The weather is pitiful here. The clouds and the constant drip mimic my mood. I have been sitting in ICU for 4 days looking out of this dreary window. Out of six beds, only 2 have doors and I am so thankful to be in a room with a door. I had a chest tube placed last week to drain the fluid that is sitting in the lining of my lung. It is still draining quite a bit, so they have not released me yet. In addition, they sprayed some stuff on the pleural lining that will cause it to stick and close up the space that is filling with fluid. There was also a freezing technique that was used to any cancer areas that were seen in the lungs. It is meant only to work in conjunction with chemo, but could give my body a head start at killing the cancer in that area.
My chemo pills arrived today. They were delivered straight to the house I assume in a gold plated box for the price I paid for them. I will begin those drugs tomorrow and start the 1st 3 week cycle and then evaluate how the cancer responds. Thank you so much for your messages, prayers and donations. I have literally been reading messages daily since Wednesday.
The news of more cancer quickly changes your thinking. What is important? Who is important? One of the things that I want to do is to take a trip with each girl. One on one. It will be a great time for making memories and allow me to just pour my love on that one child. I am going to be bold and say I need your help. Alyssa would like to go to the beach. Sit in the sand, read a book no doubt, and listen to the calming orchestra of the waves. Does anyone have access to a property that would allow us to do this easily? I don’t have a specific location, but I do want it appropriate for the two of us. The other girls and I have discussed places they would like to go, but the beach is one that I am willing to reach beyond my comfort zone and ask. You were all chosen to walk beside me at different levels, your friendship is not by coincidence. Thank you for serving my family.
Hi Julie…I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and all your family daily! I just saw your post about taking your daughters on one on one trips…so amazing! I would just like to offer up an RV if you need a nice way to travel to the beach or for one of the other girls trip…my husband and I have a nice, new one for business reasons and would happy to help w/your travels if that’s helpful at all! We would truly love to help in any way…God bless you friend and know we are all fighting for you!
Jess
Julie,
Joel and Liz Bouldin have a condo in Destin. As they have offered it to me I know they will make it available to you too. I will email Liz immediately.
Our home on Lake LBJ has a pool with a slide. Just say the word. And we are purchasing a new place in CO March 23, same deal as before. Just say the word 🙂
Hi, Julie
Don & Helen have gladly offered up their house in Galveston. It isn’t on the beach, but is not too far (9 blocks away). It is also 9 blocks from the Strand. If you have any interest, let me know and I’ll be happy to give you any more info you need. We are praying for you and would like to help in any way we can.
Susan (and Brad) Bryan
Hi Julie, We have a 2 condos in Port A, and would like to offer one of them to your family for a vacation stay. It is a 5 minute walk to the beach, 4 br/3 bath, so you could bring the whole family to enjoy the sunshine. I am friends with Tori Mittness and Sara Savoy, and heard about your story through them. Our email is cmalesky@swbell.net. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lisa Malesky
Julie,
I love your plan to take a trip with each of your daughters and would also love to be a part of helping this happen. I pray for you daily (healing, strength, courage, hope, joy, relief from pain and discomfort, and for the reassuring presence of the Holy Spirit to be ever evident). As I have said before, you are an amazing woman and it is a privilege to pray for you. I’m watching rain fall outside my window too, but I will be praying for it to represent blessings raining down on you and your precious family.
Is 45:8 “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness”
Sandy
Julie-I don’t know how or why, but I just discovered you had this webpage. I am absolutely heartbroken by your news. I don’t look back very fondly on my high school years, and honestly, I don’t remember much of them. I wasn’t a believer in Christ at that time, and surely wasn’t the person the Lord designed me to be. But, when I look back on my life, I can clearly see people along the way that the Lord brought in to my life to guide me to Him. You are one of those people for me. Your gracious compassionate heart, humor, and love for others I remember. If I had a need, you never said no. You were a true friend for me, and a light on my path. I wanted you to know that. Please know that I am praying boldly for you and for a miraculous healing.
Hi Julie,
Long time since I have seen you and Ethan, though I had been getting updates via my mom (Joan Howard) and sister (Renee) from time to time.
I don’t look at Facebook much, but your most recent fight/challenge and related blog online was brought to my attention last week so I have been “tuned in”. My wife (Rizzia) and I are praying for you and your family. (Please say hi to Ethan for me!)
In the meantime…the reason for my message is to offer our apartment in Miami for the trip you mentioned. If you are interested, please just send me an email and we can send you pictures etc.
Jason
Hi Julie! I am keeping up with you through you blog. My thoughts are with you and your family. You are definitely an inspiration. Your spirit is bight and beautiful! Happy thoughts are being sent your way!!!!!!!!!!
Julie,
My family has a cottage on the east end of gavlestons historic district. Three befrooms on a quiet street four blocks from te beach. Great porch swing and beautiful garden. Its not a rental so its available anytime you would like it. I have pictures if you are interested.
Do you want to come to the Pacific ocean? My friend has a beach house and I am sure I could get a weekend or even some weekdays there for you. It is in Aptos, which is next to Santa Cruz about 20 minute drive from my house and you would fly into San Jose Airport and I pick you up and deliver you to the house. It is a walk down a hill to the beach, about 3 blocks. Let me know.
Love you all!
H