This is my view for more of my day that I really want. Because my liver is being overcome with cancer, it is not functioning in the proper way. And I don’t really know what that means other than it produces fluid. And gravity brings the fluid to my feet. Now, if I was the type who laid in bed all day, I guess I would be okay. But…I’m not. When I feel good, I want to be up and can still find things for me to do. But after a few hours, my feet are beckoning me to be propped up. So I pile my pillows and sit in my beautifully designed new bedroom. Did you hear that story?
I sent an email out several months ago to my friends in town, that one thing I have always wanted was a beautiful master bedroom. It was always the last room to be done in every house I lived in and honestly never really got “done”. And if I had the possibility of spending any amount of time in the bedroom, I wanted it to be relaxing. Of course, my friends got to work. Donations came from friends, life groups, our womens’ bible study. Then a day of painting, A day of shopping. Another day of painting. Bedding, pillows, lamps…. it is perfect. I am certainly surrounded by love.
I hope that many of you follow Fight4Julie on Facebook or Instragram (juliedwhaley) because I do post a little more often there. But I know that it is certainly time for an update here too. The simple update remains to be: When I feel good, I do whatever I want. We went to South Padre for a weekend. I had the luxury of simply sitting in a chair, but that is what the beach is for.
When we feel like dessert, we go out for a treat.
And when my brother comes in town and wants his head shaved… that’s what I do.
But I have to be honest and say that for several good days, there is a bad one. I am still doing chemo, but I haven’t really been able to connect that to the bad days. The kind of day where I take 3 naps. Where breathing is hard enough that I wonder if I could actually suffocate or is it just a feeling. A moment where I take the maximum dosage of morphine. A night that brings no sleep because of discomfort. And the following morning where my husband just looks at me and I know what he is thinking though neither of us want to say it. But, after each of those hard days, has comes a better one. I wake up the next day to more energy, less pain and usually the ability to get out of the house which I didn’t the day before. It is welcomed, but it is confusing. We don’t know if chemo is working, but we don’t want to alter anything either. We can see that the liver is still struggling and breathing has become very difficult, but there are still good days. So, I guess we are just called to live. And that may be a motorized wheelchair at Wal-mart, which I learned the hard way today, or it may be a handicap car tag so I don’t have to walk across the parking lot. But those things mean I am still living.
Thank you for your messages, your prayers, your cards of love, the donations that are still coming in, the texts, the love that I know is thrown our way everyday. We are still doing our best.
So I don’t know if you know me… my brother Chris and sister in law Tonja (Norwood) teach at NCS and go to Bammel to church. I taught at NCS for a few years and have been following your progress. I am also work with a non-profit group called “Team Tiara” – we are daughters of The King of Heaven and Earth- it was started by my best friend when her mother was battling breast cancer. I wear my Julie tee-shirt with pride and spend all day whispering your name to The King when I wear it. My heart and soul have tears as I read this post as I have been a part of the struggle with my sweet friend years ago. You are such an amazing warrior! I just wanted to stop a moment and tell you that a day doesn’t go by that you are not in my thoughts and prayers. May you feel the peace that only God can bring you on those days that you need it the most. Big, giant {{Hugs}} to you from Dallas!! Kayren Babcock
You are an inspiration! Prayers and hugs to all of you!
Julie and Ethan, we just want you to know you are in our prayers daily. Our family ( Jason, Renee and I ) all keep up with how you are doing through your writings. You are blessing so many of us by the grace that you show us. May God bless you daily, even in the little things!
We all gain so much strength through you! As a mother of 3 girls myself, I pray for more good days ahead for you and your family. You are forever in our prayers. Keep fighting!
We’re so grateful for the time you have. I pray everyday that the days you have are good ones. That you’re free from pain and discomfort. I know you’re living each day to its fullest and that’s a very powerful testimony. God loves you and I know he’s glorified through your family. We love you all. Have a good weekend with your family. We’ll pray those are all good days. ❤️
Julie, about a month ago I prayed for a miracle. I’ve asked God for “miracles” before but this time it was from deep down in my heart with tears in my eyes. I asked God to spare your life because I know for a fact you are changing lives and will continue to do so for as long as you live. You are not only an inspiration but a true believer in God’s mercy and love. Thank you for sharing your struggles and joys. We will continue to pray for you and your family 🙂
Praying blessings over all of your days, good and bad, and continued prayers for your healing.
I pray for you and your family daily. I’m glad to hear about good days.
Hugs to all
Julie, I will continue to pray for you and your beautiful family. Prayers for your good days to continue. Prayers for strength, so that you can endure the rough days. Prayers for peace. Prayers that you will be comforted by Gods hand. You are such an inspiration to all that surround and know you.
Julie,
Sam and I pray together for you each day. You have touched so many lives. I am amazed by you. We send love to you,Ethan, and the girls. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Sue
I enjoyed your pictures!! Julie, Mark and I are praying with great determination!!
Praying every morning and every night for more and more GOOD days!
Julie, I just wanted to tell you that we continue to pray for you. We praise God for the blessing you have been to so many people. You are truly an inspiration of a trusting woman of God. We are also praying for your family as you all go through these trials. May God bless you and give you peace and comfort and above all, we continue to pray for healing. Love, Carleen Hamm
Julie – Oh, how you have touched me to the depth of my soul. I know that you do not know me but I have followed your story and your faith has simply amazed me. I pray for you and your family and that God will wrap His arms around you and comfort and heal you. Thank you for sharing your story…. seeing you live out your faith has inspired and humbled me. My love to you and your family!
Julie,
I remember you from ACU, down the hall in Nelson. I also know Steve and Jennifer. You are in my prayers. I just wanted you to know.
Love and peace and strength.
Blessings,
Heidi White Morris