2007 Breast Cancer 3 Day

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

The Half Way Point

Today I went in for my 3rd round of chemo. It was business as usual with nothing new to report. I am feeling good right now which is a pleasant surprise. I was already feeling sick by this time the last round. I know it will be short lived though and I should be feeling bad by morning if not some time in the middle of the night.

I had a mammogram and ultrasound done yesterday, but results are still pending of course. I'm not sure when we will get them, but Dr. Q's office is good about staying on top of things and keeping us informed. I'll report more when I know it.

On a more thought provoking note, I heard a sermon on the radio today that really put into words the way I feel about my situation. So many people say I'm brave or that they don't know how I do this day after day. As many of you know my faith is strong and I believe the Lord doesn't make mistakes and that He has a plan for my life. The description today was that we are put on the earth to do God's work. Living our life is our job for God--living it reflecting His image to the world by our actions and beliefs. We all have PURPOSE in this life--to minister to the lost in what ever means we are capable. So many people believe that means you have to walk up and "sell" Jesus to the unsaved, but it doesn't have to be that direct. We all minister in different ways and some of them can be quite subtle. I believe my cancer is part of my purpose. I have to walk through this experience reflecting my faith in the Lord so that others can see it and believe and hopefully that belief will lead to salvation. When you are doing the Lord's work it isn't hard to "be brave" or "be strong". When you are functioning inside His purpose you can tolerate so much more because you are living for something bigger than yourself. I admit I am human and do have my bad days. I don't want other cancer patients reading this believing I am some superhero or that even having faith takes all the pain away. I also don't want anyone to feel that they are somehow falling short because they aren't coping as well. Cancer is HARD, but knowing that the Lord has a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11) makes CANCER an easier cross to bear. I am hopefully ministering to someone out there whether it be family or an unknown reader. If someone is touched and grows closer to the Lord because of my situation then it all hasn't been in vain. I don't know if I did the sermon justice in that description, but that is what I took away from it.

Here's a link to the sermon if you're interested. Just click on it.
http://www.tonyevans.org/radiotv/radio.cfm
If you are reading this today (Tuesday) click on Today's Alternative to listen to the broadcast. If you are listening any time after today it will be in the archives for January 10, but unfortunately you won't be able to hear the entire sermon. I really enjoy Tony Evans' sermons. I always find them inspirational and sometimes convicting. I recommend you look up when he airs on the radio in your area and listen.

I go back to disconnect tomorrow morning from my chemo pump. I'm winding down for the night, but I will update again tomorrow. My love to everyone!

4 comments:

  1. Frannie,
    I claimed healing for you on the same day that your dad called with the news, so I am just waiting to hear that the doctors "can't find anything"........meanwhile, God is definitely using this situation to bring a lot of people closer to Him..me included. I have read my Bible more (searching for scriptures on healing; they're everywhere in the New Testament!)and I've prayed ever so much more than I have ever done before. I wish we all lived closer so we could see your pretty face more often!
    Love to Ed and Emma.
    Love, Aunt Ruby

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your faith in Christ shines so brightly Fran! You state it so well too. Those who have faith in Christ don't escape trials, they just have the strength from Him to get through them.
    The Lord is using you in powerful way Fran. Hold onto Him.

    ReplyDelete
  3. FRAN,I KNOW THAT YOU WAS A GOD SENT TO ME I REALLY NEEDED TO HEAR YOUR MESSAGE ON TODAY I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TOLD THAT GOD PUT US WHERE EVER NEED TO BE IN ORDER TO GET WHAT HE HAVE FOR US TO GET SO I FELL AS IF I WAS IN THE OFFICE AT THE RIGHT TIME SO HOW DO I SAID THANK YOU YOU HAVE TRULY BLESS ME ON TODAY KEEP THE FAITH SINCERLY EDNA COLEMAN

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for sharing so much with us, Fran. I LOVE the way you shared the sermon....makes perfect sense to me...and it builds my faith. Thank you. You are truly a beautiful, faith-filled person and I am continually praying for you and your dear family as you take each step through this valley.

    With love,
    Michele R

    ReplyDelete