I bet you folks are as tired of my bad news as I am, but sorry all, but there's more to share...
My cancer is acting up again, something I've suspected for a few weeks now. I've had scans which show it to have seeded itself into quite a bit of my intestines and possibly neck and back vertebral bones. (For some reason they aren't 100% sure about the bones.) All my docs continue to encourage agressive treatment, so I begin chemotherapy again on Tuesday 8/26.
Tiffany's back now, so that's been splendid. She helps with everything when I don't have the get-up-and-go to do my share. I cannot imagine the state of our house or yard if she weren't here! She's also stacking hay during the day so Andy can sleep. During last cutting he had to bale all night, then stay up all day to stack it... it was atrocious. So thank goodness for Tiffany!
And we're doing well. We really are. Battles are a part of life now and these kind are really good reminders of the most important things... to not get bogged down with life's little irritations and troubles.
My cancer is acting up again, something I've suspected for a few weeks now. I've had scans which show it to have seeded itself into quite a bit of my intestines and possibly neck and back vertebral bones. (For some reason they aren't 100% sure about the bones.) All my docs continue to encourage agressive treatment, so I begin chemotherapy again on Tuesday 8/26.
Tiffany's back now, so that's been splendid. She helps with everything when I don't have the get-up-and-go to do my share. I cannot imagine the state of our house or yard if she weren't here! She's also stacking hay during the day so Andy can sleep. During last cutting he had to bale all night, then stay up all day to stack it... it was atrocious. So thank goodness for Tiffany!
And we're doing well. We really are. Battles are a part of life now and these kind are really good reminders of the most important things... to not get bogged down with life's little irritations and troubles.
Let me tell you too, about miracles. In the last few days I've gotten so many emails and calls from friends who knew nothing about the current struggle we're facing, but they say, "Michelle, you've been on my mind so much the last little bit. I just want to check in with you, let you know I'm thinking of you." That is absolute proof to me of the miracle that someone greater than themselves is guiding their lives and thoughts. It is hard for me to take in, but it happens and it keeps us going. And Tammy C, far away in Europe, I hope you read this... this seems the quickest way to get a message to you and let you know your letter meant more than we can say. Thank you! And a heartfelt thanks to all the rest of you too, who are standing behind us, encouraging us in this battle.
49 comments:
I honestly have had a pit in my stomach this week and you've been SOOOO on my mind!!! I love your spirit and just want you to know that I feel the increase in faith as you continue to pay the price or sacrifice...and I'm reaping so much spiritually! Wow...if I can only put it to use like you have!! I know it doesn't make sense and everything is so heavy...by the grace of God you keep on inspiring!! Hugs, hugs and more hugs to you all! L
Michelle, you just manage to continue on with that amazing positive attitude and inner strength no matter what pops up next in your life. No wonder you're the inspiration you are to so many others, even ones like me who've never met you. Not great news about this latest turn of events, but I know you'll see it through with the same grace & courage as always.
Love, a california friend
Number me with those who have had you on their minds more than usual the past week. Now I know why. I am bummed that you are back in battle, but am comforted by the perpective you both have. I'm sitting here without the words to express my heart, so I'll just send hugs from us to you.
Love, Michelle and Morgan
We continue to think of you often....and hope you'll continue to have some good quality days in between the new chemo sessions. What a cute picture of you two by the wagon!
Thanks for an update from the front lines. Sorry to hear you're facing more chemo. I'm glad you have help, and I wish you well with your treatments.
Love and thoughts and prayers... May peace be your friend in the days ahead.
Andy Ray & Michelle,
I feel like sister Michelle with no words to express my heart, but thinking about you so so so much. Sorry to hear that you are off to battle again, but thankful for the attitude you have about it. Nice to hear that Tiff is back again! Sending many thoughts, hugs, & love your way, Mo
Oh Michelle, we are thinking of you so much... I am not very good with words and everyone else has expressed what I am feeling so much more eloquently than I can. You looked SO good just a few short weeks ago when we saw you... you definitely have youth, general good health, a powerful positive attitude, and a beautiful spirit on your side. I know these things will all boost the odds as much as possible. Your cancer has always responded well to chemo in the past, so we are hopeful that it will knock it "flat on its face" again and hope the side effects are not too awful. We will be checking frequently for updates on the blog and from mom. With MUCH love and support and care and prayers for both you and Andy. Chris B. & family
P.S. I LOVE the picture by the wagon. Was Ty the photographer again? ~Chris B.
Michelle, count me in too with those who've been thinking about you! Sorry to hear the news, but like others have said, you have an amazingly positive attitude in the face of adversity! Glad you've got some help around there (especially with haying season in full swing). Know that we're thinking of you and hope to hear how that chemo. is kicking the cancer out the back door!:)-Mike, Traci, Justin and Jarin K.
Dearest Michelle and Andy
Our thoughts are always with you and even more so now. Go forth in God's love and know we are fighting with you in prayer.
Love,
Retha
Dear folks, my heart sank today when I checked in on your blog. You do such a wonderful job of keeping us all lifed up by expressing your upbeat spirit. Our thoughts and hope will be with you as you start another round of chemo, Michelle. Linda L
This news just sucked the air out of me. I hate that you have to do more battle with the horrible C. You will most definitely be in our hearts and prayers. And can you show Tiffany(I wonder if she is a relative?) how to give us far flung folks an update every so often? It seems that all she has to occupy her time is the house, the yard and the hay!:) Hugs to you.
Can't add anything more to what has been said here other than our own personal love and care. We too love your attitude and spirit and are rearranging our own attitudes and priorities recognizing from your example the way thing ought to be. I love Andy's attitude too, becuz it just shows faith in a power beyond himself. We love you both are are grateful too for Tiffany's help through this too. LOVE THE PIC by the way!!
Andy and Michelle, I've been thinking of you both and keeping you in prayers. I haven't met either one of you yet I feel that I do know you just because Jen is so very fond of you and speaks of you often. Keep up the good thoughts and know that we're all rooting for you. Chari from Wisconsin
Michelle,
I just want to express again my admiration for your great spirit through all of this. Along with others, I feel humbled by how you have shown us that the grace of God can get you through the battle. When I first read this blog, that hymn 283 came to mind. You and Andy have shown us all the strength of gettleness and meekness. How wonderful that not only have you drawn closer to God, but so many others have too.
Continue to know we are all loving you and hoping that things will turn around soon.
Vicki
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear you are facing chemo again! Like everyone has said, your attitude and spirit is simply amazing!! We are thinking of you!!
Love and Hugs!!!
Janet
Michelle,
Want to express my thanks to you for your blog, updates, and pictures. Don't have the privilege of knowing you really well...but am glad for the updates you give us all. You are an encouragement to so many of us for so many reasons. Don't forget we will be thinking of you as you keep battling this. Glad for all the help you have, even around the place. Keep us posted when you can. Thank you!
Ralna B.
I don't know that I have much to add, it seems that everyone else has expressed my thoughts and feelings for me. I think of you often, and but seems I don't get a message sent your direction very often. Your perspective on the battle ahead is inspiring, encouraging, and humbling at the same time. Thanks for the beautiful example of how to submit to God's plan.
Andy & Michelle... I missed seeing you at Cody this year, but have been glad for this way to check in and see how life is going for you. Sorry to hear that the battle is continuing with the Big C.. but your attitude and spirit about it all encourages us. Thoughts and Greetings from the North Mariana Island of Saipan.
Just thinking about you tonight...I always get my perspective realigned and my attitude adjusted when I check your blog (and I don't even have to pay for it). Chemo tomorrow - what a drag...my thoughts will be with you!
-megan o.
Michelle, I found your blog while 'blog-hopping'! (Maybe it was from Tom & Stacie's?) Anyways, I check in quite often to see how you're doing. I think it is time to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you and cheering you on. You are inspiring to me . . . and we've never met! Your positive attitude amazes me and I'm thankful that you have such spiritual depth to see you through this. You are often in my thoughts . . . take care and keep encouraged . . . from Michelle (another one!) in Canada
Dear Andy & Michelle, Just to let you know that our hearts are with you every step of the way. I've thought about our meeting yesterday...how real and alive it felt...and how good it was to be together. God be with you.
Love, Darrell, Bonnie, & Lex
My heart just broke when Mom told me to check your blog because the cancer was back. When Gramma was dieing of ALS, she found so much strength in the hymn 'I Will Leave It All to Jesus'. It's such an example to us that you can be so positive and leave your future in God's hands. We will be thinking of you and Andy and hope everythings works out how it's supposed to.
Much love to you.
Craig, Jocelyn, Brooklyn and Hadley
You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. You are such a strong and smiling person! We just heard at our conventions that we need to not focus on the battle but on the rewards that God has for us. I can see that being lived out in you, and it is amazing. Remember that you are thought of way out here in Mount Vernon, WA. Keep up the great smile, and know we are all rootin' for ya! Love, Beth & Nick
Michelle,
You're spirit is sooo inspiring to us. To write my thoughts would be repetitive of everyone elses. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Keep on fighting the fight!
Oh Michelle! Mindi Kay came and read your blog to me but could hardly finish through her tears! We want you to know we appreciate your spirit in the fight and one of these days we hope you get the best of that cancer bug that wants to invade every part of your body, it seems! Love you! Lorna and Garland
Ogallala Greetings ~ we are taking our stand with/by all the other fellow-soldiers in this re-newed battle against that lousy invasive c-bug! We have greatest admiration for the way you two fight with every tool you are given, and yet, manifest such a beautiful trust in God. I wonder if you realize how much you have helped the rest of us in facing life's struggles!
We all love you!
Don and Jeanie
Andy and Michelle- We are so grateful for people like you who see the big picture, especially in a time when it would be much easier to be consumed by the sound and fury of the battle surrounding you. There is obviously something in your life much bigger than cancer. We're grateful for that most of all.
Our thoughts are with you- Brian & Kosha O.
Oh Michelle (and Andy)so sorry to hear your news. Our thoughts are with you. Thanks for the reminder of what realy matters in the grand scheme of things! Keep your chin up.
Heather and family
Front lines is right, wow, wish we could all pool our strength and love and carry you right through this! You know we'd all love the chance to DO something. I love what you said about not fearing the outcome though, even when the outcome of tests is so rotten the fear would definitely make it worse... Glad Tiff is back. Thinking of Andy so much, you are both an inspiration. Much Love, Marcia
Dear Andy and Michelle, Encouragement is when I feel your courage... You are very close in heart even though thousands of miles seperate us. Thank you for showing us what it means to truly trust the future to the One that plans the best for all of us. Take care.....
Michelle and Andy,
I have been thinking so much about you lately and once again I am refreshed with your positive attitude. Keep looking up and all the best in the days to come. Much love,
Byron, Jane and Sally
When I think of you and your loved ones (often!), the line of that hymn comes to mind..."Forget them not in solitude, when breathing earnest prayer, that God may think on them for good, and bless them everywhere..."
In many ways this is such a solitary experience. I'm glad the Comforter has promised to draw near and stay near. Thank you for letting us witness that in your life.
Ditto to what others have said....your positive attitude and faith is an inspiration, and that's without ever meeting you in person. :-)
Thinking about you, and sending our wishes for the BEST. Thank you again for sharing via your blog for those of us who don't know you as well or at all. Your struggle, your wonderful spirit, your joy.
Beautiful picture!
Much Love.
Our hearts are in Denver as you do battle there. Like your spirit and attitude, your photography captures the beauty in the moment and the sublime in the ordinary. Your flower photos are so lovely I can SMELL them! Thank you for your beautiful lives, Michelle and Andy Ray. We love you...J and J in Laramie
Michelle and Andy Ray, You've got to be the strongest couple in the world! We love you both through Pat's vivid descriptions over the years....and our prayers are with you both to just enjoy every day, every hug and every sloppy kiss from the critters. I think just watching the clouds seemed to give me the most peace and to feel the slight rustle of the leaves in the wind...simple things are often the best...just hug each other -alot. love always, bonnie and paul
Michelle and Andy, smell the flowers, hug each other and kiss the critters...watch the clouds and feel the a cool breeze on your cheek...please take the time which I know you have -I feel I know you through Pat over the course of time -you have our support and I'm with you in spirit at every chemo-so just keep your perspective and focus-you've got a strong will -are a strong woman and keep the KIck-butt -I know you have! Love always, Bonnie & Paul
Hugs to you- I to have been thinking of you lately-our special days in WI are approaching and was thinking of seeing Shawna there so of course was thinking of you also. Likes others have said your spirit always amazes me and I think so often if I could just have a portion of attitude Michelle does- Just know our thoughts are with you.
Michelle, You have been in our thoughts alot lately. Shawna was actually at our house when she heard the news. I just want you to know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. I cannot put into words how I feel, but just wanted to let you know how much everyone loves and cares about you. :)
Michelle, You have been in our thoughts alot lately. Shawna was actually at our house when she heard the news. I just want you to know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. I cannot put into words how I feel, but just wanted to let you know how much everyone loves and cares about you. :)
Greetings from Hungary--just wanting you to know that we had four profess from here, between the Budapest and Vienna Conventions!! That means we have doubled in numbers!! You have so much to give, we just wanted to give you some good news too!! Keep your armour of light on--it is brightly shining all the way around the world. Love back, the H team
I've also been thinking of you the past few weeks, not sure what to say. Stay Strong, Live Strong, and always be rejoicing.
Greetings from Montana... We have been thinking about you since we heard too. I have loved reading what you have to say and the responses you get that through your spirit you strengthen others and encourage us all on in our own personal fight. Keep it up Michelle. We love you!
Michelle (and Andy),
I just had to leave you a note to let you know how much we think of you. Your spirit is so encouraging! It just reminds me so much of how grateful we can be we don't have to go through these experiences alone! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Thinking of you!
Michelle and Andy, we have thought of you often these past weeks and yes, you are truly an inspiration to us. Your blog is beautiful - both your spirit that shows through and your photgraphy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
John and Esther
One thing that is clearly evident to all of us who have the privilege of looking on your life, is that you have kept your spiritual resume' more up-to-date than your natural resume'; for that we are so thankful! Your example and trust in God inspires all of us to keep on keeping on! You are in our thoughts & prayers. We can be so thankful that our God will never give us more than we can bear!
((HUGS))
You are amazing in everything you do!! You are an inspiration to me and my faith. More hugs and prayers from here in Montana!
Michelle,Your courage and positive attitude in the face of such adversity speaks volumes. We have never met, but your spirit has touched my heart through your blog. Traci K. and I are friends and I found your blog through hers. In God's family we are so connected. I want you to know that you are in my prayers as well. May our Heavenly Father bring you comfort and continue to strenthen your heart and Andy's for the days ahead.
A sister in Christ, Patty (Houston)
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