Me and my new wig the kids picked out...they said this one looked the most like *mom*!

It is with deep sadness that I announce to my homeschool blogging friends that I have been diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer.

My first thought was to start a separate blog to keep everyone updated on my health, not wanting to take away from the kid’s homeschool experience. However, two blogs would be too much for me right now, so it is here that I will keep everyone updated for those interested in knowing.

The journey thus far has been rough. I have been in the hospital three times as a result of not getting along with the chemo. I have had two rounds of chemo, and the Doctor expected six in total…don’t know if I can handle that! Yes, that beautiful blond hair is all gone. We now have *fuzz*!  I have only lost 10 pounds so far, and that is not bad considering I have zero appetite! Eating has been a challenge as nothing tastes good and the nausea is constant. Fatigue is another battle. I never thought someone could be so tired! The life of leisure is not all that it is cracked up to be…I’d rather be doing something, anything than just lying around.

The good news is…I have wonderful friends and family. My mom has been here most of the summer taking care of me. I would not have been able to do this alone and I am very grateful she is here to help. My homeschooling friends have be super, I could not have asked for a better group, I feel so blessed to be living here among them. Our church has gone out of their way in providing meals for our family. We have had some awesome meals these past few months, we really are blessed. My FIAR family has come through with sermon tapes and inspirational books that keep me going. They are an amazing group of women, none of whom I have met.

This is going to be a tough journey. One that will never really go away. It is at this time that I really need to surrender all to the LORD and lean on to Him and trust Him always. I will admit to you now that I have not always trusted Him, I don’t really know what has held me back, but I know now that I can’t walk this journey on my own. I do know that ultimately I will be with the LORD and I think the only thing that has bothered me now is reflecting on some friends I know who do not know the LORD. Oh sure, many will say they believe there is a GOD, but they have yet to make that next step into having a personal relationship with Jesus our LORD. It is my goal before I leave this earth that all those friends will know Jesus as their personal Savior, as I would very much like to see them again in Heaven! So I will be praying for you!!! J

Well, this is all for now. I will update what the kids are doing in school…yes we are still homeschooling through all this! And I will print out their schedule even though we have not followed it completely yet.

Thank you for your prayers,

Lorrie

Posted by kristarella

You are growing so gracefullly into a deeper more intimate level with our Lord.
I see it, and I am sure it is a light to all those on the outside you are concerned about. God is our strength and yes, you can rely on Him totally. He knows the walk you are on is not an easy one.
Our prayers as you know are with you 24/7 and in between.
Blessing my Dear, You look great!

Posted by

Praying for your endurance.
Praying for your perseverence.
Praying for your spirit.
Praying for your renewed good health.

Grace and peace to you dear sister,
Jennifer


Edited by Vanderclan on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 10:25 AM

Posted by GirlsofGrace

Hello My Dear Friend!

I miss our long phone conversations!

I am continually amazed by your strength, courage and beautiful spirit. Once again YOU are my inspiration! Thank you for being my teacher in so many areas of my life. You have taught me more than you will ever know.

Even though we are far apart you are ALWAYS in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending my love across the miles,
Anna

Posted by Devonbunny

I have just stumbled across your blog whilst doing random blog reading. I was dreadfully sad to hear your news, and wanted to let you know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and Blessings
Jules x (UK)

Posted by Anonymous

Hey Aunt Lorrie. It's me Catherine, you know Bubbles baby girl. It has been a long time since I have talked or heard from you. Whitney gave me this so I could contact you. I have kept in touch with your parents and sister. I don't know if you are able to email but if you do please email me at clbsweetpea@msn.com. I love you and miss you
Catherine

Posted by learning4fun

I am praying for you and your family.
Love in Christ

Tammy

Posted by Anonymous

My dearest Lorrie, you've touched my life, my heart, and my spirit time and time again! Even though we haven't met in real life, we'll always be FIAR Friends and Soul Sisters. Thank you for much for all the things you've done for me -- never being too busy to FIAR-chat, phone-chat, or email, sending me those great homeschooling books, befriending Paula and getting her hooked on FIAR, and showing me what a godly, faithful woman looks like! You've been in my constant thoughts and prayers, and your family too. I'm so sorry that you've had to fight this battle for so long, and that it looks like the best and most timely healing you'll receive is in Heaven. I don't want to say goodbye -- I can barely type any more through my tears. I love you and trust that you'll be comforted by and resting in the arms of Jesus when He calls you home. What a glorious homecoming that will be for you, to meet our Savior face to face. I can't wait to meet you in our final resting place, forever praising our Lord Jesus together. Your forever friend, Katherine in CA

Posted by Anonymous

Lorrie, this Amy [Oregon] from FIAR. This all seems so surreal to me. I thank you so much for taking me under your wing and helping me with homeschooling. I thank you for being my friend. I thank Luke and Anya for being friends with my 3 kids.

I remember you inviting me into your home and you sharing with me your homeschooling books. I remember sitting at the park with you while our kids ran around playing.

Lorrie, I continue to pray for you! You have touched my heart and I'm a better person for knowing you!
I love you,
~Amy

Posted by Uncle David

May the Lord Bless you and keep you
And make his face shine on you
and give you peace
for evermore.

Posted by Yvonne

I treasure your friendship and the influence you and your family have had on my life. Peace be with you.
Yvonne

Posted by homeskoolmom

May the Lord comfort you with peace. Please Lord, give Lorrie strength and allow her to be as pain free as possible during these next weeks so her family can have good last memories. May he grant peace to your dear husband and little ones. May he give them an extra measure of strength during this time as your family prepares to let you go to Heaven.

I found you through Marsha's blog. What a difficult thing to be facing.

Christine

Posted by nsremom

I've just read your beautiful blog and can't believe the tears on my cheeks. I am just thinking about myself in your position and I pray that I would be HALF as strong as you! you are an inspiration for those of us who go through struggles. You remind us all that life is a continuous struggle, and no matter what....we must always lean on Him.

I believe with everything in me....that your spirit is exactly the type of spirit that can touch and move people. your prayers for your unsaved friends? I belive He will work wonders for you.

I will pray and pray for you. and I will put a note in my blog to remind the other mothers.

emily

Posted by dawilli

There are no other words- all I can do is pray, for you, for your husband, and for your children during this time. I can't even imagine what you're all going through.
I'm so glad you have such a circle of friends and such a great support network, the Lord is good, keep leaning on Him,
ali

Posted by Anonymous

You have many friends who are thinking of you. Best wishes