With her permission, I am sharing news affecting one of our own here in the CC world. Joanne914 is a very good CC friend of mine and she recently told me that she was just diagnosed with breast cancer about 3 weeks ago. She went in for a routine exam and mentioned that something seemed different. They did an immediate mammogram and ultrasound, followed by a breast biopsy and then two days later, a biopsy of her lymph nodes. As she put it, There were bad cells in both places. She is having more tests today and will also be having a bone scan and a Cat scan to make sure the cancer isnt anyplace else. She is scheduled for surgery (mastectomy) tomorrow, and back home the next day. She will then begin chemo.

Typical for Joanne, she is trying really hard to be upbeat and positive, but could really use some positive thoughts and prayers. She has always felt that the CC community has been wonderful to her and has wanted to say something about this on CC, but was at a loss as to what to say, so she is allowing me to do so on her behalf. Well wishes is just what she needs for when she is recovering at home. She said that knowing that her friends are thinking of her makes each and every day easier to cope with. She believes in the power of prayer and would appreciate all that anyone has got to give. As I have been sending her my well wishes and trying to figure out how to help, she told me that without all of my friends being there for me for moral support, I just couldnt get through this. She is trying to deal with this in her characteristic positive manner, but it is a lot to handle and she could use some well wishes and positive thoughts. So I am putting her news out there as she could use some words of encouragement and knowing how large our community is, I am also hoping that perhaps someone else who has more knowledge in this may be able to offer helpful thoughts or suggestions.

The power of positive thinking and prayers can go a long way as can hugs from afar and she could really use all of these right now. She will be checking in on CC as she can and I will gather all messages here to get them to her as well if she is not gettting on CC. You can direct your words straight to her, vice to me, as she will see what is written. Thank you for being there for her!

Please let her know she will be in my thoughts and prayers. My sister was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. Praise the Lord that it is stage 1 and it appears they can remove her one kidney and she should be cancer free.

We continue to be positive and upbeat about it as well. I believe so much that negative thinking can just deterioate a situation. Positive thoughts and prayers surround us now as I hope they do for her. My motto is if you have the 3 "F's", you can make it through anything... family, friends and faith.

Best of luck to her and I will be praying for her

I am so sorry to hear that she is going through this right now. I wish her well and please let her know that we are thinking of her. May she have a quick and speedy recovery.

Joanne, maybe something to give you a smile. Maybe you've seen it before.
I was racking my brain for somehow to reach out and I know we all share that helpless feeling when a loved one gets serious life changing health news. And I just thought of Psalm 9x13.
Just know this, Cake-Buddy, all of us Cake-Buddies are with you in spirit.



Psalm 9x13

(with the author's apologies to David)

The LORD is my cake decorator I shall not want for calories 24/7.
He maketh me to mix up the white icing. He leadeth me beside the dish water.
He leveleth my cake. He restoreth my meringue. He leadeth me in the paths of delivery for his brides to be.

Yeah though I walk through the valley of icing bubbles and sliding borders, I will fear neither health department nor bridezilla because Thou art with me. Thy bag and Thy spatula they comforteth me.

Thou preparest a cake table before me in the presence of the milling guests, Thou annointest my head with sweat. My mixer runneth over.

Surely devil's food and angel food will follow me all the days of my baking and I will dwell in the cake box of the LORD forever....


written by Kate Korzekwa

Love and Prayers,
Kate

I am so sorry to hear a fellow ccer has been diagnosed with cancer. I have said a prayer for her and will continue to lift her up in prayer. May God be near to you in this dark time and come out as the shining sun!
Hugs and love surround you!

She will definately be in my prayers. It's great she has an awesome attitude going into this. It really does make a difference.

k8, that is really cute (=

she is definitely in my prayers.

Please let Joanne know that we are all pulling for her and know that she can overcome this! With her positive attitude, lots of prayer, and her cake buddies beside her!! (Not to mention excellent health care... that's a given!)

K8, that rocked. It gave me a smile right along with the lump in my throat.

Prayers and Positive thoughts for you Joanne!

I have a couple of friends who have had similar circumstances with positive outcomes. Hoping and praying the same for you.

Joanne, you are in my prayers and thoughts! I believe that a positive attitude is as important as all the drugs they will give you. My dad was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer 3 years ago. He went through chemo and then they removed one of his lungs. He pulled through because he believed that cancer was not his whole life just a part he had to get through. He is the strongest person I know. He was determined to get well and did!!! His cancer came back a year later in his chest wall and he did chemo and radiation and was still positive he would get through it. He told me to keep moving forward and face things head on, never hide! He came through again with flying colours. We went back to the doctor's office on Dec. 10th and found out that the cancer had come back in his remaining lung and with Dad's usual wise cracking mouth he said to the doctor's "The 3rd times a charm!" The doc laughed out loud and Dad started his chemo on Dec 22 and we had one of the best Xmas's on record!!!!

Dad said his cancer was a gift because it made him see his life in a different light. He told me to plan for the future but to live in the now.

Joanne this is my motto for 2009 - Inch by inch is a sinch. Yard by yard is hard. Take it one step at a time and find time in your day to do something for yourself. We are beside you to lean on, behind you to catch you and infront of you to hug you. Although I live far away I am here if you need anything. ((((((HUGS)))))) ((((((HUGS))))))

P.S. Make sure you drinks lots of fluids to keep your veins plump for the I.V.'s and to flush the chemo drugs out of your system after.

Please let Joanne know that she will be in my prayers. I wish her and her family well during this hurdle in life.
Take care and know that you are in all the cc'ers thoughts.

This is going to help her SO much! Thank you for directing your comments straight to her. All of your words and positive thoughts will really make a difference and funbun, thanks SO much for the hint about drinking lots of fluids! Anything that can be passed on like that is wonderful! Much, much appreciated!

Joanne, you are in my prayers as well. I have been recommending this book to everyone lately....Prayers that Avail Much by Germaine Copeland....there is a prayer for every situation....this book is as indispensible as The Bible! Believe me, these prayers DO AVAIL MUCH
as the title states!

Keep your hopes up, my dear. Over three decades my grandmother survived three rounds of different types of cancer, including one that required a mastectomy. She survived them because she refused to admit that there was any other alternative. She was a strong woman, and I know you can be, too.

A fun little story that might brighten your day:
My grandmother never had much "up front." After her mastectomy, a lady came in to talk to her about prostethics and to try to ease any concerns she had about her new shape. My grandmother tried to listen politely for a while, but finally got a little irritated at all the options. "Ma'am," she said, "I haven't worn a bra in 40 years, and I certainly don't intend to start now!" The woman was a bit surprised, and didn't quite know what to say.

I'll pray that you receive all the strength, endurance, and hope that you need. We're here for you!

Joanne,

I feel so touched that you trust us enough to open up about something so personal, that I felt compelled to let you know I will pray fervently for your healing and comfort.

I think we spend so much time agonizing over the what ifs that we don't focus enough on the power of the God we have. God is able to heal with just a thought and He's able to remove any form of cancer at the blink of an eye. People may think I'm crazy, but I'm foolish enough to believe that God can astound the very doctor that diagnosed you with cancer by removing any trace of it.

I have seen "miracles" occur in my immediate family. I have petitioned prayers from believers and have received God's favor in answering them. My twins are the result of fervent prayers on my behalf and a prophesy from God that had been fulfilled. Trust Him to do all things, His word says that "God...gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were" (Romans 4:17) Your healing is already done.

My favorite scripture to read when I'm feeling uncertain is Psalm 91. It gives me peace just knowing that God is doing all that is in His power to protect me from harm, I pray it will bring the same peace to you.

My family will pray for you until you come back and let us know the miracle God has blessed you with and we will continue to pray even after. God bless you sister, "delight in your deliverance" (1 Samuel 2:1)

When I was diagnosed with colon cancer 7 years ago, I was told by a nurse "cancer is just a word, not a sentence". I used those words to get me through and it worked. My prayers are with you.

Joanne my dear, prayers are on the way to God. Be positive & never give up.

I too had been stricken with cancer, with the strength of my husband, family and friends and the grace of the Creator, did I beat cancer, have been cancer free for 6 years, however, when I was told I no longer had cancer, my mother was told that she had it....she fought a valiant fight, unfortunately she wasn't as lucky as I was, my mother passed almost 5 years ago....

Please know you are in my prayers, and I will send you all of my positive thoughts and all of my cancer fighting strength

Joanne, you are in my prayers.

Joanne, I hope you have a speedy recovery. my grandmother had a double masectomy many years ago and recovered fully. I'll keep you in my thoughts.
Stephanie
ps. K8memphis... love Psalm 9x13!!!!

Please let Joann know that I am thinking about her and praying that she recovers quickly. Let her know we will keep the oven warm for her!

Dang it, I think I've got some frosting in my eye...

joann--my prayers are with you. our family went through this in oct.2007. my mom was diagnosed with BC had a mastectomy and is now cancer free. you will get through this and be back to 100% HEALTH soon. with GOD and your family and friends you will be healed........laura

Prayers and best wishes to you Joanne - stay strong!

I'm praying for you too and sending lots of positive energy!
We are here not only to support each other during cake emergencies, but also for the other crisis that life throws at us!

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

If God can raise the dead, part the red sea, then what is cancer?

Joanne I know this is tough and there will be days when you want to give up but if you can just remember to keep your eyes stayed on God you will be fine. This is just your "ugly cake of life" you have to put some stuff in it and take some stuff out and in the end you'll have that beautiful cake you dreamed of. I went through something similar to this with my mother almost 5 years ago and I understand. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you always. My God is an awsome God and cancer is no match for Him. You can PM me because I can give you my number to call. When my mother had breast cancer she would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and need to talk. I can be your 'middle of the night person'. I really wouldn't mind. In fact I'd be honored.

Please ask for help if you feel the need. As lonely as you may feel, know that You Are Not Alone! I don't know where you are but this hug should reach you. May God's healing hands embrace you and keep you safe always.

DaCakeDiva

(((((((((HUG)))))))))

Joanne,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you a very speedy recovery. Stay strong-you will get through this!! Let us know if you need anything.
Jodie

daily prayers going up.