You just never know in life
@1creekgirl (41427)
United States
February 17, 2024 5:20pm CST
Some of you may remember I wrote about my husband Dale and I trying to go on a cruise. I think it was four times we tried: one time the cruise line canceled for a hurricane, second time another hurricane prevented us from being able to reach the port, and the last two times were because of my injured foot.
Then cancer hit. After all those treatments with surgery for two blocked kidney stones and sepsis in between chemo and radiation, another medical issue required surgery.
When I found out I didn't have to have foot surgery after all, we thought maybe we could try to go on a cruise ONE MORE TIME. We booked one for March 16 and were so excited.
Then I recently had a spot on my back removed that turned out to be Squamous cell cancer. I have to have some more tissue removed on March first. Those are slow growing usually, but I'm not sure how long I've had it. Even though skin cancer is usually curable, once you've had a major cancer, these things tend to take on a little more significance.
But we're trusting God through all of this.
On March 6, I'll have surgery to remove my port that I've had since December of 2022, so that will be good to have it gone.
About four weeks ago, I started having a lot of low back pain. Finally got so bad, I went to my doctor who said I have Degenerative Disc Disease. This just means my back is wearing out with the rest of me, lol.
I'm going to physical therapy, but my doctor is scheduling an MRI and an injection in my back that I'm praying hard will help the pain enough that we can still go on our cruise and have fun.
Like I said, we just really don't ever know in life what's gonna happen next.
I do know, though, that Jesus has been with me every minute. I honestly wouldn't make it without Him. And my Dale has waited on me, vacuumed, loaded the dish washer, did laundry, and chauffeured me to millions of medical appointments. He really meant it when he promised "in sickness and in health..."
Well, that's enough for tonight. I really do have many blessings to count. May God bless each one of you.
26 people like this
23 responses
@Juliaacv (51190)
• Canada
17 Feb
@1creekgirl Thanks. My heart is full of sweet memories and love, and as a result I feel blessed.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
@Juliaacv I know you and I have talked about how blessed we feel to have the husbands we have.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
17 Feb
I appreciate that, Julia. I sure hope you turn out to be right.
2 people like this
@kareng (59115)
• United States
19 Feb
@1creekgirl Just trying to get through these gray and dreary and cold days and nights of winter!! I can't wait for some warmth and sunshine!
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
19 Feb
@kareng Won't spring be lovely? My husband's getting his garden ready and I can't wait for fresh potatoes, okra, squash, and tomatoes.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
Thanks, Karen. How are you doing these days?
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471500)
• Switzerland
19 Feb
@1creekgirl - Every time we think to "be finally well" there is something new that happens.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
19 Feb
@LadyDuck That's so true, especially the older we get.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
They just seem to keep coming. But we're trusting God through it all.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
18 Feb
You have been through so much, Vicki. I hope you can take this cruise. It leaves on my birthday; so it must be good! Those back shots, if they work, normally last about 6 months. I hope the surgery goes well. Hubs has had several spots removed. He refuses to go back to the dermatologist. He drives me crazy sometimes. Have a great day.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
Bless your heart, you've both been through an awful lot. You've probably got a recent post about how he's doing, but I pray every day for both of you.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
19 Feb
@LindaOHio Does anyone know why he's so much worse now than just two weeks ago?
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
19 Feb
@1creekgirl Thank you, Vicki. If you could have seen my husband 2-1/2 weeks ago compared to the way he is today, it would break your heart.
1 person likes this
@porwest (90823)
• United States
18 Feb
It is part of the reason, at least ONE of them, that I insist so strongly for people to handle their money well (not saying you didn't, just making a point). You can either spend your life working or you can spend it living. Granted, you have to do a little of both. But life comes at you fast. Enjoy as much of it as possible because you just never know where the finish line is—both in life and the ability to live it.
I hope you get to enjoy the cruise.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
Thanks, Jim. I believe the older we get, the more we realize how short life is. I think we pretty much had a good balance over the years financially. We didn't spend every cent we made, but we didn't save so hard that we didn't enjoy life. Of course, it's easier usually when the kids are on their own. And we were both blessed to be able to retire early.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
20 Feb
@porwest I think you all and Dale and I have a good balance between saving and spending.
1 person likes this
@porwest (90823)
• United States
20 Feb
@1creekgirl It IS a different perspective. When I was 20 saying, "In 30 years I will do X," easily slipped off the lips. At 50 it gives you pause. That's 80. Life will be much different 30 years from 20 than 30 years from 50...if you make it that far. Which is always a question. So when it comes to money, I have adjusted discretionary spending habits slightly as it's more about enjoying the fruits now than gathering more of them.
I still want to gather more of course. But I also want to enjoy what's already been harvested.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
21 Feb
I hope you can go on your cruise soon. You surely do need a vacation. It's so nice that Dale helps you so much, too.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
22 Feb
Thanks, Marie. We're praying it works out.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
23 Feb
@MarieCoyle Thanks, Marie. I'm going to physical therapy for the disc degeneration in my back, so we're praying I'll get better before the cruise. I also have an appointment to remove more tissue from the sebaceous cell cancer on my back. I'm sure praying it hasn't spread.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
22 Feb
@1creekgirl
I hope it works out that you can go soon, Vicki!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160663)
• United States
18 Feb
You and God together have handled these afflictions with grace. I hope you get to go.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180678)
• United States
17 Feb
I really, really want you to be able to go on that cruise Vicki. I know how much you wanted to..and it would make a great memory. Where would you go? Thanks for the blessings!!
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
17 Feb
It's scheduled to dock in Nassau and some island, I don't remember which one. But we went to Nassau on our first (and only) cruise, so we don't care to see it again. I doubt I could walk that far anyway and there's a travel warning about crime there.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180678)
• United States
17 Feb
@1creekgirl It might be an island that the cruise ship owns...I went on one down there and that was the deal. It was fun...I got to go snorkeling. Lots of islands around the Bahamas I think. at least dozens.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180678)
• United States
17 Feb
@1creekgirl So,you sound like you don't want to go now?
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (69673)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Feb
George are in the same boat. Well with health struggles and endless string of appointments. His home health appointments are down to once a week it seems. However, it's still been kind of crazy with everything that's gone on. I am happy to hear you're nearing a point in your health journey where you can take time to enjoy life and do something you'll both enjoy. Live life to the fullest.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (69673)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Feb
@1creekgirl I want to say amazingly well. However, we have our bad days. He has been doing a lot for himself and isn't asking me for help nearly as much. However, I make sure I'm within earshot in case he needs a hand.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
@kaylachan You're a good wife, Kayla. You two have sure had a time of it for a while now.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
That's really great advice. How is George feeling now? You've both really been through an awful lot.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (10095)
• United States
18 Feb
Go on the cruise and live it up. I went with my son in Sept of 2022 and so glad I did. I have psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylosis, severe narrowing of the L4 and 5 lumbar spine, both knees stage IV osteoarthritis, 12 melanomas removed, several squamous with one on my head and had to have staples, and basal. Also a pacemaker. I get it about all the medical. It's all the more reason not to put off something you want to do. I was slow on my excursions due to pain but so glad I did them. Find something easier for you to do if you want to go ashore. I pray your squamous is totally removed on your visit.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
My goodness, Loretta. You've sure been through it, haven't you. So glad you enjoyed your cruise. Take care of yourself.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (10095)
• United States
18 Feb
@1creekgirl Yes. I have had a lot in my life but I'm turning 65 and still going. I hope you heal and have a wonderful cruise.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
20 Feb
Thanks, Dena. We went to church yesterday and stayed for a soup and sandwich lunch, and my back didn't hurt the whole day! I know these back issues have grown worse over the years, but got really bad about a month ago. So, this was definitely an answer to prayer.
I had one visit to PT and I'm doing the exercises at home, so maybe that's already helping some. Dale and I went on a short trip today and I started hurting, but still better than it has been in quite a while. I'm hoping to get an injection in my back before our cruise.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
18 Feb
@1creekgirl
It does not sound like it will happen. Good luck and hope turns out fine and it will happen for you. It sounds like you need it. Where will you go on the cruise? By the way, I love the picture of the Star of David.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
I knew you would love my new profile picture! I want to get a Star of David necklace. Would that be okay even though I'm not Jewish?
How are you? We still see a lot on the news...it's so horrible. It makes me angry to see all the protests against Israel, especially here in the US.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
19 Feb
@Hannihar You and your nation are in my prayers. Please be as safe as you can.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
I love your encouragement! I'll post all about it.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
Cruises can be a lot of fun, but if you go ashore, be very aware of your surroundings. And don't overpack like I do!
@RebeccasFarm (89882)
• Arvada, Colorado
18 Feb
Its so lucky you have Dale and you have been through a lot Vicki.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
I realize how blessed I am that Dale has been so good through all of this. And we both thank Jesus for the strength and comfort.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
It really does. I can't even keep track of it all!
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
I really appreciate that, Kandase. I really do have so many blessings to praise God for.
@2ndchances24 (8929)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
18 Feb
It sucks when our body goes down B-4 we're ready for it to
But we just hope we can make another day of our lives till
the dear lord says we're done in life which I hope won't be
too soon for any 1 in life, but your right we just never know.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
18 Feb
I don't want to leave my husband yet, but I'm looking forward to heaven.
