Plug removal

There is nothing quite like closing particular chapters in your life.  Although we've been through so much over the past couple of years, God has seen us, no make that 'carried' us, through each and every moment.  As we begin a new year, we have so much to be thankful for and offer all praise to our Lord and Savior for His presence in our lives.  On Thursday, February 4th Troy will undergo surgery once again however this time to remove his Port-a-cath.  Although chemotherapy stopped for him a year ago, this is a major step in bringing closure to this painful time in his life.  As we look forward to his surgery, please keep him in your prayers.

I Want My Doughnut....

I logged onto Facebook like any other day just to see how everyone is doing. Being a stay-at-home mom (and loving every minute of it) Facebook is a bit of a social outlet for me. What struck me immensely this day however, was a statement made by someone I used to work with, "life sucks". I immediately became very angry and honestly wanted to reach through my computer somehow and slap this boy! I just couldn't fathom how someone could make such a blanket statement like this when life truly is a gift! No matter what cross we must bare in life, no matter how low we may feel, no one but no one suffered like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! So as I sit here thinking, I am driven to share a very powerful story. It may be a bit long so please forgive me but believe me, it is very worth the reading....

Doughnuts

A Religion Professor named Dr. Christianson taught a required survey of Christianity course at a small college. Every freshman was required to take the course regardless of his or her major. Although he tried hard to communicate the gospel, students viewed the class as nothing more than a waste of time. One particular year Dr. Christianson had a student named Steve. Steve was the Center for the college football team and also a strong Christian who intended on going to Seminary. One day Dr. Christianson had an idea and he asked Steve to stay after class. "How many pushups can you do?" He asked. Steve said, "I do 200 every night." The professor asked Steve if he could do 300. "I have never done 300 before" Steve said, "but I think I can do it." "Good," the professor said, and he proceeded to tell his plan to Steve. Friday came and Steve got to class early. Dr. Christianson came in with a large box of fluffy, cream filled doughnuts. The class was excited, it was Friday the last class of the day, and they could start their weekend early. Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the row and asked, "Cynthia would you like a donut?" "Yes," she said. Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?" "Sure." Steve jumped down out of his desk and counted off ten pushups. Dr. Christianson laid the donut on Cynthia’s desk. Joe was next. He asked Joe the same question and Joe said "yes." Steve did 10 more pushups and the professor laid the doughnut on Joe’s desk. And so it went all the way down the first row and half way down the second until it came to Scott. He was a basketball player and friendly to female companionship. Scott replied to the professor’s question by saying, "I want the doughnut if I can do my own pushups." Dr. Christianson said, "No Steve has to do the pushups." Then Scott said, "Well I don’t want one if I can’t do my own." Dr. Christian turned around and asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so Scott can have a donut he doesn’t want." Scott said, "Hey! I said I didn’t want one!" Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts, Just leave it on the desk if you don’t want it." And he put the donut on Scott’s desk. Steve had begun to slow down a little and sweat had begun to form on his cheeks. Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?" Sternly, Jenny said, "NO!" Then Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve, would you do ten more pushups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn’t want?" Steve did ten-Jenny got a doughnut. By now a sense of uneasiness had filled the room. The students were all beginning to say "no." There were uneaten donuts on every desk. Steve was now putting forth a lot of extra effort to get the pushups done for each doughnut. A small pool of sweat was on the floor, his face was red, and you could see the sweat soaking through his shirt. Dr. Christianson asked Robert, the most vocal unbeliever in class, to watch to make sure Steve did the full ten. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. Students from other classes had come in and were sitting along the side of the room watching on. When the professor saw them he counted and saw that there were now 34 people in the room. He was worried about Steve, "Could he do that many pushups?" Jason, a recent transfer student, didn’t know what was going on and came in to see. The class yelled, "Go away! Don’t come in!" Steve picked up his head and said, "Let him come in." Jason was asked and he said "yes." "Steve will you do ten pushups so Jason can have a donut?" Steve did ten pushups very slowly and with great struggle. Jason, confused, was handed a donut and he sat down. Dr. Christianson then finished the fourth row and began on the visitors. Steve’s arms were shaking uncontrollably with each push up. By this time sweat was pouring off of his face and arms. The very last two students were cheerleaders. "Linda, do you want a donut?" Linda cried and said, "No thank you." Professor turned to Steve, "Steve would you do ten pushups so Linda can have a donut she doesn’t want?" Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow pushups for Linda. The last girl was Susan. "Susan would you like a donut?" Susan was full of tears and did not answer. "Steve, would you do ten pushups so Susan can have a donut?" Susan asked, "Dr. Christianson why can’t I help him?" Dr. Christianson had tears in his eyes also and replied, "I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party I looked at the grade book and found that Steve was the only person with a perfect grade. All of you had failed a test, skipped class, or turned in inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your pushups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."Steve slowly got up off the floor; he had done 350 pushups, his arms buckled beneath him as he started to get up. Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done good and faithful servant", said the professor, "not all sermons are preached in words class." Turning to the students the professor said, "My wish is that you may fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God did not spare His only Son but gave him up for all of us. Whether or not we accept His gift is our choice. The price has been paid. The empty tomb proves that. Wouldn’t you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?


So the next time you are feeling down on yourself and your life, please remember this precious gift and how much God truly loves you. There is no other in the world like you!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16

So I'll take my doughnut, thank you very much and I will savor each decadent bite! Thank you Lord Jesus for this precious gift of life!!!!!

Yes, we're still here

Wow it's been a while. Life has been quite busy as usual around the Turner home. Troy is really doing quite well after his treatments. It amazes me that his hair is almost back to the way it was before and he's as handsome as ever (not that he ever wasn't, he just can't look bad). He'll have to follow-up with the doctor at three months which is in May I believe and have a CT scan at 6 months which will be in August, then a PET CT at a year. He's at about 75 % of his normal energy level and I'm sure that will improve with time. He was a bit bummed this week though as he had to return to work on a full normal schedule but, we know it is for a great cause. At least he is in remission now we just need to keep him that way. We realize how much of a blessing this really is.

Many prayers go out to our dear friend and his family who is fighting his own battle right now. He knows who he is and may we just shout out to him, you are always in our thoughts and prayers! You are an inspiration and carry your cross amazingly well. We pray that you and your family have a wonderful time in Arizona! God bless you!

Again, many thanks to our dear friends and family for your prayers and love through this trial! I'll try to write on this more often and perhaps add some family info as well.

Winding it Down!

Well we made it!!! Troy received his final chemo treatment on monday! It has been such a rollercoaster ride these past 5-1/2 months, almost as if it has been one very long day. It was very surreal walking out of the hospital knowing that his treatments have finally come to an end. What we did not expect were the mixed feelings. We are so incredibly happy about his cancer going into remission and not having to endure anymore treatments but we are really going to miss the many people we have met along the way. Needless to say, phone numbers and email addresses were exchanged before we left the hospital.

Our days have been filled with so many new and interesting experiences which have touched our lives in such a way that we will never be the same. As difficult as this experience has been for all of us, God has blessed us and brought us so much closer together as a family. I am constantly amazed at how He manifests Himself in all of the experiences of our lives and draws us closer and closer to Him. Dealing with cancer has been such a humbling experience and we have been (and continue to be) brought to our knees time and time again. With each passing day, God strips more and more of the unnecessary elements away from our souls and continues to fill us with a greater desire to follow His will. What a gift it truly is!

Troy is doing fairly well. He is achy and tired and has not yet returned to work but I'm sure this is to be expected from anyone who has endured eight chemo treatments. His white blood count was a bit low as well, so we are taking precautions until his count returns to normal. He is such an amazing man though and I am constantly inspired by his endurance and strength. Many, MANY thanks to all who have been taking this journey with us and have offered their prayers and support. May God bless you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Well, all we can say is "Praise God"!!!! We went in for Troy's seventh treatment today and we received some amazing news... the results of his PET CT scan came in and Troy is officially in remission!!!! There is no trace of cancer, the scan was squeeky clean!!! What an incredible gift to start off the new year! And, since his scan came back clean, he didn't have to have the "red devil" today (you may recall by reading his older posts that this is the toughest cancer killer and the main one that causes fast growing cells of any kind to die) and will not need to receive it at his last treatment either. We are both in awe right now at the amazing power of God (as well we should be at all times). What a gift he has given us and what a blessing to live during a time when this treatment is available to us. We also met another amazing couple today at treatment. Rod and Tammy Adams. Tammy, who is only in her thirties as well, was diagnosed with colon cancer but is doing extremely well. We all sat around chatting and Troy, Rod and I played three hands of Skip Bo which made the day a lot more enjoyable for all of us. There are so many amazing people in this world of ours. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and help during this time now we just need to switch those prayers so the cancer does not return. God bless!!! It is time to celebrate!!!

Scan Day

Well tomorrow is "scan" day! Troy is scheduled for his PET CT scan tomorrow (no not a CT scan for the dog). He had to eat a high protein, low to no carbs today and was not allowed to exert himself at all which is not easy for him. In addition, he isn't allowed to eat after midnight (poor guy, he is going to be hungry since he won't be able to eat until tomorrow after his scan which is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.) He has been a bit nervous, as have I, but I feel that it is going to come out clean. I am guessing that we won't know the results of it until Monday when we go in for Troy's seventh chemo treatment so I'll have to post an update early next week. Please keep your prayers coming!

Christmas, New Years and Junk Food!

Happy New Year! We are praying for a healthier 2009 for the Turner family! We are all impatiently awaiting Troy's PET CT scan which is scheduled for Thursday, January 8th @ 12:3o pm. Troy is feeling extremely nervous about this scan (I am a little as well but am really optimistic, God has brought us this far and I just feel deep down that it is going to be a clean scan). Troy is coming to the end of his second week which is always the worst out of the three by far. Again with the mouth sores and the boils that pop up on him. Another set of antibiotics to keep his infection at bay. And so this is how it goes for Troy!! Only two more treatments though. I can hardly believe it myself, TWO?! He is sooooo looking forward to ending his treatments as am I! Hang in there baby!!!

I had some great news just before Christmas as well. As many of you may (or may not) know, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer back in 00 and had a cone biopsy to remove a portion of my cervix. I was so very lucky and did not have to undergo any sort of additional treatment. I had been doing great ever since until a couple of months ago when I started to experience a bit of bleeding. Well, I went in right away and a biopsy was done which came back benign! We were all very relieved at this news! We were pretty worried but are now feeling much better. Thank God!

We are all feeling the effects of the plethora of food made available to us over the Christmas break. We have way too much junk food around here for sure! I do really well myself most of the time until the stinking peanut butter M&M's enter my house! Extremely tasty little buggers. I'm telling them to keep out from now on though!!!! We are working towards getting in a bit better shape (it may be slow coming but we'll keep at it). Exercise does every body good!

We have had the most wonderful Christmas and New Years celebrations! We were so very blessed this year as God continues to work through those around us! Tears fill my eyes each time I think about the generosity of so many people, family, friends and strangers who bless us each day! Thank you for a wonderful and memorable Christmas season! Here's to a blessed and healthy 09 for all!!!!!

Whew Round 6 is done

What a day! We had a fun drive into McKayDee Hospital on Monday morning as we drove there on a bit of an icerink but we finally made it. We arrived there just shortly after 9:30 am. The receptionist said that she had already had about 6 people call to cancel their appointments for that day due to the snow, so it really wasn't as busy there as most Mondays. We met with Dr. Hansen and he said that, on physical examination, Troy looks great! What wonderful news! He said that he wanted to schedule another PET CT scan for a couple of weeks after this treatment to check if the cancer is in remission. This will take place on Thursday, January 8th. We are both very excited and a bit nervous but are looking forward to seeing the results. So far, Troy is doing fairly well (although the first week isn't generally the bad one). He's a bit sore and tired but all in all is doing really well. We are both so very grateful for the advances in medicine. Thank you to everyone who contines to pray and help us during this difficult time in our lives. May God bless and keep you!

Tomorrow is Cocktail Day

Well tomorrow is round 6. Neither of us are very excited that this has to take place during the week of Christmas but we are both so very thankful that these treatments are doing their job! What is sad is how much more common cancer has become over the years and how many people have been affected by this tragic disease. This Christmas, and always, I pray for all who have been touched by cancer. May their lives be filled with the love and joy of Christ!

I will give you all an update on Troy within the week. Until then, have a blessed Christmas!

Praise be to God!

This is an amazing video that potrays how incredible Jesus truly is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiexiAVLX_c&feature=related

Thanks to all who have reached out to us....

'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' ~Matthew 25: 35-40

Just Thinking

I am overwhelmed with the kindness of so many people. Family, friends and strangers alike have reached out with their hearts and hands to help us during this difficult time in our lives. We are so very blessed! As we go through this Christmas season, we are constantly reminded of God's many graces and gifts to each of us. I know that Troy, myself and our girls will remember this Christmas with great love and fondness for all who have (and continue to) help us celebrate the birth of our Savior. There are honestly no words in our language (or I'm sure any other for that matter) to describe how thankful we are for each and every one of you!!! We both hope and pray that all are filled with the peace and love of Christ this Christmas season. There honestly is no greater joy than to look for Jesus in every experience of our lives. May the many memories you make with family and friends this Christmas fill your hearts with great joy and anticipation!

God bless!

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30