Tuesday, September 6, 2016

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:8-10


I have composed several blog posts in my mind and heart over the past few months. I can't believe the entire summer has gone by and I didn't post an update once. I will confess that part of me wanted to just pretend the whole cancer thing was one big nightmare. But I must be honest with myself and with you. The cancer "thing", the healing journey, has been one BIG blessing! Through this journey we have realized as a family how very blessed we are. So many have rallied around us both physically and spiritually. We simply cannot thank you enough!

Yesterday I was talking with Paul, our youngest son, and I was saying, what if we planned a party to thank everyone who has supported us while I was sick? He replied, "Mom, there wouldn't be a big enough place to fit everyone. Where would they park? How would we feed them?" I responded, "This sure is a great challenge to have, that we have so many people that love us and supported us when we needed it, that we can't even think of a place that would fit all of them. We are very blessed!" He said back to me, "Yes we are!" How beautiful for him to realize that we are not alone in life. We are surrounded by the body of Christ! Plans for the party are forthcoming.

We did have a very nice summer with plenty of time at the pool, visiting friends and family and just relaxing. One beautiful blessing that came to us this summer is our new dog, Brownie. While the boys and I were at our church vacation bible school (VBS) this cute little dog wandered up to the kids who were playing outside. One friend ran and got a kennel from her nearby home as well as a leash. After Animal Control checked her out we asked if we could keep her. So, now we have Brownie to love on and care for. She really has been a blessing to our family,

My treatments are almost over. I am still receiving an infusion of Herceptin, an anitbody, every 3 weeks. Thankfully there are no harsh side effects. I just get tired. The recommended length of treatment for this drug is one full year. So, since I began the treatment last October, I will receive my last treatment on October 20th, 3 days before my birthday. No coincidence! On the day of my last treatment, I will walk right over to the hospital and have my port removed! PRAISE GOD! I will then continue to visit my oncologist every 3 months for a year and then twice a year, then every year, and so on. We continue to praise God for the miracle of having NO cancer in my body when they performed the mastectomy. I am experiencing some neuropathy in my left arm, but using the essential oils has really helped with the discomfort.

I must get ready to go to work. I continue to work full time for Gwinnett County Public schools in the EL Programs Office, creating and providing professional learning opportunities for teachers of English learners.

I also continue to teach classes on how to use essential oils to provide a healthy life. I offer one on one consultations and set up booths at events as well. Please continue to refer people and events to me. I love this mission of empowering moms and dads to provide natural health care for their families in the home! Next week I will be heading to my 3rd annual doTerra convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Only this time I have six ladies from my team joining me. I am so excited! When I went to convention last year I already knew that something was going on in my left breast. I figured it was something more than an infection. It was quite an emotional time for me. So, it will be wonderful to return this year feeling stronger and with a team of ladies joining me in the mission! I can't wait!

I pray that you will each feel peace today! Thank you for continuing to pray for my family. We are still healing.

Much love to all of you!
Cristina