Monday, March 1, 2010

Day 4

I am waking up this morning to a cold rain falling outside my window. Today is the 4th day after my surgery to remove cancer from my body and prepare for chemo. In spite of where I am and what I'm facing, a few good things happened over the weekend:

*My 3 little cowboys came to see me! Hospital policy prohibits children under the age of 12 from visiting (due to the flu threat, we're told). However, my daytime nurse was kind and very compassionate, and helped Hubby smuggle the little guys in. It was a sweet visit--good for them, and good for me. Goliath brought his Nintendo DS to me so I would have something to play with while I'm here.

*My room was a revolving door for my family, who took turns coming to sit (and sleep!) with me. My Hubs, my parents, Sister and her Mister, and Brother and his Other all came to visit/fetch ice chips/watch movies/watch me sleep.

*My soon-to-be-brother-in-law had "Team Allyson" bracelets made for all of us to wear. They are Lance Armstrong-style, imprinted with the words "courage, strength, hope, faith" and teal in color to represent ovarian cancer. I wear mine with pride.

*My dad left late last night to return to Houston, but not before we had a great talk about what's to come. In his own special way, he challenged me to pursue God through the dark and scary days. We're all frightened, we're all bewildered...but without our God, we are nothing at all.

Even as I type this, the doctor has just come in for his morning rounds. Not much change to report--everyone is holding their breath for when my body might seem ready to try real food again. I had apple juice for breakfast yesterday, and a purple popsicle for dinner. Going home seems to hinge on that.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that is coming from God's people. Please specifically pray that I will be able to eat soon. I haven't had "real" food since last Wednesday. Please also pray for healing of the incisions, and for my spirit as I begin to look ahead to chemotherapy. And...pray for my family. My sons seem to be handling my absence well, and I know that is only because they are so loved and prayed for. I am asking God to continue to protect them in the coming days, and to put in their path people who will be especially kind and tender with them. For my husband, as he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. And for my mom, who is moving in to my house today to run my household and take care of my kids. There is no greater love than those two people have for me.

This is the verse my mom posted on Facebook this morning. I will borrow it because it is my truth:
"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good." Psalm 73:28

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

i love you, allyson. we're praying for you as God is taking you and your family on the roundabout way through the wilderness.
you are so precious to us.
love,
christina, brett, ellia and olive

Unknown said...

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every moring: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion saith my soul: therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3: 21-26

Anonymous said...

Mornin Allyson, praying for you today, your boys, your "hubs", and your sweet mom. . . . Throughout the last 21months dealing with my nephew's neuroblastoma has revealed so much about our God, His faithfulness, and His sovreignty. He has and will not withold good things, He will be greater than your yesterdays, He will hold you close today and He will be the Lord of your tomorrows . . . . (casting crowns "mercy") much love and prayers your way. (jblank12@charter.net) ---Rebecca B. (Coffee)

Karen said...

Still praying for you, baby girl!! I'm so thankful you have Clint and your mom there for you! Your spirit is strong - bewildered but strong! BUT, God is stronger, and he will meet your every need!! Lean on your prayer warriors; we are at your beck and call!! I love you!!
~Karen

Caroline said...

Hey..prayers for God to fufill all your needs..BIG and small..I take a quote from a friend who is dealing with her husband's cancer..I will pray BIG prayers..not small timid ones because I know God is able..and no matter the outcome I will not have to do PR for God..he speaks for himself!!! Love you and where can we get those bracelets??????

Beth Gandy said...

Allyson -
My family and I pray for you so often during each day and we have been praying since your Mom shared with us your cancer challenge. Yesterday, Mark Hartman asked all of us to pray for you (and your awesome Mom and Dad) during each service at Sugar Creek. I am so honored to know your parents and to be their sister in Christ. I feel honored to be your sister in Christ too. We are lifting our voices and our hearts to our King in your name. We are asking him to heal you, to bring you courage, to bring you peace. I am reminded of the song - "greater things are yet to come and greater work is still to be done.." You have been doing great work in your sons' lives and there is still great work to be done. I know you will be there to do it. And we will continue to pray that into happening. Love from our home to yours, Beth & Tony Gandy (Charlie, Nicky and Emmy too!)

Stephanie Click said...

Thanks to you and your mom for keeping us updated! I have prayed without ceasing for you and all that love you. I have a wonderful feeling of peace in my heart for your health ... I know God is hearing the prayers of thousands and restoring you even as I write this message. May you rest and heal today!

Stacie said...

Allyson,

Hope Wilson pointed me in your direction. She has faithfully lifted my family up in prayer since March of 2008 when my 3 year old was diagnosed with brain and spine cancer. She asked me to pray for you during this time and it is my honor to do so. I'll keep checking in on you. Keep the faith.

Much love,
Stacie Smith
www.smithscooptexas.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Allison,

I attend SCBC, where I see your parents every Sunday, and I am part of the SS teaching team. We are praying for you and pulling fory you!. Ellie my 5 year old made something we will drop in the mail! Your faith is inspiring! Much love Sheila

PandaMom said...

Precious and uplifting post, A!!! You ARE loved and you ARE being held in His Righteous Right Hand!!! Love you much, Sister!!! ; )

3 Girl Mommy said...

You are loved by MANY and prayed for by MANY. I pray that you will be able to eat soon so you can get home. I know that will help lift your spirits just being able to see your boys! Love you much, my friend!

The Horton Family said...

Oh my goodness, it's soooo good to read your words. I miss you and wish you would be able to eat very soon. Please know I'm thinking of you constantly and praying for you and yours. I hugged up your mom today. Hope she told you. She's the closest thing I have to you so she had to endure me. :) I love you. Hope you get to come home tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

We love you and continue to pray for you every day! :) Jennifer & Jason

Amanda Herrold said...

Praying for you and your family every day!

Liz said...

What a perfect verse your mom posted!