thread for middle age to older Christian women.
Comments
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peace777, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your post!!! It always excites me when someone says something like you did about asking your daughter to do a bible study with you. There's just nothing that brings comfort, hope, encouragement and love to a believer like God's word!
I am going to get together a list of links for you. It'll take me a bit because I'm going to look back and find those that were very, very encouraging to me. I know one pastor who is so very wise and takes nothing out of context. When he teaches I learn so much. I can almost visualize what he is explaining. Every time he closes, I'm thinking...already? He can also be funny but the whole time his focus is on scripture.
Thank you so much!!!!!!
Jeannie, I can't believe it's that time already. I can't even believe it's July!
Mini, I've been trying to figure that out myself. I didn't want to have it done myself but my surgeon told me that it is necessary because I'm a size D and he said that it would cause problems with my neck, back, and shoulder carrying that much weight on only one side. They didn't even mention it until my last visit.
I also want to have the DIEP rather than the TRAM and I'll have to go to Atlanta which is a bit of a drive from here. I haven't even had that discussion with my surgeon yet. I will on the 29th but am concerned he may want to stick with the network he is in. The one he referred me to only does the DIEP and the other one my oncologist mentioned is just a general surgeon. I prefer a specialist.
Then, I was thinking maybe October when my husband comes home but found out today that won't be until April. If I can't drive for my follow up appointments that would be hard. So, all that is swimming around in my head these days. I just really don't want to spend 5 days in the hospital and then go through recovery. Perhaps though with the DIEP it wouldn't be 5 days. After they explained the TRAM I said I'm not doing it. Then I learned about the DIEP which is what Jeannie is having. It sounds much better. I'm going to be paying close attention to what Jeannie thinks about the experience.
Let me know what you learn as you are considering it if you don't mind.
Well, love all you ladies here and hope everyone gets a good nights rest!
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Dear Fondak, I was told to expect a 3-4 day hospital stay. The recovery can be long. Even though you get a tummy tuck, swelling can persist for months. There is a follow-up liposuction in most cases because the first surgery is really to make sure the flaps live, stage 2 fixes the breast(s) up to look pretty and match the other one, if necessary. But everybody says it's worth it. I have learned a lot from the DIEP2013 girls on bc.org.
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Fondak/Kindergarten - I haven't decided what I want to do yet. I never considered any kind of plastic surgery before. I know several woman that have had some done purely for cosmetic reasons (and I don't fault them for it), but I never wanted to have any. I don't like scars. Ironic eh? My stomach isn't flat (from babies) but at the same time I have no body fat. Actually, I'm borderline underweight. There are so many things to consider both physically and psychologically, but God has guided my decisions so far and I trust Him to keep that up. :-)
Blessings
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I'm off to see the Wizard!
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I'm off to see the Wizard!
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It's 3:30 here and I can't sleep. Surgery is in a few hours. I feel at peace about it but I guess my body doesn't.Thanks for your prayers!
Fondak and Mini1, I pray for you and your reconstruction decisions.
For me, I just want back what was taken from me. DIEP uses your own fat and you get a tummy tuck. My PS doesn't like to do implants after rads anyway, so I didn't have much of a choice. Thankfully DIEP is what I wanted anyway.
My PS called me at home yesterday to answer a question for me. That was a nice surprise. Also, University of WA Medical Center was just named 7th best hospital in the country, so I feel confident I will be well taken care of. God will be with me through it all and that is what comforts me.
God bless you all. I pray for healing, relief from pain, your families, help with decision-making.
Rocket, I am missing you!0 -
Sorry I haven't been around in a while. I just caught up on all your posts. Jeannie, praying especially for your surgery and a quick recovery with little pain.
Peace, I am also lifting you up in prayer that your chemo will be very manageable.you will get through this.
My daughter has been in the ER twice in the last few days. They finally discovered it was a bladder infection (it just hadn't shown up on the tests prior to her second ER visit). She was given antibiotics and an antispasmodic medication. Please pray that the meds begin to work quickly.
Ironically, I have been ill for several days with a severe bladder infection too, along with interstitial cystitis. Between that and the concern for my daughter with her being 3 1/2 hours away, the costly door replacement and a couple of other huge bills, I had a rough week. I was a stress case. Finally yesterday, I just decided to surrender it to Jesus. Why do I wrestle with Him so much? I'm staring to learn that life is a lot more about surrendering - not that I don't pray about things repeatedly, but giving in to His will during the process. Sounds so simple, and yet it is so difficult for me.
I am praying for you all and have updated my prayer journal. Today I am going outside and to the pool for my LE class this afternoon.
Blessings to each of you...0 -
Dearest Jeannie!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers all day!! Our Lord is surrounding you with a wonderful medical team who will take very good care of you! By this time tomorrow, you will be resting and surrounded by friends and family! I wish I could deliver you a pot of chicken soup!! Hugs and Blessings!!!
Dearest Rocket!! I am lifting your dear daughter up in prayer! May the new meds work quickly, so that she have relief of pain! I am sorry that you are also dealing with a bladder infection! I too, have difficulty surrendering to Jesus, during stressful times!! I pray incessantly, but I still try to fix things on my own! But your declaration today, has made me more determined to do so, thank you! I hope you feel better soon!!!
May you all here today feel peace, comfort and strength knowing how much Jesus loves you!!!! Hugs and blessings!!! Kathy0 -
Jeannie and Rocket, you are both in my prayers.
I have been keeping my grandchildren for 4-1/2 years, and as of August 1, they will be going to preschool. While I know they need to go, it is heartbreaking, as they have been a big part of what has kept me going during this journey. I also started a new chemo pill today, and it's making me feel very tired. Could be a combination of the drug and my sadness. However, my daughter sent me this beautiful prayer that I thought I would share:
Lord, You have the name that is above all names. You are Lord forever and there is no one who can challenge Your authority and power. You rule forever and ever, and there is no end to Your kingdom.
I bring myself before Your throne of grace, and ask that You would look upon me with Your favor. Your word says that You give strength to the weary, so I ask that You would strengthen me. Bless me Lord with Your presence, and encourage my heart. Remind me of Your faithfulness and Your love that I might stand in faith against the issues that I face.
I bind the schemes of the enemy to tear me down, and I rebuke the spirits that have been assigned to harass me. I ask You Lord to minister fresh strength and joy to me. I agree with Your word that says Your plans for me are to give me hope and a future, let it be so according to Your will. I pray in Jesus' mighty name, Amen!0 -
I read but do not reply much but sisters keep me in prayer as I do you.I was doing pretty good but now a bit nausous--the (Xeloda) chemo is piling up as I have 2 weeks on, one off, this is my second week on. my hands and feet are red and hurt (side effect called hand and foot syndrome.) I cannot wait til sunday last day of pills for a week YAY. My son and DIL are getting divorced,(she served him papers last week) 17 yrs of marriage and loss of two children,(now have a healthy child) they have tried and counselling has not helped. I think really surrendering to the Lord is the answer, but I do not think they are ready for that total trust and surrender. please pray for them. and ME. thanks
Granna1948, and Kindergarten, Rocket etc Your prayers are very inspiring.
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Dear Granna!! You are a wonderful grandmother, I am sure your grandchildren will miss you as well!! I am sure the preschool would love to have you volunteer in any capacity whenever you can!! I taught Kindergarten, and I would love my grandparents to come in and read to the children, and they were wonderful helpers on field trips!! You have a bond with them that will never be broken!! I love the prayer you shared with us!! Thank you!!
Dear bestock!! I am lifting you p in prayer right now, and asking Our Lord to give you peace, strength and rest!! I am sorry to hear about your son and daughter in law!! God has a plan for them!! Maybe some day, they will find their way back to each other!! They have a child together! My son and Liz, have many issues as well!! They have a beautiful daughter! All we can do as parents and grandparents, is pray for them and be there when they need us!! Please take care of yourself!! You will be around a very long time to enjoy your granddaughter!!! Hugs and Blessings, Kathy0 -
Granna, that prayer is so beautiful, thanks for sharing it with us. Has your oncologist ever suggested that you try Korean Ginseng? When I was having chemotherapy the first time around I was advised to take this because the oncologist believed it would make me more alert and have a bit more energy than I would otherwise have. I still had tiredness, but generally the nurses told me that they thought I was quite a bit healthier than the other patients appeared to be. I pray that it won't be too much of a wrench for you with your grandchildren going to the pre-school in the new term.
Jeannie, I pray that surgery is over now and you are hale and hearty now you have come out the other side.
Rocket, I am praying for you and your daughter. I agree with you entirely about not being able to pass an issue to the Lord, I find that any problems are tied to me by elastic because whenever I try to give them to the Lord I seem to take them back immediately.
Bestock, I know it is easy for me to say this because I am not taking the chemo, but just hang in there. I keep thanking the Lord for the good results you recently had with your tumour markers. I know it is terrible to witness the break up of your son's marriage and I will keep your family in my prayers.
Peace777, what a good idea to do a biblestudy with your daughter. I hope you will like it here, there is so much prayer and good wishes that you will always feel supported.
I am praying for everyone on this thread, I am so grateful to have found a thread like this even though I am the other side of the Atlantic from you all.
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Dear FridayGirl, I am blessed and honored to know that no matter how far apart we are in distance, we are all Sisters in Christ right here on this wonderful thread!! Your prayers and kind words are so appreciated!!!
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I'm praying for you ladies.
Blessings
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I feel as you do Kindergarten, It is great to part of a thread that not only are we sisters in BC but sisters in Christ. A group of prayer warriors. I am also honored. I love your positive spirit.
Granna I love the prayer I am going to say if often.
Fridaygirl I love how you described taking back your problems from the l Lord. That is exactly what I felt I was doing. I would take the problem and give it to him the turn around and it would kick me in the behind. A few months ago I literally took the problems in the palm of my hand and tossed them up to the Lord. Ever since then He has given me a supernatural peace. I dont know how that was different but....
I found out a few days ago I will be having chemo, that was not part of the plan. I got my oncotype back, 32, so chemo was added. I start July 30th. Loosing my hair somehow makes it really real.
Peace, strength and healing to you all....
I know He is going to use this situation for His glory and I am excited to see it fold out. Maybe He wont give me the deails until I meet him in heaven. Thats ok too.
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Dear Peace!! I love your statement about tossing your problems from the palm of your hand to The Lord!! I am going to do it right now!! Thank you!!! Please know that as you go through chemo, you will be covered in prayer! Please let us encourage nd support you! It has been almost 9 years since I did the treatments, and it is so much easier now. I actually had no problems except the fatigue that accompanied each treatment!! But you re supposed to rest. This is your time to take of YOU!!! You will be surrounded by friends and family that love you, and Our Lord will be with you every step of the way!! I am so glad you are posting here!! Your positive energy is contagious!!! God Bless You!
Dear Jeannie!! I hope you can post soon!!!0 -
Jeannine, I am praying for you!
Bestock, Praying for your family too! So sorry to hear the latest news. It's so true about surrendering all to God. I know I find myself struggling with the little things in that area. Our flesh really likes to be in control....or at least think we are in control.
Granna, Can you go have lunch with those sweet babies? That way you could meet their friends and maybe volunteer to help in their class or somewhere around them once a week for a couple of hours. Or do both...I would be doing both. I can only imagine how hard that would be. I homeschooled my guys if that tells you anything
What a sweet prayer from your daughter. Is that their mom? I'll be praying for you.Rocket, I hope you and your daughter feel better. It's always good to see your post even when I'm sure you would rather have something other than stress and sickness to post. I just does me good and always encourages. I'll be praying for you two.
I can tell I should be in bed. Love you all and I didn't get to finish but I am praying for everyone and will post the rest soon.
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Thank you Kindergarten for your kind words, blessings to you!!
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Thanks Fondak and everyone who prayed for my Son and DIL. the divorse is happening I Guess, unless the Lord changes both hearts.
they are civil and not mean with each other and it appears my son will get joint visitation.
I am better today had a very bad SE day yesterday!!Thanks all.
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I was listening to Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave and was struck by the verse that says:
Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son
Stop fighting a fight that's already been won"I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off theses heavy chains
Wipe away every stain now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed!I listen to that song most every day now. If you haven't heard it, you shoud Google it. It's a great song.
Blessings Everyone.
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Mini1 thats a wonderful song
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Dear bestock, I am so sorrynto hear about your son and DIL. I will still pray for reconciliation! Our Lord has a Plan!
Love the song, Mini1!! It really spoke to me!! I always feel guilty about the mistakes I have made in my life, and I know Our Lord has forgiven me,now I just have to forgive myself and feel redeemed!! Thank you!!!!
Hugs and Love!!!0 -
Hey Everyone,
I am 3 days post-op and while I am still taking the pain meds., I am doing much better than I expected at this point. Been sleeping quite a bit because I have to take all of the pain meds with Benedryl as they all make me itch like crazy! I hope that everyone out there and your loved-ones are doing the best that can be expected with little to no pain or SEs. I expect to be back on my feet within just a few days but in the meantime, I surely will keep you all in my daily prayers. HUGS!
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Dear Cmbernardi !! Praise The Lord, your surgery is over! I am lifting you up in prayer for healing and normalcy again!! Rest and sleep is good for the body to heal!! God bless you!
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Cmbernardi, I am so happy for you! I am dragging behind you. Everyone is different. I'm so happy family is with me
Goldie,
If you have questions just ask me.
Jeannie0 -
Jeannie!! How Are you doing???
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Jeannie
You had MUCH MORE extensive surgery than I had to have so just be patient and gentle with yourself. Eventually, God will heal us all! All the BEST to U tho.
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I am doing pretty well. I can't come home yet because I keep getting faint when I sit up and I am unable to pee on my own yet. Shy Bladder! I had the DIEP surgery where the doc doesn't take any muscle. I am tired but all the anti-emetics and pain relievers add to that. I haven't thrown up yet, thank you, God! My new boobs look pretty good. All the nurses here say they are the best they have ever seen! I am flatter in the tummy but swollen. That is expected. It could take months for it to come
down. 🌺😃🙆😊💤👍0 -
Wonderful to read all your posts Ladies! I am praying for you all. Thank you for your prayers for me and my daughter. I am feeling better, but my daughter is still struggling with bladder pain. Her infection has cleared up, but the pain continues. She has another appointment soon. Hopefully they can figure out what's going on.
My attitude has improved significantly since I started applying gratitude to every day. I try to think of things I am grateful for every morning. I also think of things I need to surrender to The Lord, and I tell myself that I'm going to make it a good day, something I used to tell my kids when they were little just before they left for school each morning. This process is transforming my attitude. I also pray a lot throughout my day. You ladies come to mind frequently as I remember your requests, and I ask God for help for each of you.
I would write more, but am suffering with a bad headache. I just wanted you to know that you are in my prayers and are loved!0 -
JO-5 (twin), I also disappeared for several weeks but I do think about all of you really often.
Will send up special intercessory prayers for each of you, for pain relief, healing of families, encouragement, discernment and peace.
Just spent the weekend (Thurs-Sun) with some of the ladies on the exercise thread. Lots of fun wandering about DC; little talk of BC - just fun with cyberfriends. I'm whipped so praying everyone have a blessed night.
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