----- Original Message -----
From: Fink Holloway
Subject: Two Surgeries scheduled for today, December 30th
Our son David is having surgery on his shoulder today and we would appreciate your prayer for a speedy recovery for him, and it looks like I will have the reconstruction surgery today too, December 30 at 1:00.
I have been to the doctor or a lab five times since the surgery was delayed on December 10. If my day goes as planned, I'll have my surgery at 1:00 and be home to sleep in my own bed--or maybe on the recliner tonight.
One of the verses I read this morning was Jeremiah 10:23, "The way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man (even a strong man or in man at his best) to direct his (own) steps."
We buy planners and calendars this time of the year and we try to plan what each day will hold, but the truth is we really do not know what the day will bring. I'm okay with that, because I trust the One who knows it all. A few days ago I was talking to a man who is currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. He and his wife said they were trying to have faith. (I presumed that they meant trying to believe that he will be healed.)
I told them that when I was in the middle of my treatments I often sang a song based on a statement of Paul, "For me to live is Christ. To die is gain." The song says: "If I live, well, praise the Lord! If I die, well, Praise the Lord! If I live or die my only cry will be--Jesus in me. Praise the Lord!" I felt peace trusting God to work out the details of my life. I know the Bible has a lot to say about the miracle of healing--and the very fact that I am up and working full time and able to write this day is a testimony of incredible healing that has occurred in my body.
But the Bible also has a lot to say about death. Believers are supposed to die too. Most word pictures that the Bible uses to describe death point to a gradual change of the body. Flowers fade, grass withers, vapor vanishes. The Bible does not use a lightening bolt to describe death--although some people do die in an instant. We can see changes in the flower before it drops to the ground. And you can see the changes in the body of most people who approach death. The Bible tells us to expect that. So if my time to die comes in a predictable way that is not going to rock my faith at all. The focus of my faith has nothing to do with my body. I have faith in God. I believe God's Word is true. When I feel great--God's Word is true. When I draw my last breath--God's Word will be just as true then, and I look forward to the day when I see Jesus face to face. But while I'm here, I can trust him to work out all the details of my life. Delays, detours, celebrations, crisis--God is with me in everything.
I can say I certainly enjoyed the benefits of the delay--I picked up my grandchildren and walked and bounced them and carried them to my heart's delight with no lifting restrictions.
Thank you for all your prayers. I think David has a more difficult surgery than I do so remember him especially.
Love,
Fink
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Surgery Delayed
----- Original Message -----
From: Fink Holloway
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Subject: Surgery Delayed
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1
I thought of that verse this morning as I listened to the news while we were in the waiting room of the surgery center. A military plane crashed and four people were killed who were in their own home minding their own business.
I commented to Jerry—“You never know what a day is going to bring.”
Well, before my day was done it had an unexpected twist too.
I expected to have my surgery today at 7:30, and was well on the way to the operating table. I had not had anything to eat or drink since mid-night—not even a glass of water. We arrived at the surgery center before 6:00 a.m. I put on my hospital gown and hat, had the EKG, the IV had been inserted, I signed the papers, talked to the anesthesiologist, etc. I expected to be wheeled into to operating room in about 15 minutes when I was told one of the labs from my blood came back with number that could indicate a risk. So nurse took some more blood and sent it to the hospital to run the test again, and got the same results. So I was sent home and the test will be repeated on Friday morning.
I am not sure why I had this delay, but I do know the good Lord knows what he is doing and I can rest in that.
Thank you for your prayers. They are always needed.
From: Fink Holloway
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Subject: Surgery Delayed
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1
I thought of that verse this morning as I listened to the news while we were in the waiting room of the surgery center. A military plane crashed and four people were killed who were in their own home minding their own business.
I commented to Jerry—“You never know what a day is going to bring.”
Well, before my day was done it had an unexpected twist too.
I expected to have my surgery today at 7:30, and was well on the way to the operating table. I had not had anything to eat or drink since mid-night—not even a glass of water. We arrived at the surgery center before 6:00 a.m. I put on my hospital gown and hat, had the EKG, the IV had been inserted, I signed the papers, talked to the anesthesiologist, etc. I expected to be wheeled into to operating room in about 15 minutes when I was told one of the labs from my blood came back with number that could indicate a risk. So nurse took some more blood and sent it to the hospital to run the test again, and got the same results. So I was sent home and the test will be repeated on Friday morning.
I am not sure why I had this delay, but I do know the good Lord knows what he is doing and I can rest in that.
Thank you for your prayers. They are always needed.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Reconstruction surgery scheduled 12/10/2008
----- Original Message -----
From: Fink Holloway
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008
Subject: Please pray about the next surgery
This morning I had an appointment at North Hills Surgery Center for pre-op work, and another appointment with my plastic surgeon, Dr. Atwood. The surgery for the next part of the reconstruction will be this Wednesday, December 10th at 7:30 a.m.
This operation will "remove the tissue expander in my right breast, create a breast pocked and place a permanent reconstructive breast prosthesis." I also plan to have the port that was used for chemotherapy removed from the left side. The port has been there since September 12, 2007, and I'm very grateful that my doctors do not feel that it is needed any longer.
This will be a one day surgery, and if all goes well, I expect to be back at work Monday, December 15. Please pray that I will not have any infections or complications.
I am so grateful for all of you who have been praying for my health all along. It is working. Several co-workers and relatives, including my husband, have been quite sick with colds, bronchitis, etc. I have not been sick, and it looks very much like the surgery will go forward as scheduled. I thank the Lord for that. The tissue expander is quite uncomfortable and I've heard the real implant will be better. I sure hope it is.
Initially, there will be discomfort--of course. I am supposed to sleep on my back for several days, and for two weeks wear a bra at all times--even in bed. The tissue expander has been a pain and eventually I expect to be able to sleep better when it is removed. Sometimes the pain radiates down my right arm and I hope that will get better too. You can also pray that I won't have a capsular contracture--that would make the implant hard and uncomfortable (like the tissue expander). Since I had radiation, I am at risk for that complication and for lymphedema. A few days after surgery Dr. Atwood plans to show me some things I can do to help prevent contractures, but when it comes right down to it, I know the good Lord will need to provide the healing touch. Doctors can cut and sew, and do marvelous things, but ultimately I look to the Lord for my healing.
Thank you so very much for your prayers and your friendship.
From: Fink Holloway
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008
Subject: Please pray about the next surgery
This morning I had an appointment at North Hills Surgery Center for pre-op work, and another appointment with my plastic surgeon, Dr. Atwood. The surgery for the next part of the reconstruction will be this Wednesday, December 10th at 7:30 a.m.
This operation will "remove the tissue expander in my right breast, create a breast pocked and place a permanent reconstructive breast prosthesis." I also plan to have the port that was used for chemotherapy removed from the left side. The port has been there since September 12, 2007, and I'm very grateful that my doctors do not feel that it is needed any longer.
This will be a one day surgery, and if all goes well, I expect to be back at work Monday, December 15. Please pray that I will not have any infections or complications.
I am so grateful for all of you who have been praying for my health all along. It is working. Several co-workers and relatives, including my husband, have been quite sick with colds, bronchitis, etc. I have not been sick, and it looks very much like the surgery will go forward as scheduled. I thank the Lord for that. The tissue expander is quite uncomfortable and I've heard the real implant will be better. I sure hope it is.
Initially, there will be discomfort--of course. I am supposed to sleep on my back for several days, and for two weeks wear a bra at all times--even in bed. The tissue expander has been a pain and eventually I expect to be able to sleep better when it is removed. Sometimes the pain radiates down my right arm and I hope that will get better too. You can also pray that I won't have a capsular contracture--that would make the implant hard and uncomfortable (like the tissue expander). Since I had radiation, I am at risk for that complication and for lymphedema. A few days after surgery Dr. Atwood plans to show me some things I can do to help prevent contractures, but when it comes right down to it, I know the good Lord will need to provide the healing touch. Doctors can cut and sew, and do marvelous things, but ultimately I look to the Lord for my healing.
Thank you so very much for your prayers and your friendship.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Reconstruction Surgery Scheduled
From: Fink Holloway
Some of you who have read all my updates will remember that I struggled over the decision of whether to have reconstruction or not. I was so tired of pain and doctors visits, I wondered: Why would anyone choose to have additional pain and surgeries?
Right now is a good time to remind myself of the reason:
Because the pain is temporary and the outcome is permanent.
Every time I go back to Dr. Atwood's office and get more saline fluid added to my tissue expander I am more uncomfortable. Lately, the right adjective is not "uncomfortable" . At this point I have some pretty serious pain for the first few days after having fluid added. Sleep is difficult. And just about the time the tissues have stretched enough that I can almost function normally, it is time to go back for another fill. Ouch!!!
This challenge has given me more empathy for people who live with pain, as well as more respect for my daughter and others who have oral surgery or wear braces. They know what it is to go into the office feeling okay and walk out hurting. Eventually, the braces come off and leave a beautiful smile, but the process of moving the teeth is quite painful.
Hopefully, I had my last fill October 15, and the surgery is scheduled for December 10. My skin is red and it is really tight. I'll be glad when the tissue expander is removed and I get the implant which is supposed to feel more natural.
There are many situations where there is "pain" before "gain". John 16:21 speaks of it this way:
"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."
Speaking of a child being born:
Jerry and I have a new granddaughter!! Joseph and Janelle have a new daughter: Aliyah Elisabeth Holloway was born September 18 in Seneca, South Carolina. We are going to see her at Thanksgiving.
David and Brittney are expecting a new baby in March!!
Thank you for your prayers.
Some of you who have read all my updates will remember that I struggled over the decision of whether to have reconstruction or not. I was so tired of pain and doctors visits, I wondered: Why would anyone choose to have additional pain and surgeries?
Right now is a good time to remind myself of the reason:
Because the pain is temporary and the outcome is permanent.
Every time I go back to Dr. Atwood's office and get more saline fluid added to my tissue expander I am more uncomfortable. Lately, the right adjective is not "uncomfortable" . At this point I have some pretty serious pain for the first few days after having fluid added. Sleep is difficult. And just about the time the tissues have stretched enough that I can almost function normally, it is time to go back for another fill. Ouch!!!
This challenge has given me more empathy for people who live with pain, as well as more respect for my daughter and others who have oral surgery or wear braces. They know what it is to go into the office feeling okay and walk out hurting. Eventually, the braces come off and leave a beautiful smile, but the process of moving the teeth is quite painful.
Hopefully, I had my last fill October 15, and the surgery is scheduled for December 10. My skin is red and it is really tight. I'll be glad when the tissue expander is removed and I get the implant which is supposed to feel more natural.
There are many situations where there is "pain" before "gain". John 16:21 speaks of it this way:
"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."
Speaking of a child being born:
Jerry and I have a new granddaughter!! Joseph and Janelle have a new daughter: Aliyah Elisabeth Holloway was born September 18 in Seneca, South Carolina. We are going to see her at Thanksgiving.
David and Brittney are expecting a new baby in March!!
Thank you for your prayers.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
No News is Good News
----- Original Message -----
From: Fink Holloway
Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008
You’ve probably heard the saying: “No news is good news.” That has been true for me. I haven’t written lately because I have been very busy. It has been hard to find time to write because I have been on the go nearly all the time.
I have returned to work full time. From September to February, I only worked half time. There were many days I did not make it in at all due to chemo or the secondary infections it caused. I was out for six weeks following the mastectomy. When I finally began to recover from that surgery I had six weeks of radiation. I worked a maximum of 30 hours a week while on radiation. So I had not worked full-time since September 2007.
In the middle of June when I started working full-time, there was a ton of work waiting for me at the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education. We are expanding our outreach, so that makes more work. And I am not the only person who has been out. It is vacation time, and several others have been out of the office due to illness or personal crisis too. So my days at the office are very full. I don’t mind the longer days—it feels good to be back, and it feels good to attempt to cover for others. For nine months my co-workers helped carry my load. I am grateful to be strong enough to work full-time and grateful for opportunity to help others.
Our kids who live in South Carolina, Joseph & Janelle & Josiah Holloway, spent several days with us in June. We got to celebrate Josiah’s first birthday. And we also went with Janelle to “What’s Kickin’”--a business that does sonograms. We got to watch the new baby on a big screen, listen to its heart beat, and we learned that their next child will be a girl! She is due October 2nd.
David and Brittney purchased a new home in Farmington and sometimes we have been involved with helping them paint. Sometimes I just play with Brooklynn while they work, and that is fun for both of us.
I got a good report when I went for my follow up appointment one month after my last radiation treatment. Dr. Ross (the radiation oncologist) said I did not need to come back for a year. I have met with my plastic surgeon, and the next part of reconstruction will not be until late summer or perhaps in the fall. Radiation causes the muscle tissue to shrink and he wants to give my body time to heal before the next step.
I want to thank all of you who have been so faithful to pray for me. My hip still has some issues and the nerves in my arm that were cut to remove the lymph nodes can be a pain, but I really do feel blessed. I am beginning to feel strong again. I cannot do the same exercise routine that I used to do, but I can tell I am gaining strength each week. The physical therapist recommended that I not use walking for my exercise until the bursitis in my hip clears up so we purchased a recumbent bicycle, and I enjoy riding it.
While it is a huge blessing to feel physically strong, but the most important strength comes from the Lord--not from exercise. Physical strength comes and goes. Right after surgery I was not supposed to lift anything that weighed more than two pounds with either hand. But the strength that comes from the Lord is constant.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I trust." Psalm 18:3
“Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
For Yah, the Lord is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.
Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2-3
From: Fink Holloway
Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008
You’ve probably heard the saying: “No news is good news.” That has been true for me. I haven’t written lately because I have been very busy. It has been hard to find time to write because I have been on the go nearly all the time.
I have returned to work full time. From September to February, I only worked half time. There were many days I did not make it in at all due to chemo or the secondary infections it caused. I was out for six weeks following the mastectomy. When I finally began to recover from that surgery I had six weeks of radiation. I worked a maximum of 30 hours a week while on radiation. So I had not worked full-time since September 2007.
In the middle of June when I started working full-time, there was a ton of work waiting for me at the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education. We are expanding our outreach, so that makes more work. And I am not the only person who has been out. It is vacation time, and several others have been out of the office due to illness or personal crisis too. So my days at the office are very full. I don’t mind the longer days—it feels good to be back, and it feels good to attempt to cover for others. For nine months my co-workers helped carry my load. I am grateful to be strong enough to work full-time and grateful for opportunity to help others.
Our kids who live in South Carolina, Joseph & Janelle & Josiah Holloway, spent several days with us in June. We got to celebrate Josiah’s first birthday. And we also went with Janelle to “What’s Kickin’”--a business that does sonograms. We got to watch the new baby on a big screen, listen to its heart beat, and we learned that their next child will be a girl! She is due October 2nd.
David and Brittney purchased a new home in Farmington and sometimes we have been involved with helping them paint. Sometimes I just play with Brooklynn while they work, and that is fun for both of us.
I got a good report when I went for my follow up appointment one month after my last radiation treatment. Dr. Ross (the radiation oncologist) said I did not need to come back for a year. I have met with my plastic surgeon, and the next part of reconstruction will not be until late summer or perhaps in the fall. Radiation causes the muscle tissue to shrink and he wants to give my body time to heal before the next step.
I want to thank all of you who have been so faithful to pray for me. My hip still has some issues and the nerves in my arm that were cut to remove the lymph nodes can be a pain, but I really do feel blessed. I am beginning to feel strong again. I cannot do the same exercise routine that I used to do, but I can tell I am gaining strength each week. The physical therapist recommended that I not use walking for my exercise until the bursitis in my hip clears up so we purchased a recumbent bicycle, and I enjoy riding it.
While it is a huge blessing to feel physically strong, but the most important strength comes from the Lord--not from exercise. Physical strength comes and goes. Right after surgery I was not supposed to lift anything that weighed more than two pounds with either hand. But the strength that comes from the Lord is constant.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I trust." Psalm 18:3
“Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
For Yah, the Lord is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.
Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2-3
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"Ready to Go", Tribute to Bo Duncan
Charles “Bo” Duncan died from a heart attack last night. He was a first cousin to Jerry and lived just down the road from us.
His death was totally unexpected and I wrote this tribute to him this morning. Please pray for his wife and family, and for the members of the church where he was the pastor in Huntsville, AR.
Fink Holloway
Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education
Administrative Assistant
His death was totally unexpected and I wrote this tribute to him this morning. Please pray for his wife and family, and for the members of the church where he was the pastor in Huntsville, AR.
“Ready to Go”
A Tribute to Bo Duncan
By Fink Holloway May 14, 2008
A Tribute to Bo Duncan
By Fink Holloway May 14, 2008
I know a fine man, who is called Bo.
He lived beyond the status quo.
And none of us thought that Bo
Would be the next one to go.
His death stunned us like a blow
And shook us all from head to toe.
But there is one thing we all know
If anyone loved God—it was Bo.
He loved his wife and family so,
And he loved us too. It really did show.
And we can find comfort because we know
Bo was right with God and ready to go.
Now all of us that live below
Ought to take lessons from our friend Bo.
Let your love for God and for others show.
None of us know when it will be our turn to go.
So make peace with God and then you’ll know
If God calls me today, I’m ready to go.
He lived beyond the status quo.
And none of us thought that Bo
Would be the next one to go.
His death stunned us like a blow
And shook us all from head to toe.
But there is one thing we all know
If anyone loved God—it was Bo.
He loved his wife and family so,
And he loved us too. It really did show.
And we can find comfort because we know
Bo was right with God and ready to go.
Now all of us that live below
Ought to take lessons from our friend Bo.
Let your love for God and for others show.
None of us know when it will be our turn to go.
So make peace with God and then you’ll know
If God calls me today, I’m ready to go.
Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education
Administrative Assistant
Monday, May 12, 2008
Last Radiation Treatment on May 9th
From: Fink Holloway Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008
This has been a week-end to celebrate!! Today is Mother’s Day! I thank God for a godly mother who continues to be an inspiration to me at age 91!
This has been a week-end to celebrate!! Today is Mother’s Day! I thank God for a godly mother who continues to be an inspiration to me at age 91!
Here's my mom, Gladys Finkenbinder with Josiah, her great-grandson.
And I’m grateful the privilege of being a mother. I am a happy mother. Some who hear the words “Happy Mother’s Day” do not have much to celebrate. Proverbs 10:1 says “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.” I feel joy because our children are a blessing to me and to others. They love the Lord and have all been a wonderful support during my treatments and surgeries, and I am extremely grateful.
Friday, May 9 was special for three reasons:
1. May 9th is Janelle Holloway’s birthday, and I am grateful for her and for Brittney Holloway. These wonderful daughter-in-laws are terrific mothers to our grandchildren. It does a granny’s heart good to see that her grandchildren have a mom that loves them immensely.
2. I had my last radiation treatment on May 9th!! So I am done with that step, and really I am feeling pretty good.
I am tempted to say “I am not just done, I am WELL DONE.” Radiation does tend to cause skin irritation like a bad sun burn. Some of my skin handled the treatments quite well and I am grateful for that. Near my arm pit the skin became very red and it is peeling. Along my shoulder and at the top of my back there is a place with an itch reminds me of the poison ivy itch. I did not expect the radiation to affect any skin on my back as well as my chest, and I have never had a sun burn that itches the way this does. I asked if it could be poison ivy, but they said it was from the radiation too. Fortunately, I am finished with the radiation treatments now and my skin will be getting better. It will take a couple weeks or more to heal so continue to pray for that. You can also pray that I will give myself adequate time to rest and recover. The fatigue that accompanies radiation has sent me to bed early a few times, and I took a nap today. I am prone to push onward, but I do realize that my body needs extra rest. So you can pray that I use wisdom as I plan my days.
3. Sharon’s graduation ceremonies began May 9th with the Honor
s Commencement Ceremony at the Student Union.
Then she walked with all the other graduates from University of Arkansas Saturday, May 10th at Bud Walton Arena.
Although Sharon actually finished her degree in Music with emphasis in Music Theory and Piano Performance last December, it was great to celebrate her accomplishments and with all the others. Pray that God will give her wisdom for the next step. The University of Arkansas and Oklahoma University have both encouraged her to attend their graduate school. Offers of money for an assistantship are being discussed.
I also wish you would pray for Joseph and Janelle who are on a missions trip in the Middle East. Joseph and Janelle will return May 20. Pray that God will lead them to the people who are hungry to know more about Jesus and for good health and their safety as they travel.
I thank all of you for your prayers and support.
Love,
Fink
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