End of Feb Update

"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." -Helen Keller

It's now February 24th, 2014 and I have been through two more rounds of chemo and am standing on the doorstep of the second to last treatment.  I have been slacking on my posts lately, but if you have read my previous post, you know why.  Treatment has been somewhat easier.  It seems that I am finding the correct cocktail of drugs to get me through Tuesday after chemo.  The magical day.  It seems that if I can just get through the Tuesday after, my body goes back to normal.  Health updates...

I took my health screening at work last week and - wait for it - passed.  I had to fall within the boundaries of Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Glucose, BMI, and Smoking.  I was within tolerance in 4 out of 5.  I'll let you speculate which one I missed.

My oncologist sent me over to a dermatologist for the rash on my face.  The dermatologist pretty much shrugged and said it is what it is and sent me on my way with a prescription for stronger hydrocortisone.  Apparently it's up to my face to get better on it's own.  Can't wait for that bill to come.

I had a CT scan last week and the results came back very well.  My lymph nodes have shrunk back down to within tolerable sizes!  Thanks to all who have been praying hard for good health and good test results.  Believe in the power of prayer - I do!  I will consult with the doc as to next steps with radiation but I know I'll be at least finishing my 6 rounds of chemo.

Good news - for those that aren't aware I have been working with the Colon Cancer Alliance to raise funds for research, prevention, and patient support.  My fundraising efforts have been a smashing success as I have more than doubled my goal of $1000:

If you are interested in contributing as well, please visit my page at Sean's Fight.  Also, did you know March is colon cancer awareness month?  You can show your support by wearing blue on March 7th to raise awareness.  If anyone asks why you are so blue, tell 'em to support Sean's fight!

"yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights." Habakkuk 3:18-19

What fills my free time

"Faith is to believe what we do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what we believe." -Saint Augustine

I wanted to blog today a little bit about a couple of organizations that help keep me anchored as well as provide an escape from the chemo-induced haze of cancer treatment.  One being Cadets, the other being Spotlight Youth Theater...

Cadets

From the website calvinistcadets.org:

The Calvinist Cadet Corps is an independent (non-denominational) youth ministry organization whose purpose is to provide the local church with ministry programs that will enable them to effectively share Christ’s love with boys from their church and community. Founded in 1952, the Corps has more than 600 clubs throughout North America, a brother organization in Australia and New Zealand, and since 2006 has been working in Kenya and Uganda. We encourage any evangelical Bible believing church to consider using our ministry programs. The organization uses the title “Calvinist” to honor the Protestant reformer, John Calvin, who devoted his life to the religious education of God’s children.

I've been a Cadet Counselor to the middle school aged boys cadre (including my son) at Wheaton CRC for a few years now and it has been a blessing to see our boys learn more about God's creations and to help them grow in their faith.  We meet every other Tuesday and spend the evening reviewing our landmarks (motto, verse, hymn, code, and pledge), learning more about God through devotionals, and of course badgework.  Badges fall into the areas of Exploring (Community, Wilderness, Science, and Hobbies), Skills (Crafts, Camping, Sports, and Personal Development) and of course, Discovering God's Word.

I'd like to thank all the counselors and cadets at Wheaton who have walked with me, supported, and prayed for me on my journey with cancer as well as the other clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada who may have also been praying.  We are all Works in Progress. Philippians 1:4-6

Pancake breakfast fundraiser - back when I had hair...

Spotlight Youth Theater

From their website at www.spotlight.org:

Spotlight Youth Theater is a non-profit, educational children's theater arts program for students ages 5-18 in the Aurora, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kenosha (WI), Lake, McHenry, Milwaukee (WI), Oak Park, Orland Park, Rockford Metro and Will County areas. Each area offers theater summer camps and kids' theater classes, kids' acting classes, kids' voice classes, kids' dance classes, improv and theater specialties. Spotlight produces family-friendly musical productions and also offers theater field trips for schools and school fine arts programs.

Their mission statement is "Reflecting Christ through the performing arts".  Boy, do they ever.

At 9 years old, my daughter has taken 13 different classes ranging from dance, musical theater, audition, and everything in between.   She is also in her second show, Seussical, at this time.  The shows are an absolute labor of love.  I am always impressed that a few directors can mold 100+ kids of various ages into such superb actors and actresses.  All of the shows have been absolutely spectacular.  I have been a parent volunteer in the tech committee for 4 different shows and have done everything from putting wireless mics on kids, cueing the sound board, running a light board, hanging lights, loading confetti cannons, running haze, fog, and dry ice machines...you name it!

I can't thank my Spotlight family enough for the love, encouragement, support, and prayers that you all have shown me over the past few months.  Do not be anxious about anything! Philippians 4:6-7

ta-daaaa!  Cindy Lou Who