Dec 15, 2008

Dec 15, 2008

Dear Friends who follow this blog.
Psalm 16 is so Awesome!!! It says"
v.7 "You, O Lord, have assigned me my portion and my cup;
surely I have a delightful inheritance."
It's been two weeks now since surgery and I feel really pretty good. I am watching Lowell do the work on the house a n d the household duties I cannot do yet. He is a gem and I am so thankful to have his love and care. We are enjoying great Christmas music as we see the snow fall and the beauty of the mountains from our South window.
I thought, since we've received the 'great news' about the tumor being benign, that I could cancel the appointment with the oncologist. (I so often think I am my own doctor) Does anyone else ever do that?
After talking with Dr. about it, because I have so many other small tumors here and there - though small- and chances are very good they are not malignant,we should at least find out what we can about them. I guess the oncologist will be the expert in all types of tumors etc., I thought they only helped you decide on Chemo or Radiation treatments.
I had an MRI yesterday on an area (left leg) which has been painful, results will be a few days away I suppose. This should shed some light on the possibilities of future treatment (ie surgery) of these other little tumors.
We are confident that these are just fatty little pests. -
Thus accounting for, at least, some of my excess weight :)
Thank you all for your prayers and your encouragements.
I trust your family plans for a special Celebration of Jesus Birth and time together will be all you desire it to be.
We send our love and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Many hugs to all. I will update again in a few days.
Psalm 16 also says
"Apart from YOU (God) I have no good thing. As for the saints
who are in the land, they are the are glorious ones in whom
is my delight!!!"

"I delight in your friendship and am honored by your prayers"

Love you! Gloria

Dec. 12, 2008

Y E A H !!!!!
REJOICE,
DR. LAURA JUST CALLED
MAYO SAYS, ALL IS BENIGN !!

P R A I S E OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.


WHAT A BLESSING! THE MORE WE THINK OF IT, THE MORE WE REJOICE.

I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THE PEACE I'VE HAD DURING THIS WHOLE EPISODE -
BUT FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND GOD'S GRACE, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN "ME."
THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN FOR STANDING WITH US.

I ASKED GOD 'IF MY WORK WAS DONE YET? GUESS I'D BETTER GET TO WORK.

WE LOVE YOU ALL AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING A PART OF THIS
ADVENTURE.

MANY HUGS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!

GLORIA AND LOWELL

Dec. 10, 2008 Wednesday.
Greetings,
Thank you for being interested enough to look at this blog.
I was so blessed this morning from reading my favorite writer,
Oswald Chambers.
(Lowell gave me His complete works a couple years ago for Christmas.)
In his personal devotion for Dec. 8, probably penned between 1907 and 1915.
He states;
"When we know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, it means
we are free from anxiety, free from carefulness, so that, during the
twenty-four hours of the day, we do what we ought to do all the time,
with the strength of life bubbling up with real spontaneous joy."
' I would hope this is my lot...'
Then on todays date he gives this insight.
"Nothing has any power to alter a man - save the incoming of the life of
Jesus and that is the only sign that he is born again"

I saw the surgeon yesterday, I'll call her Dr. Laura as that's her first name.
The preliminary report (I don't know why it's not final yet) has a long
name but it's really good, the surrounding tissue showed no residue
of this tumor which weighed 900 grams. almost 2 lbs.

The staples are out and an appointment is made with the oncologist
for Dec. 18th just to get his input and any recommendations he may have.
No treatment is expected by me -or Dr. Laura. You know how they have to
cover all the bases.
I do however, have many (surface) fatty tissues which she thinks should be
removed from my limbs. This surgery will be scheduled sometime in January.
One friend suggested "when I drink water it will come out like a sieve."
It's getting easier to laugh now that I'm healing so well.
I will also be having an MRI (Dec 15) on my left leg that has been painful
since surgery. I would think it's just residue from back pressure
laying around this past week. No blood clot was found.
Lowell has been such a gem, as I sit here with legs up and comfortable I can
see he is willingly accepting the housekeeping duties of vacuuming and if I don't
complain, I think he will continue to relish the responsibilities foisted upon him
with this unexpected adventure. We are both learning patience and humility
but I trust Mine Schatz would tell me to "speak for myself."
If this blog gets too long or personal, just ignore it.
My Thanks to you all again for continued prayers and care. Most of all, My
Praise to our Father who is able to finish the good work He began in us.
Gloria

Dec 8, Monday 2008

Hi Everyone,
It is supposed to snow here in Cedaredge today but the temp is 34 so I don't know if it will get a chance.
Thank you so much for your prayers and following the blog. If you aren't able to go thru the rigamarole of commenting, I don't blame you. It's a big effort to come up with another password and all the other info and then wonder if you're going to get on some list of getting junk mail or worse. E-mailing is the best anyway. my email box has been empty and I am looking forward to hearing about you and yours - if you are so inclined -and have time this busy "blessed season" I would love it!
I am feeling pretty good considering but I did have a really bad night last night. I didn't take the pain pill (Darvocet) on time and let the pain get ahead of me. I try not to take too many pills
I do see improvement every day and it is encouraging. I hope to continue this weight loss after I fully recover. If my appetite stays like it is I will have no problem.
A couple weeks ago I asked a friend to pray I would have the will power to quit eating so much,
little did I know the direction that prayer's answer would go. :)
I am so blessed to have so many Christ-ones praying for me - It is only the Lord Jesus' Grace and the faithfulness of His children that have made this outcome so good. The pathologist's have sent one speciman to Mayo and one to a research center in NM. I guess the mass is so unusual
(I am either so special or so odd) that they want to study it. I get staples out tomorrow (all 28 of them) and will be so glad.
So many friends have confirmed their love for us by sending their love in one way or another.
Lest anyone think this is really about me - let it be known that All Praise and Glory is to the
Lord of Lords. "THE GREAT I AM".......
I am so thankful to be in His care as He sends His mercy through your faithfulness and love expressed by all your acts of kindness. May I learn to be so faithful !!!
Lowell tells me this is an adventure and we are traveling on our way - the joys and problems are only preparing us for our purpose.... in Him...
Lowell "sweet Shatze' that he is, has Christmas music playing and is unpacking Christmas things.
It is pleasant with the fire going and my man (I laugh now as I look at him) with his stocking cap
on, getting ready to go put aspen boards in the ceiling in the bonus room -- but being diverted by the call of the music and the 'season' to get the Christmas decorations unpacked. Fun too, to experience through his expressions and humming, the memories and satisfaction of the meanings behind the precious items displaying Christ's goodness to us through the years.

Blessings to all of you who are such a special part of our adventure. Isn't it great to know
the God of the Universe. The ONE who knows all things and sustains all things. What a great
Daddy He is,
Hugs Gloria

Dec 6, 2008 Saturday

Hello Everyone,
I had such wonderful care at the hospital but it is so good to be home. Lowell is really great as my caregiver although I give him a hard time, he is used to it. Finally he is learning to navigate in a kitchen which has been a foreign word to him all these 46 years. I hope you all don't think me ungrateful with my picking on him. I just want to keep this blog as "interesting" as he has these past days.
I met a fantastic little aide named Sherri while in ICU, she is so-so neat. I tell you this so you can pray for her. As a single mom, she has three little kiddies, works two jobs and would love to go on to be an RN. She was baptized when she was 5 and is not attending church now. I would love it if you all would bring her before the Lord to bless her socks off with His awesome presence and powerful LOVE!
I'm feeling great, very little pain and quickly getting back to normal. We are enjoying Christmas music and knowing how blessed we are to be "immortal- eternal" because of Jesus and his birth and great sacrifice in purchasing us for God. Eph 1. God and God alone is the only wise God and we are His people. It is a joy to know Him so intimately.
The peace I have had through this journey so far, is God's compassion and love, and has been evidence of your faithful prayers. I cannot thank you enough for being there.
Insider info - you know how Lowell really didn't like my cell phone sound (ring).....
for those of you who know my "cell phone ring" and dance I performed when it rang, I'll tell you -I even was able to convince my man to put back the old ring - sometimes being in a vulnerable position has unexpected perks.
Love you guys. Glorio
Oh, I guess the specimen was so unusual - they sent it to New Mexico to be tested. will not
know anything for a week or so.

Friday Dec 5th 2008

Gloria's home.
Still haven't any news on the tests (tumor)
They sent it to New Mexico ??
I guess it didn't like the cooler weather
since its been out.
We may know something by next Tues.
when Gloria goes in to have her staples
removed. Keep praying that its benign.
Thank you for your prayers
Lowell

Wed/Thur Dec 4-5 2008

Hello all,
Gloria's doing really good.
We believe she will be able to go home tomorrow
(Friday). Still a lot of discomfort and on pain meds.
Will, need a lot of recoup time at home.
Don't have the eport from the Pathologist yet.
I think by Friday we will know something.
Lowell

Monday Dec 1st 2008

WONDERFUL NEWS!!
Gloria's surgery went VERY WELL!
The surgeon was very pleased, as were we!
The tumor was not attached to any vital organs
but was snuggled up and attached to her bladder.
But not so much as to cause a problem dissecting it
from there. They delivered it intact, this is one
baby we are not bringing home with us. A Pathologist
was in the delivery (sorry SURGERY) room to get a look
at this unwanted guest and will be doing more tests but
thinks its a low grade (not sure but I believe thats good)
Gloria is in IC with wonderful care. Lots of pain meds.
and still somewhat (woosy) Is that a word?
But she's a trooper!!
We want to thank all of you who have held us up to our
Great God in prayer!!
And to Ed and Sharon; Bart and Olive; Elaine and John
and Eileen who sat with me during the surgery.
Isn't the family of God wonderful!!
We are so blessed to have such family and friends who
are so loving we will never forget, never!
Like I told you Rick, its a taste of what we as the family
of God will be pouring out on each other for all eternity!
LOVE IT!
In closing this days blog I would like to give all the praise
and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
REV 5:13
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise
and honor and glory and power for ever and ever
Amen

Sat/Sun Dec 1st 2008

On Saturday we left Denver at 9:20 AM. We arrived at home some 270 miles at 11:30 PM
A 6 hour drive turned into 14 hours. Snow in the mountains did slow us down some but an
accident in the Glenwood Springs Canyon closed the I-70 interstate for over 6 hours.
We were forced off the freeway at a dead end exit and remained there for cleanup of a
foolish semi truck driver who rolled his truck and a load of steel pipes going 80 mph
thru very stringent curves. & cars were involved 2 people in critical condition and more
in other injuries. We saw this truck earlier by Silverthorn, but we stopped a few minutes
for a potty break so we were 10-15 min behind. Someone was praying for travel mercies
for us. We were very tired and it was a terrible trip. But brought home "Safe in the arms
of God"!
Sunday: "PrepDay"
I'm sure all of you who have had major surgery know what a pain the antibiotics and the
Colon Cleansing procedure is. UGH! We are so thankful for your continued prayer. We are
thanking God for His love and His people standing together in prayer.
Tomorrow: Monday
At the hospital at 8:30AM MST
Surgery starts at 9:30 AM MST Could be 3-5 hours depending?
Lets pray about the lessor!
Lowell & Gloria

Thanksgiving Day!

Hello to everyone who is thinking of me. Thanks is just a word but it means so much to Lowell

and me that you are praying for me/us. I will be having surgery on Dec. 1, 2008 at 9:30 Mountain Time for a large mass in my lower abdomen. The doctor found it on my yearly physical. It is about 16 centimeters. We don't know how long it's been there. They think it is

a liposarcoma. The concern, of course, is for malignancy and how it is attached or if it is involving the bladder or intestinal system. So many people are praying for me and I am so thankful for your love and involvement in bringing me before the Lord. There is no greater peace than the peace of God wrought by your faithful prayers. I thank you from my heart and if you wish to know of the progress and results of God's work in this matter please read the updated blog as

you have time or inclination. Of course you know how to pray (as God leads you) and we thank you again. We continue to Praise Him as He is the one who created us and we belong to Him

We thank Him that in all things He is able to carry us. Blessings to all.

Lowell will update this, while I am hospitalized and unable to do so, as he has time.

Gloria