Let God Prevail

The highlight of these past two weeks was listening to our prophet and apostles speak at General Conference. I know that modern-day revelation is real and that just like Noah, Moses, and Abraham spoke for the Lord, guiding people through the challenges of their day, we have the voice of Russell M. Nelson to guide us today through our unique times. These men are not perfect but they strive to live as the Savior did, and they have been prepared through life's experiences to be able to hear the voice of the Lord and recognize what He would have us do to prepare to meet God. I was filled with peace and greater faith as I listened to President Nelson remind us to let God prevail in our lives. He said that if we desire to embrace a “new normal,” let it be by turning our hearts, minds, and souls increasingly to Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. I received answers to my prayers as our prophet taught us that God wants us to look forward to the future in joyful anticipation, and to view my present challenges with an eternal perspective. 

My treatment more than two weeks ago hit me harder and longer than my previous chemotherapy. I felt little to no relief from the CBD and medication I tried, partly because I couldn’t keep them down. I was so grateful to have my sister Kim here for the week after chemo. She was able to help the kids with school and shop for clothing for Paul’s mission, which allowed me to rest for most of the week. By the time she left, I was feeling well enough to be up. I realized that I will need help the weeks following each of the last three infusions, so my mom and sisters have generously arranged to come out for those weeks. I am going to try CBD in capsule form and possibly try some acupuncture to see if either of those options will help with the nausea and vomiting.

On September 27, my youngest sister Kathryn, who lives in San Francisco, organized a team of walkers to participate in a virtual walk as part of the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk. My family members participated wherever they currently live and we literally had walkers from coast to coast in all kinds of weather. From Oregon and California, to Utah, Colorado, and Texas, to Virginia, and even Haiti where my brother is currently assigned for the state department ... we walked. Kathryn was able to help raise over $500 for breast cancer testing and research, which her company will match. It was a joy! 

I spent the next week down with a cold that had gone through a couple of our kids. Thankfully, no fever, but the sore throat, congestion, and runny nose took me about a week to recover from. I was amazed at how drippy I was because I have no nose hair! I was like a leaky faucet 24/7! :) I also had a UTI, which meant I had to take antibiotics — that did a number on my stomach.

Thankfully, Glen and I had planned a trip to Prescott for a couple of days after General Conference. It was so nice to have something to look forward to after being sick for two weeks. While Glen and I were gone, the kids stayed with cousins Cassandra and Jenner Brown in San Tan Valley, and they're already wondering when we can leave again. :) They had so much fun with the Browns and we enjoyed a couple of days hiking at Goldwater Lake, Thumbs Butte, found some great restaurants, and enjoyed the cooler weather.

My mom arrived on Tuesday and will be here for the next two weeks. I will have blood work done Wednesday, a repeat of the breast MRI on Thursday, and treatment on Friday, October 9. Because the kids are on fall break, Glen is taking them to Manti to see some family from the Oct. 9 – 16, while my mom is here to help me recover from chemo.

This past Monday morning, when Glen and I got ready to leave for Prescott, we found pink ribbons tied all over our house and trees. It was so sweet, and we don’t have any clues who did it. We feel blessed in many, many ways and can’t thank you enough for the constant prayers and support that are helping us through one day at a time. We love you!