::faithful – praying for myself and my family. That surgery from a week ago? It actually went quite well, thank you very much. However – and this is a big one, so brace yourself – the doctors found something much worse than just an inconvenience. I have cancer. I’ve known since Wednesday, and we told the kids this weekend. Yes, we kept the news from them for a few days because a) Mr. Pea and I needed some time to process the information, pray together and get ourselves centered before shared the news with our offspring; and b) all four kids had major tests at the end of the week and did not need the distraction.
I’ve indulged in my personal pity party, cried for many days, done my research and am ready to move forward. Our first visit with the oncologist is tomorrow. Yes, Our. The nurse already called and told us that Mr. Pea should come to all appointments with me. A most excellent suggestion, as I’m still a bit shell-shocked and am likely to forget the questions on my list or the answers I hear. (I do have a list of questions written down, ready to ask.) We’ll work out a plan together and then execute an old-fashioned butt-kicking against this beast.
I, of course, am going to win.
::The Project – Sigh. The project will be put on hold indefinitely while we do battle with the alien cells invading my body. We’ve just started wading through the insurance documentation, and we’re hesitant to invest in new cabinets, floors and fluff until we know for sure what our out-of-pocket expenses will be.
:: dedicated – Happy Veteran’s Day! Here’s a montage of my commissioning day. The first photo is my Dad and Mr. Pea pinning on my Lieutenant bars. And that last photo? Yes – that is me losing my shoe on the TCU football field during the ceremonial parade. I’m told that the Commander at TCU told this story to new cadets for YEARS after I graduated as an example of the Proper Procedure to Carry On Under All Circumstances.
:: pondering – Mortality. Thinking about things we REALLY need to do just in case. Like update our will, and make sure that I’ve declared Mr. Pea as the designated recipient of my retirement fund. Find copies of important papers, including the living will and health directives, because we’re supposed to bring them with us to the appointment tomorrow. Really? I haven’t seen these papers in more than 27 years. I’m pretty sure they’re in the safe. I think maybe we should add “verify locations of important papers” on the household checklist for spring cleaning. In fact, EVERYONE should do this at least once a year!!
::delicious
- Shrimp Po’Boys that didn’t happen last week
- Roasted Chicken, Broccoli, maybe a nice pilaf to go with
- Taco Tuesday!!
- Pasta of Some Sort with a Spinach Salad
- Pot Roast with Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus
- Big ‘Ole Pot of Beans with Ham and Jalapeno Cornbread
- Tilapia Romano, Citrus Kale Salad, Macaroni and Cheese
::fun – We went on a bike ride Sunday after mass. It was absolutely gorgeous.
::fashionable – I’m wearing sweatpants, a yellow long-sleeved tee-shirt with a grey short sleeve tee-shirt over it, my wool hiking socks and a purple cardigan. Totally unmatched, but warm. Because yes, it’s only 58 degrees and I’m freezing. You northerners may NOT laugh at this!
::looking ahead – Doctor appointments; taking DirtBike to the orthodontist; probably more doctor appointments. Facilities Committee Meeting. Last bit of pavement inventory, then wrapping up several reports and projects at work.
Linking up at Suscipio– come join us!
Record the Minutes. Keep the Faith.
Keeping the Faith 
Oh my dear Angela, I am so sorry. I am crying as I write this. You have become such a dear friend to me and always there with support for me. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers but now so much more. I am truly sorry Angela. If there is anything I can do, yes I’m miles away but let me figure it out if there’s something you need/want. When you can please keep me posted on how things are going and what’s happening. We too are dealing with that terrible disease with two family members. So know the stress that comes from it all. Remember the Lord has huge shoulders and is there to always lean on. I’m here too.
Blessings my friend.
I’m going to keep everyone so posted on my progress that you will all be experts by the time I’m well again! You’re going to be sick of hearing about my body parts.
Right now the biggest stress is the WAITING for appointments and direction. I have no patience. None at all. 🙂
My friend, whatever you need. Anything and Everything.
Yep. I know. You’re a wonderful friend and a mighty prayer warrior!
oh my sweet blog friend – lifting you and your family up in prayer! there are truly no words i can say to make anything better, but please just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Ms. Lauren!
Oh Angela. I am so very, very sorry. My grandmother passed of breast cancer and it’s quite prevalent in my family. I’ve had a few scares and procedures already – as recently as this February. I have to tell you, from the little I’ve read here…you are brave. If there is anything, ever that I can do besides lifting you up in adoration now every week, please don’t hesitate to ask.
+++ God bless you+++
I also sent an email to a friend here who has a whole “legion” of prayer warriors (anonymous) all over the country. We don’t know who they all are, but God does and He will hear us. I am also “taking” you to mass with me tomorrow up. The communion I will receive? Yours.
Hang in there.
xx
Cristina
Thank you, Darling Christina! My Mom and other dear friends have called their prayer warriors, too. I am awed and humbled at the web of prayer being spun all around the world on my and my family’s behalf.
Yes – please pray for my family, too. The personal impact of cancer on me is glaringly obvious; but it is truly a ‘family’ disease, especially when it’s the Mom who has it. Even when our kids are more than half-way grown and we’ve been married forever, our families depend on us so much.
Just learned of your diagnosis via a closed Catholic prayer group. Will be praying for you, dear Angela!
Oh my word. I’m saddened but I know you can win it. First of all, we have God on our side. Secondly, we are in America and we have access to great medical facilities.
I’m 30-45 minutes from you. Please call on me. I will help however I can. If your church friends are making meals, please tell me. If you need a ride, your laundry folded, WHATEVER… Whatever you need.
I’m babbling. But I am here for you. Praying and hopeful!
Please email me @ emilypainterdavis at gmail dot come
Texans are strong. STRONG I TELL YOU!
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
xx oo
Emily
Ah Emily – Thank you so much! Right now, we don’t know exactly what we need until after we meet with the Oncologist and figure out what is going to happen and when. I know for sure there’s a complete hysterectomy/oophorectomy in the very, very near future to remove the known cancer. The organs will then be sliced, diced and scrutinized under a microscope to determine exactly what kind we’re dealing with and how far it’s spread. Only after all that happens will we know if further treatment – chemo, radiation or both – will be needed.
Yes, I will call. I’m not hesitant to ask for help when needed, especially if it means being sure my family is taken care of. LOL…I already told the boys that they will be learning how to do laundry and cook immediately!
Laundry and cooking are two of my specialties. I also have had a hysterectomy and some close calls. I pray now that your healing will be swift and clean!
xx oo
Praying for you and your family! Keep your eyes focused on Jesus. You are so brave and already Jesus is blessing you immensly. Keep repeating “Jesus I trust in You”! My family is lifting in prayer you, your family, as well as any medical staff and doctors you may encounter along the way. Peace and Blessings!!!
Thank you for the prayers!
I love the military pictures! That was something I didn’t know about you Angela.
Now for your news. I am many miles from you, but not in spirit or in a lifting of my heart for you in prayer. If you would like some St. Padre Pio oil from the shrine in NJ, I will send it . Also, I found this for you:
What Cancer Cannot Do
© Copyright by Author Unknown
Cancer is so limited….
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.
I hope Michelle doesn’t mind but I passed this poem onto the two special women in my life that are facing cancer. Just wanted you to know.
Thoughts and prayers Angela.
Just lurking and found you again. Prayers, my Friend. Just a year ago you were sending them to me and now I am returning them plus many more!
Oh, Angela, I am embracing you now, never mind that thousands of miles separate us. You will be in my daily prayers and frequently in my thoughts… and yes, I admire how you manage to carry on, in the parade grounds and off it.
Oh Angela…I am so sorry. I will hold you in prayer and will call the Carmelite Monastery for the sisters to pray for you. I know you have a strong positive spirit and that goes a very long way myf friend.
((hugs))