Prayer Request

Please pray for our friend Kevin Waters today. He has been admitted to the hospital in KC due to symptoms of liver failure. The cause is unknown, probably a type of super virus. It just came on all of the sudden, and he has been in the hospital and very sick since Saturday.

Kevin and his wife, Renee, are long time friends of ours, and have been so supportive of our family throughout my fight with cancer. During the past year, they have survived a high risk pregnancy, and now have two beautiful twins, Cal and Cassie to add to their family.

Please pray for Kevin and his doctors (Kevin was not waking this morning, and they are transporting him to another hospital), Renee...for strength and peace, and for their entire families...brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers.

Also, I should mention that Kevin is a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer...just so you know how tough he is. Pray that he can fight off this attack on his body.

Thanks for your support!

Love,

Jeff and Leslie

Shared with me by my Aunt Betty:

Chocolate Sings

One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old "blue hair" about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate."

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast.

"Along with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.

But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down.

The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae.

I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait.

I smiled. She asked if she amused me.

I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.

How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?

She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that is Possible.

I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should.

But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.

This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before."

"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored.

I haven't smelled all the flowers yet.

There are too many books I haven't read.

There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down

and kites to be flown overhead.

There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the jokes.

I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes.

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.

I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast.

I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.

I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain.

I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again.

So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner,

then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner,

because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire.

I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."

With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said.

"I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we love and respect. Remember that while money talks,

CHOCOLATE SINGS!

Friday, August 1st

Hello everybody! Just wanted to ask you to pray for us Friday as Mom, Levi, Isaac and I make our journey home. I have a treatment in the morning, and then we'll be on our way! Just keep us in your prayers that we'll have safe travels, and that the boys will be pleasant on the way home! (Hey...it can happen!) Usually, pleasantness is not a problem (seriously), but they are tired, and so are we, so pray...pray...pray! Anyway, it's too late to load the car tonight, so we're loading in the morning, which may rush us a bit. Hopefully everyone will rest well, and the entire day will flow smoothly.

Thanks for your prayers. We so appreciate them and you!

Blessings,
Leslie, Bootsie, Levi, and Isaac

Lengthy and Long Overdue...

I don't know whether to start way back when or just skip to the good news...

Let's go back a ways....

• I'm nearly done with the proton therapy that I mentioned weeks ago. It has been amazingly tolerable. Not a single side effect that I can see. I walk backwards now, but other than that...JUST KIDDING! It has been a breeze. For awhile there were some problems, as the main "thingy" that produces the proton beam went on the fritz. I had to settle for the "Lexus" of radiation for a few days until the "Lamborghini" was repaired and running again. Ahhh...the trials of the radiated! Anyhoo...it was quickly fixed, and I was back in the proton program within a week.

By the way...I don't think I've posted this anywhere until now, but I'm their first breast cancer patient...ever...at MD Anderson in the proton treatment center! How 'bout that. Their slogan (MD Anderson's) is "Making Cancer History", and...I did!

• As for the "regular" radiation, I finished that on Friday (25th of July). I've got a great sunburn from it, but that's about it. I met some terrific patients and outstanding staff during my "radiant" summer. I have pictures and stories to post soon. Shane, Susan, and Danyel were my radiation therapists. I wish you all could meet them. They were the absolute best...very professional, yet very personable. I consider them lifelong friends now, and can't wait for Jeff to come back with me so I can introduce them to him.

So, now for the grand finale....

• I met with my medical oncologist, Dr. Booser, on Wednesday of last week. He told me that he has been reviewing the research, and sees no benefit in sending me through those 10 extra weeks of chemotherapy we had been planning on. "So, let's just move on to the Herceptin every 3 weeks," he calmly stated.

Excuse me...say that again? I'm DONE?!!! Just like that...I'm through with everything? Just Herceptin every three weeks until further notice. It doesn't even have any side effects....so...I'm through!

I was so stunned that I had to run it by my radiation oncologist, Dr. Woodward.

"What does this mean?"

"Well, basically, you're cancer free, we've done all we would do, and you've responded extremely well. We'd love to say that it'll never come back again, and we certainly hope it won't, but the truth of the matter is that there is no rhyme or reason to cancer. You are through with treatments, (except Herceptin), you are cancer free, and it's really just 'Have a great life, and call us if you need us!'"

Are you kidding me? To quote one of my father-in-law's old time preacher acquaintances...HOT HALLELUJAH!

Now, obviously I'll be going back regularly for checkups, as well as reconstructive surgery, but...HELLO...the cancer is GONE!

I know! Stunning, isn't it? Feel blind-sided? Me too! I truly believe that I've been healed, by the hand of God and his skilled physicians. I don't even know how to sum it all up, but when it's all soaked in, I'll write it here first.

Thank you all for your support, your prayers, and your love. We have been blessed beyond our wildest imagination.

Leave me a note when you read this. I'd love to hear what you're thinking about my news!

Love and blessings,
Leslie

( I realize at this point I may have failed to mention earlier that Jeff and I, along with my oncologists, feel that Herceptin only will be sufficient post-cancer treatment, and we have chosen not to participate in their Bone Marrow Transplant study at this time. In a nutshell, they still have no proof that it would be beneficial to me...especially since I'm already cancer free, and will be on Herceptin for years to come. Herceptin, a "monoclonal antibody" works by marking the cancer cells as foreign cells, and allows my own immune system to kick 'em in the tail! Developed right here at MD Anderson, thank you very much! I think I'll let them work the kinks out of the BMT before I jump right in.)

Thought For The Day

“We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing - that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment.” ~ Oswald Chambers

Check out my Slide Show!

In a Nutshell...

July 4th: No treatments. Flew home and spent the weekend of the 4th with my family. Went to James River's "I Love America" celebration, then to Anita's on Saturday to see baby Brody and my brother, Kevin, who was in from St. Louis.

July 7-11th: Brought Owen to TX with me. What a hoot! We had a fantastic road trip down, and spent the rest of the week going to treatments and taking him to see his cousins (second or once removed or something like that) Jordan, Keirnan, Gabrielle, Alex, and Miguel. Celebrated his birthday with Gabrielle, Alex, and Miguel on Thursday night the 10th. He was elated.

July 11th: Owen's 9th birthday. At his request (and without any hesitation on my part) we spent the weekend with Kirk, Nanette, and Portia and their summer farm help, Jeremy (or Germy...however you want to say it!) on their farm. Owen wanted to ride 4 wheelers for his birthday, and boy...did he ever. He was thoroughly spoiled (pictures will follow...tomorrow). 4 wheelers, trip to Austin, new hat from the hat shop that made all the hats for the cast of Lonesome Dove...umhmm...big stuff, new belt, new UT hat (camo, too), fishing, tractor riding, golf cart riding, cattle buying, bow shooting, dirt, deer feeding/watching, more 4 wheelers, steak, steak, bacon, doughnuts, birthday cake. "This is the BEST birthday ever!" stated repeatedly. When asked on Saturday what he wanted to do on Sunday, he replied, "Everything that I did today!" What a kid! Thank you, Thank you Kirk and Nanette...and Portia and Germy!

July 14th-17th: Radiation and Proton therapy consumed our days from noon to 6 pm. Gotta love that commute into and out of Houston.

July 18th: Postponed one day of treatment to head home. Road tripped with Owen...phenomenal kid. Made a trip home in record time: 11 hours!

July 19th: Thoroughly cleaned Uncle Randall's car...he had let me use it (with very little notice...thank you, thank you Uncle Randall) to go to Houston. Washed off seagull "presents", bugs, and a variety of other road trip trophies. Vacuumed out dirt and hay from the farm, sand from the coast, and food from the trip. Smelled of new car scent when returned. Thank heavens for Armour All and high pressured washes!

Then, returned home at 2ish to repack Owen and Jeff for a trip to Rolla to celebrate my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary! Congratulations to Larry and Roberta Davis! I hear the celebration was a fantastic success and immensly enjoyable...even by two tiny twins!

July 20th: Loaded two preschoolers and my extremely patient mom for a road trip back to Houston. Met my cousin Ed and my cousin Bob and his wife Shelly and their son Adam near Dallas for a quick visit. Realized at 8:49 p.m. (after even more potty stops) that we were not going to make Houston before dark, so we checked into a Hampton Inn and cozied in for the night. Got a full night's rest and a complimentary breakfast, and

July 21st: Made it to Houston by 12:00 noon, just in time to drop by Aunt Teresa and Uncle Howard's where Mom, Levi and Isaac stayed while I darted off to my 1:15 appointment. Picked them up a little after 4, then drove to our borrowed home in 106 degree heat in rush hour traffic. Started some laundry while Mom started supper, filled the wading pool for the boys, sprayed on some OFF, grabbed a glass of ice water and welcomed myself back to TEXAS!

A more relaxing entry will surely follow...soon. Just wanted you to know what's been going on since July began! My goodness...that makes me tired just to type it!

Hope your summer is going well. Anybody ready for some crisp fall weather yet?

Love and blessings,

Leslie

Quick Hello

Just wanted to write a bit and let you know that I'm still doing fine. I go into the medical center every day for radiation, and then come home. It's pretty uneventful...it's not uncomfortable or anything. I just lay on a table, and they set their cross hairs on me (I come from a huntin' family), and then I'm done. It hardly even makes a noise. Much more pleasant than anything I've had done to me thus far!

I've stayed up too late already, but I wanted you to know that I'm fine. Owen is down here with me for the next couple of weeks. He's a blast. He has a good sense of humor, loves to hear and tell a good story, enjoys playing games, and is enjoying me almost as much as I'm enjoying him. I can't believe he's almost nine already...his birthday is this Friday! What a guy! And did I mention how strong he is? I don't have to carry a thing!

I'll write more another night. I have lots of stories to tell...travel stories, 4th of July, etc. Right now, it's pushing midnight, and I'd better get to sleep.

Thanks for your continued prayers. I appreciate them so much.

Love,

Leslie

More Good News!

Well, hip-hip-hooray! I found out today that I don't have to have my neck radiated. Apparently, at one point, an ultrasound showed that I had an enlarged lymph node in my neck that they suspected was also cancerous. Well, long story short, my cousin and medical-connection-extraordinaire, Jenny, called in a favor from the head of the Head and Neck Ultrasound department at MD Anderson, and she (the department head) did another ultrasound of my neck this morning. After comparing it with my original, she determined that what the other department thought was an enlarged lymph node was actually a blood vessel...yep...a blood vessel, and does not require any treatment of any kind. Her words..."Don't let them radiate your neck." Well, don't worry sister! I won't!

It's only by the grace of God that they haven't radiated my neck already, since my radiation treatments are already beginning their 3rd week! Ordinarily they would have, but my fantastic Radiation Oncologist (who could be the long, lost twin of my sister-in-law, Diane...so much so that I could chat with her for hours!) said she didn't want to radiate it until she knew exactly which node they were suspicious of...and then she ordered the follow-up ultrasound! Wasn't that wise!? Evidently, in the healthy world, you don't just go around radiating things just to be safe! Well, bless my soul! How about that for God getting in my business? Aunt Teresa and I had a good chuckle about that this morning! You'd think He was taking care of me or something! :o)

So...all those many years ago, when Jenny entered medical school...and even before that..maybe when Aunt Teresa met Uncle Howard...or even when Grandma Walker had Aunt Teresa (just one of her 12 children)...or even when...well, you get the picture...God knew that one day Jenny would be callin' in a favor for her cousin from Missouri! How cool is that?!

Kinda makes you think that there's a reason for what YOU dealt with today, doesn't it? And we know that He works ALL things together for our good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

So, thank you all for your continued prayers. What a wonderful gift you are giving to me and my family!

Thank you Jenny! Thank you "Head of Head and Neck Ultrasonography", thank you fantastic Radiation Oncologist, and thank you God!

...did I just win something? They like me! They really like me!

Ready the Proton Radiator!

What? I'm sorry, say that again?

I know...sounds like Marvin the Martian on Bugs Bunny! I have been approved for the MD Anderson Proton Radiation Program! Having trouble containing your excitement? I know...sounds like a real summer treat, doesn't it?! Well, it is for me!

I just received word today from my radiation oncologist that she got approval from my insurance company for me to receive "Proton Radiation" of my spine. She had asked last week if she could pursue that option, and I told her to go for it.

Evidently (and I hesitate to explain these medical treatments since several of you reading this know WAY more about it than I do) "proton" radiation radiates only the area needing radiation, and doesn't "exit" the area, therefore radiating otherwise healthy tissue. In other words, they will be able to radiate the small area of my spine that used to have cancer in it without potentially damaging my spinal cord or the other side of my body!

Furthermore, it is rare that they allow this for a breast cancer patient with metastatic cancer, because since the cancer has already spread, why worry about damaging tissue with radiation? My radiation oncologist argued, however, that I was not your TYPICAL breast cancer patient, and that based on my pathology reports post-surgery, my cancer has responded extremely well to the treatment I have been receiving, and they are going for a "curative response" (excuse me...did I hear the word "cure" in there?).

Well, the insurance company responded by saying they appreciated my radiation oncologists' explanation of the situation, and they would fax an approval letter within the hour (that was at 1:30 today).

So...how about that? Still not getting goose bumps? (Probably because you're not under the proton radiator! Just kidding!) Well, my doctor explained that the radiation I am and will still receive for the primary tumor is excellent...the best in the country...the "Lexus" of radiation therapy. The proton radiation, however, is the "Lamborghini" of radiation treatment, and as she put it, "Why settle for the Lexus when you could have the Lamborghini?"

So...19 more "regular" radiation treatments left, and 20 (I think) proton radiations to go! Simultaneously! Let the party begin!

Am I glowing?.....I feel radiant......

Look at my new nephew!

Big Plans!

Well, not really...but the boys think so! Today they both are going with me to treatment. There is a childcare facility ("Kids Club" as we call it) just upstairs, and they are going to play with all the "cool toys" while momma gets radiated just a few feet below them! How strange is that?! Anyway, after that, we are all heading to Galveston for dinner. Might as well...we're this close, right! Levi wants to get in the ocean again, but Isaac says no! "There are crabs in there!" He is COMPLETELY afraid of crabs...saw one tiny one on his first visit to the beach, and has never forgotten it. That's why in those first pictures of our visit, he is walking on Jeff's boots. Silly guy! Anyway, we want to eat by the ocean, and so we are!

Everything continues to go well. I'm even getting good at driving in Houston traffic. I must be one of the best, because a few people have even given me the "#1" sign! (Oh, that was awful!) Anyway, hope your week is going well. I'll write more later!

Love,

Leslie

Greetings from Texas

Just a quick entry to let you know that I have finished my first two radiation treatments...only 28 to go! (Not that I'm counting!) We are enjoying our stay here and looking forward to a little fun this weekend. We may even go to the park...woohoo!

The little boys are napping right now, but have spent the morning playing outside. They are loving it here, too. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Jeff and Owen are busily cleaning out the toy room in hopes that the two little ones won't miss what's missing when we get home. They are also building a table for Owen to put in his room. Sounds like big fun!

I am so thankful for Jeff. He is a great dad as well as a wonderful husband. He assures me that he will be just fine "suffering" through Father's Day with only one son (the only one who can bait his own hook and cast a line without injuring himself or others)...I think he has a day of R&R planned...and he definitely deserves it! NEXT weekend, he can take his two littlest sidekicks fishing...maybe!

I hope you all have a great Father's Day, and I'll try to write more at the beginning of next week.

Love,

Leslie

What's Been Goin' On...

Catchin' Up...

Thank you all so much for your prayers...we have an answer! We received a phone call last week telling us that a friend of the family who lives very close to Houston actually spends their summers in a cooler climate, and that their home, complete with yard, was vacant and available if we were interested. We are thrilled! Although it's a longer drive to the medical center, it is a trade off we welcome as the boys now have a shady yard in which to play. Jeff and I have already stayed there one evening last week, and it was so comfortable and quiet that we just ate our dinner and grinned at each other. I lost count of how many times we said to one another, "Can you believe this?!" It was very, very nice.

One neighbor left the key for us, and spoke to us by phone to make sure we got in okay. And while we were securing our rental car, another neighbor left us a steaming dish of spaghetti and all the fixin's on the table, so that when we walked in, dinner was ready and waiting. How about that?! Oh, and did I mention that she left us ice cream in the freezer? It was delicious!

I just have to grin when I think of God's provision. Not only does He meet our needs, he often adds a little bit of something extra...lagniappe, I believe the Cajun's call it! Not only did he meet our housing needs, he provided us with caring neighbors, a warm meal, and DESSERT!!! Now, how about that!?

We just can't begin to tell you how much we appreciate all your prayers. Uncle Dick says that God doesn't answer prayers, he answers pray-ers, and I thank you for being "pray-ers" for our family.

Real quick...mom and I leave tomorrow for the road trip to TX...with 2 of the boys. Please pray for safe travels. My first radiation treatment is Thursday, although I have to be there Wednesday for a trial run more or less. Please remember the physicians and me as we begin this wonderful summer of microwaving my way to complete and total health!

Blessings to you all! I'll update as soon as I can!

Love,

Leslie, Jeff, and the boys

My Hilarity for His Highest

Okay...I know it's supposed to be "My Utmost for His Highest", but utmost was replaced with hilarity on the way to church this morning. Keep in mind that we are terribly out of practice at attending church together due to our continuing change of locations. We've become "those people" who only attend on what my brother-in-law refers to as "Amateur Sundays"...Christmas, Easter, and Mother's Day! However, we are not comfortable with this current arrangement (the hit and miss attendance), so with concentrated determination, we set forth to attend Sunday services this morning.

Well, right off the bat, we realized that there was no way we could make it to Sunday School, so we set our sights on "Big Church". The boys loaded up, followed by Jeff, and anchored by me (it is "anchored" you know...like a relay team!). Then, two realized they didn't bring their Bibles. No problem...I'll grab them for you. Not knowing which one the 4 yr. old wanted...Toddler or Preschool version, I grabbed both and ran for the truck. That began quite a discussion in the back seat...who needed the toddler bible anymore. After a few "Just drop it!" commands from the front seat, the boys moved on to other topics, like breakfast!

Running late, we had skipped breakfast and headed out the door. Realizing all to quickly that the hunger pains would not be ignored, we pulled in to the local Cody's gas station for a nutritious bite to eat on the way to church. Would you believe that Jeff came out of the store with two boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnut holes and 4 little bottles of milk? Of course...what else would you get at a gas station? After divvying up the pastries and milk, we set off for church, only 5 minutes behind schedule...easily made up, right? Wrong!

In a flash of what can only be attributed to "chemo brain", I decide to refill a cup of milk through the enlarged straw hole (I think it was a slushee lid from Cody's) just as Jeff topped a hill between our house and Wilson's Creek. Gravity combined with poor judgement resulted in a lap full of ice cold whole milk. I arched my back and stood on my tip toes as Jeff found the nearest place to pull over. Any napkins anywhere? No...all consumed already by sticky fingered children. Aha! Two anti-viral kleenexes...that should really sop up the mess!

I dabbed, I patted, but to no avail. Mustering all the self-control I had left, I announced, "Well, I can't go to church like THIS!", to which my usually compassionate husband answered, "Oh, I think you CAN." I knew then we were heading to church...no matter what!

So, as I continued to dab, squirm, and pat myself dry, while simultaneously positioning myself in line of the air conditioner vents, Jeff turned on the praise music! Thanks a lot, babe. He was laughing, I was trying not to (it WAS funny!), the kids were giggling b/c mom looked like she'd wet her pants, and Isaac was singing "I could sing of your love forever...I could sing of your love forever...."

Then...the sugar from the Krispy Kreme breakfast hit the bloodstreams of every person under the age of 9 at almost the exact same time. The boys were wrestling, laughing, accidentally whacking their heads on the window, and singing praise music, or their rendition thereof.

When our revved up children, their milk-soaked momma, and their calm, cool, and collected daddy walked through the front doors of church, we were quite a sight to see. Thankfully, Isaac announced to the 3 remaining greeters in the foyer, "Look at my new Bible! I got it for my birthday!". Hoping to get on down the hallway before my soaked denim was noticed, I praised him for bringing his Bible (and myself, for grabbing two Bibles for him, which resulted in him actually carrying one!).

As we entered the sanctuary, we joined the congregation in singing "These are the days of Elijah", and I had to wonder if Elijah had ever worshipped with milk soaked britches and sugared up kids! As we listened to Bro. Stan preach on Elijah calling fire down from heaven, I began to wish I'd called down a little heat myself to dry up the milk that was now soaking my chair cushion! Just as Stan neared the culmination of his sermon, Isaac whispered in my ear (thankfully, as he had not whispered at any other point during the service) "Momma...I gotta go!" Of course he did! So we quietly walked all the way to the back of the sanctuary (since the "second row, piano side" were the only seats left by the time we got there), and I finished up the visit to church in the bathroom with my 4 year old, answering deep theological questions like, "Why do we flush with our foot?", and "Why do we use soap?"

Jeff more than made up for laughing at me, though, when he took all the boys for the afternoon (they rested in the living room), and let me enjoy a long nap...in dry clothes!

Thank you Lord for families. Thank you for a husband with a good sense of humor. Thank you for a church home where folks are glad to see you...wet or dry! Thank you for rest. AND...thank you for the good sense NOT to try to fill a cup through the straw hole ever again! There's got to be a sermon in that, somewhere!

Home Again!

Hello All!

I am home again---yeah! Mom has been staying here with me during the day, helping with cooking, laundry, and childcare. I still don't have full range of motion in my arm yet, and am not allowed to lift over 10 pounds for awhile, so having her here has been a tremendous blessing.

I apologize for taking so long to give you an update. I've been busy huggin' little boys and listening to their tales of what they did while we were gone. Oh, the adventures you can have while mom and dad are away!

Here is a quick and wonderful recap of what we learned since my surgery:

1) Pathology reports showed that in all the lymph nodes they removed under my arm (15 in all), there was NO cancer! Praise the Lord!

2) Pathology reports showed that in all the breast tissue they removed, there was only .4 millimeters of "residual invasive carcinoma". That's less than half a millimeter! Woohoo and

praise the Lord again!

3) The areas that were formerly invaded by cancer, showed only scar tissue. How about that!

The surgeon, his Physicians Assistant, and my medical oncologist were all extremely pleased with the reports...which was a good sign for me. My surgeon and his assistant actually hugged us they were so pleased!

I begin radiation therapy June 6th, and though my neurosurgeon doesn't think my spine needs radiated, the rest of my medical team does, so...as of last Friday, they will be radiating my chest and spine as well. This radiation is to produce what they technically call a "curative response" (they won't say "cure you"), and will destroy any residual cancer cells that were not taken care of by the chemotherapy.

After radiation, my doctor wants me to complete 10 more weeks of chemotherapy, and then that should be it...well...technically I'll be receiving Herceptin once every 3 weeks forevermore or until something better comes along...but I can definitely live with that...literally!

That's it in a nutshell. We are busy these next two weeks trying to play catch up as well as preparing for the 6 weeks to come.

Thank you for your prayers. My updated prayer request list includes:

1) Continued healing from surgery and disease.

2) The availability of a "Church Apartment Ministry" apartment in Houston, near the hospital, where we could settle in for the next 6 weeks.

3) Continued health for my family...allergies are a bother!

4) Jeff---he has a lot of plates spinning right now, and he's doing a great job.

Thank you all for everything. You are so appreciated. Thanks for the prayers, the gifts, and all the support and encouragement. You may always email us at davis-clan@hotmail.com.

Blessings to you all!

Leslie, Jeff, and the boys

Still Doing Fine

I don't really have anything interesting to post, but I wanted you to know that I am still doing fine. I'm doing without any pain medication for the most part (I've ended up taking Tylenol 3 in the evenings if I get uncomfortable). Yesterday I went all day without any medication at all, but then woke up at 4 this morning hurting, so I took a couple Tylenol 3. Hopefully, that'll be my last. I don't like feeling "foggy".

Jeff is still staying with me...thank heavens! He is just the best, in case you haven't heard that already. He takes care of all the things that make me woozy...which is just about everything! He's doing some "real" work on his computer today while I sit here and type. He's been doing my laundry, fixing my meals, and taking care of all things medical. I'm glad he's still here because I have 3 appointments next week...one with my neurosurgeon, one with the Bone Marrow Transplant Team, and my follow up appointment with my surgeon, who'll hopefully clear me for a return trip home. Definitely don't want to go to those without him.

Anyway, nothing big to write about, just resting and recovering. Hope to be back home this time next week.

Hope you had a great Sunday.

Love you all,
Leslie and Jeff

He Leadeth Me...and Surgeons too!

Just to let you know...checked in for surgery at 6 a.m. Tuesday the 13th and checked out today (the 14th) at 9 a.m. Snoozing comfortably at my cousin's house by 10:30 a.m. I am not in any pain thanks to today's modern medicine and a fine anesthesiologist who numbed me up for a good 4 days! My surgeon told Jeff that there were no signs of cancer in the tissue he removed, and that they could tell us more when they had the lab results...probably at my 10 day checkup on the 23rd.

Thank you so much for your prayers. What a blessing you have been to me and my family.

Just thought you'd find this interesting...As they were prepping me for surgery, I noticed one of the members of the surgical team whistling. I looked at Jeff, and he just dropped his head and started chuckling.

"What?" I asked.

"Did you hear what he was whistling?" he asked me. "Only you, Leslie Davis, could get nurses named Grace and Mercy, a surgeon whose name is pronounced Dr. "Cure", and a surgical team whistling...(are you ready for this?) the hymn "He Leadeth Me."

Now how cool is that!?

I'll write more when I'm more coherent. Thanks for checking on me.

Love and blessings to you,
Leslie and Jeff

If the Lid Doesn't Fit...Change the Container!

Hello again. I apologize for taking so long to update my blog, but we have had a very busy past few weeks. Since I've spoken to you last, I've met with my radiologist as well as my anesthesiologist and I feel much better about my upcoming surgery and radiation. I cannot begin to tell you how fantastic the physicians are at MD Anderson. If you have reason to search for a cancer hospital, this is the place to be. All the physicians and support staff that I have spoken to concerning my upcoming procedures have answered all my questions (the obvious as well as the ridiculous), and have assured me that what I've already gone through (chemotherapy) is much worse that the treatments that lay before me. Armed with that logic, I am ready, ready, ready to get this show on the road!

These past few weeks, Jeff and I have been ironing out transportation, employment, childcare, and daily living issues. We were re-informed (although I'd forgotten the first "informed") that my radiation will require me to be present DAILY for 6 weeks. I don't know what I was expecting...maybe just a little microwaving on a weekly basis, but I absolutely was not thinking of staying for 6 weeks of treatment in Houston. But...guess what...I will be!

So, with surgery planned for this Tuesday, followed by 10 days of R&R before my follow up checkup, then a little boy's birthday, then our 16th wedding anniversary, then back to Houston for a 6 week radiation session...you could say that we've been a bit overwhelmed. Not in a bad way...there's just so much to do, and I don't feel like I was "ready" for everything. I got so caught up in the traveling back and forth for chemo, that I rather forgot about the planning this next phase would require.

That said, everything has been worked out, and we are good to go. Now...if I could just get packed! :o)

As I was cleaning up the kitchen last night, I found myself in a very similar situation as most mommas following dinner...head buried in the Tupperware cabinet looking for the right lid for the container I'd chosen to hold the remaining green beans. Rattle! Clunk! Bang! (Hey-how'd a metal lid get into the Tupperware cabinet?) This one? No...maybe this? No. Dad-gum-it! Here it is...wrong again! Urgh! Then...and I'm always looking for a sermon in everyday life...it came to me. If the lid doesn't fit...try changing containers! Aha! But that's not what I wanted...I wanted this one! Umhmm...Didn't know God could speak to me through the Tupperware cabinet, but last night, with Ziploc, Glad Lock, Hefty, and Tupperware all looking on, God had a message for me.

As I poured the green beans from container one into container two, I realized...this whole cancer thing is not at all what I had planned. This isn't the "lid" I had wanted to use. But...instead of sitting down and pouting about how unfair this is, or how tiring it is, or how goofy I look (still like a baby bird!), God suggested that maybe I just get a different "container". Well, now, that's do-able. Just change my expectations a tad, and...there you go! It still works. The "green beans" still fit...and it doesn't really matter that it wasn't my original plan...it still works.

I still go to Wal-Mart. I still go with the family to baseball practice. I still laugh with my husband over funny things that happened to us during the day. This week, I took Levi in for Kindergarten screening, with just as much energy as any other mom in the building. I will go to Sunday School and church in the morning...now that my counts are up again. I can still rock a little boy when he wakes up in the middle of the night. I still help catch tadpoles in the pond nearby (more instructionally rather than by example...my counts aren't THAT high! Hee hee!). I can still bake a mean batch of Cheesecake Brownies. Life is good!

Is this the "container" I chose originally? Well, definitely not! But I have been, and continue to be, blessed beyond my wildest imagination through this whole ordeal. You wouldn't believe the amazing patients and their families I've been able to visit with on a weekly basis, who started out as complete strangers, but who are now inviting me to come to their home! Neat, neat people that I never would have met on this earth, but whose phone numbers I now carry with me.

We just never know what changes might come to scramble our "perfect" plans. However, I still believe that if I continue to trust in God...who only wants the very best for me, who loves me more that I love my own children (think on that for awhile), who promises, "...I know the plans I have for you; plans for good...to give you hope and a future," then...I'm going to be fine!

If the lid doesn't fit, try changing your container!

I'll leave you with this funny story that happened to me last week!

As the radiology and anesthesiology departments were interviewing me concerning my upcoming surgery and treatments, they asked about my medical history.

"Do you smoke?"

"No."

"Consume alcoholic beverages?"

"No."

"Use recreational drugs?"

"No."

"Can you walk two flights of stairs?"

"Yes."

"Any pain?"

"No."

"Any hepatitis, anemia, TMJ, blah blah blah?"

"No."

"Family history of cancer?"

"No."

"Miscarriages?"

"No."

"High blood pressure?"

"No."

"So, then, Mrs. Davis...you seem to be very healthy."

"Yes...I just have a touch of cancer!"

Ha ha ha! I'm such a nut! You should've seen her face! WELL...it's the truth! I feel fine...I've just got a bit of cancer.

I will try to update you from Houston. It may be awhile...but hopefully not too long. Thank you for all your support. We all appreciate everything you are doing for us!

Much love,

Leslie, Jeff, and the boys

Last Week's Appointments

Hello again. Just wanted to give you a quick update concerning my appointment last week with my surgeon. Everything went well, and he seemed nice enough. For the time being, my surgery is scheduled for the middle of May, providing all my counts are up enough to support recovery, which they should be.

Following surgery, I will progress to radiation (woohoo!). You know the real bummer about that? All these years I've avoided the tanning beds, gracing the presence of friends and family with glaring white skin, only to wind up with this crazy disease anyway, and be headed to the bowels of MD Anderson for radiation in a tiny lead room! Rather cruel irony if you ask me! Oh well...

On a different level...I'd like to speak to all of you reading this, and grant me a little grace, if you will. I have several people (not just those who post) wanting the details of my surgery...what, when, how, where, how long, etc. I know that you are just concerned, however...

I've just decided that there are few things I have control over anymore, and I'm at least going to protect my modesty and privacy. I'm just not comfortable discussing the particulars of my upcoming procedures with everyone....especially over the internet. I have jokingly but truthfully said before that if I've never discussed this part of my body with you before, there's a good chance I'm not going to now. :o)

I hope that doesn't sound hateful...that's not my intent. I'm just not going to go into it right now. Maybe in a year, when this is old news I'll be more willing to tell all, but for now, let's just say I'm back to feeling a bit anxious and overwhelmed, and as I said to my mom last week, "This just isn't any fun anymore!" :o)

Continue to pray for my physicians (some of whom may be batting for the other team, if you know what I mean! Makes me a bit uneasy!) You could also be in prayer for my upcoming MRI of the spine...to make sure that the disease in that area continues to shrink.

Additionally, would you pray that my fingertips get back to normal? They have been very sensitive and even numb, which caused the doctors to change my medication. And now, with surgery in the near future, they have suspended my chemotherapy until after the procedure. My oncologist assured me that everything would get back to "normal" after the Taxol got out of my system...maybe 3 weeks, but 3 weeks seems like a long ways away.

Finally, keep Jeff, the boys, and me in your prayers as we "road trip" to Texas again this week. We're looking forward to the trip...the boys did so well last time.

Thank you so much for your continued support. My family...our families...really appreciate all you've done and continue to do. Thanks to our friends from church and the community who have brought meals to my family. Everything is delicious, and that has been such a help. Thanks to those of you who continue to send financial gifts our way. You are putting fuel in our vehicles to travel to Texas, and you are feeding us while we are down there, so thank you, thank you!

Have a wonderful week. I'll post again next week after our road trip. I should have some great stories and pictures to share.

Blessings,
Leslie

Having Trouble Leaving Me a Note?

I've been having problems with unknown sources posting on my blog...and a few have been links to virus-type-things. So, I've changed my blog to allow me to moderate the posts before they show up on the site. That way, I can delete the dangerous ones before they make it to the blog.

Please continue to comment. If you don't see your post, give it a couple of hours, or maybe a day. I'm notified by email that you've left a comment, then I can see who it's from, and then post it on my comments page.

We love to hear from you!

Up to Speed...

Hi again! I just wanted to give you a quick update so you can pray accordingly. My doctor said last week that I'm "good to go" for surgery, so this Friday (25th April) Jeff and I will meet with my surgeon. Then, in the next few weeks, I also have appointments with my neurosurgeon, the stem cell transplant department, the radiation department, and I will have another MRI.

I've said recently that I feel like I've just come to the crest of the "big" hill on a roller coaster, and I can't see where the track before me goes, but it looks like what's coming up will be lightening fast and probably nauseating! And, just like when I last rode such a roller coaster (it's been awhile!), I don't know whether to squeal or puke...(sorry for being so frank!).

Anyway, also like my last roller coaster ride, I'm betting that at the end I'm going to say, "Wow!! I am never doing THAT again!"

Thank you for all your prayers. Rolla area folks, thanks for all your support during the past benefit events. We just appreciate you all so much. Jeff will be traveling with me this week, and you've made that possible.

Please continue to pray for my doctors, for the medicine (that it will continue to be effective), for my family (those caring for my children, my children, and my husband), and if you aren't too worn out from that, you can pray for me!

I have such stories to share with you when I get a chance. I've had some memorable trips recently (right, Cindy and Sherry?), and I can't wait to tell you about them. Right now, though, there's trouble in the OK Corral...seems like I have too many sheriffs and not enough gun hands! I'd better go bust up the fussin'!

Love you all,
Leslie, Jeff, and the boys

New Photos

My Most Recent Lab Results

How about this...

I had a complete blood count done two weeks ago. They emailed the results to me, but all I really recognized were the white blood cell counts and the platelets. I knew the "normal" range for those, so I was quick to check those out...they were fine, by the way.

Anyway, what I didn't know was being checked was my tumor marker, or the cancer antigens in my blood. In October, my first visit...with the "big girl panties" sign, the cancer antigens (CA) in my blood were 59.0 (38.0-0.0 being normal). In January, my CA was at 42.0.

Last week, are you ready for this...my CA was 29! That's twenty-nine! Well below the 38 that is the high normal! Basically, I have as much cancer antigens in my blood as a cancer-free person! Come again?! Yes...about as many CA's as you! Woohoo! Does that mean I'm cancer free? Well...no one ever said that to me. I still have a surgery and a procedure or two to go through, but I was told that my blood looked like that of a person without cancer!

How about that!? Are you smiling? Me too!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I still have a long road ahead of me, but isn't it wonderful to see and hear of the power of your prayers. Please continue to pray for my complete healing...I'd really, really appreciate it! You are the prayin'-est friends a person ever had!

We love you all!

Leslie

p.s. for all those curious souls so concerned with my weight...I now weigh more than I did BEFORE this all began, so if you tell me I look thin, I'll just have to assume you mean I look bald...because that's the only difference! :o) Just kidding! Just adjust your prayers to include "maintaining her weight" instead of "gaining weight"...that'd be just fine!

Mercy Dropped By

A while back, I mentioned how ironic I thought it was that I had been assigned two nurses whose names were "Mercy" and "Grace". I really thought that was a neat, one time thing. Do you know, since then, Mercy has been my nurse on several occasions. The assistant will walk me back to my room, and say, "Mercy will be taking care of you today. She'll be right with you."

Then two weeks ago, the assistant said, "Lillian will be taking care of you today. She'll be here in a minute." Lillian? Who's this Lillian? 'Turns out she's an excellent nurse...but there's no irony in the name Lillian. After hooking me up to my IV's, Lillian said, "I'll be right back. I just have to get one more thing," and she left the room.

As I lay there reading my latest "Miss Julia" book, the door slid open, and who should peek in but Mercy! "Hello there Ms. Davis! I just wanted to drop by and say hi...I noticed I didn't have you on my list today. Good to see you again." Can you see the enormous grin that spread across my face. I think God really enjoys sending his "Mercy" my way (she is a Christian, by the way).

Fast forward to last Friday (the 4th of April). Again, I was assigned Lillian. She is really very good, but I was watching with great anticipation for...you guessed it...Mercy! An hour or so went by, and there was a shift change. Lillian left, and Rebecca came in. Another great nurse...but where's Mercy?

Then, when all was quiet, the curtain slid open, and sure enough...there was Mercy. "Well, Ms. Davis, I was told to check on my patient in room 26...but you're not my patient! When I saw your name, though, I had to drop in and say hi. You doing okay? Good...see you soon. My patient is actually in 25...somebody got their numbers mixed up."

Umhmmmm...she thinks they did...but God is just being extra kind and sending mercy my way, even when it's en route to someone else! How fantastic is that?

Here's hoping you can begin anticipating God's mercy in your life. It's there...we just need to be watching for it!

I've Got It!!!

Okay...bear with me for awhile...I think you'll like this!

From the very beginning of this whole breast cancer ordeal, I have been searching for my own motto, if you will; a battle cry of sorts. I have listened, I have searched, I have tried to be creative (which is rather difficult with "chemo-brain"), but to no avail. I considered, "I have cancer, but it doesn't have me," but that was too cliche. Then I thought of "Victor, not victim, " but since Joel Osteen says that in nearly every sermon, I thought it way overused to have the punch I needed. The words "survivor", "brave", "tough" have all been thrown around, but none of them had the kick I was looking for. I still felt the need for a motivating slogan of sorts to keep me focused, to maintain my spiritual footing, and to motivate me to avoid worry, pity, and anger.

Let me state, for the record, that I am not angry with God...never have been. I don't view this illness as a lightening bolt punishment of some sort launched down from heaven. That's not in God's character. I don't even view it as an attack of the devil, although I think he finds great pleasure in the suffering of God's people. I think this is just life...one of those things that happens for an unknown reason, but through which we can either be a blessing to others, or a really sour and foul soul with whom no one wants to be. I have to say, I choose to be a blessing...any way God wants to use me. As a good friend used to say, "If I had my 'd'ruthers, I'd choose this (the blessing)."

Now, for those of you who knew me as a child, you will well remember that I was "strong willed" (which I refuse to acknowledge as anything less than a compliment!). And, for those of you who knew me as a teenager, you will remember that I was competitive...and "strong willed". And, for those of you who know me as an adult, I'm sure you can testify that I am one who loves to share what I've learned (insert a big shout out to my SS class, who patiently listens to my translation of the lesson), and, yes, maybe still "strong willed". So to find a "battle cry" that reflects my love for learning, my competitive nature, and my "strong will" has been rather difficult. I'm looking for the perfect "essence" of my journey through this disease.

A long-time friend of ours from Oklahoma sent me the book, "The Red Sea Rules", and it is wonderful. It is written by Robert J. Morgan, and I highly recommend it...to anyone. In one chapter, the author quotes a South African pastor who was facing a terrible crisis. After studying prayerfully over the situation, he came to this conclusion, and I fell in love with what he wrote:

"First, He (God) brought me here, it is by His will that I am in this strait place: in that I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me the grace to behave as His child. Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last, in His good time He can bring me out again-how and when He knows."

What I long for most is that grace...the grace to behave as His child. Because, just as people all over this area recognize my maiden name, and can nearly always name at least 3 of my relatives, people ought to also be able to say, "Oh, see...she's God's. You know, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac," and so forth. There ought to be a recognizable connection...at least I hope.

With that said, I have just recently begun a Beth Moore Bible study, and this particular study is on HOW to study the word of God. Last night, I learned that the word of God, the Bible, is our ONLY weapon against the enemy...all other pieces of the "armor of God" are defenses, but the word...that is our sword with which we can fight the devil off our path.

And that has been my most recent aggravation...the devil. He plants worry in my mind, he sends people along my path who say the most discouraging things, he wakens me in the night, reminding me of all the Godly people I know who have passed away from this very disease, and I am weary of him. As Dudd Wash (from Andy Griffith...again!) would say..."He's a pestilence!"

So I am sharpening my sword...through Bible study. I'm gonna sharpen that thing until it shines, so that when Satan thinks he wants to attack me, the glare of the sword alone will cause him to scatter...to flee...to head the other way! Beth Moore taught me last night that getting the word of God into my head will enable me to become exactly what God has planned for me to become...and, listen to this...here is the battle cry I have been searching for. The very one I would have written if I had thought of it first. Are you ready?

"A child of God, to His great glory, and dangerous to the pit of hell!"

HI-YAH!!! Doesn't that just sound like a karate kick to the devil...right between the eyes!? That's what I want...to be known as His child, to bring Him glory, and to be DANGEROUS to the pit of hell.

One thing I'd really enjoy is for you to email me (davis-clan@hotmail.com) your favorite scripture (just type "scripture" in the subject line so I'll know it's from someone I know). I'm going to print them out, and put them up in my house, so that everywhere I look, the word of God is before me. They will be my constant reminders of all the people who are praying for me and my family, as well as "sharpeners" for my sword. I will also post them on my blog, so that you may copy them for yourself if you want.

We love you all, and hope that you have a WONDERFUL Easter! Blessings to you and yours!

Leslie

p.s. the songs on the right are some that I find very encouraging. The first one, "The Voice of Truth" is about exactly what I've just written...listening to the voice of Truth when the enemy attacks with discouraging words. I hope you enjoy them.

p.p.s. Rhonda P. : The David Phelps song is one of my all time favorites...I put it on there just for you, b/c I know you love a good song, and an excellent singer! Love you!

March 5, 2008

Hello from snowy southwest Missouri. This traveling is a real "trip"! Just last Friday, I was receiving chemotherapy in Houston, and spent the weekend enjoying temps in the upper 70's. Fast forward to Tuesday, and I'm home with snow falling and temps hovering around 30! What a wacky week for me!

I just wanted to let you know that everything is still going great with my treatments. My doctor commented Friday that he still doesn't feel any "mass" at all, and seems to think we really have this cancer on the run! Praise the Lord! I am just burning up the road between here and Oklahoma as I travel to fly south each week.

We want to thank those of you who have sent notes of encouragement, gifts, and especially for all of your prayers. I sometimes catch myself being so comfortable in this healing process, that I forget that I'm not "done" praying, and that I need to daily lift my needs before the Lord. I am just feeling so well (except that it's very cold to be bald!) that I forget that I'm sick...technically. And that's a good thing...except I don't want to get so busy celebrating my current progress that I forget to thank the One who got me here! So thank you for filling in the gaps in MY prayer life by mentioning me in your daily prayers. I really appreciate it so much.

To let you know just how good I've been feeling...yesterday I spent nearly an hour outside in the snow helping 4 little boys build igloos. And I only came in because I was getting too hot all bundled up! That's not bad, eh?

I have to get busy now. I need to pack for myself and my boys as they are spending the next couple of days with Grandma Bootsie and Grandpa Coach. Big fun on the farm!

We love you all, and enjoy seeing your names on our guestbook. If you haven't signed in, you are still welcome to. We'd love to hear from you.

Love and blessings,
Leslie

Sunday, February 24th

I am getting spoiled to winter in Houston, TX. Can you believe that I

willingly left sunny, 70 degree temps with azaleas and petunias blooming to come home to ice-coated trees? It's the truth...and I'm still shivering about it today! At least with me traveling more frequently, I know I'll get to enjoy it again soon. I just wanted to soak it all in and bring it home. This has been an icy winter here at home, and I'm really ready for some warmer weather.

As an update, I got another good report last Friday (the 22nd) from my doctor in Houston. He said he cannot feel ANY tumor at all anymore. He said he wasn't quite sure what they saw on the ultrasound on the 11th that showed a tumor still remaining, but he just can't seem to find one anymore. Well, hallelujah! He said he'd see me next week, and that everything looked great.

I received another treatment, where my nurse's name was "Mercy"...how fitting! Then I enjoyed an evening of sizzling fajitas and good conversation (or was it good fajitas and sizzling conversation? Hard to say when politics come up in the Walker family!) No, we had a great time, and laughed untill we cried. That, coupled with warm weather, flowers blooming, and awaking each morning to a chorus of chirping birds, and I'd call that some serious therapy!

Thank you for your continued prayers. You are just such a blessing to our family! Isn't God good? I have seen his hand in my life this week, and I am already enjoying His promise of Spring!

Love to you and yours,

Leslie, Jeff, and the boys

Here are Some Family Photos

A Great Report

Hello from Houston! I just wanted to give you a quick update on what they found yesterday. In a nutshell, they found that I'm getting better! Praise the Lord!

The cancer on my spine and in my lymph nodes is smaller, and the main tumor has not grown, which are all good signs. My neurologist was pleased with the way the cancer in my spine is responding. He said it is doing exactly what he thought it would do, and he would scan me again in 3 months. My oncologist was pleased with the results of the MRI and the ultrasound.

He presented my case to the tumor review board again, and then several of those doctors examined me and then they discussed my progress again. My Dr. then came back into the exam room and said they were very positive and optimistic, and his words were, "You know, I think we might be able to cure you after all." How about that from the same man who spoke the words "technically incurable" just months ago?! Isn't that wonderful?

So thank you, thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement, notes and phone calls, dinners and gifts. You are all such a blessing to us...there are just not enough words to tell you how we feel.

For now, I will continue to receive treatment weekly as long as I don't experience any numbness in my hands or feet. The goal is 12 weeks, but we're shooting for 25. Yesterday, I received treatment #6. After all of that, we're looking at surgery, possibly radiation, and then receiving medication once every 3 weeks for about the next...oh...50 years or so. Sounds good to me!

I'll write more when we get home. I'll sign off for now...tomorrow's a big travel day!

Love to you all!

Leslie

p.s. Thanks to my childhood church in Curryville...I am glad to be your object lesson on intercessory prayer! Who would've ever guessed? Thanks Sue!

Jack Frost

I love taking photographs, and I take TONS of them since Jeff, my wonderful husband, presented me with a digital camera for Mother's Day 2007. Some of the photos are good...a few of them I think are great. Here are some from a beautiful frost we had last month. I hope you like them.

My Blessings

Good lookin' crew, don't you think?

We are heading to TX on Sunday. I am feeling great, and nearly everyone in our family is over their cold, so thanks for your prayers. We are eager to hear what my doctors say on Monday, and as soon as I get a chance, I'll post what I know.

Thank you for caring about me and my family. We are so thankful for all of you.

Blessings,

Leslie

Flyin' High

Good afternoon! Thanks for checking back in after my long absence. After talking with a few friends, I realized that my last entry was a bit misleading. As you may remember, my doctors (here and in TX) got into a bit of a disagreement concerning my treatment. I remarked that our prayers were answered, and I was able to get treatment locally, and was very pleased, which is true. I didn't want to go into all the details, b/c there are many, many tremendous people working at the local cancer center, and I am very appreciative of their care. I don't want my words to sound disrespectful at all.

HOWEVER...basically, the last day I received treatment locally, my oncologist said I needed to choose...him or my doctor in TX. Well, I didn't ponder the choice very long. My local "across the board" oncologist, or my TX oncologist who is a 20 year specialist in my particular type of breast cancer. Hmmmm....yah, I'm goin' with TX!

The true answer to prayer is that because he drew such a line in the sand, so to speak, the decision was obvious, and there was an immediate peace about it. My brother, my husband, and I were talking about it, and we all agreed that in 10 years, I won't regret having gone to TX. However, I'd probably regret NOT going. So, there you go.

I am now traveling weekly to Houston for my chemotherapy. Sounds crazy, I know, but it is so worth it. I am examined weekly by my oncologist (something that hasn't happened locally since my Dec. 20th appt, and then he only examined my abdomen...still don't know what he was looking for!), and I just feel like I am being monitored much more closely.

My current prayer requests are:

1) My children. They are going without me for at least 2 and sometimes 7 days at a time, which they don't really seem to mind. But the "re-entry" period, when I return, is rather challenging. Literally! There are lots of discipline issues as they check and re-check to see if I'm still in charge. The answer is "Yessir...I am still the momma, and you will do as you are told...the first time...without arguing...or complaining...or stomping your foot...and with a pleasant attitude." It's better today, and I think once we get into the routine of "predictably unpredictable" we'll all be a lot happier! Maybe just pray for obedient spirits, cooperative attitudes, and...well, that'd cover it!

2) Protection from illnesses...for my family and me. I've been doing fine with low counts and all, but Jeff and Isaac have both come down with just a nasty cold, which I can usually skate by, but since my immune system is compromised, well, I'm concerned. We just all need to stay healthy.

3) Traveling mercies...I'm really logging a lot of air miles (not on a credit card, just in real life).

4) My doctor's appt. on FEBRUARY 11th. On this day, starting at 7 am, I will undergo two separate tests to see how the cancer is responding to the chemotherapy. I will also meet with my oncologist, my neurosurgeon, a radiologist, a surgeon, and possibly a member of the bone marrow transplant team to discuss where we go from here. Sounds like a party to me! Hopefully, I'll be reporting fantastic news! Pray for continued healing and for wisdom for those who are treating me.

5) Continued financial provision. New year, new deductible. Jeff's work has been steady lately, due to recent storms, but we would still appreciate your prayers for job security. We don't need any more ice storms or tornados, but a delicate hailstorm that damages some roofs already in need of repair would be nice! :o)

Thank you so much for everything you are doing for us. You have been, and continue to be, such a blessing! I appreciate all of your cards and blog posts. They are so encouraging, and I do read them...it's just that when I get ready to reply...there is usually a discipline issue that comes up. Umhmmm...imagine that with 3 little boys with cabin fever! Hopefully this week will be better.

Love,

Leslie

WHAT in the WORLD was THAT?

My treatments are still going well, bar a minor glitch that involved my oncologist in Springfield and my oncologist in Houston refusing to work together anymore...yah...nice, eh? It was a big to-do that was just immediately overtaken by what can only be described as a Tsunami of prayer as only my friends and family can produce...and now there is peace. A little "post Tsunami" debris...but peace.

Jeff's words today were, "Well...WHAT was that? And what happened to change the doctor's mind?"

My answer, "Well...Aunt Teresa sicked the hounds of heaven on him...that's what happened!"

She told me last night after she prayed with me over the phone, "I always just pray, 'Lord, work on them while they're sleeping. If they won't listen to you during the day, speak to them at night when they can't argue with you!" Well, evidently she's right, because today...no problem.

Isn't God amazing? I don't know that either of my doctor's are Christians, but I believe God can use them to heal me anyway. And, occasionally, He may sneak up behind them and smack 'em on the head to get them back in line. Who knows...just my little mental image!

Anyway, time will tell, but for now all is well. I will rest easy tonight, knowing the Great Physician has already figured it out. No need to worry...as I've heard so many times, God goes before his children making the crooked places straight. I just didn't realize sometimes He also paves the road as He goes!

We love you all. Thank you so much for everything. You have no idea what a blessing you are to our family. Thanks!

Love and blessings to you,

Leslie, Jeff, and the boys

Sisters...sisters...there were never such devoted sisters!

Well, I've been off havin' fun and I forgot to update my blog. During the past weeks, God has provided for us over and over and over again. We just sit here, taking it in...admittedly woefully behind in thank you cards. We are so blessed with loving families, supportive friends, a church family who never fails to check in on us, many many cards and notes of encouragement, and demonstrations of generosity that can only be explained as a "God thing".

I am preparing for another trip to Houston. As with any trip, there are several plates to get spinning before I leave town. Not just my own transportation and lodging, but schooling preparations for Owen, as well as child care for all of the boys. My mom is handling all of my housework at this time...she gets more done in one day than I get done in a week. She's wonderful!

Jeff is busier now that we've had some recent storms. That is a blessing, although he's away from home more, we know that is part of God's provision. Who would have thought that baseball sized hail could be a blessing? God...that's who!

This past weekend, Mom and Daddy treated all the girls in the family to a "Girls Weekend" in Branson. I love hanging out with my sisters and sister-in-law. We always have such a good time together. Here is a picture, although...(sorry Jo) I didn't get any pictures with all of us in it. It didn't cross our mind to get a group picture until Suzan's brood was getting ready to leave. Blame it on the chemo!

We are so blessed to have the benefit of all your prayers. I am feeling well, my mind is at peace, and my family is healthy and well cared for. I feel very, very blessed.

Love to you all,

Leslie