"My brothers (and sisters), count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2,3

I am trying to include things I am learning along the way and there are so many it is difficult to choose but this was a good lesson. I need patience for this situation in so many ways. For waiting on appointments, and not feeling well, and so I won't be grumpy with others and for insurance issues and for the long months of treatment. I realized that if my faith had not already been tested and patience produced in me, this experience would be so much harder for me and for those around me. So I am learning to "count it all joy."

I am happy to report that I have completed 9 weeks of chemotherapy successfully. I now get at least 6 weeks without the healing poison. This week I will get a CT scan so we can see what the cancer looks like now compared to the November scan. February 11th I meet with the doctor to decide when surgery will be. As far as I understand the surgery will be a hysterectomy and removal of any visible cancer. We know the cancer has shrunk but we won't know how much until we see the scan.

Please pray that I will  not be worried or anxious about the surgery. Pray that there will not be any negative surprises with the surgery. I am hoping no other organs are involved.

I have continued to be spoiled with kindness in the form of prayers, hugs, cards, gifts and food. I received a lovely gift from a friend this week as well as a care package from a Thirty-one sister who has a ministry to cancer patients. When I was at Fox Chase this week I was able to connect with Josephine again and met another lady, Linda, who was there for her first consult. I was so pleased that God enabled me to encourage someone else. This is another lesson in enduring trials... "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3,4