An update from Mom

It's been a while since we updated the blog. Since finishing chemotherapy, I have been trying to build up my leg and my strength. I am so blessed to keep feeling better. I still have nerve pain in my leg and foot, but I have medicine that really helps with it. I have been having Bursitis in my shoulder and arm, but I know that it's not threatening and is getting better! Today, I had another answer to prayer! I went to a routine mammogram, and was called and told that something didn't look good and they wanted to redo it and also have an ultra sound. I had felt a sore spot, so I began to wonder what I would be facing. When Warren prayed for me before I went, he asked that the right person would be doing it for me. They came out and told me that they had decided to do the ultra sound first. The ultra sound showed my port that is still in place for giving the chemotherapy. Nothing else showed up, and was clear except for the port, so they didn't need to do another mammogram! The nurse encouraged me as I left, and I knew that the right person had done the testing. She reached in her pocket, and placed a coin in my hand. She asked," what is the smallest denomination of money? I said, that it was a penny. She then said, "what does it say on the coin?" I said, "In God We Trust!" She said, "keep this shiny penny in your pocket, as a reminder that your trust is in God! She had never seen me before, and I appreciated that she took the time to encourage me with that!

I am taking physical therapy in a pool in Centralia. The first time I went to physical therapy, I couldn't say any good word for it. It was like going to a torture chamber! I can't say enough good about this one! It is Providence Physical Therapy. The water is real warm, and I can exercise and stretch my leg without so much pain, and I am making progress. I love working with all the different ladies there. They are all very kind, and encouraging as well. I feel so blessed to have been directed there. It has really helped my arm as well.

I am so happy that I can again begin my oil painting. I have so much to learn, and I am learning a new technique right now. I have a friend who is driving down with me to Toledo each Tuesday for the classes. I so look forward to going.

I go back to Seattle for my three month check up on the 21st. I would like to ask for your prayers for a good report. I think it is going to be a good one, and I'm hoping that they tell me that my port can be taken out. I will let you know after the 21st.

I hope that you are looking forward to Easter as we are. Easter and Christmas are my favorite holidays. Christmas because God gave us the gift of his son. Easter because Jesus fulfilled what God wanted him to do on our behalf. God raised him to life again paving the way for us who believe in him to also pass from this life to life with him and to live forever with him! We who have that faith, live a rich life realizing how much he loves us. We don't have to fear death, as we have only his love to look forward to. So, I hope that you had a wonderful Easter. I will forever be grateful for you for your prayers, love and encouragement. Ladeva, Warren, and family