Praise The Lord!

It was a good day today and it was even better because of all that beautiful sunshine! The sky was so blue and oh, how the birds loved being at the feeder. Even a flicker was there eating some of the suet. And I ate three meals, too, and enjoyed every one of them. When I don't have to struggle with nausea it's always cause for rejoicing.
"Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above....Praise Him, sun and moon"...(Ps.148:1,3a).

Rejoicing in His creation,
Sandra
(And my quote on Thursday was not Simeon's song, but Zechariah's song. Oops...)

A Big Change

Today I went to see both my oncologist and my G.P. We are going to change my chemo drug and if scheduling works out that would hopefully begin next week Friday. The new drug is Taxol and will be administered on a weekly basis through IV. So no more weeks off in between. I wonder if my body can keep that up. We shall have to wait and see. The drug is stronger but because it's weekly the dosage is lighter. The tumour marker rose significantly yet again and that's one of the big reasons for the drug change.
Not the best news to hear, but there's still reason for hope. We will just keep on praying for a miracle. We'll pray this new drug works. I'm standing on the promises of God - for strength, for hope, for courage to go on.
As the Song of Simeon proclaims, "Praise be to The Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come to His people and redeemed them." (Luke 1:68)

Immanuel-God with us.
Sandra

It's Christmas 2012

Just want to wish you all a very Blessed Christmas,
Celebrating Immanuel, God with us!

Love, Sandra

Cold on the Outside, Warm on the Inside

Yesterday was another chemo day and it went very well. Today I'm more tired than usual, but otherwise I feel OK. I even walked across the driveway to a neighbour's house for tea! It sure felt cold outside! Brrr....
Thank you for your continued prayers, and cards, and words of support and encouragement. It's so good to be a part of "the communion of saints." God certainly shows His love through His people, too.

Blessings,
Sandra

Whiter than Snow

Didn't that snow look beautiful this morning? It was pretty heavy wet, snow but hanging on the trees it looked so peaceful outside. The birds were busy getting their seeds from the bird feeder.
I've had a good few days and I'm enjoying them a lot. I can get out a little and I have been a bit more mobile. My stomach has been cooperating, too, and the nausea has been so minimal. All good things!
Just noticed that my blog isn't always showing up with the pictures lately. I don't know why that happened but if you scroll down to see the web version, you'll get pictures again. Sorry about that.
"Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow. Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."
Remember that chorus? Our sins are erased so we are made whiter than snow! What amazing grace we have in Christ Jesus, our Saviour.

In Jesus' love,
Sandra

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! 58 is a big number when celebrating an anniversary. May God bless you with more wonderful years together.
Today has been a good day. Supper is smelling good and my stomach is even grumbling for food. I'm actually hungry and that's a good thing. Of course, we're having mashed potatoes and that's always a hit with me.
Yesterday was a very sleepy day. I slept much of the day away; my eyes just wouldn't stay open. I'm just thankful I can always sleep well.
I was outside a tiny bit today and it sure is cold. This afternoon it almost felt like we could get snow. The weather has been a bit "iffy" in that department anyways.

Love, Sandra

Have Faith!

Yesterday I went to school for a few hours to say hello to the students! They blessed me with their songs, and recorder playing, and their encouraging words. It was such a great time. How I miss being there!
Today was the start of another round of chemo. It also went very smoothly and I've eaten supper and feel quite well. I am just more tired today but that could also be from the big day yesterday.
Yesterday someone brought this Bible verse to my attention in Isaiah 7:9b: "If you do not stand firm in faith, you will not stand at all." Lord, give us faith in abundance so we can stand in hope and confidence.

In faith,
Sandra

Fascinating!

Oops....didn't realize I had forgotten to write for a few days. Too much coming and going in my house, I guess. But it's all good. I still fight nausea and vomiting but it has certainly improved over the last couple of weeks. And on Friday I will start my chemo regimen again. We'll see how that goes. Please pray that it won't make me sick again.
I am so enjoying watching the birds at the feeder. They come, rain or shine. Some come for the suet, and others come for the seeds. Very fascinating!
Today my parents were over and an aunt and uncle came by, too. It was nice to have an afternoon visit.
Thank you for your continued support in so many different ways but especially by your prayers. Thank you.

Love in the Christ of Christmas,
Sandra

Birds at My Window

A couple of days ago my oldest brother put up a bird feeder off of my front deck. When I'm sitting in my chair I can see if birds are arriving to get some food. Well, just this morning a little black-capped chickadee came around to investigate. He sat on my deck, almost as if to say "good morning,"and then hopped down to get some food. Other birds were waiting nearby in the trees. I hope the news gets out that there's delicious food to be found at #12 and I'll be able to watch birds stopping by for a tasty treat. Of course, the deer wandering by my back door this afternoon might get jealous. They're looking for food, too.
It's so true...This is my Father's world and if He's caring for those little birds He's made, I know He'll watch over us, too!

In His care,
Sandra

Wheaties

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. This has been a good week overall! The nausea has subsided so much, and though I am still on a lot of anti-nausea drugs, I'll take them if they work this well. I'm so much weaker than before and that is sort of disconcerting to me. I'll have to work at getting that strength back again. I'll just keep eating my "wheaties." If things continue to go well, I will be on chemo again next week. Please pray that my body will gain back strength so I can continue with the chemo program, even though it's not my favourite thing.
"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His Word I put my hope." (Ps.130:5)

Waiting in hope,
Sandra

Procedure

This won't be too long because I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open. This afternoon I had my nephrostomy tubes replaced and because I'm sedated for that, I'm usually a bit groggy and sleepy. The procedure went pretty smoothly and I'm glad that's done for another 6 weeks. The next time it will be 2013!

Love, Sandra

Perogies

Today my brother and brother-in-law put up Christmas lights outside my house. My sister and sister-in-law put out Christmas linens inside the house. I can even see the lights from my bedroom to enjoy them. I didn't do a lot today because I felt rather drowsy and sleepy all day. Must be from all the anti-nausea drugs I'm taking. However, they are working and food is staying down. I'm so thankful for that! Nausea is no fun at all and rather debilitating as well. I found another food I like,too. It's perogies! Now I have options - mashed potatoes or perogies?
I hope you are having a good week.

Blessings,
Sandra

Advent

What a most enjoyable day we had with family. We took lots and lots of pictures. All of my siblings and their spouses are here for this weekend. Pretty incredible, I think. After all of that activity I just couldn't keep my eyes open and I had a late afternoon nap. I've had another good day - no nausea or vomiting! Time for me to build up some strength and try to put on some weight again.
My house looks like Christmas already. I have a Christmas tree up (good choice, E and A. Thanks so much!) and there is a garland of lights around the fireplace,too. Christmas music is playing in the CD player. It's just plain cozy and "gezellig." And tomorrow begins Advent, a time of waiting and eager anticipation. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!

Warm hugs to you,
Sandra