I am Thankful

What a wonderful time of the year as we begin to focus on all our blessings during the Thanksgiving holiday.

My heart is so thankful for God's faithfulness, His goodness, His kindness and His love for each one of us.

I am so grateful for my continued health and my wonderful family.

Saturday, November 7, 2009 I was blessed to see my beautiful grandson, Kyle Scott Koontz
come into the world. He weighed 6 lbs 5 ounces and he was 19 3/4 inches long. My daughter in law, Angela is doing well after the delivery and my son Brian and Angela are so excited become parents of this little bundle of joy.

What an incredible experience to see him being born and the blessing of the entire experience. Psalm 139:13 "For it was you who formed my inward parts, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well."

Psalm 69:30 "I will praise the name of God with a song and will magnify Him with thanksgiving."

Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

God Bless You,

In His Grip and Care,

Love, Sharon

One Year, Celebrating My Life

One year ago today, I began a new chapter in my life which has changed my life forever.
Last year I was admitted to Arrowhead Hospital and was diagnosed with AML Leukemia.

As I look back on this year, there have been many changes not only physically with my health but emotionally because of losing my husband.

But, I have been reminded of God's goodness.
His faithfulness and His mercy which endures forever to carry me/us when difficult times take us to a place when we do not think that we can make it.

God is always there, and He has showed up in so many ways to remind me that He is right there with me, my strong tower, my strength, my hiding place.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped."
Psalm 28:7

God has brought me safely through cancer this year and I am thanking Him for His healing power.

Today is a "Celebration of Life" and I have such a grateful heart. I am full of thanksgiving for the Lord pouring out His grace to give me each day of life.

I want to thank each one of you for loving me, supporting me, and praying for me to continue the fight. Your notes of encouragement have been re-read many times to lift me up.

Thank you for following my journey on my blog. I love to read comments so leave a message by clicking on 'comments' at the bottom of each post.

God Bless You!
In His Grip and Care,

Love, Sharon ):):):):)

Sassy n' 60

Celebrating my "60th" Birthday was a milestone and you can see that I was so "Happy" with my balloons to let everyone know what a special day this was for me!My son Brian and Angela, my daughter in law took me to a wonderful restaurant called 'Maggianos, Little Italy' for some delicious Italian food. Going off my strict diet restriction program was a must and we did it up right with two appetizers, an entree of chicken pasta with spinach and tiramisu for dessert. It was the first gourmet food I have experienced in 3 weeks after drinking carrot juice and eating fruits and vegetables. I savored every bite!

Brian and Angela gave me a special heart necklace that says "Believe in Miracles" and a heart box that was beautifully engraved! My girlfriends from Indiana that I visited in July also entered the "60 and Sassy Club"! We have been friends for about 50 yrs. It is hard to believe that the years have passed so quickly and we are all enjoying life to the fullest!(Anita Pritchett, Sharon, Julie Hankins)
Long time friends from High School gathering for a birthday celebration in AZ.
(Kathi Keppler Coles and Demaris Webb Uhler)

Celbrating 60,

Sharon

Miracle Report

I received a "Miracle report" today by Dr. V (my hematologist)! (Dr. V and Sharon)

My bone marrow biopsy came back with fabulous news and I have stayed in remission.

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. V said that he was puzzled as to why my blood counts have been so low and the report was so good.

My awesome son Brian came with me to the appointment and we just looked at each other with a big smile on our faces :).

I said to Dr. Verdi, "I have many people praying for me and God is my "Healer"! Hallelujah!"

As you can imagine, I am so "HAPPY" and I will be celebrating all week.

This week is my "60" Birthday and this news is the best gift I could ever receive.

Thank you for your continue prayers!

There is "Victory" in the name of Jesus!

In His Grip and Care, Love,

Sharon):):):):):)

Sharon made it through her bone marrow
test this morning without any complications.
After a friend drove her home she spent the day
sleeping off the anesthesia and catching up on her rest.

Thank you for lifting up prayers. "Nana, this hug's for you" Love, Carissa

Love, Angie (Sharon's daughter)

______________________________________________

Sharon's Up-Date

Yesterday, I went in to have my bone marrow biopsy

and I did very well. YEA! We will be receiving the

results in about a week so I will let all of you know.

My spirits are up and the Lord continues

to be gracious to me and give me a calm heart.

Thank you for your prayers.

Have a great weekend!):

In His Grip and Care, Love,

Sharon

Today I had my blood tested and saw Dr. V. He has suggested that I have a bone marrow biopsy which will be this Friday morning in the hospital. I will be an outpatient, and after seeing
the results (which we be several days), we will evaluate what kind of treatment necessary.

The Lord is giving me peace that surpasses all understanding and I am trusting Him with what the results show and His guidance as to next steps.

All things are possible with Christ and I am standing on His promises.:)

I appreciate your prayers and I believe that the Lord is pleased with our persistence.

In His Grip and Care, Love,

Sharon

I wish that I could say that I was encouraged by my blood tests this Friday but it was not so. My platelets dropped to 41,000 and my white blood cell count remains at 2.0 (which is very low).

I will be seeing Dr. V on Aug 12th and will give you another up-date then.

I know that all of you are praying for me. I feel it.
With God all things are possible!

I am trusting the Lord each day and praying for guidance in the care I should receive.

Thank you for agreeing with me.

In His Grip and Care,

Sharon

On Wednesday, July 22nd I went to Dr. V for my monthly checkup. I did not receive a good report.

I have been feeling great. My energy has been good so I was shocked by the poor blood results.

My white blood count dropped from 3.4 to 2.0 and my platelets dropped from 132,00 to 61,000.
Rather than monthly check-ups Dr. V wants to see me weekly.

I AM BELIEVING THE REPORT OF THE LORD WHO SAYS BY HIS STRIPES I AM HEALED!
This is a battle and I am believing for complete victory!

I need your prayers to continue the "Fight".

Please pray:
In the name of Jesus, we command Sharon's blood cells to destroy every disease, germ and virus that tries to inhabit her body. We ask every cell in her body becomes normal in the name of Jesus. The spirit and life of Gods word flows in Sharon, cleansing her blood of every disease and impurity. Father, I ask that Sharon's bones produce perfect marrow, free from sickness and disease.

I am staying strong and worshipping our Lord because He is worthy of all praise.
I am drawing closer to Him daily and He is my comfort.

God Bless you and thank you for your prayers.

In His Grip and Care,

Love, Sharon

July 4th Fun

On July 4, 2009 I had the privilege to be in the Chesterfield, Indiana parade to help promote my sisters and brother in law's business called Suds Express Laundromat.

Much to my surprise, the next morning, my picture (see above) was in the Muncie Star front page paper.

If they only knew my wonderful "victory" story of me being a cancer survivor! I am also wearing my mothers costume that she made which made this an extra special day of celebration!

Good News

It has been another "VICTORY" day for me as I receive confirmation through my blood tests today. All of my counts were in the normal range and I received a good report from Dr. V!

A "PRAISE" to Jehovah Rophe, "The Lord Who Heals"!

After the nurse drew my blood, a lady walked in named Carol, Dr. V's physician assistant. I said, how nice to meet you and we began having a wonderful conversation. I asked her how long she had been at the office because I had never met her. She replied, 7 years. I asked her if she knew my mother, Margaret Turner that was a patient for treatment of CML leukemia. And Carol responded, yes, I knew your Mother.

I began to cry. My mother fought the good fight with leukemia and lived 7 yrs under the
care of Dr. Verdi. He has a wonderful reputation of being one of the best in his field. Now I was blessed to meet someone else that knew my precious mother. It was like a "Big Hug" from God.

My mother's 5 yr. anniversary is coming up July 19th and now she is with the Lord!

Dr. V came into the room where I was sitting and had a "Big Smile" on his face and we had a great visit. I am sure being an hematologist can be emotionally difficult but here I am ......."A Miracle"!

Today was a day of rejoicing!

Continued thanks for your faithful prayers!

In His Grip and Care, Love,

Sharon

Victory Day

Today, May 26, 2009 is a "Victory Day" with my diagnosis of leukemia, September 17, 2008.

I am so grateful to God of what He has done for me. He has healed my body. May this be a testimony of His goodness and His glory.

I arrived at the hospital (this being the 70th day) and they gave me a local to remove my Hickman line in the surgical room. I will have to admit it was very painful but I am now free from flushing lines daily with saline and heparin solutions and having my port redressed every week. I am so happy to have it removed.

Look at my picture... My hair is growing back!
And, instead of it being straight, it is coming in curly! How fun is that? I have received wonderful care and kindness with all of the doctors and nurses. Today I was able to visit the oncology floor and see Rachelle, the head nurse, and the nursing staff who shared in my good news. They have all witnessed the "miracle" that I am and have seen the answered prayers of many. Thank you!

It has been a wonderful, emotional day!

God Bless,

Love, Sharon

I received great, outstanding, fabulous news as I went for my blood checkup. Victory in the name of Jesus!!!! His wonderful, miracle working power has been so evident in my journey with leukemia and I am in remission.

I have such a thankful heart and am praising God each day for my strength and endurance.

My blood counts are going up each week and Tuesday, May 26, 2009, I will go in the hospital for a surgical procedure to remove the Hickman line/port that I have had since September 17, 2008. I am rejoicing!

Be not conformed, but be transformed into the body of Faith, knowing that my Words

are alive evermore. Believe, speak, and obtain that your "joy" may be full and you shall be complete in Me."

I know that you will rejoice with me and celebrate His Goodness to me.
My God is so faithful and He is my Healer!

In His Grip and Care, Love,

Sharon

09 Relay for Life

On May 2, 2009 I had the privilege to be part of the Glendale Relay for Life, a team event to fight cancer which was put on by the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research.

Relay for Life has 5000 events in the U.S. Since I hadn't attended an event before I did not know what to expect. This time I went by myself so that I could meet new friends.

The event was held at Ironwood High School surrounding their ¼ mile track. About 3,000 people were in attendance with close to 30 cancer survivors (including ME!). There were many booths around the track selling baked goods, jewelry, and t-shirts. I believe the event raised close to $110,000.

During the opening ceremonies they had two doctors speak. They also honored a 16 yr old, Saulo Morris, who went to Thunderbird High School and was in the band who was diagnosed with AML leukemia in 2007 and who died in 2008. There were many kids from THS that were there to honor him. He touched many people lives and to celebrate him they let balloons go. THS raised $20,000 for the National Bone Marrow Registry Fund.Next all of the survivors walked around the track with our purple t-shirts with metal of “Hope” to wear around our neck. As I approached the track, I looked around and there were people everywhere at the sidelines clapping for each one of us as we walked around the track.

It was very moving and I will have to admit I shed some tears. Just to look around and see that I was one that had made it. I said “Victory” in the name of Jesus!

The candle lighting ceremony later that evening was very moving and one I will not forget. They first turned out all the lights and lit 3 candles, and then each one was given a candle to light someone else's candle. Many were there to honor a love one who died of cancer, a family member who had fought the good fight or a good friend that they had loss. There was complete silence when lighting the candles and then everyone began to walk around the track. In the bleachers they had luminaries lit to spell “Hope” and luminaries all around the track with a love
one's name on the bag. To see all the thousands of lights around the track was so beautiful. It was a special evening!

...................................I am a SURVIVOR!.....................................

Love, Sharon

April Up-date

As I received my good report from Dr. Verdi this week all I could think about was God's faithfulness to me.

My blood count was up to 2.4. Still low, but increasing slowly.
My platelets are up to 146,000 which is the best they have been in years.

I am so grateful and am very optimistic about my future.
Next month, they will remove the Hickman line that I had surgically put in September 18, 2008. It will be great to live without it! :):):)

It has been a journey but the support and love of all of you has helped me to be strong and courageous.


Great Is Your Faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou has been, Thou forever will be

Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I See
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me

Faith leads us beyond ourselves.
It lead us directly to God!

For we walk by faith, not by sight. Corinthians 5:7

May the Lord guide my footsteps and use me for His Glory!

In His Grip and Care, Love, Sharon

Dear Prayer Warriors,

I saw Dr. Verdi yesterday and received a good report. My white blood cell count is up but my platelets are down. If they continue to go down I will need a platelet transfusion.

I thank my Father that I have a strong heart. My heart beats with the rhythm of life.
My blood flows to every cell of my body restoring life and health abundantly. (Proverbs 12:14; 14:30)

May the Lord continue to do His work in my life.

Trusting Him...our Lord and Savior,

Love, Sharon ):):):)

I wanted to give you an update on my progress. I was in the hospital last week for my 4th round of chemotherapy and did very well. Yea!

The nurses at the hospital have been so wonderful. When I am there for treatment they are like family to me. They have been so kind to care for me physically but have also been a great support emotionally through this time. I have received lots of hugs, smiles and encouragement of my progress. I have loved each one of them and they have truly been a blessing to me.

I began writing in my journal called" My Miracles" while I was in the hospital and have had so many moments where the Lord has encouraged me. He is Faithful and has given me "Hope"!

My sister from Indiana flew in and we three sisters were able to share a week together. The motto for the week was "Don't Worry, Be Happy"! Melanie gave me a darling cup that sings this song. We had so much fun sharing this cup with others and see them smile as they heard the song.

My energy level is coming back and I am very optimistic about my future. Tomorrow I have an appointment with Dr. V to assess my current blood counts.

Thank you to each one of you that continue to pray for my progress and healing.

Psalm 103: 1-5
Bless the Lord, Oh my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities;
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit;
Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

In His Grip and Care, Love, Sharon

4th Round of Chemo

Tomorrow, March 23rd, 2009 I will be going into the hospital for my 4th and last round of chemotherapy.

This is an exciting time for me because I am continuing to trust God that my treatment will be complete, that I will stay in remission, and there will be "Victory". The Lord has been gracious to care for me during this journey and I am believing for His miracle working power to continue to work in every area of my life physically and emotionally.

I appreciate all of your love and faithfulness to pray for me and I am always so encouraged by your phone calls, cards and words of encouragement.

If you know of someone who wants to follow my blog who isn't already, have them e-mail my daughter at angelakintner@hotmail.com and she will send you an invitation.

"Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and for which you confessed the good confession of faith before many witnesses "1 Timothy 6:12

The Lord is Good!

In His Grip, Care and Love,

Sharon

How to Pray

Sharon has her next Dr.'s appointment on Mon. March 16th. Please pray for good counts and for wisdom for Dr. V as he determines the course of her treatment plan. It is likely that she will undergo another round of chemo by the end of March.

In addition to Sharon's physical health she is experiencing major stress related to her failing marriage. The situation is physically and emotionally draining.

First and foremost Sharon covets your prayers.

Please pray:

• That Sharon will be completely healed or in full remission and that she will gain back her full health
• For discernment and wisdom to Dr. V and Sharon's medical team
• That God will guide the chemo to the cells which need to receive it and protect the cells, tissues, organs etc... that do not need to receive it.
• That God will give Sharon an immeasurable amount of strength during difficult times (health and personally). That as she draws nearer to God's heart she will further discern His plan and purpose for her life.
• For details surrounding the loss of her husband - ease of mind, good counsel, financial provision etc...

In addition to your prayers, words of encouragement are also welcome in the form of letters, phone calls or posting a 'comment' on her blog.

Sharon's home address is: 10344 W. Potter Peoria, AZ 85382

Thank you for walking alongside Sharon and those of us that love her so dearly.

In Peace,

Angie

I want to let all of you know the good news.

Today I received a good report from Dr. V.
My white blood cell count is 5000 - fantastic.
My other counts are also good and I am so thankful.

I appreciate your faithfulness to pray for me in my journey.
I am encouraged today and so grateful to our Lord for His goodness!

In His Grip and Care,

Love, Sharon

Hi to All the Prayer Warriors:

I made it through my 3rd round of chemotherapy and was in the hospital 5 1/2 days. Overall I responded well to the treatment. I did experience some weakness and a little nausea but
it was minimal and I am so thankful to be home again.

Until my next round of chemo I will continue to have weekly doctor visits. Pray for my counts and moreover for my complete healing. We serve an Awesome God and all things are possible with Him.

The Lord has been so faithful to carry me through this time and all of your prayers and support
mean more to me than you can imagine.

I will keep you posted of my progress.

In His Grip and care, Sharon

Mom was released from the hospital Thursday morning. When she arrived home to an empty house it was especially difficult for her. Please pray for her emotional health and strength during a time of 'new normals'.

Angie

Mom's time in the hospital is going as well as can be expected. Its never fun to be living in tiny quarters but she makes the best of it with daily walks, visitors and conversations with the nursing staff.

The chemo treatments are going well. Her counts are good (3.4 white blood cell) however she is experiencing achy muscles, low energy levels and some nausea.

Today she had a special visit from our dear friends, Jim and Leta VanMeter. This was an unexpected blessing as they traveled through AZ on their way back to CO.

God is good. Thank you for your prayers.

Angie (Sharon's daughter)


(Angie, Caleb, Nana, Carissa during Mom's recent visit to CO)

Hi to All the Prayer Warriors:

God is GOOD and I received a good report the 9th of February. My white cell count is at 2700. Blood Platelets 102,000 (which is fantastic) and my Hemoglobin is 12.0.

Dr. Verdi says that he is encouraged with my report. Now that I am stronger I will be going in to the hospital on Saturday, Feb. 14th for my 3rd round of chemotherapy.

As I am in the hospital I would appreciate your prayers that it will go smoothly. Pray that the Lord will protect me from any infections and that I would not have any side effects of the chemotherapy.

"I bless the Lord who gives me counsel, in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoiced; my body also rests secure" Psalm 16:7-9

God Bless you for your faithfulness!
In His Grip,

Love, Sharon

Here are some pictures of my grandbabies from when they came to visit me in AZ in November.
My Angels!

Hi Everyone:

I just got home from being in the hospital for 10 days and I have to admit, it feels wonderful to not be looking at four walls and a small room.

I went to Dr. Verdi, on Jan. 15th and after taking a blood test, my white cell count went down to .7, which is neutropenic. He admitted me to the hospital immediately for another Bone marrow biopsy.

On Sunday I received a "Good Report" that there are no leukemia cells in the bone marrow.
That is a huge Praise and I am so grateful to God that I am in remission.

My white cell count had to be treated with medication to push the count up so I had to remain in the hospital.
On Saturday, my Hickman line (which was inserted surgically when I first went into the hospital), got a hole in the line so I had to undergo another surgical procedure for a new one to be inserted. After a platelet transfusion, they were able to do the surgery. Needless to say it was quite traumatic. I was unable to be fully sedated so I was fully aware of what was happening. I am thankful it is behind me.

I appreciate all of your prayers for continue healing and that my bone marrow will make the cells normal.

God Bless, Love, Sharon

Sharon has been in the hospital since Thursday, Jan. 12th.

She was admitted because her white blood cell counts dropped significantly over a 10 day time period. This caused concern for the return of Leukemic cells.

Thankfully, after a bone marrow biopsy, the test did not show any blasts (bad Leukemic cells).

The main goal of her hospitalization is to rebuild her white blood cells. As a result she will not start her 3rd round of chemo until a later date (unknown at this time).

Please continue to pray!

By Invitation Only

This blog is now open to readers by invitation only. Thank you for reading about Sharon's journey and supporting her in the many ways that you do.

Sharon is a tough cookie - for this I am thankful! She is clinging to the Word of God -

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song." Isaiah 12:2

Angie

Hi to My Faithful Prayer Warriors:

I went into the hospital for my second round of chemo on December 21st and was blessed to get out on Christmas Day to be with family.
I responded well to the treatment and am so thankful.

Every week now I have to go in to the Drs. office to have my blood checked and last Friday my platelets were low and I had to go
back to the hospital for a platelet transfusion.

This week unfortunately my white cell count has dropped from 3,500 to 1,400 so I will be going back to the hospital probably the end of next week.
My Dr. is going to give me another week home and then I will have to return to the hospital for a bone marrow test and more chemo.

I appreciate your love and prayers and am trusting God for His healing MIRACLE!

Wishing all of you a Happy, Healthy New Year!

In His Grip, Love, Sharon

Reason for Concern

Sharon saw her hematologist today. Unfortunately her 'white blood cell count' has dramatically decreased since last week (rather than increasing). Dr. V is concerned but was reluctant to provide conclusions to her count until further testing is done.

Dr. V plans to do another blood/bone marrow biopsy sometime next week. And Sharon may be admitted at that time for her third round of chemo. Depending on the result of the biopsy the course of treatment may change.

Last week she had to go in to the hospital for a platelet transfusion so that continues to be of concern as well.

Please continue to pray for Sharon and for her will to FIGHT!

Peace,

Angie