Worship Wednesday with Wendy-Woo

Enjoy a few minutes of worship tonight with one of Wendy's favorite songs from long-time friend and worship leader, Chris Ramsey.

Thanks for your ongoing prayers for Wendy's health and well-being! Don't forget to visit the links for Shopping with a Purpose before September 10th!

Blessings! K

Shopping (and Praying) with a Purpose!

This week, some sweet friends of Wendy's are providing an opportunity to Shop with a Purpose! Origami Owl and Thirty One are teaming up to support Team Wendy-Woo! The Helton family will be blessed by proceeds from this event!  What a wonderful win-win opportunity to both be blessed and bless our sister in Christ!

Follow the links below to order online today! There are some spectacular deals going on now! The links will be open until September 10th!

Origami Owl:  https://ericak.origamiowl.com/shop/party/142123

Thirty One:  http://www.mythirtyone.com/5269…/…/Party/EventDetail/8536932

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers for Wendy and her family. She continues to do well after her 3rd round of chemotherapy. She is certainly a little more fatigued than she has been previously, but thankful that she has been handle most of the things life throws at her (albeit with a little more effort sometimes!) 

Please continue to pray for Wendy's: 

• Red blood count - this count was slightly low at her last appointment and can be a contributing factor to the fatigue. Please pray for this to resolve on its own without the need for a transfusion!
• White blood count- we want this count to remain normal so Wendy remains healthy!
• Appetite! She has a hard time eating because she does not always feel hungry, things don't often "sound good" and sometimes certain foods don't settle well! This makes food just hard! Pray for her to remain healthy as she battles this! 
• REST- Sleep is critical! Pray that Wendy can rest well at night! This makes a HUGE difference in feeling like she has the energy to do the things she desires (or "has to" do!)  
• Kiddos- Pray for Ashlyn, Taylor and Luke as they continue with school and church!
• Hubby- Pray for Andy as he continues to juggle work, family, and his desire to be the best husband he can be! 

Many blessings to each of you. Thanks for your interest in how Wendy is doing. She is a fighter. Let's continue to join her battle through prayer! Do NOT let up! 

Don't forget to shop with a purpose this week AND look for the t-shirt and bracelet shopping cart coming soon (I promise!! Just working out a couple kinks!)

K

Crushing Cancer: Another One Bites the Dust

Thanks for praying today, friends! Chemo treatment number 3 is in the bag! Wendy had a good day overall, and her treatment went well. This was an encouraging sight for all to see on Facebook earlier: her smiling face CRUSHING cancer! ("Crushing Cancer!!! Another chemo treatment down!!)

Her physician was encouraged by her progress and is quite impressed with her (she IS a rock star!). Her labs were (mostly) normal, and her lump appears to be shrinking, as well! Happy Dance for that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wendy was able to relax at home tonight watching the Cardinal game and undoubtedly drinking her root beer! She was thoroughly missed at church (and she missed being there), but everyone was thankful for a praise-worthy day! 

Please continue to pray!

• For Wendy's red blood count. She is a little closer to anemic than preferred, but no treatment is required at this point! They will continue to monitor these levels and treat if necessary (but with our faith and prayers, those levels are going to climb, climb, climb!) 
• For maintenance of her white count, as well! As we head into fall germ season, this is critical as ever! We want her to stay HEALTHY! 
• For NO SIDE EFFECTS! Boldly pray for NO SICKNESS and NO FATIGUE!
• For the kids- they worry a bit about mama! Pray that they could go to school tomorrow without fear or anxiety and enjoy their day! 
• For Andy as he juggles his responsibilities and strives to be an awesome caregiver to Wendy.

Many thanks for the HUGE outpouring of support today- loved reading all of your encouragement on Facebook! You rock. I told her she was famous- she didn't believe me :) 

God is at work in this battle, friends. To Him be ALL the glory! 

"Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle." 

Psalms 24:7-8

Blessings- K

The Day Before Tomorrow

Well, we find ourselves here again; the day before tomorrow: a chemo day. In many ways, a day to rejoice, as Wendy will be one step and one treatment closer to DONE. In many other ways, a day that makes all of us that love Wendy want to have a little temper tantrum (and Wendy too!) 

There are some days that the reality of cancer hides a bit and lets life in... those days since the last treatment where the chemo side effects have taken a chill pill, where "mom", "wife", "daughter", "realtor", and "friend" are a little easier load to carry (and enjoy). And then, the calendar knocks and cancer says, "BOO". Those days kind of stink. Yesterday and today have been those kind of days a little bit. So, let's pray for Wendy and her family today, shall we! 

"Lord, thank you for this day and for the blessings it holds. Thank you for Wendy, and the blessing she is in our lives. Thank you for the memories each of us have with her and the special ways she has touched our lives for You and for your glory. 

In the midst of this treatment for cancer, God, we expect there to be some days that are better than others. However, let us remember that ALL days are Your days. As people who love Wendy, Father God, we join together asking for a renewal of peace, comfort and courage to face tomorrow. Guide the hands and hearts of those you have entrusted to care for her. May the knowledge of your love and salvation bring hope and strength to Wendy and her family and friends as another treatment approaches. Lay your hands upon her and confirm your presence as she walks this path before her, Lord. Reach down and remove fear and replace it with Your perfect peace. 

We ask you boldly, God, to act mercifully upon Wendy tomorrow and in the days ahead. We pray that you protect her from illness and fatigue; do not allow sickness or discomfort to overcome her body. Jehovah Rapha, You are the Lord who heals. If it be Your will, remove this cancer from her body and place a hedge of protection around her, allowing the remainder of this treatment plan to work swiftly, painlessly and without sickness, and completely.

Bring love, laughter and rest into Wendy's home tonight, Lord. Because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow. Amen." 

Thanks for walking with Andy, Wendy, Ashlyn, Taylor and Luke during this life interruption. Please continue to help in the following ways: 

1) PRAY

• Continue to pray for the chemo side effects to remain FEW or NONE! Block the gates of evil against ALL side effects. 
• Pray for Wendy's white blood count and potassium levels to be normal, and for there to be NOTHING that hinders the treatment scheduled for tomorrow. 
• Pray for Wendy's overall health- her appetite is small and food doesn't always settle well, so pray for her nutrition, hydration, and REST! 
• Pray for Andy as he continues to work very hard, as well as care for Wendy and his family. All hail the caregiver!
• Pray for Ashlyn, Taylor and Luke as they transition back to school- for anxiety being away from mom, busy schedules, and school demands! 
• Pray for family, extended family and friends- (That's US- pray for ONE ANOTHER!)

2) SUPPORT!! 

• Notes of encouragement! Your kind words through cards, texts, messages, and blog comments are a HUGE source of comfort! 
• JOIN US for a fundraiser! Wendy-Woo Strikes Out Breast Cancer is joining with Origami Owl AND Thirty-One for a special fundraiser in Wendy's honor (THANK YOU, Erica Kerr and Brooke Barton!). Shop with a cause from the comfort of your living room by heading here: https://ericak.origamiowl.com/shop/party/142123 OR here: http://www.mythirtyone.com/526971/shop/Party/EventDetail/8536932 A percentage of proceeds from this event will be donated to Andy and Wendy for support of her treatment! 
• LOOK FOR A SHOPPING CART COMING SOON TO THE BLOG! Wendy-Woo Strikes Out Breast Cancer t-shirts and bracelets coming ASAP! 

This friend of ours- she will take tomorrow by the horns and finish it well. She won't complain. She won't ask for anything. She will trust God's faithfulness and finish what has been asked of her with courage and bravery. She believes she can. And she will.  

Many blessings to each of you!! K

Another post from Wendy

Again can I just say how completely overwhelmed I have been with all the prayers, texts, emails, cards, phone calls, facebook messages, etc.  My family & I have been completely blessed by the outpouring of support!  I have two of my strong chemo treatments down & two more to go then once a week for twelve weeks with a milder dose of chemo meds.  So far everything has gone well...I have not been sick!!!  This past week the hair started to come out so Ashlyn, my mom & I went and picked out a wig.  It was a very emotional time but the lady at the wig shop was super sweet and kind!  My hair just kept coming out so Monday evening my own personal hairdresser, Andy shaved my head.  It was a family event.  Andy shaved as the kids watched!  We have matching haircuts!  

This is my NEW hair!!

So this has been a big week but honestly I feel confident with my wig & my shaved head!  

Today was also a big day as all the kids went back to school!  Ashlyn started highschool...seriously?  She had a great first day and continues to just amaze me with her bravery in all of this!  Taylor started her 7th grade year and loved it!  She figured out when lunch was which was a big concern!  She is my tender hearted girl and tells me how pretty I am with no hair!  Luke started 3rd grade and the boy just loves school!!  He has an amazing Christian teacher and I am so thankful for her!  He was excited to have homework!  He loves to rub my head and snuggle up with me!

Andy has been my rock!  With all he has going on he worries about me all the time and is so caring! He allows me to yell, cry, get mad, cry some more and manages to make me laugh in all of it too!  I have an amazing family!  I know this has been completely overwhelming on my parents but they have been there for us every step!  My brother & his family, Andy's family and all of our extended family...I am blessed!!  I've also been blessed with amazing friends, church family, my softball team, my Meyer Real Estate family and so many other people who have encouraged me every step of the way!!

Thank you all so much for everything!!  God has this & because of Him I am able to fight this!!!

Wendy 

Worship Wednesday with Wendy-Woo (and some prayer requests!)

This song has been on repeat in my playlist this week, so maybe it's more like worship with Kindra Lou, but I think you will agree that God is writing Wendy's story. Even though she is in a valley, He hasn't left her side. He will bring the pieces together into a beautiful story, and use her as His storyteller to spread the news of His glory. It is well. 

On a Sunday evening I'm looking back over all the years and where I've been Looking at old photographs I'm remember you were right there, and you have been ever since With every page that turns I see your faithfulness Oh the mountain where I climbed The valley where I fell You were there all along That's the story I'll tell You brought the pieces together Made me this storyteller Now I know it is well, it is well That's the story I'll tell There were some nights that felt like They would last forever But you kept me breathing You were with me right then And all that you have done for me I could never hold it in So here's to me telling this story Over and over again Oh the mountain where I climbed The valley where I fell You were there all along That's the story I'll tell You brought the pieces together Made me this storyteller Now I know it is well, it is well That's the story I'll tell You hold the broken You hear my every cry, every cry My eyes are open I know that it is well, it is well.

Please pray specifically: 

• For Wendy's discomfort she is having with her lips. She is uncertain at this point if it is related to the chemo or a reaction to something, but they are hurting something fierce! Pray for quick healing and relief from pain and discomfort! 
• For Wendy (and her family's) adjustment to no hair! Wendy and crew shaved her head this week, and she is rockin' the hat. She really does look beautiful, but it is still a big adjustment for all. Pray for peace in her spirit (and her family) regarding this BIG change! I will leave the picture posting up to them for this one! 
• Ongoing prayers for her potassium and white blood count! 
• For Wendy as she continues to do work and ministry- that she would have energy when she needs it and the courage! to rest when she needs to! 
• For the kids (and mama) as they head back to school tomorrow! Ashlyn (9th grade), Taylor (7th grade), Luke (3rd grade) = 3 different schools! Yikes. They are going to do great! 
• For Andy as work has been a little hectic lately- he has a lot of balls in the air and wants to be a good dad and husband in this season! 
• For Hal and Nancy as they continue to walk with Wendy during this little interruption. 

Many blessings to you all! Thanks for taking time to pray! God hears each of us call out to him! K

So Blessed

This is what she told me about herself this morning when I called to check on her. This girl!- the one with breast cancer- she is a rock star. When she has every reason to be (more than a little) frustrated with life right now, she is taking this cancer and telling it who is B.O.S.S! She has a grip on her BIG GOD and she isn't letting go.

Wendy's 2nd chemo treatment went SO WELL yesterday! Her white blood cell count (those little boogers you all were praying specifically for yesterday) were NORMAL, and she was able to receive her infusion without delay. Her doctor's appointment also went well- both he and all the nurses told her to just keep truckin' and that she is doing great! They are all sooo impressed with her progress, and even more impressed with her attitude! The oncologist even pulled out a little sense of humor yesterday :) Laughter always puts everyone's mind at ease.

After her chemo appointment, Wendy was able to have a really laid back afternoon at home with her family. She was able to eat a little bit of dinner (she has NO nausea and vomiting- you go, GOD!) and watch the Cardinals game curled up on the couch! She also reports a restful night's sleep and a "so far so good" kind of day today! If you are on Facebook, you might have seen her bad self all up with the fam BOWLING in an end of summer excursion with her kids, her parents, her brother, and her nieces and nephews. Nothing can stop this girl!

THANK you for your ongoing prayers, your endless supply of texts, cards, emails, Facebook messages, and offers to love and care for Wendy and her crew. Every time I see her she expresses her disbelief at the quantity of people in their life that have reached out to them. Your support is LOVELY!

Specifically continue to pray:

• For Wendy as she anticipates ongoing hair loss in the coming weeks. 
• For Wendy's potassium levels, as they were a low yesterday. She has started a new supplement that can cause upset stomach (but she tolerated night 1- PRAISE!)
• Ongoing prayers for her white count. THIS IS CRUCIAL as we enter fall and winter, new viruses and 'bug' exposures as the kids head back to church and school! We want her to stay HEALTHY so she can continue her treatments as prescribed. 
• For Andy as he balances work and family with the drive to be with and directly care for his wife.
• For Ashlyn, Taylor and Luke as they enjoy the last days of summer, prepare to head back to school (lots of new questions and emotions to deal with from teachers and peers in a new environment), and get into new routines that fall school and church brings. 
• For those people in Andy and Wendy's life that they have the opportunity to minister TO during this time. (Wendy even mentioned her pharmacist last night. She has seen her so much lately that they know one another by name. Wendy, again, knows that she is just one more person she can touch for Christ as she walks this path God has placed her on.) 

Blessings! K

In the Morning I Will Sing of Your Love

What an amazing opportunity tonight to worship Jesus among 10,000 believers in St. Louis, and specifically some pretty special Ridgies! Wendy has been looking forward to this event for weeks, and her physicians were so great to allow her flexibility in her treatment schedule this week to attend!

Wendy happens to be "in the know", or at least related to someone that is (THANK YOU, Aunt Sue!), and was afforded a great blessing tonight: an opportunity to meet Kari Jobe!! (And weren't Chris and I just blessed to be in the right place at the right time!) We donned our orange (coincidence? I think NOT!) bracelets giving us the right of passage and hopped into line before the concert!

ORANGE BRACELETS!

Kari was so sweet to allow photos with everyone, and spoke with Wendy for a few moments. She was very kind. What a fun way to start off a night of amazing worship to our King, Jesus! Who knew that during Kari's worship set, we would be reminded that OUR GOD IS BIG ENOUGH to heal cancer!!! Kari Jobe was so moved by Wendy's story that she told 10,000 PEOPLE at Outcry that God was BIG ENOUGH to heal WENDY's cancer! God is big, mighty, and He just might STOP (life) to get our attention; that we are humans, in need of our Savior, in need of His grace! (What?! Did Kari Jobe just acknowledge God's interruptions in our plans! Again, NOT a coincidence!)

God is moved by faith. God is moved by expectation. God wants His children to boldly come to Him with our needs. We are His children. He is the King, and He is fighting for us. In these early morning hours, shortly after joining the angels in worship around Your throne, we lay Wendy's tomorrow at your feet, King Jesus. In a few hours, Wendy will be receiving her 2nd round of chemotherapy, and we BOLDLY ask for Your protection on her body, Lord. We ask that You strengthen her, that You give her peace and rest, that Your healing would overtake her body, and that You will secure the gates against the evil one.

Friends, some specific prayer requests as Wendy enters this 2nd treatment:

• That she may continue to have as few side effects of chemotherapy as possible. That she will NOT have nausea, vomiting, weakness or other symptoms that prevent her from doing the things that she loves with the people she loves. 
• For her white blood cell count to be (and remain) at the appropriate levels. These little boogers were a little low before her 1st treatment, and can effect both her ability to receive treatments, and her body's ability to stay healthy! They are important little fellas, so they deserve a mention of their own!
• That she may be at peace as she begins to lose her hair. (There are some very initial signs that this may be coming.) Also that her family and friends will bring comfort to her during that difficult change. 
• For Andy, Ashlyn, Taylor, Luke, Hal, Nancy, Trey and other family as they walk beside their wife, mom, daughter and sister during these treatments. It is a helpless feeling to not be able to DO something to make this go away for someone we love. Specifically, for the kids as they continue to process the "why" and "what does this look like" of mom having cancer. 
• Also, pray for the Helton family as they gear up for back to school! One in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary school makes for a busy back to school schedule and a little anxiety for all! 
• Finally- Wendy is acutely aware that God is using this diagnosis in her life FOR HIS GLORY! Pray that God will spread hope of the gospel through Wendy during this time. Pray that seeds of faith will be planted, and new believers harvested as a result of this interruption! 

"Allow our hearts to still be singing of your love in the morning, Christ Jesus. Thank you for the blessing of today. Thank you for the blessing of the cross. Thank you for the blessing of our sister and friend, Wendy. Be her fortress tomorrow, God. We will praise you in the storm; please accept our sacrifice of praise."

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely." Psalm 59:16