Today I completed number 20 of 38 radiation treatments, so I guess I've passed the halfway point of radiation. So far I've had no adverse reactions. The skin over my left chest area is getting a little color - pink - but I've had no skin soreness and no fatigue, which is the most common reaction. I am resting alot, however.
I have met several people at Hope Lodge and I am reminded by each story of how blessed I am. So many are suffering with cancer and it's "cure". Several have no family support, are unable to work and face tremendous hardships. This week the St. Louis paper featured a story about "Secret Santa" who was distributing $10,000 to strangers in $100 bills. I remember reading about Mr. Stanley in Kansas City that did this for several years in the KC area. One of the residents of the Hope Lodge was a recipient of one of the $100 bills. Debbie has pancreatic cancer and Lee is her sister-in-law and caregiver. Debbie has lost alot of weight due to her illness and most of her clothes did not fit. Lee was in a neighborhood thrift store searching for clothing that would fit Debbie. Secret Santa was at the store, approached Lee and asked her why she was shopping. Upon hearing the story, he promptly awarded Lee $100 bill with "Secret Santa" stamped in red ink on the back. Lee was overcome with tears of joy. She had never heard of this and was happy beyond belief. She praised God for the gift and shared that the money would be used to purchase medication and pay Debbie's electricity bill this month. Lee is a pastor's wife and Debbie is the pastor's sister. Both were truly thankful for God's intervention - giving Him all the credit for supplying this gift.
On Thursday evening the St. Louis University swim team came to Hope Lodge and baked Christmas cookies for us. One of the students was a nursing major and so we had a long chat!
I am home this weekend and planning to tour the Historic Fort (Ft. Scott) with a group from our church and have dinner at Chicken Annie's on Saturday night. I have Christmas cards ready to mail and just a very few presents left to buy. I have been grading papers and getting classes completed as the end of semester fast approaches.
I will share a quote sent to me by my pastor, Doug.
"Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is."
Stay warm -
Love to you -
Ellen
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About Me
- Ellen Carson
- I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend. I am one in eight women that will have breast cancer in their lifetime.
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