Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is almost here! It is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Most people have heard of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but not many know about September. Let's spread the word!



You can order free cards to pass out to others from the Teal Toes website. Click here http://www.tealtoes.org/spreadtheword%20spread and spread the word. Read the section about teal toes cards and click on the "contact page" link. Fill out the form and wait for your cards to come to your door. It's easy and it's free! There is no excuse not to!

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

• Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
• Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
• Frequency and/or urgency in urination in the absence of an infection
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating, and/or feeling of fullness
• Ongoing unusual fatigue
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits

If you have any of these symptoms, and the persist for more than two weeks, consult your physician. Ask your doctor for a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA-125 blood test, and transvaginal ultrasound.

When, not if...

I read a verse from the bible today that I have read over and over, and one word really stuck out to me. The word "when" in this verse says so much.

Isaiah 43:2-3

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy one of Israel, your Savior;"

You see, God doesn't tell us that if we pray, if we believe, if we are "good Christians," then everything will be just wonderful. He tells us that we will have struggles, and life will be hard, but we can make it through if we just rely on Him, because He is with us. And is anything too hard for God? I don't believe so...

Great Devotional, I just had to share it.

This is from a daily devotional I get online called Proverbs 31 Ministries. I loved what it had to say, and I love the way it can change your thoughts and feelings when you think you are in a deep pit of despair. It is by Micca Monda Campbell, and it was May 24th's devotion. I didn't include the entire devotion, just the parts that spoke to me the most. I hope it touches you as well.

http://www.proverbs31.org/devo_print.php?d=2010-05-24

"When tragedy strikes, it causes some to question God's loyalty to care for us. In the Bible, God promises His care and protection. Why then does God seem distant when disaster strikes? Is He snoozing on the couch? Is He on a coffee break? Worse yet, perhaps God isn't the promise keeper we think He is. Or maybe we're not looking at the whole picture.

Yes, God promises to care for us. At the same time, He never promised we wouldn't face adversity. Christ warned, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV). You and I experience Christ's peace when we realize that peace isn't the absence of pressure. It's the presence of God in the midst of our chaos. (Italics and bold, mine)

As the pressure of stress and worry weigh on us, it's easy to forget or ignore God's peace. Often times it's us who distance ourselves from God - not the other way around. But when you and I quiet ourselves and acknowledge God's presence, peace washes over our anxieties. The truth is God is always near in times of trouble and he cares deeply about our pain.

You and I do not have a God who doesn't understand our pain and emotions. He knows. According to dictionary.com the Hebrew word for "to know" is "yadaa." In Greek, it is "yada" which means "a deep emotional experience; a bonding between two people when one truly feels the emotions of the other." That's our God, friends! He may be working for a higher purpose that we can't understand right now, but He is NOT detached from our pain. Let this truth calm your fears and soothe your heart. God knows; He's been there and He's there still.

Often the trials we mourn are really gateways to the good things we long for, like a deeper relationship with God, greater patience, and a compassion for others."

"Whatever God's plan is, we can rest assured it's a good one. While we wade through the process, we have His promised presence, provision, and understanding. Elisabeth Elliot states it this way, "It is God with whom we travel, and while He is the end of our journey, He is also at every stopping place."

Dear Lord, You are with me when I'm strong and when I'm weak. You never leave my side. Today and everyday help me to trust Your promises, experience Your presence, and feel Your love. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Sprint for Life

Ok, as promised the Sprint for Life walk/run is next Saturday, May 1. Here is a link to the registration.

http://www.mdanderson.org/how-you-can-help/community-events/sprint-for-life/index.html

I met with my doctor last week, and she said it probably would not be a good idea for me to participate this year. So, I'll be there in spirit!! Next year, you can bet I'll be running for sure! Please do what you can to help raise money for awareness of this disease. Spread the word and let others know that it can effect any woman. Tell them about this blog so they can learn the symptoms and risks.

Also, you can help to raise money by donating here:
http://www.firstgiving.com/cathygiffhorn

Save the date!!

The 13th annual Sprint for Life 5K run/walk and Sprint for Sprouts kids' Run is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2010 on the campus of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. I'll post a link to registration as soon as it is available. I'll be walking this race in honor of my mother, despite being nearly 8 months pregnant, and I hope you will join me!!