Thursday, January 4, 2007

Today marked the one year anniversary of finding Rex' cancer. In some ways, it seems like this year has flown by, but in other ways, I think we have experienced more this past year than I have experienced in many years of my life. I know that there has been growth in our lives; it is easier to see this growth in Rex than myself obviously, but I know that I have grown if nothing else than I know my thought processes are different about what is important and what's not so important.

The last few months have been marked with intermittent to around the clock pain for Rex. It first started in October and was occasional. It progressed to a daily pain through the holidays. He has been combating it with pain pills, some over the counter and some prescription. It has been somewhat discouraging as his pain has been very severe at times. The bad thing about having cancer is that you assume everything is associated with the disease; it really doesn't leave an open mind to other issues. I have found that this thought process carries over in the medical field, as well. Doctors also usually treat pains as probably cancer related once you have the "diagnosis."

We have been praying about what to do about this pain. Even though we have been given very little hope with chemo (not that it is anything fun to consider in the first place), we have found ourselves doubting what we have thought we are to do prior to this pain; we've found ourselves asking if Rex should take chemo after all. It's really just panic talk. It is sometimes hard to think clearly in the midst of trials.

One of the main reasons that we have thought that it was related to Rex' cancer is because of the location of the pain. It is through the area where his affected adrenal gland is and also his liver area. However, we just realized tonight that it is also the area affected with gall bladder disease or attacks. I personally believe that this is exactly what his pain is coming from. I feel in my heart that this pain he has been having is related to his gall bladder and not the adrenal gland. We finally figured out that it hits him most of the time after he eats; the middle of the night attacks were the ones throwing us off about this. We also know that his healthy eating went downhill to a certain degree once we got heavily involved in The Promise (play at our church). And, with him having been pretty strict up to that point, it probably didn't take much to throw his gall bladder for a loop. We also know that his white blood cell count in his November blood panel showed elevated levels; this is consistent with gall bladder disease, as well. We didn't put all of these pieces together until tonight. Of course, I have no medical confirmation that this is his gall bladder acting up, but that will come soon enough as Rex has a dr. appt. on Tuesday so that we can explore this option.

Natural treatments for gall bladder issues include drinking lemon juice with extra virgin olive oil. Mighty tasty concoction I'll say! Juice fasts of carrots and apples help this process along. So, Rex is enjoying this wonderful mixture in the meantime to see if he has any relief.

Our pastor has encouraged us over the years to ask God for a verse each year to mark that year. This year Rex believes that our verse is Ephesians 3:20.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

I usually try to set at least one specific goal each year and try to encourage our children to set goal(s) whether they be as simple as making their bed everyday or no whining. This year as I thought about what goal or goals I would like to set for myself, I really just didn't have any great things come to mind. I think I am asking God for a year of miracles for us. I think the goal that comes to mind the most for me is just to embrace each day to the fullest. Carpe diem! This is not a specific goal unlike my usual goals. Nevertheless, it is a goal.

I remember last year as the year was getting ready to turn over to 2006, Rex and I sat down one afternoon and just talked for several hours about our desires and goals for 2006. We wrote them down, prayed over them, and felt really good about them. Little did we know that just a few days later we were going to face the biggest trial we had ever faced. I am so glad we had that time together that afternoon. It was unpolluted and sincere. I think that it had a huge impact even on how we handled the news of Rex' cancer.

I hope that you make it a common practice to do goal setting and achieving. It doesn't have to be a once a year thing. Some goals may only take a few months to master, so you can set new ones mid-year. My biggest thing about setting goals is that I try to be realistic about them and not set something unachievable. As we grow and mature as people and as Christians, our goals can be set higher to coincide with our maturity.

2007 is a new year! We are looking forward to God doing "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think."

Where does God find you in 2007?

Donna Meadows

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

We made it through The Promise.

Lindsey came down with the flu that second weekend of performances and is getting better each day, but she had it rough for a few days. Amber got pink eye the last day; she healed very quickly with eye drops. Erin carried a cough for several days and was a run down, but she is fine now. I have had the sniffling, sneezing, stuffy head, and laryngitis for a few days, but I am feeling much better. Rex is tired, but he is doing ok. I can tell his body is trying to get sick, but he is fighting it extremely well. I think all of his supplements are working to build his immune system. Aside from the cancer, he probably has the healthiest immune system of any of us with all that he does to boost it.

Our family was blessed getting to participate in The Promise; it was satisfying service to our Lord, especially for Rex. Although, he is tired, he was saddened to see it come to an end.

I hope that you are planning to come by this Saturday. We are looking forward to seeing you and having some good fellowship. I hope that you were able to forward our invitation on by email and verbally. This is a weird sort of invitation, I know, since I don't really have a clue how many people that I am inviting, nevertheless, I am planning as best as I can, and we want as many as you who can to come and visit us whether it be brief or whether you can stay and meander with us. I have encountered a little hesitation with this invitation from some people who don't directly get updates from me. Please know that if you have cared for us, prayed for us, kept up with our lives, given to us, and/or loved us, YOU ARE INVITED! I am relying on the forwards of this to carry the invitation for me.

I realize that some are too many miles away, but for those who are nearby, please join us.

God has really been good to us, and we want to celebrate. Celebrate with us.

"Celebrate God's Goodness"
Saturday, December 16th 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm floating Christmas party

Psalm 91: 14-16 14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation."

Where have you set your love? Who gets your adoration and praise?

Hope to see you soon,

Donna Meadows