Feeling Optimistic

Soon after the 3rd round of chemotherapy, my body got struck with a nasty cold. I'm telling you, it was like being hit by several Mac trucks. I was out of commission for several days and it took about 2 weeks to finally feel like my old self. I'm so thankful to God that I never suffered a fever during that time because my doctor has warned me that if I ever get to a temperature of 100.5, I have to check myself into the ER. Cannot risk the possibility of getting an infection, especially with my immune system being so low.

The best medicine I can ever receive is a visit from old friends. Last weekend, my friend Sally and her family drove all the way from SD and graced us with their presence. It was a wonderful time of catching up, seeing our children playing with one another, and reminiscing about the old days. Though our time together was brief, I was so blessed to hear how God has worked in Sally and Joon's lives and how faithful He has been to their family. I miss them already. :(

Maddy enjoying her time with J, K, and L

Go Lancers! Sunny Hills HS graduates (excluding Julie and Soo)

I'm gearing up for my next round of chemo tomorrow. Not much to look forward to except that it will be my last stint with the drugs Adriamycin and Cytoxan (A/C). These two drugs are known to cause nausea and other side effects which I have experienced most if not all. I've been assured by my doctor and nurse that the next set of drugs I'm scheduled to receive on October 21st - Taxol, Herceptin and Lapatinib - shouldn't cause nausea but I'll experience much more fatigue. So I'll be trading in one bad side effect for another. No sweat...God is faithful and just. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

My latest prayer requests:
1) As I enter the last phase of the A/C drug, I pray that my body will respond well to the chemotherapy and that the anti-nausea medication will work its magic.
2) I would remain faithful in spending quality time with God. My QT hasn't been as regular as I would like and I don't want use chemo as a reason NOT to spend time with God.

Praises:
1) Doctor's visit this morning offered some refreshing news. She feels as if the lump in my breast is becoming softer and smaller. Yea!
2) My nurse called me today to report that my protein level is HIGH! Thank goodness for Muscle Milk. :)
3) I've gained weight. Now, normally this wouldn't be something I'd be celebrating but I need to bulk up in preparation for future treatments.

Lastly, I would like to send a special *Shout Out* to my wonderful friends who walked and/or ran in Sunday's Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure event. I was deeply touched and humbled by your act of love and compassion. Thank You to...
(not pictured) Grace, Sung, Chris, J, and J

Jina, Grace, Jin, and C


Lori, Teresa, Liza, April and Kim

Feeling Super!

Thank you for your prayers! The Lord has granted me with so much energy and I've been feeling so healthy and fantastic since the last post. Side effects have been minimal and I've been eating voraciously! Plus, I've been incredibly blessed with friends and family who have been so helpful during those not-so-great days. Just last week, my dearest and closest friend, Liza, took a week off from work just to take care of me and the kids. She arrived with a suitcase full of activities and crafts and the kids had such a blast with Auntie Liza. We miss her dearly and hope she'll grace us with her presence again!

I can't believe we've entered the fall season. Maddy's already been in school for two weeks and Alicia started this past Thursday. Where did the summer go? Here are some family pics from our summer vacation...


Family trip to the Happiest Place on Earth




Posing with Princess Tiana


Spent many hot summer days serving popcorn from this Main Street wagon


Breakfast with Minnie and friends


Hi, Tigger!


Brother's graduation ceremony from Fuller Seminary


See Jane Run
Ran the 5K while the ladies in the red bibs ran the 1/2 marathon (crazies!)


4th of July in Santa Barbara
Maddy & KK


de Young museum in SF


Happy Anniversary!


"Hurray for Helen" party...LOVE these women


Loved these cupcakes



First day of Jr. Kindergarten for Maddy

Please continue to life me up in your prayers as I prepare for another round of chemotherapy on Thursday, September 9th. I am not looking forward to another bout of nausea and fatigue but I am encouraged when I read this bible verse found in Psalms 56:3-4
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"

Dear friends, your prayers are not wasted. God has been so merciful and gracious to me and it is by the power of your prayers and support that have sustained me thus far. Thank you for being such wonderful prayer warriors on my behalf. I love you!


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