Kick it with Charla

Houston, We Have Zero Problems

Hello from Houston, where our stellar MD Anderson team has me totally handled. I left the hospital yesterday after just 2-1/2 days, which is a testament to how they run this show – you will get up and walk on the day of major abdominal surgery thank you very much, and you will not just do it once, but TEN TIMES.

I am actually doing very well (see note about walking ten times). I will first attribute this fact to the unbelievable power of prayer and our daily, moment by moment faith that God is with us, God will never leave us nor forsake us, and miracles still abound. All of my fears, doubts and tears notwithstanding, I have never wavered in knowing that God can and does work all things together for good. Period.  

There were three surgeons in the OR (all women by the way; represent). One of them saw me during rounds on Day 2 and said, “I knew you’d do great. I could tell just from meeting you in the pre-op area and I was right.” So apparently I exude positivity and strength when I’m anxious and terrified. Bless me. She also said the entire team was so pleased that they “were able to get everything.” Let me tell you, those are precious words to hear a surgeon say and they don’t toss them around lightly! 

I can confidently say that five months of chemotherapy melted away several hot spots and a six-hour surgery took care of the rest. I am in awe of my oncology team, both in Glenwood Springs and Houston, not to mention the RNs and CNAs who took care of me afterward…amazing. Truly angels. I never encountered one person who wasn’t just the most caring, compassionate, kind human, housekeeping staff and kitchen help included.

Tim and I will be home next week after a few more days of recuperation. I know there will be some follow-up treatment but I’m enjoying this day right now.

God bless you for being on the journey with me!

Thanks to sweet 3 year-old Lennon Dodge for “The Medicine Picture” which she painted for me. It traveled to MD Anderson and hung on my wall — I mean it’s rainbows, unicorns and shooting stars, people. How can that NOT be healing?

kickitwithcharla's avatar

Posted by:

kickitwithcharla

25 responses to “Houston, We Have Zero Problems”

  1. Karen Hershberger Avatar
    Karen Hershberger

    Even though I don’t really know you, Charla, I think you know I’ve been following your journey with great interest and praying for you all along the way. I identify with so much of what you’ve said here: the gratitude for tremendous care and compassion; the joy of hearing encouraging words, which are absolutely used sparingly and with great care when dealing with serious diseases; experiencing the miracle of healing; feeling so deeply that God is and has been with you through it all; and facing it all with a positive, can-do, will-do attitude. All of these things you’ve expressed just bring back so many of my own memories. Like I’m right back in the hospital going through treatment. Blessings as you continue to heal and get stronger for the rest of your journey. I’ll continue to pray for you.

    Like

    Reply
  2. donnawiedinmyer Avatar
    donnawiedinmyer

    PRAISE THE LORD FOR CREATING HIS MIRACLES IN FRONT OF OUR (SISTERHOOD) and THE BELINSKI FAMILY’S EYES. Yes, WONDER WOMAN, you are God’s miracle. How amazing that you walked 10x right after surgery. Is Tenacity your middle name? How Fantastic that the precious words, “we got everything” were spoken! What a relief for everything that you have been through.

    YOU GO GIRL!!

    Love to you, Tim and the “kids”,

    Donna

    Like

    Reply
  3. Marie E. Kelly Avatar
    Marie E. Kelly

    💗❤️💗Oh Charla what fantastic update news….my heart is filled with such happiness and joy…of course God is right there with you saying, “Girl, I GOT THIS!”

    Prayers and love across the miles. Hugs too…
    Love you 💗❤️Marie 👸🏼🐶🐶🐶

    Like

    Reply
  4. Kim Bracher Avatar
    Kim Bracher

    Such FANTASTIC news, Charla! You rock, your surgeons rock, your family rocks, GOD a totally rocks! 🥰🥰🥰

    Like

    Reply
  5. BJ Adams Avatar
    BJ Adams

    “We got everything.” What an incredible statement – on so many levels – and Michael and I are so very very happy for you (and for Tim and for your family). Charla, your faith has inspired us beyond words. It has been astounding to watch you face and move through this challenge. May the coming days just get easier and easier and easier. Your community can hardly wait to see you and to be touched by the radiance which comes through loud and clear in your words. Safe travels home. BJ

    Like

    Reply
  6. Kathy Eckrich Avatar
    Kathy Eckrich

    Charla! God love you as you encounter this very unknown chapter in your life. I believe your faith will sustain you and you will be healed….God has big plans for you, including your ministry at Snowmass Chapel! You will soon be back “in full swing!” Bless you as you recover from your surgery! So glad to hear that you’re in good hands down there…LOVE sent, Kathy

    Like

    Reply
  7. william frothingham Avatar
    william frothingham

    Bless the strength you have maintained these months and the power transmitted to you. Keep praying as we all will through this healing time.

    Like

    Reply
  8. Lee Zacha Avatar
    Lee Zacha

    By the Grace of the Holy Spirit! It is no accident that we will now spent our 3rd week on the 5th chapter of Acts. Thank you for your fabulous testimony that our prayers have been heard and healing is truly for today! Blessings to you Charla and I love that sweet picture! Lee

    Like

    Reply
  9. Laura Lauder Avatar
    Laura Lauder

    Charla, This is such wonderful news! We are SOOO happy for you and your family – you are an inspiration. Big hugs to you and loads of love from the Lauders. XOXO Laura, Gary and Josh

    >

    Like

    Reply
  10. Melinda Wright Avatar
    Melinda Wright

    Praise God! Miracles abound!
    I pray for complete recovery and healing for you, Charla. With love and blessings,
    Melinda

    Like

    Reply
  11. Suzanne Robinson Avatar
    Suzanne Robinson

    No words simply, AMEN🙏🏻 That is truly the BEST news ever🌈❣️ God is good✨Thank you for this update & for sharing your entire journey with us🪷 can’t wait to see you soon‼️Hugs to you and all your fam🥰

    Like

    Reply
  12. Meg Dangler Avatar
    Meg Dangler

    Keep fighting the fight! What a testament to God’s goodness. Your positivity is showing so many who Jesus really is! 100% healing and health coming you way!!!

    Like

    Reply
  13. Richard Fey Avatar
    Richard Fey

    So glad you are doing so well. Please keep it up as we miss you at the Chapel. Looking forward in seeing you soon in SMV. Yes, enjoy your day, well deserved.

    Like

    Reply
  14. Nancy Ferguson Avatar
    Nancy Ferguson

    Hallelujah!!! Nothing but praise for you and your medical team. Time to c’mon home 😊❤️

    Like

    Reply
  15. Mary tippet Avatar
    Mary tippet

    Such wonderful news. You are a miracle and God knows what she’s doing 😘🙏. Rest up and enjoy the moments of recuperation.

    Like

    Reply
  16. Susan Cottle Avatar
    Susan Cottle

    Charla, This news just makes my heart sing! No sweeter words from a surgeon than “we were able to get everything.” Absolutely wonderful! XO

    Like

    Reply
  17. Bobbi Carson Avatar
    Bobbi Carson

    It’s always brightens my day to hear from you and know how well you are doing. Looking forward to you coming home and embarking on getting back into your usual good shape and physical routines not to mention just your normal daily routines. Bobbi

    Like

    Reply
  18. Ned Cochran Avatar
    Ned Cochran

    Bravo Charla! Such great news. A Big Hug to you, and all those involved in your care. They are truly, Unsung Heroes. Keep Smiling. Love, Ned 🩷

    Like

    Reply
  19. Linda Sprague Avatar
    Linda Sprague

    This is all such terrific news! I love hearing that you are doing so well, and I love your beautiful faith! God bless you! You are and will remain in my daily prayers! God’s Peace, Charla🙏

    Like

    Reply
  20. Juliana McClain Avatar
    Juliana McClain

    Such wonderful news! Sending hugs and healing vibes to you and Tim…

    Like

    Reply
  21. Lucy Avatar
    Lucy

    All the Nichols are cheering you on and holding you tight (virtually). It was just year ago we were all in Italy for G&D’s wedding, you “holding court”. Keeping the faith. xoxo

    Like

    Reply
  22. Susan Linden Avatar
    Susan Linden

    Such wonderful news, Charla! God bless your medical team and strong, resilient YOU. You are an inspiration. I pray for your continued healing. With love, Susan

    Like

    Reply
    1. Heather Sims Avatar
      Heather Sims

      You are an incredible lady Charla, with such an incredible faith- you are SO inspirational! God bless you and all your family. Xx

      Like

      Reply
  23. Diane and Bill Avatar
    Diane and Bill

    Oh Glory hallelujah Charla!! Praise and prayers for you and your teams ! Love, Bill and Diane

    Like

    Reply
  24. Paul and Lisa DiMento Avatar
    Paul and Lisa DiMento

    Constant prayers and love coming your way! 💙 Your strength and courage is inspiring 💕🙏🏽😘

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Lee Zacha Cancel reply

About Charla

In March of 2023 our dear Charla was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer which had spread to the lymph nodes. Charla is a beloved friend and pastor to so many. In an effort to keep all of those who care about her in the loop, and lighten the communication load that would inevitably fall on Charla and her family, we have established this blog. Please post your comments of positivity, prayer, encouragement, and inspiration on this site, or mail encouraging messages via snail mail.

Prior to this diagnosis Charla had tossed around the idea of starting a podcast. With a background in PR and TV, years of expertise teaching and writing on parenting and other topics, a Doctorate in Ministry from Duke University, and 13 years under her belt of co-pastoring and leading a church, Charla has a deep well of wisdom to draw from and “kick around” in conversation in a podcast setting. We can’t wait to “kick it” (slang for “hang out”) with Charla in the years ahead and hear her declare triumph over this diagnosis.

For now, we join Charla in solidarity, with love and constant prayer, as she kicks cancer out of her body.

Kick it with Charla. And lift her up in prayer.