An Update...and the Future

Hey there, STAMPfriends. Since my last post back in June, a lot has happened. Some of you have been able to follow my journey these last few months because we're friends on Facebook. However, I've also been sharing updates on this page for those who don't do social media.

After I finished my chemo on July 5, I was on my way to Colorado 3 1/2 weeks later. Thanks to my church family, I was able to spend 2 weeks at the Eden Valley Institute of Wellness and participate in a lifestyle program that was tailored for me as a cancer patient. There I learned natural ways to address my cancer, as well as received lifestyle natural treatments including fever baths, hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, massage and hydrotherapy, sauna baths, herbal remedies, juice fasting, and more. For two whole weeks, I was able to eat healthy and exercise, and attend science-based health lectures, all with a focus on God. 

I documented my experience via photos and videos that I shared on Facebook and here. I am thankful for those 2 weeks -- even though I missed my husband and two girls very much. It's reassuring to me that they did alright without me for two weeks :o)

(The photo of me on the right was taken when we were harvesting onions.)

A week after I got back from Colorado, I underwent a mastectomy. My right breast and much of the lymph nodes on my right side were removed. I'm now 3 weeks post-op and things have gotten so much better. Next week I am seeing my oncologist, as the next step is another round of chemo -- this time it's 12 weekly treatments of Taxol (Paclitaxel). My surgeon has recommended radiation therapy as well, so that will follow when I am done with the chemo. Yep, my treatments are going to continue well into the new year...

...which means this blog will continue to be on a break, and the store will continue to be partially open with product bundles available as opposed to individual products for sale. I am hoping, however, to have some inspirational project posts published, albeit irregularly, as well as new products added to the store as I'm able. I'm a planner by nature but over the last 5 months, I've learned to let go of the reins, take things one day at a time, let Jesus be in control, and trust in His plan for me.

So many of you have been praying, and continue to pray, for me and my family. I continue to receive encouraging cards from you, and last July, there was even an Instagram hop dedicated to me, led by the awesome Sadia Ashraf. She and 33 incredibly amazing and kind crafters got together and shared their beautiful cards and encouraging words for me on their respective Instagram accounts. I was humbled and I went through the hop with tears of joy, gratitude, and hope. I am also so very grateful to those who donated directly and through our Meal Train page to help us out financially. I am ever so grateful that Jesus put each and every one of you in my path. Please know that you are in my nightly prayers!

Wishing you all good health.

With love,