GRATEFUL AGAIN

Our family stands at the foot of the cross today, humbly accepting another gift from God. Our med reports from yesterday were so good. 

When they found a brain full of cancer, the medical contingent felt that it was probable that tumors were metastasizing in other parts of my body, quite possibly in the liver, kidneys or bones.

What we were given yesterday was wonderful news that there is no growing or spreading tumors anywhere. There is a spot on the primary tumor we will "watch," but it has no evidence of acceleration in any way.

Our family of three continues to have unwavering faith in the promises of the Word of God that healing----total and complete----will be ours. Based on His Word and nothing else.

To all my amazing blog followers who are my best friends and extended family, thank you for asking about, praying about, standing in faith with us, and wrapping us in your love.

To God be the glory, once again.

STILL SWEETS, GIRLS!

Potluck club is a highlight of our month. 6 great friends gather to share a meal, laugh and talk, play a game, or watch a game on TV. It's one of those dates we love penning onto our calendars every month.

Well, last night was February's meal. 

So, I got to thinking last night, after serving up this new concoction of mine, Peppermint White Chocolate Cream Fudge Eclairs, that I better show it to my Anna, Kate, Bets, and Gretch. I want my nieces to be reassured that brain cancer has not taken out the cells that can keep sweets out of the Hieb repertoire. Auntie Em can still "sweet poopy" any occasion and you need not fear, dear ones!!

For my praying friends, tomorrow is my CT scan which will tell us if there are any live tumors growing anywhere in my body. If there are, they will want a biopsy in Denver. Please pray AGAINST every cancer cell in the name of Jesus!! Thanks!

STAGE 3

Seems like the stubble is hanging on for the moment, so I'm not gonna get that nice shiny, smooth head after all. So, I think we are off. They say 4-6 months for renewal. My fervent prayer is that by some miracle, I could have an inch of growth in less than 4 months (for the wedding). I would rather have a close cropped "military cut" for the wedding than the wig that is not me (I'll show you that soon and you'll agree). 

Ordered a few turbans and I am good to go!

STAGE 2

We got to stage 2 yesterday. Still lots of stubble. Hate to think I am shedding hair all over my food and house but I am pretty sure that's happenin'! Ha!!

STAGE 1

FRIDAY NOON HOUR ACTIVITY:

Richie and I decided to start easy and get the feel for the new look. He went down to 1/2 inch. This I could live with! But no, the 1/2 inch stubble is still falling out. I'm guessing that by Sunday, we could see a shine. 

GULP

Clumps of hair are filling my wastebaskets. One finger-brush through my scalp yields a good 30-50 strands, I suppose. I look at the heap piling up and I think, well, if I just don't touch it, maybe half of it won't be lost. 

My scalp feels like it is on fire. They told me that would happen from the radiation. No remedy.

I am not ready for Richie to get out his shaver yet.

I imagine that I am not unlike most. There is that image in the mirror that is the us that we know. Familiarity.

I am the least vain woman on the planet when it comes to hair. I keep it super short so that out of the shower I basically "shake it out" and go. I am very low maintenance. My hair is not my "crowning glory" and I don't labor over it ever.

And yet.

It is hair. It is mine. It covers me.

ACS let me choose a wig. There was nothing that was "me." I got one closest to my style but I don't like it. It is wiggy. It is artificial. It is not me.

I think I will stick to trying to find some pretty turbans or caps.

My sister-in-law Shirleen, who walked cancer's path 20 years ago (and won), assured me that she knows someone who can make me something elegant and beautiful to wear for Sam's wedding. I don't want pictures that will show "mop-head wig."

And so there are some tears in my near 48 hours, I am afraid. They will need to be released, and then I will be OK.

God's Holy Word says in Luke 12:7 that God has numbered the very hairs on my head. I believe every word God says in His Scriptures. If He said it, He meant it. And so Richie and I prayed last night that in His infinite mercy, He would return the exact same number to every follicle.

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY