Thirteen years ago this month I was in the home stretch of my 18 month breast cancer treatment, living with my wonderful kids in Colton, California, loving my time with my sweet grandkids, but missing my husband who was back home in West Virginia. Throughout this 2009 blog post are sprinkled prayer requests, and as I read through it, I realized all of them have been answered. You cannot argue with what is real. See what God has done.
February 10, 2009, I wrote:
Thirty down, two to go! Radiation treatments, that is. I look like I have a bad sunburn (on the skin at the site of the radiation) but so far no peeling and very little soreness. All our prayers have been answered to this point and I am very grateful things have gone so well. I am trusting that the internal damage is also at a minimum as we have prayed. God has been good to me and I try to tell that to others, always giving Him the glory.
Friday, February 13, I go in again for another Herceptin infusion [this was one year from the beginning of my cancer treatment]. These last a few hours each session. I will be continuing with these Herceptin treatments every three weeks through the month of July 2009 [I didn’t continue these that long due to the heart damage I sustained; my oncologist called a halt to the Herceptin treatments early]. Then I will be officially done with cancer therapy, except for taking a pill (to suppress all estrogen production) for a total of 5 years. Both the Herceptin and estrogen suppression treatments give me extra protection against cancer recurrence. Not everyone tests positive for these particular receptors, but I did and therefore can benefit from these treatments.
So praise God with us and continue to pray for total healing from cancer, myasthenia gravis and any heart problems.
And now for other great news from the Wallace clan: Jeremy and Monica (our eldest son and wife) are expecting baby #3! We are all looking forward to his or her arrival sometime the end of next summer. Please pray for mommy’s and baby’s health and safety. [He, Jaime, is a strapping 13 year old now and the third of my three fine grandsons; I also have two beautiful granddaughters. Just a little grandma boasting. Jaime’s mommy is fine too, by the way.]
Randy is in Florida as I write, speaking in churches and colleges, recruiting interns and staff for Mustard Seeds and Mountains, promoting Mission as Life trips and the ministry in general. We are excited about the work God has put into our hands, co-laboring with God in McDowell County, West Virginia, yet touching the whole world.
How so, touching the whole world? Mustard Seeds and Mountains’ ministry to people who come and work with us, either on a Mission as Life trip or as an intern or longer term staff, is powerful to change lives because of the working of God’s spirit in all concerned. We at Mustard Seeds bathe everything we do in prayer … as you will hear Randy say, “Pray the work.” Since we are convinced this is God’s work, not the Randy and Jacque show, nor that of anyone else on staff, we look to Him for guidance and the power and provision to accomplish what we need to do.
And I want to encourage you to do the same, whatever God has put in your hands to do. Together we will build the kingdom of God, come what may. There are no superheroes in God’s kingdom, only servants of the Most High God, the Faithful One, to Whom we are called to be faithful. Got a higher calling? There is no higher calling!
I praise and thank God I have a reason to get up in the morning. His presence and faithful promises keep me going, even when I am tempted to feel sorry for myself. I miss my husband and will not see him for several months, and I get weepy at times. Yet I choose to praise God for all His benefits to me. He has been so good to me. Praise His holy Name.
Thanks for caring and letting me share my thoughts and needs with you. May Jesus Christ hold you together (Colossians 1:17).
Jacque
PS Today, February 11, 2022, 13 years later, I am going strong, literally. The myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) has been suppressed and I’ve been stronger in the last 13 years than I had been for the previous 40 years. I’m healthy, my heart function is normal, and to date am still cancer free. I’m staying active, even writing blog posts again. And I’m still praising God for his goodness. That is one thing that won’t end.
This blog post first appeared on Jacque’sJourney.blogspot.com in February 2009.
Hi Jacqueline You’ve had quite a journey!
It’s amazing to see how God has worked in your life and the impact your work in faith has had for so many. Praises and for your continued strength and health.
Hi Karen! This is a late reply and I apologize! Thank you for your encouraging words. I appreciate it. God is good, so good, isn’t he. I thank him every day for his goodness to me and us all. Bless you!
I’m happy to hear of these blessings. God is good.
I am well but have had many changes in my life.
I have fond memories of you and Randy.
I miss. Gord so much but keep trusting God.
Hi Ardis, I am very late seeing your sweet comment and replying! Sorry! I’m glad you are well. I hope the changes in your life are good ones. Iam sure you miss Gord. I’m sorry for that great loss in your life. I am always here if you ever want to talk. Or reach me through Mustard Seeds. Blessings to you.
Encouraging to hear what God has done on your life.
Yvonne Powers
Thanks, Yvonne. I am glad we can rejoice in the Lord together. I know you are no stranger to the wonderful works of God in your life and your family’s lives. He is so good. I’m thankful to be an encouragement! The Lord bless you.