Sunday Medley of Music

MUSIC: "How Great Thou Art"

"It Is No Secret"

"Precious Lord Take My Hand"

I've added three selections of sacred music for your listening pleasure today.

Through it All

MUSIC: "Through it All"

I know personally that you have such a sinking feeling when your loved one's health is at a place where there's nothing you can do to make things better. You feel so helpless.

When your toddler fell while learning how to walk you kissed away the boo-boos, you could always repair your children's favourite toy with your handyman/woman talents, or you'd mend your teenager's broken heart by helping them realize that a first love always hurts the most. But when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, you don't have the ability to just make it better.

Being there for your loved one though is the most important thing you can do. Supporting their decisions and knowing that the best medical attention is being given is more than anyone can ask of you.

To all of the viewers who are going through a difficult week and find that it's extremely hard to cope, I trust you will find some comfort in my song selection. It's actually my favourite sacred hymn with words that are so very fitting for those in troubled times.

“God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.”

Simple Things

MUSIC: "A Candle in the Window"

I'm off to the big city today to accompany my husband on another doctor's appointment. I know there will be alot of hustle and bustle everywhere as Christmas shoppers seem to be wrapping up their lists earlier and earlier each year.

As I enter the cancer clinic, it will once again make me very humble. There is always a full house of patients and those who accompany them. Despite their reason for being there, I always see smiling and friendly faces.

The song I've chosen today has one line in particular that really strikes a cord with me. It's the third line in the following:

And there's a candle in the window, a flame against the night

The candle in the window, it's like God's perfect light

It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are

Just a candle in the window and Christmas in your heart

Cancer makes all those affected very humble and allows us all to realize just what is important in life, especially at this time of year. It is not about expensive gifts, or who gives the best Christmas party. It's not about who has the best decorated house or who spends the most money this year....it's all about appreciating the simple things in life. Simple things are where your riches truly lie.

Spending time with family and friends

Sharing laughter and good times

Living each day to the fullest

And having your loved ones with you

All very simple you may say at first thought, but yet these are the gifts that no amount of money can ever buy.

So, this is my candle in the window to remind me of the simple things this Christmas and my gratitude for many blessings throughout the past year.

I hope you light a candle as well in appreciation of all that you may have!!!

Some Housekeeping Notes!

MUSIC: "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

OK, since I've started the theme of Christmas I thought I'd continue with another great song today...hope you enjoy it!

There's a couple of items I wanted to bring to the attention of especially new viewers of my site. Last night I was told about an individual whose father soon will undergo a nephrectomy or kidney surgery. She also is having difficulty in dealing with her father's illness and is looking for support. Just wanted her to know that she can get on our "live" chat most evenings at approximately 7:30pm ADT and usually one of us will be there. It's a great forum to ask questions and obtain information and just meet others who are in similiar situations and the best part is you get "instant" response - provided of course that someone is there. All you need do is type your first name into the "ANONYMOUS" area of the chat which appears at the top of the website, press "enter" and then begin typing your question, etc. If no one is there, just leave a message as to what time you will return and we'll try our best to be there!

Another item for everyone to note is tomorrow night's Live Webcast on the Kidney Cancer Canada website, here's the link

http://www.kidneycancercanada.org/main.php

the topic will be "Managing the Emotional Side Effects of Kidney Cancer" and it will be a topic for not only cancer patients, but for us caregivers as well as family and friends to obtain support and information to help us better deal with obstacles we all encounter along our journey with cancer. In order to view the live webcast though, you must first register, as indicated when you access the above link. It's very easy to do and I'm sure you will find it very rewarding as well. First names only are fine to log into the webcast and it's completely anonymous, so no one else will be able to determine who you are.

OK...gotta run....if you have any questions, please send a message in any of the "Comments" area at the end of any post along with your email, and I will get back to you asap.

One Month to Christmas!

MUSIC: "Mary's Boy Child"

Are You Preparing for the Holidays?

While driving yesterday, I heard this beautiful Christmas carol on the radio. Since it's my first one for the season, I thought I would share it with all of you on my site. Some of you who are dealing with illness or are very anxious about the uncertainty of an upcoming cancer diagnosis will most definitely not even want to hear the word C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, let alone listen to any of the holiday music.

I understand completely just how you may feel!

For most people, Christmas is a time of year for fun and frolic, laughter and cheer. When illness strikes however, this time of year can bring an added measure of sadness and a great desire for the festivites to quickly disappear. I can relate personally to this feeling, as our family has felt it and lived it during the first Christmas after my husband's cancer diagnosis. I remember the melancholy feeling that year at the first sound of any Christmas music and even more so when we heard the old familiar sacred carols like "Silent Night" or "O Holy Night".

Our thoughts of course were of death and not of the true meaning that one associates with Christmas and the birth of the Baby Jesus. It's difficult for anyone to relate, unless you are affected personally with serious illness and so much uncertainty. Shopping that year was sooooo difficult. Of course it had to get done, as I was the one who had the sole responsibility to make the holidays as normal as possible, despite of what each of our family members were dealing with. There were gifts to buy, decorations to put up, and baking to get done...all completed with an outward display of routineness. Although my husband was very ill, we could not just sit and wait for something to happen....we had to continue with the festivites to help him feel everything would be ok and that his death sentence was just a doctor's prediction and nothing more.

I remember that most of the gifts we exchanged that Christmas were memorable in that I purchased special ones for my husband to give to his daughters....gifts that they could cherish for many years to come....that's what he wanted to give them. Our daughters and I in return bought gifts for their Dad to remind him that he would be with us for many, many years to come.

Christmas morning was one of many tears, numerous photos to capture as we thought it would most definitely be our last family Christmas morning together, but it was also one that held alot of laughter and most of all thankfulness. Thankfully we were invited out for Christmas dinner that year with family, and although we brought along alot of doom and gloom to their house, we were grateful for the distraction that it gave all of us...just to get away from home for awhile and celebrate the day with others. The remainder of the holidays consisted of visits from family and friends and when my husband was feeling up to it, we also returned the favor. Our tree and other decorations were not taken down that year until the last week in January. We enjoyed every moment and we embraced the special memories that it gave all of us.

As Christmas approaches again this year, my husband still has cancer and our lives are still in a somewhat state of uncertainty. What I have learned though throughout this time, is to not dwell on "what might be" but "what is". Appreciate everyday to the fullest and even though everyone who is affected by cancer whether as a patient, caregiver or family member or friend, will have difficult days we must all remember to live, laugh and love each and every day to the fullest. No one has any guarantee about life and as our family has recently experienced with the loss of our dear friend, one does not have to be ill to suddenly pass away.

Despite the difficulties you may be experiencing now, I would encourage each of you to continue to listen to Christmas carols, look forward to the holiday season in your own special way and celebrate the good days, even if they happen sometimes in just a twinkling moment.

Each of us will prepare for the holidays in our own special way, depending on our personal situations, but the main thing to remember is to keep your spirits lifted for those you love!

"You will be surprised at the impact it will make"

Each Day is a Blessing

MUSIC: " Blessed"
"Because of Who You Are"



A few days ago while entering a local mall, I encountered a young lady walking with her daughter and her elderly mom trying to desparately keep up as they hurried towards the parking lot. Very loud shouts of "Hurry up old lady" and "Next time you are staying home" could easily be heard from the young woman as she constantly kept turning around and accosting her mom. My first thought was of the ignorance and disrespect that was being displayed while the little granddaughter looked on. More importantly though was the young woman's disregard for not appreciating the great blessing she had of still having her mother, alive and well and able to accompany her to the mall. Such a small blessing maybe, but one that many take for granted.

It seems that it's sometimes not until illness strikes that we suddenly begin to realize just what is important in life and how many blessings we actually have every day to be so very thankful for. Those families like ours who are affected by cancer, definitely learn very quickly to appreciate every blessing.

A scan that gives a report of stability is such a wonderful blessing

A day when there are very few or no side effects felt by a cancer patient after receiving chemo or radiation treatments is a true blessing

A patient who can laugh in any given day after having suffered pain and discomfort on sooooo many difficult days is a true blessing

Finding the right cancer treatment that is showing favourable results after trying many others, is a true blessing

Desperately finding a solution that actually eases an irritable side effect is a true blessing

Interacting with other cancer patients and caregivers to provide support and encouragement is a true blessing

A cancer patient who is enjoying a relatively "good" day from sun up to sun down, is a true blessing

I am thankful to God from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends who enrich my life.

Cancer References

Thought I would pass along a couple of links for your reference:

Kidney Cancer Canada has an upcoming presestation on November 27th that is available via a webcast BUT you must first "register" before it is accessible. Here is the link

www.kidneycancercanada.org



Everyone is talking about the ACOR website. It is a resource for ALL cancer patients. I've never been on it myself but intend to check it out. So I'm sending along the following link

www.acor.org

The more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know — the less you know, the more you think you know.
~ David T. Freeman

You too CAN Reach that Mountain Peak

MUSIC: "Mountains"

Have you ever climbed a mountain?

I've actually climbed this one myself at least three or four times over the years. I remember my first trek to the top, was a constant climb along the unknown, as I had no path to follow and it was a constant struggle through very high brush and thick fir trees. The point to remember though, is that I did make it to the top, despite the grueling obstacles along the way.

“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.”

The second time I climbed this same mountain the journey was much easier as I discovered a path to the summit - one that had been very noticeably worn down by other adventurers. Without obstructions in my way though, my expendition as mountain climber became less meaningful.

The view from the top was breathless, with miles of ocean across the horizon as far as the eye could see. It was the pinnacle of mother nature and so much worth all of my efforts to reach it's peak. My point to remember is that we all face mountains in our lives of varying heights.

I'd like to share a moment that my daughter and I experienced when my husband was first diagnosed with terminal cancer many, many months ago. It was mid-summer and all three of us had gone inside a local clothing store. My husband walked towards the men's department while my daughter and I strolled towards the ladies section. We briefly looked at the various apparel with little interest as our main concern was keeping a close eye on my husband from a distance. We bothed watched as he looked over several pairs of men's dress pants. He'd take each pair up individually and then slowly lay them back on the rack again. This continued a few times, before I finally knew what he was thinking:

"Why would I buy new clothing, when I only have a few weeks left to live?"

It was a heart wrenching moment for my daugher and I, and we could only imagine just what was going through my husband's mind. We left the store that day very sad, for it was not our intention to remind my husband of the time he supposedly had left.

Now, many, many months later, my husband continues to beat the odds. It has not been without climbing a few mountains along the way, but he scales each one with great courage and determination to reach it's summit. For the most part, each climb has been difficult for him with alot of obstacles along it's path, but it has led him to a mountain top that shows him so much inspiration to NEVER QUIT!

I trust that other cancer patients reading this post, will decide also to not quit, even when the journey may seem so very difficult to travel.

My husband has purchased and also been given many articles of clothing since that memorable day at the store. Looking back now, after receiving such devastating news back then, he could have just given up and probably would most definitely have died. His positive attitude and determination to NEVER GIVE UP has taught all of us a very valuable lesson in climbing our own personal mountains in life.

Listen closely to the song today Mountains by Lonestar and especially these lyrics

There are times in life when you gotta crawl, Lose your grip, trip and fall

When you can't lean on no one else,That's when you find yourself

I've been around and I've noticed that Walk-in's easy when the road is flat

Them danged 'ole hills will get you every time.

Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains so we could learn how to climb

Here's to the Gals!

MUSIC: "I Am Women"

OK, OK, I hear you..since I've posted yesterday for our "guys" now it's time to give the same honor to all of the strong, determined and courageous women who continue to rise above adversity. I of course cannot remain totally neutral here.

Men, now it's your turn to tell that special woman just how much her courage and strength inspires you.

Women who have cancer give a whole new meaning to the word determination. Since starting this site, I've had the opportunity to meet many who have the immense fortitude to rebound, no matter what comes their way. Whether they face obstacles of surgery, cancer treatments, harsh side effects, hair loss or negative test results, these are all just roadblocks along the cancer highway which they slowly maneuver around, then go full steam ahead to reach the smoother thoroughfares. Their sense of humor is commendable and the gift of inspiration that they instill in others, is immeasurable.

As caregivers, women instantly take on the role of "maintenance" in several different genres. Not only do we become protectors of our loved ones, but we also become advocates to search whatever is available in new cancer treatments and technology, as well as interact with others who can bring us ideas of what works. We take on a role of doing "whatever it takes" to maintain a somewhat normal persona. We mow, plant, repair, and slowly take on more and more responsibility...mostly we do it to keep busy but then again we do it out of necessity it an attempt to erase your loved ones worries. It has always amazed me how human nature allows us to adapt to challenges that we are faced with in life.

This post is also for those women who bring laughter and love to help ease a difficult day!

I dream a painting, and then I paint my dream.

Vincent van Gogh

Here's to Our Guys!!!

MUSIC: "My Guy"

Never complaining, always feeling "good" and determined to never quit!

(that's my husband)

Today I'm allowing all of us ladies the opportunity to "honor" the men in our lives. I've chosen a great song with upbeat music, appropriate words, now the rest is up to you ........

Whether the man in your life is a cancer patient, a caregiver or just "your man" he most definitely needs some recognition.

Courage is being afraid, but going on anyhow.

The main purpose of today's post is to lift the spirits of those who really need it.

Some of our male cancer friends today are preparing for surgery, others are recovering from recent surgery and more are encountering some unexpected side effects from cancer treatments. We know it's a difficult road to travel, but your strength and courage is a wonder to behold and you definitely are raising the bar towards finding that cure for cancer!!! Don't quit, you are a winner!

If your man is a caregiver, you are appreciated more than you will ever know for everything you do!

And for those men in your lives who you sometimes take for granted....make this day an opportunity for you to tell them just how much they mean to you.

It is not until you see your loved one go through such adversity, that you finally realize the true measure of a man!

Those Affected by CANCER Truly Understand

MUSIC: "I'll Always Be There"



A major component of getting through the adversities that cancer brings to patients and their loved ones, is support. Bottom line is that we all need each other's encouragement and inspiration to help get us through and if anyone tries to travel this road alone, then it will indeed be almost impossible to do.








One thing I've come to realize over these past two years is that it's only those who are affected directly with cancer, who can truly understand just what the patient, caregiver or immediate family are going through on their difficult days. That's why it's very important to have that connection with someone else who is also going through similiar experiences to share concerns and more especially that special someone to lean on, when you so desparately need to.




Support of family and friends is vital as well. There's nothing like spending that "normal" time with those who have always been there for you. Maybe you'll share a meal together, visit friends, talk about any subject that does not contain the word CANCER and during that time, that little opportunity to live that moment as though you don't have a worry or care at all, will help to rejuvenate your soul and do you a world of good!



Tonight, I'm having some friends for supper...heck, I'm going to ask more people over from now on. Seems I've been postponing this way too much and it doesn't matter that you go through all kinds of meal preparation - no one even notices, just have the usual but most important share your time with others who can help keep you grounded and erase your struggles with cancer during that special time you spend together.



For those of you who probably don't have someone to share your difficult days with, remember you can always find those in similiar situations by searching other cancer websites or by joining us on our Cancer Cafe chat forum.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

-- Helen Keller

REMEMBER

MUSIC: "Pittance of Time"

November 11th is a Day of Remembrance for those who have fought so valiantly in World War I and World War II and subsequent conflicts. It is that special day when we all commemorate the sacrifices of those brave men and women in the armed forces and civilians in times of war.

We enjoy our freedom because of these brave souls and we should never forget the great price they have paid for us. Each year at precisely 11:00am on November 11th we all observe a Moment of Silence in honor of their lives.

Today I would like to share "A Pittance of Time" by well known musical artist Terry Kelly. Click on the following link for background information of just why Mr. Kelly decided to create such an impacting video and then click the next link to watch the video

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/chief_land_staff/remembrance/English/home.asp

MAY WE NEVER FORGET

Click this link to watch his video: (You will need to pause my Music Playlist first, to avoid having two songs play at the same time. Once you have viewed the video, just press the BACK key to return to my website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYlrrAWCTRg

A Little Light Hearted Music To Start Your Day

MUSIC: "Saturday Morning Confusion"

Thought I'd add an upbeat tune to get your day started...we all need distractions like this to get our adrenaline going on difficult days.

Hopefully this particular tune I've chosen will help us boomers reflect on how our days were once soooooo crazy when the kids were young, but mostly it will help to lighten the heavy hearts of many viewers who are dealing with very difficult health issues.

Last night we had some friends stop by and it was a good evening of sharing friendship and laughter...a great prescription to lift one's spirits!

I hope each of you will find solace today amidst your challenges!

TimeLines Show No Mercy

MUSIC: "Age of Aquarius"

"I'm sorry, but you only have 6 months left to live"!!!

Shocking words, aren't they? Not really something that any of us would want to hear.....but in reality, some doctors do choose to tell their patients words similiar to the above. Do you think patients should be told how long they have left to live? I guess that question is very controversial and will command alot of debate, but from a personal standpoint my answer is a definite NO!!!

First I should say there is an exception to my original response. Only in extreme cases when a patient is practically incapable of functioning, should they be told this news. Of course, every medical situation is different and I am no medical authority on the subject, but I can relate somewhat to a doctor giving his/her patient such a diagnosis.

None of us know exactly how long we have to live, and we do not have to be ill to suddenly pass away.

I feel that some doctors relate such devastating news to their patients without taking the time to completely assess their medical situation, and without any thought going into the ramifications of what they are about to tell not only the patient, but also the patient's family. The truth is that NO ONE here on earth can accurately predict any person's longevity with accuracy. I believe that in instances where a patient is confined to bed and their bodify functions are failing, then "maybe" they should be told. I say those words hesitantly.

If a person is diagnosed with severe cancer that has reached enormous proportions, even then caution should be first applied by the attending physician before disclosing a definite timeline.

Timelines are most defnitely a death sentence!

IT SHATTERS ALL HOPE!!

Upon hearing the words, your first reponse is total shock! disbelief! and you immediately receive an indescribable impact. Your world has you once knew it, now in an instant, no longer exists. If you had even one tiny morsel of hope before hearing those words, chances are, they have evaporated on impact. It will take a person with enormous strength to climb out of this abyss. Most people will definitely give up the fight and the will to live, once they receive that death sentence.

Let's look at it from another perspective. If a patient's medical information is relating all negative results, but yet the patient is still mobile and in relatively good spirits, a doctor should possibly advise that patient of the not-so-positive test results but with an entirely different approach.

Tell the patient that everyone should always have their affairs in order, and that this might be an appropriate time to do theirs as well, but stress the fact that no one individual, despite what the medical facts are detailing, can predict an accurate timeline. Each person reacts differently to terminal diseases, each one reacts differently to medications and each one has different levels of mental strength to sustain their longevity. Yes, there is a better way to annouce incurable results to any patient, rather than just flippantly disclosing that approximate duration of life.

Doctors who give timelines to their patients do not realize that they also are giving it to the patient's families as well. As a result, lives are put on hold, lives are rearranged and lives are constantly on CODE RED alert.

Thankfully, there are those very strong individuals who are determined to beat the odds, no matter how high they may be stacked against them. These are the patients who maintain that positive attitude no matter what comes their way, and in the end, they are the same patients who outlive their original death sentence by months, years, and yes, even decades longer than what was originally predicted by their physicians. For verification of this, all you need to do is look around at those you know personally who have survived original timelines, when everyone else thought they weren't going to make it. On our Cancer Cafe chat forum, we have talked with those whose loved ones have survived 10+ and 14+ years and just think how many other survivors are out there of whom we have not heard about.

What makes me an authority on this you might ask? My husband has outlived his original timeline, many times over and I personally can attest to the impact that original death sentence had on our family as it suddenly exploded on our lives.

If any of my viewers have received similiar news, please know that you are not alone.

Remember that in order to win, you have to fight and those statistics are really just numbers!!!

I've posted a discussion question on today's Cancer Cafe chat forum for you to express your opinion on this topic! It will be interesting to read each person's remarks. Thanks for participating.

MUSIC: "I Will Survive"

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days. It's been a busy week!

I am very happy that many of my viewers are meeting each other on our Cancer Cafe chat forum. Everyone is so caring and together we are certainly creating quite a support group for each other. Just this morning I have received emails from other cancer patients in the UK and Scotland who are anxious to join our chat, but due to the time differences are finding it difficult to meet alot of us. We will however find a way to connect.





If I have learned anything since my husband's cancer diagnosis, it is by sharing conversations with others who are affected by cancer, we learn excellent information about what works and we find encouragement to help us get through those difficult days.


I met a man yesterday who is presently receiving radiation treatments...he is amazing! He reminded me so much of my husband with regards to his positive attitude and his determination to not let any obstacles stand in his way during his fight against cancer. He receives his treatmenst on a daily basis. He goes to work every day, arrives at the cancer clinic just in time for his radiation, then returns to his place of business to finish the day. What an inspiring man this is! And to think that there are so many other people out there who complain over the simplest little thing when something goes wrong.

Cancer patients certainly teach other's the true definition of strength. After watching the way my husband deals with his cancer, our family no longer whines when we are experiencing little aches or pains. Why would we? We just pass it aside, because we know first hand what dealing with a real illness means.

Here is a quote that I found awhile ago and it is so very true:

"Cancer changes your life, often for the better. You learn what's important, you learn to prioritize, and you learn not to waste your time. You tell people you love them."

Good luck to those who may be having treatments today, undergoing surgery or meeting with their oncologists for further testing or reports. Just this past week, I've met a lady whose husband is a 14+ year cancer survivor....that is a true testament to this man's great strength!

Our "CANCER CAFE" - Sharing Laughter, Experiences, and Worries in our Common Bond of Cancer

MUSIC: "I Get by With a Little Help from My Friends"




The chat forum on this site was only started about a month ago, but already our community of caring participants is growing continuously. My original goal for introducing the chat on my website, was to provide a place where cancer patients, caregivers, and others could chat directly with viewers who share similiar experiences and gain encouragement and support. It is a LIVE CHAT so there's no waiting to receive a reply....it's instant response. Just like you are conversing right there in the same room, only this is a virtual room.



It's amazing how you can become friends with someone whom you never personally met. I've already written a post about this particular topic sometime ago, and here's the link if you wish to refresh your mind



http://www.myhusbandskidneycancer.com/2008/08/some-of-my-best-friends-are-those-ive.html



When I originally wrote this, I had not been exposed to this Live Chat experience and it sure does put a perspective on innovations in communication. Sure, I've visited other websites and more especially those that are cancer related. They offer excellent information to their viewers which is vital for all of us who are searching for it, I've also posted messages on websites when I've been searching so desperately for answers to unknowns about my husband's cancer and it's side effects, but I've never found a cancer site that offers a Live Chat for those who want to talk instantly with other cancer patients, caregivers, and family or friends who have also been affected at just the mention of the word "CANCER".



Why is a live chat important? It provides the chatters an opportunity to exchange their experiences with others, such as types of cancer treatments they may be taking, it's side effects, what works to eleviate patient's side effects, and the list goes on. For caregivers, it is a place where we can VENT.....all of us experience difficult days as caregivers and just having that special someone who understands EXACTLY what you are going through, really helps take the edge off a difficult day. For family and friends who are affected by cancer, it's a place where you can converse with others in similiar situations. Our

Cancer Cafe is where you will find instant support, encouragement and inspiration!!!

In the short time that our Cancer Cafe has been available on-line we have already met such wonderful people.

I'm asking all of our regular chatters who read this post today to introduce yourselves on the chat forum TODAY and then write a little about how our live chat forum has helped you along your cancer journey!!!

Our usual chat time begins approximately 7:30 pm ADT. It's impossible for all of us to be there every evening, but keep checking and you will find someone there! Just enter your name in the "Anonymous" section at the bottom of the chat and press "ENTER". If one of us is there, we will initiate the conversation, if not, then just post your question and a convenient time that you will return, and I promise someone will be there to chat with you.

Join us for just one chat, and I'm certain you will return again. Remember that the forum is completely confidential with regards to your identity. We want your "first name" only and no one will be able to identify you.

We all need to hold each other's hand, as we travel over hills and valleys along this cancer highway!

This Cancer Cafe chat forum is NOT specific to kidney cancer patients and their loved ones. It is open to ALL cancer patients and their families. I hope to meet you there!

MUSIC: "The Prayer"

This is a baby eagle...wow...such great strength it portrays on this photo! A true beauty of nature and a definite reference to the power of nature.

My music selection today is also a reflection of power, but in a different way. As you listen to the rendition of this beautiful selection, you will instantly hear the magnitude of Josh Groban's vocal abilities. It was by chance that this young man's talent was discovered, as he was unexpectedly invited by David Foster to fill in for Andrea Bocelli at the 1999 Grammys. And the rest, as we say is hostory......................

A horrific football accident resulted in total blindness for the renowned operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli, at the tender age of 12. His vocal talents grew worldwide only because of his determination to keep reaching from within through his strenth and spirit.

I'm writing this short post today to empower my viewers to use your inner strength and power to soar above adversities, especially when you think you are falling so far from the finish line. You can do it!!!........ but it will take determination on your part.

Today might be a difficult one for many, as you receive another chemo or radiation treatment, have to undergo challenging tests or receive an unexpected medical report. I trust you will discover your

power from within!

You Just Can't Give Up!

MUSIC: "Don't Give Up"

Today I heard about a woman who has received a diagnosis of terminal cancer with only a two month longevity. She has decided to just quit........plain out quit! She's not even going to talk about it to anyone...not even her immediate family, she's not going to learn anything about her type of cancer, she's not going to talk to anyone else who may be experiencing good results with the same type of cancer, or she's not even going to try and find more information via this world wide web or through a cancer support group......she's basically just going to curl up and eventually die without even trying to live!





That is such a pity, but at the same time I can imagine somewhat of how she must be feeling. Her doctor has only given her two months.....that is a topic for another day, as my husband can attest to being given a length of time which he has left to live and I sure hope this patient of whom I speak knows that my husband is still here, many months after he was supposed to have died.

He's not the only one! This is not a unique case. Just join our chat forum and speak to Mary, whose husband has survived his original longevity in a way that will not only amaze you, but also inspire even the most desperate patient out there.

After hearing about his woman who has decided to cut all ties with everyone and just give in to cancer, I just had to write this post. I sure hope she reads this and if any of you know of another person who is in a similiar situation, please pass along my words to them. You see, know one can truly predict anyone's future....we all live in adversity. It might not be as a cancer patient, but we all face challenges in life that at some point, might instill in us the need to just give up.

This cancer patient needs to know that she could be the very patient who just might blaze a trail for others who are facing a similiar diagnosis......whether they be children, middle-aged or seniors. If everyone just gave up, then there would not be many advances in medical science. There would be no innovations in cancer treatments, there would be no statistics of patients who have beaten the odds and most of all, there would be no " HEROS" in all of cancer history.

I really hope that she takes a second look at her options....even though the future may not seem very optimistic right now, she should remember that others have also heard similiar words but they have chosen to fight. Your family is counting on you.....so just don't take the easy road and quit! And also remember that you are not the first person who's been given a short term for life, but if you quit, you will be one of the statistics who probably will confirm what the doctor predicted.

If you look at the picture of this yellow bloom that I took just last week, on October 30th on my potentilla outside, you will see that it's a little withered after all summer, but it's still blooming!
There's alot to be learned from looking at this photo. Usually at this time of year, all of the blooms have disappeared, but this one lonely yellow bloom has survived the flowers normal longevity!!!! Wow, just read that sentence once again.........

You see, if you don't even try, then there is NO hope, but if you try, you'll probably be amazed at the results!!!

We are all rooting for you and remember that you can join us in the chat forum for encouragement and inspiration.

I hope you decide to not give up!!!