A new and unfamiliar path

The day for my first Chemo Therapy treatment was brought forward, as I was deemed ready and my wounds had healed sufficiently. As I entered the Oncology department, I suddenly realized the implications of my forthcoming treatments, and must confess that I was afraid. So many people were sitting all around in comfortable chairs, hooked up to treatments, while sipping tea and chatting with a loved one. I wondered what the story was for each of these people, and what type of cancer they were struggling with.

The nurses struggled to find a good vein to use, but managed on the third attempt. During the next 4 and 1/2 hours I watched each medication, and subsequent flushing with a saline solution course through my veins. I marveled at the ability God has given Doctors to treat this disease, and was thank full to be in such a lovely facility. I think that the reality of Cancer hit me during this time, and I realized I was not going to make it through this without God's everlasting love and grace. Suddenly, my previous strength and resolve seemed altogether inadequate to get me through this next chapter in my life.

All of our family's medical situations up to this point - Christopher's birth with renal impairment and all the many many surgeries he has been through; my struggle with hepatitis; and then the nephrectomy / transplant - have been circumstances where God has given us as a family a measure of strength, support, encouragement and just the ability to trust Him fully . So while there were tough times, we rested in the full assurance of God's sovereign plan for each of us. I must humbly confess that this time I feel much weaker and unable to face things as confidently as before.

Perhaps it is the constant nausea, or the vomiting, or the subsequent inability to cook for the family and take care of the things as I usually do. Perhaps it is the feeling of being out of control. Perhaps it is having to rely on others like I have never had to. Or perhaps it is just wondering if I will be cancer free when this is all over with.

Because Scripture confirms it, I am certain still, that God is in this, and that He will carry each of us through this. I am so grateful to all of you for your prayers, letters, emails, cards, advice and friendship. 'Thank you' does not seem adequate.

As tears roll down my cheeks, I must continue to ask for your prayers and perseverance, for alone we surely cannot get through this. Pray for Peter as he handles a very very full schedule with so many increased demands; for my parents as they do so much to be supportive of us as a family and as a mission; for Andrea, as she feels sad to be away from us during this time; for our children here at home, as they cope without me for much of the time, and of course for me, that I would be a good witness to other patients and friends.

I am ever grateful to all of you, that we are not alone. May God bless all of you with an abudance of good things.

Gratefully,

Lenora

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

New Seasons

Dearest Friends!

I have always been of the mind set that life has various Seasons. The good thing about this line of thinking is that if you are in the middle of a difficult time, you can be assured that no Season lasts forever. God created the Seasons of weather for our World, and this blesses us with variety and color. How drab our surroundings would be without the refreshing change that we are privileged to experience.

Our Season of Renal care for Christopher has tapered down dramatically, and just today at the Clinic, we were told he can return in a month! This is first time in 8 or 9 months he will be away from the Hospital for this length of time. His improved health is cause for great rejoicing and we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for this. We are grateful beyond words too, for the part you all have played in so many ways.

It would seem that a new and unexpected Season is upon us now. My breast cancer is conclusive, and I will be undergoing a 'skin sparing' double mastectomy this coming Tuesday the 3rd of August. We are convinced of God's hand in this, and I am not fearful of the outcome. His plan is perfect and we trust in Him. We pray that it has not spread, and that radiation or chemo will not be necessary.

This Season of illness and recovery for me though, means even further disruption in our household along practical lines. I would continue to request prayer for a tutor, willing to come to Cape Town for a while to help with the children's homeschooling needs. The ministry opportunities would be varied, and housing is taken care of.

Thank you, to all of you who have shared your experiences with Cancer with me. I appreciate reading the variety of options you have chosen. Certainly nutrition plays a vital part in my further care, and I am learning much about 'super foods' and how this can help not only me, but our family. There seems to be very strong feelings favoring alternative treatments, and I appreciate learning about all of these options as well. I am certain God will reveal to us the correct path, and we pray that we would be obedient no matter the course.

Thank you for upholding us in prayer and for your support and friendship.

With love,

Lenora Hammond

Another medical journey

Dear persevering prayer partners!

It would seem my blog posts will only ever be about medical issues. I was thinking my topics could start to be a little varied from now on, but I need to again petition you for further intercession on our behalf.

I went for a routine mammogram this week, and was sent for a biopsy of a 3.5 cm lump two days later. The results have been positive, and it would seem I have Breast Cancer. It seems both sides are affected.

God's timing is always perfect, and I am grateful to Him for allowing me to donate a kidney to our son Christopher first. I would imagine they would never have used me as a donor if this tumor had been an issue years ago.

The Doctors are hopeful that surgery will eliminate the threat of it spreading, and that we will be able to avoid Chemo Therapy. We will only know on the day of surgery if it has spread.

Peter and I are leaving for ministry in Europe on Monday, and I was willing to cancel my trip if necessary. The Doctor feels this trip will be good for us, as we process this new chapter in our lives.

Surgery will most likely happen immediately upon our return to South Africa. We will keep you posted.

Thank you, again, for your dedication to our Lord and Saviour, and for once again upholding us in prayer.

Blessings,

Lenora