ONE and Done!!!!!!!!!!

"We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us, they help us to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God LOVES us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5

I know that none of us truly want to rejoice when we suffer but the way I see it that's just a part of life. After Michael and I finish climbing this mountain I am sure there will be another one somewhere along our journey in life. The good news is that even though these times "suck" (lets just be honest) they do help us grow and truly appreciate what is important in life. I do feel a sense of strength and confidence knowing that we overcame something that potentially could have destroyed us. I now pray that God will give us a time of peace and restoration. Please don't stop praying for us. We truly want to move forward and not allow cancer to define who we are as a family. I view this as a storm that has been weathered with the help of many. I also have some more good news. As I told you before I met with my surgeon to see when he would remove my illiostomy. I had heard that I would have to wait several weeks after my last chemo treatment which is May 11th. I didn't want to go through the summer with it and to our surprise he said he would reverse it at the end of May. I couldn't believe it. I will hopefully be done with it all by the first of June. We have already planned our vacations and will be ready to roll out of town for most of July. It will be a much needed vacation for my family.We have all worked hard and now its time to rest and allow my children to not hear the word cancer for awhile. I am so excited! Mike and I just celebrated our 12th anniversary. We celebrated the fact that I am alive, that we got through this horrible year, that our kids made it through school under an extreme amount of pressure, and that God and our friends are so good. We had the best support system ever. The Fire Department has been so good to us as well. We truly are so blessed... Thank you again, keep those prayers coming and don't ever give up on all your hopes and dreams.much love. Bran

" I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath" Psalm 116

Two and threw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all your prayers. God has heard and answered. I know of people who set their alarm twice a day and when they go off they drop to their knees and pray just for us. Well, I had my test results from my P.E.T. Scan and it came back clean again. (thank you Lord). I only have two treatments left and I will be finished. Its hard to believe. May 11th will be my last one. We will finally get to have the summer we have been dreaming about for the past year. AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Mike and I left the Doctors office today crying but this time they were tears of joy. We were so overjoyed I left without getting my shot and I have to go back tomorrow. DUH! Monday I have an appointment with the surgeon and will hopefully have my surgery in June...(my husband said he will strong arm him if he has too. ha ha) they usually make you wait 3 to 6 weeks for your body to heal from the chemo. I honestly didn't think my body would even be able to handle 6 months of chemo, but I didn't miss one. Its amazing considering I had sick kids almost every time I had chemo, I'm not kidding. They had colds, bronchitis, runny noses, and I never once got sick. God protected me from them all that's the only explanation I have. My doctor also said I could have my port taken out right when I'm finished. I am so thankful. I know there were hundreds of people praying on my behalf and I couldn't be more grateful. My kids are doing well. Blu's playing baseball and Lexi is in dance and volleyball. That alone keeps us very busy. Michael has been doing it all. He said he understands what its like to be a single mom. I don't know what I would do without my guy he is my HERO! My mom is also the one who takes me to all my chemo treatments and then she stays the night with me when Mikes at work. There were many days when I just wanted my "mommy" and she was always there. I love you so much. We had so much help and support I know I will be very busy sending thank you cards. There are so many people to thank and some we don't know who to thank. We come home sometimes and our lawn will be mowed and dinners will be left, or there will be presents left outside for my kids anonymously. Whoever you are we are blessed. Thank you again. Please keep praying for us were almost to the finish line! TWO MORE LEFT!!!!!!!

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will lead you on a path where you will not stumble...I will watch over you like a Shepherd...I will turn your mourning into gladness; I will give you comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Amen love ya Bran