Monday, March 30, 2009

Windows of Heaven have opened

This pass week I feel like the windows of Heaven have opened and the blessings that have come into our lives are many. On Wednesday, March 25, we welcomed a new granddaughter, Hadlee, into our family. She is so beautiful. The miracle of a new baby is something that always causes me to stop and reflect upon the blessings of belonging to an eternal family. The instant I heard that first cry from Hadlee, I felt this love for her that I know will be eternal. It was amazing. Thursday, Nathan and his family arrived and we were able to bless their son Carter. My parents as well as several of my siblings and their children attended the blessing. Some of my cousins and nieces and nephews were there too. It was such a fun day. These are the things that make my heart happy. Family. I love my family.

Also, on Friday I met with Dr. Tricot, and asked how the cancer was doing and his response was that I am now in near complete remission. He said he expects me to be in complete remission in two to three months. What better news could I hope for! I will go to the Clinic on Tuesday and start my year long maintenance regimen which will include chemo at the clinic 4 times a month, oral chem every day and steroids two weeks a month. It will be interesting to see how my body reacts to this treatment. I'm guessing it will be hard because the steroids are hard for me to handle, but I suppose I can do anything for a year.

I am just so happy to see the miracle (and I truly believe it to be a miracle) of my body healing and I know it is because of the faith and prayers of all of you. I truly don't know how to express or make my feelings of gratitude known to you all. I told Jeff that this experience is similar to how I feel toward the Savior when I think of the atonement. He has done for me what I could never do for myself and there is no way for me to get even with him or pay him back for what he has done. Your prayers and acts of kindness in my behalf mean so much and are so appreciated. I am humbled.

Spring is upon us and I am looking forward to the next few months. I am excited to listen to conference this weekend and to have the opportunity to learn and to improve on things in my life that need to be addressed. Again, I am grateful for the experience I have had and the lessons I have learned along the way and hope that as things continue to progress I will have the faith and courage to face each day with complete faith in knowing that Heavenly Father is in control and knows what is best for our eternal family.

5 comments:

Becky said...

You're amazing Carolyn and I have so enjoyed reading your inner thoughts and testimony through this trial. I am deeply touched by you and your family's strength. Sounds like nothing but great news for you Owens; my mom keeps reminding me that grandbabies are God's gift for not killing your kids! Take care and much love from our end!

Becky and Rasty

Marci Jolley said...

Carolyn,

That is the BEST news!!!! I am so glad to hear that your cancer is almost in remission. I am so glad that you have kept a blog so that I was able to keep up on what is going on with you. You are such an amazing person, I am loving learning from you.

Congrats on your new grand baby Hadlee, what a CUTE name!! Can't wait to meet her.

Take care.

Love Marci

Kristine said...

Dear Carolyn,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings with me. I wish I would have been able to see you at the clinic this week.
I have been thinking about what you wrote the last few days and really examining what my fears as well as strengths are as I prepare to do this again. You have helped me to focus those ideas and be more specific in what I pray for as well as ask for in priesthood blessings.
I seemed to get through the chemo and transplant the first time with few complications. However the recovery was much harder. I think that is probably causing the most anxiety. I didn't realize this until I read your comments.
Isn't it wonderful to have the blessings of the Gospel in our lives! I don't know how I could ever do this without the power of prayer and priesthood blessings. This has been quite the journey and I am learning so much! I am so happy for your good news. I relish in hearing the sucess of those ahead of me on this journey.
thanks so much for sharing. Love Kris my email is k4good@aol.com

Gail said...

Carolyn, We had our last mid-week scripture class today (until fall) and I thought of you. How are you doing? I hope your treatments are/have gone well ... I think of you often.
XO Gail

Gail said...

Carolyn ... thinking of you today and hoping you're doing great.
XOXO Gail Berry