Well, I thought it only fitting that I write this in a "special" color. After surgeries, long recovery, and all the "stuff" that was involved with that, guess what? I am not going to do chemotherapy! It is an amazing feeling! Maybe I shouldn't be this excited, but I am! I went to the doctor yesterday, and he gave me the choice, but it really wasn't going to help me all that much, and I'm taking another pill for the cancer for 5 years (Arimedex) and I've decided not to have chemo. I found out he wouldn't do it if it was him making the decision, and neither would his nurse, so it was kind of a no-brainer. The side effects far outweighed the benefits for me. So finally I can say we're in the final stages of this part of the journey. After my radioactive iodine treatments next week, and reconstruction in January or February, I will just be taking that pill every day for 5 years, and being closely monitored at M. D. Anderson. I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted! Thanks be to God, and to all of you for praying and encouraging me. This is truly great news, and I am thrilled beyond measure!

Well, I'm still here. I'm very proud to say that I'm getting a little stronger every day. I can do 2 laps walking around our street. Today I'm going to try for three. It's amazing what little milestones will do for your spirit. I got dressed up and went to a wedding with my sweet husband on Saturday night. I made it for 3 hours- yea! Then we went out to dinner with friends Monday night- another yea! Yesterday they started the expansion on me, and that hurts some. They will continue to do that every week until we get to the right size. Then I can have my reconstruction any time after that. I still think I'm going to wait until January. I won't know about whether I have to have chemotherapy for another week or two. But, I don't have to have radiation- big huge yea!!
Today I drove for the first time. Believe it or not, I was a little shaky. But I just went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. Then I came home and took a nap.
I just want to say something about my husband. He is absolutely amazing! He is the most incredible nurse to me. I don't think I'd be in nearly this good of shape if I didn't have him to take care of me. I think he is going to get lots of stars in his crown. This whole experience has been really good for the both of us.
That's about it for right now. I'm reading a great book by Ann Graham Lotz on knowing God- it's called "The Magnificent Obsession." And a precious friend gave me a new devotional book that is fabulous, so I am thoroughly enjoying my 'resting' at home. Thanks to all of you who keep praying for me, and calling me, and checking on me. I am so grateful for each one of you.

Well, sweet friends and family, what a ride this has been so far. I am home, resting comfortably, thanks to many bringing me food, and constant 'doting on' by my husband, who hasn't left my side hardly in the last 10 days. I am a truly blessed woman~ God never abandoned me- not when I had to go back into surgery for the second time, and not when all the chaos erupted on Sunday, and I had to be rushed back into surgery a third time, or even when I needed to go to the bathroom and couldn't (I know- TMI). He has shown Himself to be there the whole way. All I had to do was say hello and acknowledge His presence, and chat with Him.
Today was a little surreal for me. It was "The Day" that I was supposed to unbandage myself, and check everything, and make sure all is fine under all the wrapping. I must say, I approached this with no small amount of fear. But I kept crawling to the Lord about my fear, and He kept letting me know that I didn't have to react to that "feeling" but to stand on His word that 'Perfect love casts out fear.' I have been claiming that I am healed, and that there is now just this physical process of healing going on. And when the time came today, my sweet daughter helped me to unbandage, and it was all good. Thank you Lord. I believe alot of people have agreed on asking God to heal me completely, and He is honoring those prayers, and He is in the midst of them. My faith is being built up even as I climb the hills of this journey. I love the verses in Mark 11 that say Have faith in God. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." Wow! I do believe God! My mountain is beginning to crumble and get thrown out.
I will have to be very "serene" for the next many weeks. For all you who know me, that is generally not a word describing me. :) But I believe God has alot to show me and teach me, so 'serene' I will be. I am actually excited about it. There's still alot to come, but for this weekend, until I go to the surgeon on Tuesday, there is rest and healing going on in the Belin home. Again, I can never say thank you enough for your prayers. Keep 'em going!!! Much Love, Blair

She's home!!!

Quick post. I'll write more tomorrow. But for now, Praise God!! that mom came home today.

Labor Day

Hopefully you're enjoying a restful holiday today. The hospital is very quiet.

Mom is resting well. She may or may not go home tomorrow.

The main prayer request right now is that her blood pressure would remain stable so that her body can properly heal.

Thanks for checking in today.

Stable

Mom's out of surgery. They found the vessel that was not behaving and took care of it.

She's in ICU recovery until tomorrow. On the weekends, the regular recovery rooms are closed.

The doctor was very encouraging. Thanks for the prayers.

Pray for Blair...

This morning we had a dramatic episode. The details aren't important, but Blair is back, again, in the OR having more surgery. It looks like high blood pressure is complicating her recovery. I think she is in for the same reason as last time. There are so many blood vessels involved, and they keep opening back up and bleeding.
Please pray that this will be resolved.
The plan is for her to be in the hospital until Tuesday at the earliest.
I'll try to update when she's out of surgery.
Thanks for your concern and prayers! And PRAISE GOD her doctor was able to come in on this holiday weekend!!! He is a blessing.
Dr. Sacks - pray for him and his sweet family.