :) Pictures will be provided for posterity...

Thankful thoughts...

• Having a family that makes just about anything fun...and funny!
• Having a family that is so good at serving and working together...from emptying the dishwasher, doing laundry, getting me coffee in the early morning...
• That I am able to do more and more myself.
• For a day of rest after a long one yesterday.
• For friends at church so faithfully carrying on...I miss you all so much.
• For pretty decent sleep, and a husband who doesn't hear a thing if I snore, move, read or otherwise!
• For a patient cat, who helps keep my lap warm at night.
• Candles...I know I have said it before, but I just love them. (And for the precious,heart-shaped ones from a dear friend.  I will pray for you every time I use them.)

Psalm 16 was brought to my attention yesterday...thank you, Terri.  It is a beautiful thing...read on.

¹ Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

² I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
³ I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
⁵ LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
⁶ The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
⁷ I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
⁸ I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

 ⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
¹⁰ because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
¹¹ You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

So many things I am reading these days that I would love to share with you.  Be encouraged wherever you are, that I love you, pray for you and trust the Lord with you.  He has been ever-faithful to me...that doesn't mean it's easy or always fun...but it is always GOOD.