Caring Bridge Update..... While Thanksgiving may be over, my thankful heart is still overflowing with gratitude to God for healing and to my friends and family for support. There are so many people to thank; my parents especially for always being there to love and support me. (Deut. 33:25) It’s been a while since I posted an update because uneventful is a good thing after surgery. Even so, I have a lot to share!

 

While my recovery has taken a giant step forward, there have been a few steps back along the way. Three weeks ago I awoke to extreme swelling in my face, jaw and neck and discoloration after being off of antibiotics for only one week. While an infection of the jaw can be serious, I am on strong antibiotics and the swelling has abated. Since I’ve been on antibiotics since mid-September, my prayer request is that side-effects from the Augmentin would be minimized. I stopped exercising for the last 3 weeks and increased rest and fluids which seemed to help. I am also SO happy to be back at Life Church of Peoria too; my soul yearned for that prayerful faith family and I invite you to join me on Sundays at 11am. (Mark 16:18) Pastor Derik Hines came to visit me and pray for me three times while I was going through my surgery and He is an anointed teacher and prayer warrior. David Rodriquez leads worship there along with my 13 year old niece, Zoie. She is such a special young lady and I am infinitely proud of how she shares her gifts with others. 

 

My husband, Don, continues to be a rock in my life and joined me to lead NCS staff devotions a week ago. I never know what will come out of that man’s mouth, but he had us laughing and crying all within 5 minutes. I love you, Don, with all my heart! Thank you for bringing me my low acid coffee every morning and juicing vegetables for me daily. You are the definition of a servant of Christ and the best role model for your children and son-in-law. (Mt 10:1 & Lk 9:1)

 

Jadyn and Jimmy we’re home last week for a friend’s engagement, and although I won’t see them for Christmas because she leaves for Germany soon, we are trying to plan a trip over New Year’s to Cologne, Germany to see her dance the part of Juliet in Sweetbird Productions, Romeo and Juliet. We are also looking at going to Nice, France over spring break to see her Dance in Rock The Ballet again with the same company. You only live once! I am asking for prayer that my PET scan in early spring will be clear (just a precaution after getting clear margins) and that my lower legs continue to heal and are good for long flights. I had ultrasounds of my legs last week in the hospital after blood tests showed high clot markers. The scan was totally clear and likely related to antibiotics and residual markers from my three surgeries. God is so good! Thank you Jadyn Reddy for your tender care while I was in the hospital. You blessed me more than you know. (MK 9:23 & 11:23-24)

 

My son Donny is doing very well and handling a full load of college. He starts his senior year in January and he will be moving back to Flagstaff next month provided we can find housing at NAU. Anyone have a connection there for a room? While we will miss him, being empty nesters again will provide additional opportunity to focus on wellness. We are so proud of how much he’s grown in the last 3 years! He too visited me in the hospital and patiently walked the halls with me. He talks of his faith in God and what else could a mom want for her son than that! I love you, Donny, and am proud of you. (Is 40:29)

 

Kayla and Ryan just got back from their 2nd wedding anniversary trip to Thailand. It was the first Thanksgiving in 28 years without her (she had to work), but we are looking forward to spending Christmas Day with them. Don mountain bikes weekly with Ryan and it blesses me to know they are in fellowship with one another. Kayla spent the night at the hospital with me a couple time’s after long shifts at work. Thank you for being there in the midst of your busy work schedule. Having a doctor in the family gave me such confidence and assurance. God knew what I needed, and He gave me you! (Jer 33:6, Mt 9:12)

 

I have been back to work for 3 weeks now and have been overwhelmed by the welcome back reception! I highly recommend not showing up to work for two months and then coming back to fully realize how much you love your job, the people, and the administrative team that I’ve met with weekly for the last nine years. We work hard, but my co-worker friends bring me joy and laughter and refill my spiritual tank daily. I told my boss that I have a new “baby”, my health, and when you have a new baby, your priorities change and you do things a bit differently. I’d like to remind my fellow work-a-holics to tend to your baby too! Balance, work from rest, carve out white-space, exercise, meal plan, and treasure times of abiding in God’s word. Above all things, God wants things to go well for us; he wants us to be healthy. 3 John 2.

 

Being told your cancer was “stage 4” and then being told you are cancer free after surgery (no chemo or radiation prescribed) is an emotional and spiritual roller coaster. God healed me again in a miraculous way that doctors can’t explain. It is and should be a life changing event. But why wait to make changes until a crisis hits? Being refined by fire, 7 cancer diagnosis in 19 years, is likely evidence that I needed waaaaay more refinement than most. God is a change agent and He wants us  to seek Him with our whole hearts. I live now to declare God’s works. Psalm 118:17. 

 

May our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, protect your household. May no illness come near your dwelling, Psalm 91:10, and may you and your family experience abundant life in Him. John 10:10 

 

He does all things well! Mark 7:37

 

Joyfully Serving Him,

Michelle