Katy's journal blog
Dear Loved Ones,
I wanted you to hear from me directly what this last week and a half has been like. As your prayers have asked, I have continued to see many miracles.
Every day my parents escort me to my radiation appointment at 8:30. I sign in and wait for the nurse to call my name. They know me. There are several of us in the waiting room. We all know each other at this point or feel like we do. We are all in various stages of treatment but we share the same appointment time and the same disease. There is a strange camaraderie among us. When they call my name I walk back to a room with a door worthy of being a vault in a different lifetime. I then lay on a narrow table in the middle of this room. It has a clear plastic piece that is rounded to comfortably hold my head and secure my mask. They rubber band my feet together, I suppose to keep me from escaping and then they attach my mask to the plastic piece. The placement of the mask is the most complicated part of the whole procedure. The nurse and the technician both lean over my head and move the mask this way and that until it is just right (I almost have to laugh as I watch through the tiny holes because often what does the trick is me wiggling my nose or some other such complicated motion). Once all is set they take refuge behind the door of the "vault" and leave me laying strapped to the table staring up at an illuminated coral reef photograph. For the first week they kept checking to make sure that I was OK, which made me wonder if I should be panicking but I decided against that because the whole procedure seemed more intriguing than frightening. The machine itself reminds me of those robots from the movie "Batteries Not Included" that went around fixing broken buildings and appliances. It seems to sneak up from the side and think carefully before it makes each move. It makes a loud hum, but it does not hurt as it moves around my head. Before I know it the whole thing is over and I am in the waiting room saying my good-byes.
I don't know what the rest of my treatment will be like, but right now I feel great. I have had a few headaches but they have been treatable with Tylenol.
I still have all of my hair! I sometimes have to remind myself that I just had brain surgery. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. May God continue to bless you as he is me thru this experience.
I love you, Katy
posted by Neighborhood Ministries | 5/05/2005 10:59:00 PM
32 Comments:
Good morning, Katy, dear heart,
I just read your message. I check the blog every morning before my prayer time to read any updates or new comments.
Thank you for telling us what you are experiencing each treatment time. Now I have a better idea how to pray, and a sense of being with you.
God loves you so much! We all love you so much. And many of us praying have never met each other and yet I think we are forging bonds of love as well, united in our care for you and your family.
Love and hugs and prayers,
Miriam :)
Dear Katy,
I don't know you, and you don't know me, but we are sisters in Christ, bound together by His love. I am praying for you.
Joyce in Columbus, IN
Dear Katy -
Thank you for the update! I too check the blog every day for any news. Your bravery, strength and amazing faith is such an inspiration to me!
I just spoke to Julie. She said Holly and Ashley have been out to visit this week. I hope you guys have had a nice time together. The Reels are an awesome family! I am blessed to be a part of it!
Love and Prayers,
Beth Meyer
Greenwood, IN
Katy,
Thank you for the update and description of the treatment. The visualization of how the treatment goes helps me a lot as I pray.
I am fasting for you today (Friday is my day) and I have to tell you that I had an amazing realization of peace and faith "out of the blue" this morning. I can't really explain it, but it was as if I was in a space where all things were possible...my faith had never been as high, and the peace was never as intense (I guess what surprised me the most was that the faith and peace went hand in hand...they were almost the same thing). I pray right now that this gift from God will also be given to you, and the Holy Spirit will empower you and those around you to a level of faith and peace that will bring a jolt of surprise to you (as it did me).
With much love,
Rich
Delighted to hear you're still doing so well, Katy. Thanks so much for the update and the inspiration it brings. Only God can bring so much good out of what seems so awful!
Blessings on you and your family.
Love,
Vicki Small (Miriam's "other" Vicki"!)
Katy, what a joy it was to hear from you on the blog. I, like Miriam, check it daily (or more) to hear how things are going and, more importantly, how you are doing. I'm so thrilled that you are doing well through this radiation period. One of my new favorite Scriptures which I found during Beth Moore's Believing God series is this:
2Chronicles 16:9a "For the eyes of the Lord more to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." Isn't that a great image? I thought of that as I read of the machine going to and fro over your head, searching to destroy the invader, as God strongly supports you.
I am praying especially for your mom, as this will be a very different Mother's Day weekend for her. Now that Danny is finally completely well, I will call her to find out when we can come and visit you for a while. We can give you hugs on behalf of all the thousands of people who are in prayer for you...won't that be awesome? Much love, Vicki King
Oops! That 2 Chronicle passage should read "move" to and fro, rather than "more". Guess I should proofread next time. :) Love, Vicki
Hi Katy, This is your Mom's cousin Julia. I am so thankful to hear the better news about the type of tumor. My brother Ben recovered from level 3 cancer. YOU WILL TOO!!!! I am glad to hear that you are still feeling well through the radiation.You are brave. We think of you often and pray through the day. I am sending my love to Patty this mother's day. She is so dear and a wonderful mother. Much love to all of you, Julia
Katy,
Thank you so much for your update. I pray for you every day as does my church. You are truly a gift from GOD and a constant inspiration to all of us.
I called to talk to your grandfather today and was told that your Dad is coming back to INDY for a brief visit this next Monday. My father and myself are going to fly into INDY as well to see everyone this coming Thursday, so I was thrilled to learn that we will be able to see your Dad. You are blessed with phenominal parents and an amazing brother and sister...But, then again, God has blessed them with you.
Keep up your spirits and realize that the HOLY SPIRIT is working in you daily. GOD is going to heal you Katy because, as I've said before, your work here is not done...We Need You...
I love you with all of my heart!
Karen Craft
glad to read an update. have been worried because it had been awhile since we had heard anything and we were becomming selfishly dependant on blogs. i assumed no news was good news and that if something were wrong we would have heard, so glad to hear things are okay. i miss you and pray daily for you and think of you a dozen or so times a day. hoping to see you, wishing to be near you.
love you. hugs to you.
-megan brewer
Katy,
Thank you for the update.
I think all of us have gained so much encouragement from each other as read the messages.
God Bless You All:)
Honi-Jean
Dear Katy
I do know the "vault" feeling..I did not have anything over my head but my body was black marked to show where the radiation was to be focussed. My radiation was for a month...and yes, you do get very well acquainted with those who share the same time...we were truly a community..still have some friends from that time even tho it was 5 years ago...We were all bald...and realized how little it really mattered to us..
You have been an inspiration to so many, Katy..God is using you to
touch many for Him....
Blessings and love, Beth Crozier
Thanks for the update Katy. You are very brave and now I too can think of you everyday at 8:30 and pray. Your mother will have a nice Mother's Day knowing you are holding up so well during your treatment and are feeling good. We moms like our kids to feel better and beter. Love Pat Longman
Dear Katy,
Thank you for writing about your treatment and explaining all of it so far. You are amazing, and to have such a sense of humor,too! Our prayers continue for you and your family. You have already touched many lives through the trial you are experiencing, and you are a beautiful reflection of deep faith in our Lord and Savior.
One of my frequent prayers for you, besides complete and perfect healing, is that each and every day you continue to feel God's arms holding you and that in your low moments, you feel His presence completely surrounding you.
It is Mother's Day today and I know your Mom has been blessed with God's gift of you, Lenny and Amy. Your Mom is also a very special mother!!
God Bless all of You ~
Love and Prayers,
Anne Scarpino
Dearest Katy,
Hope this Mother"s Day finds you in good spirits.
Dear Katy,
Sorry the first message was so short. Still learning what buttons to push and what not to push. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers, as well as your family.
Dear Katy,
I guess I have to start somehow or somewhere :). I have been trying to find words to write to you and everytime I have clicked in this comment block I have gone blank. I guess today God is giving me encouragement and words (I got this far!):).
Everytime I check my emails I try to check the blog to see how you are doing.
I know about you through your wonderful mother Patty and have seen your photograph at Tab.
God really loves you so very very much Katy. Reading about your treatment procedure and how He is working in your life is so encouraging in knowing about God's blessings.
God be with you always.
Armisha
Greetings, Katy. It's been some time since we last communicated and would not have known of circumstances except for the Tab Chimes. There are so many friends that love you and are praying for you. But best of all, there is that eternal "friend who sticks closer than a brother"(Prov. 18:24).
From reading your latest blog, it is so very evident that the Lord is giving you both power and poise to cope with what He in love has assigned to you. And whatever you may do for Him, now or in the future, it is His work of patience in you during this time of trial that radiates of His all-sufficiency.
In preparing to teach a Bible study on Hebrews 11:32--40 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Venice, FL, i ran across this quote from Dr. John Piper (of "Desiring God" fame): God does not always work miracles and acts of providence for our deliverance from suffering; sometimes by faith God sustains his people through their sufferings."
Right now His grace and His glory is being evidenced in your life in this whole process. Your own poise and perceptions are so evident of that.
He's in that room with you, surrounding you with His love 7 grace.
Blessings,
Jack Chapin
Dear Katy:
In my almost 53 years of life, I have never known someone, incredibly someone your age, who speaks of such challenges with such courage and sometimes even humor. I never cease to be inspired by your approach to all that has come into your life in such a short time!
I have found myself without words each time I read yours or your parents' entries at this site. Each one of us that you and your family has touched have been humbled by your courage and refusal to pity yourselves. Each reading brings with it a feeling like a strong electrical current; that I am certain comes from the Lord. I often feel this same "current" in my new job, and have felt it many times in the past in other situations. It is as if He is making a direct line of connection between me, another person in need, and Himself. We are all connected now to offer strength to all of you. It is His way of bonding us here on earth with him for the ultimate healing process.
Again I find myself without adequate words, but hope that what I am sending will convey mine and my family's prayers and wishes of healing to all of you.
Denise Robertson
Katy,
Thanks for the update, I try to check in at least once a week to see how you and your family are doing. After reading your note, I am not sure that it is you we should be concerned about. You are handling this with such grace, ease and a matter of fact attitude that it is difficult to believe there is anything wrong. I am amazed at your strength, courage, faith and even humor. I am not sure I could do the same. You are truly an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. Please get well very soon!
Love,
Scott, Tara, Tyler, Kendall Johnston
Katy,
How wonderful to hear from you. When you write, it helps us all to know you are doing well. Thanks for the great written picture of what you are doing daily--it helps us to know just what to pray for--including your waiting room friends. (now thats a title for a book!) We had a wonderful visit with your dad on Sunday. We had just turned down an invitation for lunch with our grandkids--when your dad came to the door we knew why we were prompted to stay home. We had lots of laughs and even a few tears, but it was great to see him. All he had to report about the whole family was very encouraging to us.
Take care--we love you all.
Jim and Barb
Hi Katy
I am so happy to hear that your treatments have not brought alot of unhappiness that is always thought of when people have to go through them. Once again you inspire me with your strength Katy. I read my moms blog to you and she was able to put my thoughts into writing also.
I just wanted to let you know that I am still thinking about you and praying for you! Things are going well with the wedding plans. I will have to fill you in on the details. I love you and continue to think of you!
Michelle
Katy,
Know that the entire Wilkerson clan is thinking of you and that we pray for you and your family daily.
Saw your Dad at TAB Sunday and we hope to feed your him and Mr. Lenny this week. I understand your Dad was looking for the operating directions for the dishwasher-I think it was a ploy to get a free dinner!!
Much love and hang tough!!
Gale Wilkerson
Hey Katy,
Sorry I haven't emailed in a couple of weeks, the glue from the making of the pit helmets for Open House must have gotten to me. Actually, it has been rather hectic and emotionalwith the adoption process and all. With a lot of prayer, it seems that we may be actually getting a referral sometime soon though we have to wait and wait and wait...when children are given up for adoption in eastern Europe, particularly Russia, there is a process on terminating the parent's rights and after that, the children must be available to the Russian population for six months before they can be offered internationally. We have seen many, many children that are available and it is just so sad. We always are reminded that we have to operate on God's time, not ours.
We continue to pray for you every day and you are constantly in our thoughts. Hey, don't worry about the hair loss, at least YOURS will grow back! You have been such an inspiration with your positive and encouraging attitude. Both Sperry and I love you and send you our warmest regards.
Next Tuesday is Open House though you wouldn't know it by the way my room looks. I'm surprised the Red Cross hasn't been called in because don't they usually appear at disaster sites? I guess it takes time to get the room looking like Disneyland; I don't think I planned that well...Guess who'll be here REALLY LATE tonight? and the next night? and the next?
Kristen filled me in with some details of her recent visit. Well, have a most blessed day and remember that our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ is with us always. I guess I'd better get back to hanging the food coloring painted leopards and all that stuff. We love you and we'll talk again. I promise to stay away from the glue; well, until I have to put together the toilet paper roll binoculars anyway...
Love you lots,
Pano
Hey K Dizzle
Just wanted to give you a shout out. I am praying for you and your family. It was great to see your dad at church and chat with him for a few minutes. I loved hearing from you a couple of weeks ago. You are such a wonderful encouragment.
God Speed,
A Gina
Hey katy, its maree, you know janas mate from New Zealand. I have been so amazed after reading your blog its inspirational. Just wanted to say that you have lots of people praying for you over here too, our church knows about it and your in their prayers.
All the best
Maree and New Zealand
Katy -
I am writing again from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. My friend/co-worker Nona and I have talked about you and continue to pray for you here, so far away from Phoenix! As you write about your experience, I am impressed by the strenghth God is giving you now. Will continue to pray for that for you at ALL times, and for your family. We thank God for the medical technology available to treat you. Hope to be able to meet you in person this summer as we will be there to visit,
Holly Lyons and Family
Katy,
It was so good to see your Dad, Lenny, Grandfather and Grandmother (oops I mean ANNA) at lunch in INDY. I want you to know that your spirit and strenth are not only an inspiration to everyone but, most importantly, to you Grandfather and your Dad. Uncle Frenchy told me that he talks to you almost everyday and that, that is the part of the day he looks forward to most of all. Katy, you are going to beat this disease and you conversations with Frenchy give him hope and a desire not to give up. GOD is working within you in so many ways. HE is showing you how much you are needed here. So keep up that stalwart spirit of yours because people around the globe, for years to come, are going to need to see you and your beautiful smile.
Much Love...
Karen Craft
Dear Katy,
Aunt Sue had lunch and a nice visit with your Grandmother and Aunt Jean Ann last Wed. while I was in meetings. We both had long breakfast with Frenchy, Ann, Tom, Jean Ann and Rick Thursday before we went to Chicago to visit Gregg and his family. We had a really good time. All things considered, Frenchy is in very good spirits. You are very much on his mind and are an inspiration to him. Anna doesn't seem to comprehend what all is going on. She is still driving though.
Your Dad is a real trooper looking after both of them. Your Uncle Tom is doing pretty well with his new pacemaker.
Gregg and Molly and the three kids drove down from Chicago to visit everyone last weekend. They really enjoyed seeing everyone.
Sue and I hope that things are going well for you. You are in our prayers every day. One of Sue's friends just got word that she is finally cancer free after a couple of years of treatment. She is the beneficiary of a new chemo therapy. That is hopeful news for every one.
Say hello to your your Mom for us and thank her for the lovely note that she sent us.
Tell Amy that I am still working on the specification for her and that I will send it to her to edit before posting it (just kidding).
Lots of love,
Uncle Chuck and Aunt Sue
Hi Katy and All, Hope everything continues to go well for you. We think of you often and continue to pray. Have a beautiful spring week of growing stronger and getting closer to the date when you can put all this behind you. Much Love, Julia Kelly
Hi Katy and Patty and family, Katy hope you have had a good day. I am send my LOVE and PRAYS to you, and Patty if you need me to do anything please let me know. Love Beth Westlake
Hi Katy and Patty and family, Katy hope you have had a good day. I am send my LOVE and PRAYS to you, and Patty if you need me to do anything please let me know. Love Beth Westlake
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