Catholics
Comments
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Traci,
Good luck...I thought you might want to go to try out the chat room
I'm getting din din now. Hope you are feeling better, did you get well rested today? Will write you later.
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Thanks for the prayers ladies! My stomach bug was short lived. My husband is still down with it though.
Hope everyone is warm and snug tonight.
God Bless,
Alice
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Sisters,
Such beautiful prayers last night...so sorry I missed them.
Janet-I loved the imagery of the snow globe being turned over and walking in the silence of the snow and all you hear is the your own breathing and footsteps. I am originally from Nebraska, so snow was a given, so I know so well what you felt that day...
Theresa, I too, have been reminded of being a kid, being so excited for Christmas to come...sneaking out of my room to see all the presents under the tree...and itching to go wake up mom and dad so we could dig in to the fun...My dad was the only one that worked and with 6 kids this was a HUGE event...we always had a real tree and although it was "Charlie Brown" like, it was always the most beautiful tree we could imagine...We were bursting out of ourselves and couldn't hold our excitement past 4 am and were soon on our parents bed begging them to PLEASE get up so we could open our presents...It was always a scene from "A Christmas Story"...everyone ripping up paper and laughs and giggles galore...my parents, always watching from the couch, holding hands and seeing their children so happy... It wasn't until years later we learned that mom and dad starting putting things on layaway months before...and we ALWAYS got the big gift we wanted from Santa...even if my dad had to drive to another city in Nebraska, he would...it still brings tears to my eyes that even though he couldn't give us everything we wanted during the year, he could do this for us on Christmas...how blessed we were!
Kindone-Ahhh..midnight mass....such a blessing to be able to attend..I'm hoping I can do it this year...as long as SE aren't bad...but, then again, my counts may be getting low, so I'll play it by ear...I may have to miss mass this year...I hope God forgives me...
Okay...I babble...sorry about that....
Treatment #5 is over! Can I get a "Woot Woot "? Thanks be to God! It went pretty well, except for the fact that they had to "stick" me 4 times before getting the IV in on the 5th. The first time a vein blew and the next three the vein would move and they couldn't get it going...finally on the 5th try she got it and I heard her say ever so softly, "Thanks be to Jesus"... I know it sounds bad, but really, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't. This was the first time I have ever had any kind of trouble, so it doesn't bother me too much...it was probably a combination of the cold and maybe ( I find it hard to believe) not getting enough water in...I will be better next time and I don't foresee there being any other issues...besides, it will be my last one!
Now, here's hoping that SEs are minimal and tolerable...I meant to try to be here last night for prayers, but was snoozing on the couch and seemed to let time get by me once again.
Paula-thanks for giving us an update on things...sincerely hope that all resolves itself quickly.
thrmine-glad to hear you are doing better as well...
Traci-thinking of you and wishing you well too...
Is it just me or do you all feel a sense of "calm and peace" after being here and reading all these posts?
We are so blessed to have each other....may you all continue to feel the blessings of this holiday season....
peace and prayers,
Tori
DE COLORES!
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Just a "feel good" story I wanted to share this morning...Maybe we should start a thread just for these)...
JESUS AND THE MUD PUDDLE
Howard County Sheriff Jerry Marr got a disturbing call
one Saturday afternoon a few months ago.
His 6-year-old grandson, Mikey, had been hit by a car
while fishing in Greentown with his dad.
The father and son were near a bridge
by the Kokomo Reservoir when a
woman lost control of her car,
slid off the bridge and hit Mikey
at a rate of about 50 mph.
Sheriff Marr had seen the results of accidents
like this and feared the worst.When he got to Saint Joseph Hospital ,
he rushed through the emergency
room to find Mikey conscious and in fairly good spirits.
'Mikey, what happened ?' Sheriff Marr asked.
Mikey replied, 'Well, Papaw, I was fishin' with Dad,
and some lady runned me over, I flew into a mud
puddle, and broke my fishin' pole and I didn't get to catch
no fish !'
As it turned out, the impact propelled Mikey about
500 feet, over a few trees and an embankment and in
to the middle of a mud puddle.
His only injuries were to his right femur bone,
which had broken in two places.
Mikey had surgery to place pins in his leg.
Otherwise the boy is fine.Since all the boy could talk about was
that his fishing pole was broken,
the Sheriff went out to Wal-Mart and bought
him a new one while he was in surgery
so he could have it when he came out.The next day the Sheriff sat with Mikey
to keep him company in the hospital.
Mikey was enjoying his new fishing pole
and talked about when he could go fishing again
as he cast into the trash can.
When they were alone Mikey, just as matter-of-fact, said,
'Papaw, did you know Jesus is real?'
'Well,' the Sheriff replied, a little startled..
'Yes, Jesus is real to all who believe in him
and love him in their hearts.'
'No,' said Mikey. 'I mean Jesus is REALLY REAL.'
'What do you mean ?' asked the Sheriff.
'I know he's real 'cause I saw him,' said Mikey,
still casting into the trash can.
'You did ?' said the Sheriff.
'Yep,' said Mikey. 'When that lady runned me over
and broke my fishing pole, Jesus caught me in his arms
and laid me down in the mud puddle.'
GIVES YOU GLORY BUMPS, DOESN'T IT ? !GOD WILL DO THE REST
I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way
His love is always with you
His promises are true
And when we give Him all our cares
You know He will see us through
So when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Just remember I'm here praying
And God will do the rest.
FAITH IS NOT BELIEVING THAT GOD CAN....
IT IS KNOWING THAT HE WILL!0 -
Tori,
Woot Woot and another Woot for good measure! You are doing it, getting through and you will come out on the other side an even more spiritual woman than when you came in. God will be with you for Mass, and will send additional support to be by your side. Do not worry, you are in walking Mass everyday.
Yes, listening to everyone's beautiful memories from childhood is such a testimony to the love of our parents. Your parents would sit there holding hands? It makes me so happy to see the picture of you in all in my mind.
and yes, I too feel Peace reading everyone's stories
Traci
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Good Day my Catholic sisters.
Just wanted to add my voice and prayers to Our Lord and His Blessed Mother for all of us.
Im still in the "finding out what it is journey" so not sure if the mass is benign or malignant yet but even this part of the journey had be something. It's timing has added an extra layer to my personal Advent season. Giving it all a different perspective, made my prayer life full of a deeper sense of meekness, humility and yes even desperation and hope. I cant help but think it must be similar to our ancient Israel while they kept praying, begging, hoping, for the Promised One, the Messiah, to come and save them.
I've had that feeling profoundly this Advent. Come, Lord, Come. Save us from cancer. Save me. Have pity, be merciful.
I dont know what the answer will be, or when it will come. But I know an answer will, because He came.
God Bless you all. I will lift all of us up at Mass tomorrow and thru this last week of Advent as we go into the Christmas season.
I dont' think I necessaryily am looking for "joyful". Im looking, hoping for "relief".
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Welcome Marie and God Bless You!!! You are at the same place I was last year this time. I pray yours is benign. I found out on Christmas Eve, when they did the biopsy. I could tell the way the doctor talked, then a few days later, I got the news and I cryed. After that, it became a whirlwind of activity with doctors and surgeries and radiation and chemo. It's all past me now. One year ago.
Skip bought me a beautiful ring today for Christmas... an anniversary ring. I didn't want to spend that much money on ME, but my daughter told me to let him buy it for me for the horrible year I just went through. So it *is* an anniversary ring after all. One year of no cancer. :-) I pray it never comes back!!!
Tori, hooray!! I *know* you can't wait for this to be over. But you sound just great! I didn't have a port (could have, but chose not to) and the last two times they had to find other places to stick me b/c the good vein was getting worn out. Now I have scar tissue, so whenever nurses try to draw blood, they have a hard time, even though the vein looks tempting. Can't be stuck in my right arm anymore! But get your rest and don't worry about Mass. There will be twice as many people at Mass this weekend and especially Christmas and many will be sick (like me - I might not go, depending on my health tomorrow), so you have to take care of YOU. Watch it on EWTN.
Alice - so glad you're feeling better. I hope you husband feels better just as quickly.
Traci- how are you feeling today? When are you going up north?
Afternoon (None) Reading
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
God will very rightly reward you, who are suffering now, with the same peace as he will give us, when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven with the angels of his power, when he comes to be glorified among his saints and seen in his glory by all who believe in him.0 -
Finished chemo 12/13/2010 and have only 10 rads out of 33 to go, then on to Tamoxifen in January.
May the good Lord bless all of you this Christmas Season and bring you nothing but the best in this coming New Year and always.
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Alice - I'm glad the bug is gone and hope the edema is on the way out the door too!
Marie - a warm welcome & know that I'll also be praying for all of us at Mass to bless us with health and love.
Beanius - welcome to you too! I'll bet you're so glad to have chemo behind you.
All my sisters - I am remembering St. Joseph today through today's Gospel. St. Joseph, protect us as you protected Mary. Show us the way to follow the Lord without reservation. Amen.
Gospel reading for Dec 18. Mt 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together,she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill that the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son,and he named him Jesus.
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St. Joseph, pray for us.
Thank you Janet.
Welcome Beanius and congratulations on exiting chemo! I'm on tamoxifen too.
I hope everyone has a good night, that the angels watch over you, and that you have a blessed Sunday.
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Janetinvirginia - thank you for the welcome and the gospel reading. Yes, so glad to say bye-bye to chemo!
theresap60 - thank you for the welcome. I start tamoxifen in Jan and have high hopes!
torigirl - 4 needle pokes, that's a lot! I had a total of 12 IV infusions and never knew if I'd get 1,2 or 3 pokes. Usually 1 or 2, but 4 oh my that must have been awful. Woot woot! I just finished and sounds like you will finish chemo soon!!
marie5890 - wishing you all the best!
Psalm 119 (169 - 176)
Let my cry come before you, LORD; in keeping with your word give me discernment. Let my prayer come before you; rescue me according to your promise. May my lips pour forth your praise, because you teach me your laws. May my tongue sing of your promise, for all your commands are just. Keep your hand ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, LORD; your teaching is my delight. Let me live to praise you; may your edicts give me help. I have wandered like a lost sheep; seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commands.0 -
Happy Sunday All!
Welcome Marie and Beanius (Polar Bear is my totem animal
Alice, so glad your stomach bug is getting better, how are your legs doing?
Theresa, tell Skip I love that he got you a ring for your one year post treatment anniversary. How loving!
Just a little hoo dee doo about me, I'm just not feeling very well. I am not sick with a bug, just feel like I have had quite a backslide. I can barely bend my hands in the morning..which started after I began chemo. This gets worse with with fatigue. I have been trying to get my laundry done to no avail, and I have to buy a nice dress or skirt/top for the new body (ahem) post chemo. I think I am about 13 pounds off goal, but this rules out my rack of clothes staring back at me. sorry to be complainy, just kind of lost in this. We are having our XMas party and I also need a nice outfit to wear at Dad's Independent Living Facility. The ladies there DRESS to the nines, in accordance to their times and upbringing. I usually try to turn it up a notch or too when I visit Dad. Fancy dress every afternoon
I swear, I could totally live where my Dad does and be happy little camper, I love this generation, and I get to eat with all of Dad's buddies. And there are ladies that love to bake for my Dad. There is a little lady across the hallway, who dotes on Dad bringing him cookies and pies. She is so sweet.So today is a must do day, so if I SPLAT (I'll use Sheila's term) I'll let you all know.
The blessing of course is that I can purchase an outfit today, thanks be to God. There was a time I could not.
So thanks for listening to me hoo dee doo. Love you all
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Apple,
I just ran across a post of yours in another thread, and it reminded me to ask you if you ever have seen or played I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry, and if you ever play The Holly and The Ivy at Church services?
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Traci - sorry your feeling down and funky. I have certainly had days like that. And I know what you mean about the post chemo body. I have chuncked up either from chemo, tamoxifen, menopause or all of the above... and lack of really good exercise. But please don't do too much or get caught up in the holiday insanity. It's not worth the price to your health. And we all have more fragile health these days.
I love our parent's generation too. Their time seemed to be full of happiness despite the war, and trusting and love. How can we capture that and bring it back? I used to work in a local history library and did several oral histories from their generation. Many of them marveled that they used to get on a bus and go to DC alone and walk the streets in the evening without fear. Service men would approach and just want to talk over a soda, because they were far from home and missed their family. Our times are really sad.
Beanius - I loved the Psalm. Most of us tend to use our given name instead of our online name. I'm Theresa, JanetinVirginia is Janet, Squidwitch is Traci, Torigirl is Tori, etc. To me, it helps me feel more connected and sisterlike. :-) But do whatever you feel most comfortable doing... not everyone here shares their given name.
I couldn't go to Mass today b/c of my streppy/cold/cruddy crud thing and I didn't want to spread my "joy" to others. Our Masses tend to be very crowded. Skip went without me and joined the choir. While home, I read the Morning Prayer from my Office. One of the Antiphons jumped out at me and I had to meditate on it awhile:
The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom, strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of peace, alleluia.
Where will we be on that day? What will we be doing, when we hear "The Lord is here!" Will I be eating breakfast... sleeping... at work pounding the keyboard in my cubicle or office... fixing dinner... shopping.... commuting? Will I be ready? If not, why not? Will I drop what I'm doing and great Him, Prince of Peace!! My Savior!! Or will I cower in fear of what I have done or what I have failed to do? I thought about times when I was home and expecting visitors and heard someone say "He's here!" or "They're here!" The surge of expectancy and joy in some cases. In other cases, when I'm in the middle of doing something, a feeling of agitation... not now! What if He comes now to take me away ... will I be agitated and say "Not now!" or will I say, "My Lord and My God!" and go without a moment's regret...
The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom, strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of peace, alleluia.
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I so agree about our parents' generation. Traci - after my mother died my dad moved to a retirement community (which also had assisted living & nursing home segments). He made such wonderful friends those last few years and I LOVED going over there for dinner. I was so happy he was not as lonely. The meals were the highlight of their day and everyone did dress up - men in coats & ties whether they were using walkers or not. And the stories they shared were priceless. They also had the best home-made soups ever. And there were a few romances!
I;m baking bread today to wrap up & give to a few neighbors. I thought the first batch wasn't rising so made a second one - and then the first one rose! So, I'm up to my eyeballs in bread! (honey wheat). I want to learn to do cinnamon raisin next.
Am I the only one like this? I don't know what's wrong w/me - whenever I go to Mass I cry. I can feel it starting as soon as the first hymn then on & off! I try to pinch my leg so it won't start. It's embarassing because I don't want people to wonder what's wrong or feel sorry for me - because it's not that I'm sad, I just can't seem to help it! I don't sob or anything - just tears down my face. My kids are used to it and when we all go together, they're always looking sideways at me to see if I'm crying and poke each other):) That makes me laugh a little. Maybe we just bottle up emotion and that peaceful time at Mass with God brings it to the surface.
Traci - pace yourself - rest up before your trip so you can enjoy it. That goes for everyone! I've had the tree up for 2 days and no lights yet! Peace & God bless.
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Yes, Janet, just about every Mass I attend, I get all watery... mostly during the hymns but sometimes during the homilies or readings. I feel the same way and try to hide it or think of something else to make me stop... or make it out to being allergies. I certainly don't want Skip to see me that way, b/c he'd make it worse by being sympathetic, then I'd really start crying! :-)
Too bad we don't live closer to each other. I made homemade chicken soup today... I'd give you soup for some of your bread! :-)
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It's nice to check in and see you both chatting....a little home away from home
Well, I made it back from shopping and got two dresses I liked, and on a great sale to boot. (Macy's) I am in a loose 16 verses a tight 14, so 16 for now, and maybe by spring, I'll be back to me? I feel so much better knowing I will be on point for the sharp dressed ladies and gents!Janet,
That's so great about your Dad's last years in such a great environment. The wisdom and experience of our elder population cannot be duplicated, and only enjoyed. I try to get everyone to share bits about their lives, and can hold my own in discussions about Old movies, TCM (Turner Classic Movie Channel) became my friend when I started to get very sick from the endometriosis and had all of the surgeries. I foolishly thought the movies from my generation were originals, and then I saw them being done the right way, the first time. There have been good movies from my generation too, but as a whole, who can compete with Rear Window? Gaslight, The Awful Truth (comedy with Cary Grant,) Singing in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard (YES!) I could go on for days, so I will stop for now.
I think kids have to work extra hard today to follow a good path, to achieve and believe in themselves as spiritual beings, not just the physical.
So you all know I don't have a Church that I go to...I am keeping my eyes open, and now that I have 2 new dresses...
But I do take opportunities to go into Chapel's and Churches, and I know exactly what you are both talking about. I have been sometimes too scared to go in for fears of breaking down in a river of tears. oh, here is my show, I survived, Beyond and Back...preparing to cry!! and Theresa, I have some thoughts, I must remember to respond to your Morning Prayer.
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I pray your Christmas week is Blessed!
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Traci, I just watched that show. I love it. Thanks for telling me about it, now I am not afraid to die ( as much)
Janet, I feel the same way in church, I always thought it was my way of feeling God so close to me.
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Betty,
Last nights was really good too. I LOVED the woman's story (broken back) about the 9 Foot tall Angels that told her she would walk again. She said I got the sense that the Angels had much more to do with my being able to walk again than the doctors. Then the breathtaking picture she gave of the Angels sending light through the MD's, down their hands and into the woman's body. (I think I got that right...) The 9 foot tall Angels all communicated with their eyes...
The other gentleman that felt it was Gabriel that escorted him...saying how Gabriel took his job very seriously. The life review is a very steady theme. Which I find very intimidating BTW! The man said he felt that he needed to volunteer more, if even to be around people who can give him messages.
Love, Helping each other (one and the same)
and the light being very forgiving
We are not perfect, and there are areas in my life I wish to do much better in. But I have gotten the very real sense from this series that we go when it is our time, when we have completed our work. Our medical teams are Divinely guided.
and I love the cheering and reception!! I think we are all being cheered from the other side quite a bit, so take comfort. There is no gesture too small, no second too late to learn.
Have a Blessed Day All
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Sisters,
There is a prayer request for Angelsabove (Diane) which was posted in the Stage IV forum (I saw it under active topics.)
Can I ask us each to pray for her?
thanks so much.
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Squid,
what show are we talking about?
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Traci - I forgot about the show and also forgot what channel! Is the series over?
Also - I haven't worn a dress to church in years!! (unless it was a wedding or something like that) God doesn't care what you're wearing
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Good evening to you all
Updating you that first chemo (TAC 1 out of 6) will finally take place tomorrow at 9.30 am. Already took my doses of steroids for the day. On suggests that I take one tablet of ativan (lorazepam) if I feel anxious, which I do ! DH will be with me. Am preparing the bag (Bible, book, blanket, notebook and of course my Rosary). A colleague I met through support at work will lend me a portable dvd player. she went through the same thing and had exactly the same treatment last year. Praying hard that there will be no/minimal side effects so that I can enjoy the joy of Christmas with my kids and husband. At the same time, I thank God that I go through this during the festive seasons so that the kids can have other things to be happy about ! They love the snow on top of that !
God bless you all
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Will be with you tomorrow, prayers! yes we will be right next to you! xo
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You are going to do great prayersareanswered....you have many people here praying for you!
Tori
DE COLORES!
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oh Prayers!
well you do sound like you are fully prepared, and if Paula sees this, or Tori, there is a great prayer that can be said before/during treatment. I will peek to see if we have it archived. You are in our blessings and prayers. May your Angels guide your Nurses, Doctors and family for your care. Keep your fluid intake up, and it is perfectly reasonable to take ativan if you are anxious. I'd be surprised if you were not...the first go round is very anxiety producing with the unknowns. I trust you will be given Zofran to stave off any nausea, and most likely Emend for the first three days which is the biggie nausea med. It is a blessing, and I really didn't have to deal with that side effect. don't push yourself too hard either, if someone offers to do something, get used to saying Yes!
Bless you, you will get through this.
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Thank YOU LMFSM and Tori ! Just love the sisterhod here! makes me feel so blessed. Thank you ladies !
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PrayersAreAnswered ~ we pray that your chemo will be smooth from beginning to end. May the angels be with you. Here's a prayer that Traci was talking about :
Prayer Before Chemotherapy, Radiation, or Other Painful Procedure
O my Savior, who underwent such suffering for me on the Cross with consciousness and firmness, help me as I face this terrible trial and the physical pain associated with it. Enable me to bear this procedure with some measure of your calmness. May the radiation that enters my body be as your light so that it is you, O Lord, who heals me. May the chemicals that flow into my bloodstream be as your saving grace so that it is you, O Lord, who cures my illness. May the instruments associated with this medical procedure be as your saving hands so that it is you, O Lord, who grants me lasting health. If I suffer, let me suffer along with you, so that these sufferings may be a sign of repentance for my sins. Amen.
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Good even sisters,
I was trying to catch up on your posts on my cell phone but didn't have time to post.
Marie & Beanius ~ a warm welcome to you both.
Tori ~ I hope that you are feeling okay from chemo and a woot woot for you
Theresa and Janet ~ I'm a cry baby myself, happy tears is always readily available. I should have been an actress, "cry on demand" (hehe). So you gals can imagine how any word can easily trigger tears. My kids are always on the look out to see my reaction, it's a let down to them if I don't tear up or cry!
Traci ~ oh shucks, I missed that show again last Sunday, I need to set an alarm for it somehow.
Alice ~ glad your stomach bug went away, let us know how your legs are doing?
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