Cottage of Memories

my one little word

every year my friend Ali posts a story about her 'one little word' for the year and every year i try and join along.

i usually pick a word, but time gets away from me and i ususally don't end up doing much with it, other than remembering it and trying to keep it a focus in my life. 

sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't - because life happens, and i'm okay with that.

it may come as no surprise, based upon my recent posts, that the word i have chosen for this year is

BELIEVE

as i mentioned before, the center where i was treated and where my oncologist was is called the Willamette Valley Cancer Research Institute, and they also call themselves the 'Believe Institute'.

i haven't gone many places where i haven't seen this word in posters, advertising, christmas ornaments, etc and so i want to concentrate on this word.

as a 'sub' word for the year, i'll also be concentrating on the word

FRIEND

so many people sent me cards, e-mails, letters and phone calls to wish me well and tell me they were praying for me. it really taught me a lesson - when i'm prompted to send a card or and e-mail or make a phone call, to just do it. because you never know when you'll bless someone, or receive a blessing from them. i need to be a better friend.

so, if you're inclined, head on over to Ali's blog and post your 'one little word'. you never know the journey it will take you on

a blessing is provided every day

As Dr. Lewis had instructed, i waited for a call from the oncologists office, and as promised, they called the next morning. i had been assigned Dr. Dotters, whose office was with Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center.

(now, if you know me at all, you know i don't like change. when Dr. Lewis said he wouldn't be performing the surgery, i was taken a bit off guard. the reason was because the surgery was due to cancer, and an oncologist would have to perform it. wait . . . . .he's taken care of me for 17 years - ever since i was pregnant with Sami. would there be anyone who would care for me and take such good care of me as he has done all of these years ? )

so, what's a girl to do ? i prayed. i prayed that God would provide a caring and compassionate doctor who would listed to me, answer all my questions and who mark and i would be comfortable around. after all, she'll be doing some major 'girl' surgery and i wanted to be calm in her presence.

and then, that night, i looked up on the internet the WVCI to see if i could find a photo of the her - i wanted to get an idea of who would be a part of my life.

and what a blessing i found. not only did i find her photo - and i felt calm when i saw it - i also saw a photo of a friend from bible study who is a radiologist and a colleague of Dr. Dotters ! oh Lord - thank you for showing me the photo of Julie ! what a blessing that was for me - another sign from God that he is in control.

i felt led to call Julie the next night to put my mind at ease regarding my care. God's timing was perfect and i reached her just as she was leaving her office.  she was gracious enough to talk to me for a few minutes and answer my questions once i told her of my cancer diagnosis.

when i told her i had been assigned Dr. Dotters, she said to me ' She's the best, and you'll be in the care of an amazing surgeon and woman'.

again, God is covering every detail.

Psalm 55:22 - Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you.

dr lewis

july , 2012

such a caring and compassionate man and doctor.

i am blessed to have him as my gynecologist and to be caring for me

when he called to tell me the findings of my biospy results, he took the time to explain everything and answer any questions i had.

he was patient during the pauses in our conversation as i cried.

he called again on Friday to see how i was doing - and how i was sleeping. he said that if i needed them, he would prescribe sleep aides - but i didn't need them.

he was also pleased that i had been assigned under the care of Dr. Dotters as my oncologist. she is highly sought and highly recommended.

my 125c blood test came back with good results too.

i am blessed that he took time me. . .again.