February 14, 2004

Below are new dates so far in 2004.

Finally, I am back on stage. Each year, I have seen close to 200,000 people while performing at festivals, weddings and conferences. Although I did some local performances last year, I have truly missed singing, laughing, meeting and greeting all the folks from around the world. Thank God the year 2003 is over and I received a Devine healing. Because of your prayers and good thoughts, I am surviving and thriving. I Love you all!

I have written new songs and discovered a voice more powerful and stronger than ever. Of course, I am being very selective with travel plans and taking good care of myself to insure a fabulous show wherever we perform.
The main thing is that I am alive, have lots of energy
and I feel great!

Thurs 03/04/04 Antwerpen, Belgium Last Call 10th Anniversary at Hof Ter Lo
Sat 03/13/04 Grass Valley, CA “Gather The Women” Conference
Sun 03/14/04 Santa Cruz, CA Honoree at The Calabash Awards
Sun 03/28/04 Redwood City, CA “Women As Allies” Conference
Mt. Alverno Conference Center
Sun 04/18/04 Soquel, CA Inner Light Ministries
Sun 04/25/04 San Francisco, CA Private Corporate Event

**Sat 05/01/04 Santa Cruz, CA “Singing to Heal & Inspire” Recovery Benefit Concert w/Linda Tillery at
First Congregational Church

Sat 07/10/04 Tremblant, Quebec International Festival de Bleus du Tremblant
Sat 07/17/04 Mt. Helena, MT Downtown Music Festival
Sat 07/24/04 Corzola, Spain Corzola Festival
Sun 08/22/04 Edmonton, Canada Labatt Festival
Sat 08/28/04 Colne, England UK Great Britain Festival
Sun 09/12/04 Sacramento, CA Healing Journeys Conference
Memorial Auditorium

** Mark your calendar! Bring your family and friends to this healing benefit concert for
Sista Monica, Linda Tillery singing Jazz, Gospel, Heritage
and Popular Inspirational Music

Tickets go on sale April 1, 2004 at Gateway Books and Streetlight Records
Call 831-425-3192 for more detail information.
For future dates go to www.pollstar.com

Go to www.cdbaby.com for Sista Monica CDs and music.

December 12, 2003

Happy Holidays Everyone!

YES! I am happy to be alive! Thank you for your prayers, positive thoughts and energy. Luther Vandross is making it and so is Sista Monica. I give thanks to God for each day of my life.

My voice is stronger than ever. I’m eating green organic vegetables and fruits, taking iron and herbal supplements, getting rest and recuperation. My energy is high. We are planning for next year. Susan has taken off her caregiver hat (to a point) and placed on her manager hat. So, we are assessing the priorities for each concert. Next year, I will perform only 25 spectacular concerts. That is what feels good to me.

Ever year it’s been 75-100 or more concerts. Whew! Just think! In the past 10 years my band and I have visited and performed in a lot of places; Santa Cruz, Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, Great Britain, New York, Mexico, Canada, Seattle, Venezuela, Florida, The Netherlands, Nova Scotia, Chicago and Norway. So many places that I can’t list them all. I have photos of so many people that I have taken from the stage! I have shaken hands with some wonderful kindred spirits and music lovers from around the world.

As much as I like to travel, I know that I probably don’t need to travel to the point of exhaustion anymore. Next time I’m out, I will be fresh, feeling strong and available to my friends, family and fans. Soon, we will have a new website reflecting new music, new photos and ideas. I have chosen a better quality of life. It’s all good!

I am writing a book “Soul, Spirit & Survival”. It’s about a young girl who became a woman Marine, a high tech recruit, discovers her voice and became an international headliner. Finally, she survives cancer. She learns the truth about the healing process, transformation and the will to live.

I am thankful for the opportunity to sing, write, and feel good again. Go to www.pollstar.com if you want to know where I am.

A Soul Survivor!!

Peace on Earth
Goodwill to all people

Love,

Sista Monica Parker

September 1, 2003

Hello My Get Well Family,

As you can tell it’s been a while between updates. I have been recuperating for quite some time now. When I got out of intensive care, I was in a great deal of pain. I thought I would never move my right arm again. But, the surgeons are brilliant at UCSF. Thank God! Not fully knowing what to expect, the doctors had presented to me the possibility of removing a rib. In the past, amputation was widely used to control the spread of Synovial Sarcoma. However, the team of surgeons at UCSF -Dr. O’Donnell and Dr. Anastasiou worked tirelessly to keep my right arm attached to my body and functioning. Today is my first time being able to write or type using both arms, hands and fingers. Yes! I am happy and thankful.

The human body
To gain access to the cancerous tumor, they did take an inch and a half of my collarbone, and made an incision from my shoulder to the back of my armpit to remove it. This is my heart meridian. (I will talk about this in a future update). Wow! They said that I could live without the collarbone. They discovered that the tumor was deep-seated in the wall of my upper right chest. So, they opened my brachial plexus (front of my chest) where the nucleus of it was sitting. They also pulled down my deltoid muscle (upper arm/shoulder). As a result, my nerves and muscles have been severely damaged. The surgery lasted 10 hours. They did remove the cancerous tumor from my body. My nerves and muscles are regenerating daily. I am back on my herbal and complimentary supplements, walking and resting. I even have ¼ inch of hair. The human body is an amazing thing. I am healing!

City Of Refuge Ministries in SF
I remember an exchange I had with Dr. Anastasiou before I went in for surgery. I looked at him and said, “Remember doc that’s my microphone hand” he smiled and looked back at me, snapped his fingers and said “and your rhythm hand too!” The day before the surgery, I performed a gala event for “Meals On Wheels”. That morning, I joined City Of Refuge Ministries at 1025 Howard Street in San Francisco, where the Bishop Yvette Flunder is pastor. Many friends came to church that Sunday; Cheri Bianchini from the Healthy Way, Gwen Avery and Emily, Anna and Ayana, Tom and Patti Baxter, Shiela Truso, Dorothy Hill, Joseph Jordan, Susan Raskin and CJ Welch and Susan Beer. Janice Steele – my singing, church going, childhood friend, and neighbor was already there praying for me. Pat Gill – our minister of music introduced me to the congregation. I had been there many times before that day, but this Sunday was special. The entire church prayed for me and I sang “Amazing Grace/Motherless Child”. I was ready for the impending major surgery.

Sleepless nights
Yes! Since then I have had many sleepless nights, laying on several pillows night and day, relying on prayer, meditation, some post surgery healing cassettes tapes, the bible, listening, e-mails from fans, piano and gospel music. For twenty-four hour a day, I adhered to a strict pain management schedule. Some of my friends and angels (people that I did not know well) showed up over a 3-week period of time and brought cooked meals over to assists us in the evening dinners. That was very much needed and appreciated by both of us. The best I could do was to tiptoe around in the house, and go to my incredible healing palace (my office). I call it my healing palace because it is surrounded by beautiful roses, fruit trees, green plants and lawn.

No breaks!
As soon as I completed 6 weeks of healing from surgery, they scheduled me for high doses of radiation. I live in Santa Cruz, California. It is almost two hours away from San Francisco in drive time. Even driving on the coast can be a tedious ride. On Mondays Susan would drive me there and leave me until Friday. Jean, my precious mother and cousins Rubye, Yvonne, Kevin and Anthony back home in Gary, Indiana stayed in touch with me. My sister, Charlotte came from Oakland to visit me several times. Mom introduced me to a cousin Louvenia that I vaguely knew. I found her to be a sweet, 74 year old widow who has lived in the city for decades. She lived only 8 blocks away from the hospital. I was blessed to be able to live with her during my 6 weeks of radiation and physical therapy. My cousin and I talked, chuckled and learned many things about one another and our families. Even at her age, she is very computer literate on photo shop, illustrator and other software. I admire her. I feel like a have found a new friend in my relative.

“Wind Beneath My Wings”
While doing radiation, I was invited to go to the Monterey Bay Blues Festival. Barbara Morrison a good friend, great blues and jazz singer called me up on the main stage to sing on Saturday night of the festival. I got a standing ovation and my heart felt good. I also saw the legendary Al Green headline the event. What a treat! R&B, Soul and Gospel music doesn’t get any better. The most recent event I attended was Susan’s 60th birthday party on July 26th. Many of her friends and family showed up at the Restaurante Italiano for dinner. I sang “Wind Beneath My Wings”, and thanked her for all her love, support and care that she has been giving me since this whole ordeal started in November of 2002. She has been a rock solid partner in the process of saving my life.

Three weeks ago I completed the radiation. Towards the end, I had 3rd degree burns in the middle of my chest. My back, arm and shoulder were also severely burnt. I use Jean’s Cream, Domeboro astringent and 100% Aloe Vera Gel products to heal my burns. For a while, I could barely move my upper body due to the effects of the burns. I am happy to be back home and able to walk in my garden. I feel better each day. Happy to be alive!

A Walking Miracle
It has been 4 months since the last surgery. I have experienced 2 surgeries, 3 months of mandatory hospitalized chemotherapy, and 6 weeks of high doses of radiation and all the side effects. Today, because of grace and mercy, I can tie my shoes, put on my clothes, feed and bathe myself, sing and sign my autograph. My voice has never been affected and is actually stronger than ever. That’s because I am resting and taking better care of myself. I have not fully recovered because I have months of physical therapy to be able raise my right arm. God’s will, I will perform at festivals, conferences, performance theaters, churches, community centers, high schools and college campuses next year.

Thank You So Much
Thank you everyone for all the cards, prayers, books, tapes, CDs, and personal assistance. Thanks to Denise and Eric for watching Casey our dog while we had to be away. To Marsha for organizing the meals. Kim for pinch-hitting when Susan needed to leave the house. To Danny B. my piano player, producer, and dear friend for visiting me during chemo and encouraging me to continue to write songs. Thanks to Pastor Deborah Johnson of Inner Light Ministries and Valerie Fiddmont for getting me the good gospel music and establishing a great local ministry of wonderful people. To the members and staff of The Healthy Way for getting my music. To Janet McLeod for acupuncture assistance. To Pat McCombs and Jessie Young for support. To Pam, Connie, Melinda, Onnie and the rest of the girls for your gift certificates from New Leaf and the Staff of Life. Thanks to my oldest brother Barry for helping me. Thanks to Ginny Mitchell for the hats. Thanks to Ellen Morrison for answering my voicemails when I was in the hospital. Thanks to my friend Ann Peden for the Tuesday movies in the city. Thanks to Brothers Teaching Brothers for the groceries. Thanks to Dr. Lindsay Johnson for consultations and being in the surgery room. Thanks to Caroline Peck-my acupuncturist for relieving my pain. Thanks to my engineer Steve Savage. Thanks to all the women at WomenCare in Santa Cruz. Thanks to the radiologist technicians. Thanks to Bruce Igluaer of Alligator Records, and to the Luther Allison Foundation. Thanks to the list of angels and people around the world that have helped me with words of encouragement to fight this battle to stay alive.

Not A New Testimony
You know, I appreciate that everyone has his or her own beliefs. I have talked with Zen Buddhists, Christians, Nonbelievers and Atheist since my battle started in January 2003. I acknowledge everyone. As for me, I witness that I truly believe in a living God, his son Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit as my healing source and power. This is not a new testimony. I have always known my source and believed since a 7-year-old child-singing gospel in the churches in Gary and Chicago. I know more than ever that prayer changes things and God heals. In the coming months (with the help of some gifted physical therapists), I will be able to raise my arm completely and say Hallelujah for my Journey!

Writing New Songs/Book
While recovering, I am writing lyrics to songs and also writing notes for a book of my story. God’s will, I come back on stage soon. I will be on a mission to help others and to spread more love in the world. Keep asking about me and checking for updates. All day and all night angels are watching over me. Go to www.cdbaby.com to hear and purchase my music.

Keep praying for me and SEE ME WELL!

Alive and getting stronger!

Love

Sista Monica Parker

Monday June 2, 2003

On May 19th 2003 , at two o'clock in the afternoon,Sista Monica Parker was wheeled in to an operating room at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco for the removal of a Synovila Sarcoma tumor. It was a very long ten hours until I saw her again in the intensive care unit. By then I had the joyous updates from her surgeons that they had successfully removed the tumor, leaving no cancer behind. Because of their brilliant talent, dedication, and total perseverance, her arm was saved. The first hour in the ICU unit they were measuring blood flow to her arm and nerve response to her fingers;it was all there! The tumor had grown around the major artery to her arm, involved the blood vessels and nerves and it's removal was a task requiring a dream team! That was her team of doctors and we will be forever grateful to them for their care and compassion.

She spent the next six days in the hospital trying to get mobile enough to go home. She has been home for one week, dealing with a lot of pain, but otherwise in good spirits. At this point she can move her fingers, her hand, and do simple physical therapy exercises to begin to strengthen her hand.

Tuesday she returns to UCSF for a follow-up appointment with her surgeons and hopefully the removal of the staples closing the extensive incision.

The next step after the healing is complete, will be five to six weeks of radiation therapy. This will be done five days a week at the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center. At some point additional physical therapy will be added to help her regain use of her arm.

Through all of this Monica's beautiful spirit, strength, and determination have been an inspiration to everyone.

Your cards and e-mails continue to brighten her days. Although it is not possible for her to respond at this time, she sends love and thanks to everyone for your healing thoughts and prayers.

Please continue to see Sista Monica well and singing to the world as soon as possible!

Love and Thanks,

Susan

Sunday April 27, 2003 Monday

Hello My Get Well Family,

Today is my birthday! I am 47 years young. It's a glorious Sunday evening in Santa Cruz, California.

Best Gift
You see, during the summer months, I am usually scheduled for at least 75-100 festivals, concerts, weddings, and dates around the world. From March to November, my band and I perform in front of approximately 200,000 people who either love the blues or gospel music. This year because of my cancer, I had to cancel concerts and stay focused on health and living. So many have asked what they can do to help.

Well....since I am not working, please go and listen to my music at www.cdbaby.com
You can purchase either "People Love The Blues", Gimme That Old Time Religion", "Live In Europe" or all of them. Cdbaby is the best source for my music other than directly from me at www.sistamonica.com. Send a gift of Sista Monica music to someone you love.

That would be a big help and a huge gift to me.

Last performance before major surgery
I get to sing and perform my last Bay Area performances before I go in for major surgery, treatment, and recovery.

My band and I will be at the 23rd Annual Fountain Blues Festival on May 10th in San Jose at San Jose State University,San Carlos Plaza. It is the largest FREE blues concert in northern California. It starts at 1:00 P.M. and Sista Monica performs at 5:00 P. M. Get there early!

Afterwards, I'll make a solo performance and sing one song to join in the "Women Care" cancer benefit, "Women's Voices" concert at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz around 8:00P.M.

May 18, 2003 we perform at the "Meals on Wheels" fundraising benefit concert in San Francisco, CA " A Gala Affair"

That's it! I feel a huge need to get up on stage again before I go back into the hospital for surgery May 19th to remove the tumor.

Prognosis and Prayer

Today is seven days after my 3rd aggressive chemo treatment. I am still nauseous. Flower smells, cleaning fluids, and different food smells bother my stomach. The truth is that I did not want to do the third treatment. I remember feeling sad and disappointed about the possibility of having to do it. In the beginning, my doctor said 2 or maybe 3 treatments. He also gave me his prognosis. He said "If you do nothing, in three months the cancer could spread to your liver and lungs." In one year of no treatment , I could die. He said with treatments I have a
60% chance of living because of the rarity of Synovial Sarcoma.

I have a lot of respect for my doctor. However, I do not submit to what he says about my time and the percentages on my life. I am God's child ! To date, no spread of cancer and I look better than ever, even without my hair. My voice is strong, clear and I take each day at a time. I choose to live. Everyone has been praying for me, Susan and I have been doing visualizations during chemo, I have been taking my alternative immune system supplements. I exercise, write music, ride my bike sometimes, and rest a lot.
I trust in the Lord ' cause I know he will direct my path.

Besides, the treatment is hard to endure. It's cumulative and I finally came to grips about the 3rd treatment.
I prayed that it be made easier in my visit to the hospital. My prayers were answered. When I went to the doctor he said " I am only going to give you five treatments every 12 hours instead of 8 and I will cut some of the dosage".
My doctor did know that I had prayed for some slack and slack was granted to me. Whew!
Thank God for answered prayers.

Today's Birthday Activities

No huge birthday concert at the Catalyst. We went to breakfast at Silver Spur Restaurant-one of my favorite restaurants, visited Inner Light Ministries church and heard a great sermon by Rev. Deborah L. Johnson about
"Moving Mountains", then came home and I went to sleep. Around 7:00 P.M., I gathered with a few friends in my community. My sister, Charlotte came down from Oakland and Danny B. came from San Jose.

All 15 of us converged upon the Golden City Chinese Restaurant. Then we came back home and shared some German sweet chocolate cake and some strawberry cake with 47 candles and some ice cream. I received wonderfully special gifts from everyone. I especially liked the tambourine charm from Susan, the blouse from Cheri, the music from Charlotte, Kelley, and Mark, the hats, and the cards. It's been a full day and I thank
God that I am alive!

Love Yo,

Sista Monica Parker

“People Who Need People Are The Luckiest People In The World”

April 10, 2003

Hello My Friends and Family,

Treatments, Tests and What’s New?
I know it’s been a while between updates, but I only like to speak when I have information and think I can contribute to you. Each step of this healing process requires me to build on my levels of patience while waiting for results from treatment or tests. This week, I have taken MRI and the CT scan tests. This is to examine the size and shrinking of the tumor. Great news again! I have been told there is still no spread to other parts of my body. Today, I have more feeling and mobility in my right hand and arm. I can write, walk and sometimes ride my bike for short distances. My primary doctor and sarcoma specialist has advised me that the next step in treatment is a 3rd round of aggressive chemo at UCSF Medical Center. I have my next surgery with radiation at the end of May. To look at me, you would not know I am fighting this battle, unless you see my new no-hairdo?. Although life is difficult, I keep smiling.

Time On Stage - Again
It’s another day’s journey and I’m glad! On Sunday, March 30th, I was able to sing at The 1st Annual Bay Otter Blues Classic in the Fort Ord/Monterey California Area. This was 4 days after another chemo treatment. I attribute my health success to God’s mercy, your prayers, and Susan’s constant care giving and support. Even with my colorful turban on, everyone said I looked good and sounded great! Recording artist - Barbara Morrison, a good friend of mine, drove in from Los Angeles, California. She sang “Lean On Me” and her own brand of blues and jazz songs to help me out. My band Noel Catura-tenor sax, Paul Jones-bass, Dennis Murphy-guitar and David Tucker-drummer led by Danny B. on piano played the instrumental “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” before I came out on stage. I was so glad to be on stage again. It feeds me! There was so much love in the packed hall with familiar and new faces. Thank you Susan for helping me to be prepared for this long road to the stage. I am thankful and very blessed! God willing, I will sing and perform again on Saturday, May 10th, 2003 in San Jose, CA at the Fountain Blues Festival at 4:00 p.m. after Corby Yates and before Bernard Allison.

New Music
I feel new music channeling in me. With this transformation, I am more inclined to focus on inspirational and uplifting gospel music. So I listen it Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, The Hawkins Singers and Richard Smallwood. When I listen, there seems to be a correlation between the tempos and melodies in my previous writing. My new lyrics and message is evolving as it cares more for the human spirit and soul. Spiritually and emotionally life is changing as I write. These days, what’s germinating from my heart and head is much more compelling. I love my “Gimme That Old Time Religion” CD, because it reminds me of my childhood listening to Mahalia, Mavis and other gospel greats. This new music is moving forward and coming from a deeper in within me. I need it and perhaps the world needs it.

BIG SUR GETAWAY
Recently, in my time between treatments, Susan drove me to BIG SUR - a beautiful and serene state park and forest preserve down highway 1 on the coast of California. The sun was shinning, there were no TVs – “meaning no war news”, no phones, pure peace and quiet. There were birds singing, water falls, two great restaurants: Ventana and Nepenthe. All of them gave excellent food and service. We also went to a Monastery Hermitage and spoke to Monks in the bookstore. Then we prayed in the silence of the empty church. We walked the grounds, relaxed and saw awesome views, spoke of the beauty of the place, read books and we even laughed. Both Susan and I appreciated the time away from the daily challenge of keeping me alive and transported to doctor’s visits and hospitals. I didn’t think about my cancer.

“The Practice of Asking & Receiving”
It’s hard sometimes when you’ve been a giver all your life to receive or even ask for help. My doctor said, “You need to learn how to ask for help”. I simply have not had the experience or wanted to ask. Historically, I have prided myself at being strong, independent and self-sustaining. The bible says, “Pride is just before the fall”. I am learning more and more from the Good Book. While laying flat on my back, I have had to practice asking and receiving. I give myself permission. “It’s okay that I need help”.

Brothers Teaching Brothers
Brothers Teaching Brothers is an organization of Afro American men who called me after one of them heard me singing at church one day. They wanted to know how they could help? They showed up at my door with a two big bags of groceries including broccoli, spinach, asparagus, lettuce, collard greens, onions, apples, grapes, and oranges. They also gave me some gift certificates, so I would not have to worry for a while about organic foods from Staff of Life. After putting them in the refrigerator, we all held hands and had prayer. My heart is still full from their visit. Thank you brothers and all others who have extended themselves in my hour of need. God blesses you daily!

What You Can Do?
I AM a person who needs people. Please continue to send me cards with your prayers and thoughts written in them. I do read them all and they uplift me. My mailing address is Sista Monica Parker, 343 Soquel Ave #308, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Or just e-mail me at sistamon@cruzio.com or www.sistamonica.com for updates. Go to www.Cdbaby.com to purchases my CDs. My last three CDs “People Love the Blues”, “Gimme That Old Time Religion” and “Live In Europe” will be on www.Cdbaby.com in the coming week. Please call my name and pray for shrinking of the tumor in my right armpit and a healing in my body. Keep the faith and continuously “SEE ME WELL”. Thank you so much.

Love from my heart to yours,

Yo’ Sista
Monica Parker

Friday March 21, 2003

Hello My Good Well Family!

We went to Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco on Sunday. The choir
is phenomenal. The pastor’s message was “Rise and Walk” from the book
of Acts. He gave more good news about faith and trusting. I am going this weekend to UCSF Medical Hospital for my 2nd treatment of aggressive chemotherapy. It’s a 5-day course given 8 times every 12 hours.
Treatment wears me out! For me, it requires a strong will to live, a huge constitution and prayers from all of you to get through it.

Finally on Saturday, all of my hair came out. I cry or tear up a lot these days. This too, is a part of my healing. Some say it’s okay cause these emotions have to come out. I miss the stage. I miss festival season, being around people, singing to you, laughing with you and hugging you.
I will be back!

I will never be the same though. I’ll be stronger, wiser and even -more thoughtful. I do really appreciate all the cards and gifts that I have received from around the world and close to home. I have placed each card on the walls in the dinning room. It makes eating very pleasant when I look up and see all the love from you. Susan – my caregiver is also overwhelmed with the amount of cards, calls, emails and show of love. Please keep sending them. They give me hope.

We are all going through so much these days with the war. Pray for the little
children who have to listen to the bombs. Pray for the mothers who have to care for them. Pray for Peace!

Be patient with responses on email. I will try to connect with you when I come around. I have discovered a group of women with cancer called WomenCare and Healing Journeys. They will be a big support for me.
I am sure!

God Blesses You
Yo’ Sista Monica Parker

Wednesday March 12, 2003

Hello My Get Well Brothas and Sistas,

So many things have happened since my last message.
I will only share what may be of value to you. Two of my most important discoveries so far for me on this life journey are:
"It is not about my suffering". It is about me "learning God's healing process" and "What is it to be healed" ?

I am given a daily shot (doctor's orders), to assist in building my white blood count. This is so I don't get really sick in between hospital visits. By the 5th day of the shot, I experienced excruciating pain in my upper legs and hips. I thought it lasted 30 minutes, but Susan and Kim (who came to my rescue) said it lasted
10-12 minutes. I hollered and cried like a baby. The hospital recommended Advil or Vicodin. In about 45 minutes, I was relieved and rested. Thank God! I never know what to expect from this disease. Thank God for caretakers and angels! Please bookmark and keep coming to www.sistamonica.com for more updates.

Fortunately, the next day I felt good enough to go to Inner Light Ministries Church here in Santa Cruz, CA,.
Rev. Deborah Johnson, Pastor. She said, " Prayer looks good on you". The choir sang and she preached up a storm.The theme was " Loving The Good, Bad, and Ugly". That sermon must have been tailored just for me. At the end of the service, Rev. Deborah called me up to the pulpit to sing and lead two congregational songs,
"Yes, Lord Yes" and "This Inner Light of Mine" sung with the praise team. Ya' know, I received so much love from the people who came up to me after church. I was glad that I felt good enough to go and to enjoy fellowship. Happy tears!

After Sunday church, Susan and I took to the garden. She planted beautiful daisies and Icelandic Poppies, pruned sage bushes, pulled weeds and mulched. I, on the other hand, managed the flow of water from the hose while sitting in my chair. These days, that's considered hard work for me.

Great news! Monday I visited my doctor at UCSF and he said I was looking excellent. The tumor had begun to shrink. I testified that my right hand was functioning much better. Thank you for all of your prayers.
I go back in the hospital for five more days of chemotherapy on Thursday, March 20th.

I know your prayers are holding me up and keeping me strong when I am weak. I am learning so much about healing. It encompasses, fear, anger, tears, trust, sacrifice, focus, love, and dogged determination to live well.
I am back on herbal supplements RM-10, Primal Defense, Super Blend Vitamins, Iron, Esiac Tea, three quarts of water, Bible and health literature reading and more rest.

This is what I know as truth!

"Trust In the Lord with all Thine Heart,
and lean not onto thine own understanding,
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths"

Proverbs 3:5-6

Please remember me, send a card, advice, email, some love and prayers.

Love Yo'
Sista Monica Parker

Wednesday March 5, 2003

It's a beautiful day in Santa Cruz.
I'm nauseated, tired, and cold, but I'm happy to be here.
I want to sing again; I'm listening to a lot of good music and it inspires me.

Please keep sending your cards, my home is decorated with them.

Love, Yo Sista

Tuesday, March 4, 2003

I have been in UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, California for the past six days. The doctors and nurses are incredible.
After my first course of chemo therapy it is clear to me that the battle has begun.
Fortunately, the prayers, the food, and the loving attention have all helped to keep me strong.
I returned home last night. Susan drove the scenic route down highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. It is such an awesome drive along the coast. We listened to Donny Mc Clurkin" Live In London and More" with the windows open and the fresh, ocean breeze blowing through my eight of an inch hair!
I was so glad to be home last night !
I have received so many cards, e-mails, and calls with such beautiful messages. Thanks to everyone. Please keep the cards and emails coming, they mean a lot to me. Tell everyone to pray for me and see me well.

Love, Yo Sista

Susan here... Monica's spirit is so beautiful and strong. Her attitude is an inspiration to everyone who has interacted with her in the hospital. We have been doing a lot of prayer work and positive, healing visualization. We feel your love, support and prayers. Thank you so very much for holding the high watch and keeping Monica in your prayers.
We will be home for about two weeks before returning to the hospital for her second round of chemo therapy.
Stay positive, we need your support.

Love, Susan

Late Saturday night, March 1, 2003-

Thank you for the outpouring of love, prayers, support, and calls as I begin this journey.

I am receiving a high level of treatment and trust that the chemo has evolved in to golden, healing liquid and is shrinking the tumor.

I am learning a lot about health, healing, and mostly about God's spirit.
Pray for me and see me well. I will be back!

Please keep calling, sending cards and e-mails, they really help!

Love from your Sista

Late Saturday night, March 1, 2003---Sista Monica is doing amazingly well thus far. Her spirit is strong, and unwavering. It is so inspiring to see her deal with this huge challenge. She has a great team of doctors and nurses who are caring for her with great skill and compassion. Hopefully, Monica will come home midweek.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers, calls, cards and emails. They help more than you can imagine.
Keep seeing her strong, singing to you, and telling her story of victory!

Love, Susan