May Day

Since I was released to travel this month has been an active time with my family.

I was blessed to go to Colorado to see my daughter, son in law and my twin grandchildren. It was a special week because I was able to attend my daughter's Voice Studio Recital with her 16 students, attend a special mother's day tea at Caleb and Carissa's preschool, and watch them begin swimming lessons.

Mother's day was a highlight as I attended Covenant Presbyterian Church. My daughter led worship and sang a special solo for me and my son-in-law preached a great message on being filled with the Spirit from Ephesians.

Link here to read my daughter's version of our Mother's Day.

Just recently my sister Patty flew in from Indiana. My older sister Melanie, my younger sister Patty and I had a fun sister week. It was a girly time and we seized each moment!

Another highlight is that my sisters and I were able to celebrate my son's graduating with his Masters Degree in Business and my daughter in law Angela graduating with her B.A.in Behavioral Science. I am so proud of their hard work and follow through while working full time and having a baby in November.

I know and believe with all my heart the wonderful miracle that God is doing in my life in regards to my health.

Under the suggestions of my doctor, I started weekly chemotherapy at the end of April as an outpatient.

The past few weeks I have been experiencing bone pain in my lower extremities. Pain weakens the body and wears me thin quickly. I would appreciate prayer for God's strength and His healing touch.

"Jesus bore my sickness and carried my pain. Therefore I give no place to sickness or pain. For God sent His Word and healed me." Psalm 107:20

God Bless,

Love,

Sharon

Miracles

REJOICE! REJOICE! IN THE LORD ALWAYS! :):):)

I am a Miracle.

The work of God in my life is nothing short of the supernatural.

If I had been the norm I wouldn't be here.

Acute cancer of white blood cells is deadly because it multiplies quickly and does not allow your body to fight off infection properly.

But I am here.

And I am living proof that I am a miracle.

Yesterday I received the report that my bone marrow has responded well to treatment. The 39 days that I spent in the hospital getting two rounds of chemotherapy were effective to eradicate the leukemic cells.

I was so excited when Dr. V told me the news. I was jumping up and down (literally!) and kept hugging the reserved Dr. V. It was a moment my daughter wished she had on video. In her words it was 'priceless'.

This report is a miracle and I give all the glory to God.

Additional miracles that I have experienced lately are:

• my body responding well to treatment, including the health of my organs
• lack of multiple infections common during treatment
• I did not loose my hair again. (This was HUGE for me)
• increased strength and energy
• increased appetite
• the ability to spend time with my family
• given permission to travel
• God's provision for hospital care and beyond

After the appointment yesterday I celebrated with my daughter Angela (who flew in from CO for my appt.) over a special lunch.

I shared my story with our waiter and he brought us this dessert as an affirmation of God's goodness in my life.

I continue to be blessed and humbled by God's extravagant love for me.

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name:

Make known His deeds among the peoples

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him

Speak of all His wonders;

Glory to His holy name!" I Chronicles 16:8-10

Thank you for your many prayers.

Praise be to God,

Love, Sharon

(writing helps by Angela:))

It's Time

It's time for another Bone Marrow Biopsy.

The biopsy is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, April 6.

The results of this test will determine the next course of treatment. What, When, Where, How, etc...

We are all hoping for the best possible test result.

Please join us in praying for:

• Dr. V to get a good sample of the bone, fluid and cells from inside the bone marrow
• A miracle result
• Discernment for Sharon and the medical team in what comes next
  

Joy

Joy: "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying"
Pure Joy.

Home

Home.

It is wonderful to finally be in my own home. After spending 39 consecutive days in the hospital undergoing treatment for AML and ALL it is good to sleep in my own bed, eat my own food and just be at rest in my own surroundings.

I have been home almost two weeks. During this time my pain has significantly decreased and I have been able to get off of all pain medications. This is a huge praise as the constant pain was wearing me thin.

Each day I experience a little bit more energy. Because I enjoy being active, I wish my pace could be quicker but I know that I need to be patient as my energy level slowly returns.

I have had so many of you come along side me in prayer and practical help. I am so grateful for you and the ways in which you have blessed me. Thank you.
Here is a picture of me and my new grandson Kyle (4 months old) who came to visit me along with his parents (my son and daughter in law) for the first time at my house. What a joy and blessing he is for me! He fell asleep in my arms! He weighs 14.5 lbs and is super cuddly.

My daughter, Angela, her husband Jeff, and their twins Caleb and Carissa are coming this week to spend time with me. I am so excited to share a wonderful week of family times and to create good memories together.

As my body gains strength and continues to fight for 'life' please pray for wisdom and direction for me on this journey. I continue to believe for God's healing touch on my body and am standing in faith. Thank you again for your prayers and your encouragement.

"Now to Him who, by (in consequence of) the (action of His) power that is at work within us, is able to carry out His purpose and do super-abundantly, far over and above all that we dare, ask or think, infinitely beyond our highest prayers desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams" (Eph. 3:20)

Love to you all,

Sharon

Breaking Free

Sharon broke free tonight (March 9).

She broke free from the cage.

Broke free from the confines of her hotel room.

Broke free from the beloved attachment to 'Shadow' (IV station, pic right)

Broke free from the wonderful hospital staff.

Broke free from the terrible food, the aromas, the bed.

And now, after 6 full weeks in the hospital she is happy to be home.

Home.

Amen.

Roller Coaster

Yesterday I shared how Sharon is moving in the right direction. This remains true but her departure home may not be as soon as we hoped.

Her white blood cell count took a large dip down in the past 24 hours. Discharge from the hospital is largely dependent upon this count so this impedes her release. We hope this count does another about-face in the right direction. Quickly.

Sharon is disappointed and drained emotionally. Sometimes the rate of medical changes is dizzying. We feel like we are on an emotional roller coaster. It never ends. It is exhausting.

Please pray for God to grant us the ability to trust Him more fully and to experience His peace in new ways.