Sunday Sunday

Sun. July 22, 2012

Today was a wonderful, full day of serving and feeling the spirit! Lincoln and I attended the Council Meeting with the Bishopric from the young single adult ward and then attended their Sacrament Meeting. I love rubbing shoulders with the leaders down there and with the incredible young adults that attend there as well. They lift my spirits and make me want to be a better person. I came home for a little nap and then was up again to help make dinner for our family. I so appreciate everyone jumping in and helping to make Sunday dinners happen at our place. Tyler & Andrea came and ate with us and it was fun to have them over.

Some sweet neighbors also brought by some food for us tonight. I feel so very blessed and I love my family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Round #6 of Chemo

Fri. July, 20, 2012

Things went as planned today. Lincoln & Ashley came. We met with the doctor first and talked about what lies ahead. At this point, I’ll do chemo today and then in 3 weeks, I’ll go in for a PET Scan to evaluate, in detail, the progress of my treatments. That will help us determine what kind of chemo and how many more Ill need from here. 

I met two new patients today at the cancer center. One was a lady who was there for her first time. she has breast cancer. Her husband was there lending support. I could tell she was scared. We talked a while. She's on some of the same chemo drugs that I am on. I shared with her some of my experiences and some of the things that I've learned along the way. She was busy taking notes about where to buy wigs, how to ward off headaches from the anti-nausea medicine and other tips that I shared with her. She's scheduled for 4 rounds of chemo. I wished her luck.

After that a man in his late 20's or 30's came in with his young wife and sat in the same chair next to me. We talked a bit and learned that he has stage 4 cancer and a big battle ahead of them. They have 3 young children about 10, 8 and 4 years old. We talked about the incredible value of a positive attitude, no matter what. He said that they are trying to put their lives in order and enjoy their time together. He also expressed a desire to trust in the Lord's will and to have the strength for whatever that may include. My heart went out to them. 

The 'unknown' in the cancer journey is the worst part of all. Not knowing how your body will react to the chemo, how long you will have to undergo the treatments, how it will affect your family and relationships with others, and how it will affect your day to day quality of life, and so much more. I’m trying to keep positive and focus on getting better. I'm finding that there's a fine balance to believing in miracles and 'waiting patiently on the Lord's will and timing." I choose to move forward in faith. 

Fun-filled day of Friends, Family & Food

Thurs. July 19, 2012

Today I felt more tired than I have lately, but I have done a lot this past week and it’s a good tired that I’m experiencing. I went to lunch with two friends and we had such a great time talking and catching up on each other’s lives. Listening to my two friends and hearing about some of the struggles that they are going through in their lives and with their families helped me to realize that everyone has challenges whether it be health or concern for children. It’s part of this life’s experience. As we go through these trials and turn to the Lord for strength and guidance, we gain a better understanding of his love for each of us. I think of the patience that he shows toward me and my short comings and I recognize how much more patient that I need to be with myself and with those around me. I’m grateful for the perspective that the Gospel brings to me.

This afternoon I received a text from Tyler suggesting that they come over for a game night to have some fun with me before I go in for Round #6 of chemo tomorrow. I was so excited! We ended up going out to dinner first to give the house a chance to cool down. I’m soooo grateful!

Around 5:00 this evening, our friend showed up with the new part to repair our a/c. It was wonderful to feel that cool air blowing across my toes by the kitchen sink! I was extra brave and said hi to him in the kitchen (without my wig) just the baseball cap. Look at me getting comfortable in my own skin! haha

Then we met Tyler and Andrea at Winger’s for dinner because it was too hot to cook. After, we delivered some muffins to our neighbor whose son passed away last month. It was great to see her and to see the son’s young wife and boys who had driven from Kansas to visit for a few weeks. We also watched Tyler and Andrea’s wedding video and loved reliving that magical day with them. We played a few rounds of Farkle and laughed a lot. 

Finally, I asked Tyler and Lincoln to give me a blessing that I might be strong in body and spirit as I go through this next round of chemo. I felt a spirit of peace wash over me and I know that everything will be all right. I’m grateful for the priesthood in my life and for the good men that honor their priesthood who can bless me through it. I'm also very grateful to sleep in a nice cool house tonight! Sweet dreams!

Spending time with My Girls

Wed. July 18, 2012

This morning, Ashley and I went walking again. I didn’t even hesitate to leave the house with just my baseball cap and earrings. Look at me getting brave! We ran into my neighbor across the street who’s daughter is getting married this week and having a reception in a friend’s backyard next week. We talked for a while and I tried to find out how we can help her with things. It was great to visit with her and I’m excited to help someone else with their wedding. Ashley and I walked a good 30 minutes and fed the horses on the way home. My feet are pretty tender, but I have a smile on my face and I’m feeling more fit.

Ashley made me come home and rest for a bit. I laid down but spent time talking with the Relief Society President about what the possible help we may be able to extend to our friend with the wedding. After 20 minutes, Ashley reminded me that talking on the phone planning a wedding ‘is NOT resting.’ She’s going to be such a good mom. So I decided to take her advice and just rest while she showered.

Later the girls and I drove up to Park City Outlet Stores. They were shopping for new school clothes and it was fun to spend some time with them and go for a drive. It was much cooler up there. When we got home the house was very warm and we realized that the a/c unit was not working. I tried to rest in my bedroom, but so discovered it was close to 90 degrees up there and a tad uncomfortable!
I finally moved to the family room downstairs to get some relief. Lincoln came home and called our neighbor who does a/c repair and installation as a second job. He came over around 7pm and stayed for 3 hours. Luckily, it’s a small part that needs to be repaired and he can replace it tomorrow night. Lincoln, the girls and I opened all the windows and tried to find a cool place to crash for the night. 

Zucchini Craze

Tues. July 17, 2012 

Today I got up early and decided that it’s time I win the battle on the abundance of zucchini that our two plants are producing. Lincoln keeps bring 2-3 zucchini a day in the house for me to figure out what to do with. Hahah I decided to try making muffins that we can share, eat, and freeze for the future. I ended up making about 76 muffins and using quite a few zucchini in the process. I took a little rest this afternoon and then woke up in time make dinner for the family. Linc thought dinner was delicious and I’m so grateful for the days that I feel strong enough to do things for my family and show them how much I love them.

I wrapped up cute plates with muffins and delivered them to my visiting teaching partner and the 3 ladies that we visit. It was good to see them and share my love for them. They are terrific ladies.

It’s been a wonderfully busy day and I’m beat. Good night world. 

Keep on Moving

Mon. July 16, 2012

After my talk with the oncologist last Friday and her recommending that I have some fun before my treatment next week, I decided to do exactly that. I decided to keep on exercising and getting out of the house. I asked my daughter Ashley to go walking with me in the neighborhood. I went early so that the UV index would be low and I wouldn’t have to worry too much about being sunburned. I also decided that I wanted to walk fast enough to break a sweat and I definitely did NOT want to sweat in my wig. That meant I’d need to go in just my baseball cap. Now I wear my baseball cap around the house all the time, but I’ve never gone outside with it in ‘public.’ I was pretty nervous about it and felt insecure. I wore my sunglasses, baseball cap and a cute pair of earring so that people would know I was a ‘girl.’ Ashley reassured me and, I took a deep breath and out the door we went. We had such a lovely time walking and talking and feeling alive! We walked for about 20 minutes as a moderate pace and I felt that rush of endorphins that I haven’t felt in long time. I finished my work out at home with a 20 minutes calisthenics work out. Woohoo!

This evening, I was told that I needed to come outside to the front yard. As I came out, I saw a sweet family from down the street who had brought their 4 boys to come help weed my front yard flower bed. The mom, who had surgery about 4 weeks ago was on her knees weeding too! I tried to get them to stop and they refused, so I joined in. We had a wonderful time visiting as the weeds disappeared. Luckily I had just bought popsicles and was able to share those as a thank you for all their hard work. I have THE best friends around!

Tonight Tyler emailed to say that he has been accepted into the Marriott School of Business Management at BYU for the Fall! We are so excited for him!! He’s worked hard to get in to this program and it's paid off. I’m grateful for hard working kids.

By small and simple things

Sun. July 15, 2012

Today was an incredible day in church. A brother and sister spoke on their LDS Missions. The young man is leaving for England in 3 days and the sister just returned from serving in Cambodia. There was such an amazing spirit there. It reminded me of my mission, many years ago, to Argentina and how grateful I am for those experiences I had love and serving the people there and strengthening my testimony and relationship with the Savior in the process. 

In Sacrament Meeting, I was especially caught off guard by the opening prayer. It was by my friend Janelle. At the end of her prayer she asked for blessings to be poured out upon those in our ward who are facing health challenges right now. She asked that we continue "to pray for Lisa Jacobs and her family as she goes through treatment for cancer". I was so overcome by the spirit, I began to cry. I think I cried all the make up off my face that I had put on this morning. Her husband said the closing prayer and repeated the same sentiment in my behalf. Going to church not only allows me to renew my covenants with the Lord to be a good person but it also renews my spirit and lifts me to face the challenges ahead from the love and support of the ward members. It is amazing to me how touched I am by the small and simple acts of kindness and love that I have in my life.  I am very blessed.