Our Family

Our Family

Contact

For Contact information about the administration of this blog please email jmkbuett@gmail.com
Copyright Jordan Street and Jenna Buettemeyer 2014. Powered by Blogger.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Friendships

After 3 rounds of chemo, this by far has been the least with side effects. I have had a little tingling in my feet and hands, but nothing compared to last time. I could see where it would be so easy to give into side effects or just not feeling the greatest and have a pity party. Tony finished cleaning up his mom's apartment and I wasn't much help to him. We went to our favorite place "Black Hawk Grill" in Pea Ridge for lunch. I wasn't up to par today and came home and decided to take a nap. It would have been easy just to stay in bed for the rest of the day. Our friend, Richard Knipple, retired from Kraft after 30 years and they had a party at his house to celebrate his retirement. I didn't want to miss out because he is the man that shaved my head and I knew it would be good to be around friends and to honor him. I am so thankful that I went. As the night went on, I began to feel better each moment. Being around others really lifts my spirits and makes me realize we are not alone in this journey. I am so thankful for all the friendships the Lord has blessed us with. Fellowship with others and taking your mind off yourself is great medicine!

Back row: Susan Byrum, Lyn Helsley, Julie Asbill, Susan Goss, Lisa Frank, me,
Front row: Cindy Knipple, Cathy Faber, Shonda Painter, Richard & Kathryn Knipple

Ephesians 3:14-19 "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Thank you to my friends for the common bond we share in Him and the strength I draw from your prayers and friendship, even for those friends that are far away, I am still so grateful for the friendships that I have with each of you.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Friday, March 30, 2012

Friday and Family Time

Another great day to celebrate life and health. I woke up and felt "normal" and rejoiced of how well I was feeling. I picked Hudson up from Mother's Day out and we had a great afternoon together. We met Lisa Frank at Crystal Bridges to go for a walk. Elizabeth Smith and her sister, Jennifer, were there as well with baby Elijah so we all walked together. Great being out with friends and enjoying God's creation.

Hudson played outside all day and loves it when G-Pa gets home. He even helped G-Pa mow the yard today.

David (Jordan's boyfriend) is in town this weekend so the whole family, Bryan, Jenna, Jordan, David, Tony and myself decided to go see "The Hunger Games". It was nice having us all together and us girls enjoyed the movie the 2nd time around.
David, Jordan,Me,Tony,Jenna,Bryan

Thankful for God's blessings of the day. "Today is the day the Lord has made and we can rejoice and be glad in it."

Thursday, March 29, 2012

A Normal Day After Chemo

Thankful to say today was an ordinary day. I never know what the day after chemo is going to feel like, but it felt as normal as normal can be. The only side effect I had most of the day was my neck and face were flushed but thankful not to have any tingling or numbness. I'm sure people looked at me and thought I looked like I was embarrassed but you never know what chemo will do to your body. How blessed I am for very minimum side effects and especially with no sickness. I was able to go to work and be there all day, then come home to spend time with Hudson, Jenna and Jordan while Tony and Bryan moved Grandma's stuff into storage with the help of a dear friend, Richard Knipple. Hudson loves to sit in my lap and watch videos of himself. It is funny how long he can sit and watch so many different ones I have on my phone. If he laughs in the video, he laughs in person, but if he cries in the video, he falls apart and cries in person. I forgot about the video when we went to Gentry Safari and the Zebra puts his head in the car window and Jenna screams. Hudson was watching that video and when Jenna screamed, he jumped and fell apart and wouldn't stop crying. Jordan had to take him outside to get him to calm down. He is exactly like Bryan was when he was little. Such a sweet little guy and he brings so much joy into our lives.

I pray I will never take a day for granted that the Lord has blessed me with and see His goodness in whatever the day brings forth. I was able to see, walk, talk, touch, hear, eat, etc. and all the blessings that come from the Lord and I am thankful to know they are all gifts from Him. "Today is the day the Lord has made and I am thankful to say, I have rejoiced and I am glad in it."

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Fasting with Faith

Today was a little questionable about having chemo. Went in for blood work at 8:00am and finally got word at 9:00 that my counts had risen to 1200. Dr Ivy wanted them to be at 1500 but felt I would be okay to have it at 1200. He was in the chemo room when we arrived. We discussed the plan of action for the coming days. He said he wanted to wait 5 weeks before doing the surgery. Since the white blood cell count has been down the last 2 times before chemo he felt like my body needed more time to recover. This will help shorten the recovery time. We asked about having a CT scan before surgery but he also feels there is not a need until after all of my treatments. With that being said, I will have 3 more rounds of chemo after surgery. My first reaction inside of me was "oh no I was hoping it would end sooner." I'm trusting in God for a complete healing and know He's ultimately in control and he is using Dr Ivy to treat me. There is no doubt I'm in the right place for treatment and would rather endure it all now than to prolong it down the road. It makes me sad to think I might be missing our summer youth trips. While I was working on typing all this info, the doctors assistant gave me paper work that my surgery will be April 30th. This will probably be the last time I have chemo with this group of ladies. They are at the end of their journeys. I will keep each one in my prayers. Regina's husband was with her today and they received word that his mom passed away last night. We all are either coming out of a storm, going through a storm or about to go into a storm. Not sure how people make it through this life without knowing the One who saves us and carries us thru these storms.

I finished chemo 2 hours after all the other ladies, but that was okay with me because I was able to hang out with the 2 nurses and enjoyed visiting with both of them. I had Tony drop me off at Studio 412 so I could attend the youth services tonight. After sitting in a recliner for over 6 hours it felt good to be out and seeing people. Hutch finished up a series the youth have been doing for the past 8 weeks. He reminded those that were fasting for me that there is only 1 week left. How blessed I am that so many are on this journey with me and praying so much for my healing. This round #3 of chemo by far had me walking away feeling really good and not worn out. Could it be God is hearing prayers? Matthew 21:22 "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Thank you to all of you that have given something up these past 30 days to draw closer to the Lord and pray for my healing. It's working!!!!! To God be the Glory, great things He is doing!

"Today is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Wednesday-Chemo...Round #3

Thank you Emma!!! I love this!!

What a beautiful picture to have a young girl, Emma Tilmon 11 years old, bring this gift to me today with a huge smile on her face. She was beaming with delight when she handed it to me. Knowing God is using young kids to pray for me is such an amazing testimony of His love. Tomorrow will be round #3 of chemo for me. While I was at lunch with friends today, I received a phone call from the doctor's office telling me my white blood cell count was too low to receive chemo. I have to go in at 8:00am in the morning to have more blood drawn. My count is at 1085 and has to be at 1500. I have perfect peace of Who is in control and will trust in Him to get my numbers where they need to be. Thank you to Michele Holzhauser that sent me this verse tonight to encourage me and let me know she would be praying for me. Matthew 8:17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases." I am thankful to worship a God that already knows all I need and is the One that still performs miracles today.

Tony was able to get his mom (Grandma) into the nursing home later today and what a blessing it was for him to leave her there this time. The Bentonville Manor has been remodeled and her room has a new bed, dresser, chair and a flat screen t.v. and he said it didn't smell. Thank you for all the prayers offered up on his and his mom's behalf. We should have her apartment cleaned out on Thursday night with everything in storage.

Another blessing to me, is seeing so many wearing my "Believing for Janet" bracelets. Someone asked me yesterday if I realized how loved I am. It still overwhelms me that so many think and pray for me and my family. I am so grateful for this time in my life and knowing God already had everything planned for me and would carry me through something that I didn't want to ever have to face. Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Thank you Jesus that everything is in your hands and you are carrying me through each new day.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Monday, March 26, 2012

Laying Up Treasures

What a beautiful day the Lord blessed us with. It was good to be back at work and I am so thankful to have a job that I enjoy. I don't really consider it a job since I love what I do, working with young people on a daily basis. After work I met Tony at his mom's apartment to start the cleaning out/sorting process. Makes you realize how temporary our "things" really are. Grandma is about to be 75 years of age in May and there is very little she can take with her to the Nursing Home. It's sad to think she will never be able to live alone again and all the things she has collected will more than likely be going to someone else. Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." I've heard this verse for a long time but today it really hit home. We work so hard to try and gain so much in our lives, but in the end, nothing really matters, except for our eternity. Luke 12:15 And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Grandma is still in the hospital waiting for a release to go into the nursing home. We pray that happens tomorrow, Tuesday.

While we were working, Susan Byrum brought us a wonderful homemade dinner with her famous strawberry cake. What a blessing to have so many friends willing to help us out this week. We appreciate all the phone calls and texts from friends wanting to give us support with packing, cleaning or with whatever needs we might have. God continues to show His great love through so many. We accomplished a lot tonight and plan to finish boxing up everything tomorrow night so Tony can move all Grandma's stuff into storage before Saturday.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Hanging in There

Today has been mixed emotions for me and Tony. We are thankful to have 18 years of marriage together and decided since we couldn't go anywhere with Grandma (Tony's mom) in the hospital and with my condition, we took the day to enjoy being together. We had Bryan, Jenna & Hudson over for lunch along with Jordan, then Tony and I went to the hospital to visit Grandma. We decided to go on a hike this evening and enjoy the beautiful weather God had given us. There are amazing places all around us to hike and enjoy.

Tanyard Creek waterfall in Bella Vista

Lower area of waterfall

Our looks sure have changed over the 18 years :) "But we are still together"

Me on the hiking trail

This next week will be a little challenging but with God on our side, we will make it through. Ephesians 3:16 "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being." Tony's mom will be moved to a nursing home tomorrow while we begin to prepare her apartment that has furniture and stuff in it to go into storage by Saturday to keep from paying more rent. I will also have my 3rd round of chemo on Wednesday and want to be able to help Tony out as much as I can. There is no doubt that God is carrying us through each day and we put our hope and trust in Him. Thankful for our friends that are always willing to help us out and the prayers that are being offered up on our behalf. II Corinthians 1:11 "You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many."

"Today is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Happy Anniversary!! 18 Wonderful Years






Tony Pate became my husband 18 years ago on March 25th. I am so thankful for how God orchestrated our lives together. We started out with 4 children and now have a family of 16 total (that includes 7 grandchildren, 2 daughter-in-laws and a son-in-law). Tony is a man I would say "Yes" to all over again, or for the first time, because I think he said yes to me first. We began our journey together in Lubbock, TX in 1994 and now have been in Bentonville, AR for the past 15 years. He's helped me raise my 2 kids from when Bryan was 8 and Jordan was 5. He has always provided a secure home and shown my children his love for their mom with the utmost respect and honor. Anything we have needed, he has provided. He taught my kids morals and values, and there was never a question if church was an option on Sunday mornings. He protected Bryan and Jordan in so many ways, even when it wasn't popular with them or their friends. I don't think they ever had to doubt if he was serious when he said no. His yes's have always meant yes and his no's have always meant no. Proverbs 20:7 "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him." All 4 of our children and their families are involved in church today and are seeking the Lord in their lives. How much more blessed can a person be than knowing your kids are striving to honor God with their lives.

I've also witnessed a man that has loved his mom and cared for her. He calls her or goes by and checks on her everyday. I Timothy 5:4 "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." Thank you Tony for loving your mom (aka Grandma) and taking care of her even though it hasn't been easy.

Since my diagnosis in February I have seen my husband grow more in love with me and cherish our marriage more than ever. We've had an amazing marriage all 18 years and Tony has been my best friend the whole time. I didn't realize how much sweeter it was going to get, but it has. I have been shown so much love by him. There is no doubt this man would do anything for me - he even shaved his head. He has honored our vows "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, til death do us part" Ecclesiastes 9:9 "Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun." I can truly say we enjoy our lives together and appreciate every moment God has given us.






Thank you Tony Pate for being my bestest friend ever. Thank you for saying yes to me 18 years ago. I am so thankful for the path and journey God has put us on together and I am looking forward to many more years to spend with you. Happy Anniversary to my "darlin" I love you so much!!!! We are BLESSED!!!!

"Today is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Friday, March 23, 2012

Prayers and Wisdom Needed

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Today hasn't been an easy day but we can still rejoice in it. Tony's mom (aka Grandma) fell in her apartment on Tuesday night around 11:00pm and laid there until he went by to check on her Wednesday around 5:00pm. She was taken to the hospital and after several tests were ran, everything checked out okay for her with no broken bones or damage to her body. Unfortunately, she will no longer be able to live by herself due to the fact she is getting weaker and not taking care of herself. This has been difficult for Tony now with his wife and mom having issues. She will be discharged on Monday to go into a nursing home. We will have to wait and see how she does with physical therapy before any more steps can be taken. We are praying she will improve and be able to go into an Assisted Living. James 1:2-6 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. but let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." I'm asking for prayers for my husband, that God will give him and his brother the wisdom they need and the faith to receive it and take care of their mom according to His plan for her.

I wanted to show how many hats I now have and the majority of them have been given to me. I probably should invest in another hat rack since this one is getting so crowded.
18 hats and 3 scarves :)

We arrived home from the midnight showing of the Hunger Games at 3:00am this morning. We all (me, Jenna & Jordan) loved the movie! Thankful to have another day to sleep in before Sunday.

Thank you Jesus for another day of your many blessings!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Hunger Games

There's a lot of talk about the new movie "Hunger Games". Not sure why, but I'm one of the crazy ones going to the midnight show. Jordan convinced me during the Thanksgiving break to start reading the books and I was hooked almost immediately. I'm not much on reading but I did enjoy all 3 books. Jordan, Jenna and I are all going together to join the rest of the insane people. I must admit, I'm excited to see this movie. We are tag teaming with Jenna on keeping Hudson and all of us getting naps in before the movie tonight. She brought him over today so she could take a nap, then tomorrow since Jordan and I get to sleep in, she will bring him over again so she can take a nap because she has to work a 12 hour shift on Saturday. Just in case I haven't said it before, "we love this little guy."

Hudson on Jordan's bed being silly

I love getting cards in the mail and appreciate all the cards that have been sent to me. I received this card today and fell in love with the saying. Meagan "Zumwalt" sent this.
"Let's kick some cancer butt"

Several have asked how I am feeling and I can tell you I feel great and wouldn't know anything was different except having a bald head. I'm truly enjoying having great health and feeling good. Psalms 41:3 "The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health." My Lord and Savior is the One carrying me in this journey and I have no doubt it is by His grace that my life and health are being restored and renewed each new day. Thank you Jesus for all you are doing for me each moment of my life.

"Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Hats vs Hair

I can say I am thankful for a bald head today. There are a lot of reasons to be thankful for no hair and I want to list a few. 1. When it rains, you don't have to worry about your hair getting messed up. 2. Trying on clothes, you don't have to worry about your hair getting messed up. 3. Never have to worry about the wind messing up your hair, just worry about the hat blowing off. 4. There are some really great hats in stores now that go on a bald head really well.

Jordan and I went out shopping for Easter dresses. It's been several years since I bought a new dress. We put on our rain boots, hats and rain jackets and headed to our Promenade Mall (you have to be outside to get from store to store). It has been raining here for several days and there weren't a lot of people out today so we felt we had the stores to ourselves. We both had success and we both bought new hats.

There were several people that commented on my hat Sunday at church and said they love hats but feel weird wearing one to church. I am being selfish and asking the ladies, since the men shaved their heads for me, that the girls and ladies can wear hats in my honor for Easter. It would be great to go to church and see other ladies wear hats besides me. Jordan found a really cute hat today to wear. I have so many hats and really don't need more, but found another cute one. I'm telling you this bald thing could become a new trend for me. I am enjoying the new style.

I've seen several comments on Facebook about people upset about the weather. Seems like more complaints about the weather than anything else. I wish people would see the weather as a blessing from the Lord, no matter if it's raining, snowing, windy, dry, etc. He has created all things and instead of complaining, look for reasons to praise Him. If you are able to see, feel, eat, walk, etc. you are more blessed than so many in this world. There are people in hospitals right now that would give anything to see or feel the weather and may never get a chance to.

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I don't think God intended on us complaining about the day He has made. :)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring Break

This is our school's Spring Break week, and there is not a lot going on with our work schedule, so Jordan and I have enjoyed some time of relaxing and taking it easy. Well that is questionable, she wanted to repaint her room and somehow I am part of the painting process. Several have been shocked that we are painting again. Yes we just painted her room last year's Spring Break and this is probably the 4th time we have painted her room in the last 10 years.

Jordan painting

Bald me painting

We usually have our twin granddaughters from California here with us during Spring Break. We weren't sure how I would be feeling after chemo, so we never booked their flights to bring them here. I am sad Kimberly and Kaitlyn aren't with us and we miss them so much. These girls are the sweetest teenage girls you will ever meet.

Kimberly and Kaitlyn

I am having a very good week. My appetite is back and I feel really good, better than before my diagnosis was given. I have been craving Peanut M&M's and I had Jordan run into Walmart and get me the biggest bag they have. Between my cravings and hot flashes, I wonder if it is pregnancy or menopause?? One minute I am freezing and then my body heats up from the inside and my sweats and the covers have to come off. Crazy, but maybe I am getting everything out of my system at the same time so I will be like a new woman before this is all said and done. :)

"This is the day the Lord has made and I can say I rejoiced and was glad in it."

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

These were the words I could not sing at church this morning because of the tears falling down my face. I am in awe of all that God is doing in my life and the grace He has shown to me. I have sang this song so many times, but today was a whole new meaning to me. Our God is so Holy, all I could do was worship Him in my spirit. These last few days I have felt so good and so thankful to have such great health and to be able to eat and enjoy how the food tastes. I never want to take my life for granted, but I want to enjoy all He so graciously gives me each new day. I don't have answers of what tomorrow may bring, all I know is that "Today is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Thursday, March 15, 2012

A Night with Hudson

Hudson is our 18 month old grandson. He usually spends the night with us on Thursday nights and stays all day Friday while his mom, Jenna, works. Since the first of February, we have missed the sleep overs and tonight is the first time since my diagnosis that he has stayed the whole night with us. He makes us very happy and brings so much joy into our lives.

Hudson loves to put sticks in the fire pit

Me and Hudson







"Today is the day that the Lord has made and I rejoiced and was glad in it."

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

I lift my eyes up...(Coincidence??? I think not)

I'm not sure how to begin this post and for it to make sense to anyone else, but I am trying to keep this blog going for myself so I can look back and see how God carried me through the storm.

On February 3rd I woke up in the hospital and opened my bible to Psalm 121 and God gave me comfort through His word. Later that day I was discharged after the diagnosis of cancer was confirmed and went home and couldn't sleep that night. Saturday morning I was still struggling with the unknown of what was ahead of me and my family. While I was in my bedroom, Jordan and Tony turned up a song called "Always" by Kristian Stanfill that is based off of Psalm 121. God's word and that song were the beginning of my comfort and hope in the Lord. I have been to the Passion conference and sang along with that song live, but now these lyrics have a whole new meaning to me.

Tonight at our youth group service we had a group from Liberty University in Virginia come and lead us in praise and worship. It was an amazing night to hear these young ladies share their struggles and how God has been faithful to see them through. One of the young ladies, Ashley (music intern from the summer at our church) shared of things she had gone through very recently and how she truly had to get down on her face before the Lord and seek Him. She shared from God's word some scriptures that helped her get through that time in her life and guess what she shared? Psalm 121, then immediately they sang a song, guess what song? "Always"

I told her afterwards how that chapter in God's word ministered to me but also how that song brought me so much comfort as well. She told me that she wasn't even suppose to share tonight and that song was put in at the last minute. If you don't believe that God orchestrates things in your life and that things happen by coincidence, I will tell you He is a very personal God and wants you to know He is with you through everything in your life and wants to give you Hope in Him.

Psalm 121
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel (Janet) will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
"


"Always" Lyrics

My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always, always

Copy and paste this link in your browser to hear the song live. I pray it will minister to you too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb4VvNq8WEM

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I did rejoice and was glad in it."

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Blessings continue to fall upon us

"Today is the day the Lord has made and I can say that I rejoiced and was glad in it."

Thank you Jesus for giving me a good nights sleep and relieving me from the numbness and tingling. God truly blessed me with a great day. I was able to go to a "Look Good Feel Better" clinic at the Cancer Support Home. There were suppose to be several ladies there, but it ended up with just me getting attention from two very sweet ladies. One did my make up and the other gave me tips on what to do with a bald head. The lady working with my head was determined that I would walk away liking a wig, but I proved her wrong, no wigs for me. :) I will let you see how the session went below.

This is me at work, before I left for the session

Getting one on one treatment with my makeup

This was the beginning of adding hair to my face without a wig

This lady wanted me to be a red head. (top left) Blonde bangs with dark pony tail. (top right)

I really enjoyed my time with these ladies and thankful there are programs out there that help others feel better about themselves.

When I arrived at home, there was gift waiting for me from the people at Tony's office. Here it is:

My very own iPad!!!! Thank you Acosta Employees :)

How blessed our family has been through so much support and love. I know I say that in almost every post, but I am truly blown away of how God continues to say "see I am still showing you how much I love you!!" Great is His faithfulness.

The weather was absolutely perfect today. Tony and I have new bikes that have sat in our garage for quiet some time, so tonight we decided to take them out and enjoy the blessed day we had been given. We are so blessed in Bentonville to have so many amazing places to ride bikes that the city has provided. I think you can get anywhere in this town via sidewalks. We rode over to Memorial Park and then stopped by Grandma's (aka Tony's mom) and took her for a walk.

Not sure about the winking eye :)

As you can read, my day was full of blessings from the Lord. How grateful I am to have great health and to enjoy such a wonderful day. Psalm 104:33-34 "I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord."

Monday, March 12, 2012

Blessed with more gifts

Last night was a little rough sleeping with the numbness and tingling in my feet that was actually painful. I called the doctor's office and Diana, the physician's assistant, said this was definitely a side effect from the chemo drug called Taxol. Dr. Ivy does not want to put me on any more meds and wants to try and treat the Neuropathy with Vitamins B1 and B6. Diana also said they would decrease the Taxol on the next round of chemo because my body is getting too much. See I told you I didn't need more chemo. :) I am thankful to have a doctor and physician's assistant that are on top of things and are doing a great job of taking care of me.

I received several gifts today. Maegan's sister, Natasha, gave me an ample supply of Latisse. You may wonder what Latisse is. Latisse is a once-daily prescription treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile, single-use-per-eye disposable applicator. It helps your eye lashes grow. I really haven't started losing eye lashes but this will help if and when that time comes. Thank you so much Natasha!!!

I also had 3 friends, Sheena, Shonda & Cathy bring me "Vintage" hats today with an assortment of accessories to add to them. I should be styling with all my new hats.

The day has ended well with Hudson in our home while Bryan and Jenna went to Bible study. He always brings joy into our house. I finished with a 1 1/4 mile walk on the treadmill and a great leg and foot rub from Tony. :)

Once again I can truly say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Bless the Lord, O my soul

Psalms 103:1-5 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits , who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

I am thankful to have a God that is with me no matter where I go. This 2nd round of chemo has been a little different for me. I have tingling in my hands and feet that has caused me some discomfort. Tony has spent quiet a bit of time rubbing my feet and legs to ease the numbness. I had him read side effects from chemo and this is definitely one of them. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow, just to keep him informed. I have already self diagnosed myself and feel I am free of cancer, and need no more chemo. (God said He would heal all my diseases) Tony said that is why I am seeing a doctor and to let him do what he does best, treat patients. Sometimes I try and get ahead of God and want to fix everything quick and today at one point it was as if God was saying, "Be still and know that I am God." I read in a little book that a friend gave me, in the end, "it is God who heals, physicians only treat." I will rest in God's plan and trust Him thru all of this.

God did bless us with a beautiful Saturday and we were able to enjoy our weekly "Pea Ridge" trip for burgers then went on a walk to Crystal Bridges with Bryan, Jenna & Hudson. It felt great to be outdoors and enjoy the blessings of health. Thank you to all that continue to lift me and my family up in your prayers. I know God is listening and seeing us thru each new day. "His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness."

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Thursday, March 8, 2012

"Jesus loves the little children"

I wanted to post a few pictures of the "Head Shaving" party at our church. How blessed I am to be surrounded by so much love and support. There will be more pictures to come on a later post, but for now here are some I want to share. I truly believe God hears the prayers of little children and here are a few kids that have been praying for me. Kash is Hutch and Maegan's little boy (Hutch is my boss). He was afraid to shave his head but he told me he had been praying for me. He decided to shave his head to help me feel better.

Me & Kash (5yrs old)

These are 3 boys that belong to Jarrod & Rachel Anderson. They were excited about shaving their heads for the party, and wanted to know what kind of cake we were having. Well Pete Mitchell wasn't excited, he just got thrown into the mix of the shaving heads.
Judd (5yrs old),Me, Pete Mitchell (2 yrs old) & Brody (4 yrs old)


Sarah Grace McCoy is a 5 year old that has been praying for me and wanted to bring me flowers.

A dear friend, Susan Tucker, brought me some wigs that had been given to their ministry, Eagle Family. I told her I really didn't want to wear a wig, but would take and donate them to the Cancer Support Home here in Bentonville. After everyone left the worship center, I decided to pull one out and try it on, and from there, I had the other bald men standing around to try them on as well. Here is what came from that special moment:

Ed Newton (the speaker) & Me. Sad thing that is not a wig on him, it's his real hair

Me & Hutch (my boss)

Jerad Sears (worship leader)aka Austin Power's wanna be

(Ed, Jerad, me, Tony & Hutch-all wearing wigs except for Ed)

As you can see, I think the wigs will serve a better place at the Cancer Support Home. "Today is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

American Cancer Society ( A New Appreciation)

I have to say, I have not put much thought into Cancer and all it does to destroy lives, but my awareness is now real because of how it has recently effected my life. I am thankful for all those that have and continue to bring awareness to this disease. I have a friend from Junior High, Tracey Flores that is running in "Relay for Life" to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Below I have a link that you can go to, and see why she is running and the amount she is trying to raise.

Click here to go to her page!

Tracey Flores

Thank you Tracey for all you are doing to help with this disease. I am blessed to have a dear friend that is running in my honor. I will be praying for you and trust that you will finish the race and meet your $1,000 goal and go far beyond that amount to raise money for such a great cause.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Humbled by His Grace

Tonight was our monthly "FUEL" service where we bring in all the youth, 7th-12th grades, into the Worship Center. We usually start off with worship from Jared Sears and his band (Tony is the drummer) and Ed Newton, from Memphis, TN, brings a message to the students. Tonight's service began a little different. We started 30 minutes early to allow any male to come and shave their heads in my honor for the fight against Ovarian Cancer. What an amazing sight to see so many from the age of 2 to 50 something years of age getting their heads shaved.

"What amazing support I have"

Thank you to all that participated!!

How do I know God is real and alive today? Because He lives in me and continues to show me so much mercy and grace through so many prayers and love and support in this fight! Ed started the night talking about "Fasting". I'm not sure how many adults or teenagers have heard a challenge about what fasting really is. He challenged the whole group tonight for the next 30 days to give up something that would be a sacrafice to give up. (example: facebook, cell phones, a meal a day, sodas, etc.) First to give it up for Jesus and to focus that time on Him and to know Him more, but also during that time to say a prayer on my behalf to be healed. Wow!!! Words cannot express the emotions that went through me tonight and that are still with me now as I try and convey all that I am feeling. To know I have so much love and support from youth and adults that would give up something first to honor God, then to say a prayer of healing on my behalf is overwhelming. See how awesome our God is!!!!! Thank you to everyone that made a fasting commitment. My prayer through all of this is to honor my Lord and Savior for all He has already done for me. He died in my place and took on all my sins from past, to present and future, so that I could have a relationship with Him. My response to Him is to do my best to honor Him with my life. I want all the glory to be about Him and I desire that no pride be in me for any of this, because He is my everything and I want others to know Him and trust in Him as their Savior. We had a young man tonight give his life over to Jesus. I can say this fight has already been worth it!!! To God be the glory, great things He is doing!!!! I'm not sure what else needs to be said other than, "This is the day the Lord has made, I have rejoiced and I am glad in it!!!"

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Chemo...Round #2

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
There is no doubt in my mind that He was with me before this day even began.

What should have been a 5 to 6 hour chemo day turned in to 9 hours. No doubt God was in control of this day. Jordan and I arrived at 8:30 to the chemo room. I was told my white blood cell count tested too low on Friday and they needed to do more blood work to see if the count came up before we could start the chemo today. I needed my number to be 1500 or higher and on Friday it was at 1100 something. I texted a few friends and family to pray for this situation. Blood was drawn and taken to the lab. Results came back at 2500. God answers prayers immediately sometimes and I am so thankful He did or they were going to send me home and have to wait until next week. He is so faithful to hear His saints praying. They always start you off with Benadryl and steroids before they start the chemo. Once I was done with those 2 bags of fluid, they started the chemo drip. Almost immediately my chest tightened up like someone was putting a lot of pressure on me and my face and neck felt like I was on fire. The nurse stopped the chemo and flushed everything out with saline. Several friends/family again began praying during all of this and the relief came quickly. They restarted the chemo at a slower rate and I know God heard many prayers on my behalf, and He answered them! The verse Kathy gave me last night 2 Corinthians 1:11 "You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many". I've had many texts and phone calls today with people letting me know they were praying. He is faithful!!

Well the chemo room emptied out at 3:30 and Jordan and I persevered until 5:30. Just Jordan and me and the nurse, Diana. It was great having one on one attention and I asked her a lot of questions and she was great with the answers. I have complete confidence that I am receiving the best medical treatment and attention from amazing health care professionals.

Jordan and me taking on the chemo!!

Thank you Jordan for being with me today. I love that I have a daughter that loves me so much and is so committed to serving our Savior with her life. She is a true joy and blessing. We watched a movie that would normally take 2 hours, but it took us 6 hours. We had a lot of interruptions but thankful to have a fun movie to watch together. "The Diary of a Mad Black Woman"

I do have a very special prayer request for one of the ladies that I have sat next to both times during chemo treatments. Her name is Ginni and she is going thru all of this alone with no support. She has no family helping her and is not plugged into a church. My dear friend Joni Hartman has already reached out to her and if you would take some time to pray for her and pray that she would truly know who Jesus is and find complete rest in Him.

"Today is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!"

Monday, March 5, 2012

God is hearing your prayers!

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since my first chemo treatment. I am so thankful for all the prayers and support God has given to me thru so many people. There have been very few side effects and I actually have felt better than right before I was diagnosed with cancer. I guess the hair loss was the main side effect. "To God be the glory, great things He has done." Jordan will be taking me tomorrow and we will have a mother/daughter hang out time while the chemo goes in. God has blessed me with an amazing family!!!

Tonight I was invited by the Monday night Bible study ladies to come so they could pray over me. Tomorrow is my second round of chemo and I am so grateful to know I have so many that are praying for me. To hear the prayers and to feel their hands upon me of the sweet ladies was very humbling. Kathy Hedges read two scripture verses for me, from the group, and they will continue to pray; Romans 15:30 "I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf." and 2 Corinthians 1:11 "You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many." Thank you to all the sweet Monday night ladies!!!

Monday night Bible study ladies, led by Kathy Hedges

"Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Thank you Jesus for allowing me to wake up this morning and to enjoy your day of blessings and that my Hope is in You for tomorrow.

Friday, March 2, 2012

My Friday

Woke up feeling great today and had a friend, Maureen Mangrum call me to go for a walk at Crystal Bridges Walking Trail/Museum. (Bentonville's newest attraction that made the top ten places to visit for 2012) What a blessing to have friends to encourage and spend time with you. I never want to take these days for granted, health and just enjoying God's creation. Jordan and I had lunch with Tony at one of our favorite places, Schlotzsky's. After taking him back to work, we decided to go and try on wigs, well I tried on the wigs and Jordan took the pictures. I really didn't want a wig, but figured since my head has been shaved, why not go and see how I would look with different lengths and hair color. I have posted the pictures and you can be the judge, do I get a wig or go for the bald look and wear hats and scarves?



For now, I am going to stay with the bald look and no wigs.

People say we look alike. That makes me very happy!!!!

Jordan and I went and picked up our favorite little guy from Mother's Day Out and did a little shopping then brought him home with us to wait for his daddy to get off work. His mommy is a nurse and works on Fridays. I am so thankful he was here with us on Wednesday night (thank you to Pam Darst for suggesting he be here) to watch my head being shaved. We didn't want to scare him or have him be afraid of us. As you can see below, he still loves his G-Ma.

Hudson rubbing G-Ma's head

How grateful I am for this day and can once again say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Shaving my hair

Beautiful Janet from jordan buettemeyer on Vimeo.

Thank you to my daughter Jordan for capturing a very special moment with friends and family. This is a video that will always be cherished in my heart! She captured it all so well!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Leap Year

Bryan posted the following on facebook this morning:

My mom was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had her first round of chemo two weeks ago and her hair has began falling out. We had around 30 people from church come to my parents house and support the family as my mom decided to shave her head. Here's a few pictures from the night.