Friday, November 4, 2011

More good news!!!

We are on our way back home! Yay!!!! It has been a great couple of days, but we are tired. God has been faithful in giving us rest and great results this week.

Yesterday, as I was having the MRI on my abdomen, Josh received a call from Dr. Babiera saying that my MRI on my right breast came back clear!! Praise God! In case you don't know or don't remember, they saw some calcifications on my right breast on my mammogram and wanted further testing. Even though I trusted God on all of this, I was concerned when they were concerned, and to know that came back clear brings me HUGE relief.

The abdomen MRI yesterday was interesting. I had to do several breathing exercises during the test by holding my breath for certain periods of time on and off. It was intense and not the most relaxing of tests; however, thus far I have really enjoyed my cat scans, bone scans, MRIs, xrays, mammograms, ultrasounds, etc... I spend the majority of the time praying, singing in my head, and claiming scripture. These are also times when it is quiet and doubts fill my mind and I get to put into practice taking my thoughts captive. Yesterday, while in my MRI those doubts started filling my mind and this is the scripture I kept claiming over and over.---

 "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer." Psalm 94:19

And taking every thought captive-- " We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets up itself against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  2 Corinthians 10:5. God has truly used this time for me to trust in Him and His word.

Here's the thing though- had these tests not been good, I would still be trusting in the Lord. I am so thankful for these test results, but it is not human wisdom or tests in which I trust. It is God. For all you "Family-churchers":)- if you read your proverb yesterday, it told us to not be impressed with our own wisdom or wisdom of others.---

"Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8

I've told God many times to use whatever He may to bring me and my family closer to Him. Sometimes, that means hardships, and I've questioned telling Him to do whatever it takes:) But, regardless of what happens, I choose to praise Him and trust Him. Ok, now I'm rambling!

We visited family here (Ms. Lynne and Mr. George- Ms. Nancy's mom) and stayed with them last night. We had a great time, ate good, and we were so thankful they let us crash their house.

I had the second round of chemo this morning and it went wonderfully. We had a new nurse this time, Grace, who was great and I still feel nothing:) We were back there 4 hours!! It takes about 2 hours once the medicine actually begins being infused.

I am so excited!!! We went to whole foods today, because I have completely changed my diet over the last 2 1/2 weeks to eating extremely healthy and eating recommended "cancer-fighting foods." It was amazing. We stocked up on some stuff that I am excited to try and eat... I am SUCH a foodie with a HUGE sweet tooth, and yes it deserves all caps:) So, needless to say, this has been a struggle for me, but I am in for the ride. It was exciting to find some foods I can eat:) We bought all this food with gift cards we received from so many wonderful friends- I can only try to repay all of you--thank you so so so much.

While we were there, we got a call from my sweet nurse, Aimee, to tell us that my abdomen MRI came back clear. Once again, praise God! I told you I knew the good news would keep on coming!!! They will do another MRI on the abdomen in 6 months to re-check, but everything looked good.

2 treatments down and 14 to go!!! Woohoo!!! Love you all...thank you for your specific prayers yesterday.

Oh, and here is a pic of me and Josh eating after chemo today with my wonderful mom:) I cut off some of my hair to get ready for the hair loss...I typically am a picture-picky person, but for the sake of my journey and for all of you, I've lost all inhibitions...not the best pic (4 hours in a hospital bed!), but just wanted to share one of me and my man today!

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

ok Aly, it's official... you are my hero!
~nicki o.

Anonymous said...

That's great news and I love keeping up with you through your blog! Love you guys, Angela Norman

Ginny Evans said...

What a Mighty God we serve!! Aly, I am so thrilled with your report tonight and cannot wait to get it out to the prayer team. You and Josh are both major hero's to all who know and love you. Take care of each other and let God do the rest!!! Love you, Ms. Ginny

Tisha said...

Aly, that's great news! Continue to rely on your Father for your strength and peace! Praise God!! Don't worry about your pic bc you are beautiful no matter how you look!!

Jacque Davis said...

Nicki O is right, you are a hero. The Davis family loves you.
Jacque

Terri said...

Best news I've heard all week! Praise God!!! You continue to amaze me and I'm truly one of your biggest fans. You make me smile and your courage is amazing!!! You are a beautiful woman and your insides are even more gorgeous. Thank you again for sharing your life and faith with all of us. ~~~ Praying without ceasing!
Terri

Anonymous said...

Dear Aly and Josh - so happy to hear the great reports. Praise God!!! He is indeed mighty!!!! Every time I read your blogs I think of Psalm 18:16-19 "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."

Be assured of my prayers as you continue on your journey. Praying God's greatest blessings on you both.

In Him,
Janet Werdowatz

Lindsey said...

Your positive attitude is such an inspiration! Glad to hear great news and I will continue to pray for you as you follow this journey.

Anonymous said...

Aly, aside from all the obvious...I think what struck me tonite as I read your blog was your comment about so far, you've enjoyed your scans, mri's, etc.. As a nurse for many years,who has also had a few tests, I know NO ONE enjoys those things!!! EXCEPT someone like you who is so totally full of joy and has such a positive outlook,attitude,and sweet spirit...You're my hero too! Terry Eppinette

Emily Jones said...

And you're still gorgeous!! :-) Keep the pictures coming! Praise God for His faithfulness and provision! I definitely did a happy dance when I read this! Love you, sweet friend!

Julie Brown said...

I know God is smiling down on you right now. You are doing just what He wants you to do lean on Him and trust in Him! What a testimony you are to us all. By the way, I think you look as beautiful as ever in the pic you posted.

Gayle said...

Praising God with you! You're such an inspiration! I'm always inspired when I read your updates. Aly, you find God in EVERYTHING because you look for Him everywhere.

Gayle said...

above from Gayle Howard

Anonymous said...

Words of wisdom just keep on flowing out of your mouth, Aly!!! Amen and amen!!
Ms Janis

Aunt Sherry said...

Aly...so excited and thankful for your news today ... love you much and am praying daily for you and Josh on this journey:-)

Aunt Ann said...

Aly, you are truly an inspiration for all of us!! I am so glad to hear the great news! Our God is truly a awesome God!. We love you and hope to see you during the week of Thanksgiving. Love, Aunt Ann

Toni said...

And I don't look this good on any day!!

Julius/Elizabeth said...

Aly,

Glad to hear all of your GREAT news for the week:). You look beautiful and we look forward to hearing even more great news!!!

Love, Julius, Elizabeth, and Trey

Ashley Kent said...

You are absolutely stunning Mrs. Aly <3 Love you and still praying for you both! You are such a fantastic role model and I admire you :) This is all amazing news! So proud of you and cant wait to see you and give you the BIGGEST hug ever hahaha :P

xo Ashley K.

Kellie Baca said...

Aly.. you probably don't remember me, but we met back in the fall of 2007 in Virginia Beach through Lee. I was in life group with he, Rachel and some others. Anyway, I was in shock when I heard about you facing this journey, and have been so touched and moved by your hope in God through your blogs. (and Josh's SWEET, SWEET words about you!!) I read today about you changing your diet, and I couldn't NOT share this with you. I've been thinking about writing you about this for a while. I've recently discovered "green smoothies" (blended greens with fruit) and my hubby and I are totally hooked on them! They are DELISH and you don't even taste the spinach, kale or whatever greens you use. I share this with you because added greens to the diet has been known to heal some cancers. There are success stories in the book that talks all about them. They are EASY to make, they are DELISH, and give you such energy! I had no idea the power of greens to the human body! PLEASE, PLEASE try them!! The book is $11, and it has several great recipes for green smoothies using different kinds of fruit. The best one is 1-1.5 cups of spinach, 2 bananas, and 1 apple with the peel. Throw it all in a blender (chop the apple), maybe use a lil coconut milk, and voila! I think they will really help you!! Here's the link to the book. Bless you, beautiful girl!! You have no idea how far your influence reaches. Thank you for being who you are! http://www.amazon.com/Green-Life-Victoria-Boutenko/dp/155643930X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320537655&sr=8-1

Kellie Baca said...

Aly.. you probably don't remember me, but we met back in the fall of 2007 in Virginia Beach through Lee. I was in life group with he, Rachel and some others at Regent. Anyway, I was in shock when I heard about you facing this journey, and have been so touched and moved by your hope in God through your blogs. (and Josh's SWEET, SWEET words about you!!) I read today about you changing your diet, and I couldn't NOT share this with you. I've been thinking about writing you about this for a while. I've recently discovered "green smoothies" (blended greens with fruit) and my hubby and I are totally hooked on them! They are DELISH and you don't even taste the spinach, kale or whatever greens you use. I share this with you because added greens to the diet has been known to heal some cancers. There are success stories in the book that talks all about them. They are EASY to make, they are DELISH, and give you such energy! I had no idea the power of greens to the human body! PLEASE, PLEASE try them!! The book is $11, and it has several great recipes for green smoothies using different kinds of fruit. The best one is 1-1.5 cups of spinach, 2 bananas, and 1 apple with the peel. Throw it all in a blender (chop the apple), maybe use a lil coconut milk, and voila! I think they will really help you!! Here's the link to the book. Bless you, beautiful girl!! You have no idea how far your influence reaches. Thank you for being who you are! http://www.amazon.com/Green-Life-Victoria-Boutenko/dp/155643930X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320537655&sr=8-1

Kellie Baca said...

P.S. You look BEAUTIFUL in this picture!! Only you could still look gorgeous going through chemo. ha! you're every woman's hero! lol

melody said...

Hey Aly! This is Melody @ Bliss. Terry told me Friday what's been going on. Please know that I will be keeping you, Josh & all the Docs taking care of you in my prayers!! So glad you got good news Friday!!! :-)

whitney fugler said...

hi aly, you are so amazing. You have been the sweetest person since i met you. You never talk negative about anyone and you are never negative. you always keep a smile and you always motivate others. You are someone everyone should be like. You look beautiful as always in your picture and josh is so great to you, god blessed you with him. You are in my prayers always and you are so strong, such a fighter. Gos has so many plans for you that you have fuffiled and will continue to as well. Keep your head to the sky and that beautiful smile on your face!!! -whitney fugler

Anonymous said...

Hi Aly,
It is wonderful to hear all the good news you keep posting. God is sooooo good! Have fun with the hair loss--I did. I had not worn scarfs in years, and my students even supplied some for me:) Six or seven of my male students walked in with their heads shaved carrying pink gerber daisies and wearing pink t-shirts the last day of school. Needless to say, I laughed and cried but felt so blessed. It is amazing the blessings God sends when you need them. Keep hanging on and hanging in there! Big "C" in Christ takes care of the little "c" in cancer.
Love,
Ms. Wanda

Carol said...

Wesley Jones sent me this way. Lifting you in prayer and praising for your good news now! :)

Anonymous said...

Hello Aly..you don't know me and I've never met you..but I've heard of your story. I have my own story to share with you as well...I am also a Breast Cancer Survivor. I have been Healed by the Powerful Hands of Almighty God, who is still Jehovah-Rophe, 11 years later. I was diagnosed at age 35. Found the lump in my breast all by myself. So self-breast exams saved my life! I was a single parent at the time, no health insurance, no money, and no job. ONLY GOD CAN DO WHAT ONLY HE CAN DO. I'll keep posting my story to encourage YOU and your husband. YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL! Today...that child I was raising as a single parent is now a physician...and I am 11 years totally healed of Breast Cancer...Hallelujah! Keep Trusting in God and Believing the WORD OF GOD to get you through each day. Take no negative prisoners with you on your journey...this one is only for the VERY ELECT of GOD! I Love You...and praying daily that Jehovah will take control of your mind, body, and soul...WE GOT YOU GIRL! Wanda (An Anointed Breast Cancer Survivor-Houston, TX).

Anonymous said...

Hi Aly, you don't know me, but I found your blog on Candace Echols' facebook page. I went ot high school with her & the link was on my news feed one day & I have been following ever since. I just want to let you know that God is using you in another way, which is by encouraging me in my faith and my walk with Him. I am in awe of your incredibale strength and faith in Him. I had always considered myself to be a very faithful and trusting follower of Christ, and don't get me wrong, I still do... however, God has used you and your battle with the enemy (cancer) to show me how much MORE faith and trust I could and SHOULD have in Him. I just wanted to let you know that you have inspired me to do everything I can to grow clser to God and better myself and my walk with Him; and I want to thank you for that. Thank you for sharing such a personal time in your life for all the world to see; it takes a very special person, a very brave person, to be able to do that and it doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. My family and I will continue to pray for you and your family. I'm looking forward to more GOOD news!

Blessings,
Lara Mullinax

Amber M said...

But yet you are still so beautiful in that picture even after 4 hours in the hospital. Girl you are such an inspiration with your positive attitude. it is so refreshing. You have so much love, faith and support backing you that i know with all my heart you will come out of this in victory. I love you so much and you are in my prayers. Much love Amber M

AmyRey said...

Praying for you everyday.

Anonymous said...

You are one tough lady, Aly! We are praying for and thinking about everyday! Prayers are being sent your way from my little 1st graders! We love you and the cowboy! Stay strong and keep fighting!

Sheri Whiteside said...

Aly you are amazing!! I have been challenged by your faith and encouraged by your trust in Christ! Wayne and are praying for you and Josh and praising God with you for all He has done and will continue to do.

Sheri Whiteside