Good Bye Compazine, Hello Zofran!

We are rejoicing in a full night of sleep.  It is obvious that the new anti-nausea medication, Zofran, was the trick.  Tom is still asleep as I write.  I pray that he will "bounce back" quickly after a rough Monday night and a full day of work Tuesday.  He has two meetings at work today, one at 11 and the other at 2.  We are thankful he could sleep in today.
Last night we received this text from my niece, Emily:

License Status:  ACTIVE

Emily Herbst, RN, BSN

Way to go Emily!  We are so proud of you and know you will be used by God as His instrument to hurting people at Licking Memorial Hospital.

I am planning on going into The Uniform Store on Thursday and Friday to re-acclimate myself to my old job!  I am so thankful to Steve and Jill Coon who have been more than "bend over backwards" for me these past five months.  Their flexibility and love for both Tom and I has been extreme.  I look forward to being in the new store, getting into a routine again and "hanging" out with my friend!  Steve and Jill live around the corner from us and have put in an amazing garden that we get to partake from!  Before we left for vacation they blessed us with a bounty basket that was amazing (see pic below).  They will take their daughter, Emilee to Liberty University next week so I will be full go at the store.  I know that Emilee will thrive there and that God will use me to help them through that "first child flying from the nest" emptiness.

Friday night I have plans to go see the new movie "The Help" with girlfriends!  It's always fun to have something to look forward to.

Saturday Tom will be on his own for awhile as my sister and I travel back to our hometown, Mansfield, for a cousin's bridal shower.  We plan to make a special trip to the bead store there too.

Temodar Trials

Only God could know all that would transpire in 24 hours since I was sitting here yesterday!  We went into round 2 of chemo thinking we were wiser and prepared...not.  Yes, I did fix a milder meal...yes, Tom took the anti-nausea medication an hour prior to the Temodar and last night was very reminiscent of a month ago.  At exactly 1 a.m. Tom woke with vomiting.  It had been 4 hours since last taking it so I headed downstairs to retrieve the compazine when the dog decided she needed out.  It wasn't 30 minutes later Tom was back in the bathroom.  After 4 trips to the bathroom every 30 minutes his tummy was empty.  This was not how we wanted the night to go.

Matt left this morning along with the MNVU men's basketball team to Belize for a mission's trip.  I took Matt to the airport at 6 a.m.  Yes, we're all a little tired today.  Please pray for Matt and the team as they minister and share Christ with the people God has for them there.  Matt took my camera with him so I won't be posting any new photos.  I feel lost without my camera now...it has been close at my side for the past 5 months!

In spite of our night, Tom still wanted to be at work today.  A family interview at 9:30 and then a Principal's meeting at 11:30 is what was on Tom's plate today.  I will pick him up at 2:30 to come home and rest.  I just may take a nap today too!  I am so proud of Tom's "gumption" for getting up and going, pushing himself past his "cancer world" and back into the christian school realm of life.  They say you can't keep a good man down...he's an example of that!
After taking Tom to work this morning I made a last minute decision to run some errands.  Now please understand that this is true...when you don't put on make-up, brush your teeth, wear jewelry, change your clothes from the day before and feel pretty gross...you will run into at least 4 people you know!!  First Anne Marie saw me in the parking lot and pulled in to "catch up" as she was on her way (without the kids) to meet a friend for breakfast.  She is always an encouragement to me and was the one who gave me the book "One Thousand Gifts" that has changed my life.  As we were standing in the parking lot laughing, crying, hugging and catching up, Sandy Long came over to hug us both and bring more encouragement.  It was an 11 year battle with brain cancer that Rick & Sandy's son, Ryan had so many years ago...but always fresh on her heart.  On into the store I went where God ordained I meet up with Claudia O'Donnell.  I haven't seen Claudia in quite some time and I was reminded of her fingerprints on my heart as she was instrumental in my christian growth over the years leading, teaching and discipling me through God's Word.  I miss you, Claudia.  Not 5 minutes after Claudia walked away Colleen King (a friend of my moms) brought more encouragement.  Colleen had recently had her 5 grandchildren with her and she said without fail every morning and every night they were faithful to pray for Tom!  What a blessing God had for me when I changed my mind and decided to go ahead with my errands and not back home to sulk or primp before then going out!

"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

After speaking with the nurse at the oncologists office, they have called in a new anti-nausea medication to use tonight.  We pray that, like last time, this will be a one night affair.

Wow...are you ready for my "Barefoot Landing" vacation highlights?  "Barefoot Landing" is the name of the home we stay in.  It is true that you don't need shoes there, except my feet are not used to a tiled kitchen floor and I needed shoes in the kitchen!  Prior to our trip my sister, sister-in-law and I plan our meals for the week.  Each of us have two nights we are responsible for the main meal.  We have kept the same meals over the years that work well for us.  Well this year we had to mix it up a little.  My niece, Cassidy, was diagnosed with celiac disease last year and now with Tom's food restrictions we had to change a few things.  I had roast turkey breast and turkey tacos.  Kelly had turkey burgers and a meal we weren't there for...bad for you brats.  Cheryl had chicken Alfredo and spaghetti with turkey meatballs.  Tom and I appreciate our family for putting up with our change.  It was exciting for me to see Cassidy so happy and she didn't get sick once the whole week...that's a praise!  Our last night we have a leftover bar and clean out the fridge.

Because we were a day later than the group on our arrival, they made an executive decision to put Tom and I in the owner's apartment where Tom could have more peace and quiet.  It worked out great for him to sleep in, take naps and go to bed early at night.  You have to understand that when you have 24 people in one house it can get rather loud.  Thank you to our family for making that executive decision.

Proud Grandparents

I will have to get a copy of the whole group from Aubrey to put on the blog.

Every year we take family and group pictures.  Each family is designated a different color so that when my mom pulls out her brag book each family is distinguished.  All I can say is that the girls love picture night and the boys merely tolerate it.  As a new member joins the family we always warn them about the picture night...if they can endure that then they're in the family for good!  We enjoyed welcoming our newest member this year, Travis.  Travis and Emily will be united in marriage on September 24th!  Travis and Emily met at MVNU where he studied business.  He graduated in 2010 and has been working as a bank manager in Newark.  They have purchased their first home in Newark and Travis has been doing his handyman/remodeling projects while Emily decorates and studied for her nursing board exam which she took yesterday.

Travis & Emily

Each day, one by one we would awake to quiet times in God's Word on the screen porch or deck.  As the chairs would fill more chairs were found and brought in!  There were a brave few who would rise early enough to get out on the boat to catch a ski run on water like glass with the fog still lifting before breakfast.  As tummy's would start to grumble the kitchen crew would start in on the big breakfast.  One of my highlights was watching the girl cousins make a plethora of pancakes...whole wheat, blueberry, plain, gluten-free and chocolate chip!  I've never seen so many pancakes or seen so many get eaten so quickly.  Fun times usually are around food...at least with our family.

After breakfast clean-up, packing coolers with snacks and getting slathered with sun-screen we would one-by-one descend the many steps (105 to be exact!) for a day on the water/dock.  My dad normally brings his boat, however this year traveling from Florida my parents didn't want that extra burden, so my brother-in-law, Terry rented a ski boat from a nearby dock for the week.  Along with my brother's boat, john boat, and jet ski and my niece & nephew's jet ski we almost have enough floatation devices, but not quite!  We 8 adults found ourselves enjoying the peace and quiet once the 16 kids left on both boats for the day.  Between skiing, wake boarding and tubing they would find many places to jump from rocks (cliffs).  We get freaked out when in the evening they show us the video's they've made and the crazy fun they have had together! 

 

Seventy somethings still acting like kids...love it!

Tom would enjoy the dock time quiet and then after a bite of lunch head to nap in the peace and quiet of the owner's apartment.  He would then make his presence known for our dinner meal and evenings of games or movies.

This year Terry and Kelly brought a DVD video series on marriage.  We laughed ourselves silly as the married (& engaged) couples enjoyed hearing the differences between men and women.  It always amazes us how different we are and yet how well we compliment each other when we are obedient to God's Word and His plan for marriage.  BINGO and 2 minutes have new meaning to all of us!

Morgan's Baptism

Braden's Baptism

The ultimate highlight of the week was seeing my niece and nephew be baptised!  My brother shared that a parent's greatest joy is seeing their children be obedient to Christ...and Tom and I agreed.  We knew that God has been tugging on Morgan's heart and she had asked her dad if she could be baptised at the lake.  Mike and Cheryl had contacted our son-in-law, Zac to see if he could share too.  We knew that if they had been baptised at their church we probably wouldn't get to be there.  So we are so thankful and blessed that God put it on Morgan's heart to be baptised at Norris Lake.  It was an added bonus for us to realize that Braden decided he wanted to also.  We pray that both Morgan and Braden will walk closely with Jesus and that their lights will shine brightly for Him as they journey in this life.  Zac was able to share truth from God's Word and wrap up the "service".

My brother's family...

Tim, Lauren, Cheryl, Braden, Morgan, Mike & Erin

Another highlight of the week was as the 8 adults were headed out on the boat, my sister was checking out the rental boat and the different compartments.  As she opened one she slammed it shut and screamed and jumped out of the boat saying there's a rat in there!  We have quite a few manly men in our group, but all seemed a little fearful of a rat!  Tom managed to be the calmest of all and ready to defend himself should the rat head his direction.  After finding the right "tools" for the job my brother "rescued" the rat into the lake...who knew rats could swim so well!  The adventures we have on this earth.

Ready for the rat...with a karate chop!

(see the gray, round compartment with the slot handle...it was in there,

the rat didn't know that dropped 2' down with no food when he went in!)

Home Again!

I think I may have been putting off "blogging" because there is so much to recall and I know it will be long!
Anyway...here we are back home safely after many miles on our tires.  We are so thankful to the Lord for His hand upon us as we traveled.
We are so glad we were at Luke & Jessica's beautiful wedding celebration.  We arrived in Clinton, IL on Friday (7/29) in time for Tom to lay down for a bit before joining in on the rehearsal dinner festivities.  What an awesome greeting from family we had at the hotel!  Tom's brother Tim and our nephew Timothy did the grilling for the dinner!  If you know Tim anything he puts on the grill is amazing.  We enjoyed grilled chicken, BBQ brisket, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and a trifle bar for dessert.  Terry and Joyce...you did good!  Joyce had the tables beautifully decorated and the fellowship was sweet.

We missed you, Ben!

It was on this night that Tom's Uncle Y.T. and Aunt Patsy said I was a "hero".  I have pondered their comments long and hard as I don't see myself as a "hero".  As I have taken time to think about what a hero is, God has given me this:
H=Honoring - I am honoring God by honoring my marriage vows as I care for Tom with the ability and strength God gives me daily.  Hebrews 13:4 "Let marriage be held in honor among all..." and then in verse 18 "...desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things."
E=Equipping - God is equipping Tom and I to get through one day at a time.  I am equipping (helping) Tom to get through each day.  Again in Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
R=Respecting - How can I miss my husbands greatest need apart from Christ...respect?  It is very clear in Ephesians 5:33 "Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband."  Tom is easy to respect because he has loved me unconditionally for 26 years!
O=Obeying - We taught our children a song that sticks with me even today..."obedience is the very best way to show that you believe, doing exactly what the Lord commands, doing it happily, action is the key to immediately and joy you will receive..." and through this trial I want people to see my obedience to God and my husband.  Even though I don't always feel "joy" I know that real joy is coming = hope.  Even Jesus learned obedience...Hebrews 5:8 "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered."  Our greatest times of growth are through the suffering.  I guess I'm growing!
So after some thought...I guess I am a "hero".  I pray that my humility will stay in check.

  Uncle Y.T., Aunt Patsy, Lisa & Tom the Bomb!

Saturday morning we all gathered for breakfast at "The Shack".  What a fun morning of more fellowship and food.  The girls gathered at one end of the table while the boys at the other.

Girls Table

Boys Table

You have to understand that Luke and Jessica are both "PK's"...preacher's kids.  This means that both daddies want the ceremony to be extra special...well that's what it was.  Through tears, laughter, God's Word, vows, rings, candles and a kiss the ceremony was spectacular.  As parents they have so much to be thankful for...Luke and Jessica have been obedient to their parents and now we will watch them grow as a couple committed to Christ.

Terry Anglea Family

(Missing Ben, Ashley, Makenna, Brinley & Nellie...and Max, home with a fever)

Before we could get to the reception Tim & Timothy had to get to the airport to catch their flight back to Orlando.  Once that happened Tom was ready to get on the road to start our 8+ hour trip to Tennessee.  Of course Sarah and I were very sad not to get to be a part of the reception.  But remember what the "O" in hero stands for?  We were obedient to go.

Bride & Groom drive off in red wagon!

Abbie, Cherith, Sarah, Aunt Lisa & Leah

The next "groom" and "father-of-the-groom" May 11, 2012!

Jason, Hannah & Kyle (missing Max)

Happy Birthday, Jason! (8/11)

I do want to remember Ben & Ashley who are serving as missionaries in Madagascar.  They were unable to be at the wedding and we missed them.  We look forward to their home ministries come December.  Also, Ben & Ashley celebrated their anniversary on August 6!  We love and miss you.

Then...

Now!

I've received some phone calls and texts regarding Tom's doctor appointment today.  We met with the oncologist and all of Tom's blood work was normal...that is a praise.  However, since the blood work was normal that means that they have increased the chemotherapy dose.  If you remember a month ago we doubled the dose from radiation which caused him to be quite sick that first night of chemo.  We learned quickly that the anti-nausea medication was for a reason.  Tonight we will be on target to get that into his system prior to the Temodar.  He went from 340mg to now taking 440mg for the next 5 rounds.  We pray that he will tolerate it and there will be no complications.  Thank you again for your love and prayers on our behalf.

Stay tuned...Tennessee family vacation recap to follow!



Wedding & Vacation

There is not a lot to report, however we would covet your prayers as we head out again on Friday, 7/29/11.  We are going to our nephew, Luke's wedding in Clinton, Illinois.  Luke is marrying Jessica Roberson and we are so excited to be a part of their special weekend.  Zac and Sarah will meet us there.  We are so looking forward to being with Tom's family to celebrate another marriage!  Tom's parents flew safely to Chicago today.  They will enjoy time at Terry and Joyce's after the wedding.

After the wedding the five of us will travel to Tennessee to meet up with Lisa's family for a week at Norris Lake.  The lake house where we stay does not have wi-fi access so this is our farewell message until we return with many memories, pictures and details!  Thank you for your continued prayers for us.
Tom continues to keep the pace with working each day and struggles with ongoing fatigue.  We know he will enjoy lazy days on the dock just ahead!

Happy Anniversary Dad & Mom!

On July 24th, 1959 my dad married my mom...or maybe my mom married my dad...no, they married each other.  Not only have they been married for 52 years...I can honestly say that I believe they have been happily married for 52 years!  They continue to inspire Tom and I and we are so grateful to the Lord for their commitment to God, each other and their family.  The past 7 years they have wintered in Florida, however this past winter they decided to buy a "real" home and make Venice, Florida their permanent address.  In March they came back to Dublin to put their home here on the market.  Little did we or they know why God would have them here in March...they say "hind sight is 20/20"...the day before they were to leave to go back to Florida is when Tom ended up in the hospital...the rest is history.  God had them here for us.  A huge "thanks" goes to my sister, brother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law who helped them with their big move.  Tom and I were out of the "loop" on that adventure...and we can honestly say we're sad we missed it.  Not only were my parent's in the middle of a major move, my siblings helping to sort and pack but they all were instrumental in helping Tom and I too!  It is with this amazing family that God allows us to spend a week together on Norris Lake in Tennessee next week!  Thanks to my parents for making this family vacation a priority for us.  I will not fully be able to put into words what my parents mean to me.  I am still trying to grasp the enormity of their move for me.  God continues to remind both Tom and I on a daily basis how to trust Him daily, not weekly, monthly or yearly.  I tend to allow my mind to think of the future and the "how will this play out with my parents in Florida now" and God brings me back to trusting Him for today.  I don't know for sure what tomorrow holds but I do know Who holds the future!  I am so thankful for the years that my parents have been nearby and know that whenever we need to "get away" we have a place in Venice!  And whenever they need to "come home" our nest is empty!

We LOVE you!

Tom and I had a great time on Friday evening with our dear friends, Dave and Lori Muschott.  Dave stepped into Tom's role at the high school when our lives were turned upside down in March.  We wanted to thank not only Dave but Lori also for her role in supporting him during those difficult days.  We enjoyed dinner at "Bonefish Grill" and then back to the Muschott home to see pictures and hear details of their daughter, Brittany's engagement to Brian Hecker.  We arrived to their home to find the power out after a huge storm!  Okay, so we'll get to see the pictures later...another reason to get together!  Now that Tom and I have a recently married daughter we feel we are a wealth of information (ha, ha)!  Anyway, thank you Dave and Lori for all you mean to us.

Saturday morning Tom and I enjoyed serving someone else versus being served!  Matthew was to be caring for a lawn while a family was out of town and since Matt was in Mt. Vernon at basketball camp he couldn't do it.  So being the gracious parents we are...Tom and I tag teamed the yard job and we both were encouraged to be able to do it.  Has anyone else noticed how HOT it is here?  Whew...we are thankful for air-conditioning!  It's been warmer here than in Florida...crazy.

Saturday night we were encouraged to have long-time friends, Jim and Terri Parrish here for dinner.  What a refreshing time of fellowship, food and good old fashion gaming!  Our competitive sides came out on the table as we teamed up for Skip Bo and then ended the evening with a round of Euchre.  Thanks Jim and Terri for being such a godly couple who we can share life with.  Of course I forgot to take a picture:(.

We were so blessed this morning to have the Operation Barnabas teams here for our Sunday worship.  God used the music, drama and His Word to revitalize Tom and I as we continue to walk by faith and not by sight.  What special memories the OBer's brought as it was just a short time ago Sarah was a part of that amazing adventure!

Tomorrow Tom will go to the oncologist for blood work.  The blood work will determine if he will continue with the same dose of chemotherapy.  If the numbers are in "normal" range there is the possibility that the dose will be increased.  It's funny...we were talking and Tom said "I kinda hope that my numbers are down (not normal) so I don't have to up my dose" and I agreed with him.  We really do want his numbers to be normal, but we don't want to increase the drugs!  Thank you for joining with us in prayer that God's will be done.

"Normal" Life

You know life is somewhat "normal" when I'm not posting/blogging on a daily basis!  This is good news.

However, you know whenever there is good news...there is also some bad news.  The bad news is Tom's brother, Tim and his wife, Julie celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on July 19th and I forgot!  Okay, so it's really not bad news it's GREAT news.  I'm bad for not remembering.  Anyway we love you Tim and Julie and we are so thankful for you and praise the Lord for His hand upon you both.  We trust it was a beautiful day and we look forward to celebrating 25 more years right along with you!

Happy Birthday Papa & Zac!

Last Friday my sister called and mentioned she was going into the middle school office (her new place of employment) to get organized. She said so much of what she needed to do required help and that she wouldn't be able to get as much done as she would like.  Well, since I'm not working right now and Tom was at work it would allow me to be available to help her if she wanted me.  She jumped at the offer and I met her there.  We worked all morning moving boxes and setting up her office space.  It was so special for me to be with my sister, be helpful to someone and have the freedom to go!  Thanks Kelly for a fun morning!  She lost her car keys in the moving process and she text me this morning and said she found them...an answer to prayer.

Also on Friday I received the sweetest note and pendant from my cousin, Abbi who lives near Toledo.  She wanted to share "hope" with me and let me know they are praying for Tom (& me).  Thanks, Abbi!

Also on Friday we got word that our nephew, Timothy proposed to Brittany Austin!  We are so happy for both of them and we pray that the Lord will allow us to be in Florida next May so we can celebrate their marriage!

Sarah came into town Friday night for Rachel Wigton and Caleb Stertzer's wedding.  I stayed up to see her after she arrived home from the rehearsal dinner.  She definitely doesn't like being without Zac, especially at a wedding.  We enjoyed "catching up" and got to bed pretty late...okay, well late for me!

July 16, 2011

Happy Birthday to my dad...a.k.a. Papa...we love you!

Saturday morning we enjoyed fresh whole wheat blueberry pancakes before Tom and Sarah were off to play a little tennis together.  I can be honest and say I was jealous as I stayed home to help with Sarah's laundry.  Matt left early Saturday morning to spend the day with Katelyn's family in Greenford, Ohio.  Yes, they are "officially" in a relationship (it's true...I checked it out on Facebook)!  Matt enjoyed meeting Katelyn's family and seeing the exotic farm she lives on with her parents and three brothers.  The farm has camels, zebra, alligator, tortoise, skunk, ostrich's, & peacocks just to name a few!!

What a beautiful wedding on a beautiful day.  Rachel's brother, Matt who is a pastor on the east coast married them at our church.  It was a very special day and Sarah did a great job playing the piano.  Congratulations Caleb & Rachel!  At the reception, after Rachel and her dad had the "father/daughter dance", they invited all the fathers and daughters there to join them on the dance floor.  It was an opportunity Tom jumped at...dancing with Sarah!

Sunday was a rare opportunity that our family of four (minus Zac) was able to worship together.  We never take these moments lightly and treasure each and every time we can be together.  We are so thankful for the traveling mercies God granted Zac and the youth group back from Momentum and then too for Sarah as she traveled back to Indiana alone.

July 17, 2011

Sunday evening we enjoyed celebrating our nephew's birthday.  We celebrated at Travis and Emily's new home in Newark.  It was so fun to see their new place and all the work they have done to make it theirs.  Travis is so handy and has done all the major rehab himself...well okay, he's had a little help, but we are so impressed with his handyman skills and Emily's decorating eye.  We know Emily will enjoy living there with Travis once they are married on September 24th!  Please join us in prayer for Emily as she continues to wait to hear when she can take her nursing board exam.  She has been so patient as she waits...studying diligently...and praying for the job opening at Licking Memorial Hospital.  We know the Lord will be faithful to her and also that they will be able to join us for our family vacation in Tennessee in August.

Matt left yesterday for a week of basketball camp at MVNU.  We pray that he will be used by God to minister to the campers, be a leader among his peers and also learn and grow as a player himself.  After camp is over the team will head to Michigan for the weekend for boating and jet skiing fun together.  We trust the Lord for His watchful hand over these young men and that He would bond and build team unity among them.

Tom and I met with Dr. DeHaan (radiologist) this morning.  Her report was no different from Dr. Kuebler's for which we are thankful.  We will continue with the chemotherapy and trust God for complete healing!