In the meantime.......

.....Life has gone on here in the Hammond household. In spite of my current health situation, the children have carried on with their various activities. Calvin has qualified for the Western Province Gymnastics Championships on Sept 11th, by qualifying at Trials. He has been training very hard and the hours have been very long throughout this year. It has sometimes been difficult to stay focused and continue with the rigours of training, but in the end it has paid off. If he does well at the WP Championships, he has a chance of making the National Team. Although the competition is very tough and there are many very talented boys in his category. We are proud of him for persevering, and trust the Lord to teach him valuable lessons through this sport.

Continued Care

Our bodies are truly amazing. The healing process is something wonderful to behold, and daily, I am reminded of the marvels of creation. It has been almost two months now since we were told I have breast cancer. Since then, we have been in a whirlwind of emotions, travel, decisions and contemplations. Cancer is a well researched field, and there is a plethora of information out there. Equally, there are as many opinions, some strongly in favor of Chemo Therapy, some strongly opposing it.

Peter and I have met twice with the Oncologist now, and we have been presented with the statistical odds of survival with and without Chemo Therapy. At my age, the conclusion is that my cancer can still be cured. My feeling is that I would be irresponsible if I did not avail myself of medical technology, and therefore I am submitting to the suggestions of our team of Doctors. My 18 week session of Chemo Therapy will begin in a month from now.

My plan for this coming month is to boost my immune system (and that of my family's) so that it will be ready for the onslaught of drugs. I trust in God's provision for me physically, and that I would withstand the worst of the side effects.

Again, I am so grateful to our supporters who commit to prayer and who encourage us along the way. Each of us is given a different cross to bear, and this one for me is something I never thought I would have to deal with. But it makes me rely on our Heavenly Father even more as He unfolds His plan for me.

Thank you, for your friendship and continued prayers.

With love,

Lenora

Celebrating

This past week we had the privilege of celebrating Christopher's 15th Birthday. What an adventure life with him as a son has been. God has blessed him and us a family, and we are so grateful to have him enjoying reasonably good health. Thank you to all who have so faithfully prayed for him for so so many years. God is faithful and has answered our petitions.

We celebrate my return from the Hospital as well. God is allowing my body to heal and to recover from the bruises and wounds. I am driving, cooking and generally being able to live a normal life again. Though I tire very quickly, I need to focus on getting our schooling on a more structured routine, and to this end we are switching the type of curriculum we are currently using. We feel this will help the children to work more independently, so that I can focus on getting well again.

We also celebrate the fact that we live near an excellent Hospital facility, and that we are being really well cared for. We have had an appointment with the Oncologist, and she recommends Chemo therapy in my situation. Three of the eight glands that were removed were cancerous and they feel it is essential to rid my body of any rogue cells that might still be around. She also says that at this stage they can cure the cancer. If we elect not have any Chemo now, and the cancer returns in a few years, it will be considered 'incurable'. She is meeting with a panel of experts to discuss our case, and we will hear more at our next appointment this coming week.

Proverbs tells us there is wisdom in counsel, so we are getting as much information as we can gather. Many thanks to many of you who have sent useful links and suggestions. We really do appreciate any and all input.

All of this reminds me to celebrate all things God blesses us with. He knows our frame, and knows what is best for us. I know we can trust Him for all the answers.

Lots of love to all of you,

Lenora

Successfull Surgery

Hello again!

Surgery took place at 2pm on Tuesday, August 3rd. The three and a half hour procedure was successful, and the lymph nodes that were removed for testing have initial signs of being negative. It will take 10 days to 2 weeks for more conclusive histology. My 5 day stay in the hospital was as pleasant as these things can be, but it is good to be home again.

I still have drains attached, which I hope will be removed today. The Doctor has suggested that Chemo therapy will be warranted in my case, but I am feeling very hesitant about this advice. I feel that much more 'home-work' on my part is necessary. I know I can count on you for prayer in this regard.

Not often does one person experience being an organ donor as well as a mastectomy patient within the space of 8 months. I must say that I feel somewhat battered and bruised, weary and weepy! But God is good, and I am continually reminded of the many blessings I am surrounded with, despite this current situation.

I strive to respond well to this situation, as I know my children are watching. They are being given the opportunity to learn so many things just due to Mommy's medical situation alone! I must make the most of this.

So, this new Season for me will no doubt have its ups and downs. But I press on, in the knowledge of His Sovereign Love.

I thank my Lord for all of you......

Lenora