Wanda's Wacky Wonderful World

1975... Thirty-three years ago. I was just a child and he was barely a man. We were so in love we could barely breathe. Walking down the aisle, I was the happiest girl in the world! I remember the little shotgun house we rented for $40.00 a month. Love kept us alive - literally - we were so poor! But God has blessed us... and blessed and blessed. On so many levels. Financially. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. We have three wonderful children... two beautiful daughters-in-love; five amazing grandchildren. A loving extended family that we are close to. A dynamic church family. Precious friends both near and far. Best of all, we're still together. We have each other and we are more in love now than ever. As we were standing on the balcony of our cruise ship in Alaska last week, my husband asked me if I ever dreamed I would be sailing the Pacific in such luxury. I answered honestly, "No". I am living a life that I never even dreamed of. I didn't know how to imagine ...

Well, life is getting back to "normal"... whatever that is. I'm feeling better - soreness is gone - energy is returning - and life goes on. My beautiful life... my hectic life... goes on. God has been so good to me and He is patiently teaching me strange and wonderful things. He has sent people into my life to encourage me - instruct me - pamper me... He is loving me through His people...through the body of Christ. The sad thing is, I never realized how uncomfortable I am with "receiving" until now. Allowing people to minister to me feels so awkward; but I'm learning. God is beyond genius - and while He has pulled me aside for a season - He is developing others that would have never stepped up if I had continued to be strong. I am learning that my independent spirit has a root of pride in it and it is not very becoming. My "I'll do it myself" attitude has little to do with humility and a lot to do with lack of patience. And so, I am being schoo...

Blessings continue in my life. Doctors say no chemotherapy is needed! I am so grateful. Seems my annual mammograms have paid off! Early detection made the difference in treatment! I do have to receive Radiation Treatments... about 33 of them. They are waiting to start me in June due to some important things on my calendar in May. Once I start radiation I will go five days a week until they're done. I leave for a week long cruise May 31st... so the doctor says there's no rush - by all means, go cruising! I also begin Hormone Therapy this weekend. Tamoxifen will block estrogen from attaching to other cells- since the cancer was estrogen receptor positive. The nurse took about 30 minutes to inform me of all known side effects. I'm praying for God to block all the bad and allow the good to do its job. It is amazing what knowledge these medical professionals have. I was also tested for a genetic gene that may predispose me to cancer. If that test is positive - they may do a hyst...

No cancer in the lymph nodes! What a relief to hear those words yesterday from my doctor. Which reminds me of one of my favorite treasures. Words. The most powerful force on earth. A mere word can change your life. Your heart. A single word. Think about it. Cancer. Clear. Goodbye. Accepted. Declined. Words... I have such a respect for them. Words can transport you - deflate you - immerse you - deliver you. If all my words were taken from me and I could only have one word - one word alone... that word would be ... Jesus. Talk about a word changing the atmosphere... that one word can change situations - lives - people! Immediately! I know I'm one of the privileged. I not only know this word... I know the meaning of the word. I know Who owns this word as His name. Wow. Know what else? This Jesus... He's my best friend - my faithful friend. Clear. Clear nodes. Uh-huh... that's what I'm talking about!

Forgot to mention... biopsy results should be in Wednesday when I go to get the staples out. I'll post as I get updates.

I was not trying to be difficult - or super woman - or any of the many other egotistical things of which my friends and family accused me. I simply wanted to go to NC Ladies' Conference. Bottom line. I had carefully protected these dates on my calendar all year... a chance to be with my dear NC lady friends AND to hear two of my favorite women in the world... Nona Freeman and Vesta Mangun! So what if the lymph node biopsy was scheduled for Thursday... the first day of the conference. Surely, I could leave the hospital and sleep on the two and a half hour road trip... rest a bit in the hotel and take in as much of the conference as possible. It's only been 24 years since I've had general anesthesia... probably why I forgot that afterwards you pretty much don't know what planet you are on or from! My wise husband suggested (although my bags were packed and ready to roll) that we go home first and see how I felt after a couple of hours rest. Well, long story short - I slep...

Peace... it still surrounds me; saturates me; empowers me. Bright and early tomorrow morning I go to the hospital for the lymph node mapping and biopsy. All is still well. I am wide-eyed and all ears; my heart and mind open to God. What will He show me? Where will He take me? How did He choose cancer? Will the healing come quickly - or will I pass through the fire? Questions that really don't need answers. Just anticipating the ride... praying that I bring Him glory. Honored that He trusts me. Grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life. My husband. My children. My parents. My siblings. My family. My Church. My wonderful friends. My grandbabies. I am so blessed - so loved - and totally amazed by it all. For the past two weeks it seems that time moves at a slower pace. In slow motion, I watch my husband work - preach - study - and I savor every moment together. Like a slow movie reel I watch my grandchildren play - sing - and fight over me (MawMaw), I watch my sons - study t...