Remembering

In the Bible, God emphasizes how important it is for us to remember Him and what He has done for us. 

That's what I've been doing today.  Remembering. 

Remembering my God and His promises. 
Remembering His overwhelming presence and His peace. 
Remembering His faithfulness. 
Remembering His answered prayers. 
Remembering the rainbows He sent me. 
Remembering all the people He put in my path. 
Remembering how He took such good care of me through His people.    

Remembering.

And Praising.

Praising God for NEVER changing.
Praising Him for NEVER leaving me.
Praising Him for keeping ALL of His promises.
Praising Him for my friends and their prayers.
Praising Him for the medical profession & medicine.
Praising Him for my salvation through Jesus Christ.
Praising Him for His plans for my life.

Praising.

It was one year ago today that I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  What a difference a year makes.  What a difference a personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes! 

I've had some very sweet and personal moments with my Savior today.  He is so amazing!  I want to share one of them with you. 

Last year when I received my diagnosis, no one was with me.  When I got in my car and started to pull out of the parking lot, this car tag caught my eye......

(I made it my screen saver on my cellphone and it's still there today.)  God spoke so loud and clear to me through this tag and the Scripture it pointed me to.  I knew He was with me and had some things He wanted me to know.  So, I pulled over, grabbed my Bible and read Psalm 91 out loud.  Oh, what a tender time He and I had together!

Today, I found myself in another parking lot having yet another tender time with the Lord as I recalled everything He has done for me this past year.  This morning, I was in the Wal-Mart parking lot, when I sang "The Revelation Song" to Him at the top of my lungs through tears of appreciation.   

Shortly after that while buying groceries, I received a text from a friend.  Her text said...

"Hey. Rode up to the mountains for the day and just saw a license plate that said Psalms 28:7.  Have my Bible with me.  Looked it up and it is a great reminder.  Just thought I'd share.  Have a great day."

Psalm 28:7 says,
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song."

O.H. M.Y.!!!!!  My friend had no idea, but God sure did!!!!!  I sang to Him in the parking lot, and He sang back to me in the freezer section!  He heard my "joyful noise" and responded!  ONLY GOD!!! 

ONLY GOD!!!

I am in awe.

And talk about full circle - through car tags of all things!!! 

God uses it ALL!  That is why we must make the most of every opportunity we have to share Jesus and His Truth with everyone we can - even with our car tags or bumper stickers or car magnets.  Whatever it takes.

W.O.W.

And did you see what I wrote about Africa on my blog post a year ago??!!!  If not,  check it out.  You will find what I'm referring to right ABOVE the 91 Psalms car tag picture.  I can't believe that!!!  ONLY GOD!!!  And to think that I will actually be in Africa in 9 weeks!!!  CRAZY!!!  Africa was NOT on my radar yet when I made that comment a year ago either!!!  I was trying to talk my husband into moving to South America! 

GOD IS SO INCREDIBLE!!!  He wasn't kidding when He said He knows the plans He has for us, huh??!!!  Or when He had Paul write this...

"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

God has plans for you too, my friend.  No matter what is happening in your life today.

Remember what He has done for you and trust Him with your future.

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy

Today's Results

"May my prayer be set before You like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice."
Psalm 141:2

Thank you so much for your prayers!

My mammogram today went very well.....

Everything came back CLEAR!!! 

God answered our prayers!

What a HUGE PRAISE!

God also allowed me the opportunity to share my story of how He revealed my cancer back in October with the mammogram technician.  After sharing my story, the wonderful technician shared her faith (in God) with me.  We had such a sweet time together!  Really sweet - sharing God stories.

Through teary eyes, she also shared some meaningful words of wisdom spoken to her when she was young by her grandmother who said....."One day, I will be gone.  Your mom and your dad will be gone.  But GOD WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.  So, make sure you talk to Him and know Him."

Right before I left, I told the technician about God's call to Africa and asked her to pray for us.  She looked at me and commented that I was "doing my faith right" by living it out, but she had "done hers all wrong" because she never went on a mission trip or anything. 

Immediately, the Holy Spirit had me remind her that she most certainly IS fulfilling God's call.  HER JOB IS HER MISSION FIELD!  And she IS a missionary, one who ministers to women - lots & lots of women - every single day.  God allows her to spend time with  hurting women, scared women, sick women, tired women, hopeless women etc.  And He gives her the opportunity to encourage them, calm them, hug them, smile at them, listen to them, and pray for them.  WHAT A PRIVILEGE!  WHAT A MINISTRY!

She thanked me for encouraging her and told me how much she REALLY needed to hear that.  With those words, I knew she was the reason God sent me to that office today.

God is so faithful! 

Interestingly, the radiologist I saw today, Dr. K., is the same one who had the pleasure of preparing me for surgery back in December.  You remember, the one who was supposed to insert a needle in the right spot for my surgeon.  Only, he couldn't get it to work; I nearly passed out on him; and it took over an hour & about 22 needle sticks to finally get it right.  Poor fellow.  He probably saw my chart today and had a strong urge to run in the opposite direction!

However, in spite of his better judgement, he met with me and delivered the good news of my mammogram results.  I'm sure he was VERY thankful that he did not have to do any procedures on me today!  

After my appointment, I couldn't help but drop in on my friends downstairs at the radiation office.  It was so good to see them and talk to them.  As strange as it sounds, I truly miss seeing them every day!  I don't miss getting radiation, but I really do miss them!  They are very special to me. 

And speaking of special, my husband's Grandma passed away last night.  She had been in a nursing home for over 5 years with Alzheimer's.  Recently, she developed gangrene and the infection became toxic.  Her body just shut down.  She was 85 years old.

Grandma Swicegood, Faith Wrenn & Tanner at Christmas in 2008

So, tonight we spent the evening with Grandpa.  He seems to be doing okay.  I know he misses her. 

Grandpa Swicegood, Tanner & Faith Wrenn

We sat around listening to him share stories of his life.  He is currently 89 years old and has experienced a lot in his lifetime.  He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  He was in the Coast Guard, Navy & Air Force. 

His brother introduced him to Grandma one Christmas when he was home on leave.  After dating for 6 months, they got married and had 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, & 2 great grandchildren.  They stayed married (in sickness and in health) for 65 years!  WOW!!!

Would you mind lifting up a prayer for Grandpa right now?  This has to be very difficult for his heart.

THANK YOU!
Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy         

A Quick Update & Some EXCITING NEWS!

*** I wrote this 2 months ago, but was afraid to post it :)  When you read the EXCITING NEWS part, you will understand why.  I think it's safe to post this now! *** 

Let me start with a medical update.  I saw my surgeon Dr. White on 3/8/11 for a follow-up appointment.  Everything checked out fine.  The plan is for me to see him again in July and get a new baseline mammogram at that time.

On April 1, I saw my radiologist Dr. Bobo for a follow-up too.  My skin has recovered really well from radiation, and I will not need to see him again until October.  During my appointment, Dr. Bobo asked me about my plans for the summer.  When I mentioned going on mission trips, we (including the nurse who spent 4 1/2 years as a missionary in Rwanda) ended up having a lengthy conversation about God, mission trips, and His provision!

Then, I was able to spend some time with my friend Tonya who works at the front desk.  She was sick during the last 3 days of my radiation so we had not said goodbye yet.  What a strong Christian lady and foster parent!  It truly has been a privilege to meet her and the other wonderful people at radiation.

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Now for some EXCITING NEWS!

Before I had my surgery on December 1, my friend Jamie B. from church sent me an e-mail making sure we had people bringing us meals after my operation.  My friend Sheri set up a meal website and Jamie helped spread the word to the ladies at Bible study.  

Honestly, I felt guilty.  I know that bringing meals is the Baptist Christian way, but my family and I are so blessed.  And God had already begun burdening our hearts for the people living in poverty in Africa, especially the children.  They were (are) literally starving to death while we had a pantry full of food and a list of people waiting to bring us more food! 

So we prayed about how to handle this.  God led my husband and I to make a donation to a ministry in Africa for every meal someone brought to us.  This was a win/win situation. We would donate the grocery money we saved (because generous people like you provided meals for us) so others in Africa could have their needs met. 

In my pea brain small thinking, I figured we would get meals for about a week.  Ha! Ha! Ha! I obviously forgot how BIG MY GOD IS and how much HE LOVES THE POOR & NEEDY!!!!!

"Praise the Lord!

Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord!
² Blessed be the name of the Lord
now and forever.
³ Everywhere—from east to west—
praise the name of the Lord.
⁴ For the Lord is high above the nations;
      His glory is higher than the heavens.

⁵ Who can be compared with the Lord our God,
who is enthroned on high?
⁶ He stoops to look down
on heaven and on earth.
⁷ He lifts the poor from the dust
and the needy from the garbage dump.
 ⁸ He sets them among princes,
even the princes of His own people!"

Psalm 113: 1-8 (NLT)

The Message says

"He picks up the poor from out of the dirt,
rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash,
Seats them among the honored guests,
a place of honor among the brightest and best."

Psalm 113:7-8           

Let's just say that one week of meals turned into 4 MONTHS of meals!!! 

God impressed upon the hearts of my friends (who would not take no for an answer) to keep organizing meals for us (no names - Tina, Angela, Sheri, Lisa!)  And God impressed upon the hearts of sooooo many of you to bring us meals, whether if you were scheduled to or not! 

Time after time, I would come home to find a meal waiting on the porch or get a call from one of you asking if you could bring over some food.  God prompted you to prepare a meal and you chose to be obedient!

What I want you to understand is that while you were blessing us with a meal, you were also ministering to the needy in Africa!!!  This was so much bigger than me, us and a meal. 

On 3 separate occasions, I thought the meals were finished.  I would be just about to make the donation, and then more meals would come!  Each time, I wanted to say no to the meals, but then God would remind me this was NOT ABOUT ME! 

And while God taught me many, many lessons about allowing others to help me, ultimately He taught me this:  When He prompts me to do something, like fix a meal, send a card, make a call, speak to someone I don't know, etc., I need to do it immediately - even especially if it doesn't make sense because He is at work all around me and on so many different levels.  I can't see the whole picture, but He can.  I need to trust Him.  I need to obey Him. 

It is such a privilege to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of others.  And I for one  do not want to miss a single opportunity or miss HIM!

Without any further ado......

Guess how many meals we received??!!!  Remember, initially I was thinking 6 or 7 at the most.  But, God had much, much bigger plans!  Are you ready???...

Drum roll please.........

!!!65 MEALS!!!

Oh! My! Can you believe it!!!  You all are so very, very generous! 

And because of your generousity and obedience, we decided to make a donation to 2 different ministries in Africa - Amazima Ministries in Uganda (I dare you to read Katie's blog :) particularly her June 3 post) and The Mercy House in Kenya (I double dare you to read Kristen's blog  :) as she and her family, including her 3 young children, leave for Kenya on Saturday for nearly a month - she actually has a prayer calendar you can download.  Be sure to read about Maureen too.  I heard her story at Student Life Camp last summer.  She is a very grateful, giving, God-fearing woman.  She is a living testimony of how God rescues people from poverty through the generousity of others.  In her case, it was through Compassion International .)

Why these 2 ministries you ask.  Well, those stories are God stories for another post.

So, if you felt prompted by God to bring us a meal but never did, you can still be obedient. You can donate the money you would have spent on the meal to The Mercy House or Amazima Ministries or to a ministry of your choice. JUST DO SOMETHING to help others!  No amount is too small.  What we consider to be a little ($3, $5) becomes a whole lot in God's hands!

I also wanted to add that Lucia brought us a delicious meal AND gave us some extra money to donate!  Thank you Lucia!

I've said it before but feel like I need to say it again... THANK YOU for the way you have ministered to me and my family through your meals, prayers, cards, phone calls, smiles, hugs, gifts, etc.  GOD USED YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR LIVES! AND IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE IN AFRICA!

Loving HIM with all  my heart & soul,

Nancy

What a Difference a Day Makes

"In his heart a man plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps."

Proverbs 16:9

8:13 a.m.
What a blessing it is to have my giddiness from God's activity yesterday spill over into the reality of today.  I am so glad that joy comes from the Lord and not circumstances! Aren't you?  (If you clicked onto my blog because of an e-mail I sent you, I wanted you to read MONDAY'S POST 1/24.) 

While I was upstairs getting ready for work this morning, I heard my phone, which was downstairs, ring with a text message.  I did not check it until I was ready to walk out the door.  To my surprise, it was my aunt (my boss) telling me that things at the office had been REALLY, REALLY slow and she wanted me to consider taking most, if not all, of this week off.

Interesting.

You see, I have been awake since 4:19 a.m. this morning anticipating an incredibly busy day.  I had asked God for extra strength and grace today so I could take care of my responsibilities and myself physically.  I had confessed to Him that I did not know how I was going to get it all done.  HE TOOK CARE OF THAT, DIDN'T HE??!!!  He is so good and faithful!

Unfortunately, not going to work means not getting paid.

Okay, I'm about to get a little personal here and talk about money. 

Cancer is not cheap!  The medical bills are streaming in.  The insurance we had last year STINKS and is not paying for very much at all.  A huge praise was that we were able to change insurance companies at the beginning of the year to have better coverage. 

However, my biopsies, MRI, and surgery all fall under the old company.  The bill for the operating room alone is over $16,000, and that does NOT include the surgeon, anesthesioloigst, radiologist, or pathologist.  And I was only there for a few hours!!!  I did get great care while I was there, but over $16,000??!!!  Really?  Come on!

My radiation and any further tests or appointments will be covered by the new company.  YEAH GOD!!!

But, with the new insurance comes a MAJOR increase in our insurance premium.  Our budget has taken a big hit.  We are cutting off cable, eating lots of PB&J, staying at home more, etc. to accommedate.  We are already on a cash budget, thanks to my Mom introducing us to Dave Ramsey several years ago.  We do not have any outstanding debt like credit cards, student loans, car payments, etc.  So, there is not much else we can cut to pay for all of these healthcare costs. 

Oh and did I mention that due to some substantial changes in the way Rapid Refund tax returns are handled this year, my aunt had to cut everyone's hours?  In the past, I have been on salary.  This year, I'm hourly and anticipate at least half of my usual income (probably more) to be cut.

I mentioned before that I've been looking for a 2nd job to earn money for missions.  After getting a taste of foreign missions last year, my heart has been forever changed, and I want to go on more trips in the future, along with my family.  Being diagnosed with cancer put getting a 2nd job on hold for awhile.  Now, medical bills threaten to thwart my desire to earn money for missions all together.  UGGHHH!  (I guess God does not want me to become self-reliant for missions yet.  It looks like He still wants me to step way out of my comfort zone and ask other people to support me.  Been there. Learned that. The hard way.)

Good news though.  I talked to my Dad last week and he needs help with the bookkeeping and payroll for his 2 stores.  One store burned down a year ago, was rebuilt and has now reopened.  He and my stepmom are back to working a full shift everyday and would like some help with the paperwork.  HUGE PRAISE!!!  Once I learn their system and get everything caught up, I should be able to do both of my jobs before I go to radiation each day!!!

Unfortunately, the money I wanted to set aside strictly for missions will have to be used for medical bills and most likely some household expenses now that my hours are being cut at the tax office.  And my husband may still need to get a 3rd job.

BUT.....all of this is just setting the stage for God and His incredible plans!!!  So, watch out!  God is about to perform miracles!  "You are the God who performs miracles;  You display Your power among the peoples."  Psalm 77:14 

**Some of the biggest miracles actually take place in our HEARTS rather than in our circumstances** 

And the reason I'm telling you more of my business than you ever wanted to know is so you can witness God's miracle(s) right along with me!  BUCKLE YOUR SEATBELT AND HANG ON!

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"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."  Hebrews 4:13

God makes me laugh!  This is my Bible verse for today.  I thought it was quite fitting after I just bared my soul to you about our finances!  GOD IS AMAZING!  

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8:14 p.m.
Radiation is going well.  Yesterday, I had my weekly x-rays and needed a few adjustments, but that is to be expected.  Today after my treatment, my skin started turning red for the first time.  It feels like a sunburn.  Dr. Bobo, my radiologist, said this was normal and that I would really notice skin changes in the next week.  He also said my fatigue will noticeably increase in the next week as well.

The most exciting thing though is the different women I've been meeting.  Early last week, I mentioned one lady in particular that I sensed God wanted me to spend some time with - I described her as being at the end of her treatments and being weary.  Well, I was able to talk with her at length last Friday.  She has a lot going on in her life, besides breast cancer.  God is allowing the two of us to talk every day now.  What a blessing! 

8:30 p.m.
When I walked in the front door this afternoon after radiation, I was greeted by a nice cool breeze.  The heat had gone out (again)!  The first time it happened was before Christmas, but it started working as soon as the technician got to our house!  He was able to show my husband a reset button in the attic that would prove to be useful for later.  But he was not able to detect the problem or fix it.

Today, another technician came and found the problem (PRAISE!) - even though the heat came right on for him too as soon as he got here!  So once the part is ordered, the weather dries up so the part can be installed, and we pay more than $600, we will have regular heat again!!!  SWEET! 

Yes, we are obviously doing something right at the Swicegood household.  Otherwise, our finances would not be such a target!  I'm telling you, the stage is being set for GOD TO DO SOMETHING BIG!!!  Something only He can do.  TO GOD BE THE GLORY!  Stay tuned.

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy


  

God Makes Me Giddy!!!

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name:

make known among the nations what He has done."

1 Chronicles 16:8

This morning, I had a doctor's Divine appointment at Dr. Frenette's office in Uptown Charlotte.  Dr. Frenette does the medication side of oncology (chemotherapy, oral meds, etc.)  I was there to discuss taking the oral medication tamoxifen for the next 5 years as a preventative measure.  But, most everyone else was there for chemo.

Before I arrived, I had asked God to please give me an opportunity to minister to someone while I was there.

As I was checking in, I glanced over at the waiting room and someone caught my eye.  She looked familiar, but I wasn't sure that I knew her.  She had on dark glasses and a germ mask covering her nose and mouth.  Even though I couldn't see her face, I recognized that blonde hair!  It was the very 1st lady I ever met at radiation.  I met her the day I went to get tattooted & fitted.  Here is what I blogged about her 2 1/2 weeks ago.....

As I was leaving, I met another patient.  She was not doing well.  She shared a little of her story with me.  She said that her small cancerous spot was completely removed.  However, a very small spot was found in one of her lymph nodes.  When the surgeon went to remove that cancer, it broke apart into smaller pieces.

As a result, she is having to undergo both radiation and chemotherapy.  She said she just finished her first round of chemo which consisted of 8 straight days of treatment.  She said the side effects were horrible, and she could barely put her feet on the floor.  She has 3 more rounds of chemo left.  Round 2 starts in about 3 weeks.  And she is having radiation AT THE SAME TIME as chemo!!!  I cannot imagine.      

Please pray for her.  She does not want to do chemo anymore.  But she has a 12 year old daughter and knows that she has to do it.  She has beautiful thick blonde hair and knows it will fall out with the next round of chemo.  I do not know her name because our conversation was interrupted when the nurse needed me.  But God does.  So, please pray for her.

My heart broke for her that day, and I have been praying for her since then!  I tried to find her name on the check-in list at radiation, but the computer has us listed by time and last name only.  So, God brought us back together today - the day she was to start her 2nd round of chemo!!!!!

ONLY GOD!!!!!!!!

The waiting room was packed, but there was a seat open right across from her.  With a smile beaming from ear to ear on my face, I went over to her and introduced myself.  I was so excited to see her!  I was absolutely giddy!!!  I probably scared her more than the chemo did!!!  I could not contain myself!  I knew this was God at work!!! 

Her sister was with her and the 3 of us talked for at least 30 minutes!!!  I now know her name and was able to share what God had laid on my heart with her.  I gave her my contact info as well.  Her sister and I really tried to encourage her as she sat there waiting for her name to be called to start round two of chemo - the round she knows will rob her of her beautiful blonde hair and her strength.  But she is determined not to let it rob her of her dignity and hope.

As I was about to pray with her, the nurse called her name.  I promised her I would be praying while she was getting her treatment.  And that is exactly what I did.

How do I know this was a Divine appointment?  Well, I never should have been at this doctor's office in the first place!!!  Dr. Frenette sees patients at the cancer center with my surgeon Dr. White every Monday afternoon.  When Dr. White told me I needed to see Dr. Frenette, he said I would see the 2 of them TOGETHER!!!  I was supposed to see Dr. Frenette at the cancer center in March when I go back to see Dr.White!  But, someone in the appointment setting office gave me a separate appointment with Dr. Frenette at his office "by mistake"!!! 

ONLY GOD!!!!!  I am still giddy!  Oh how I love to watch God work!  HE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! 

And by the way, Dr. Frenette is recommending that I NOT take tamoxifen!!!  He said given my specific circumstances and type of cancer, the best plan for me to fight reoccurrence is exercising (cardio) 5 times a week for 20-30 minutes and eating 5 servings of fruits & veggies every day.  And the side effects of eating right and exercising are all positive, unlike the side effects of taking tamoxifen.  WOW!

This was an answered prayer, especially for my husband who did not have a peace about me taking tamoxifen in the first place.

After leaving the doctor's office, I spent the rest of the day in a praise and worship session with my God!

And look what was for dinner.....

Hiding behind the box is my beautiful friend Lisa from MOPS.  THANK YOU LISA FOR A DELICIOUS, HEARTY DINNER TONIGHT!!!

And check out another little treat from God...

I have been craving a big biscuit for a few days now!  I do not know why.  But it's the truth.  THANK YOU AGAIN LISA!  I promise to start eating my fruits and veggies TOMORROW!

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy 

God's Love

 "See what great love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!"

1 John 3:1

Today, God showed His love for me through my husband.....

The raditation machine was due for its annual check-up today so my appointment time had to be changed to 7:50 a.m. (Have I mentioned I am NOT a morning person??!!!)  I found out about this change on Monday afternoon.  When I told my husband about it, he asked if he could come with me because he had Thursday off.

Let me just say that my husband NEVER has Thursdays off - except for today.  My radiation appointments are always in the afternoon - except for today.  This was definitely God's doing!

So, my husband went with me to radiation this morning.  Not only that, he also got a guided tour of the treatment room and was able to see me getting prepped on the table.  And the staff is absolutely fabulous!  They answered all of his questions and showed him all of the equipment.  Now he has a better understanding of what I do everyday. 

Why did I feel an extra dose of love today?

Well, I know my husband loves me and will do anything for me if I ask him to.  But, I am a pretty independent person who tends to handle things like going to radiation on my own.  The fact that my husband asked to come to radiation with me (instead of me asking him or needing him to come), could only mean one thing - he WANTED to come!  I was touched.  It made me feel lavished by God's love, especially after I realized how God had orchestrated our schedules to make it all happen.  I was soooo excited to have my husband with me!

I know this may not sound like a big deal, but God let it be a big deal for me today.  The super sensitive feelings I had were a gift to me from my Heavenly Father.  A gift of His love and a reminder of His lesson that we are not meant to do life alone.

Then, to cap off the day, Esmeralda from MOPS brought us a fabulous enchilada dinner that my family wiped out instantly!  THANK YOU ESMERALDA!!!  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

"The family of God is a gift from God especially for times like these." 

-from "When God and Cancer Meet" by Lynn Eib      



Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,

Nancy

Radiation Day 2

My friend Cindy and I were able to resume walking this morning before I went to work, and the exercise made a noticeable difference in my energy level today.  PRAISE!  It wasn't until 8:30 p.m. that I felt really tired, and my body started shutting down. 

But before I go to sleep, I want to blog about a few things God did today.  I'll make it quick - yeah, right!

On my way to radiation today, I prayed for God to please give me an opportunity to share Him with someone while I was there.  When I walked into the office, I was greated by the 2 sweet ladies who work at the front desk.  Super Sweet Ladies.  One of them said "Mrs. Swicegood, you always have a big smile on your face."  My response, "That would be the JOY OF THE LORD on my face!"  She gave me an "AMEN!" and said, "You keep right on smiling!"

In the waiting room, I actually met 3 new ladies today.  We each shared our "cancer detection" story in 30 seconds or less.  (It reminds me of college when you ask each other "what's your major?"  LOL!)  I was able to tell them about the miraculous way God uncovered my cancer, and how He has blessed me through the medical care I've received.  I prayed for 1 opportunity to share today, and God gave me 4 (when you include the lady at the front desk)!!!  ONLY GOD!!!!!

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  Ephesians 3:20-21

I sense God wanting me to spend more time with one lady in particular.  She is about halfway through her treatments so I should be seeing her everyday for the next 3 weeks.  Please pray for us to have time to talk everyday.

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The radiation tech came and got me out of the waiting room, but asked me to sit in a chair in the hallway right outside the treatment room while another patient finished up.  While sitting in the hallway, I saw 2 tree pictures on the wall - one to my right and one to my left.  (Sorry I couldn't take pictures.  My camera was in my locker.)

As I looked at the 2 pictures, God spoke to my heart and said "What do you notice about these 2 tree pictures as well as the other tree pictures you have seen in this office?"

I thought about it for a minute, and then God revealed it to me.  None of the pictures are of just ONE tree by itself.  Every picture has SEVERAL trees in it.  And just like these trees, we were not meant to be alone.  We need each other.  God designed us to do life together.  From the very beginning, God said it is not good for man to be alone!  So, He created another person.  WOW!

Thank you for going through breast cancer with me!!!  Thank you for not leaving me alone!!!  WHAT A TREMENDOUS BLESSING YOU ARE!!!  

Ironically, earlier today at work before radiation, I was listening to the radio.  The DJ announced the next song was by TREE 53.  Of course the word "tree" caught my attention, and I wondered what this band's name meant.  I automatically assumed that the "tree" part referred to the cross Christ died on for our sins.  As I thought about the crucifixion, God spoke to my heart and said "the tree (cross) that Christ died on represents the place of TOTAL SURRENDER.  Jesus gave up His will for My (God's) will.  Are you totally surrendered to Me today?"

Ahhh, the lessons we can learn from trees!

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy   

Let the Radiation Begin!

Today has been a full day! 

My daughter had to be at school at 7:15 a.m., so I went to work early after dropping her off.  And for the record, I am NOT a morning person.  I worked all day until it was time for radiation.  I was tired before I ever got to the doctor's office!  Thinking all day is hard work!

When I got to radiation, I was told that their computer server had been down for several hours, and they had been unable to provide treatments.  However, their server problem had been fixed right before I got there, and treatments had resumed!  What a blessing!

Today's treatment was VERY fast.  I no sooner got on the table, and it was time to get off. 

The radiation machine is massive and moves around me.  (I tried to find a picture of it on- line, but couldn't locate one.)  It makes a little noise, but I could still hear "Journey" playing in the background.  I felt led to pray, and here is the verse that came to mind...

"Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."  1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Interesting, huh?

So, I prayed for God's temple that was stretched out on a hard table in a dark room receiving beams of radiation to burn away cells - both healthy & unhealthy. 

Now, I am going to honor Him by getting some sleep!  I will share more tomorrow.

And look what was waiting for me when I got home.....

Baked spaghetti from my dear friend Jeannine!  WHAT A YUMMY SURPRISE!!!  WHAT A BLESSING!!!  THANK YOU JEANNINE!

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,

Nancy

     

READY FOR RADIATION

Today, I had a "dry" test run at radiation.  Tomorrow is the real deal.  But, I'm ready...

*Get specific information about my radiation & its side effects - CHECK

*Get all-natural, aluminum-free deodorant - CHECK

*Get prescription moisturizer for radiated skin - CHECK

*Trust in the LORD with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6) - CHECK

IT'S "GO" TIME!

Please pray for the people I will meet during treatment.  Pray for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus Christ with them.  I can't wait to see what God is going to do!

And look who brought dinner tonight....

This is my friend Angela from MOPS, and she brought some delicious chili and cornbread!  THANK YOU ANGELA!!!  It was so good, especially on a cold, rainy night like tonight.

*Interesting how I became a MOPS mentor so I could reach out to other moms, but they are the ones ministering to ME!  Humbling.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways My ways,”
   declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are My ways higher than your ways
   and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy

ALL BLUE & TATTOOED!

I went to be "fitted" for radiation today.  The people there are genuinely super duper nice!  I don't know any other way to put it.

Nurse K went over all of the logistics with me and made sure I understood everything, including the risks.  She also made sure I knew that they would be permanently "tattooing" me today to mark where the raditation needs to go.  I asked her if I could get a cross because I wanted my tattoo to mean something.  She grinned and said "FOR GOD'S GLORY!" 

Amen sister!!!

Nurse K is obviously a follower of Christ.  Several years ago, she went on an extended mission trip and ministered to orphans.  God touched her heart during that time, and she fought hard for a few years to adopt her daughter who is now 13!!!  Her God story is very encouraging, especially for those going through the adoption process with another country.  Her advice:  DO NOT GIVE UP!

I actually got 3 tattoos, but I think they are only small dots.  I've also been marked with bright blue lines everywhere.  They assured me that the bright blue was NOT permanent!

As I was leaving, I met another patient.  She was not doing well.  She shared a little of her story with me.  She said that her small cancerous spot was completely removed.  However, a very small spot was found in one of her lymph nodes.  When the surgeon went to remove that cancer, it broke apart into smaller pieces.

As a result, she is having to undergo both radiation and chemotherapy.  She said she just finished her first round of chemo which consisted of 8 straight days of treatment.  She said the side effects were horrible, and she could barely put her feet on the floor.  She has 3 more rounds of chemo left.  Round 2 starts in about 3 weeks.  And she is having radiation AT THE SAME TIME as chemo!!!  I cannot imagine.      

Please pray for her.  She does not want to do chemo anymore.  But she has a 12 year old daughter and knows that she has to do it.  She has beautiful thick blonde hair and knows it will fall out with the next round of chemo.  I do not know her name because our conversation was interrupted when the nurse needed me.  But God does.  So, please pray for her. 

I will officially start radiation on Monday, January 17 and end around March 4 - just in time for my birthday on March 7!  Well actually the 17th will be a test run and the 18th will be the real deal. 

Each treatment only takes about 10 minutes a day.  I'll also have x-rays once a week.  The most common side effects are fatigue and "sunburn."

Lots of you have asked about doing meals for me and my family once I start radiation.  Well, I was thinking it would be a HUGE BLESSING if you could simply share your "easy to freeze" and crockpot recipes with me.  That way, I can prepare a variety of food in advance and not need much energy to put dinner on the table each night.  (Unless of course you sense God wanting you to prepare the food yourself and bring it over, then by all means, please obey Him.)  You can leave your recipe on the comments or e-mail it to me.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your prayers, e-mails, cards, phone calls, text messages, smiles, encouragement, etc.  You all mean so much to me!!!

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  Ephesians 3:20-21 

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy

I GOT A TEXT MESSAGE EARLY THIS MORNING

from a very dear friend who lives in another city and it said...

"Thinking of you.  Praying for you. 

Curious to know how you have changed lately. 

In the last week, in the last month..."

Since I read this, I can't stop thinking about her words. 

Has breast cancer changed me? 

Am I different? 

How?

After giving it some thought, I must say that the biggest change began in my heart 6 months ago in Haiti.  Meeting the people.  Getting to know them.  Seeing the poverty & getting a little taste of it.  Watching God work.  Experiencing His hope. 

Then Ecuador.  Our mission team - how God assembled us & His swift provision to cover ALL the costs.  The orphans.  Their caretakers.  The women God put in my path.  The prison.  Spending the night in the orphanage.  The STRONG, OVERWHELMING presence of the Holy Spirit.  Inca Link (the ministry that took care of us - Gustavo, Matt & Sarah.)  The freedom to openly express our love & adoration for God through worship at church, without worrying about what others think.  ETC! ETC! ETC!

Both of these experiences prepared me for cancer.  They opened my eyes & my heart and broadened my view of what REALLY matters in this world - PEOPLE.  Not stuff.  Not our comfort.  Not money.  Not our routines.  Not worldly priorities.  Not our schedules. Not us.  OTHERS.

And breast cancer has opened doors for me to meet lots and lots of new people. 

So have I changed?  As I thought about this question, here is what came to mind today:

*I really enjoy doing things for other people, especially when God puts them on my heart.  I am used to giving gifts.  But, receiving gifts has been difficult for me, especially at first.  The reason: I don't deserve your gifts.  Your prayers, meals, visits, meaningful cards & e-mails, thoughtful gifts, etc. have blown me away!  Not to mention brought me to tears on several occasions!  I'm tearing up right now!  (*I'm working on a detailed post about this too.  I will be writing Thank You notes for the next year!)     

But, God has been teaching me some things through your giving.  He's been showing me His love.  There have been so many times that I have needed something or wanted something, and God used one of you to provide it for me!!!  He's been reminding me that His love is a gift.  Even though I don't deserve it, He still gives it to me (& to you) simply because He is God.  He IS love!  (You &) I just need to receive it.  Also, giving impacts both the giver and the receiver.  It effects the heart of us both.  So THANK YOU again for all of your generous gifts!  They have changed me.    

*I am not pushing myself as hard as I used to.  Now when I get tired, I rest.  I am learning to let myself off the hook.  I am also learning to say "no" without feeling guilty.  I don't have to be superwoman, just God's woman.

*Cancer has shaken up my priorities and helped me to focus more on the people in my life.  In the past, if I knew someone was coming over, I would spend all day cleaning my house.  Case in point, we had a family birthday party for Tanner last Thursday.  Normally, I would have spent the day cleaning and preparing, but I decided to hang out with my kids all day instead!  Trust me, my kids definitely noticed this change too.   And I was actually able to sit down and enjoy my family at the party as well.  HUGE! 

*Christmas was a little different as well.  I was not stressed out and running around like a mad woman.  Usually I want to keep buying gifts until the stores close on Christmas Eve - remember I enjoy giving gifts.  But this year, I had no desire to do that.  I purchased a thoughtful gift for everyone and then I was done.  Period.  I was very excited that several of our gifts served a dual purpose.  They were chosen especially for a family member or friend AND were able to benefit widows, orphans & the poor around the world.  (Most of the gifts were jewelry made by women in Africa who use the money to feed their families and maintain their small businesses.) 

Oh yeah, I actually got some sleep on Christmas Eve too!  That was a first.   

There are some things I was determined not to change.  I just had to make some minor adjustments.

*My family and I wanted to go to Christmas at the Billy Graham Library.  It was 16 degrees and windy the night we could go.  It hurts me to be cold!  So, instead of not going, I just bundled up with a few extra layers and grabbed 2 extra blankets for the carriage ride.  And off we went.  We had a great time!  And God reminded me how He can impact the world through a completely surrendered life as evidenced through the life of Billy Graham.  WOW!

*To make riding in the car easier and less painful, I just use my little "faith" pillow as an added buffer between me and my seatbelt.  I am used to being on the go, and I refuse to stay at home! 

*Our family's Christmas Eve tradition is to go to the outdoor ice skating rink in Uptown Charlotte.  I was still sore and guarded but determined to participate.  So, I just skated close to the wall and stayed out of traffic.  But I still went skating with my family.

*My brother-in-law Jeff (aka Guest) & I get each other gag gifts for Christmas, and he likes to wrap mine in several layers.  This year, my gift was in a very large box.  When I opened it, there was a smaller box inside surrounded by tons of balled up newspaper (4 weeks worth!)  My first thought was "snowball" fight.  My second thought was "but what if I get hit on my right side?"  I went with my first thought!  And it turned out to be one of the best times we had all day!

*My daughter has been praying for snow for weeks.  Her daddy was ready to drive her TO some snow the day after Christmas if he needed to.  So when it started snowing on Christmas, there was no way I was going to miss playing in the snow with her and Tanner.  I just layered up and hid behind my husband during our snowball fight!  And I held on extra tight while sledding down the hill.  Some risks are worth taking for the PEOPLE in our lives!

So how about you?  What has happened in your life this past year that has changed you?

My pastor always says, "God loves you just the way you are.  But He loves you too much to leave you that way!"  What a mighty God we serve! 

And although we need to be changed, our God does not.   He is perfect.  We can trust Him completely - no matter our circumstances.  Malachi 3:6 says, "I the LORD do not change." 

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,

Nancy 

Post-op Results

My post-op appointment with my surgeon Dr. White was yesterday.  My new friend Nancy B. came to pick me up and spent her afternoon driving me around!

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -"  Ephesians 2:8 was the Scripture at the sign-in desk at the cancer center.  Extra special, very caring people work there.  What a blessing they are!

Dr. White had nothing but good news.  He went over in a little more detail the same pathology results his nurse shared with me last Friday.  The cancer was only 3mm (which is tiny!) and was not invasive (hasn't spread!)  He said he had to take out 3.8 cm of tissue though to remove both clips (from my 2 biopsies) and the scar tissue from my 1st biopsy.  Oh yeah, and the cancer.  No wonder I'm sore!!! 



Check out the pink breast cancer Christmas tree in Dr. White's office!  Barbie is the tree topper, and she has been through surgery (she's all bandaged up) & chemo (she's lost her hair).  It's a sweet tree.



And look at these smiling faces!  They work at the parking garage.  This was the first time I've seen the young lady.  The young man is always singing and serenades me every time I come through. 

I will see Dr. White again in 3 months for follow-up and to get started on tamoxifen (the oral medication that reduces reoccurrence.) 

My radiation consult has been scheduled for bright and early tomorrow morning.  These people do not mess around!  I know my incision has to heal before I can start radiation treatments.  So, I am assuming it will be a few weeks before I actually start.  I'll let you know after tomorrow.

This is Lisa P. from MOPS.  She is my group leader (I'm a mentor aka old a mom with older children.)  She brought a FABULOUS dinner last night!  THANK YOU!

This was Tanner's plate, and he ate it ALL!!!

Rene stopped by again - she was missing her little buddy Faith!  She brought by some things, including the snowman sweat shirt Faith is wearing.  Faith shared a delicious cupcake with her.

Between yesterday and today, I am wiped out!  I am so tired!  I guess I need to e-a-s-e back into things.  This time of year makes it a little difficult to do that though.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR PRAYERS, YOUR MEALS, YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT, YOUR MEALS, YOUR CARDS, YOUR MEALS, YOUR VISITS, YOUR MEALS, YOUR TEXTS,  YOUR MEALS, etc.!  THANK YOU!

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy