Penny | CaringBridge

Journal entry by Penny Davidovitch — Apr 7, 2022

I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:6

Greetings from Tuscaloosa!

As always, an ENORMOUS thank you for all of the prayers prayed on my behalf. I am so very blessed!

I apologize for not providing an update sooner, but things got a little crazy after my surgery. First things first:

PRAISES:

1. My surgery was outpatient. SOOOO thankful for that!

2. No nausea from anesthesia. Huge answer to prayer!

3. I came home with a drain and not a wound vac 🙏🏻

4. My abdominal wound is totally closed and healed after almost one year!!

5. ALL scans (chest, abdomen, pelvis) from March 18th came back clear!!

6. On March 24th, I had my first visit with my oncologist since completing chemo on January 5th. ALL labs were good and he was pleased with the results of scans & lab work & how I am feeling.

The CRAZY part:

1. The biopsy from my surgery was good, but the culture showed a very rare infection, actinomyces odontolyticus. You can Google it, if interested, to see just how rare it is. Can’t understand how such an ordinary person can have a rare cancer AND a rare bacteria. The surgeon said there are weird bacteria everywhere and people without a compromised immune system are able to get rid of the bacteria without ever knowing they came into contact with it.

2. Four days after the wonderful appointment with my oncologist, there were some overnight changes to my mastectomy site. Sent pics to doctor who was concerned. Diagnosis: cellulitis. Back on antibiotics. Sigh.

3. Rachel has been having a rough go of it with her RA and recovery from her gall bladder surgery. She had just begun to introduce more food into her diet when she contracted the norovirus one week prior to our trip to MS. We were afraid either Meni or I would catch the virus from Rachel and our trip, already rescheduled twice due to my treatment, would be cancelled again. But God was merciful and we are on our first vacation in three and a half years! The last two years have been challenging to say the least and we are very much looking forward to a change in focus and surroundings.

As my angiosarcoma journey has come to an end, at least for the time being, the Lord orchestrated events that I would come into contact with the mother of a young woman age 25 who was recently diagnosed with angiosarcoma. The daughter, Megan, has not had a previous cancer, so her diagnosis is even more rare than mine. And Megan is engaged to be married June 11th. My heart breaks for this young woman, her fiancé, and her family. In conversation with Megan’s mother, Beth, I was able to share the confidence I have in Jesus, in His love, His power, His promises, His faithfulness, His presence with me, and His sovereignty. The family does not know the Lord and I know they would welcome your prayers.

I recently read the following in Daily Bread:

Israel must have felt joy & hope & relief when they heard these words from the prophet Isaiah: “The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor” (61:1). As they looked over the wasteland of their wrecked lives and grim future, Isaiah’s clear voice brought good news at the very moment when all seemed lost. God intended to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives. . . . [To] rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated” (vv. 1, 4). In the midst of their terror, the people heard God’s assuring promise, His good news.

For us today, it is Jesus who delivers good news as He steps into our fears, pains, and failures. And our distress gives way to joy.

By Winn Collie

================

Song of the week:

How Can I Keep from Singing

Chris Tomlin

An oldie but a goody and it captures my feelings to a T.

https://youtu.be/vh_8rTBpvRU

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help Penny Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $30 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Penny's site for one month. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Newest Update

April 07, 2022

Leave a comment of support for Penny

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Newest Update

Leave a comment of support for Penny

Invite friends and family to visit the site

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.