From MASS

We are all having a great time in MA. The flight went really well and it was so nice to have a non-stressful flight with the kiddies. We are at my brother's house and had a great time in town yesterday. Sarah and I went on a Swan Boat ride, and we walked down Newberry St., and all around Copley Square. We had a great time at Fanuiel Hall till a huge thunderstorm came. Then it was time fopr A Duck tour, thru the streets of Boston and the Charlies River. We were exhausted when we got back to Scott's, but my Mom and Dad were there so that gave us a bit more staying power.
It is overcast and misty out this morning. I hope it clears up for the party this afternoon. I think I will post pictures tomorrow. We are having a wonderful time. God is so good.
Love to all.
Joann

Call Me NED

NED means no evidence of disease! Yayyyy!! My PET scan came back normal and praise God, the little lymphnode in my shoulder was gone, so the chemo has been working. I think I almost had a stroke before I got the results. My Mother in Law was with me to try to keep me calm but my blood pressure was really high like 150 over 90. I am so thankful and relieved. Thank you Lord.
Thank you for your prayers, so much. I had chemo after and boy was it great! The greatest chemo EVER!
I've got to stay on top of things, and i start radiation soon to try to zap any stray cancer cells, then finish my chemo which should end in Oct., then off to Israel! Yay, yay, yay!
Whew( wiping sweat off forehead)

Love you guys. We are off for a few days. I'll have pics of our family reunion.
Love,Joann

Glad that part is over

Random picture of Sarah and Blue
Wicked storm coming down our street

My new headphones

The PET scan machine

The Radioactive sugar agent

The lady with the needle

Just a thank you to Cindy for your words of encouragement
To Jan, It's so nice to hear from you. Can't wait to see you this weekend also.
Pam, We will definitely do the lunch date. It'll be fun.
Thank you as always , Betty for your friendship and prayers
Kristi , thanks for the e-mail this morning. I read it a bunch and heard the verse your mentioned on my way home from the test.
Linda, I remember you , too from chemo and I think about you often. It was good to see you. I hope you can keep visiting my blog.
Kathy, I love you and miss you. We had a fun visit.

Thanks , you guys for your prayers. I slept right through the first part of the appt today when you have to sit by yourself in a dark room. I am usually super fidgety, but I put my iPod on and passed right out. I did sleep really well last night, too.

My test went smoothly. I should get me results Wed. afternoon . It was over pretty quick. I took some pictures. Rick came in for the last part of the test but we didn't talk or anything. I think he was browsing the web on his iPod. He's so well adjusted.

After that, it's been a regular day. Girls playing, one boy went to the movies with some friends, Betty and I read out in the backyard , five teenagers over for a while and laundry. Trying not to let worry consume.

Rick brought home a cool pair of retro headphones for me. They are cool looking. I use my iPod a lot, as you can probably tell. They look funky.

Unbeatable Banzuke and Ninja Warrior are our new favorite shows here. Has any one else seen them? The kids and I are watching them right now. You've got to watch them if you get G4.

We've got a wicked storm coming this way, so I am going to post my pictures and sign off. I've got a bit of a headache. I think it's from the stuff they gave me today for the test. Oh well. It comes with the territory.

I just have to say, I feel so blessed to have you guys to encourage me. I mean, everyone that leaves a message is so loving and uplifting. I feel very blessed. sniff..sniff. Thank you friends. I love you. I'd like to pray for you guys if you have any prayer requests. Love, Joann

PET scan tomorrow

Hi friends,
I have a prayer request for a clear mind, strong, healthy body, and no cancer in my body. I have been a bundle of nerves today and it is very upsetting. My test is as 8:30, so I sit for about 40 minutes by myself, then they do the CAT/PET scan. Rick can come in with me during the PET part to touch my toes or something.
I'm nervous, I hate going into those machines.

I'm kinda crying right now so pardon me for being pathetic.

I am hoping for no new signs of this stupid disease, and that the spot in my shoulder is gone. I keep talking to God about the same thing over and over again. I feel like Eeyore with the dark cloud over him.
I know God doesn't use the internet ;) , but I am going to write my prayer down anyway. this is how I am feeling.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for my fear. you have blessed me so many times and continue to take care of me. Forgive my doubt. I am worried about the test results, and don't really want to face them. They could be great!, but I am having such a hard time with not knowing. Father, help bring to my mind all the times that you have done so many cool things for me. i know you are here, and see me and love me. I am just tired and sad. Please give me your peace, Lord. I don't aways feel like I can handle this path, and I know you have a purpose for my trial, but I don't like it right now. I want to breath easy. Jesus, comfort me and my fear. Tonight, I know you will be there when I am awake and scared, let me just thank you for that now. you are the only one who can comfort me at those times. Please Lord come with me to my test tomorrow and let me see your face when the big machine is over me. Lord, keep me calm as I wait for results and give me the grace and composure to walk this path. Use me Lord, for something good. Comfort my friends and family that are praying for me and thinking about me. Bless them and I pray that you will draw them all closer to you through my situation. I believe you are my healer, Jesus. I wish I could touch the hem of your robe, like the lady in the Bible.
I love you Lord Jesus, and I thank you and praise you for salvation. I am trusting you with my life and with my family, that your plan is best. I give thanks that I am a child of yours. In your precious name Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen

Lookit how perfect this cappuccino is...

To answer Diana's comment, although I will probably call her today... I downloaded my bible on Audible.com. I got the dramatized version, so it's very exciting when Paul is in the storms in Acts,and everyone is hollering. Yes it will go on your iPhone. I'm so excited because I am getting Rick's iPhone when he gets the new one. He's always got to stay on top of technology


This is from LOVE WORTH FINDING
June 21
BIBLE MEDITATION:
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
When bewilderment enshrouds you and despair looms at your door, when trials storm the beaches of your life, you may want to ask God, “Why? Why? Why?” Friend, you may never understand why things are happening the way they are in your life, but that’s not your job. You see, it is not necessary for you to know why. That is God’s question. Your response is all that matters. When we can’t feel His hand, we must trust His heart. Our job is to simply trust and obey.
ACTION POINT:
Is there something happening in your life for which you have no explanation, but long for answers? Ask God to give you peace and grace to trust Him.

For my friend Betty

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ecclesiastes 4:10
If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

Hi folks

Staying focused and looking forward to my trip to Israel in October.
I get all kinds of little travel books and coffee table books from the library and look at the pictures...I'm sort of a dork. I'm excited.



Nothing to report today. Regular ol' day at our house. Ummm...I did make some yummy quesadillas for dinner.
A message for Heather..we'll have to set up a cyber-coffee. I'll have to think about how we can do that. That would be fun.
I found a cute site called Good Enough Mom. It's funny. I also like Slacker Mom, of which I am one, ashamedly!
Have a wonderful night.
Romans 12:1-2

Sarah and Miss Della's ferret, Bandit. I promise you, I brushed her hair that morning!












My feet, My blanket and My book. Relaxing at chemo.





My nurse du Jour, she's a sweetie!


Greetings,
I'm bored...
Don't tell Rick, but I was so bored that I went to Target, shopping. This is how my day went, if you are interested. It's soooo thrilling!
I went to chemo this morning at 7. ( I like it quiet and I get a lot of attention).
Got home about 9 and two kids (Charlie and Sarah were at activities), so it was just Jimmy and I. I wanted to lay down, but we decided to go for a smoothie at the beach. I am really enjoying just being with him. He's pretty funny. Then we came home and I felt a bit blecchh, so I watched a bit of tv and it is so horrible. I hate...'scuse me.. dislike tv, so I went on my computer for an hour. Then we had a little bit to eat and went to Target. Very exciting day.

Well, I have been dreading the phone call for my PET scan appt. If you have never been through this experience, you may not understand the apprehension. I didn't want to get the phone call. I was secretly hoping my Dr. would forget and I could go on my trip to MA. next week, then come back after and do it in a week or so, but no. So I got the phone call in Target and made the appt for Mon at 8:30, then immediately got bummed, so I picked out some more clothes.

I thought of my post yesterday and felt like a hypocrite. I said to myself "practice what you preach, Joann!" I thought of my favorite verse in Isaiah 41 (look to right). Well, I guess I would appreciate some prayers for a clear mind, strong and solid in the Lord, Clear PET scan results and the smarts to read my own entries and remember that the Lord is at my right hand.

I have always been a frightened person. Afraid of the dark and monsters, afraid of what other people think of me, afraid that I don't measure up to what I should be, afraid of not being a good Mom and wife and afraid of cancer. Well, I am tired of that. It's not the treatment that wears me out, it's the fear and the worry. I so want to be over that. Soooo sick of it! Lame!

When I concentrate, I know I have nothing to fear, my future is secure, my debt is paid. I'm not even sick, for Pete's sake. Boy, I am rambling. Well, i am going to read that devotional again and apply it to my life, darn it. I hope that you don't take my worry as doubt. I hope maybe that you guys who read this can also apply the truths that I share from my devotionals to your life. Life ain't easy, and everyone has different worries and trials. I try not to compare my situation or trials to other peoples. I don't think anyone should. Am I making any sense? Prolly not.

Let's see if I can sum this up...
My situation is difficult, and I struggle everyday, and I need to read God's words and promises many times, daily. I think it's important to share our struggles, and be honest about them, because God will use those situations to help others. My prayer is that God will use me. I want so much to do something for Him. Share hope and His truths, and I feel bad when I get discouraged, but I think he can also use that weakness.

Can you tell I'm sort of bored by the way I just keep going on and on?
Bottom line..
God's good, I'm working on trusting Him and I hope through my trial God will use me to help others to trust him also.
Got to go. My kiddos are in the potato chips and cookies. Love you guys,
Joann
Here's a picture Sarah just made for me. His name is Spike.

PS. The minor prophets are a little hard for me to grasp right now so I am trying to study Isaiah (love that guy), and I heard a sermon on Isaiah 45. I will put a link here, read it if you can. I sometimes think of myself as the afflicted city, Satan is the blacksmith who forges the weapons, but God created the blacksmith and can squash him. I hope you can read it and draw something from it.
Bye again
PS I miss your comments Jinji

This is from Love Worth Finding, today

June 17
BIBLE MEDITATION:
“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Once I had the rare opportunity of visiting with Corrie Ten Boom. I drank in her words. I listened and kept my mouth shut. One of her statements went straight to my heart: “There is no panic in heaven, only plans.” That is how God operates — no panic. Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency session? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child. Refuse to listen to Satan’s lies of fear, discouragement, and despair. You are a victor. And God is in control!
ACTION POINT:
Repeat the following throughout the day today, “God is in control of my life. He will not leave me. His right hand will sustain me all the length of my days.”

"The Lord upholdeth all that fall and raiseth up all those that be bowed down." Psalm 145:14
Hope you are all well. Jimmy and I are home by ourselves. Charlie and Sarah have stuff going on. Jimmy and I are being schlumpy. that's my new word. I think I just made it up! Hooray for me!
It's hot out, although we did get a bit of rain the last few days. Sarah is at Miss Della's and riding horses. I can't imagine being on a farm in his heat, but she loves it! i think I'll take some pics when I go pick her up. Jimmy and I had a nice breakfast at the Blueberry Muffin. It was nice to just chat with him. He's getting so big. He even had a cup of coffee with me. (Just one, then we both had decaf )Well, i've got to go clean that guinea pig cage, it's making my eyes water. Talk to you later,Love,
Joann PS., Wasn't that picture of the dog so cute? I think I'll get a wig like that if I loose my hair. XO

This picture is so cute

Can't...breathe...too..cute... Thank you for all of your encouragement. Thanks to all of my new on-line friends for lifting me up in prayer. It helps me so much. Right now my daughter and her friend are getting a ton of exercise on the Wii Fit. It's so hot out and they get a bit tired of the pool. They have both worked up quite a sweat. There's a lot of body heat in this room. I don't know if any one else has one, but it is the neatest thing. Right now they are doing hoola-hoop exercises and my daughter's friend is totally "pwning" her. (That's video game lingo for winning,yo!)
Anyhoo, I'm going over to my friend's house later. got to get the Mommy stuff done first.
I just wantd to send a "shout out" (sorry for being goofy) to my friend from the chemo room. if she is readig this, I am so happy that you have finihed your treatments. that is so awesome. please let me know if you need anything and keep me up to date on your treatment. I am praying for you.
I have an incredible craving for Gazpacho. I'm going to try to track some down.
Here's what I have been remembering for myself from Colossians.
Love to all,Joann

A Nice Visit

Sarah and peter on my scooter
In the candy store
Kathy and Peter
Peter and Sarah in the pool
Hi friends,
Kathy and Peter came for a few days and just left this morning. It was so nice to see them. Peter is adorable and Kathy was as usual so much fun. We didn't do anything huge. Mostly we swam(surprise), went downtown and visited the beach. It was nice to hang with Kathy and just chat. The kids all played rather nicely, I think. Her son is very sweet and very social. I love it when little kids talk to me rather than scurry away. I got some cute pictures of him in the pool and playing on my scooter.

We are all well. I feel a bit tired. Chemo hits me on day two or three, as usual. My hair is still hanging in there perfectly. No shedding! Rick is going to check out burr grinders for his cappuccino maker. My boys and their buddy just headed to Moo's up the street for lunch and Sarah and i just got back from a scooter ride. It's too hot to go on our bikes. It still hasn't rained out.
I have been listening to my bible on my iPod and have started the prophets. Very interesting. I wish I could find a study on those fellows. I'll let you know if I learn anything. I love the old testament. I also love the book of James. I often picture Jesus teaching him as a boy, giving him advice and truths " 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Well, take care.
Hope you all are well. I am ok, just a bit sleepy. Still praying for good results, peace and acceptance of God's will in our lives
Love Joann I am attaching this video becase it made me teary-eyed, not for the lottery (in case you were wondering ;-] )

Summer morning at our house

A little treat that Rick made me
I couldn't finish it though, because I got the shakes, but I still appreciated it .



Blue went to the groomer's today. Here's a before and after shot.












We were hoping for some rain today, but it sort of circled around us and thundered alot. Everything is so dry here and my flowers by the front door are pretty much dead.
Thinking of that, I am very saddened about the news of floods in Wisconsin and Michigan. What a heart aching situation. I haven't watched the news lately, because it's sort of hard to handle the overload of information, mostly sad, so I'm not up on current events, lately. Kind of bad of me, but sometimes you can only handle so much. Are you with me?

We went to go see Kung Fu Panda this morning (only $4 a piece before 12). It was fantastic. We didn't think it would be our cup of tea, but we all (me and three kids), really enjoyed it.

My friend Kathy is coming tomorrow. I think I should probably give her a call.

I have chemo at 7am tomorrow morning. I was hoping to get it out of the way. It's nice and quiet there that early and I don't have to wait around, plus I get lots of attention from the nurses! I'm such a baby!

I missed my Cancer Overcomers mtg tonight. No reason in particular, I just wanted to stay home with Rick. Right now he is on the Wii fit doing some classy yoga moves. He's got great balance. Oops now he's doing strength training. I think I could use to get on that thing. Does anyone else have one? It's kind of fun.
Well, it's past Sarah's bedtime. Good night.

i like this song a lot

It's a little melancholy, but I am too, right now.

Thank you (sniff, sniff)

Thank you for responding to my last post, friends. It is so cool getting encouragement from people you don't know (yet)! It really made my day and it's only 3! I am feeling much better today. Let's see, maybe about an 8 or so. No headaches, no fever, a bit more energy and an appetite! My kids and I went to Subway and ate at the beach. Our internet was on the fritz, but it was just a connection on our wireless thingy in the closet. It did make for a nice computer free morning. My boys have been banned from video games til their Dad gets home, so they like to make little Flash movies and stuff on the computer.
I guess it's kind of creative...
Sarah and I were in the pool for a good part of the morning. Betty let me borrow a book and I cannot put it down. It's a bit of romance which I normally don't go for, but it's a real page turner. Needless to say I ignore my kids when reading it.
I was going to go to the library to look for the book that my on-line friend, Kristi suggested to me. I might do that a bit later.
I wish I had something more interesting to write about. Maybe I'll look for a funny video or something. Till then, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Joann

I need to know you are there.

Ok people, I love you guys and everything, but I would so love to hear back from you a bit. Now I'm not the type to complain(too much), but I need a little encouragement. I feel very worn out and drained and would so love a bit more feedback. I don't mean to be grouchy but I was hoping this blog would be a two way streak. Ok, I am crabby, sorry...
I love you guys. I have to admit I do have a couple of faithful corresponders, and I love to read their comments, but , hey, Betty sees me just about every day. I know you might be afraid of commenting but I think you can respond anonymously.
Chemo kinda hit me pretty hard this week, and I have had a bit of a fever and did a lot of laying around, which I hate. Sarah and I did have a nice day swimming at Betty's today. My boys went to a pool party with youth group. Rick actually relaxed at home today, which is very rare. He had the house to himself for most of the day, which almost never happens, if ever.
My folks headed back up north today which makes me pretty sad. I will miss them, and I was feeling pretty gross yesterday so I didn't really spend much time with them. Basically on a scale of 1 to 10 ,I feel about a 6 or 6.5( roughly).
Well, I am done ranting, I have a bit of a headache.
Oh, if my new friend from the chemo room is reading this, I hope you are feeling well! One more treatment to go. There's a light at the end of the tunnel. Call me if you want to talk.
Love you guys, don't take my ranting personally, I'm just a big baby. I really did have nice time with my friend, and am so looking forward to Kathy and her little boy coming to visit this week. I've got some serious housework to do.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19

White Blood Cells are for Whimps

One of my lovely nurses
My Doctor and I. I think I was talking, that's why my mouth looks weird(er)


Somewhere I saw a t-shirt with this on it and I decided to make it my "motto". Once again my count was low today, but , no worries, a little Neupogen does the trick. I haven' t received my stash in the mail so I have to go into the clinic for the next three days. A bit of a drag but I will try to incorporate it into my Starbuck's run. How's that for positive thinking?
Chemo was fine today. I had a visit with my Dr. also. We set up another PET scan for a few weeks to check for anymore growth. If there is none and no spreading, I will receive radiation treatments to the node site. I am praying that is the case. God's will. He's the one who has kept my disease from spreading thus far. True, I have great Drs, but I think they are a bit amazed it hasn't spread, either.
Please pray for that with me. I know God could cure me in the twinkling of an eye, but so far He has got other plans. I will probably be a wreck until the PET scan , so for those of you who live close by, be prepared...I'm in needy mode. Well, maybe not quite yet, but beware!
I rode my scooter to chemo today. oops, now Rick will be upset that I took it over the causeway. I wore my helmet, though. It made the whole thing a bit more fun. Betty said I should've wrapped my Livestrong blanket around my neck like a cape and I would've looked like some sort of "chemo-Super-Hero". Maybe next week.
I have to get Rick at the airport and I did not make a big dent in the housework. I was hoping to surprise him with a well-kept house when he returned, but I guess it's ok because he might become confused, not recognize his surroundings, stumble and pass out from shock. ; P
Sarah is having a treasure hunt at her friends house tonight. They like to think they are little "Indiana Jones's". They will be digging for artifacts cleverly planted by my friend Julie. She's awesome! love ya Jules!
A few nights ago , Betty sent me this scripture. I'll share it tonight and I hope you think about it. It's a little wordy and a bit confusing at first, but if you try to read it, seriously, maybe 2 or 3 times, you can work it out and learn the Truth in it.
Love, Chemolicious Joann

I have to share this because it's too darn cute not to

My Devotional from last night

I just thought this was so beautiful, I wanted to share it with everyone. it's from my devotional. I hope it blesses you.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup.

Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.-All things are yours.-my beloved is mine.- the Son of God...loved me and gave himself for me.
And the Lord said to Aaron, "You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel."
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and your staff, they comfort me.- I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
O God, you are my God:earnestly I seek you: my soul thirsts for you: my flesh faints f you , as in a dry and weary land.
Ps 16:5, Rom. 8:17., 1 Cor. 3:21 Song. 2:16., Gal. 2:20, Num 18:20, Ps. 73:25, 26 Ps 23:4 2Tim. 1:12. Ps 63:1

one day to go

One more day til school is out. Wha-hoo. I have no idea how i am going to keep my kids busy this summer but that's ok. Rick's away for a few more days. I miss him.
I am reading 2 cor 10. It's about Paul's defense of his ministry, and staying in God's path for our life. I'm going to study this chapter for a while. I'll let you know what I learn. I can get pretty discouraged with my situation and want differently. I tell God, "if only I did not have this disease or go through chemo again, I could do so much more for you, be a better Mom and wife. Serve my church more." I have an uncommon life and I guess God wants to use it somehow, so I have to stay in His will and his path and within His boundaries to do what He plans for me to do.
I posted some of my pictures from Italy on Flickr so I could look at them easily. That's not even close to half of them that I took. I think I took about 500.
In October Rick and I are going to Israel with our church. I am keeping focused on that goal. Excuse me if I start putting pictures on the blog to encourage myself. I really want to be well enough to go. I think I'll be fine. I'm tired and I'm hittin it pretty soon. Love you guys. Don't be shy, you can respond to my blogs if you like. I love to read them at night before bed. Love you guys
here's part of 2 Cor 10

It's very quiet around here

It's very quiet around here. Rick is away on business and they chitlins are all in bed, or so it seems. The guinea pigs are fighting, though. I have a hard time going to sleep when the Rick-ster is not here. We had a very nice night out to dinner last night. There was only 12 of us. Everyone behaved, only one spilled Coke, so that's pretty good! I took some pictures but eveyone had red-ee, so I will wait til Rick sends me his pictures. I think he got some nice ones. He's got a fancier camera than me.
Nothing going on here today. I was achy last night and this morning and did not go to church this morning. What a terrible Mother. The four of us had a quiet day at home. I started to get a little panicky around lunch time and as God always does, a friend called just a the perfect time. It was so nice to hear her voice. She is going throughh treatment as well and she checks on me often to see how I am. I have so many wonderful people in my life. Sarah and I were in the pool for a long time this afternoon. The water was so perfect. We finished a watermelon, had tuna sandwiches for lunch and I ordered dinner from Long-Doggers. See what happens when the old guy goes. Easy peesy food.
There's this funny You-Tube Video I wanted to put on here. let me see if I can do it It's called Animal Phone.
I love the guinea pig phone I always get a giggle out of that.
Anyway , goodnight all. love you , friends. Here's a scripture from my online devotional. I can't wait to see that new city someday.