Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We have had a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

Katie and Emily came home for Christmas.

We saw "The Nutcracker" on December 21st with Bryan's mom and Sarah. We came home afterwards to eat chili and decorate Christmas cookies.

Hunter arrived that evening and spent a few days with us before heading to Paducah for Christmas. We had my parents for a turkey dinner with the trimmings the Monday before Christmas.

We went to church on Christmas Eve and had 23 family members together - I think this is my dad's favorite part of the holiday. We went to my parents' home Christmas Eve with my four sisters and their families. "Santa" (my dad) made an appearance. We had two new sons-in-law - Shad Lacefield (Whitney Murphy) and Paul Disney (Sarah Veal). My niece, Jessica (Murphy) Guthrie is due any day, so there will be some excitement this new year!

Christmas morning Paul and Sarah joined us for gifts and breakfast in their PJs. We headed to the Veal family Christmas at Eric and Denise's at 1:00 and back to my parents for dinner at 5:00.

The day after Christmas we met Paul and Sarah for a movie.

Saturday night Hunter returned from Paducah. He flew out today to Southern California to resume training.

We saw "White Christmas" at Derby Dinner today with all the girls, Paul and Jean (Bryan's mom). It was nice to just hang out at home tonight.

Emily will be here for a week, and Katie has two weeks before she goes back to school. We are planning a movie (or two), some shopping or lunch out, and just some time together.

I hope your Christmas has been a good one, and that you have a wonderful 2009!

Jan

Good News!

My MRI came back clear!!! I am cancer-free.
I had my last appointment with my plastic surgeon yesterday except for checkups (he will follow me for several years) and I went and bought a small cross necklace to commemorate the end of treatments, procedures, etc.
Tomorrow will be 18 months since my diagnosis and 17 months since my surgery.
It has been a long road, but God has seen me through, and He will continue to watch over me as I regain strength and have less pain.
My arm is still in compression, but I have noticed great improvement, and I am encouraged. I have talked to women who wore compression for a year or two and were still able to shed the sleeve at some point, so I am still asking God for that if it is His will.
My finger also seems to be improving after the steroid shot - another answer to prayer.
Katie came home from college last night, and we had dinner together.
Today she and I went shopping, and then Sarah joined us tonight for dinner. They are laughing and talking together in Katie's room right now, and I feel so blessed to have my family.
Emily is in Nashville with friends, but will come to the house Saturday for the holiday.
Unfortunately, my dad did not pass his swallow test yesterday. There is a shock treatment that they can do that may enable him to drink clear liquids. I think he will pursue it after the holiday. He is still processing the test result. I will keep you posted on his progress.
Jan

Prayers, Thanks!

I had my brain MRI today. I will get results in two days. Please pray that I have a clean brain.
I have also developed a "trigger finger", which I think is a rather violent name for a finger that bends and won't straighten back out by itself. It is the middle finger on my good (left) hand, so I would really like for it to work correctly. I had a shot of steroids into the joint today. It is supposed to behave differently in three weeks. If not, they perform a minor hand surgery to solve the problem. I would LOVE to avoid any surgery right now, so I am asking that you pray that the steroids will work.
My dad has a swallow test again tomorrow, so I am also asking for prayer that he will pass his test.
I hope that each of you are enjoying the holidays, and taking time to be with friends and family and reflecting on the meaning of Christmas in all the hustle and bustle of preparations. I have enjoyed time with my ladies' Bible study group, evenings out with Bryan and a great couple (Bard and Sheri) that we have been spending lots of time with, and some time with my daughters lately. I also am enjoying the scent of a real tree and homeade cookies. I have been able to do some baking again this year, and I love to do it.
I will probably write again before December 24th, but Merry Christmas anyway!!!
Jan

A New Adventure

Not mine, but Hunter's (Emily's boyfriend). He is in Southern California today for his first full day of training for the combine and the NFL draft. We will all miss him here in Louisville - he has become like part of the family. I know that he will be seeking Christian fellowship out there, so I am asking for prayer that he will find other Christians to worship and hang out with. He is really excited about a new challenge - the guy likes adventure.
I also have the date for my brain MRI - next Tuesday, December 16th. I will post when I have results.
Hope you are having a great Christmas season.
Jan

Update on My Eye

I met with my new family practitioner today. She is young and very proactive. I discussed the situation with my eye with her, and she is ordering an MRI of my brain for me before Christmas, so I can rest easy and enjoy the holiday with my family. I didn't know what a relief this would be to me until she suggested it. She also did some blood work to see if there is any other reason for my fatigue other than what I have been through the last 16 months. I will post the results here when I know something. Thanks for prayers!
Jan

My Eye

The PA said that the oncologist would call if I was to do anything further, and she has not called, so I will continue checking my eye daily with the chart the optometrist gave me. Thanks for your prayers and concern.
Jan