“My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, (cancer) for I delight in your deliverance. “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:1-2 NIV
Patrick and I received the results from my scans Wednesday and since September the cancer is not growing nor continuing to spread. I am “stable” which means, yes, the cancer is still there but it is under control with my current treatment. Even my oncologist gave the praise to God and gave me two thumbs up. The ongoing pain I have in my hips is due to my IT band and some bursitis. I am following up with physical therapy twice a week as well as stretching exercises and pool walking a couple times a week. I received chemotherapy Thursday and will receive another round next week. The oncologist is desiring to start me on immunotherapy but that will be some time in the new year. Continued prayers are appreciated for God’s leading in treatment options. He is the One who leads and guides and determines what comes next.
I am finding that a lot of the battle on this cancer journey is in my head. I have to learn not to assume that every ache and pain I have means the cancer is spreading. It is hard not to go there and it is hard to rise above living in fear. I believe this is part of what God wants me to learn – to continue to look to Him as my good Shepherd and trust in His leading and guiding and His greater purposes for me. I tend to be a slow learner especially where surrendering my will is involved so thank you for continued prayers in this area.
Once again, thank you so much for all your prayers, cards, flowers, notes of encouragement and other expressions of your love and concern for me and our family. Patrick and I are enjoying celebrating this season of JOY together. And trust that you too, in spite of all that is going on in our world, will be able to take the time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Love, blessings & His peace from our family to yours,
Debbie and Patrick.
Debbie O'Connor's Journey 
Truly PTL!
Yes. YHWH is the one ‘in charge’ …. and I for one am very glad He is the One in charge.
Honestly, I think we all struggle with the whole ‘submission’ thing. I certainly know that I do. And most of the people I know do to — when they are really honest about it.
Praying that you all have a great, joyous Christmas Season!
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Love the Praise to the Lord! Love y’all. J
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Debbie, Wonderful news. I will continue to pray for you.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gave way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3. You probably have this one memorized. May God bless and heal you. Gail Thompson
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We prayed for a miracle and you received it , even the Doctor saw Gods hand in it,
Don’t be so hard on your self you are working hard even your doctor has pleasure working with you./
You are an encouragement to all of us. God is good ,
We pray for you and Patrick to have a blessed Christmas without pain.
Love you both,
Miesje
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Thank you Miesje. I appreciate your encouraging words. Thank you for your prayers for both myself and Patrick. It is the prayers of the saints that carry us through. Sorry you may not have your Dutch Christmas this year but praying for the Joy of Christmas to continue to rule and reign in your heart.
Love,
Debbie
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Thank you Gail. I love bible verses so thank you for sharing. Your prayers are appreciated.
Love,
Debbie
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Thank you Debbie for sharing with us. I love how open and candid you are. You are such an encourager. I pray many blessings upon you and Patrick both. While life can be tough, there are always such wonderful things around us. So much beauty and so many blessings. We just have to look for them. It’s always tougher to do that when we’re going through trials. I wish I understood the heart and mind of God, but I really don’t. However I do believe his promises, I believe he loves us, and I believe he wants the very best for us. And I believe that we as His children are so fortunate, and I feel so bad for those who do not know him. Who do not have Him to lean on in the hard times. Who do not know his promises, who are not familiar with his love, who do not know his comfort. Yes, God’s children are truly fortunate. May God continue to be with you, and bless you both.
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Thanks so much for your encouragement and thoughts. We are all learning together. God bless.
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It is great to see GOD HANDS working in Devora life. We praise him.
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Gracias Hermano Rigo. Gloria a Dios.
Hmna Deborah
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Love all the comments and blog Debbie. This is all so inspiring and encouraging. God is letting you shine your light in the 2020 year of darkness. Keep shining brightly! Love, Peggy
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Thanks Peggy!
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PRAISE THE LORD!!! We just read your update and are rejoicing with you!!!!!!!!!!! May you continue to relax in God’s healing and enjoy the season with family. We love you, Carol and Bruce
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Thanks Bruce and Carol, Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.
Love,
Debbie
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Oh what good news, Debbie and Patrick! Praise God! I’m rejoicing with you and giving thanks to the Father! Will continue in prayer for you!
What a special time of year it is – celebrating Jesus! I pray that your time will be good and full of family. Unfortunately, many families are choosing not to gather and I understand that. However, it also makes me sad!
Rod and I were alone (first time ever as a married couple!) on Thanksgiving, but we were grateful to the Lord for each other and for many other blessings. Our “kids” have all had Covid, so hopefully that is behind us in our family. We will be together at Christmas!
Rod and I have been “safe at home” but so very tired of it! Our church is back to in-person gatherings, but because of his health and age, we are still doing online. I so miss the church family!
Definitely will pray for future treatments and options. Hopefully the immunotherapy will be effective, along with the other regimen. Also will pray that the hip pain will subside. Praying for your encouragement and joy in the Lord. What would we do with HIM?
We love you so much, Debbie! ….and you too, Patrick!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Kathy
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Thank you so much Kathy. What would we do without Him indeed! God has been so faithful to walk this journey with me. He goes before me to prepare the way, then walks beside me to encourage me and carry me when I feel like I can not do this. On and on I could go giving testimony to how He has revealed Himself to me in sweet and gentle ways.
Thank you for your update. Thank you for your prayers and please send our greetings to the church.
Blessings for a wonderful Christmas,
Love,
Debbie
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