Candlelight filled our yard as friends stood in the cold to pray for us and love us the other day. It was such a beautiful, tangible symbol of God’s love. You could almost touch it.,
It’s been a busy few weeks. I had a tumor (melanoma, NOT some dog tumor as first diagnosed) removed from my leg that had grown at a frightening rate to the size of a bird’s egg on the outside if my leg. Sixteen big ugly stitches later and my scar is awesome. It didn’t hurt, due to prior surgical damage.
I’m running around with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in my lung) too. I had it on the trip to Key West and didn’t know, thankfully. I probably wouldn’t have gone. I now have to give myself shots of a blood thinner in the stomach everyday. It’s not too bad.
There aren’t really any good options left for treatment for me. We’ve tried all the good stuff. Chemo isn’t very effective and really yucky. The drugs I’m on are keeping my brain and body stable, just not Roscoe.
My Dr plans no more scans, which is a relief. I hate them. I have no regrets. I feel like I’ve done everything that could be done. We are making sure the kids get the support they need. I have no complaints, just tired, short of breath, and I wish I could do more for the kids and Alan.
I am at peace with everything and still enjoying life (to borrow a phrase from my friend L) on this side of the dirt. I check in with my oncologist weekly, not much he can do though. I look ahead and see joy, peace, and rest in The Lord. I look behind me and see blessings beyond belief. I have an amazing life and when He says it’s over, it’s over.
Peace and Love to you all,
Amy
raelynnewallace said:
Your strength is inspirational. Until our Lord calls you home I Pray that your time with your family is filled with love and laughter. Please know that even after that day has passed, we will continue to Pray for your beautiful family. Bless you x
nashvegasmom said:
Thank you so much RaeLynn!
Amy
Tina Reed said:
Amy, Your faith is inspiring. Your gift with words, and your kindness to share them is a blessing, as your life is to those around you.You exude faith, courage, love and persistence. I am thankful to know the God of the Universe, so that even when I do not understand, I can continue to trust in His Goodness. I am so touched to hear of the faith community your family has gathered around you to help to lift your burdens. The Reed family ( and our church) continues to pray for you, Alan and those precious children, Words are inadequate to express what the heart holds right now. With our love… Tina and Mark and family.
nashvegasmom said:
Love you Reed Family!
Amy
Jim McVicar said:
Dear Amy,
You are so precious to our Lord and to many others! He is holding you in His Hands and He never leaves you as you journey with Him. You don’t know us but you are in our thoughts and prayers. For the believer in Christ the best is yet to be! God will never fail us whatever the circumstances! Psalm 27:1
Love , Jim and Anne McVicar
nashvegasmom said:
Thank you, Amy
Sarah mcleod said:
Amy, Alan and all… We are keeping you in our prayers often. I envy your strength and peace. You are a wonderful person.
Best. The McLeod
nashvegasmom said:
Thanks for all you do guys. Love you.
Amy
Mimi Slayton said:
Peace and love to you! You are an amazing lady who has shown me how to live gracefully, thankfully, and religiously with much dignity! Thank you for sharing your faith and journey! Love and prayers for peace for you and your sweet family. May the Holy Spirit surround you all with his comfort.
nashvegasmom said:
Thank you so much Mimi for all you do!
Amy
lisabircher@comcast.net said:
Amy,
What a wonderful tribute. I can only imagine what the candlelight looked like, and what a wonderful memory for your family. Any chance of making a candlelight tree like the rainbow tree? (I know, probably a fire hazard, but still, it’s a thought…) I stopped taking my anti-seizure medicine 14 days early, and as we suspected, it was what was keeping me so very doped up and literally falling asleep on my feet. I’m already feeling much more alert, although it will take a while to get it all out of my system. I’m hardly at risk since we know what caused the seizure in the first place. February 11 is my liberation day — free at last, free at last — I can drive. I’m thrilled to have an appt. with my new pain dr. on the 12th because I have a very long list of logistical questions about the detox. The plan is for me to stop taking my morphine on the 15th of February and see what happens. I honestly don’t know how long it will take before I’m in the throes of withdrawal, but I suspect it will only be a couple of days before I head for the ER. My only “regret” is that I have to do it at Vanderbilt’s main campus instead of at St. Thomas. Most of my docs are there (St. Thomas) and I just feel very safe and cocooned there. I love that I can see a crucifix whenever I want to.
Glad you didn’t know about the blood clot when you headed to Key West. Sometimes ignorance is such bliss! However, I’ll take your word for it when you say that the shots in your stomach aren’t too bad. Of course, I’m a needle freak, so maybe it’s just me, but personally, you just headed a couple more notches up on the bravery scale in my opinion. I’m so glad that you will no longer have to put up with the scans. There is nothing good about them. Nothing. I’m sure you won’t miss them.
I’m glad that you are at peace, and you have every reason to be. You are so very loved by so very many of us, and your life has been an incredible example of a courageous spirit and grace. One of the Proverbs makes me think of you — “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” (Proverbs 31:25) If you’re up to it, I’m looking forward to seeing you for a bit next week. I’ll try and warm it up for you in the meantime….
Love and prayers, Lisa
nashvegasmom said:
You are my inspiration Lisa. Love you, Amy
Jacqueline Clayburn said:
Hello Amy,
I worked for Alan a few years ago and wanted to thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. I had avoided the dermatologist for years out of fear, but because of you I started going again. I have a few ‘zippers’ as I call them decorating my back but they were all caught just in time and I have you to thank for that. I also have pushed, pulled and hounded my friends to go also. Some have joined the ‘zipper club’ as we like to call it but are all ok. As I go to my 6 month checkup on Monday, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for everything.. love from Bellevue
nashvegasmom said:
Scars are signs of survival! Good for you! I’m glad you’re influencing others to go too!
Amy
Sue skjervheim said:
You Miss Amy are an amazing testament of Gods supreme grace and Love. Thank you for sharing your journey. You have been a great example. May peace and love go with you. Sue
nashvegasmom said:
Thank you Sue.,
Blessings,
Amy
Claudia said:
Amy, Your strength and faith in God has been an amazing eye opening experience. Although we have never met, you have shown me how becoming closer to God can give me hope and love through any obsticale I may face. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your journey. You have also given so many others strength when facing the big C. My best friend and I read your stories all through her mother’s battle with cancer. You related with her when we could not, thank you so much. Many prayers for you and your family.
nashvegasmom said:
I’m glad I could help you.
Peace,
Amy
Cyndi Petersen said:
Dear Amy,
My Bible Study Fellowship International leader has been praying with me for you and your family. As I left the lecture this morning, she passed me a note for you and this is what it said:
“That Elijah and Moses were visible proof during the transfiguration, that those that have faith in God’s anointed, who is Jesus, exist fully alive in another dimension.”
Even though I have never met you, you have truly impacted my life with your wonderful gift of passionate writing. You are blessed.
Sending love and blessings to you and your family,
Cyndi
nashvegasmom said:
Thank you very much Cyndi.
Amy