Fourteenth Survivorversary

As I sit down to write this blog post, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and joy. November brought with it not just the crisp autumn air and falling leaves but also the incredible news that all my tests came back great. Today marks my 14^th Survivorversary of triumphing over adversity, a journey that has been shaped by healthy choices, spiritual strength, and the unwavering support of my incredible family and friends.

Fourteen years ago, life presented me with a challenge. Today, as I reflect on this journey, I am elated that my recent tests came back with encouraging results. It's a testament to the Power of God and a commitment to healthy living.

In the pursuit of well-being, I've embraced a lifestyle centered around nourishing my body and soul. Eating healthily has become a (mostly) daily ritual. The choices we make in our diet ripple through our entire being, and I've found that a nutritious diet has been instrumental in my journey to wellness.  More of a live-it.  Alongside this, the practice of yoga has not only strengthened my physical body but also provided a space for mental clarity and spiritual connection.

My heart full of gratitude for the journey God has me on. I’m thankful for the strength Gpd has given me, for guiding me through the darkest days, and for allowing me to see His Light. He is my Anchor

Life is hard. Jim, Jakob, Kelli, and Joey have been my rocks, offering unwavering support, love, and understanding. We are stronger together, and every celebration is a shared victory.

Along with my family, I am surrounded by a circle of friends whose love, kindness and support have been invaluable. In times of joy and sorrow, they've been the silent strength that lifts me up. As I celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of meaningful connections and the JOY that comes from life together.:

As I celebrate my 14th Survivorversary, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the journey so far. It's a reminder that life is a precious gift, and each day is an opportunity to savor the richness it brings. Looking ahead, I approach the future with optimism, knowing that with faith, love, hope, peace, joy and healthy choices, I am looking forward to facing whatever may come my way.

Throughout life, each thread weaves a unique story. Today, I celebrate the 14th chapter of my story—a chapter filled with resilience, gratitude, and the warmth of loving relationships. Here's to the journey, the lessons learned, and the victories yet to come. Thank you for joining me in this celebration of life and the spirit that refuses to be defeated.

Remember, Jesus loves you more than you can imagine.

Merry Christmas!

From the top of my heart, with love,

Moni

Voice of Truth

Let me start by giving you the GREAT news -- I received a MIRACLE today! 

Now let me give you the background. The pancreatic clinic at MD Anderson has been screening me for a year now.  Last May I had an MRI done of my pancreas, it looked great but a 0.7 cm lesion was found on my liver.  My oncologist decided to have the MRI done again 6 months later in November.  The lesion was still there, still the same size, it hadn't changed.  So that was great news also!  However, my oncologist decided that I should have another MRI focused on the liver before she referred me to the liver clinic.  That happened yesterday.

I'm not claustrophobic but I am not a fan of the tight space of the MRI tube.  I've learned that closing my eyes before being put into the tube helps me trick my mind into not focusing on the tight space. I also don't like the loud hammering sounds -- they sound like jackhammers.

This time I was offered music to listen to, they asked me which genre, I asked for Christian. They put noise cancelling earplugs in for me & the headphones on.  In the tube I went.

I usually feel incredibly lonely when I'm in the MRI.  This one was 40 minutes long, with times of breath-holding also. The music, at first was so loud that I almost pressed the call button.  I couldn't even understand the words of the first song because it was so loud! I didn't know the next song but there was a line in the song, "through the noise, I hear You whisper". I got teary-eyed.  What a sweet reminder that God is always with me, I was not alone!

The next song was "The Voice of Truth". I sang along with tears in my eyes. Here are the words that spoke to me:

    “The waves they keep on telling me
    Time & time again. “Boy, you’ll never win!”
    “You’ll never win!”
 
    But the Voice of Truth tells me different story
    The Voice of Truth says, “Do not be afraid!”
    And the Voice of Truth says, “This is for My glory”
    Out of all the voices calling out to me
    I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth”

I felt confident in knowing I was at the right place at the right time. God was in control.

This morning I had the results appointment with my oncologist.  Bloodwork all came back perfect.  Some numbers had even improved. The MRI results were better than I could have imagined.  I really was thinking that as long as the lesion was the same size, that would be good.  God had a better plan, the lesion is completely GONE!!! Praise the Lord!! A miracle!! My oncologist told me to keep doing what I'm doing, she was so happy with the results.

My mother-in-law asked me what I thought the reason was for that.  She asked if I believed if it was prayer, healthy eating, breathing, yoga, icebaths.  I know that prayer is number one but I also believe that my story is for God's glory.  I don't only want to share my story, I need to share it.  I'm thankful for the tools God has given me to continue on a healthy journey.  I'm thankful that God is using me to share His Glory! 

Also last night, I met the sweetest young lady in the MRI clinic, she too has problems getting blood drawn & IVs put in. My vein blew with the first IV try. She encouraged me by telling her story.  Please pray for Shelby, she's having surgery on Friday. She is also a cancer survivor.  

Please share your story and remember God's glory when you do.  

Thank you for your prayers & support!

To God be all the Glory!

Love,

Moni

PS

Please read these words & listen to this song.

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
On top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you, you are

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cKm_mYVPQE

Lucky #13

 I don’t really believe in luck! I do believe in God though. And He has blessed me with more than I want & need. Life is great!

Thirteen years ago I was told I had cancer. That sucks, right? Cancer sucks, right? Yes, it does! We can get hung up on the hard in our lives, we become depressed, worried, overwhelmed & scared during these times. But what a comfort to know that God walks beside me, in front of me, behind me & He carries me. 

When I think about all the goals I wanted to achieve. To see our kiddos graduate from elementary school, middle school, high school & university — I have experienced all of that (one is still at university)!  To spend time travelling with Jim — we’ve been on some wonderful vacations.  

I am thankful for all of our loved ones who have cared for me & prayed for me. 

I continue to thrive. I continue to go to MD Anderson for scans & tests. I am thankful for all the good results. 

I am thankful for the career I have. I’m having so much fun! Who would have thought a breast cancer surviving stay at home wife & mom would be doing what I’m doing today!?! God is so Good and faithful! 

The support I have from family all over the world has been incredible. I would ask that if you think of me to continue to pray that cancer stays away from our family. I believe in the power of prayer and cannot thank my army of prayer warriors enough. 

As we reflect of the Love of Christ during this season of advent, I pray that you feel the Power of His Love and that you all will live in His Love!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all!

I love you more, 

Moni

My 12th Survivorversary!

Dec 7, 2021-my 12th Survivorversary

This week has been amazing! 

Let me tell you what happened. Kelli, our incredible daughter planned the most amazing celebration for my 12th Survivorversary. So while I was revelling in all the excitement of my beautiful framily being there, I was in shock when I heard Papa’s voice saying, “ hey Moni, I have your sweatshirt”, I lost my shit!  Ugly crying that was so heartfelt!!

My sweet girl

I have not seen my dad in almost 2 years. To embrace  Papa & his wife, Monika after all that time — I didn’t want to let go!  I still feel like I’m in the midst of a Hallmark movie. Still. Kelli arranged to have Papa & Monika fly down for this surprise Survivorversary party! It’s very hard to surprise me, I was more than surprised, I think I’m still in shock. 

I still can't believe they are here!!

It’s been a wonderful year for the Monks. I had my appointment with my breast oncologist in October — all checked out great!

Kelli graduated from Angelo State University. Jakob left policing. Joey is at Texas State University. Jim retired from Chevron in September. I have Jim back full-time, it’s been 5 1/2 years since we’ve lived together all the time! I’m still working as a paralegal. 

My family & friends (framily) are the reason I continue to fight. I am so appreciative of their constant love, encouragement & support. 

Jakob & Me

I pray that you all have framily like mine in your life!

My Framily!!

I want to wish you all a blessed holiday season. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all with love from me!!

Love, 

Moni 

#findyourjoys

Baby Daddy, my rock

10th Survivorversary!!!!!!!

As I sit hear this morning with my freshly brewed cup of coffee, tears are welling up in my eyes. Not because I’m sad, but because I am overwhelmed with the fact the God has granted me this day. You see today is my Survivorversary. My 10th Survivorversary!  I have so much gratitude and Joy for this day. 

Ten years ago today, I received the dreaded cancer diagnosis. It wasn’t the first time I had heard “you have cancer”. But it was the first time I realized I most likely had the same cancer that my mama had — breast cancer. 

I didn’t want the same cancer as my mama, she only lived 3 ½ years after her diagnosis. I was only 19 when she was diagnosed and only 23 when she left us to be in heaven.  And even though my mama left us at such a young age, I’m so thankful that she and papa had raised me and Jason to be young adults.  

At my breast cancer diagnosis our kids were only — Jakob 12, Kelli 11 and Joey 9. Jim and I were not done raising our babies ten years ago. Although we can all do simple math I would like to say that Jakob is 22, Kelli 21 and Joey 19. And I am 48!  What a blessing it is for me to sit here 10 years later and know what an incredible miracle it is that I am here today!

Life is great for us!  I am healthy, Jim is healthy, the kiddos are healthy. Our parents are healthy, our siblings are healthy. 

I continue to share my story whenever possible, not for attention, not for people to feel sorry for me but to give Hope. I believe God has led me every step of the way. He walks before me, beside me, He carries me, He continues to surround me with amazing family and friends (aka framily). The best part is — He has never left me. I never walk alone. My husband doesn’t walk alone, nor do my children. 

I thank you all for being on this journey with me. Remember that Jesus loves you too!

Merry Christmas!

Joyfully,

Moni

#findyourjoys

www.monkmoni.blogspot.com

9th Survivorversary 12/07/2018

Dear Army,

Happy 9th Survivorversary to me!!

I am overjoyed to still be here living this good life!  

First I’d like to update you on my family. 

Jim - he’s doing great!  He loves living back home, he likes to piddle around here at Ring the Bell Ranch (the outskirts of heaven). Chopping trees down, clearing brush, mowing, and doing whatever he can with our tractor. Jim’s been playing lots of music, he’s even got a little recording studio now. I love that he’s a “Jim of all trades”, and not afraid to try anything. 

Jakob - he’s also doing great!  He’s a senior at university now. He’s a good kid. Jakob comes home whenever he can, he has a part-time job here on the weekends he’s home. He loves his dog, a black lab named Liù, they live in a little cabin in the woods. 

Kelli - she’s great as well!  She’s in her sophomore year at university. She’s also a good kid. Kelli is very social. She loves to shop, so she has a job waitressing while going to school. Kelli lives with 2 of her best friends in a house, and her orange tabby kitten. 

Joey - great also!  He’s a senior in high school!  Joey’s a good kid as well!  He’s become very social this last year of high school. Joey’s been going to the football, volleyball and basketball games this year. He works at a local BBQ restaurant. 

It’s hard to believe the kids are now 21 (almost 22), 20 and 18. On the day of my diagnosis they were only 12, 11 and 9, that was a tough day for all of us. 

As the years have gone by — I continue to tell my story. I have told my story to complete strangers. Most recently to a young man sitting next to me on a flight to Houston. I told him not to feel sorry for me before I shared  my journey — I don’t even know why I told him, probably because I know there is so much good in my story.  I want others to have the Hope that I have. 

I still feel as though it is not only my story but God’s story. Throughout the cancer journey He never left me. In fact He carried me, just as He still does today. 

My mom was a year older than I am now when she was diagnosed with breast cancer — her diagnosis was 28 years ago this month.  I was 10 years younger than she was when I was diagnosed. Unfortunately Mama only got 4 Survivorversaries. 

I am emotional about my age this year, not because of how old I am or because I am getting older, I am very happy about that. It’s that I am only a year younger than Mama was when she was diagnosed. I’m not worried, just emotional. It’s hard to explain. 

Okay — enough sad tears, time to get back to joy-filled tears. 

Last year I started a dream job. A dream I didn’t even know I had or wanted. I am working as a paralegal for the kindest attorney. She and I have a wonderful working relationship but most of all a great friendship. Like one of my friends said, “God knew what he was doing when He put you 2 together”. And that is the truth!!

I also enjoy my time off. I love getting to spend time with my “gals” — lifelong friends, while I make some new ones along the way. This is the time of year that I work on my crocheting or knitting projects.  I absolutely love when family comes into town — such a blessing!!  Our precious 3 dogs (sometimes 4) keep us busy too. Life is Good!!

Health wise - I am healthy!!  I feel wonderful and all is well.  I still go to MD Anderson twice a year for check ups. 

So on this 9th Survivorversary I would like to thank you for being part of my Army of Prayer Warriors, the people who also helped me through this journey — “God knew what He was doing” when He put you all in my life. THANK YOU!

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

With Love, 

Moni

(and yes, I love the word great!)

www.monkmoni.blogspot.com

It is my Golden Survivorversary!!

Ok not my 25th Survivorversary, but my 7th Survivoversary on December 7th, so that's why I'm calling it my Golden!!

Golden Survivoversary!

This morning on my way dropping Joey off to school, I was overcome with a song on the radio.  The song is called "Who Am I", by Casting Crowns.  This morning I was grumpy.  Not sure why, I just woke up that way.  The song reminded me how special, blessed, and loved I am!

I am also reminded that God catches me when I'm falling.  I am His.  There is no greater JOY!!

Most of you know that we moved back to Texas from China in the summer.  We live in Liberty Hill, Texas at our home in the Outskirts of Heaven :).

We were really struggling to come up with a name for our new home.  So here is the story.  You see I didn't get to ring the bell the day I finished chemotherapy, which is normally done, they didn't have one in the part of the hospital I was in.  Jim said, "we'll get a bell, and have you ring the bell".  I did end up ringing the bell at MD Anderson the next day, and then again when I finished radiation.  I was looking up some information online about our favourite bluegrass band, The Gibson Brothers, and noticed one of their albums is called, "Ring The Bell".  So I asked Jim what he thought, he said, "PERFECT!"  A few weeks later we watched a great movie on Netflix called "Ring The Bell", it was about a boys' home, I won't say anymore - just go watch it!!  So between the victory of ringing the bell after cancer treatment, our favourite bluegrass band's album name - we came up with "Ring The Bell Ranch".  And then the extra confirmation came when we watched the movie.

This year has been a busy one, but a great one!!  Jim has settled into his new job.  Jakob is a sophomore at university.  Kelli is a senior in high school.  Joey is a sophomore in high school.  All are healthy and happy!!

Now for me - I am joy-filled to be alive!  I'm getting grey, wearing glasses, but I'm getting older, and let's face it, what's the alternative?!?!  I too am healthy and happy!!  At my annual appointments at MDA in the summer, everything looked great!

I will be having surgery next week as I am having some issues with my reconstruction.  The surgery is on Tuesday, December 13, at Seton in Austin.  I would appreciate prayers for the doctors, the whole medical team, my family, and of course a successful surgery and recovery.  I will be in the hospital for 4 days.  My nurse, Jim will be taking good care of me once I am at home.  And of course his helpers, Jakob, Kelli, and Joey.

Please enjoy this beautiful season we are in right now.  Be filled with Joy, Love, and Peace!
Merry Christmas!!

Come see us at Ring The Bell Ranch!!


Love and Blessings From the Top of My Heart,

Moni
#findyourjoy


PS  Here is the link to the song by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C53GgUJ6y-Y&feature=youtu.be

www.caringbridge.org/visit/monimonk/journal
www.monkmoni.blogspot.com