Hey JESUS It's Me - Just Wanted To Say Thank YOU!

“GOD Gave You A Gift Of 86,400 Seconds Today, Have You Used One To Say "Thank You? - William A. Ward”


Hi Everyone!

Well I am using the majority of my 86,400 seconds to say Thank You JESUS for everything! Thanking MD Anderson for a HUGE part and diving the rest to thank YOU ALL for the continued support for Mike and I during this time and throughout this journey!!!

Today’s visit was ANOTHER one to write home about! Thankful that the doctors were not too behind today, and we got right in, got the good news and kart-wheeled out the door of MDA – Again! In my last email I had updated that Mike was to undergo one more BIG chemo and then pending the PET Scan results, he would be put on maintenance moving forward along with the Avastin (spinal/brain chemo) he will conclude in December. I am usually VERY anxious prior to visits, but this time I had complete peace and just felt that all was going to be good results. We awaiting our call (and by the way, if you are at ANY appointment for a lengthy time – Angry Birds is REALLY addicting and helps pass time!) We were called back and only a few minutes passed before Dr. Tsao came in ALL smiles and reported the good results. As of today (9/7/11) Mike has ONLY one lymph node that is infected (per the scan that is visible) and a few areas in his spinal bone. The chemo along with ALL prayers and our LORD above is kicking the cancer right out of Mike’s system!! What glorious news this was this AM and has truly made our day!

Mike remains to feel fantastic (The majority of the days) and overall has felt energized everyday and no major side effects from the chemo -- we are living a very normal productive life! I think this little cool front we have here in Houston has been a big help as well, and has gotten us out of the house and doing a lot more outside activities!!

As always, to each and every one of you, THANK YOU! For without ALL of you and the support along with the abundance of love you provide us on a daily basis, we would not be where we are today. Mike’s mentality continues to sky rocket and with the light at the end of the tunnel being apparently visible, it continues to accelerate daily!! There is not a day that goes by that Mike and I do not go through several emails and messages from you all, ALL over the world providing such inspiration along this journey – for this we are forever thankful!!!

In closing, we thank GOD for the wonderful weather we are feeling now, but continue to pray for our nation that is in so much turmoil at the moment with out of control wildfires & flooding. Mike and I send so many kisses and hugs to you all and wish you a wonderful rest of your week as school is now in full effect and the holidays are just around the corner!

Love you ALL!

XO Lyndie

GOD Bless America --- PLEASE

“I'm just a singer of simple songs, I'm not a real political man, I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you, The difference in Iraq and Iran, But I know Jesus and I talk to GOD, And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us, And the greatest is love – Alan Jackson”


Waking us up this AM (other than the kisses from the “wet-nosed” kiddos) was the news channels with all the footage of the wild-fires hitting Texas right now. COMPLETE Devastation! Mike and I said a prayer this AM for all that are affected – many we know (that Praise GOD have not lost anything yet) but are coming close. I heard this song this morning on my way into work and now that we are coming up to the anniversary of 9/11, a day that forever changed our America, I think of all that is happening now to our nation that is forever changing our lives as well.

As I have said many, many times before, I do not do politics. Period. I feel whole heartedly that each President we have really for the most part tries to clean up the effects of Presidential pasts while all along trying to not make too many mistakes themselves. Striving and yearning to keep the promises to our nation as they were on the campaign trail, I feel they truly have visions and really try to make them come to pass. In my “younger” days (I’ll shoot for early 20’s – because 33 is by no means OLD!), but in my earlier days, I had the same view on politics, and even have to admit, because I DID NOT vote, I clearly don’t feel I have any say so because I did not contribute. At that time, I really did not feel any burden of our current presidents affecting me and my own years ago. I had a great job, a car and just really the responsibility of me. I suppose I was VERY naïve and didn’t feel the actual “ripple” affect doing anything to me.

Now that I am older, I still shy away from political conversation, because I just don’t know enough to hold an argument. I simply feel at this time, rather than what we are focusing on our Presidential represent ivies are NOT doing for us, what can we be doing for them??? It is really quite simple --- pray!

Recently a lot of people were giving Rick Perry grief for the National Day of Prayer that he wanted to hold here in Houston. See there again, I don’t understand his views on a lot of things, except that he is a Republican. The day of prayer was looked down upon because it seemed that people thought it was “biased” of him to call a national day of prayer, when there are SO many religious radicals out there, that may have once been voting for him, now feeling that he is promoting opposite and promoting religion and his views upon the nation. Boo Freaking Hoo! In my opinion our nation needs to come together and NO matter whom you believe is your creator, we need to pray for our Nation – Our nation is in a crisis – ALL over!

Prayer for our family is what is saving my Husband and continuing to ensure his journey will soon be over and he will be Cancer Free! The Power of prayer DOES work! We need to set aside our differences and pray for our nation as a whole. We need to continue to pray for our President, Our Soldiers, our congressmen and all others. We need to Pray for more people to vote! In these times, though I still really do not have the “political common sense” and I myself will not be making any decisions for our country – we must pray for the ones that do.

At this time (though I personally do not believe the world will end in 2012 by others prophecies) I do believe that ONLY GOD above knows our destiny and he is the one that will control the end. I do believe what the bible says and that we are in the years of the end with the fires, floods, earthquakes, Hurricanes and all other Worldly disasters that we have encountered.

We must come together as a nation and pray for the people who are in these decision making roles, the puppet-masters of our nation, pray for their knowledge and hearts be to better our country and not selfish reasons that will get them further and more money in their pockets. We must continue to pray for our brothers and sisters across the nations that are affected by the economy and Mother Nature. I feel we are way past a nation day of prayer – we need to pray EVERY day! Whether you a hand on the Bible or a Buddha Belly, we need to ALL continue to pray or meditate.

As I end this, I do not claim to be knowledgeable in the world of politics nor even an expert at the bible – I know my heart Just as GOD does and for every prayer, there will come a praise as well for ALL he does and continues to do – HE doesn’t ask much from us, so lets please come together during these times whether in person or spirit.

XO Lyndie

They Are IN!

Had to give a whoop-whoop to The Texas Department of Public Safety for Approving Our New License Plates :)

XO Lyndie

Dear GOD

“For I am about to do something new - See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? - Isaiah 43:19”

I have had the most trouble writing the past week. My mind has been consumed with so many going ons, one being that I came down with Acute Bronchitis! Yeck! I cannot stand being sick. Being the control freak that I am, I cannot stand not having control of my own body and the way I feel – leaving my health up to medication and such. Today, I am feeling 110% percent better and the twitch in my leg has returned and I am back to kart-wheeling through my busy day – Praise GOD!

I thought about what I wanted to write, and though I pray to GOD everyday and all throughout my day, I wanted to take time to write a note to him. I feel that when I pray, though I pray for a variety of things depending on the circumstances of our daily life, and though I praise GOD for all good that happens all through the day (as I say, even for a good hair day), I know GOD knows my heart inside and out and my every thought, but just as I can sit and jot down an email to a close friend or a letter to my grandma in Alabama or shoot a text to someone across the states, I wanted to take a moment to write to GOD and let him know my thoughts…

“Dear GOD,

I know we talk everyday and I never go without thanking you for everything you do, please know the following words though may be simple and not necessary to you, I wanted to ensure that you know how I feel.

I woke up today feeling 100% better then the recent days before. I thank you for healing me and making me better.

I woke up next to my husband this morning, made breakfast, watched the news, hugged our “wet-nosed kiddos”, got a little exercise in, washed some clothes and went to work. I thank you for the ability to do all of this. Days that I don’t want to face the world, My Hubby leans over and kisses me just right, the feel of the doggies wet noses on my forehead turn my frown upside down. I thank you for this.

Though the temperatures are scorchers lately and we hear there is rain in site, we thank you for the A/C that we have to keep us cool and the monies to pay for the utility bill.

Just to cover it all GOD, I thank you for being you and doing all you do for us and allowing us to be us.

XO Lyndie”

In closing, next week becomes a busy week for Mike as he undergoes MRIs, Pet Scans and results to follow. As always I become anxious before all these visits though our results have been outstanding! Mike remains to feel food, continues to work and his mentality continues to rocket daily as he remains confident as we all do that he will soon beat Cancer!

I will keep you all posted in the upcoming week to let you know of his results of all his tests and as always, we continue to thank you ALL for prayers and uplifting spirts daily, for as I remind you, these are all what gets us thorugh our days!

XOOX Lyndie

Running Just As Fast As We Can

“Lose An Hour In The Morning & You Will Be ALL Day Hunting For It - Richard Whately”

My how this quote rings true! As I sit here today looking at all that we have going on from now till the end of the year and then even into next year – wow! I am in shock of the fact I am already about to utilize my September calendar!

Well, I found this quote this AM and oh how it fits me so perfectly lately. I am not so much NOT a morning person, I just rather lay in bed snuggled with Hubby and our “wet-nosed” kiddos then get up and be super productive before I go to work. I used to get up, work out, do whatever lingering chores that needed to be done, feed all the “kiddos”, catch up on emails, etc and then off to work and home by 530 to spend the entire night with hubby relaxing and enjoying dinner. Lately (well pretty much since last Summer) I have become so consumed with all else going on, I am so tired by the time I hit the pillow, that alarm clock goes of WAY to early and I enjoy snoozing one to five times vs. getting up like I used to – agh! Well last night I got home from work full of energy (Praise GOD for this --- I needed it!) Hubby was running some errands so it was just me and our house! I knocked out 4 loads of laundry (which to the day I still do not understand how just him and I go through so much laundry – but then again I am super anal and hate laundry piles – so maybe its me ;) Anyhow, I cleaned the house from top to bottom, cooked a red-ass meal AND still had energy! I felt so accomplished.

Anyhoo, on to this AM, I woke up an 1 ½ early worked out, did all my chores that I would be consumed with when I get home, made breakfast for the both of us, lunches and have dinner ready for tonight – I was so proud and I was afraid for sure I would feel that it makes the day go by SOOOOO slow, but the days half over and I still feel great! I think the statement above rang true to me because for the hours I did lose, I spent all the rest of the day and on in search of those extra hours --- no fun! I suppose that I hope everyone will take this quote to heart and though I know as fast paced as things are now a days, it is easier said than done, but truly absorb every hour of your day and appreciate them and use them to continue to make differences.

As always, I thank you all for keeping Mike and I in your prayers!! September is going to be a busy month with another month of results from MRIs, PET Scans, etc. He remains to truly kick cancers boo-tay and for that we can only give all thanks to GOD for MD Anderson, our team of doctors and all that he has placed in our lives during this time. He is back to work ¾ of the time and gaining much strength back and cannot wait to get back to FULL time!

We are excited for this Thanksgiving we are taking a road trip! We will be traveling through Mississippi through Alabama and onto Florida to spend time with family we do not see that often. I am stoked for Mike to meet my Dad’s side of the family that I am close to and have offered much support along this journey! Then we will be off to Florida to spend the holidays with his kinfolk and enjoy Thanksgiving festivities the Charnock/Dowd way – we are super stoked!! All of his family in Florida, though we do not see you often enough, the bonds we have created are forever strong and we thank and love you all!

As you know, we recently last week rescued an 8 week blue healer from The Houston Animal Shelter, he was to be euthanized and that was just not going to happen on my watch! We named him Dozer and he is just as cute as can be! He gets along with everyone else, even our two kitties! He is quite a character and doing great, despite all the odds that were against him in the beginning.

In closing, Mike and I hope you remain too outstanding in all that you are involved in. The kiddos are back to school so some sort of “normalcy” for all you parents! I loved seeing all the first day of school pics – my you all have such beautiful families – Smooches!! I will keep you posted in the upcoming weeks of Mike’s results – claiming continued healing throughout his body!! Also, my next cancerwise.com blog entry will be posted September 12, 2011.

Much love to you all – XO Lyndie

Move Over Angelina & Brad

“An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language - Martin Buber”

Oh how true this is! Being an avid lover of ALL animals (remember we have 2 dogs and 2 kitties) needless to say if we could handle more, we would be like Dr. Doolittle!

On this note, other than Diesel and Duke our 2 Kitties are rescued kitties that we brought into our home. Kitty was rescued hours before IKE hit and Mona was adopted from the SPCA. I wish I had a huge home with overflowing acres, because I would surely seek out to help all strays, adopt all animals abandoned and just offer the love we have in our hearts.

Today was a HUGE blessing! We have wanted to add a 3rd “wet-nosed” kiddo to our family, but weren’t looking forward to paying a breeder to continue our heeler family. I have been praying and now that Mike is doing so well, it was surely not going to be overwhelming for us to take on another pet. I received an email today from a rescue group I follow strictly for heelers and this little guy popped up. Abandoned at only 6 weeks old, he was picked up by The Houston Animal Shelter, kenneled and up for adoption. Because he was so young and the percentages of newbie’s that survive the shelter are far less than more, he was up for uthenization. OMG! I called Mike immediately and said “WE HAVE TO ADOPT HIM!” After sending his picture, Mike quickly agreed and the adoption process began. Now don’t get me wrong, but the city animal shelter is no picnic and though they are doing wonderful jobs of getting these little guys adopted, it is like what I would imagine the equivalent of Harris County jail to a human.

It broke my heart to think of this little guy ONLY 8 weeks old, not even a chance to really live life have HIS life taken from him --- wasn’t going to let it happen. He was adopted and became a Charnock at 3PM today! The most ironic thing is that though the shelter was not FOR SURE of his birth date they estimated it may have been June 30th --- wow! He will be one years old on the day of our ‘Celebration of Life and Love!’ Thank you JESUS for having this in your plans!

In closing, Dozer is resting peacefully with “Daddy” and his brothers. The kitties have evaluated him and they seem to approve. We have a feeling he is already going to be a little rascal and a tormenter of his brothers – can’t wait! Haha!

XO Lyndie

I WILL Love You Through It

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how - Friedrich Nietzsche”

You know as a fan of music, I feel I am always in search of the perfect song for any occasion. You know how it is, you have a song to remind you of your first kiss with your love, a song that reminds you of Summer days sitting on the back porch with your grandpa, a song that EVERY time it plays you chuckle just a bit remembering all the silly stuff you and your best friend did that last summer in high school. Agh, a sound of a familiar tune can almost instantly remind you of good times, bad times, sad times but always some point in your life…

I got an email from a dear friend today and she told me I HAD TO SEE Martina McBride’s new video --- ‘I will Love you Through it’, and how I must thank her from the bottom of my heart, I feel this is the BEST song for our current journey we are on. As a woman states in the opening of the video “when you are diagnosed with cancer, it effects all around you”, and this is so true. Though Mike is the one physically with the disease, it has affected me, our family, friends and all around us. During this time, I know by the Grace of GOD, with all of you in our lives, it is truly making a difference for the better. Mike’s mentality is so strong and so positive, and the love felt from you all is truly what is keeping us on the track of complete healing!

This song struck a cord with me, because until this journey I never realized how “common” cancer is and the fact that it really does not care if you are 89, 36 or even a young child. I still to this day never imagined my life like this, but as I have said and I know people think I am crazy, but I truly feel honored that GOD chose us for this journey. It has given us strengths beyond our comprehension, it has brought us closer together, and above all we have been re-united with family, friends and have brought new friendships into our lives. It has provided us an opportunity to be an inspiration to others, for others to inspire us, for us to become closer to our GOD.

Thank you Martina McBride for dedicating this song to ALL out there that are affected by cancer in one way or another, directly or indirectly. You have provided a song for our journey that will forever be hummed in our head and fine tuned in our hearts.

XO Lyndie


Martina Mc Bride --- I Will Love You Through It