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Praying for miracles

Wednesday, October 24, 2012
This week I learned that a dear friend of mine, Norma has been diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer.  Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is rare as it accounts for less than 5% of breast cancers and it is extremely aggressive.  It is almost always at Stage 4 by the time it is diagnosed.



{my friend Norma is in the red in both these photos}


Norma is such an incredibly strong woman.  She has been through a lot in the last few years and she has handled it all with strength and grace.  Norma and I (and several other of our close friends) started a Mom's group at our church about 14-15 years ago.  I blogged about it here.  Norma and I have also been in book club together for all those years as we share a true passion for reading.  I love Norma and I am asking you to pray for her and her husband and two sons. Several of the women who founded our Mom's group and some others gathered at my house Monday to pray a healing rosary for her and we will continue to do so until she is healed.  I would be so appreciative if you could pray for Norma too.  I know she reads my blog from time to time and she would feel so wrapped in prayer if she knew y'all were praying for her.

Also today is Ivy Joy's surgery day.  She is such a little angel and she needs to be lifted up today.  You can check in on Mary's blog for more information on her progress.


I know God can heal both these gals!!!

I love this verse that Diana posted today.....



"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 
 ~Joshua 1:9

I simply cannot thank you all enough for the words of support, encouragement and wisdom yesterday. I know my problems are not as big as the ones I wrote about today with Norma and Ivy but nonetheless, I was feeling defeated for a day. Your words made me cry (a good cry). So many of you e-mailed and commented with super helpful ideas and suggestions. Also, many of you just comisserated or told me she'd be okay.  Each and every comment and e-mail touched my heart and geared me up for what I need to do.  Thank you with all my heart.

15 comments:

  1. Kim, I continue to keep your kids & friends in my prayers.

    This mother created a great blog and did a lot of work on IBC.
    I think she held on for 5 years after diagnosis.
    http://toddlerplanet.wordpress.com/
    she left quite a legacy with her work and family.
    Maybe some resources for Norma.

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  2. praying for her today too!!
    he does still perform miracles. i shared about one today too :)

    love dearly
    and praying for some answers and resolution for all issues

    xo

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  3. Praying for Norma and for Ivy Joy. And, though you may not think your problem with Kate compares, it is still a problem in your world...so, praying for that situation too. Jesus hears...and understands.

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  4. I've never even heard of IBC- so I am using this as a chance to read up on it! And pray for Norma. I can't imagine how scary it must be to get such a serious diagnosis. Keeping her whole family on my heart!

    KK

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  5. My very best friend's mother beat inflammatory breast cancer. It was a battle, but she won (wonderful team of doctors at UVA). Don't be discouraged by those statistics. Prayers for your sweet friend, miracles do happen:)
    And prayers for Ivy Joy:)
    Norma, if you're reading this, hugs to you and prayers for you--you can do this!

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  6. What a big heart you all have out there... of course I shall include your dear friends name and that darling baby girl too.. I hope that all our prayers lift them up and they are healed and have long lives ahead of them... Your poor friend must be in such a state despite trying to feel optimistic, but maybe with all of us rooting for her she will feel more powerful to fight these awful illness... God go with you my friends, Janzi

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  7. Lord, we bring to you another one of your warriors. We ask you to touch, restore and heal Norma. Bring about a healing in a way that will be yet another testament of YOUR unwavering healing powers. We lift up Norma, we lift up Ivy Joy. We LIFT them to you Dear Lord. Amen.

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  8. I have been thinking about Kate's post for the last day and decided to come back and comment. Then low and behold more bad news. I will keep you, Norma, Ivy, Kate and Henry in my thoughts. Sometimes life seems so difficult and hard to be thankful in the midst of so much worry.

    I too knew my child had some learning issues. And like you even though the school system denied help, I have sought it out. The upside is my child likes her "mentor". I was in a similar situation growing up and now realize and appreciate all the work my mom did and still does for me. Kate is a lucky little girl!

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  9. I have a dear friend who survived IBC. She is an amazing and gracious Christian woman. If Norma wants someone to talk to who has fought this fight and won, I would be happy to put her in touch with Vicky.

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  10. Oh my word so much going on. I know God is good. Will pray!

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  11. I'm so sorry to hear about Norma! A dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, too, in a heartbreaking way (the symptoms were misdiagnosed as mastitis for too long since she had only recently stopped nursing her baby girl). The wonderful news is that it has been three and a half years, and my friend -- in all of her grace and humor and strength -- remains cancer free! Norma, if you're reading this, I'll be praying for you! And, of course, for precious Ivy!

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  12. I feel your pain and concern. Yesterday I sat with my dear friend for her first round of chemo. Fear, tears, laughter, and just talking got us both through it. I know you'll be there for your friend, like I am for mine. Prayers for her from here. I don't hate often, but I do hate cancer.

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  13. I will be praying for Norma and her family!!xo

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  14. One of my best friends has IBC. She has made it her mission to reach out to IBC patients. I would love to connect her to Norma. My friend Kathy is from KY but gets her treatment at MD Anderson. So far she is doing well after two years!

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Thank you for your kindness.