"Look what happens when one person says I want to be obedient to God"

The day was August 13, 2009. I had a 3:30 PM appointment to meet the surgeon who would soon become one of the partners God would give me in doing battle against cancer. It is important to know a little about where I work because God has shown me amazing things via the mountain folks that I work with. My manufacturing plant is located at the top of a mountain in Marshall, NC. Our employees are the most generous, loving and praying people you would ever want to meet. When I learned of my diagnose I immediately decided I would be very transparent in letting everyone know about what happens when you are diagnosed with something you didn't anticipate. My thoughts were "If I could bring awareness to folks that would be a good." And I knew God had special things he wanted to do in me and through me I wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about God and bring glory to him in what ever I was going though. I have been so blessed because of this decision.

Anyway it was 2:00 PM and one of the most precious and Godly women I know from the plant floor came to my office and said "God told me that I am to come now to pray with you and I want to be obedient to what God wants me to do." She got someone to cover her job and did not know I was going to meet my surgeon at 3:30 that day. As she prayed over me for total healing on my body I felt the touch of God in a way I have never felt! There was a peace that came over me that is hard to describe. I knew God had touched me and by his stripes I was indeed healed.

I went to the surgeon who was awesome. This is a big compliment because I don't like doctors or for that matter trust them! As she looked at my X ray I could sense she was going to recommend a mastectomy as the course of action. Then she paused and said wait let me measure you. Her conclusion was "I don't think the lump measures as big as the X ray shows. She continued...At first I was not comfortable to recommend a lumpectomy but the lump is not as big as the ex ray indicates"

In my heart I was really thinking the lumpectomy was something I could live with. I thought...God thank you for showing up. I am praising you for this. I began to be open to the fact that God touched my body and in fact did heal it. He wasn't throwing out doctors or the medical community as he would continue to use them. I still needed to follow the prescription of the doctor to ensure it doesn't come back. (I preface this with seeking God first as I collaborate with the doctors) I did not give them a blanket do what ever you want) In ever step of my way God is consulted first and we have made some modifications to my plan.

I began to study the hot topic of healing (I am not sure why) and have concluded this with the help of reading God's word and listening to a very powerful CD from Holly Wagner a pastor at the Oasis Church in LA CA who is now a 5 year breast cancer survivor. Her recommendation and I fully agree in the midst of Doctors appointments make sure you are in God's word more than you ever have been. Put healing scriptures around your house and plant them in your heart. God does want us well and he did not create us for premature death.

So the question today is has there been anyone in your life that was obedient to what God wanted them to do that impacted your life like this lady did for me? I think we change the lives of people when we really care enough to step out of our comfort box and love people.

This is a great promise from Gods Word: Psalm 17 7-9: I will praise the Lord because he advises me. Even at night I feel his leading. I keep the Lord before me always. Because he is close by my side I will not be hurt.

Keep Running the Race...be encouraged today Luann

More Pictures of then there were 5 continue!

I am still getting the hang of this blog. My sister from CA brought us all Smurf Robes as you can see in this picture. I am in the blue robe. Now this is Sisters to the core!


Now wait, there was purpose for this smurf robe! When my hair fell out after my first round of chemo..Well actually I got curious I pulled some out because I wanted to see what my head looked like, I didn't realize that without hair my head would be cold! So I wore this Smurf robe to sleep! Now that was a night of tossing and turning! Imagine calling your boss and telling him you have a little problem...you need to stop at the Secrets of a Dutches to buy a sleeping cap because you are bald and your head it COLD!
I was surprised with an IPOD Touch loaded with my favorite songs and family pictures. It was a weekend I was very grateful for and got me ready for the long race that was ahead of me

All in a day of Running the Race! Luann

If Two are Better than one..how about five?

Having a family spread out all over the United States can be a challenge especially when you want to rally around and encourage one another. In my last post I disclosed the fact that I am Running the current race to beat Breast Cancer. In October 2009 my 5 sisters surprised me with a all expense paid 50th birthday party in Phoenix, AZ prior to my undergoing treatment. Now mind you I am 55 so we were just a tad bit late.

Two are Better Then One

The sun was brightly shining through the blue sky's of Western Carolina one warm October 2009 afternoon in the beautiful mountains of Asheville,NC which is where I call home. On this particular afternoon, I can vividly remember having lunch with my sister from Arizona, my daughter Nicki and granddaughter Kennedy who was 3 at the time and my cell phone rang. Silence with anticipation that it was "the" dreaded call from my surgeon who just performed a lumpectomy on my Right Breast the week before. Yes I can now say the "C" word, I have Breast Cancer.

Laughter immediately turned to intense silence as I responded to the "Good news" my Doc was about to deliver. "Luann we have all of the tumor with great margins, both lymph nodes were benign. The size is relatively small 2.6cm. The medical team met and we are recommending as follow up treatment you will have to do both chemo and radiation" Pause.."I am not doing chemo" I replied matter of fact "Why not?" my perplexed doctor asked. "Because my hair will fall out" I answered as tears started streaming down my cheeks as I fought the "verdict." "Well it will grow back." Click. Not believing what I was hearing my daughter took over.

Nicki immediately got out her black berry..googled wigs..and in 20 minutes all 4 of were piled in the car under the order of Sargent Nicki on the way to "Secrets of a Dutches" Side note: Kennedy know for expressing objections to fast movement didn't say one word.

On the way to this strange concept and world of cancer and wigs...the only thought on my mind was I can't believe this is happening. That began to change as we entered the "palace" were greeted by none other than the Dutches who with her English accent quickly pulled her wig off..and said "See you didn't even know I was wearing a wig."

More on Secrets of a Dutches http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH5yVI0z6ds

Laughing at how this place made me feel somehow "normal in a very unnormal situation" the practical Luann came back. I thought "This might not be so bad." You see I was in dire need of a hair cut and color and we know that cost $$$$.

Also I and was out of work for 2 weeks recovering from surgery so doing the math I decided to purchase and wear the wig was cheaper than the color cut so when I returned to work I had one solution taken care of...me being bald and having to deal with it publically. Anyway I tried on wig after wig until we found the perfect natural fitting wig. I was utterly amazed at the provision from God! To this day some people are wondering if my hair really fell out - yes it did! What could have been a disaster turned into a blessing because of my friend and daughter who saw a need and took care of it.

I know many of us are private individuals who don't like to "share" the fact that we need others for various reasons..I don't want to impose, I will do it myself..sometimes it is because we are too proud to ask for help. I do fall under all of those catagories! Ouch!

Think about it..is there one person you know who is a mind reader? If we don't reach out and tell folks we are in need how can they help? Likewise who needs a touch of kindness from you today? It only takes a minute to make a phone call, jot a card..pass on a word of encouragment via an email...you get the idea..

God's Word says it best in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (The Message)
It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough!

Got a story about how two are better than one??? Let us know.

Keep on Running that Race! Luann

Count your blessings name them one by one..who me??? :)

This round of chemo really kicked my rear! I have been so darn weak in my legs this time due to the after shot they give me. Well throughout the chemo I have committed not to letting myself become a couch potato which has been difficult at times. And when you live up in the mountains and have cold weather I do the CD Leslie Sansone Walk away the Pounds in doors. My goal is to run well maybe run and walk a 5 K when this is all done. I want to be more healthy than I was before I got this little itty bitty challenge and annoyance called cancer.

I was devastated on Sunday when I tried to do one mile and my legs just gave out...well keep trying they say and I tried the CD again on Monday and could actually do the two mile walk. Not totally strong but hey I finished! Isn't that just like God he always encourages us to keep going, building on the "muscle that is already there". He wants our bodies strong. So this morning I just want to say Thank you and show a bit of Gratitude to the one who holds my life in the palm of his hand. My Lord who actually holds the entire universe. Wow! Now that is a pretty amazing thought.

I am grateful for everything I have that comes from you God. Some of the things that come to my mind are my job to provide income, put food clothing shelter for us, my husband who took care of me all weekend when I was down and out, my daughter who came up and took me to chemo this week, the neighbor who calls me to see how I am doing and brought me chicken noodle soup, the countless people who pray for me and my family..we have had our share of trials from baby Asher age on surgery to Mike's surgery (Asher's dad) on his spine. They never get tired of my emails asking for prayer and respond so kindly with words of encouragement. For work that lets me work at home when I just can't make it, for an assistant at work who does his best to hold down the fort. An annoying brother and sister who keep bugging me "it is only two more to go!"

God when I think about it your provisions far exceed my expectations and all I can do is say thank you! It is amazing when we start looking on the gratitude side. What is on your mind today. What are you grateful for? Talk it out loud. You will be amazed at how good it will make you feel!

Keep running your race! Luann

God I don't have time for this!

I don't know about you but the stops in life can come at the most inconvenient times! If you want my opinion they can be darn right anoying! You know how you have your agenda, check lists of what YOU need to do but God needs you somewhere else?

See at the time I got the "news" of the breast cancer our little grandson Asher was 10 mos at the time had been diagnosed with a rare condition where his skull fused together to soon down the back of his skull and the side. Without a surgery that was only performed 2 times at the Seattle Childrens Hospital a skull reconstruction his brain would grow out in front and he certainly would become retarded. 3 major surgeries will be needed over 4 mos.

So this is how cool God was in this situation. Knowing we needed some extra special touches from our father. I went down my email list and selected everyone I knew who would really pray and asked for help in the area of prayer. I work at a place where people pray so told everyone who would help. After all Gods word tell us he hears the prayers of his people.

On Aug. 4, 2009 Asher had his first surgery to insert a Balloon into his head. The doctors started the surgery and was not sure they could do the balloon procedure and thought they might have to do a stunt. The prayer team prayed and Asher received a Balloon which was totally successful! Also another provision that came straight from Gods hand was the cost of this surgery. Because of Mike's income level at the time this surgery was covered by a Hospital Grant after Mikes insurance paid. But Lord...I am the Mimi C and I need to be there. God says I have this one under control! How many times does God have to tell me I have it covered?

The day before Asher's first surgery God gave me this scripture for Asher which I have borrowed for my own! Psalms 121:3-8 He will not let you be defeated, he who guards you never sleeps! The Lord Guards you. The Lord is the shade that protects you from the sun. The sun cannot hurt you during the day, the moon cannot hurt you at night.

The Lord will protect you from all dangers. Why? His word says so! He will guard your life. The Lord will guard you as you come and go both now and forever!

So what is on your plate today that is over whelming? We have a promise straight from God's word that says He will guard you, he never sleeps and he will not let you be defeated. Wow! That's the character of our Dad in heaven. He is so for us! Rest in him be encouraged. Luann

"You won't believe this prayer request"

Aug. 6, 2009 I sent an email entitled "You won't believe this prayer request" to a group of my close friends. Just a few hours earlier I had a mammogram and ultrasound on my right breast. As I sat staring at the ultrasound machine looking at this big black thing that appeared I thought "This doesn't look good Luann" and a few minutes later my thoughts were confirmed by Doctor Weise. I said "So Doc, what do you think?" "I think you have breast cancer and we need a needle biopsy." What????



To any person, I am just your average 55 year old woman, my life has certainly had it's ups and downs all in all everything seemed to work out. well. I will tell you I am a believer in Jesus Christ who has certainly been with me through these ups and downs but I certainly didn't think I was prepared for this next opportunity in my life. My sister in law said "God cho0se you for this special mission that no one else can do like you." Thanks! :)


Looking back, much seems like a blur. Thank goodness I decided to journal this journey because I felt somehow this was going to be a really winding road. See Gods track record with me has always showed me he is faithful. So why would he stop? His word says He works all things out to the good for those who love and are called according to his purpose. Still I was just not sure how this whole thing was going to work out. One day at a time I guess!


It doesn't matter if you have just been given "the shock of a diagnosis of breast cancer" or if you are encountering a twist in the road of life that you didn't anticipate then this blog is for you.

You see in the midst of this thing we call life I want my blog to give you encouragement the hand of God will get us through! Now I am not saying that I am perfect or have all the answers but just want to share some cool things God is doing! Leaving all of the results to Him! Luann