Hello you all. I've been so busy the last few weeks. Had my chemo almost 3 weeks ago and I rested for the 1st week and then ended up doing very well after resting. Now, I'm getting ready for the next treatment and I also have a knee injury to add to the mix!!! Lord, what am I supposed to learn now??? I could ask, "Why me?" but "why not me?" As my pastor says, we're either going into a storm, are in a storm or almost out of he storm. I am not happy about thinking I may have to have knee surgery and be out for part of the summer while Caleb and Caitlyn are here. At least their daddy is off all summer. Oh well, I hope you all have a good week and I'll keep you posted. All my love!

Celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate!!!!    or as in Kimberly's words:    My mom has had this spot for several years now and they have just been watching this unwanted visitor.  My mom started a new round of chemo 3 weeks ago and had her 2nd round of chemo today.  She had a doctor visit first and the oncologist couldn't feel the spot; like he has before.  Praise Jesus!  When she told me, what a huge burden that had been lifted.  I have been a little anxious about all of this and even whether I should be tested for the gene.  Her doctor today told her that she was not a candidate for the testing and that neither was I.  I think she said that with her type of cancer; there is no testing.  She has a very aggressive form of cancer that just has trouble staying away for too long.  It really likes her!  And you know how we feel about it.......LOL  

I am rejoicing this afternoon as Jesus has given us another tool in which to be able to fight little "spot". I am going to be doing what I am supposed to do. I took a nap today and will be resting for the next several days. I want that medicine to have full range of control over the whole area of cancer and if there is any hiding somewhere we don't know about I hope it will blast it away, never to return!!! Have a blessed evening.

I'm actually beginning to feel a little better!! Yeah!!! Had an awesome day today and tomorrow is "spot measuring day". We'll see if it's been effected yet. It was a beautiful day today and we even had dinner out on the back porch. It was so nice to be outside!! Love our springs here. Don't like summer's too well though!! I don't do heat well. Oh well. I hope you all have a great week and keep thinking of Jesus!!!

A long time Coming!!

Good grief, It's been such a long time that I've written. I had another blog but I really do like the fact that I can see from where people read my blog. So much has happened since I last wrote!! My son married, I have another spot of cancer and I'm now back on chemo. My grandbabies are older and for that fact, so am I. I'm on a new chemo called Kadcyla. It s a mixture of the regular Herceptin and another type of chemo. It's a target drug that does most of the damage to the cancer cells but it does affect other cells. That's okay, I just have to get used to side effects again. I don't like that part. I'll try and be a good girl and write on here more often but you can also read my caringbridge page. It's www.caringbridge.com/visit/marshajohnson. I hope you all have a blessed evening and I'll be anxious to see where all in the world you are reading this from.

Once again, I can't believe it's been over a month since I wrote on this blog. I should be ashamed of myself!!!! I am. I've been busy. I've had Herceptin a couple of times, a measurement on my little cancerous area under my clavicle, done a lot toward Relay for Life, loved my family, loved my God, loved my friends. Yes, I have a resistant area under my clavicle that is being hard to get rid of. I'm on the Herceptin and now changing my diet to help in fighting the cancer and getting rid of it. I'm eating many more veggies per day and week and also more fruits daily and weekly. Whole grains, cutting down on sugar and sweetners. I'm doing well and I'm losing weight. I'm enjoying time with everyone I know and love. We had a nice Valentine's yesterday. We ate dinner with Kimberly and then went to a hockey game. A lot is going on with Relay for Life-getting our church team started, trying to fundraise, enjoying life as God gives it to me.

I hope you all have a blessed week. We are showing the movie Courageous on Saturday evening at church. If you live around me and haven't seen the movie, come to our church. It starts at 6pm and we're having a snack bar with hot dogs, nacho's, etc. God Bless You all!!!!

Hi everyone, I can't believe, again, how long it's been since I have written. How time flies whether or not you are having any fun. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas. I went to Phoenix after Thanksgiving to see my cousins and my aunt. I had a wonderful time and it was so good to spend a few days with them. Caleb and Caitlyn were here over Christmas and again we so enjoyed their short visit! They were here 10 days and that wasn't long enough but for us, the time is NEVER long enough. They are such sweet kids and we love them dearly. Carlos and Deborah were here before Christmas. We had such a great time meeting Deborah and showing them all the changes that have been made around here through the last few years!! We hope to see them again sooner than later!

I'm doing well. Almost cancer free. Still on my Herceptin and that will continue indefinitely. I have 2 residual spots and one is shrinking. The other is under my clavicle and it's grown a little bit. They are watching it and trying to figure out if it's puffiness is due to cancer or other autoimmune disease process like allergies, arthritis, etc. I'm going to get my hair cut Monday at the Survivor Gals place. First haircut in about, oh gee, at least 1 1/2 years! I'm anxious to see what it looks like and if it retains the curls. I sure hope so.

The kids are all growing like weeds and I'll be sure and include pictures of everyone. Caleb 10 1/2, Caitlyn 61/2, Zachary almost 3, Sadie, 10 months. The kids all had fun at Christmas time!

Christopher is planning to marry next summer. Happy for him. I think a lot of Staci and I know she loves his kids. She is a teacher and is about to finish up her Master's Degree. He's still working and enjoying his job.

Kimberly and Les are good also. Kimberly is working still with Pampered Chef and is becoming rapidly a VERY good cook and enjoys baking. Les works hard daily and has so much fun on his off days with his children.

Bryan is trying to get a parttime job to give himself something to do. I hope he find's one. He's applied to one of the local thrift stores so we'll see. He'd LOVE doing that sort of thing-turning 1 man's trash into another man's treasure!!!

Now, that you are pretty up to date on us, I'll post pictures and go. Have a blessed day and remember Jesus is the reason for ALL seasons!!!!!

Hello out there in computer land. It's been a busy several days for sure. The funeral went as well as a funeral could go. Carlos and Deborah got here safely yesterday. We've been busy already. We went to supper last night to celebrate Carlos' birthday and we had a fun time. He looked cute on the saddle singing his napkin over his head! Took the kids to see Santa today. Zachary was so excited to see him and Sadie could care less. They took a great picture though. Caleb and Caitlyn will be here in a little bit and we'll go back to see Santa after all 4 kids are together. Not much else is going on so I'll go for now.

Dear Friends and Family, I just got back from Phoenix visiting my aunt and cousins. I had so much fun!! When I get time to put the pictures on the computer, I will so you can see the beautiful mountains. I helped my cousin put up her Christmas lights. They turned out beautiful. I'm sorry to say that I lost my friend that I've known since about 5th grade. She had cancer. I hate this disease!! Her funeral is tomorrow. I was with her mom this evening for the viewing. I'm speaking tomorrow during the funeral for several that can't be there. They wrote out what they wanted to say about Patti. It's rainy and cold and poor Carlos and Deborah may freeze!! Well, I'm going to go to bed as I'm exhausted!!! My love to you all.

Gee, I can't believe how long since I've written here!!!! Time has flown for me for sure. The month of October went by so fast, I didn't have time to blink. I was with Larry for a few weeks while he had his open heart surgery and then Kimberly and the kids and I took a few days and went, where did we go? San Antonio, that's right. forgot for a minute. I've done a lot of traveling in the last couple of months. I'm excited though because on Wed., I'm going to Phoenix to be with my cousins and my last remaining aunt for a few days. They lost a member of their family-my cousin David and I couldn't be there for his memorial service so I'm going to spend time with them. I know they hurt and maybe God will allow me to ease their burden a little for a few short days. I'm praying that way anyway. One year ago this time, I had been in the hospital and had no hair! Praise Jesus and what a difference a year makes. I have a scan within the next 3 weeks and we'll see if we stop Herceptin and "declare victory" as my Dr. says. Be glad when it's done. I'm battling another sinus infection right now. I hate these things. Cough cough. We're excited because the kids will be down here for all of Christmas/New Year's break!!! Christopher's kids!! Zachary and Sadie are growing so much. Sadie has 6 teeth and is beginning to crawl on hands and knees. She's been 'army crawling' for about a month now. She's such a sweet baby. I'll have to include a picture of her and I and she's wearing one of my baby dresses. It's such a sweet picture. I really love it. Beginning to get Christmas shopping done. Not doing much this year because of economy but will do some anyway. The true meaning of Christmas is Chris so will concentrate on Him. Well, I'm going to try and go back to sleep for the rest of the night. God Bless and have a great week.

This picture was made before the kids had to go back to Maryland. Miss those babies so much. Such sweetheart's!!

This is Sadie's Dr., Dr. Eastman. I worked for him many years ago and he was both Christopher and Kimberly's Dr. The kids really do like him a lot and he's so good with the kids.

Hello to everyone. Such a busy week or so but it's been great. Bryan and I went to East Texas for a few days and it was really fun. We had a nice time at the condo. Kimberly and the kids came down for a couple of days and we had fun. I have my Herceptin this week so it should be an interesting week. I think I see Dr. Brook's also. There's a lot going on for the next few weeks so I'm not sure how much I'll be online. My brother is having open heart surgery in Houston on October 3rd so I'd appreciate prayers for him. He's a believer so it's a win-win situation for him. I'll just be glad when it's all over.

Sadie has 2 teeth now. She's 6 months old and really setting up pretty well. She LOVES to eat-not baby food especially but real food!! She says, 'ummmmm' with a new food and smacks her little lips. She's such a cutie. She REALLY loves to drink from a straw and a cup also. She's growing like a weed also. I'll see if I can put a few pictures on this blog. I know I can, just have to do it. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Good morning to all of my friends and family. I'm doing awesome today. It's a gorgeous day out there. It's COOL!!!! Zachary spent the night last night. He asks quite frequently to stay. We enjoy him so much. One of these days, Sadie, will be old enough to stay. Just wish Caleb and Caitlyn were here to stay also!!! We miss those babies so much. Not much is going on right now. Just enjoying the cool weather. Speaking of Sadie a minute ago, she is cutting her first 2 bottom teeth!! One minute they weren't there, and the next minute there they are. Hard to believe she's already 6 months old. She's setting up also! I need to have some pictures of her made. I found one of my baby pictures and also the dress I was wearing at the time so I'm going to put her in the dress and have pictures made! Well, I'll close for now so take care and God Bless.

I have some prayer requests.

1st-one of Caleb and Caitlyn's relatives has stage 4 breast cancer. They found it after she had a baby. She's in Houston right now. I'll try to keep you posted. I hope she TRULY knows Jesus in her heart also.

2. My friend Patti has bone cancer now. Had breast cancer with a double mastectomy about 8 years ago.

3.My friend Rita also has breast cancer that has spread to other areas.

4. Me-seeing all of this is so scary to me but I KNOW Who is walking with me on this road. I pray He gives me continued good health in order to do His will.

Thanks so much and have an awesome day.

Good morning to all!!! I am doing just awesome this morning!! I slept well last night as I didn't sleep well for several nights with being gone. Home now for awhile but back to Houston I go in October to be with my brother. We so miss the kids. They haven't been allowed to talk to their daddy in a week. What's wrong with THAT picture?? Can you say "go back to court"? Anyway, I won't let anything stand in my way of happiness with my Lord and Savior. satan can try to do all he wants but, he's NOT defeating me or any of my family. Chrissy got engaged last week and we're so thrilled. The kids really like Staci and in fact, they were talking to Poppy while Christopher was out on the field proposing. It was a neat proposal. I know it's on you tube and I'll try to find it for you all. I can maybe send the link anyway. Today is Sadie's 6 month check-up!!! I can't believe it. She's trying her best to sit up and she does but will topple over. She can gum some table food and loves it. She's still nursing so yesterday, we kept her for a little bit while her mommy did some errands. It was fun. http://youtu.be/A8UZdZUm5-A I hope is the right way to do it. Try it out anyway. Have to run so you all have a great day!!!!

Hello everyone, the kids had to go back to Maryland on Saturday. The child exchange went well but of course Christopher had protection this time. Thank you Maryland State Police. We had such a great time with them this summer. They are so sweet and we love them so much. I just took the day off sort of. Did some laundry, prayer time, and just rested. Kimberly wants us to eat supper with her and the kids tonight at Cotton Patch Cafe so we'll meet her in a little bit. Not much else going on at this time-I'm doing well. My scans were good and my Herceptin continues for awhile. I don't know when it will quit either so that's good. I hope you all have a wonderful day and I'll be more faithful to write more often.

I do have something new. Sadie is drinking from a straw now and is only 5 1/2 months old. I'm so proud of her. Little sugarfoot girl. I'll post a picture of her taking my straw and not letting go of it!!

Boy how the time has flown by!!!! I last wrote in July and now it's August 8th. Let's see, from the last time I wrote I've traveled about 3000 miles!!!! We went to Chicago-driving !!! Kimberly, Zachary, Sadie, Caleb, Caitlyn, Clayton-my brother, Freddie-caregiver, and me. Bryan flew up a few days later. Everyone was SOOOO good!!! We had a great time and the kids got to meet all their cousins that they had never met before. They had such a great time catching frogs, chasing animals, etc. My brother has a pond and 8 1/2 acres and I think they covered most of it in the days that we were there. I got back from Chicago, and then left for New Orleans to be with my brother for an angiogram. It went well and we will probably only have a minimally invasive heart procedure. Praise the Lord. Got back on Sunday night and left Monday morning for Texoma to be with some friends at their timeshare for a few days. We also went up to Turner Falls for the day. I'm going to try and go back one more time before the kids go back. They really had a great time. I have my next PET scan on Wed. and will have the results by next Tuesday. Then I have my mammogram and visit with my breast surgeon. I'm wondering about where we go from here as far as my treatments go. I feel the PET is clear and clean, I'm just curious about what we do from here-if anything. I'm so loving my new church. Our VBS was totally wonderful. I'd LOVE to have you visit my church even by internet. The site is www.cbclucas.org. We have a video ministry and you can sign up for free and watch our sermons online. We have people from all over the world that watch. Even soldiers in Afganistan, Iraq, etc. Check it out. I'm going to go-oh by the way-pray for my PET scan please, results and then also remember our doggie, Duchess. She again has more cancer that is going to be removed Friday. She got groomed today by a friend that is just getting into the trade and she did an incredible job!!!! Thank you so much Helen. If your dog needs grooming, let me know and I'll pass on her phone number. Love ya'll!!!

Hello everyone, Kimberly wanted me to tell you the story behind the Butterfield Overland Mail. I was 7-8 years of age when we celebrated the 100 anniversary of the Butterfield Overland Mail that traveled from Tipton, MO. to San Francisco, CA. My dad was an airline pilot and when he would fly from Tulsa, where we were based to El Paso or onto California, he always noticed ruts in the ground out around the Guadalupe Mountains out toward El Paso. In doing so history, which he LOVED, he discovered that that had been a mail/passenger route used by stagecoaches "back in the old days." He got in touch with many people and together they set up a plan to travel the old route of the stagecoaches. It took several years to put together including obtaining a stage, horses, cowboys, etc. Many cities and towns along the route had huge big parades, parties, barbecues, etc to help in celebrating the 100th birthday of the stage line. Anyway, my dad was instrumental along with American Airlines-who he worked for, the Boy Scouts of America, and of course the National Park Service along with the post office to erect a monument in honor of the pioneer pilots and the Butterfield Overland Mail out at the Guadalupe Moutains, where the Piney Woods station had been. You can still see the remnants of the station there. Anyway, my brother's, dad and others were the first to put a small monument on the saddle of the mountains and then later a helicopter placed the 6 foot stainless steel monument that is still standing. In fact, if you climb to the saddle of the mountains, you can still see the monument, sign the registry, etc. I would LOVE to climb it, but I have bad knees and I'm unable to do it. 2 of my 3 brother's have climbed it in the last several years. It means a lot to our family, and if you go there and want information from them, all you need is an okay from me and some numbers, that you must give them. Anyway, I'll add a picture of my grand kids on a stage and look for some others that I can post for you. Have a great day.

These are just a few of the pictures that were taken!!! I had so much fun!!! Thank you everyone.



Here are some birthday pictures!! Enjoy.

Happy Birthday to me!!!!! I can't believe I'm 60 years old today!! Doesn't seem possible. What a way to celebrate though today. I have my grandchildren-all of them with me, my family, friends. What an awesome day. I'm doing well, hair is growing so much. It's greyish or silver color is beautiful!!!! I feel great. Next week, we're taking another vacation. We're going back to the Hill Country with Christopher, Caleb, Caitlyn, me, Staci and her daughter Vicktoria. Caitlyn has already asked to sleep in the same room with Vicktoria so poor Staci get's me!!!! We both snore so we'll see who wins out. Ha ha. We're going to go toobing in the San Marcus River, see the bats flying, see the capitol, and a bunch of other stuff. There is so much to see and do and learn about Texas!! Do you know, those of you not from Texas, that we have dessert, mountains, tree's, all kinds of terrain here in our great state!! Well, thank you Jesus for allowing me to have such an awesome life. I give You praise and Glory because You alone are my creator and my God. Have a great week.

Hello to everyone!!! Bryan and I just got back from the Hill Country where we really enjoyed ourselves down there. We have a timeshare and it's fun. We had some friends to meet us down there for a day or 2 and we REALLY enjoyed them!!!!! We're looking forward to Caleb and Caitlyn getting here for most of the summer. They are here for 2 months and boy, does the time fly!!!!!! We have several things planned so far and we'll have a lot more to do than before. Rodeo's, and oh my goodness, so much more!!!! I hope you all have a blessed summer if I don't get a chance to get back on here for awhile. I'm doing well though. I had my Herceptin today and also a echocardiogram to make sure I'm doing well, heartwise. Well, off to bed sleepy head!!!

Boy, I've been neglectful in not writing to you all!! I'm so sorry. Just been busy. We are having a great spring, summer so far. Christopher's kids will be here in 2 weeks!! Can't wait. Sadie will be 3 months in 2 days!!! Growing too fast. Zachary is excited to see his cousins for the summer. We have several things planned while they are here. We are all doing well. Took my brother to Galveston last month and he really enjoyed that. We rode the ferry, walked on the beach, ate at his favorite places, etc. It was a good trip. I'd let you know what all we're doing this summer but don't want to divulge everything in case weird- o's are reading. Don't want you to know when or where. Anyway, I'll post pictures after they get here and the fun begins!!!