Get the Book
Update 19
My friend Erin recently had her portrait made by Bill Bastas, a photographer here in Austin. Between poses, she found out Bill’s wife died of cancer in April. He’s currently working on a book of Austin’s breast cancer survivors. All proceeds will benefit our local breast cancer organizations. So last week Erin took me to meet Bill. [...]
Update 18
A healthy female has 12-14 g/dL of hemoglobin. I have 7. That’s dangerous. That’s why-haven’t-you-passed-out-yet anemic. Unfortunately, my lab results arrived after chemo man left for the day. The nurse will call me tomorrow morning (Wednesday) to tell me if chemo man wants to retest me or send me straight to the hospital for a [...]
Update 17
6 months 1 move 3 jobs No job 1 fatal car accident 4 surgeries 4 rounds of chemo And “not a day goes by without his unfolding grace” (2 Corinthians 4:16 The Message). Tomorrow: chemo and grace Thanks, everybody. Melody
Update 16
I wish you knew how relaxing it is to let a hot shower massage your bald head (go ahead and “Amen!” that, Uncle Tim). Tomorrow I’ll have my third round of chemo. I expect to lose the last of my hair by the end of the week. Thanks for praying. Melody “We pray that you’ll [...]
Update 15
I borrowed my mom’s update this time. For security reasons, I’ve changed my friend’s name. Dear Friends, I am in Austin today. Melody had her chemo on Tuesday. Her blood counts were sky high (thanks for praying). I sat with her while they gave her the Red Devil and she is surviving. She vomited twice [...]
Update 14
Thank you for praying for and helping me prepare for my chemo session today, but it didn’t happen. I don’t have enough white blood cells. We’re going to try again next week (Dec 12). I have that my-professor-gave-me-an-extra-week-to-work-on-my-paper feeling. Not only do I get to eat for the next three days, but I also get [...]
Update 13
I’m losin’ it! Melody “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are [precious]” (Luke 12:7).
Update 12
The port-a-bump returns. On the morning of Dec 1, I’m visiting my friends at Seton Hospital again. I’ll come home that afternoon with a new chemo port and the accompanying bump on my chest. My surgeon plans to plant this one on the right side. He’ll make me symmetrical again with matching scars. I’ll get [...]
Update 11
Bia, a girl from my small group at my church, bought me a vanilla steamer and told me how God had made her turn off her TV and pray for me. I tried to explain how I feel when people tell me they’re praying for me. I used words like “special,” “loved,” “covered,” “claimed by [...]
Update 10
Things I can reach again: 1. the coat hooks on the back of my door 2. the tupperware over the kitchen sink 3. the paper plates on top of the refrigerator I can also walk to my mailbox now. It’s a third of an uphill mile away. And the other day I carried a gallon [...]