Tuesday, October 9, 2007

The Party


Once again Joel and I are overwhelmed with all the love and support. I love that I've heard from people I haven't seen in years and many who we have never even met!!! We feel so encouraged by all the prayers.

I'm sure you are wondering about the picture. In case you don't know, I work as a nurse in a high-risk labor and delivery unit. I've been with most of these girls for about 4 years now and they have truly become like family. It's amazing how well you get to know people when you are having the 2:00 AM talk to keep you awake. We all thought it would be fun to celebrate my upcoming surgery. Yes,the cake says, "Goodbye Girls." I will miss everyone while I am on my leave of absence. I love you guys and I promise I will call when I need you!

Today my surgery date was set for next Tuesday the 16th at 11:00 AM. I will be having surgery at Palmetto Baptist for all you local people. Please continue to pray that my lymph nodes will be cancer free.

I had the opportunity to walk in the "Walk for Life" this weekend with several of my close friends. The walk is a fundraiser for breast cancer research and all the proceeds raised stay in the Columbia area. We walked with about 11,000 people. My wonderful friend, Debbie, made pink shirts for us all to wear and mine said "Future breast cancer survivor." I felt so comforted to know how important breast cancer is to so many. There were so many beautiful breast cancer survivors there. Next year when we walk, I will proudly wear my pink bandanna that is reserved for the survivors!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was just thinking yesterday that I hadn't heard from you in a few weeks... my how life can change in such a short time. How I know so well. Josh and I will be praying for you and for Joel (And Ella!)in the coming weeks. If it's ok, I will add you to our Ladies' Prayer list- we meet weekly to pray.

I also know well that things people say aren't always comforting, so I've learned to say that I'm sorry you're going through this and don't let it shake your faith. Crisis doesn't define us, but it lets the world see who we already are. I'll be checking in on you.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will make your path straight.

Alla said...

Lisa, Joel and Ella,
Thank you for sharing honestly what you are experiencing. Chris and I are so grateful to be able to offer support to you guys. Lisa, you are young and strong and obviously in the company of angels. We will pray for you from across the country. I am visualizing clean lymph nodes in my vision of you. Please be specific and ask for whatever help you need. We will meet it where we can.

AmyC said...

Hey Lisa!
It's Amy (Griffin)Clack from EC. Boy, it feels like an eternity since those days! I have often wondered what you were up to and I hate that I discovered you having such hard news to deal with.
But if you are the same strong Dolittle I remember, than you'll pull through this just fine!
You are most definitely on our prayers.
Write me sometime and we'll catch up!
P.S. - you have a cutie pie little girl!
Love ya girl!
Amy

Daniel and Sarah Barrett said...

Lisa,

Daniel and I have been praying for you since we got the call from Joel and we will continue praying until you defeat this battle...thanks for encouraging me the other day over the phone when I was calling you back to encourage you--you are amazing! God is Sovereign and we are interceding for you daily..we love you!!

Daniel, Sarah, Thomas and Jacob

Brian Rhodes said...

Hey girl. Brian Rhodes from Singers. I hate to hear you're having to endure all this stuff. My wife and I and our church will definitely keep you in our prayers. I look forward to hearing your testimony soon.

By the way, your daughter is BEAUTIFUL.

**I've done this twice. The first message didn't show up....or I couldn't see it. Sorry if I took up too much space:)

The Way She Thinks said...

Lisa,

I have never met you, but your story touches my heart. In my family there have been multiple women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is most assuredly a tough battle, however, through those times I have seen these women get a glimpse of the majesty and strength of the Lord. He has pulled them through the pain and the sick and the tired that comes from chemo, and made them beautiful, strong, amazing women.

A verse one of them often quoted is James 1:2-5 "2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and give you peace and comfort and hope.
Sarah Weber, sarahweber.org

Jessi said...

Lisa, I'm a friend on Candice Lannings and found your blog through hers. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences in a website like this... my husband and I will be fighting for you in prayer. We cannot wait to hear what good things come and maybe meet you one day!
Jessi & Nick Connolly

Donna Hattaway said...

I know this process sees so short but you have lived a lifetime in it. My prayers are with you and all your family.
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you.” 2 Thess. 3:3 Our God loves us so unconditionally just because of who He is, despite who we are, broken and sinners and we trust Him to have complete control over our lives. God Bless, Donna

Unknown said...

Lisa, I just want you to know that we are standing with you and your family as you go through this process. I don't know why we go through some of these things, but I do know that God is ever faithful, He is never caught by surprise, and He always has a plan. We will be praying for strength and peace and grace over the days ahead. We love you! Sharon Cockrell

sharon said...

Lisa,

I just wanted to know that we are thinking about you, Joel, and Ella, and you are in are prayers. There is one thing that I have learned through the last couple of years, especially watching your parents, is that we don't always understand the why, but we do know the WHO...and HE is faithful...We love you. Sharon Daniels

Sara said...

I absolutely LOVE the cake. I'm sure it's nice to know that there are so many people praying for you and supporting you. I will keep you in my prayers next week...

<><
Sara Hill-Cola

The Daly's said...

Dear Lisa, Joel & Ella

Looks like our first comment never made it through, so here goes again:

We are certainly praying for you guys, especially on Tuesday. Please call if you need anything, you know, like company or Korean food. We can certainly make the short trek over. We love you guys!

~Bryan, Cheri, Anna Sophia & Elijah

Unknown said...

Hey Lisa,
Just a note to let you know that the Clair's are praying for you. We know that our God will keep you safe and will give you that peace that only He can give. We love you and look forward to many good reports. God bless you.
Mike, Betsy, Hannah, Joey, Noel, Laura, Stephanie, and Katherine

Unknown said...

Lisa,
We are still praying for you and your family, and are looking forward to hearing the many good reports. Your name heads the top of our white board in my classroom here at home!
All our love,
Keith, Holly and the boys

kim said...

I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and I hope everything goes well with your surgery. Please let me know if you need anything like food, babysitting, etc. I will be thinking about you.

Love,
Kim

Jenni Shaver said...

Wees, We are all praying for you: Chad, Kimberly, Ms. Marietta, my mom, and me. I am so glad you have this blog, so I don't have to call and bug you during all this. It was great to see you at church, I am sorry it wasn't just because you wanted to come to church with us! It's amazing how big Ella Joy is now.

If you need anything, I will come to you, babysitter, friendsitter, food, food and friends, grocery shopping, whatever. We never did make it to Red Robin, but I'm sure they do takeout.

We love you so much,
Jenni and Chad

GE is me said...

Lisa, I am so sorry you are going through all of this. You don't know me. I read a bunch of Christian blogs from the Carolinas & saw your blog through Candice's. I will put you on our prayer list & being praying for you as well tomorrow.
In Christ, -Gail

Kimberly said...

Leese,
I love you and you are in my thoughts and prayers-- for real. Who would have thought we would walk through here?!

Ella is such a beauty! She looks very much like you and Brice.

I'm sorry I wasn't there when you had to cry so I could cry with you. You are so precious to me and you're so brave!!

Mama says God will be with you in the operating room to guide the doctors' hands. My prayers will be with you there too.

I love you, bright star!

Your best friend growin' up,
Kimberly

P.S. Joel, you're the best guy in the world for my Leese. Don't worry-- I've heard God loves her more than we do--
-K

Shannon Beckham Berley said...

Lisa, Joel, Ella, and the dogs ... I just want you to know that although we don't get to visit at work anymore, I am still thinking of you often! I was so sad to hear the news at my yearly appointment with Dr. Eden, but so moved by your words in this blog. Lisa, you are beautiful inside and out and I KNOW that the power or prayer and faith will help you to get your pink bandana! I LOVE YOU! If you need ANYTHING, please don't hesitate to let Will and I know! We will ALWAYS be here -- Richland Girls Forever! Love and prayers, Shannon Beckham Berley

Unknown said...

I love you!!!! I am praying for you today and all the days that follow. Lexington isn't so far away...just let us know if you need anything. God is still so good. He really doesn't ever leave us. I pray that His peace will be upon you & and your whole wonderful family today...and tomorrow...and the next day!! I love you!!!!
Amber

Diane S. said...

Lisa,
Just you look great !!!
I am so happy for you and the family.

Don't over do things, rest, relax and let others wait on you for a few days.

Diane S