Staring at the pictures of my family taken these last several weeks gives me instant HUGE smiles. Giggles, tiny sweet voices, cries, yells, questions, and the words, “I love you!” echo through my home. Hearing “Mom” and “Grammy K” puts me over the moon! Trust me when I say they are the cutest families ever!
My mornings are filled with so much gratitude for a new day. With each new day I’m navigating my NEW LIFE.
Speaking of life…do you know how RARE YOU ARE? š
“I praise you for you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalms 139:14
Twins are rare, too. According to my parents there’s a 50% chance it could happen to you (SOME other sources might vary). Another rarity? Me trying to find words. Surreal is the only word I can use to describe the last 6 weeks (beginning with Covid). NOW? Sometimes the words leave me and last night they held me captive. Here’s a bit of my experience thus far. My oncologist? He’s a quirky smart man. He’s just a man. He’s human. Many years of training led him to my room. N.E.T.S? Yet another rarity. They’re not his specialty. There’s 3-4 of us he’s seen in TWENTY years. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are a “group of cancers that can occur in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas.” (Mayo Clinic, 2021). An article from Healthline, stated that “Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout your whole body. They receive messages from your nervous system and release hormones into your blood. It’s estimated that about 12,000 people are diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors each year in the United States.” STOP RIGHT HERE.
I began this post 3 days ago. That same night I was adding chemo pill #2 to my 14 day regimen. It was a rough night. Last night a new plan was in place. You should have heard the prayers. A grin has been plastered on my face all day. Glory to God! No matter the ups and downs I will continue the fight. Just as in writing this post and all future ones. A paragraph might form, an idea hits my heart, and then nausea might step in. Or fatigue. Will you hang in there with me?
Nothing is the same but this: my faith in God, healing, family, friends, and the good that is still in the world. I choose to replace fear with faith. Yes, I am scared at times. I refuse to allow cancer to hijack my peace.
There will be pain. All of us. There will be suffering. All of us. There will be victories. All of us. There will be setbacks. All of us. There will be sadness. All of us. There will be healing. All of us. It may not look the way we want or wish. What do you do? I literally don’t have the time to worry about the small stuff. Friends, please allow me to use my platform to update you, encourage you, love on you, laugh with you, cry with you, and learn with you. I’m still here. I’ll be making hay when the sun shines and joining you on your porches, trails, beaches, and offices. Should we have coffee or tea? Let’s talk about the goodness of God, grandkids, and giggles. Let’s let loose of lofty life lies and leap to why love is the only thing that remains. What are you victories? The small things you adore most? How are your families? Friends? Pets? In the meantime know that I love you, pray for you, and am elated and proud to know you.
To my family and friends here in SW MO: I can’t type this without tears in my eyes. The words and cards of comfort, the calls, texts, and the support make me shudder by all the shoulders in which I lean. In an effort to ease burdens of family trying to update everyone, I’ll use my blog. I’ve found my purpose again. To bring awareness to my disease is my focus. I’ve got my head in the game (hear that, Dad?) and my heart is healthy. And you? You are loved…no matter what. š¤
“For God has not given (INSERT YOUR NAME HERE) a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“Have you heard of N.E.T….yet?” This is my new phrase for my awareness campaign to whomever I can reach. There’s much misinformation regarding pancreatic cancer vs. pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Friends, can you share my journey? I do not want another person to go through this. Trust your gut. If you believe something is wrong investigate it-don’t stop. I’m empowered, I’m present, and I’m anchored. I’ve found my voice again. I’ll be singing until I can’t. May my words never leave me.
Have faith š
Discover more from Flannel with Faith
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sounds like you are getting some good knowledgeable help. Praying that the treatments will help healing and restoration com quickly.
Dwight, it’s so good to “see” you. Thank you so much. I’m learning a lot.
Hang in there… this too shall pass.
Thank you, Dwight šŖš»
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! It’s so true–we all have victories, setbacks, sadness, and healings. ā¤ļø
Youāre welcome. Thank you, Lauri, for being on this journey with me. Iām continuing prayers for all my WP family! š
ā¤ļø
ā¤ā£ you’re with me
Iām with you! ā¤ļø
ā¤ā¤ā¤š¤
Karla, I deactivated my IG for awhile (taking a social-media break), but Iām still here! ā¤ļø And at lauradenisecreative@gmail.com. Iām still finishing up moving today, and tomorrow Iām going out of town to get my daughter situated in college. š° I will return to my WordPress family soon. Thinking of you every day. ā¤ļø
Laura, I thought maybe you were moving! Iāve thought of you so much when Iām trying to write words (particularly in poetry). I hope the move goes well and Iāll say prayers for your daughterās transition. For both of you!! Iām here. And Iām sending love and prayers. šā¤ļøšš»
š¤ā¤ļø
Right here with you girlā laughing, crying, fighting all the way!!!
You made me both cry and smile reading your post Karlaā lemonade or anti nausea meds it is!!!!
Iām in!!!
Tying my shoes to walk, run, or crawl this journey with you!!!!!
Julie,ā¦.Iāve missed you! Itās so good to see YOU HERE! Yay! Thank you for being here with me! Thank you for lacing up with me. Iām not running like I used to,ā¦but Iām not done tying my shoes. Love you! š¤šŖš»šŖš»šŖš»
i wish you the best my friend.
Thank you, Bill. š
So happy to read your words today! Praying for you! ā¤ļø
Kelley, itās so good to see you, friend. I feel the prayers. Thank you so much! Are you at summer school? Or enjoying time off I hope? ā¤ļø
Enjoying time off! Actually in Vermont visiting family for a few days. ā¤ļø Much Love!
Oh, how wonderful! Enjoy every minute as Iām sure youāre doing. Much love right back. š
Hey beautiful sunshine, it is great to hear your voice Karla. I can hear the love from here…and He is most certainly there with you, all the way. And I know this with certainty, on that night that He spoke to me He said…’I am the giver of life’…and He will too, in more ways than one, regardless where we are. So from me too, a big hug, lots of love and many wishes for your journey my friend…you got this š ā¤ļø šš½ š¦
Mark, thank you so much. Itās so good to be back with my WP family. Your testimony of love and life are always inspiring. Iām sending the hugs and love back! How are things down under? ššš»šŖš»āļø
Thank you kind lady, and gratefully received. I have beautiful sunshine, warm winter days and even some humpback whales waving their flippers hello as they swim on by. i think they may be for you š š¤£ ā¤ļø šš½ š¦
Oh, so tell the whales Iām waving my flipper back! šš š³
Haha š¤£, will do dear lady, I shall shout it out to them from the lookout on the morrow! š š¤£ ā¤ļø šš½ š¦
šš¤š
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock Psalm 27
This says it all, Jane. Peace and love my friend. I feel your support. Thank you so much. šš„°šš»
Sent from my iPad
>
Ginger, thank you so much. š
God’s blessings to you. I can tell he has been blessing you already. How wonderful to be surrounded by family when you need their support and comfort and cheer. By the way, twins “run” in my family: I am father to two pairs of identical twins. Since that happens roughly three out of a thousand pregnancies, having two in the same household is quite an accomplishment. Anyhow, I will keep you in my prayers. J.
J, wow! Iām in rare company indeed. Thatās wonderful! Isnāt it? š I appreciate your prayers and support so very much. šš»
Karla, I am sorry to hear this news. I am here for you if you need anything. I went through chemo and radiation 14 years ago. Keep laughing and a positive attitude. You have many friends who will be praying for you daily. It might be rough but God never gives us more than we can handle. This is just another chapter in your journey and another way for you to help others. You will always be in my prayers. ā¤ļøšš¤
Your survival is my inspiration, Scott! I believe in miracles. I believe in laughing and a positive attitude! I appreciate the support, love, and prayers. š¤ššš»
You are going to be fine. š¤šā¤ļø
šŖš»šŖš»š
Praising God in the midst of the storms of life. Knowing He is lifting you into the rock that is solid with Him. The foundation of the cross where all is lost! May you find great peace, and knowledge in this found journey youāre walking. Many prayers for wisdom, and discernment. For our Lord God is Sovereign! Sweet girl He has you! Let Him swaddle you, and wipe your tears. May all your fear fall at His feet. Trusting your unknown future to a very known God! Wow I will do all those things with you. Come have coffee with me in Spokane ššš»
My heart goes out to dear child of God! Rest in Him! ā£ļøā¤ļøā£ļø
Lisa, youāre a survivor. HE has me. Just as HE had you. I let him hold me and I feel all the love of everyone around me. How can I not smile? How can I not have hope? I have found NO security in ANYTHING but God alone. Thereās a peace that passes understanding~even when I might fear for just a fraction~peace returns. Your message and support, your testimony and grit, your undeniable praise,ā¦itās contagious. Sending love and hugs. Iād love to get out there again. āļø šššš»š„°š¤šŖš»šŖš»šŖš»šš»šš»šš»
Hug and Godās unconditional love right back at you! Blessings friend šš»š¦š¶
Get well soon by Godās Grace š·šš·prayers for your fast recovery dear friend š·ā„ļøš
Thank you, Thattamma. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. ššš„°š¤š¤
š·šā„ļøšmost welcome š
Praying for you, my friend that you get well soon
Thank you so much my friend. šš¤
I have faith, Dear Karla, and Iām lifting you in prayer.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Crystal, thank you. I stand with you in faith. How do people live without faith and hope? šššš»šš»šŖš»āļøāļø
Right? Hope or despair? Iāll take hope any day. šš»
Amen, sister! š„°
Karla, I am overjoyed to see this post from you. Oh how I wish I lived close enough to walk through this journey with you. But, I am walking with you every step of the way as we hold to the One has you in His Hands. You have the beautiful gift of encouragement as we all attempt to be an encourager to you. Praying for Godās strength and peace to surround you! Love, prayers, and hugs beautiful friend ā„ļøšš»šš»šš»š¤ššŗ
Good morning Pam. š Iām so happy to be here and to see you. Your words of comfort and encouragement mean so much to me and my family. I know that you, and Butch, are walking with me. I feel the love and prayers and send them to you and your precious family. ššššš»šš»šš»šš»
šš»ā„ļøšš»ššš»ššššš»ššš»ā„ļøšš»
I’m glad you have been diagnosed accurately. So many times the rare cancers take so long to figure out because no one is looking for them (all the docs are looking for horses and then zebras but hardly ever look for unicorns!) I’ve worked with a researcher who deals with rare and orphan diseases – there is hope and lots of research going on! I’m so glad you are surrounded by friends and family and that they are walking with you on this difficult journey. I will continue to pray!! <3
Val, your thoughts make me smile and nod in agreement. I love unicorns by the way {Iāll not digress into a past unicorn mask and why and where Iād wear it š}. I wonāt deny that Iām sad they couldnāt find this BEFORE it went to so many places. Thus, my goal and message to others. As a constant learner itās important for me to self-advocate ~all of us should. I have found touching stories of those who succumbed ~and those who are succeeding! Iām so thankful for the support Iām receiving. Tonight is my last night of round 1 chemo. It has been a difficult regimen, but one that Iāve learned to navigate. Iām not going to feel the best always. Itās just the way it is. I have cancer, I donāt want it to take over me even though itās made a pretty good home in places. I think of your sculptures. My cells are well-differentiated which cause them to look like normal cells. Iād like to add a āNETā label to my cell sculpture. Sending hugs and love! šššš¤
Oh Karla, this is so poignant, and I am so sad for you but yet happy at your outpouring of faith and the hope you are feeling! Prayers and ((((HUGS)))) <3 and I leave you with a favorite verse of mine from Isaiah 43, "When you pass through the waters, they will not sweep over you and when you walk through the fire you will not be burned, I will be with you." <3
Joy, I feel your joy! Thatās one of my favorite verses. I feel the love and hugs too! Stay well my friend and thank you. ššššš»šš»šš»š¤š¤š¤
When our lives seem the most fragile, we learn to appreciate the gift they are. I am glad you are surrounded by friends and family to give you strength through your ordeal. Stay strong and know that you are loved!
Brad, Iāve missed your poetry and your place. Thank you for being here with me on this journey. Yes, although some may not understand, this was a gift in ways that will bring miracles otherwise stifled. Sending hugs and love! šš¤šŖš»
You are always a help to others on your life’s journey and you
continue to help others by showing them your strength and kindness.
hugs and blessings dear heart, Eddie
Thank you dear Eddie. That touches my heart š
always and forever, love, Eddie
Same to you, Eddie
You have become a beacon of light for others. Your light shines through your words and your faith. They are insurmountable, indomitable. Just like you.
Oh, Pam. Tears. Thank you so much. Iāll keep going. ššš„¹š
This scripture came to mind this morning as I was reading your blog post. Psalm 41:1-3 NIV “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
The LORD protects and preserves themā they are counted among the blessed in the landā he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
3The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”
I love this passage dear friend. Sondra, do you know youāre one of my inspirations? God bless you. šš¤
Karla I will be with you every step of the way, I love you ā¤ļø
Lorraine, thank you so much. I love you too. š Iām praying youāre well.
I don’t have words, Karla. Bear, Teddy and I send you all our love and gratitude for your courage. ā¤ļøš¾ We send our love to Finn, too, who must certainly understand everything.
I know, MAK. When I need to get away in my meditations Iām walking the Great Refuge and see you, Bear, and Teddy always. We love you. My blood labs looked good today and I count all wins. Soon, very soon, Iāll be back in nature and my body and soul will sigh. ššš¤
Here is what your walk at our Refuge looks like now. šš¾ š¾ We went out a couple of evenings ago. Wind blew enough to keep the bugs off an dit wasn’t terribly hot. BEAUTIFUL!!!
https://marthakennedy.blog/2022/06/17/photos-of-a-refuge-walk/
Oh, MAK. š„¹šš š¾ Iām there! Thank you thank you. ā¤ļø
I’ve been thinking so much about you wondering how you are. You are in my prayers and thoughts always. I am also glad to be more educated about your condition, NETs, and what they really are so thank you for sharing that. Sending prayers for healing and strength! <3 <3
M.B., thank you. Knowing you now, and how you love research and learning, I thought youād be interested. I feel your prayers and support! ā¤ļøā¤ļøšŖš»
Karla, your journey will continue to be filled with special blessings from our heavenly Father. His presence is real and persistent. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts.
Thank you, Richard. Prayers are powerful and Iām glad to have such warriors!
Oh my, Karla, what a joy it was to see this post from you pop up in my feed. I’m overwhelmed but not surprised by the love that surrounds you, it speaks so loudly of the unconditional love you offer others, and the legacy you leave with all those lives you have touched and continue to do so. You are truly a miracle of God and you bless our world enormously. I’m on my knees, wrapping you in prayer, love, strength. I believe in your innate strength, your devotion to God, your determination. Use everything in your arsenal, you’ve got this my friend. Much love to you today and always, hugs, C
C,ā¦Iāve been thinking of you. How are you? Iāve been absolutely overwhelmed with love and support. Thinking about it brings me to tears. āUse everything in your arsenalāā¦thatās exactly a phrase I can use. C, I feel the hugs and see you praying and hugging me. Iām smiling thinking of your adventures and book. I love you dearly. Hugs ššš»šŖš»šŖš»šŖš»šŖš»šŖš»šā¤ļøš¤
I am so very, very glad that I know you, Karla, mother, grandma, writer, fighter, full of faith every step. Iām right here with you on WP as I always will be, my friend.
Mark, your words mean so much to me. Iām so glad weāre on this journey together my friend. Thank you so much.
Karla; Thank you so much for mustering the strength and courage to post this update on your situation. I have thought about you many times since your post that first announced your diagnosis and wondered how you are faring. I am a passenger on the cancer journey with my wife, Joan, and know how many ups and downs, twists, and turns, mountains, valleys, and plain old dead ends there are along the way. It sounds as if you have an amazing support scaffold of friends, fans (like me), and family to lean on when you need to. DON’T EVER HESITATE TO LEAN! It inspires all of us when you make a heroic effort to connect and communicate with us, but save your strength for the battle ahead.
Your story reminds me of one of my best moments in life and ministry. It came when a confirmed, atheist friend of my youngest son’s sought me out after receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis (I know this is NOT what you are dealing with, but it reminded me of this story). Andy called me up one day and said, “I want to know what you think all this “GOD STUFF” is about. But you need to know this; I have a very sensitive bullshit meter (sorry… quoting verbatim here), so don’t waste my time.”
Andy and I ended up meeting once a week at a Panera in Kansas City just to talk about “this God stuff.” Lots of times he was coming straight from chemo and was exhausted. But he kept coming. He was often abrupt, rude, profane, and impatient with me, but he kept making new Panera appointments.
A couple of months into our conversations, Andy asked me a startling question. He looked me right in the eye and asked, “Will you baptize me?” Long story short, I said, “Yes. Of course,” and the next week we had a baptism service with a small group of family and friends in a church I “borrowed” for the occasion.
God has been using you for God’s purposes for a long time now… as you well know. This newest chapter of yours is just an example of God’s endless creativity about how he will continue to use you to tell his story.
Blessings and Peace to you;
Russell
Russell, Iām typing this through tears. Good ones. Iāve read it twice and have saved this. Iāll not forget Andy of Panera. Iāve had special memories at Panera~one particularly in meeting my illustrator, a former student, who helped me see step 1 in my dream of my childrenās book start (which IS NOT over yet ;). But the āGod stuffā meetings is really what matters most. Iām not offended by BS as thereās a lot out there. But what I do believe in is a Savior. Iāve often wondered and even said, āEven IF I didnāt believe in God or eternal life WHY WOULDNāT I follow a man such as this as my example? Iāve failed him before and he never gives up on us or looks back. With Christ, we get to move forward, closer to our designed purposes if we choose. I see him in everything, Russell. Today was my best day since the day before my diagnosis. And it wonāt be my last. Iām so thankful to know you and have you here guiding me and others with wisdom and grace. Iām so thankful Andy met you. Thank you for encouraging me and reminding me of the purpose in all of this. Itās truly in my weakness I lean on his strength. Itās so easy to praise when things are great. Heās kept me humbled and relying on him all while helping me to move myself the way HE loves me. If just one person can see HIM in me, than Iām doing what he desires. Russell, I didnāt know of Joanās cancer. Sheāll have my prayers and support. And again, I thank you so much forā¦everything! Please give Joan a hug. Better yet a group hug? ššš»
Dearest Karla,
To read you is to love you and to be your friend and part of your blog family such a gift.
I love your attitude and this:
“A grin has been plastered on my face all day. Glory to God! No matter the ups and downs I will continue the fight. Just as in writing this post and all future ones. A paragraph might form, an idea hits my heart, and then nausea might step in. Or fatigue. Will you hang in there with me?”
ššš I’m here dearest friend and I’m not going anywhere. I applaud your faith, your love of God, faith, courage, outlook “ALL OF US”.
LOVE THAT repeat as it’s all true. We are one of the same and I am here to share your wins and losses, ups and downs and happy to share mine with you Karla.
Hugs and love and always smiles, giggles and laughter!!! šššššš¹š¹š»š¼ššššš
Cindy, you make my heart leap! Your energy is electric ā”ļø ~it landed on me. I feel the wave of love, hugs, prayers, and support. I know youāre here. And thank you for that. Truly, love remains in it all. āAll of us.ā Itās so true my friend. Thank you for being here for the ups and downs. Hold on. šššš„°šš»šš»šŖš»šŖš»šŖš»
Oh Iām so happy to here this Karla! I just caught your wind and flame that is fired by source which called upon mine. You are more than welcome! It is an honor, a joy and Iām blessed to bare witness to your trials and tribulations and healing. Life is holding on to each other tightly yet lightly while we create space for miracles. Iām here for the duration and your light shines bright within me as mine does within you!!
Iāll be here!! Promise. šš„°šš„°
Sending you faithful healing love KL. Never be scared. God has us all embodied in his love. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøššš
Thank you precious friend. Iāve been doing morning meditations and devotions on fear. I donāt have any. Dread? Perhaps at times. After my life has seen some topsy turvy times, and dealing with some chronic issues, I feel more prepared. Does that make sense? And Iām not alone. Iām saddened to think of all in the world who suffer alone. šššš God has us indeed. Thank you for your healing love and prayers. ā¤ļøšš»šŖš»
In spite of all the ails suffering and trauma in our world today, we are living in some of the most glorious moments of all of history. We are blessed within all of or challenges. There is a lot of healing energy amidst all negativities ā and all of the positive energies come thru faith. And you are blessed not to be alone. May the most precious, healing Blood of Jesus cover you entirely! Our prayer here at aoc are with you in our devotions. š
THIS! Yes, yes, yes! Iām so thankful for you! š
Praying for perfect healing, Karla.
Mitch, thank you so much. I believe! I appreciate your support and prayers. šš»š¤
Hi Karla; wishing you a full recovery š
Thank you, John! š
There’s not a word of this I don’t love….because it came from you. You, sweet cyber-space friend of mine, who sees all the goodness in life and shares it abundantly with each of us – please take the time necessary to minister to your body and to your Spirit. Let us lift YOU up, as you have so often done for us. We are all here waiting to rejoice with you as you are able but until then rest assured of my continued prayers for you, especially for your comfort. May the Peace of Christ continue to reside in your heart, despite being tempted by occasional moments of despair. HUGE HUGS to you my friend!!
āMay the Peace of Christ continue to reside in your heart, despite being tempted by occasional moments of despair. āā¦Dawn, thank you. The support Iāve received has been overwhelming. Iāve given myself so much grace to just heal and BE. No expectations other than healing and loving every second to itās fullest. Godās peace is the ONLY way to describe how any moment of despair will dissipate and dissolve. Music is so healing. Sometimes I think of memories and start to cry. And then smoke because I HAVE THEM. Iām young. But Iāve crammed an entire life and more of love, loss, learning, and adventures. Iāll not take a day for granted; as always. I welcome the prayers and love~it fills me up! And I canāt help but take that overflow and give to others~it truly heals me too. Iāll follow Drās orders and ultimately obey my one and only physician ~I just believe!! Sending you mega hugs, giggles, and love. I appreciate you, Dawn. ā¤ļøšš„°šŖš»šŖš»šš»šš»
Yes! You go! ššššŖš
Thank you, Ana! šš„°ššŖš»šŖš»