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Post by mikklynn on Feb 16, 2015 16:20:35 GMT
Jenjie, I will continue to hold you and your DH in my prayers.
Please don't say you are not strong. You have proven that you are. Strength does not mean never breaking, never asking for, or receiving help.
A dear friend texted me Saturday that she was on her way with a large latte and muffin. That one thing got me through a very tough day. Ask and accept the blessings of help from your friends.
Hugs, dear Pea.
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scrappinmama
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,016
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Feb 16, 2015 16:28:12 GMT
I'm so sorry that you didn't get the news you had hoped for. I will continue you to lift your family up in prayers. In such a dark moment in your life, let God's love be your beacon of hope.
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Post by jenjie on Feb 16, 2015 16:35:57 GMT
You have to acknowledge the pain you feel. Unfortunately many people don't want to hear the pain so they offer platitudes to you. I think that's human nature. You will find who your friends are that can listen to you and acknowledge and confirm your pain. There won't be but one or two probably who will be there for the long haul. And that's ok too. Everyone is equipped differently and will come into your life when you need it most, then they may move on. You have a good church group, small group within your church? I was thinking you mentioned it once. Yes. About a year ago a woman came into my life who was experiencing a deep loss. Having never been through something like this, I didn't know how to help. I prayed and was given scriptures that gave her permission to weep and mourn and say out loud that it stinks. And that God promises to comfort and carry and heal broken hearts. And it helped her. Just before Fred's diagnosis I had been preparing a short message based on those verses and that concept. And here we are. God was using it to prepare me. Yes I have support from small group, from women's ministry, from many individuals and our church at large. So many people praying and offering help. I've had a really special thing happen. Several people that I've come alongside in their trouble have come back to me with "I'm going to tell you what you told me... Because it helped." I'm so thankful to see that my words to them had value to them and me. and that they weren't just empty platitudes. Our school Offered help with dinners. Dh work is setting up a benefit and our church is too, although I don't think we are supposed to know about that yet. We are Overwhelmed with gratitude at the abundance of support. Dh has felt alone, like nobody cared about him over the years. People would come and go. He is finding out how far from the truth that is. That's just one more gift in all of this.
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Post by hollymolly on Feb 16, 2015 16:36:11 GMT
Aggressively praying.
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Post by jenjie on Feb 16, 2015 16:48:36 GMT
Jenjie, I will continue to hold you and your DH in my prayers. Please don't say you are not strong. You have proven that you are. Strength does not mean never breaking, never asking for, or receiving help. A dear friend texted me Saturday that she was on her way with a large latte and muffin. That one thing got me through a very tough day. Ask and accept the blessings of help from your friends. Hugs, dear Pea. Ohhhh yes I know exactly what you're talking about! God bless those friends who just seem to know the right moment to show up with hope in a cup or muffin or text. Thank you for your encouragement. Any strength I have right now is coming from outside myself. I realize we've only dipped our toes in so far. But there will be strength and grace to meet us the next step and each step after.
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Post by 5peanutsnana on Feb 16, 2015 17:18:57 GMT
You are stronger than you realize. Your attitude and faith are amazing. I will continue to include your dear husband in my daily novena to St.Peregine. Extra prayers for you, too.
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caro
Drama Llama
Refupea 1130
Posts: 5,222
Jun 26, 2014 14:10:36 GMT
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Post by caro on Feb 16, 2015 18:34:59 GMT
I'm so glad you have a strong support group. It makes all the difference in your life. God bless you and your DH and remember, we are here for you to vent, rage, cry, mourn.....whatever you need.
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Post by kryssy on Feb 16, 2015 18:40:39 GMT
Your faith and strength are inspiring, Jen... I'm adding my thoughts and prayers to the myriad of others.
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Post by DinCA on Feb 16, 2015 18:40:45 GMT
Your spirit has touched me. I'l be praying for you and your family.
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Post by leslie132 on Feb 16, 2015 18:48:16 GMT
It is in these times you see such good in those around you. I'm so glad that you can embrace the love and prayers coming your way. When we went thru my husbands health issue he struggled with the outpouring. In time I told him not to react, but to instead embrace.
I will say prayers that your unwavering faith carries you and your husband forward in this journey. I will also pray that God walks with you all, each step of the way, and when you falter he can substain you. You will have bad days.....be kind to yourself when you do.
Gentle HUGS!
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loco coco
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,662
Jun 26, 2014 16:15:45 GMT
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Post by loco coco on Feb 16, 2015 19:02:35 GMT
I am so sorry Jen. Your faith is so inspiring, I will you keep you and your family in my thoughts(big hugs)
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Post by snowsilver on Feb 16, 2015 19:25:57 GMT
Jen, my hurt hurts for you so much. I know, personally, that faith is very very strong with you are trying to comfort others, but it can be such a slippery thing when you are the one in the valley. I've seen two examples of great faith lately that have simply awed me. One is the mother of a little 3 year old girl in our community who has leukemia. Kallie (her little girl) probably is not going to make it. We have watched through the ups and downs (she's in remission, praise God), (oh, no, Dear Lord it is back!). Her faith has never wavered and she posts on FB regularly--always trusting! She is now saying that she doesn't think she will get the answer from God that she so much wants, but still, she will trust Him!
The other is Jill Kelly, wife of football great Jim Kelly. He nearly died last year of cancer, and Jill's blog brought me to tears over and over again. Such faith. No matter what--such faith!! And, in her case, it appears she WILL get her wish.
I don't think faith like this is innate--I believe it is a gift from God that comes when we need it, when we beg for it. Hold tight, Jen, God is there. Even when you are sure that He can't be. And when you wonder why this has happened to a good man, remember the words of Jesus: "An enemy has done this!"
You know most of the Bible verses that will help. I know you do because you sent them to me when I needed them. So I'm just going to post the words to a song that has helped me over and over again:
In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along; Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet, God leads His dear children along. Refrain: Some through the waters, some through the flood, Some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night season and all the day long.
Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright, God leads His dear children along; Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night, God leads His dear children along.
Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose, God leads His dear children along; Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes, God leads His dear children along.
Away from the mire, and away from the clay, God leads His dear children along; Away up in glory, eternity’s day, God leads His dear children along.
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,764
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Feb 16, 2015 20:06:39 GMT
Oh Jen I'm so sorry. I wish I could lighten your burden. Sending lots of hugs and positive thoughts your way. I know your faith will carry you.
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Post by 1lear on Feb 16, 2015 20:26:11 GMT
Praying hard for you and your family!
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,025
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Feb 16, 2015 20:35:51 GMT
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. I will be praying for your family. Our God is a big God - may He comfort you. ((((Hugs))))
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Post by PEArfect on Feb 16, 2015 21:03:35 GMT
I'll be praying that you receive your miracle. Truly saddened to read your update. I know exactly how you're feeling. If you ever need a listening ear just send me a pm.
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Post by BeckyTech on Feb 16, 2015 21:35:14 GMT
Jenjie, your strength is awesome. Please know that your family is in my prayers.
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Post by Merge on Feb 16, 2015 21:41:19 GMT
I'm so sorry. You and your husband will be in my thoughts.
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maurchclt
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,644
Jul 4, 2014 16:53:27 GMT
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Post by maurchclt on Feb 16, 2015 23:10:05 GMT
Not much to add, but prayers and hugs.
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Post by jenjie on Feb 17, 2015 0:01:01 GMT
snowsilver I'm holding on!! Thank you for encouragement and I haven't seen that song in years but yes true.
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Post by buckeyegirl on Feb 17, 2015 0:02:04 GMT
I am praying for a miracle for you and your family. Your faith is so inspiring to me.
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Post by Dixie Lou on Feb 17, 2015 0:02:11 GMT
You and your family are in my prayers.
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,734
Jun 30, 2014 12:52:45 GMT
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Post by ellen on Feb 17, 2015 0:40:37 GMT
I'm sorry to read this update. I will pray for all of you. You are an amazing.
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Post by genny on Feb 17, 2015 0:45:52 GMT
jenjieI am so, so sorry to hear this news. Cancer has been a huge burden in our family the last several years, but it hasn't hit as near to home as my DH. I can't imagine what you are dealing with. I know personally that being a caregiver to someone close to you can be a difficult job when things get rough. Some days it felt utterly surreal that this awful thing was happening and that we were in the thick of it. Some days the burden was unbearable. Some days I was able to see the beauty in being able to care for someone in such an intimate, loving way. Either way, it's a lot to bear up when it's someone you hold dear to you. Your faith alone is a testament to how strong you are. Don't doubt yourself and let your unwavering faith continue to lead you through the valley. I'm not well versed enough to give you any scripture that can really help, but one that has helped me in some difficult times is from Proverbs (sorry I can't remember the chapter or verse) but it goes " Just as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" Your faith, beauty and strength of spirit will continue to hold your husband up -- and God, friends, family, church group and PEAS will continue you hold YOU up through this so you that you can. You will both be in my prayers - the miracle, the peace and clarity you will need to see this through and for your continued strength and faith. Genny
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Post by jenjie on Feb 17, 2015 0:53:30 GMT
2/16 - I have to start by saying thank you all so much for your kindness, your encouragement, your good wishes and prayers. we had our follow-up appt with the oncologist today. First of all, the scare with Fred's white blood count was no surprise to him. It was exactly as expected. Only we and our friend the PCP didn't know that! And his numbers are much better today, his immunity is considered out of danger zone. Whew!
Dr is very pleased with Fred's lungs. He told us today that at the hospital, the lungs were getting worse before his eyes! Today he is hopeful that if they are not improving, that at least it has stopped from getting worse. He was glad to see Fred feeling good.
We are hopeful that this means the cancer IS Responding to the chemo. If not, we are looking at a VERY short window. But this MAY mean we might get a few more years together.
Thanking God for a good day and asking for a whole bunch more.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 28, 2024 23:01:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2015 0:54:51 GMT
So glad for this glimmer of hope! Praying for a whole bunch more good days, too!
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Post by jenjie on Feb 17, 2015 0:54:54 GMT
genny yes thank you. Iron sharpens iron. Thank you for encouragement.
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mochi
Full Member
Posts: 449
Jun 26, 2014 1:45:16 GMT
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Post by mochi on Feb 17, 2015 1:48:56 GMT
So happy today was a good day! Continuing to pray for dh, you, your family, and medical team. Big huge (((hugs)))!
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Post by wandawoman on Feb 17, 2015 1:52:21 GMT
I hope all the days you have together are good days. None of us is guaranteed another year, or day. This is a good reminder to us all to appreciate every day.
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,828
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Feb 17, 2015 1:52:48 GMT
I am so happy that you got good news today.
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