Sunday, September 28, 2008 8:28 PM CDT

Hi, and hope you've had a great weekend! (case you're just joining in...surgery is 10/9) Girlfriends & I went to see new Richard Gere movie, Nights in Rodanthe (row-dan-thee) If you're expecting a wonderful, happy ending love story, save your money. I wish I'd saved mine. First half, what I expected. 2nd half, ugh, so sad. Shame, what a beautiful setting, the Outer Banks, went there last April(07) on vacation.

OK...ever have those times in your life when you just wanted to say ENOUGH??? My sister, Leila, tonight said, she wanted to look up & say to God, UNCLE!!! A few weeks ago, their transmission went out on Pontiac Vibe. Not a regular transmission, special one, to tune of $5,000. On an '04. That they still owe $3,000 on. Been trying to decide what to do, finally found a place to fix for $3,000. Right after the transmission stuff, we find out the cancer is back in my body. Oh, and then Hurrican Ike was in there somewhere, that sent huge winds in KY/IN, that they lost power, school shut down, etc for a week. Mom has much lupus pain, and can't do things much on her own, so they went and cut down and hauled away her limbs from the winds.

Then today. Mom can't come be with me because of so much pain from lupus, driving that far would be too hard for her. Talked about flying, but that's sitting a long time. So, Daddy was going to come down(Parents been divorced since I was 13)...after surgery to stay & help. At church today, he fell, cracked a hip, and is at ER still, waiting for knee X-ray. Hip will need a pin put in. So, Daddy can't come, that door is closed.

Uncle! Haven't we all felt that way, at one time or another? We've all heard that saying, "God doesn't give us more than we can handle." Who said that anyway?? Sometimes I want to say, God, you have way more confidence in what I can handle, than I do.

Oh, and mix in past year, when Jimmy's company was bought, they eliminated his dept. He got another job with old old company, lost $10,000 a year. I got moved back to weekends only at KLOVE, and lost $17,000 a year. Jimmy now works nights, not days, and he hates not being around us, and we miss him, too.

IN SPITE OF ALL THIS...others have it worse. It's all about attitude. We can be bitter or better. I choose better. Someone out there has just lost a loved one in a car wreck, and they never got to say goodbye. Someone out there is alone, has no one to care for them. I am so blessed, to have so many in my life. There are single parents, who never have a moment to breathe, they have so much to do and care for. I could go on and on, but I won't. It's just realizing that in spite of circumstances that we don't like, we are alive at this moment..we can breathe, speak, smell, hear, love, laugh, touch, smile. We can choose our attitudes, not our circumstances. And that will make all the difference in the world.

Carrie Underwood has a song, So Small. I've copied some of the lyrics below.

Be Blessed,

Love,
Sheila
aka Kelli

I know it's hard on a rainy day
You wanna shut the world out
And just be left alone
Don't run out on your faith

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
What you've been out there searching for forever,
Is in your hands
When you figure out love is all that matters, after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small

It's so easy to get lost inside
A problem that seems so big, at the time
It's like a river that's so wide
It swallows you whole
While you're sittin round thinking about what you can't change
And worryin' about all the wrong things
Time's flying by, moving so fast
You better make it count, cause you can't get it back

Friday, September 26, 2008 3:20 PM CDT

Hello, fellow fighters & believers!! Quick note, in case you haven't heard: Surgery at UAB(univ of alabama/birmingham), 10/9. 3-4 wks recovery, then start chemo. More later, as details come to me!!

I had planned to inspire you today with words from the LSU football coach, about the game we're in right now, the fight. but I'll save that for another time together. THIS DAY---I'm giving you info on someone who needs your prayers more than me. Actually, our prayers aren't limited...so you can pray for both of us! But this young man is the nephew of a long time friend, and former co-worker, Darlene Evans. We first met with Rhubarb Jones at the old Y-106, then the Eagle. Later, we were co-workers at J93.3 radio, when I did mornings there. We've stayed in touch, and she prayed for me in a big way 3 yrs ago. Told me, "everyday, was one day closer to my miracle." So, would you please for Darlene & her family, read the following story, and pray, even send a note of encouragement, I believe his mom's email is at bottom of note. Have a blessed, wonderful, MEMORY-MAKING weekend!!

Love,
Sheila/Kelli

*****FROM DARLENE EVANS***********
Hello again friends,

Well I need to ask for your prayers once again. My nephew James McClure (15 yrs old) went for his heart check up and the doctor discovered that his heart is only working at 45% capacity. (It was working at 76% in May)
(In case you did not know he has an aggressive form of Hypertrophic-cardiomyopthay - which is a genetic heart disease. He was diagnosed at 12 yrs old and had open heart surgery at 13)

The cold hard reality is that when your heart drops below 50% the doctors have the heart transplant talk with you. If it drops much lower it damages and weakens other organs that will prevent you from being a candidate for a heart transplant. Just entertaining the thought of a heart transplant is so OVERWHELMING and Scary. It seems so big and unimaginable.

Of course my sister Janet is emotionally devastated and very scared. James was told last night and he cried and cried and is also afraid.

Janet has asked the cardiologist to please run the test again to verify the 45% number. This is scheduled for next Wednesday. He is scheduled to travel to Boston October 14th to see specialists with this disease - the same doctors that did the open heart surgery 2 years ago.

Please please pray with us that God Almighty will touch James' heart and when the test is run again next Wednesday that it will be back up to the previous 76% or higher. Of course God is able to completely heal James. Our family has seen his faithfulness so many times over recent years.

Please also say a prayer for peace for Janet and James both. Janet does not have a safe place to fall at night - or the strong shoulder of a Christian husband to lean on.

I appreciate your prayers so much!
Should anyone want to email encouragement directly to Janet her email address is jamily65@yahoo.com,

This is a picture of James - so you know who you are praying for. Thanks again so very much!
Darlene Ison-Evans

Thursday, September 25, 2008 7:55 PM CDT

Hello, my network of soldiers!! I got Verizon's network beat big time!!!

I wish i could call each of you on the phone...go have lunch with you, spend time with you, give you hugs & kisses before i take this journey. but i just don't have time. I'm so blessed to have so many friends, truly. but I find that I must communicate as much as possible thru this website, because i've got a long to-do list before my surgery date of 10/9. things like dentist appt, because when you're doing chemo, you can't have dentist appt. Eye doctor, that I've been putting off. Odds & ends around the house, pruning roses, things like that. I know you're thinking, I'll come help! And that's great, i will take you up on your offer. 'CAUSE I CAN'T DO IT ALL!! I know that...why do i act like that sometimes, though?

So, you KNOW GOD CAN make this cancer go away and when the doctors go inside, have it all gone? Did you know that? He can. Here's a wall hanging I have, and my sister has..."Faith is not believing that God can, but knowing He will." We all know He can. Will you join me in believing He will?

I'm tired tonight, so not much to say. Oh, actually so much to say, but another day of me pushing, pushing, pushing. Let me just make sure you know how much I appreciate you, stopping by, leaving me notes of love, prayers and encouragement. It means more to me than I can find the words to say. It lets me know that i am not alone. And though I walk into the surgery room, the chemo room, etc, with just me & God, it helps me to know that each of you are there with me, every step of the way.

Much love, more over the weekend. Oh, and I'm getting my hair lightened tomorrow, a little bit around the face, just to have some color. I don't start chemo til probably late Oct/early Nov...so I want to be looking bright & blonde between now & then!! After that, I'll get it cut short and be on my way to baldness again. Once again, I'm reminded, it's just hair.

Make memories,

Sheila
Kelli

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 3:57 PM CDT

ok, quick update! Oops, first, let me do the Southern thing. How are you, having a nice day? Hope so!!

We're going with UAB. Surgery, followed by 6 rounds of chemo. 2 weeks will be surgery. Warm, friendly, research driven team, that I feel will be fighting with me, believing in me, caring about me as a person, not a number. this will be a 2-1/2 hour drive for surgery, care, and chemos...but I've had many offers of people to take me, etc. Lots of logistics. Dr. Strahn is a friend of my former doctor. And I met many Christians today. Felt like home.

Now, specific prayer. I still need to decide on which treatment. The old chemo hit me about a 3-5 on a scale of 1-10(being the worst) this aggressive method, would be about a 9. Many of you who know me, know I'm a big wimp when it comes to pain. but I also know I can be very tough. So, pray the chemo doesn't grow any more. Pray that I stay disciplined in exercise and eating healthy. Pray that I would know which chemo is best route to take. don't have to make that decision today, just in time for surgery.

Much love,
Sheila/Kelli

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 8:07 PM CDT

As i sit here about to write you a note, giving you an update, I first have to ask this: Why do dogs like to drink water from the commode??????? I'm sitting down to have time with you, and I hear my dog loudly drinking across the hall. Jump up, put down lid. Good grief. Is there something extra tasty??? Ok, no bad thoughts, I mean clear water!!! :)

Ok, just had to share to let you know I'm alive & well, and still have my quirky sense of humor. That's what's so crazy about all this!! I feel great, energy, etc. I've been losing weight with Thin Within. Funny thing is, as I've lost some in the past week, it's like who cares? Who cares about your weight when you're about to enter the battlefield for your life? I care, don't get me wrong. I know being healthy helps you have a better battle. But wrinkles, body fat, gray hair, facial hair, age spots, etc...all lose importance at a time like this.

Tonight, Jessie was crying as we said good night prayers. After talking, she said she was afraid I wouldn't come back from hospital, would die. I pinky promised with her that i would come back, I would not die. And I made her pinky promise back, that she would believe!

So, i ask you to join me, as many of you did over three years ago(Memorial Day, 05)to BELIEVE! Believe in God's miracles, believe in the power of prayers, believe that I am a fighter and will get through this, believe in family, friends, and love. Think of Polar Express. Think of Tinkerbelle, wanting us to believe that Peter Pan would come back to life.

I got an early morning phone call from Univ of Ala, Birmingham, (UAB) that the appointment I had next Wed(insurance takes a week to process, to get to my desk, and no we can't get you in any sooner, sorry)...was wonderfully moved up to tomorrow morning! So, insurance was processed in less than 24 hours, versus what always happens, a week. God opened this door. I did research, and they do incredible things there for the fight against cancer. Plus Dr. Strahn is personal friends with my original doctor, Dr. Moller, and that I know he'll converse with her about what's best for me.

I expect by tomorrow afternoon, we'll know the future timeline for surgery & 6 chemos. Ugh. I've had many close friends say forget convenience and all that stuff..focus on the best care, wherever it is. If I end up choosing UAB, which it looks like I will, it will mean being 2-1/2 hrs from home for surgery, then each time I do chemo(6x), every 3 weeks for 18 weeks, it would be an overnight stay. UAB is recognized by insurance as an "excellent cancer center," so they reimburse for mileage, some food, etc..so that will be a huge help. I've had many who have offered to do the trip with me, to help Jessie with homework, to do all the things I won't be able to do.

Ok, enough for now. Trying to write a novel or something! Seriously, thanks for your prayers and love!! From my mom: (i may have already told you, sorry!) Psalm 118:17 For I shall not die, but live, to tell of the great works of God. (paraphase by me!)

Much love,

Sheila
aka Kelli

Monday, September 22, 2008 2:49 PM CDT

Wow, what a whirlwind of info in my head. Dr. Moller, my dr from 3 yrs ago, who now lives in NM, talked with me last night. then I went to current doctor, and met with him today. Have appt with another medical group this wed at 9:30am. Next wed, travel to Univ of Alabama/birmingham, which has a highly rated cancer center. I told Jimmy that I can ask 10 million people their thoughts, guidance...but bottom line is, it's my decision. Before, dr said, this is it, here's what we're going to do. Now, I choose. Do treatment I did three years ago, that worked? Do I try something new & aggressive, that will kick butt, but kick mine, too? Do I stay with current doctor, which I do feel better about, after talking with him extensively today. (he was willing to wait 2 mos for another CT scan, because I look so great, and feel so great--and used the word "patient expires," because he thought that was better than dying. I said nope, dying is a word we all use...expires sound like the milk carton!! :)

Having the port in my belly is major aggressive. half the women don't do all 6 treatments, because it is so hard. you have one session to receive it thru your chest port, the next day you receive it into belly. It is very toxic, going right to the cancer.

It would not make for a good Christmas season. but it does help your survival rate. If anyone knows anyone who's had the abdominal port, I'd love to talk. It is generally used for first time cancer patients, not recurrence.

HOLD THE PRESSES!! NEWS ALERT!!!!

OK...JUST GOT A CALL FROM DR. MOLLER IN NEW MEXICO. Funny God thing...she was actually trying to call Dr. Spann, accidentally called me instead. I told her this is very hard, trying to decide a doctor, a treatment. It's my life, and I'm not a doctor. She said she still stands by her guidance last night...to do the very aggressive chemo, and choose a doctor that will do the surgery & the chemo. The firmness, conviction, and confidence in her voice helped me so much. She said she wants to kick it, so that 30 yrs from now, I'll be standing alive as a survivor who had a recurrence early on, but never again.

So, we go forward. It'll be all decided by next wednesday.

Continue to pray specifically for wisdom, peace, and the ability to slow down my brain(Har de har har har!!) ....to be able to hear God's guidance.

Thanks for your love, prayers and offers of assistance. Hold on to the offers for now!! They will be needed and appreciated. Thanks for your prayers for Jimmy, Jessie, and all the doctors, nurses, medical teams involved.

Much love and prayers,

Sheila Richards Harper
Kelli Richards

Saturday, September 20, 2008 10:19 AM CDT

Hello, everyone.

(for those of you just joining in, on wed night, 9/10, my doctor told me there was a 3.3cm spot in my abdomen from ct scan, showing cancer is back in my body, after 3 wonderful cancer free years---pet scan was this week)

Well, things didn’t work out like I/we’d hoped they would. Like a clean PET scan to wow the doctors. God has something else great planned with this journey I’m about to go upon for the 2nd time. But, like Verizon, I don’t go alone, I have my “network,” with me…you, my network of family and friends, praying for me, supporting me along the way.

Here’s the latest. First, I’m going back to my old website, www.caringbridge.org/ga/sheila, for you to read about my updates and to leave messages. That way if you want to keep up, you can, otherwise, I don’t want to bombard you with emails. You can still email me, of course, at my email.

Next, here’s what the PET scan showed. There are 2 areas of cancer, thankfully, both in my abdomen. One on left, one on right. It’s so nice to have balance. So, after bloodwork, CT scan, and PET scan, we are sure of the recurrence. Here’s a funny: The Coweta-Newnan magazine is doing a story about Sheila Richards after J93.3, my CMA award, etc, and I need to have a photo done. I was about to get my hair highlighted and cut next week, to the tune of about $90, but I’m going to cancel…why spend that money, when I’ll be losing my hair again in about 6 weeks? Ugh, but the balance in that is, I won’t have to shave my legs for a while!

Monday morning, at 9:45am(after a wait, I’m sure), we’ll discuss with Dr. Spann about what to do, surgery & chemo or chemo alone. He does want to include my original doctor on my team(they’re former co-workers), and we’ll send her my papers to see what she recommends. See, he wanted to observe & wait a couple of months, but she’s the one who wanted a PET scan, and surgery quickly, if necessary. I’ll hear from her over the weekend. She offered for me to go out there(New Mexico) and she’d do the surgery there, but I’m not sure. That would be very expensive. However, I have much more confidence in her than in Dr. Spann…I’m sure he’s good, she recommended him, but I’ve only known him thru the “happy cancer free” days.

So, specific prayer requests? For wisdom & discernment, what is the next step? That the cancer has not invaded any organs. For my family, to have peace, especially Jessie. She’s coming up on her 11th birthday in mid-November, and I want this to be a good time for her. That I slow down, hear God, and know His whisper as to what step to not only take tomorrow, but when I finish this email, and the task after that, after that, after that. I had settled back down into life again after recovering three years ago, and have my “bucket list” from ’05 on my bulletin board. I have things to do, and am very focused right now. Pray for finances, as before I was full time, with benefits, sick days, etc…I’m part time now, and when I don’t work, I don’t get paid. Insurance will pay 90% of course, our cap is $3,000, and we are at about $200 right now, long way to go. But thank goodness we have a cap. ALSO: 3 yrs ago, I imagined my healthy cells with boxing gloves on, knocking down & out the cancer cells; I imagined like PacMan eats up the little dots & fruit, there was a PacMan eating up the cancer cells. Pray for both areas in my abdomen…lower right and med-upper left, and any where in between.

One more funny. The other day, when having my PET scan, the office called and said they had found one of my earrings, did I have the other? I look all thru out my purse, find my rings, my watch, necklace, etc..but no other earring. They promised to search til they found it. Called back in about 30 minutes, asked me to feel my ear. The tech had just finished looking over all my scans, and found it on my scan…in my ear! How funny! That story was laughed about all day long in their office, I’m sure!!

Much love and blessings,

Sheila (Kelli) Richards Harper
770-253-2536


From Sept 11th, the morning after I heard about the CT scan spot…came this email devotion I get each day…

You are entering a season of defining moments. The next phase of your existence will be unusually and effectively defined by your attitudes, motives, and actions. This is always the case to some degree, but what you think and do in the following days, weeks and months will be unusually potent in producing either positive or negative fruit in your life experience. Now is the time to make a conscious effort to yield good fruit.

Thursday, September 18, 2008 1:18 PM CDT

So, the PET scan report is on dr’s desk. He’s in surgery at a different hospital all day. Told his nurse I don’t care who tells me, I just want to know. I’m shutting down for 45 minutes before Jessie gets home, for quiet time with God.

As I was leaving the Y, a woman I’ve not talked to in forever calls out to me in the parking lot, just wanted to see how I was. She found out(had no idea about the spot CT scan detected last week, or my increasing CA-125 levels) prayed for me, and ended with asking God that I may live to proclaim His works. That very scripture was what my mom gave me a week ago, when all this began. Psalm 118:17…I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” So, I walked away feeling better, as I was just flat exhausted emotionally from the past week. I feel He’s wanting me to just wait. I could push and get the results, but He wants me to wait. So, I’m giving up the fight of knowing NOW, to let Him tell me in His time.

Ugh. I hate when He wants me to wait. But as soon as I know, you will, too. I do have dr's appt at 9:45 Monday.

Thanks for all the love,

Sheila
Kelli

Thursday, September 11, 2008 9:04 PM CDT

Ah, what a difference a night of sleep will make. A little sleep, anyway. I kept waking up, and first thought was cancer. Then I remembered Max Lucado's book, "Facing Your Giants." That David focused more on God, and less on the giant, Goliath. I must constantly focus on God, not on the possiblity of a recurrence. So, nothing has changed, still a spot where my ovary once was. In fact, added to that evidence, my CA-125 has increased quite a bit. From 15 to 48 in 6 weeks. 35 & below is normal. This is a marker for ovarian cancer, and isn't a conclusive test. There is no test for this cancer. I joked that this is ovarian cancer awareness month, and I'm doing my part to raise awareness!! ha, ha!

Update: I am having a PET scan done Wed morning at 8am. I will then go meet with my doctor, and we plan a strategy from there. Next 10 days will tell a lot.

This morning, I awoke to this daily devotion in my email:

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- September 11, 2008:

You are entering a season of defining moments. The next phase of your existence will be unusually and effectively defined by your attitudes, motives, and actions. This is always the case to some degree, but what you think and do in the following days, weeks and months will be unusually potent in producing either positive or negative fruit in your life experience. Now is the time to make a conscious effort to yield good fruit.

I will keep you updated. thanks for your prayers that I remain cancer free, and while all the evidence is pointing to a recurrence, God says faith is: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I choose faith. Against all evidence. Join me in my faith walk. Thanks for your love.

Sheila

Thursday, September 11, 2008 9:02 PM CDT

Hi. I'm starting to write again, as evidence shows that I am having a recurrence. Let's start with last night, a mass email I sent out. At 11pm, 9/10/08.

Iʼm tired. Iʼm overwhelmed. I need your prayers. Iʼm in disbelief.

I just found out tonight, that my recent CT scan has a new spot on it. Where my ovaries once were. My CA-125 was 5 in Feb, 10 in June, 15 in July. Still way below normal, of 35 & below, but on the increase. These 2 factors has led my doctor to believe that I am having a recurrence. The spot is 1-1/2 inches.

I called my original doctor, Dr. Moller, in NM. She has suggested a PET scan(full body scan) to determine if there are sprinkles elsewhere, or just this one spot. One spot would be good. It would involve surgery to remove it. Weʼd want to do this quickly, not giving the cancer(if it is) a chance to grow.

As I said, Iʼm just tired right now. I really believed God was using my story to help others to believe that He does miracles. I thought I would be cancer free the rest of my life. And I could be. This could all be just a fluke. You hear of stories, where there is a spot, but they go in, and nothing is there.

So, now Iʼm asking you to pray that I am cancer free. And that you join me in believing I am still a miracle, still cancer free. Pray for me to have peace and wisdom. For the insurance to pay for a PET scan. I will keep you posted over the next week or so, of what the next step is. I am getting the results of my latest CA-125 on Friday.

Thank you for your prayers. I really donʼt know what or how to pray right now. But I just wanted us to make a loud noise to God, asking for continued healing in my body. Itʼs been three years, since my original diagnosis.

Itʼs also just a reminder of how short & precious life is. And that every chance you get, hug, kiss, touch, and love someone in your life. Itʼs about people, not about things and places and doing.

Please ask others you know to pray that I am cancer free, and this spot is nothing but a weird spot. I donʼt know what the next step is, when it is, but I know that I will step into this future with God holding me in His arms.


Love,

Sheila

(aka Kelli)

Sunday, August 26, 2007 8:55 AM CDT

Remember that old Beatles song(really showing my age now!)..."you say it's your birthday?....well it's my birthday, too..." guitars, etc. Well, today is MY BIRTHDAY!! Wow, Sheila, what do you have planned? Going to one of my fav restaurants, Red Lobster. Relaxing. Nothing big. The thing is, when you are a cancer survivor, EVERYDAY becomes a birthday! Everyday is a day of thanks, of joy. Sounds hokey, but it is so true!

I remain cancer free, and astounded by God still. I have 6 friends with a recurrence, one not doing well at all. Please keep my 6 friends in your prayers. Ovarian cancer is a horrible, dreadful cancer...not that any cancer is good, but this is has no test, making it worse.

I have 2 opportunities to share my story over the next 2 months. One at my church in September, speaking on priorities. The other is in October, when my gyno/oncologist(who now lives in NM)is flying me to be the guest speaker at their annual 5 yr survivor dinner. She was going to fly me out in 5 yrs, but she says now I don't have to wait, just come share my story, and make these women smile & touch their hearts. I am so excited at the opportunity.

I hope you are well. Please feel free to post, and let me know how your life is. I still check in every few weeks. Never forget how precious and special life. And how BIG our God is. Remember, the TASK IN FRONT OF YOU, is never as GREAT as the POWER BEHIND YOU!! God is the POWER behind you and me!

Love and blessings,

Sheila

Sunday, July 22, 2007 9:43 PM CDT

Wow, it's been a long time since I've written. I'm living life, so I don't think to stop and post here much, which is a GREAT THING! But I also know I have many who check in now & then, so I post for you! By the way, my latest CA-125, is ONE!! (Remember, 35 & below is normal, I started at 1800, May, '05)

I look at the photo on my main page(sorry, I'm not good at putting pics in, so technical for me!)...this was when I had had 4 chemos, still had 2 more to go. My hair now is a bit below shoulder length, and curly!

We just got back from a Florida vacation, it was wonderful. Seeing, hearing God's incredible ocean creation. Love it so much. If rich, you know where'd I have a second home!

My mom is still recovering, but much better now, from another 2 tiny strokes in April....Dad at that time had toe amputated, had recent skin graft to help it heal. they both could use continued prayers for healing. Sadly, from last journal posting, Jimmy's dad made it thru triple by pass surgery, but died a week later. Jimmy did go out for a few days, to sit with his dad, who was still in medical coma, but never got to say goodbye. We thought he'd pull through.

I'm just doing life, as a wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, etc. I do ask for your continued prayers. I have 5 friends having an ovarian cancer recurrence, and it's hard at times, to not have a bit of fear. They are Cindy, Sherry, Christina, Stacy, and Ann. Some are doing fine this 2nd time around, but not all.

I wish you joy & peace, love abundantly and everlasting. Thanks for your love for me! Oh, and mom turns 70 on July 30th! Give her a call and sing her a birthday song! 502-969-0865! ha, ha!

Love and blessings,

Sheila/Kelli

Sunday, March 18, 2007 9:01 PM CDT

So, I just COULDN'T STAY AWAY! In case anyone is still reading this now & then, (please feel free to sign guestbook, so I know you are!)...I wanted to give an update, and ask for BIG TIME PRAYERS, too!

First, my dad & dad in law. Here is a mass email I sent out to many: Hi, everyone! Thanks for your prayers so far!

Prayers were answered for Jimmy's dad, as he started doing better over the weekend. He will have triple bypass surgery tomorrow, should be done by lunchtime, central time, in Louisiana. Again, his name is Jim Harper.

MY OWN DAD, went into hospital Friday evening, emergency room. However, being a dad and not wanting to worry his 2 daughters over something, he didn't let us know til Saturday afternoon. He has a sore on his foot, that has gotten worse(he is diabetic, and healing/circulation is an issue)...and has gone up into his leg some. It is very discolored and doesn't look good. He is on major antibiotics, though. Pray for total healing, circulation, blood sugars, and peace for his mind, because many diabetics have amputations. My dad is Charles Richards, in Louisville, KY.

Please pray for these 2 very important men in my life.

As for me, I remain CANCER FREE. My CA-125 is 3.9; it was two, for about a year, but we changed labs, and all labs give different reading, so I'm not concerned. I plan to be 90 yrs old and more, available for someone diagnosed for the first time, and needs to know that there are those out there who have beaten this horrible cancer. My doctor told me of a 10 yr STAGE IV ovarian cancer survivor, who has never had a recurrence. There are miracles out there, to give hope to many frightened people.

Thanks always for your love and prayers!
Love,
Sheila/Kelli

Tuesday, January 9, 2007 9:08 PM CST

Hello, dear friends and family. This will be my last entry. I know a few of you are still checking now & then, and it means so much to me. I'm closing the chapter of this part of my life. Here we are a brand new year, and it hit me, wow, this summer, will be 2 yrs, CANCER FREE! I was telling someone I had ovarian cancer last spring/summer, then I realized, that was year before last! Time flies when you are given a MIRACLE, a second chance at life. That is my gift from God, and you have been and will always be a part of that miracle, thanks to your love and prayers. There are no words to fully show my complete appreciation and devotion to you, but especially to our God. He is the one who loves each of us, so very much, wants each of us to spend forever in heaven with Him someday. And all we have to do to make that happen is say yes to His gift for us.

I want to share a special memory before I close. This Christmas, my niece Holly made a beautiful picture frame for me, with a big Polar Express ticket on it, with the words "BELIEVE," across the ticket. She made it to look authentic, just like from the movie. It was a very special gift. She asked if I got it, and said of course, I'm big into believing, in miracles, in Jesus. But my sis, Leila, reminded me of something I'd totally forgotten about. There was so much going on in my life during surgery, God just took some of those painful memories away. Seems that the day of my surgery, I was calling people, asking for prayers for "Miracle Friday." I had forgotten this, too, but remembered when someone told me about it, months later. What I forgot, was that I took a bell on a ribbon, to the hospital with me, to remind everyone to pray for my miracle. I gave it to Leila to hold during surgery, and when I was still in ICU, I asked for it back. I have no memory of it, but everyone else remembers. And Holly remembered from her mom's story. So now, this picture frame means even more to me. God was so living and breathing in me during those days. For me to have the bell, for me to believe as I did in my miracle, for me to talk about Jesus with my brother in ICU, for me to talk to everyone who came in my room, took my pulse, whatever, I shared about how great God is. I'm sure I drove some people nuts, but that's ok.

I'm doing great, Jimmy & Jessie, too. Planning on being cancer free the rest of my life. Bloodwork is still at a TWO, and has been there for over a year now.(35 is normal, I started at 1800) I tell others, every chance I get, about the miracle, about talking with their doctor about ovarian cancer, the deadliest of all female cancers. I do have long term effects of chemo, that is effecting my joints a bit, but that's just a thing I can live with, also numbness in feet, it's neuropathy. Still not the energy I used to have, but hey, I used to have tons, so now I'm just normal like everyone else!
In closing, again, I say thanks for your love & prayers. I leave you with the words to a new Rascal Flatts song, what I wish for you. Blessings, love, and LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! Sheila/Kelli Richards SEE YOU IN HEAVEN!! ALWAYS BELIEVE!!

Rascal Flatts, "MY WISH"
I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Thursday, October 5, 2006 9:28 PM CDT

Welcome to the fall, cooler weather, beautiful blue skies, festivals, county fairs, so much to enjoy, without the extreme summer heat and bitter cold of winter. Hope you have a wonderful fall! Enjoy, before the hectic schedule of the holidays arrive, which, if you look at your calendar, you'll see Thanksgiving and Christmas, not far away.

One thing I am very excited about, is that I am now on the air in Shreveport/Bossier, where I spent many years(15)doing mornings at KRMD 101.1, as Kelli Richards. Now, I'm on KLOVE, 106.7, as Sheila Richards. It is exciting to hear from old friends, back in a town that was so great to me, filled with so many wonderful memories(except for the broken heart/bad boyfriend memories, ha, ha!)

For me, fall has been special, as I pass a couple of more "one year" anniversaries. On Sept. 28th, it was the one year anniversary of my final chemo. At the end of this month, it will be the one year anniversary of my 2nd surgery, to finish the hysterectomy, to remove any remaining cancer, where my doctor found my abdomen to be so clean, that it looked as if there had never been any disease there. God is so awesome! Amazing, where I am today, compared to last year!

I still have some issues, because I believe some chemos leave your body with permanent effects. I still have serious joint pain, in my knee where I had surgery, just about 2 months before the cancer. And I still get tired, can't go all day like I could. People say I'm just getting older, I say, I was fine before cancer, now my body is just different. But slowing down is probably a good thing for me! It's just hard!

Jimmy's herniated disc has flaired up again, so please pray for healing for him. He's been out of work for 2 weeks, thank goodness for short term disability. Jessie is on the YMCA tennis team, enjoying it very much. We also joined American Heritage Girls, like the Girl Scouts, but Christian. She learns about the outdoors, being a good citizen, loving God, tons of fun things we can do together, and she earns the ever so special badges, that I, the non domestic girl, get to sew on, ha, ha!

I hope this note finds you well. If I can ever help you in any way, please don't hesitate to email me directly. sheila@grabGodfirst.com. Thanks always for being a part of the miracle God gave me, a second chance at life. Life is precious, enjoy the moments, the hours, the days we are given. And remember, it is ok to say no. *smile*

Love and blessings,
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE,

Sheila/Kelli

Monday, September 11, 2006 8:33 PM CDT

Today is a day filled with emotions, over the change in our country that started one blue sky morning, 5 years ago. Since then, blame has been put here, put there. For me, if those who lead our country had gotten really mad about the first attack, in '93, then maybe 9/11 would have never happened. Why the leaders in power at that time didn't pursue and hunt those who hate us back then, I don't know. I'm sure in their minds, in the still of the night, they must think, "what could I have done differently?" We are such a people that don't like to take responsibility or blame when we do wrong, or don't do the right thing, when we know we should. Ah, but I digress. The real reason I'm writing...

IS TO SAY, IT IS SO GOOD TO BE ALIVE! And with freedom, and choices, and to be loved by those around us, and by the God who created us. The freedom to drive a white car, versus a red one, to live in a 2 story, versus a ranch, to go to a church where you dress up or a church where you wear what you want...the list goes on and on.

I ran across something from long ago in my emails(about 4 yrs ago--sometimes it's good to be a pack rat)...that I don't ever remember reading, but it is worth reading now...about living a life of NO REGRETS! Enjoy, dear friend. You are loved, Sheila/Kelli

Leaving The City of Regret


I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip."

I got tickets to fly there on Wish I Had airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my baggage, which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been. No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport. I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Pity Party. I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the towns leading citizens would be there.

First, there would be the Done family, you know, Should Have, Would Have and Could Have. Then came the I Had family. You probably know ol' Wish and his clan. Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost. The biggest family would be the Yesterdays. There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share.

Then Shattered Dreams would surely make and appearance. And It's Their Fault would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Don't Blame Me and I Couldn't Help It.

Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "pity party" could be cancelled by ME! I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging. Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left no forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no physical way to undo them.

So, if you're planning a trip back to the City of Regret, please cancel all your reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a place called, Starting Again. I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there. My neighbors, the I Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts are so very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. God bless you in finding this great town. If you can find it -- it's in your own heart -- please look me up. I live on I Can Do It street.