The trio (Zeb, Kristy, and I) were thrilled.
My follow-ups were fast and faith-filled.
A rescheduled flight, one-stop, then D.C.
The Institute welcomes rare humanity.
Two scans, scores of blood draws,
and a sticky I.V.
Fasting and waiting,
dreams of driving an R.V.
Two āHalesā were called
we stood to take a look.
Another āHaleā but a male?
Thatās one for the books!
Doctors and researchers
from across the world,
my tears of gratitude,
when my story was heard.
My liver and pancreas
look as good as they should!
The nuances of this cancer
can be misunderstood.
A few growing lymph nodes
and bones need a scan.
Two new mutations
will be met with a plan.
A follow-up at home
and a shift in the seasons.
My heart bleeds for others
As I ponder the reasons.
Maintenance helps symptoms,
New meds or monthly shots?
I donāt take this for granted,
I'll give it all that Iāve got.
We're not promised tomorrow
or a life without pain.
Wisdom, growth, love, and RARE
are life-altering to gain.
"Unlike me," Zeb said,
life's not always black and white.
But God made us all unique
and precious in his sight."
K.L. Hale
The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health is in Bethesda, Maryland. As the nation’s leading federal agency for cancer research, NCI has 30 divisions, offices, and centers that work together to build, maintain, and enhance a cohesive and comprehensive cancer research agenda. Their work ranges from cutting-edge research on cancer causes, treatment, and prevention; to training the next generation of cancer researchers; to funding and supporting the nation’s vast network of scientists and cancer research institutions; to informing and educating the American public and the world about cancer. (cancer.gov). A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jonathan Hernandez and Dr. Jaydira Del Rivero. Their expertise and research have and are extending and enriching lives–just like mine! When my mind starts questioning or thinking, “How did I (a middle-aged woman from Missouri) access help from THERE?” I smile and say, “Thank you, God,” for it’s surreal!
Keep the faith-have heart. ā£ļøš¦ Do you know how loved you are?
Ā©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.
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Amazing! You are a living miracle, Karla! Glad your report was a good one.
Dwight, you’re a treasure to me. THANK YOU! I’m keeping the faith! I’m so happy to “see” you! I appreciate you!
The feeling is mutual, my friend. Thank you for your kind words.
You’re welcome āŗļø thank you too! ā„ļø
ā¤ļø
š„°š¤š
This is so encouraging,Karla! āDo you know how much you are loved?ā Also, do you even know who you are?
I will venture to say you know more who you are than ever before! Which brings me to a great quote I found last week:
āThe world will ask you who you are, and if you do not know, the world will tell you.ā
Karl Jung, Swiss psychologist.
David, thank you, dear friend! I do know! There were times I really didn’t. BUT…not now :-). How sweet of you to remind me, too.
Jung’s work inspired me when I was taking Psychology classes in college (Psychology fascinates me). Thank you for sharing the awesome quote and kind words! I appreciate you!
Looks like mixed results on your reports, but mostly positive, so congratulations.
I enjoyed the rhyming, and I don’t usually like poems. This was a good one, and reading it was good fun.
Thank you, Tippy! I appreciate your support so much (and kind words about my poem). It didn’t start out being a poem–but my mind took it there (my mind—oh boy!). If we can keep my liver and pancreas healthy that’s a wonderful thing. Compared to a year ago–so much has been “cut out”. It’s a tricky cancer. It typically goes back to liver within 2-5 years. But I’m speaking life and will continue staying positive and moving forward. I was fighting an infection but again, I’m in schools with all the germs, lol. I’ll keep on keepin’ on.
Take care, my friend. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
You too.
God puts you where you need to be!!!! Ā Great news!! Ā Continuing prayers!! Ā Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Ā Love, JenniferĀ
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Jennifer, I love you, my friend. Thank you!! It’s so wonderful to hear positive things! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! ššā£ļø
Grateful for positive reports! Sending love and continued prayers! š©·š
Thank you, precious friend! I love you and pray for you and your family. Holding space in my heart for all you when you gather at Thanksgiving. How was the wedding? I can’t wait to hear all about it (and see pics!). ā£ļøšš
It was beautiful! The perfect day! ā¤ļø
Isaiah 41:10 my friend.
Ah, yes. Thank you, Jane. Beautiful truth! One of my favorite verses. Love and peace, dear friend.
You do give it all you’ve got. You’re an inspiration beautiful Karla. š
Thank you, precious Michele! You’re a blessing! ā£ļøšš¦šš¤š„°š
Thanks so much sweet friend! šš¤šš¼
š¦ ā¤ļø
Aw, MAK. š¦ā£ļøš¤ā£ļøā£ļøā£ļø
I love the verse Karla. It had a depth, a truth of where you’ve been. Maybe you’ve written it for you too, a healing of a heart being seen…maybe a little hope, a faith that you are being looked after in this journey. It speaks lovingly ā¤ļøš
I remember a picture I saw of two sets of footprints going along in the sand, but sometimes there was only one set. And the caption was…
‘Lord, you have always been with me but sometimes you leave. Especially when things were going so bad?’ To which Jesus said…’when there was only one set of footprints my friend…that was when I carried you.’
Hang in there beautiful lady, He is ever there…and Zeb, and Finn, and family, and just everyone around you, and us online too. It is a path to love, a very profound one. Even if it has many flights, travels, offices and Zeb carry packs š¤
Very big hugs Karla, so glad to hear the good news and hope for any hiccups in this journey. Hang in there and know it all has a purpose…and at the least, as you said, a RV waiting for a wander across the land. Take care my friend š¤š¦š„°š¾š¤£šā¤ļøš
Mark, thank you for your precious and heartfelt words. The reminder of the Footprints in the Sand poem–I love that so much!
I’ll keep hanging in there and I’ll never lose heart or faith. I pray for you and think of your journey and the hiccups you’ve had. Look at how you’re inspiring me and sharing the love with all of us who know you! Thank you for being that inspiration for me!
I don’t even see me hanging anymore, Mark. I’ve been hanging before–once at the end of my rope! Now? I’m keeping faith, having heart, and holding on. I’ll keep holding on to that as I’m hiking. There it is! No hanging! Just hiking and holding on to our Heavenly Papa! Yay!
Much love and hugs to you from Finn and me. Do you see us waving? š¤ā£ļøššš¦
Yayyy! Yes! And waving back to you and Finn too kind lady. Your heart will keep you free and hiking, singing in the rain, and enjoying His gift no matter where.
And thank you for your kind words Karla, but I must confess what you face is incredible. And most certainly encourages your connection with Jesus to see love so much more profoundly my friend. Inspiration personified, love set free, and shared oh so beautifully.
And for that, thank you for sharing that heart opened. It was one of the things that Spirit ‘nudged’ me with as I found your blog. I was asked to ‘see’ something without telling me what. But I didn’t need to see but ‘feel’ a profound depth of where a heart can be Karla. Yes, there are days, but your light steps in and holds that love you found my friend, regardless. It is special, and very appreciated by all who come by.
And from me…thank you for that gift kind lady, always shared in words, song and heart. Big hugs my friend, and glad to have you home š¾ š¦ š¤š„°š¤£šššā¤ļøš
thanks for that wonderful poem and encouraging report. Karla: good to see you attempting rhyme and doing a darn good job at it š keeping you in my prayers š
it’s my blessing, John. Thank you for your support and prayers, dear friend. We’re keeping on keeping on aren’t we? I appreciate you! š¤šš¦
That was such a wonderful poem and nice to hear good news from it. Keep the faith and doing what you are doing Karla!
Aw, thank you Diane! I appreciate you so much! I will keep the faith and I hope you are, too! I can imagine what your week will be like in the kitchen. I can smell the good food and feel your faith, too. Take care, my friend. š
Such good news! The Lord is so very good! You are an overcomer and a blessing! Loved your poem so much. I want more of them! Satan hates you cause your such a fighter. You are such a sweetheart!
Love you so much! ššš»š¶šššļøš„°šš»ā¤ļø
Isnāt Satan such a liar, too? Oh, Momma Wenda, thank you. Iāve never considered myself much of a poetābut at times, my mind goes there because it āsingsā? Or my mind is too jumbled, lol. Youāre a source of inspiration to me. I love you! šš¤š©µšš„°šš¶
Yes, he is a liar. I had never written a poem until one day the Lord told me to write this down. And now everyday He gives me a poem. It amazes me every time. Maybe that is Him giving you a new gift. He speaks so beautifully through you. Just be open to it. You are such a sweetheart. So much love I’m sending to you! ššš¹š¦šŖ¶šš»š„°ā¤ļøš¶šļøš¤ššš§¤š„šŗšøš¹šš·šŖŗšŗššæš¼ššš«š«šļø
Thank you, Mama Wenda. Much love to you!šā„ļøššš»š„°šš»šš»ā¤ļø
Karla, that was a sweet poem! I am so glad the news was good. I love how you continue your journey with faith and hope. With God all things are possible. He has the final say in all things.
I love you sweet friend šš»ā¤ļøš¦
I love you, too, Pam. A friend from Branson texted me today. She said, āTwo years ago I didnāt dream this news todayā¦o yeā of little faith,ā she wrote. We shared smiles. With GODā-I canāt imagine any other way, sweet Pam. THANK YOU for your constant prayers and support. Iām praying for you, Butch, your Daddy, and family each day. May we all continue to grow our faithāno matter what! Much love, hugs, and prayers, precious Pam. ššš„°
Karla, we received the package on Tuesday! Did you receive our card?
Yes, Pam. It was so precious and thoughtful! I have it on my table. Iām so happy the package arrived (I was beginning to think I mightāve had the wrong address and when I got your card I was happy!). I love you both so much! ā¤ļø
We love you, sweet Karla!
ā¤ļøš„°š¤
I marvel at your daily embrace of this life, Karla. Keep seeing the best colors and hues and outcomes, my friend.
Thank you, dear friend. Youāve been a great cheerleader and support, Mark! Iāll keep on keepinā on! I hope you do, too!
š¤šš§” Autumn gratitude! Iām happy to read these heartfelt blessings. And what a handsome guy Zeb is! š¦ Iām thankful for you, Karlaā¦ and thanking God with you. Happy Thanksgiving!
Iām thankful for you sweet Mama M. Thank you for your sweet support and friendship. Iāll give Zeb the message, my friend. Itās good to interact and āseeā you, my friend. Iām looking forward to visiting you soon. When I see hearts, I think of you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! š¤š©µš
Karla, I love your poem! You are so talented! I’m glad you had a good trip. God bless you as you encourage the world around you! šš¤šš¾
Thank you, dear friend. I appreciate your precious words and prayers. God bless you! I pray that you and Henry and the rest of your family have a wonderful week! Much love to you all from Finn and me. šš
There’s so much light (and gentle wit) in these verses, Karla, I have to shield my eyes! Bless you, dear friend.
Thank you, dear Mitch. I appreciate your support and encouragement! You help inspire me, my friend. Iām glad you āgetā me! š¤ š¦
I enjoyed your sweet poem. So glad that most of your health reports were positive and you have a plan for the rest. Those sticky IVs are uncomfortable. So glad you are getting good care.
Happy Thanksgiving
Love, katelon
Thank you, sweet Katelon. I feel in good hands! Ultimately, the best hands, no matter what! Such a comfort and peace. I pray you are well, too. Happy Thanksgiving my friend. Much love and appreciation!
Wow, what an incredible update, my Dear Friend and Sister, Karla. Iām so thankful to hear about the care and progress youāre making. Your strength, faith, and the way youāre embracing every step of this journey are such an inspiration to me. Itās amazing to see how God has been guiding you, and Iām so grateful for the brilliant doctors and researchers who are working hard on your behalf. Your reflections on life, the uniqueness of each day, and the hope you carry with you truly touch our heart.
Iām keeping you in my prayers, and I know God will continue to Bless you with His Strength and Peace.
Godās Blessings to you today and always.
Hello, brother Willie! Your words are heartfelt and encouraging! I hear your smile!
You must know you’re a source of inspiration ~I see how God has used your situation to praise and proclaim~I must do the same, Willie.
I’m so thankful for you too. Let’s keep heart and the faith and never give in to anything but God’s love and compassion!
Through all situations, tough or terrific, he gives a perfect peace for I trust in him.
I’m so thankful for your support and kindness. I’m going to lift you and yours in prayer right now! Many blessings, brother. You are loved!šš»
Thank you Sister. You are always in my thoughts and Prayers. I am truly Blessed for your friendship and kindness,.
May the Lord Bless you today and always.
It’s my blessing, Willie. You too, brother.ā„ļøšš»š
Wow! If this means what I think it means, congratulations! It sounds as if you have turned a major corner on your cancer journey. How are you feeling? It is hard to tell from your writing if you are tired, or energized, in agony, or pain-free. You always sound upbeat and peaceful on the page. I suspect your faith makes āat peaceā your default mode. Anyway, blessings and congratulations again from Colorado!
Thank you, Russell! You know me well! It’s so amazing to have a default peace mode. It’s as amazing to have as the miracle of …being here!
In my support group we share of how we want to hear “NED” (no evidence of disease). If we hear something has grown it can be deflating. Yet, when I consider how much has been REMOVED, I stand amazed.
I knew I was “fighting” inflammation and infection. Challenges are there~I’ll continue doing good things to help what’s there. Keeping the liver and pancreas healthy is definitely important. I sure can’t afford to break a bone or fight infections all the time. The back, bones, and blood are important to monitor. I have a high pain threshold and I’m thankful for that! So minor aches are nothing! It was a wonderful follow-up~filled with hope and also, recognizing that this cancer can be unpredictable, treated, and is continuously being researched! I’m happy to be a research project, tee hee. I’m trying not to overdo it~or “under”do. Today, my body feels the impact of things~bones in new unusual places (arms and elbows), digestion, abdominal cramps at times (my diet is a focal point of everything). Yet, in prayer, movement, proper posture of gratitude, I’ll stretch, pray, and go about moving forward through holy motivation! There are days, like Sunday, I could barely move. Isn’t that for all of us?
You and Joan have experienced so much ~you understand! It gives an eternal perspective that is a gift many may not understand if you haven’t experienced it. I praise God! He’s prepared me my whole life to deal with this in a way that I now truly “get”. God bless you, Russell. For your wisdom, support, prayers, and compassion. Empathy is powerful. You inspire me! Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I appreciate you! šš»š¦
Oh Iām so glad that youāre getting to of the range medical attention. Heal well dear friend
Thank
You, dear Sadje. I appreciate you. ā„ļøšššš»
Youāre always most welcome Karla ššš
Enraptured by the songs of faith you sing from a heart of gratitude and, yes, fortitude! Praise God. Thanking God with you for the medical care and attention you’re receiving and praying for your healing, Karla.
Thank you, dear Dora. You’re such a sweetheart of support. You inspire me! May our fortitude and faith keep us strong ~ I’m saying a prayer for you right now. Much love, sister.ššš»
Karla I think you have a poetic soul! Nothing wrong with putting it all into a poem – and you made it feel happy and peaceful too. I had to laugh when I saw your mascot! The zebra has been the face of the rare diseases for so long – if you hear hoof beats you look for horses, when you can’t find horses you look for zebras! And naturally when you find a zebra you have to ask “does it fart sparkles?” (that’s what we say when it is a really rare form) Anyway I’m so glad the Bethesda angels are taking care of you! You know the Prayer Warriors are still on the job!!! ā£ā£ā£šš»šš»ššš»šš»ā£ā£ā£
Val, you made me smile…and giggle! I learned something new! Sparkles! Tee hee
A special thank you to you and the prayer warrior Angel team too! I’m
covered all around. I’m so grateful for all the love and support. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Mochi, and your precious family. Love, Finn and me šš¦šš¾
Karla I’m tickled that you’re tickled! Laughter is good medicine! A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and Finn from me and the whole family (Mochi included)! ššš¾šš¦ She has been following me around ever since I started making pies last night. She sat so still and alert as I was cutting apples that I finally relented and gave her a slice. I’ve created a monster!! šš¾š¾šš¾
Too cute, Val. I’m with Mochi. I think I’d be a little monster if you gave me a slice, too. Tee hee. THANK YOU! š¾š„°ā£ļøšš
Praying for you Karla š may God continue to protect you under the shadow of His almighty wings!
Thank you, dear Deborah!šššš»
Zeb has been with you through it all but best of all- Jesus has been with you little sister. Praying for you
Amen, big brother! Thank you!! I pray for you too,šš»š„°
It sounds as if you got some well-deserved good news! And I love how you keep your faith through it all. That is no small feat. But the best is your sharing it with us, so we can see that it truly is possible to remain faithful during our health-care battles and that we can even live life rather fully during treatments. Your blog continually inspires me!
Ann, thank you so much, my friend. I pray you and your family are well.
I’m so happy and blessed to keep moving forward. Thank you for reading and supporting me through this journey~I need dreamed when I began this blog, my STORY would unfold with such…events. There were enough for a book already āŗļø God is the ultimate author~ my complete confidence in him is helping me wordsmith.
My cancer is different. I know my treatments are much easier at this moment. If I have to go back to radiation or a type of chemo again, it would change. There are side effects to any medicine and treatment. I do pray that things stay stable so I can visit my kids and grandkids for many years. No matter what, I will continue to live fully~ and rest fully in his perfect peace. It’s humbling that my journey inspires you. That’s precious, Ann. Thank you. God bless you as you continue caregiving and doing all you do!š„¹šā„ļøšš»š
Thank you! And I will continue to pray that God blesses you and that you always feel His presence and protection as you move forward!
It’s my blessing, Ann! THANK YOU, too. š©·š©·š
I love how Zeb joins you! Your poem tells the story and is wonderful. Faith is a powerful thing. š
Thank you, Jennie! I had this feeling you’d love Zeb! Maybe I could send Zeb to YOU sometime? Perhaps he could visit your classroom? I have a bit of a break before I go back to Maryland and Zeb is lonely sitting at my computer.
I appreciate you so much, dear Jennie. You’re an inspiration to me. Faith! Yes! ā£ļøā£ļøā£ļø
Oh, I forgot to share something—in March, my “original” Zeb, given to me by my amazing hiking tribe, “hopped” out of my backpack at the Charlotte airport. Hmmm. I’m very hopeful that a lucky child has him? THIS Zeb is excited because he has been to a few places so far! Oh, the places he will go! š
Ah ha!! Maybe Zeb could visit Gloria? She’s been lonely, too. Email me at sfitzkee@erols.com. My head is spinning with ideas!!! š
Yay!! Mine too!! š„°š„°š„°ā„ļøā„ļøā„ļøā„ļøšš»šš»šš»
š
Please, please email me directly at sfitzkee@erols.com. We’re doing a unit on Africa in January. Zeb can visit Glora. There’s so much to tell you, Karla. I look forward to your email.
Sending you a big bear hug and all my love, Sister K! šš» āThank you, God, for my beautiful friend, your abundant blessings and flat-out miracles!ā šš»
Karla, praising Father above for His grace, which continues to encourage hope. Zeb reminds me of a teddy bear who travels with Colleen and I. He was a Valentine’s Day gift to both of us during Covid. Your writing is precious, and it overflows with life’s goodness. May God’s peace continue to open another day with His love.
That is so sweet, Richard. Thank you, dear friend. You and Colleen understand Zeb since you have a traveling teddy bear. I used to have a tiny monkey (and a tiny unicorn, too). And of course, my little Jesus figurines!
I’m so glad you feel life’s goodness in my words. I will begin monthly treatments again to stabilize and help. I’ve been in John 11 today. There’s no fear when you live in Hope and believe in Jesus. Life may not be easy at times; there are challenges, but the peace you’re praying for me is what I feel. It’s a peace that only God can give. God bless you both! I appreciate you and pray you are doing well, too. I hope to be back here tomorrow to read and write. I always enjoy your poetry and inspiration!
This seems like such good news, I’m sending you lots of prayers, hugs, and my love. I’m so grateful for you in my life, a blessing from God, and one I cherish. Hugs, C
I cherish you too, C. Thank you, dear big sister. It was good news. Mixed with decisions about further treatment to stabilize and new findings genetically? It’s so interesting, C. Today I’ll go back to the cancer center for an injection and infusion. I’ve enjoyed being “off” of treatments; yet, I know ANY growth might be prevented. I’m so happy to be here and back to classrooms for a bit. It all seems surreal at time. Hope and faith keep me going! Your prayers and support make a difference in my life. Although I’m not “here” as often as I hope, my heart is with you! Love, Karlaš©·