Yes, yes, you are all correct TODAY was supposed to the second Liver Biopsy, but like a big dork I took an Advil (note: blood thinner) --- so because of my last biopsy that landed me with those nice nurses in ICU -- the Liver Biopsy has been rescheduled to Monday up at Johns Hopkins along with “chemo class”! So Monday is a big day. Tuesday, back up to Johns Hopkins for a PET Scan. Lots of tests, but I know that they are really helping to zero in on where the battle will be!
Many of you have asked what you can do to help out…and as I told a friend this morning, the best, best, best gift you can give to me is for me to hear that you are praying for me….and you know, I KNOW without a doubt that God hears those prayers. He told me that -- well, it’s in the Bible, so I guess he told a lot of people that! J Not to get too weird, but you know, I never feel alone. God is being amazingly gracious to me (why am I surprised…I am not surprised actually, but very thankful!) I have never had such a time in my life before, but I can’t tell you that on a spiritual level I have not had One Moment of “Why me?” or “Where are you God?” He has been so, so visible. What a gift! (and just shows He does INDEED know every wimp-girl hair on my head and knows I need those visible glimpses of His hand every day!) My new favorite scripture for today from the Hebrew Scriptures: Psalm 139:1-18 New American Standard Bible. Google it! Thanks again for our continued prayers and for visiting my B L O G! hee, hee, I love saying that!
Carol: What an unbelievable example you are to all of us as your shining spirit and incredible faith pour out in every word you write. You and the entire family are on my mind and of course in my prayers. I pray for strength, a peaceful heart, amazing medical care and that you feel the love of all who are here to support you. I send my love to Frank, Christine, Andrew and Chip and of course friend, to you. Your love, prayers and support for my family was so appreciated this past summer and please know we are here for you in every way. Much love, Nicole Chaudet
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteOh my, I'm failing at blogging! I tried to send you a message a while ago to tell you that you are in our prayers. (A couple more denominations can't hurt!) The message disappeared, so I'm sending a substitute...I hope.
In any case, I can't express how much I admire your courage, your positivism and YOU! (Not to mention your blogging skills.)
With love and respect,
Nina Dunn (not Anonymous)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a nice little weekend with everyone home!!
ReplyDeletexoxox
Carol,
ReplyDeleteWe are having a MSC Leadership Team meeting until tomorrow afternoon. You should hear all of the prayer going up for you, Frank and the children.I know it is more important that our Lord is hearing!!!! I have read aloud everything on your blog to the team. You are such a testimony of God's faithfulness and peace in your life. I know you probably remember one of our dear Trustees telling me that I should blog. Now you have broken ground for me, and I have no excuse.
Sending so much love to all of you,
Camilla
Hi Carol,
ReplyDeleteI too am new to the blogger generation! I lost the first message, but we'll try again! We can see where Christine gets her inner strength and beauty as well as her positive nature! Your faith is truly inspiring. We have our prayer line going up here in Massachusetts, and everyone keeps sending their best to you,Frank,Christine, Andrew & Chip. I'm glad you are all together this weekend, faith and family is what keeps us all going! Have a great time! Keep well and if there is anything you need, let us know.
Ruthanne & Chuck
It is hard to remember all of the instructions before tests, isn't it. I am so glad that your faith is so strong and that God is granting you strength, courage and wisdom That is what I pray for you. On another note, I figured out a couple of things about posting comments. If you are logged in (and you will be if you check the "remember me" box, you will be able to choose your blogspot display name from the "Comment as" box. And, if you us a URL, it will display your name like a link and let users view your blogspot profile, if you have one. Have a great weekend with the family.
ReplyDeleteRuthanne! The mother of our fantastic son-in-law to be...the wonderful ERIK! Ruthanne, the kids laughed that YOU AND I had the SAME response to the news of the pending wedding "Yikes, I need to lose weight before I buy my dress!" Well, I'm sorry to say that I think I beating you :) but not by choice. geeez, those guys at JH are crazy about not losing weight..so I am drinking my Fat-Girl Shakes from a recipe given by my friend June Chaudet. Hugs to all of you up there in Boston (and Vermont!) thanks for all your PRAYERS and good wishes! sending a big squeeze along to the special grandparents!
ReplyDeleteCarol and Frank -
ReplyDeleteWe send our love and prayers from the west coast. Your faith and positive spirit are being used by God right now - thank you for sharing your experience with us. God can do amazing things! We love you and send our California hugs . . .
Love, Michelle, Chris, Haley and Grant Hughes
Dear Carol,
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know that I have been thinking and praying for you. Your faithfulness to God's word testifies of your love for our Father. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I will continue to pray for His everlasting arms on you, surround you with His love, peace, protection and complete healing on you.
I have been so blessed to be in your core group.
Love,
Mei Tan
"a?" My mistake. Just got a computer. Lost my assembled message, and was showing Kris what happened. And then it happened. Need to prepare an "attractive and nutritious meal" for my bride. Bsck later -- after the computer course!
ReplyDeleteHa ha...DAVID! you keep that Girl happy! (and only organic foods) p.s. i was afraid to tell her about my ADVIL boo-boo. what a dope! we had some of your So. California sunshine today...almost up to 50 degrees! wahoo! Chip is home. had a great dinner with him regaling us with all of his stories. we never get tired of listening and gazing adoringly at him. last night it was Andrew's night for adoration. he arrived home yesterday. it is going to be a GOOOOOD weekend!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteStill learning how to blog (and how to answer my last generation iPhone for that matter).
1) blood thinner. You are not alone on your mistake. I try to donate blood regularly and I forget to not take my daily baby aspirin. I will beat myself up for both of us.
2) I shared today with Elvia (our housekeeper for decades and yours for a few years) your circumstances. "Oh Mr. Kris (she always refers to the male spouses in that manner), Mrs Carol and Mr Carol (that's Frank) are so nice, Si?." "Yes, very much so." "I will pray for Mrs. Carol and Mr. Carol. How are Chip, Christine, . . . and didn't they have another child? How are they?" I told her about Chip (we both got teary), Christine and her upcoming wedding (still teary but less so), and then Andrew (lots of smiles)."
3) hug Mr. Carol for me.
Love, Mr. Kris (David)
Dear Carol: I love seeing my daughters writing to you! We ALL love you, Frank and the kids so much and are thrilled you are facing this challenge with such a fighting spirit. God is good and He shall hear our prayers and give you strength. We are here for you every moment. Much love, June
ReplyDeleteDear Carole,
ReplyDeleteWe haven't stopped thinking about you since we talked with Christine. We are praying for you all and know that you are surrounded by close family, good friends, great doctors and God's love. Many prayers around Texas and Georgia are coming your way. Thank you for keeping us updated on your wonderful blog!
Much love, Lea and Safwan
A prayer for you
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep your going out
and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 121
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI am borrowing Christine's protocol . . . using a computer other than my own to write. This is Kris.
So now I know why you haven't called me! :) But truth be known . . . I already knew about the Advil, aka Ibuprofen, aka a NSAID (your guardian angel (my new best friend) spilled the beans). No worries!
How wonderful for you and Frank to have Andrew, Chip and Christine with you this weekend. What fabulous kids to gather 'round to strengthen and cheer you! I am proud of them! . . . you and Frank and Sally too.
Go team!
Kris
I love my team! so many good friends from so many places...what an army we are. Thanks for your grace and encouragement. (oh and Christine told me that I'm not supposed to be writing here...I am the blogger, not the commenter..but I couldn't help myself!) And thank you for the reminder of Psalm 121 Lea & Safwan. beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA Blog! What a wonderful idea. We love you, ML + OJ
ReplyDeleteHi Carol-
ReplyDeleteLots of love and prayers coming at you from sunny southern California. Enjoy the weekend with the kids. I'll say an extra prayer for you tomorrow (as always).
Love,
Howard & Karin
Thanks Howie! Check out what I found this morning ---I mean I just happened to open up to this!...It's right in out of Hebrew Scriptures
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 40:4-5 Every VALLEY will be raised up, every MOUNTAIN and hill made LOW; the Rough Ground shall become level, the RUGGED PLACES plane. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it."
(I'm not sure about "ALL mankind"... but I'm happy for my friends and family to see it! Some days those "mountains and valleys" are looking a little ominous. Thanks for hanging in there with me.) C.
Hi Carol!
ReplyDeleteWhen Susan Vreeland (author of our latest Book Club pick - "Luncheon of the Boating Party") was
hospitalized and undergoing treatment for lymphoma, she surrounded herself with beautiful Art books, taped uplifting quotes to the front of her hospital room door (so everyone
could experience a moment of inspiration before they entered her room!) and she hung this big sign on her hospital window . . .
"Every morning lean thine arms a while upon the windowsill of heaven and gaze upon the Lord.
Then with the vision in thy heart, turn strong to meet the day."
What a wonderful way to greet each day ~
Much Love to you,
Lynda
Here we are in Mammoth, skiing, taking in the beautiful scenery, and praying that you and Frank will join us here some day (I'm also adding a little prayer for myself as Carolyn leads me down some of these black diamond runs). We could sure use some private lessons from a former Olympic-level skier! Let's plan on it for next year. Back to the mountain...and dodging all these snowboarders! -- Dave Styler
ReplyDeleteCarol -
ReplyDeletePlease know that another fan of yours is adding you to their prayers. May God grant you a full and speedy healing.
your friend,
David Gebler
We love you sweet friend. Wish we could be there to give a hug, a hand squeeze, or a knowing glance. Prayers from miles away will do even better, I think. :o) Just thought of something Carol...back in the archives of my mind. 1995: Drew was sick. Horribly sick. You came to see me, there in the NICU. You were tough -- challenging me to not let down and be strong for my baby boy and for the girls. I could see you were cut from a strong bolt. You rattled me that day. You made me realize that I needed to hunker down and be ready to battle, and not ever give up or give into the fear. That encouragement served me well over the long haul. Friends prayed for us like they were praying for their very own and we felt it, REALLY felt it! Truly, a miracle occurred there in that desperate and lonely NICU. God took hold, answering those prayers, and amazing things began to happen. God allowed healing and answered the prayers of the saints! You prayed and you encouraged us. And so, our dear friend, we say to you...stay strong in the Lord. He is at hand in all that is done through this uncertain journey you are on. We too, will walk along with you through this time. We too, will pray and pray and pray. How amazing that He has made His intervention so obvious already. You ARE cut from a strong and courageous bolt Carol. He made you that way and it shows. The Lord is leading the charge and we are His (prayer) warriors! We love you Carol, Jane
ReplyDelete