November 18th

This is Richard writing for Glenna. The doctor reported that the surgery on Wednesday went very well. She came home yesterday-Thursday. So now I am her "nurse" administrator. I keep track of things on her chart. When she takes her meds, has she taken time to walk about, breathe deep and cough to keep her lungs clear, and all that good stuff.

Glenna still has a sense of humor and we are just taking a day at a time.

The next major thing is the pathology report that will come in 7-10 days.

We appreciate your prayers and concern.

November 16th 4:20 am
I will be honest and say I did not sleep well last night. I tossed and turned and fought a headache. At 3:00 am decided a soak in the tub was the best "drug of choice" considering I am not to have any liquids now. It seemed to help. We leave for the hospital in about twenty minutes.
I am reminded of Romans 8: 38 " For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels,nor principalities, nor things present, nor thing to come nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
My version of this right now is " For I am convinced that neither cancer, nor surgery can separate me from my big brother Jesus."
I close this with verse 37 "But in all these things we overwhelming conquer through Him who loved us. Love you all Glenna

I have done a lot of "Life Review" this week. I had a long visit with my surgeon and another new Doctor a Dr. Patton, he works in radiation. So I got to thinking about all the activities, interests, things I want to yet do in my life. I love writing poetry, feeding my goldfish, going for long walks, reading books with Richard, visiting with my children, having lunch with my friends.
So the next question is, would I want to risk all of that and try to keep a body part I don't really need? I recall the joy of breast feeding my three children and I am thankful for that but as I turn 59 on December the 1st I realize that is only a sweet memory from the past.
So Richard and I had a long talk and we both agreed in order to protect our special times together it seems wise not to be overly focused on looks or appearance. In light of that thinking I have agreed with the strong recommomdation from all three of my Doctors to go ahead with a Masectomy on my left side. Richard will take me to check in next Wednesday November the 16th at 5:30 am at Legacy Good Samaratian Hospital where I will have surgury at 7:30 am. Please pray that we will both keep our focus on God's presence and peace. I may be in the hospital one to two days.
The next decision in treatment will deprend on the pathology reports that will come out about one week after surgury. I am thankful for today, the air was so crisp and clean when I stepped out this morning.
A friend from my college days reminded me of the anthem at our Bible School and I close with the lyrics.

I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
And I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray
And I don't worry about my future
For I know what Jesus said
And today He walks beside me
For He knows what lies ahead
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to under-understand
But I, I know, I know, I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds, who holds my hand
Oh yeah, yeah, yes, hey, yes
Who holds my hand

It seems life is a series of battles, always good against evil or provision against poverty or disease against health. In ones youth you go to bat with energy, vim and vigor. Yet as the battles continue and the years go by one tends to slow down and tackle each skirmish with as much wisdom and stamina as possible.
So it is this November 2011. I thought I was done with my battles with Cancer, but a MRI this week said otherwise. I guess my old enemy was trying to hid out under some old scar tissue from the battle wounds of 2009. So this Monday Richard and I go to see a new Doctor. Her name is Dr. Amanda Wheeler. It is our second visit and we are impressed with her and trust her judgement. She is a new addition to Portland, a great asset as she is trained in both traditional and complimentary medicine. Her complete practice has one focus, Breast Cancer. She seems compassionate and wise. Her dream is to start a pilot program in Oregon to blend the two disciplines together. So we will go to her and plan out our war strategy for this current battle.
It seems the stakes are a bit higher the second time around. Yet God is my commander and chief, and above all else I look to Him, rest in Him and listen for His wisdom. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. It would be a great encouragement if you want to leave a note of cheer. Friends and family mean so much.