Monumental Moves

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay, Uncategorized

“Who’s your favorite hero?”

“I have so many! Jesus, my parents, my sons, and Abraham Lincoln,” I replied. There are SO MANY. How do I choose?

James went on to share how his little boy, Arlo, LOVES Abraham Lincoln. Our quick bond was formed over the love of kids and history.  By the end of our cordial conversation, I had functioning internet (admittedly, it was a long 5 days without it). I rejoined the 21st century, and little Arlo would soon have a signed copy of my Missouri children’s book. To me, it was monumental.

Today is President’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Washington/Lincoln Day, George Washington Day, or maybe Presidents Day depending on where you live. For most states, it’s an official holiday. I join others in celebrating leadership that has impacted positive changes. Rather than complaining about the combative, capsizing with the confrontational, and crippling ourselves over the corrosive, could we celebrate our capabilities? Can we cling to what’s ceremonial without being callous? Will we stay calm instead of cheeky? What’s it going to take?

Well, Arlo received his book. I’ve met new neighbors. I’m writing to you for the first time in a LONG time sitting in a different home. My little bluff is not here. But Finn and I have a backyard. It’s monumental. My youngest son and family just visited. It was monumental. Hopefully, I’ll be visiting my oldest and his family in the next few weeks. It will be monumental. I have a monumental request for those that truly know me. If I become negative and grow into a mean old woman you have permission to shake me into shame. Cancer CAN’T make me callous! If there’s anything I’ve learned in trying to grow my grit, wisdom, and emotional maturity, it’s this: I’ll not live a life of faith only to lose it at the end. Like always, my flannel keeps me warm. My faith keeps me moving. It’s monumental!

https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Finley-K-L-Hale/dp/1006422293#detailBullets_feature_div

I’m on day 23 in my new rental home, day 279 since being diagnosed with cancer, and day 38 since I last published. It’s been two weeks since the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The death toll has surpassed 46,000.  My heart hurts- desperation, loss, mourning, and even celebrations. In an instant life can change and crumble around you. Life is monumental. I’m still here. I’m the girl who wishes to serve to help the devastated lives, the girl who prays over family and all of you each morning, the girl who attempts to be nice to everyone I meet, and the girl who could be bitter but chooses not to dive in that destructive ditch. I’m the girl still curious but ok with not knowing (that’s taken much practice). I’m a girl with a song in my heart, memories in my mind, and a longing in my soul. I’m the girl who wishes to see her grandkids grow, learn, and gravitate toward goodness. I’m the girl that still believes love always wins. Love is monumental.

“There’s Your Sign!”

It was bittersweet. Approached by my neighbors and dear friends, a DIVINE-DIRECTED DEAL was made. My home was swiftly sold, and another home was rapidly rented.

The day of the move arrived. “Did you all see that zebra on the side of the U-Haul?” Looking outside we shared a good laugh and a simultaneous chorus- “There’s your sign!” Even more monumental? The painted words described the mystery of America’s first horse in Hagerman, Idaho. One of my daughter-in-law’s grandparents lives there. How many can say they’ve been to Hagerman? “There’s another sign!”🦓

Thank you, God, for my precious neighbors, current and past, and the ministry that will merge through this monumental move. Thank you to my tribe of “hiking hooligans” (love that name given by my blogging friend, Tim!) for making this move so smooth for Finn and me. My family and I are so thankful for all of you!

A tribe of friends, a zebra, a U-Haul, Finley, and a monumental move!

Have you heard of NET yet?

Recap since last May’s diagnosis: Last summer I downed 44 doses of chemotherapy (which had little to no impact). Last September I had round one of a four-part radiation treatment used to treat tumors of inoperable Neuroendocrine Cancer. Lutathera, also named P.R.R.T. (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy), is a radioactive targeted therapy for neuroendocrine tumors. Unlike typical radiations, this includes administering amino acids to protect my kidneys as the medicine binds directly to this specific cancer receptors. THIS IS VERY STRONG STUFF!

Results from my scan two weeks ago showed improvement! Yay! The largest tumors on the pancreas and liver have shrunk. The bones and lymph nodes are a bit more stubborn.

With improvement, there are also risks. The first round wasn’t too bad. The 2nd treatment (Nov. 29th) resulted in much more sickness. The holidays, family visits, weather, and the recent move have kept me absent. I wanted to be settled in my new place and ready for round number three…IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOMORROW.

Why do I feel so lousy? My blood labs last week offered evidence. My platelets and other cells are low. I’m at high risk for infection. No wonder I feel weak! The players that would help me make this decision were not available. The roles were muddied. Advocacy was active-my own and from family and friends. This morning I received an affirmative phone conversation. The wise and right choice was made. I was too low.

I’m learning the roles of all my doctors. The surgeons, oncologists, geneticists (I’ll share that later 😉), primary care, endocrinologist, bone radiologist, and the list goes on. One doctor orders treatment, the other administers (you follow up with assistants), and another one helps with symptoms. There are many layers.

This Wednesday I will have more blood labs and visit my oncologist. We will celebrate the good stuff and hopefully, find ways to grow my strength and build the blood. Decisions are tough. As much as I want to shrink the tumors, statistically, they return. ANY SHRINKAGE will help the tumor burden I was told. However, if the treatments make me so sick how high is the cost?  As much as I ask for surgery, it’s not going to happen. My blood issues make things trickier. All I can do is follow my heart and my gut. How blessed am I to have family support?

My faith will be forged through these monumental moments in my life.🦓 💚

Friends, you are loved. No matter what. P.S. Finn and I love you too. 💕

Have faith 💛

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113 thoughts on “Monumental Moves”

  2. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t stop to think about you and pray. Pray for healing, pray for your kind spirit, pray for your family for understanding and prayer for us being friends. Love to you my friend.

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    1. That touches my heart, Lisa. I’m so thankful for you and the gift of friendship and love you give me. I love you. You were with me when I mailed the book and our memories pop up often, 💕🙏🏻

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  3. jennyorrandy@aol.com

    So good to see your post!!!   I had been wondering about you!!  Continued love and prayers sent your way!!  If you need anything, please let me know!!  My hero?  You and all who face this terrible disease!!  Love ya,  Jennifer

    Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

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    1. Good morning precious, Tangie. I talked to our Father on your behalf like I do daily! Thank you for your kind words, support, and friendship. You are walking this journey with me as I walk with you and pray for you on yours. Please take care and I’m so glad to see you here! 💕🙏🏻🥰

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    1. Gary, thank you so much. I pray for you and your precious family. Monumental moments have definitely shifted through the years. How you described it is even more affirming: “…the challenge of that kind of thinking.” Little things are my big things. I don’t take them for granted. I appreciate you, Gary. Look forward to seeing your pictures and reading your words soon! Blessings!

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  6. Oh Karla I been thinking of you a lot lately and played our song again today. Glad you are settled in your new home and as always your post warmed my heart! ❤.
    Monumental is what your faith is, my friend! Love and Hugs!!💛💛💛🦓 pretend its a zebrs. 😆 LOL!

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    1. Joy, I love our song (s)! 🎶 I think of you too, my friend. I’m so happy my post warmed your heart ❤️. I didn’t think I’d ever get to write. I couldn’t believe how challenging it was, at times, to ensure it deserved “publish”. Lol. It’s good for my soul! I see the zebra and thank you! Much love and hugs! 💕🙏🏻🥰🦓

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  8. Glad to hear that cheery voice dear lady, even if it is striped a little 🤣. And I do hope the new environs are giving some adventure for you and Finley to explore. Even that lifts the heart as I hope it does to your blood. It is a long journey even if it seems to all be happening quickly. When I had my little ‘turn’ and God spoke to me and said…’I am the giver of life’, it made me realize I was fighting that, (and that took a while, stubborn humans we are 🤣), so I let it go, let life go, and in doing so I began to see so much more clearer. And answers for my heart so much stronger. I think, in that, I finally accepted myself, took off those sunglasses that block the light and found me waiting there. And another little adventure also showed me something else very profoundly. I got to see just how much of His love is all around us, always, and guiding us to see just what we need to see…in us, in Him, and the unconditional love in that destiny. There is a rainbow in all we do dear lady, a very beautiful one. Big, big hugs from Oz my friend and sending loving energy for any stubborn bits that won’t stand in your rainbow. Lot’s of love and light coming over your way, to Finley too. Take care dear lady, and enjoy the new surrounds 😀❤️🙏🏽

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    1. Mark, your words always hit home! Straight to the gut, heart, and all my “innards”! 🥰 “taking off the sunglasses that block the light”…isn’t it amazing standing in the light? A few clouds come and go. But they don’t last! The new environment is a great change. I needed it! More than I thought, even. Thank you for the words, support, and love from Oz! Wave to the whales for Finn and me. We’re waving with love and light back! 💕🙏🏻🥰

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      1. It is a beautiful place that light dear lady. To know we are walking in it and embraced by such a beautiful love. And the love from you and Finn, thank you muchly. I can imagine those puppy kisses, romps and hugs sharing his love too 😀. I shall wave to the dolphins and whales (they start migrating up past here from about April till June and then come back with their babies from September to November), as I wander lost on the beach (I suffer so much doing this 🤣), and I’m still trying to get a photo of them. My mobile phone just won’t cut the distance out the back of the waves and the distance from my place looking over the lake. I think I’m being made to just enjoy what I have (but I’m still going to get a photo somehow 😀). Take care dear lady, looking forward to your new adventures and sending lot’s of love and light for that journey. Take care Karla, always listening and waving my fins hello over here 😀❤️🙏🏽

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      2. Thank you, Mark! I feel so bad you have to endure the suffering on the beach 😜, but if anyone can, it’s you! We’re waving right now! 👋🏻 you can’t see us because of the other waves! ☺️💕🥰❤️💚🙏🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

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      3. Haha, well said Karla. I’ll swim out to the main buoy and see if I can get higher 😂. At least I can get better shots from there, but I might have to push a pelican or two further over to get some room 🤣 Take care my friend, and I will get those shots 😀❤️🙏🏽

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  9. So grateful your house sale went smoothly and you and Fin have settled into a new best. The news is mixed, the chemo would have been terrible and for so little result. I’m grateful the radiation has had more impact. It’s do lovely to “hear” from you again in this space and I hope that now you have resettled it might be more often. Monumental love coming your way my friend X💕

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    1. I feel your love, Kate. I appreciate you so much and look forward to stopping by your place. Mixed is a great word to describe this all. I’m learning a lot about myself. This space is where I’m supposed to be at this moment. I’ll make it the best and lean in to what I’m supposed to do. And so excited to just…live. I’m sending monumental love across the oceans to you. 💕🥰❤️

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    1. Finn and I love you, MAK. Not a day goes by in which I don’t think of you and pray for you 3. I told my sister that you’d help me if I struggled with quotations getting back into my groove. Our tiny “big empty” here is making due in our meantime. Please please take care. 💕🦓💪🏻🐾🐾🐾🤗 🏔️

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      2. “Yay!,” she said! (Do I really need that comma before the quotation marks?)
        Finn exclaimed, “I love cranes, Bear, Teddy, Martha, and the Big Empty!”
        I said, “Me too, Finn!”
        🐾💚🥰🦓💪🏻💕❤️🏔️
        Mucho mucho love

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      3. No you don’t need the comma. 🙂 Today at the store I got to see one of my favorite people in the whole San Luis Valley, Destinee who used to always bring out my groceries. Today she did. I haven’t seen her in a couple months. She just started college and had asked if I’d help her with her papers. Oh man, yes. So I was able to give her my email. “I need help with APA,” she said. I said, “It’s all online. I’ll show you, and just so you know, nobody learns that stuff.” “Really?” I said, “No. Life is short and it changes all the time.” “Wow.”

        The Big empty was pretty nice just now except for the wind. I think we’d have had to carry Finn. ❤️🏔️🐾

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      4. I’m so glad you saw Destinee. I have this feeling you might be her favorite, too!🥰 Learning never stops…at least for me! The winds were blowing so hard yesterday afternoon and will blow up to 50 mph today, possibly. It’s a “I better hold Finn day” for sure! I’ll be heading to Dr soon. I’ll try to update you later or tomorrow. Enjoy your day-all 3 of you. 💕🐾🏔️🦓🥰💚

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      6. It stormed and I made it home in 7 minutes! Yay! A great visit–blood is better and I have some time to go to Texas before my next treatment and visit my oldest and his family. I’m being wise and careful. Today is a quiet day to catch up on responding and going through so much email. I love days like this; I look at your cards and I’m in the mountains and the valley. Much love and hugs from Finn and me to you 3. Stay safe and I DO hope you have snow. ❄️❄️💕🤗🐾🐾🐾

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  12. kriddy70

    My most precious Mousie. You have made this most monumental moves I have ever witnessed. When I say that, it is MUCH MORE than an physical move; maybe not even that. I see the impact you have on everyone’s lives you come in contact with. Whether it is sweet James & Arlo, your neighbors, a stranger at a store, or a precious couple that needed your blessings at a restaurant– you touch everything and everybody with Love. Not just basic, “I’m a good human love”…the only kind that exists in few: The definitive love of Jesus. The monumental one. Aww..you are just one heck of a woman & fighter. NEVER have I ever seen you be the callous lady!! You take each monumental move with even more positivity and love than most can handle with a meer setback (talking about me in that “most”) in life, much less cancer. I love our Presidents day honors, but ..far from my mind because YOU ARE MY HERO. Today, tomorrow, and eternity to come. Pretty sure I’m just one of the whole big family that agrees. To echo the phrase you have heard: You are proof that there is love & good in this world. I am so honored to be halfsies with you. I love you so much I cry…..
    All my Monumental Love to you and our Fin Fin,
    Bunny🐰❤️🙏

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    1. Tears again…oh my, bunny. I’m so humbled by your words. I cherish them and always will. This journey has brought “us” into new territory together. You knew me from day 1 (well,…in vitro, lol). You’re knowing me know and we are living what we never imagined. Yet, living how we’ve always believed. It seems a disease can bring out the best or worst. As I try to rid the worst, I’ll keep growing the best. To be like Jesus is all I strive for (minus the fact we’re all messes and he loves us anyway!). If all I can do is be an encouragement to anyone than I feel it’s a win. I’ll never force my beliefs, but I’ll never back down from them either. Thank you for being my advocate. Thank you for the hours you’ve invested in learning about what is gripping me and for understanding that which conquers it. We just know. Thank you for trusting me as I find my strength. Thank you for being here every step of the way. Finn and I love you to infinity and beyond. My mousie light, literally, shines for you. You’re a heck of a lady who keeps me laughing and giggling. Finn loves you dearly too. 💕💚❤️🙏🏻🐾🐾🐾🐾🐭🐰👭🦓🦓

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  13. Ginger Salvatore

    Karla, it is monumental to read your post today! I’m so happy the move went well and that you and Finley are settling into your hew home with apparent ease. New friends, new views from your windows, new hope for your future. All good things. Speaking of good, your choice to delay treatment was a good one. You know better than anyone how you feel.

    Hopefully you will regain your strength soon as they get your hemoglobin back in line. Unfortunately, as you well know, these things always take more time than we would like. There’s no quick fix to defeating cancer. Good thing you have grit girl!

    Your grandson will treasure grandma’s book just as he will treasure his grandma. Enjoy every ounce of love between the two of you.

    Wishing you an informative and hopeful visit Wednesday. May you be blessed with many family visits. My prayers are with you and yours as always. Sending you and Finley hugs and love and friendship.

    YOU, my friend, are MONUMENTAL! Ginger

    Sent from my iPad

    >

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    1. Ginger, thank you for your thoughtful, supportive, and loving words. It really is good to be settled and with new views. I’m hopeful in gaining new strength. I’m very thankful for the hours I have good energy and minimal pain. I’m truly balancing things better. I know my body and I appreciate your affirmation on my choice! It’s easy to slip into, “I better do what the drs say 💯 percent of the time!” We are all 💯 percent different. I knew my body couldn’t take a treatment at this point or I’d be down even worse. It didn’t surprise me the results matched my symptoms. When you look “good” or “fine” ~or have high pain tolerance~the actual disease can be overlooked. That’s where it’s also easy to want to go into hiding. Lol. Or because you don’t “look” sick, you can’t be! That’s been a struggle for years. Don’t we all suffer with that? We all have at least one thing that might challenge us. Some have many things. No matter what, it keeps me aware of everyone around me and what he or she can be suffering although it may not appear to be that way. I’ll celebrate each moment I feel good. That’s how my grit has grown. Simply there’s no other choice but to keep going. There was a time in my life I didn’t want to. But a life altering experience proved I was loved so much by God and that I COULD keep going and HE’D be my strength. I’d be lying if I said I was pain free because I don’t remember what it’s like before neck, back, other joint pains, abdomen and stomach issues, and other things that masked my disease. Maybe in my early 30’s? That’s why I hope to help others learn of this rare cancer. I’ll keep digging for new learning and ways to help myself. 💪🏻🥰Tomorrow’s visit will be good~I know it! Finn and I send you prayers, hugs, and love too, Ginger. I hope you are well!! Thank you for everything. 💚🥰🦓

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    2. Dear Ginger, I thought I had replied to you?! Thank you so very much for being YOU! YOU are monumental, too! It feels so good to feel more settled. Today I am typing to you while sitting at my NEW DESK! I’m spoiled! In many ways I feel stronger; especiallyin comparison to two weeks ago. Yet, weakness sneaks in and tries to take my mojo. No way, weakness. I’ll sleep a little, but you can’t take my motivation ;-). There is no quick fix. You are so right. It’s a MARATHON! I was told that several times last year from several different doctors. God really has a lot of trust in me. I’ve talked with him on many occasions about this. LOL. My visit on Wednesday was wonderful. I felt reassured and HEARD. Your love, friendship, prayers, and hugs mean so much to Finn and me. We send them back on a daily basis. Please take care!! ❤️💕💛🤗🐾🐾

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      1. Ginger Salvatore

        Okay my dear friend, you DID reply! But I am happy all over again to hear from you once more. You and sweet Finley seem to have weathered the “big move”. That’s a big plus for sure.

        I am overjoyed that last Wednesday’s visit went well and you feel positive about it. Maneuvering through cancer is like living on a roller coaster…and I know from personal experience. But you seem to have a very dedicated team of doctors, nurses and techs which is another big plus.

        A change of environment can be very uplifting, and in your case it has been.

        You seem to be putting your new desk to good use. I imagine you get more emails than you know what to do with. I also imagine you LOVE every one of them! You have touched a lot of lives Karla, all while struggling to get your own life in order. Not an easy feat.

        My prayers and friendship and love are with you and sweet Finley, and of course your dear family. You are surrounded by love and prayers Karla from so many well-wishers…kinda like we’re putting a protective shield around you.

        Don’t forget, I have the Fat Lady under wraps, so she ain’t gonna be singing nuthin’!

        Take care. Be safe. Be happy. Be YOU.

        As always, belly rubs for sweet Finley and kisses too. Oh, okay, you can have some too!

        Ginger 💞

        Sent from my iPad

        >

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      2. Aww 🥰, Ginger, this warms my heart ❤️. Your words affirm my thoughts on everything!!! I definitely will keep this particular phrase in my heart: …”we’re putting a protective shield around you.” I SEE it and I FEEL that! You are so uplifting and fun! Keep being YOU. I should’ve known your wisdom came from a personal battle from it~another reason to celebrate you! God’s blessings, hugs, snuggles, and everything good today and each day! 💕🥰❤️🐾💪🏻🤗

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    1. Julie, that is so kind and sweet to say. You are one to me as well. 🥹💕Getting to the other side~a journey to the safe and peaceful place of healing that once seemed too far to travel…to go the distance…it takes heroism. I’m in such great company with you. Love and prayers. 💕🙏🏻💪🏻

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  15. “There are three things that will remain eternally — alive–living– and these are faith (even with great fear); hope(even in what looks like complete darkness); and love — and Love (the agape, divine, can’t explain it kind of Love, no real words for it kind of Love) is the Greatest! God-love that lives in a human can never die. Love remains.” (paraphrase of St. Paul) May the love you feel inside you and for you truly be “monumental” today. Shalom, Jane

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    1. Dear Jane, you speak and know love. I knew that when I first met you. You exude love and peace and I’m so glad our paths crossed. Equally happy you intrude Ingrid to me. Sending you love and light, Jane. 🙏🏻💕❤️

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    1. I love you too, Mama K. I talked to my Mom about you and Paul at the hospital this morning. It was so good to be there as a daughter; not a patient. I pray for you and Paul daily. It’s so great to know love from Jesus and the sweet love of others just like you. Keep taking care! 💕🙏🏻

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    1. Pam, you and Butch mean so much to me. Thank you, everyday, for your prayers, love, and support. It felt so good to write. I’ll try and email updates as I move forward. I’m hoping to get to Texas to see my oldest son and family before the next treatment. I’m so happy this post touched your heart ❤️. I tried so hard to make my words make sense. I always hope they land in others’ hearts. Are you and Butch home and doing well? I hope and pray you are all well! I can imagine how beautiful the house and cottage are as we get closer to Spring. 💕❤️🙏🏻🥰💚 love and hugs

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  18. A really interesting post, Karla. Good to hear you are getting some good results from your treatment! Transitions are always difficult and doing it while you are not well must have been monumental for you! Praying all goes well going forward!
    Dwight

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    1. Thank you, Dwight! It was very challenging to try and update 38 days~all culminating to a day I love~Presidents’ Day. It was strange to go so many days without regularly reading and writing. Since last May I’ve tackled many transitions. I feel like I’m winning, Dwight. A little battle worn, but it won’t keep me down if my will is fueling it! I’ll keep leaning in when God tells me! Thank you, and your wife, for your prayers and support. I do hope and pray you are well!

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    1. Hello, Mark (from Finn and I)! We appreciate our Eastern friend. Your words and support are such an encouragement! Isn’t good news just wonderful? That’s exactly why I want to be at the tip top of my best to go in for round 3! If love and encouragement could cure cancer we’d have this world eradicated of this disease! I’ll keep on keeping on and I wish you nothing but peace, happiness, and good health. How’s retirement treating you? Is Ellie B and your wonderful family all well? 💪🏻🥰

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      2. Woot Woot! I’m so glad you’re all well! My next round is on March 28th. I’m going to take time to visit family and get back to grow some more grit! I’ve got this! Take care, dear friend!

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    1. Manette, thank you my friend. I’ll keep on standing steadfast. I believe, and always will, that prayers are why I’m still here and standing. They lift me and give me strength. Thank you so much! 💕❤️💪🏻

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  22. So good to read your words today Karla, to feel your love and monumental strength leap off the page! You are my hero! Im thinking of you today, sending sweet thoughts, big hugs, endless prayers, and layer upon layer of love. 💕C

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    1. C! What a precious and beautiful thing to say. Thank you so much. 🥹💕It’s so good to see you! I feel you always wrapping me in warmth and prayer when I have my coffee or giggle thinking of how you describe your amazing life and adventures. Or just how you write about love and how life is filled with magical things even in the mundane. You inspire me. Sending love in lots of layers (I love how you said that!). 💕❤️🙏🏻

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  23. YOU are monumental, and your courage is nothing short of inspirational. So wonderful to read your update and see how you are doing, as I think of you quite often. I’m glad the scans showed some progress, and I’m sending lots of hugs and prayers for your well being.

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    1. Aww, M.B. You are too sweet and kind. You were in my mind last night as I watched a Lincoln documentary. Your book by my side still waiting for me to fully ingest. You have a way with words, my friend. I feel the hugs and prayers and send them back. May life keep giving you adventures~in both words, marketing the books, and in real time travel! Love and hugs! 💕💪🏻🙏🏻

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    1. Richard, I thought of you when I wrote those LAST year for President’s Day. It makes me happy you smiled! I was hoping the poets out there knew! Thank you for sending blessings and prayers. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated.

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  28. Monumental indeed, Karla. Just as I was finishing your post, I glanced over at one of my favorite quotes, and it seemed so in harmony with what you’re saying: “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey” (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin). You’re on an epic journey, and it’s affecting so many other lives for good.

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    1. Mitch, I love that quote.💚 it is in harmony. I’m going to write it in my journal today. I often think of you and the journey your life has taken. And your sweet wife and family. You’ve influenced so many. It encourages me to have your support on my journey. I miss visiting your blog and do hope to get back into the swing of reading. I’m so happy words are finding me again. But most happy that I have the support and encouragement from family and friends, such as you. Thank you, dear friend!

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  29. So good to hear from you again, Karla. I have missed your cheery commentary and your awesome alliterations!

    Congratulations on successfully completing your move. Even in the best of circumstances, moving is a major pain in the tailbone. Did you move to get closer to doctors and treatments? Anyway, none of my business.

    I will continue to pray for you and for the doctors and specialists attending you. Based on our experience, cancer is certainly a group effort… with our loving God right there at the center of it all.

    Never forget all the people you have cheering for you and praying for you here from the sidelines.

    Russell B.

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    1. Hello, Russell! It’s so good to “see” you! And, by the way, amazing alliterations! 🙂 I couldn’t have made this move without my friends and family. I’m happy to share that I’m MUCH closer to the hospital and doctors. I timed it yesterday-due to a bit more traffic it took me 8 minutes to arrive at cancer center. I’d say I’m winning! I drove myself! Another win! I love driving and am so happy to gain some independence near conveniences. If I had my druthers, I’d be in the mountains surrounded by family, mountains, rivers, and trails. I’ve accepted my journey. This is where God needs me and I’ll plant myself and grow as he, and all of you, “ROOT” for me! Yay! I can grow wherever he plants me. When you live with an eternal perspective it doesn’t matter much where you are now when you know where you WILL be. 🙂
      I miss reading and supporting writers. I’m sorry for that. I apologize to anyone reading this. Yet, what an amazing supportive community we have here that UNDERSTANDS!
      My appt yesterday went well. I’ll be able to go visit my oldest son and family in Texas and then return for 3rd treatment end of March. I’ll be pretty much homebound after that one for a while. More writing and reading SHOULD happen during that time. They can only give 4 treatments. In the world of this cancer, this treatment (and surgery) is all that they can do…at this time. I’ll just have to learn to manage symptoms and pray the tumors don’t overtake me. I feel positive! You understand the cancer journey. I’m still figuring it all out as this is such a unique and rare disease. I’ve learned a lot about neuroendocrine cancer vs. other cancers. Some days are more challenging; like it is for all of us. Everyone is battling something. I’m not sure how I could face these situations without our loving God. I’m thankful for faith, family, friends, and Finley! I write this in my cancer journal each day (I call them the 4 F’s). Nature comes in there at the top. With spring comes hope. New blooms and sights. I can’t wait.
      I pray you are both doing well and that your health is keeping you doing the things you enjoy. Thank you for being part of my cheer team. Your prayers and support are an encouragement!

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  30. A monumental move. Monumental signs. Monumental progress for your liver and pancreas. Praying for you, Dear Karla, and especially for your lymph nodes and bones, platelets and cells, overall health, mental and physical, the growing of strength and building of blood. I love you, Karla. Sending all the extra I have (because it’s monumental). ✨💖✨

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    1. I love you, Crystal! I’m sending monumental love, hugs, and prayers back to you. Look at you go with cancer! We have this, Crystal, because God has us. There’s nothing more monumental than that peace. Thank you for being you.💕🙏🏻💪🏻

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  31. Karla, your faith and outlook is monumental. That attitude is also a good medicine for the body, and of course for the soul. You have many good people around you, and also many good people right here on your blog. Please know you are in my prayers, and more importantly you’re an inspiration. Really. Thank you for that.

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    1. Jennie, thank you so much for this kind and supportive response. It means so much to me! You’re an inspiration to me and I will keep using the support of my family and friends, like you and others here, to keep my attitude positive! I appreciate you so much! Please take care!

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  35. Love this K.L.
    💗
    “I’ll not live a life of faith only to lose it at the end. Like always, my flannel keeps me warm. My faith keeps me moving. It’s monumental!”

    So happy you are settled in your new place with a visit from your son and more visits coming.
    You are an amazing trouper and your attitude is next to none. Your faith will continue to carry you through. Keep listening and asking. I’m just so sorry you have to go through all of this! Sending love and prayers. xoxoxoxo 💗

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    1. Aww, thank you, Cindy. I feel the warmth and love in your words. I FEEL like I’m getting a “restart” this year. The change was needed. The feelings and emotions with this diagnosis are indescribable at times. Yet, I’m still me and there are many times I don’t think of it at all. Then the pain hits. Or I wonder why can’t I lift my limbs and do what I did. MY HEART is strong. I’m trying to be the best trouper I can be; thank you. Your encouragement, and so many here that have rallied around me, keep me moving forward in hope! I’ll keep listening and asking. Love and prayers to you. I hope that your Dad and family continue to recover and everyone stays safe and blessed. xoxoxo💕🙏🤗

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