We are grateful to our God who left His heavenly home to come to earth through His creation, the virgin Mary (prophesied @ in Isaiah 7:14 written about 700 B.C.), with the purpose to redeem His creation unto Himself.
Our sin (actions, thoughts, and words against God's will) separates us from life with our Creator, a Holy God, here on earth and once we die. The death of Jesus The Christ allows us to be reconciled to God, our Creator --- IF we choose.
One amazing fact...The death of Jesus the Christ by crucifixion was prophesied approximately 700 years BEFORE anyone knew about crucifixion! (Isaiah 50:6, 53:4-6; Zechariah 12:10 @ 520 B.C.).
Did you know that the Bible is used as a "handbook" by archaeologists who have been able to confirm actual information and locations written about in the Bible over the period of at least 4 thousand years!? I was privileged to participate in an archaeological dig on the southwestern outskirts of the Sea of Galilee back in 2000. We were digging up clay remnants from King David's and Solomon's time periods (about 1040 BC - 931 B.C.). Simply amazing!
Historical documents outside of religious organizations also provide information that events, places, and people in the Bible were/are indeed real. In addition to the Bible, another fascinating read is "Josephus" -- a Jewish-by-birth historian who defected to the Roman side and was granted citizenship. Josephus recorded Jewish history with special emphasis on the 1st century AD. (about 94 A.D.) His writings give much information about 1st century Judaism and the background of early Christianity from a NON religious standard.
I encourage you to consider reading the Bible and decide for yourself. Is God really omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent? Is He really who He says He is? Does He truly care about YOU and love YOU as He claims? Did He just create you and leave you to "figure life out all alone"? Are YOU just a result of a cosmic explosion with no purpose other than to satisfy yourself for however long you live on earth? Will you return to life after you die as a bug, or an animal or another person - what a dreadful thought!!
I pray that 2013 will lead you on an adventure of finding the truth about who Our Creator, God is, was and will be for eternity.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Two weeks and counting
We have just passed the 2 week mark of having the catheter. Yesterday's appointment showed that the catheter was somehow plugged because the alcohol that was to go through the catheter into the cyst was running down my back. I mentioned the feeling of liquid running down my back and the doctor said he didn't see anything and it must be on the inside of my skin. THAT's WEIRD, I thought. He continued to try to inject the alcohol into the catheter and it continued to NOT go in. Then he removed the bandage and of course, he then saw the liquid running down my back. THANK YOU I am not hallucinating doctor:-)
The catheter for some reason was not working (all of the sudden) so it had to be replaced. A little shot of lidocaine, a little pinch, a little pull, a cramp-like feeling, a little stitch and I was ready for the alcohol injection again.
This has truly been an ordeal. I feel that the radiologist office is really "practicing" with me. I can't wait for this cyst to do what is intended - to collapse so that the lymphatic fluid will not collect in any abdomen "pockets" anymore. No more drainages!!
Hope you are on your way to having a Merry Christmas! Indeed we celebrate the birth of Jesus for Christmas--God in the flesh, who left His heavenly seat to be with His creation and die so that we can be redeemed back to God. It's difficult to understand, but I pray that anyone reading this blog will know the truth and the facts:
God is who He says He is
God can do what He says He can
I am who God says I am (loved by the Almighty God, Creator of all things seen and unseen)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
God's word is alive and living in me! (once I surrender to God my will, and accept His only begotten Son as my Master and Savior)
Amen.
The catheter for some reason was not working (all of the sudden) so it had to be replaced. A little shot of lidocaine, a little pinch, a little pull, a cramp-like feeling, a little stitch and I was ready for the alcohol injection again.
This has truly been an ordeal. I feel that the radiologist office is really "practicing" with me. I can't wait for this cyst to do what is intended - to collapse so that the lymphatic fluid will not collect in any abdomen "pockets" anymore. No more drainages!!
Hope you are on your way to having a Merry Christmas! Indeed we celebrate the birth of Jesus for Christmas--God in the flesh, who left His heavenly seat to be with His creation and die so that we can be redeemed back to God. It's difficult to understand, but I pray that anyone reading this blog will know the truth and the facts:
God is who He says He is
God can do what He says He can
I am who God says I am (loved by the Almighty God, Creator of all things seen and unseen)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
God's word is alive and living in me! (once I surrender to God my will, and accept His only begotten Son as my Master and Savior)
Amen.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Another medical procedure
Deb's GYN oncologist recommended we see a radiologist about the cyst. We met with a radiologist Monday and he suggested that she have a catheter inserted into the lymphocele (aka cyst, aka fluid sac) and allow it to drain completely. Once it is drained, they will insert beta iodine or alcohol into the sac with hopes to "scar it down" which means to collapse it and dry it up so that it cannot collect fluid any more. This process may take 1-2 weeks or longer and requires visits to the radiologist every couple days to have the alcohol injected.
Thankfully Deb's friend Linda has been visiting for the week and has been able to help out with David while we meet medical appointments. On Wednesday Deb went to St Mark's to have the lymphocele drained and the catheter installed. All went well but they had to insert the catheter through the main muscle in her lower back so she was in a lot of pain the first 24 hours. The pain has eased up but it's difficult to sit, stand up and walk since the muscle where the catheter is is connected to the muscle that runs in the front of the hip and groin area. She has had to take pain meds the first 48 hours which causes constipation ...which in turn causes pain in the abdomen...a vicious circle. So now she is not taking pain meds so that the bowels can return to "normal". The pain of the catheter in the muscle is quite bothersome and limits her activity.
The catheter will stay inserted until the lymphocele is completely scarred down. She had one beta iodine (?) injection Friday and will return again on Wednesday for another injection. We are praying that the catheter can be removed Wednesday so we are asking for you to please pray with us. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thankfully Deb's friend Linda has been visiting for the week and has been able to help out with David while we meet medical appointments. On Wednesday Deb went to St Mark's to have the lymphocele drained and the catheter installed. All went well but they had to insert the catheter through the main muscle in her lower back so she was in a lot of pain the first 24 hours. The pain has eased up but it's difficult to sit, stand up and walk since the muscle where the catheter is is connected to the muscle that runs in the front of the hip and groin area. She has had to take pain meds the first 48 hours which causes constipation ...which in turn causes pain in the abdomen...a vicious circle. So now she is not taking pain meds so that the bowels can return to "normal". The pain of the catheter in the muscle is quite bothersome and limits her activity.
The catheter will stay inserted until the lymphocele is completely scarred down. She had one beta iodine (?) injection Friday and will return again on Wednesday for another injection. We are praying that the catheter can be removed Wednesday so we are asking for you to please pray with us. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Giving Thanks to God
Hope your Thanksgiving was filled with great God-moments, fond memories, and good food!
We celebrated throughout the week with awesome friends and a week long visit with Tim's mom!
We met with the Deb's chemo oncologist Tuesday and received news that the CA125 is back up since our last visit. It was 147 and now it is 278. However, the doctor says she is not concerned about the number increase and therefore we will address what was discovered in the CT scan last Friday. The scan did NOT show any cancer (thank you Lord) however there is another fluid sac or "cyst" growing in the pelvic area.
The symptoms Deb is experiencing are very similar to the last fluid sac she had -- pressure, pinching, cramp-like sensations, and tender right side -- so we will be going in on Wednesday (Nov 28) to have the fluid drained. It's an out patient procedure so Deb will have to be under local anesthesia while the radiologist uses the ct to guide the instruments to the right spot. We pray that the radiologist will be able to access the area to drain it. Last time Deb had this done there were 2 fluid sacs -- one was accessed and the other was too close to the sciatic nerve to have anything done. The draining of the one fluid sac provided relief from the pains.
Apparently it is common for these "fluid sacs" to build after lymph nodes have been removed. The lymph system is still trying to figure out a path where there once were nodes.
We continue to appreciate prayers. We are thankful that God has a purpose for all this (although we have no clue what that is!) and we lean on His everlasting love. Every minute of each day.
We celebrated throughout the week with awesome friends and a week long visit with Tim's mom!
We met with the Deb's chemo oncologist Tuesday and received news that the CA125 is back up since our last visit. It was 147 and now it is 278. However, the doctor says she is not concerned about the number increase and therefore we will address what was discovered in the CT scan last Friday. The scan did NOT show any cancer (thank you Lord) however there is another fluid sac or "cyst" growing in the pelvic area.
The symptoms Deb is experiencing are very similar to the last fluid sac she had -- pressure, pinching, cramp-like sensations, and tender right side -- so we will be going in on Wednesday (Nov 28) to have the fluid drained. It's an out patient procedure so Deb will have to be under local anesthesia while the radiologist uses the ct to guide the instruments to the right spot. We pray that the radiologist will be able to access the area to drain it. Last time Deb had this done there were 2 fluid sacs -- one was accessed and the other was too close to the sciatic nerve to have anything done. The draining of the one fluid sac provided relief from the pains.
Apparently it is common for these "fluid sacs" to build after lymph nodes have been removed. The lymph system is still trying to figure out a path where there once were nodes.
We continue to appreciate prayers. We are thankful that God has a purpose for all this (although we have no clue what that is!) and we lean on His everlasting love. Every minute of each day.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
My favorite place....with friends and family
Hard to believe Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away! I don't have any health-related news since chemo ceased in early September. Currently I am on a "2-month" watch cycle. I am eager to learn what my blood count is and that will be Nov 20 at my next oncology meeting.
I was able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Amelia Island, Florida thanks to long-time friend, Laura Bordeaux-Stavrou, who graciously invited us to enjoy her condo on the beach for 2 weeks!! Laura met David and me there for the first week and then Tim met us there the second week. Both Laura and Tim were there to help celebrate my 49th birthday. What a great place to be...with friends, family, AND at the beach! Joy, joy, joy!!
We visited Tim's Uncle Gene while in FLA. What a Godly man. Sure wish he would come live with us!! He is an inspiration!
I was able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Amelia Island, Florida thanks to long-time friend, Laura Bordeaux-Stavrou, who graciously invited us to enjoy her condo on the beach for 2 weeks!! Laura met David and me there for the first week and then Tim met us there the second week. Both Laura and Tim were there to help celebrate my 49th birthday. What a great place to be...with friends, family, AND at the beach! Joy, joy, joy!!
We visited Tim's Uncle Gene while in FLA. What a Godly man. Sure wish he would come live with us!! He is an inspiration!
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| The morning sun rising -- from the deck |
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| David gets a ride on the boogie board. |
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| Tim, David and Laura enjoy the surf |
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| Laura keeps David snugly warm! |
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| Tim and Deb enjoy a stroll at the pier at sunset. |
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| David ready for the waves! |
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| Tim's Uncle Gene, Deb and David at a Arapaho Botanical Garden in Gainesville |
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| The Botanical Garden's alligator at the water's edge |
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Chemo #8 completed - no more chemo!
We continue to appreciate and need your prayers. We met with the oncologist yesterday afternoon and told him we decided not to do any "maintenance chemo" since there is no benefit to me...just more side effects.
So we are not doing anything...which the doctor said is fine. He said "...when it comes back...we hope and pray that it won't...it could show up in a couple months or a year...if you hit the 2 year mark of keeping the cancer at bay then that is a big marker..."
I am not encouraged by man's declaration about this cancer. We do take into consideration the doctor's experience with patients who have the same type of cancer. So it brings bad news to us. At the same time we turn and rely on God's power and His will for our lives. We continue to pray that God's will for me is to be the mom to raise David well into his adulthood. And to "grow old together" with my husband Tim, the man God brought to me after years of prayer and waiting.
My dear friend, Karyn Elliott came for a visit as well as "nurse-maid" to me and David. She arrived the day that Cecilia left - Sept 6. I had my last chemo on Sept 7, so thankfully we had someone to care for us. I am so blessed to have such wonderful, caring friends to support and pray for us. Thank you Lord:-). Thanks Karyn, we love you!
So we are not doing anything...which the doctor said is fine. He said "...when it comes back...we hope and pray that it won't...it could show up in a couple months or a year...if you hit the 2 year mark of keeping the cancer at bay then that is a big marker..."
I am not encouraged by man's declaration about this cancer. We do take into consideration the doctor's experience with patients who have the same type of cancer. So it brings bad news to us. At the same time we turn and rely on God's power and His will for our lives. We continue to pray that God's will for me is to be the mom to raise David well into his adulthood. And to "grow old together" with my husband Tim, the man God brought to me after years of prayer and waiting.
My dear friend, Karyn Elliott came for a visit as well as "nurse-maid" to me and David. She arrived the day that Cecilia left - Sept 6. I had my last chemo on Sept 7, so thankfully we had someone to care for us. I am so blessed to have such wonderful, caring friends to support and pray for us. Thank you Lord:-). Thanks Karyn, we love you!
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| Making a yummy dinner --Spring Rolls! |
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| Enjoying a yummy dinner on a beautiful fall evening. |
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| David was "making Karyn a princess" by brushing her hair |
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| Riding the tricycle to pre-school. Another beautiful day! |
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| Boy it's a sunny morning! |
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| So thankful for Karyn's friendship of 20 years! |
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Needing God's wisdom
God's guidance is indeed what we are praying for. Friday will be chemo #8. My oncologist said that the normal number of chemo treatments is 6. So the more treatments I have the more side effects and lasting side effects I am subjected to.
The oncologist has presented 3 options: continue chemo on a "maintenance level" which means getting one chemo drug instead of two. The drug they would continue with is the one that causes all the side effects -- neuropathy, hair loss, fatigue, constipation, nausea -- but less duration (if that's any consolation); option 2 is to get involved in a drug study and option 3 is to do nothing. We will get the results of the CA125 on Friday before chemo. Hopefully it will be in the normal range of 0-35! Three weeks ago (after treatment #6) it was 325 I believe. Which is higher than before surgery, but "normal" to be higher.
I am not in remission yet, so I don't know what to do. I do believe God knows my future so I trust in His answer...I just need prayers to hear Him!!
Cecilia has been our visitor since Labor Day and it has been a very short but absolutely a lovely visit. We had some people over last night to hear what God is doing through Cecilia in Greece. To make a long story short she is teaching Bible in a private school for those who cannot afford to go to the Greek schools or other private schools, she conducts Bible studies on Tuesdays and Saturdays, she works with refugees, and she is beginning a ministry among young women involved in illegal human trafficking. In addition to her full-time job of teaching she is finishing her masters degree in Christian counseling and helping young women learn to sew so they can earn some income. She brought some hand bags and is selling them while she is here in the states.
The oncologist has presented 3 options: continue chemo on a "maintenance level" which means getting one chemo drug instead of two. The drug they would continue with is the one that causes all the side effects -- neuropathy, hair loss, fatigue, constipation, nausea -- but less duration (if that's any consolation); option 2 is to get involved in a drug study and option 3 is to do nothing. We will get the results of the CA125 on Friday before chemo. Hopefully it will be in the normal range of 0-35! Three weeks ago (after treatment #6) it was 325 I believe. Which is higher than before surgery, but "normal" to be higher.
I am not in remission yet, so I don't know what to do. I do believe God knows my future so I trust in His answer...I just need prayers to hear Him!!
Cecilia has been our visitor since Labor Day and it has been a very short but absolutely a lovely visit. We had some people over last night to hear what God is doing through Cecilia in Greece. To make a long story short she is teaching Bible in a private school for those who cannot afford to go to the Greek schools or other private schools, she conducts Bible studies on Tuesdays and Saturdays, she works with refugees, and she is beginning a ministry among young women involved in illegal human trafficking. In addition to her full-time job of teaching she is finishing her masters degree in Christian counseling and helping young women learn to sew so they can earn some income. She brought some hand bags and is selling them while she is here in the states.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Report received
The fluid is not cancerous! Just normal lymphatic drainage with no where to go! We still don't know what to do with the 2nd fluid sac, but at this time it's not bothering me too much. Thanks to God.
I have chemo tomorrow, and from "the chair" I will head to my friend's house and head to Park City for our church Women's Retreat!! I am very excited. I hope my body will respond as it has in past experiences -- I will feel energetic the night of chemo and the next day.
We had had some wonderful news too. My friend who is a missionary in Greece (I met her while I lived in Africa) is coming for a couple day visit before she heads back overseas. I haven't seen her since Morocco (2005)!
The day after Cecilia leaves us my dear friend Karyn is coming from Indy. We are so blessed to have these opportunities to be with friends. Thank you Lord!!
I have chemo tomorrow, and from "the chair" I will head to my friend's house and head to Park City for our church Women's Retreat!! I am very excited. I hope my body will respond as it has in past experiences -- I will feel energetic the night of chemo and the next day.
We had had some wonderful news too. My friend who is a missionary in Greece (I met her while I lived in Africa) is coming for a couple day visit before she heads back overseas. I haven't seen her since Morocco (2005)!
The day after Cecilia leaves us my dear friend Karyn is coming from Indy. We are so blessed to have these opportunities to be with friends. Thank you Lord!!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Chemo on Friday
Friday's fluid drainage went as well as to be expected. They collected 60 ccs. from one fluid sac. It was the size of a softball. The 2nd fluid sac is not easily accessible at this point so they could not do anything with it. It seems to be entangled with the sciatic nerve therefore they don't want to risk hitting that. The good news is that THAT may be the cause of the numbness in my right leg.
The fluid should be diagnosed by Wednesday. They are thinking it is not cancerous!
I am scheduled for my 2nd round of chemo (post-op) this Friday (Aug 17). I am looking forward to meeting with the oncologist prior to the treatment to see if she has spoken to the surgeon about how many rounds of chemo they recommend. The surgeon wants me to have a total of 6 rounds of post-op chemo and the oncologist suggested 3. I am hoping for 3 only.
Those chemo days are tough. Tim continues to remind me "it's only 5 days and you can do it!!" The 1st 2 days are manageable but by Sunday (day 2) I am in bed until about Wednesday/Thursday and those days are filled with feeling hopeless. It's miserable.
This week I will have chemo on Friday and then I will head to Park City for our church women's retreat. I am so excited. Please keep us all in prayer.
Enjoy the pictures. David and I enjoyed a morning out with 2 other families (9 kids under the age of 9). It was fun but my child was out of sorts when he had to leave the indoor play area.
My hair is/was starting to fall out so Tim shaved it for me. Back to wearing wigs or being bold to go bald!!
The fluid should be diagnosed by Wednesday. They are thinking it is not cancerous!
I am scheduled for my 2nd round of chemo (post-op) this Friday (Aug 17). I am looking forward to meeting with the oncologist prior to the treatment to see if she has spoken to the surgeon about how many rounds of chemo they recommend. The surgeon wants me to have a total of 6 rounds of post-op chemo and the oncologist suggested 3. I am hoping for 3 only.
Those chemo days are tough. Tim continues to remind me "it's only 5 days and you can do it!!" The 1st 2 days are manageable but by Sunday (day 2) I am in bed until about Wednesday/Thursday and those days are filled with feeling hopeless. It's miserable.
This week I will have chemo on Friday and then I will head to Park City for our church women's retreat. I am so excited. Please keep us all in prayer.
Enjoy the pictures. David and I enjoyed a morning out with 2 other families (9 kids under the age of 9). It was fun but my child was out of sorts when he had to leave the indoor play area.
My hair is/was starting to fall out so Tim shaved it for me. Back to wearing wigs or being bold to go bald!!
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| David ad his buddy Tayven |
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| It took me about 8 weeks to get my hair this long!! |
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| Here come the waves... |
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| the mohawk...Not keepin' it! |
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| Tim, you oughta be a barber in your spare time!! Thanks Honey, you're the best! |
Friday, August 10, 2012
Back to the operating room -- just a small needle drainage prodecure
So I had a CT scan last Friday (Aug3).
On Tuesday I got a call from St. Mark's Registrar to schedule a "fluid drainage". I inquired if they have the right patient. I had not been informed of any procedure that needed to be done. I was going to be seeing the oncologist that day at 4pm to see the results of my CT scan. So I was a caught off guard with this info and strange call! The registrar said I was the right person and she would call my surgeon to confirm and have them call me.
The GYN-Oncologist nurse had left a message on my voice mail during the day - which I did not check, so I had no idea she had seen the scan and gave me results and scheduled this procedure -- my bad.
Once it was all straightened out why this procedure was requested I found out that my CT scan revealed pockets of fluid that should be drained. I had been having abdomen pains for a couple weeks and had left a message for the nurse on Monday to tell her again of my ongoing symptoms. The nurse assumes these pockets of fluid are causing the pains. So I agreed to go in Wednesday and have the procedure done.
The oncologist meeting Tuesday afternoon didn't reveal much. He said my blood count and white cell counts were good. The pockets of fluid -- he could not tell where they were, how big they were, how they got there, etc. :-(. He explained that these "fluid pockets" may be in the area where lymph nodes were removed, so the fluid that typically flows through the lymph system is trying to figure out where to go since those nodes are gone.
I checked into St. Mark's Wednesday to have the procedure done. They told me I had to fast for 6 hours prior to procedure. Too bad I was told I could eat. The procedure was rescheduled for Friday -- today. It seems the pockets of fluid are in the pelvic and one may be deeper than the other so the fluid drainage may be painful . The PA was kind enough to give me the option to get it done with a local anesthesia or come back Friday with an empty stomach so I can have a little more anesthesia.
Well I opted for more anesthesia. I really don't want to feel any more poking and prodding in that area thank you very much. So I am leaving in half an hour to go get checked in for this "outpatient procedure".
We are having our Small Group over tonight for a potluck dinner! So I can't wait to get home and EAT. Thank you God for working things out with babysitters and last-minute rides to the airport and Tim's work. I pray for Your hands to guide this procedure so that I will have relief from this pressure and pain:-) You are Good.
On Tuesday I got a call from St. Mark's Registrar to schedule a "fluid drainage". I inquired if they have the right patient. I had not been informed of any procedure that needed to be done. I was going to be seeing the oncologist that day at 4pm to see the results of my CT scan. So I was a caught off guard with this info and strange call! The registrar said I was the right person and she would call my surgeon to confirm and have them call me.
The GYN-Oncologist nurse had left a message on my voice mail during the day - which I did not check, so I had no idea she had seen the scan and gave me results and scheduled this procedure -- my bad.
Once it was all straightened out why this procedure was requested I found out that my CT scan revealed pockets of fluid that should be drained. I had been having abdomen pains for a couple weeks and had left a message for the nurse on Monday to tell her again of my ongoing symptoms. The nurse assumes these pockets of fluid are causing the pains. So I agreed to go in Wednesday and have the procedure done.
The oncologist meeting Tuesday afternoon didn't reveal much. He said my blood count and white cell counts were good. The pockets of fluid -- he could not tell where they were, how big they were, how they got there, etc. :-(. He explained that these "fluid pockets" may be in the area where lymph nodes were removed, so the fluid that typically flows through the lymph system is trying to figure out where to go since those nodes are gone.
I checked into St. Mark's Wednesday to have the procedure done. They told me I had to fast for 6 hours prior to procedure. Too bad I was told I could eat. The procedure was rescheduled for Friday -- today. It seems the pockets of fluid are in the pelvic and one may be deeper than the other so the fluid drainage may be painful . The PA was kind enough to give me the option to get it done with a local anesthesia or come back Friday with an empty stomach so I can have a little more anesthesia.
Well I opted for more anesthesia. I really don't want to feel any more poking and prodding in that area thank you very much. So I am leaving in half an hour to go get checked in for this "outpatient procedure".
We are having our Small Group over tonight for a potluck dinner! So I can't wait to get home and EAT. Thank you God for working things out with babysitters and last-minute rides to the airport and Tim's work. I pray for Your hands to guide this procedure so that I will have relief from this pressure and pain:-) You are Good.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Back to Chemo...Post-op...Chemo #6
I saw the surgeon Monday, July 23rd and she approved the continuation of chemo. Although she wants me to have 6 sessions instead of the 3 that the oncologist suggested. The 2 doctors will discuss my case and come to a conclusion of what is best. Also we will just have to see how my body responds after each treatment. If the neuropathy (numbness in my feet) increases then we may have to seek other treatment options.
I have been in Physical Therapy for two weeks to help build my stomach and back muscles. I am grateful that I can participate in PT. I feel my stomach is stronger already. I can breath a little deeper without pain. And I can lift David now without any problems. Although I prefer to give him piggy-back rides! I finally got to cut the grass the other day, but I could only manage the front yard -- due to backyard limitations (the baby pool water was dumped and the grass was wet!).
Yesterday (Friday July 27) was my first chemo treatment after surgery. I cried a lot on Thursday. I just figured, "Hey I have had 5 treatments and radical surgery isn't that enough? Can we be done?" I guess I could choose not to have any chemo, but I don't sense God telling me one way or another. So I continue to walk through this cancer stuff under the doctors' directives.
Since the tumors are virtually gone I wonder how I will respond to the drugs flowing through my body. Although the surgeon was able to remove the tumors, there are still cancer cells floating through my blood stream. The oncologist reminded me that I will have to deal with this cancer the rest of my life. In hindsight I should have reminded her, "That is up to God" but I was trying to swallow the information she had given me.
God has allowed the treatments to be productive and shrink the tumors and He allowed the tumor(s) to release from the bowel so that my bowel did not have to be re-sectioned. He knows that I would like to be the one to raise David and live a long happy life with the husband He brought to me after 42 years!! He is in charge and I trust His will for my life.
He has brought so many wonderful people into my life before this disease appeared and so many more after news of this disease. I am grateful for each and every person who says a prayer here and there, those who pray daily, those who send cards, those who text and call, those who drive me to appointments, those who care for David, those who bring meals, those who are part of our Small Group bible study, those who come visit and care for us and of course for family members!!
My mom and niece were here for 5 weeks. Blessings to them for putting up with me!! They left on the 24th and are sorely missed. My brother and his family stopped in for 4 whole days while Mom and Holly were here. The time flew by too quickly. I miss being around everyone like that.
My next chemo is scheduled for August 17th - the 1st day of our Women's Retreat. I WILL be attending the retreat!!
We continue to covet your prayers that God's Will will persevere in our daily lives. That people may come to know the mercy and grace of our Lord through this dis-ease. The road is long and we are grateful for your continued care, love, and prayers. Many kisses and hugs to you!
I have been in Physical Therapy for two weeks to help build my stomach and back muscles. I am grateful that I can participate in PT. I feel my stomach is stronger already. I can breath a little deeper without pain. And I can lift David now without any problems. Although I prefer to give him piggy-back rides! I finally got to cut the grass the other day, but I could only manage the front yard -- due to backyard limitations (the baby pool water was dumped and the grass was wet!).
Yesterday (Friday July 27) was my first chemo treatment after surgery. I cried a lot on Thursday. I just figured, "Hey I have had 5 treatments and radical surgery isn't that enough? Can we be done?" I guess I could choose not to have any chemo, but I don't sense God telling me one way or another. So I continue to walk through this cancer stuff under the doctors' directives.
Since the tumors are virtually gone I wonder how I will respond to the drugs flowing through my body. Although the surgeon was able to remove the tumors, there are still cancer cells floating through my blood stream. The oncologist reminded me that I will have to deal with this cancer the rest of my life. In hindsight I should have reminded her, "That is up to God" but I was trying to swallow the information she had given me.
God has allowed the treatments to be productive and shrink the tumors and He allowed the tumor(s) to release from the bowel so that my bowel did not have to be re-sectioned. He knows that I would like to be the one to raise David and live a long happy life with the husband He brought to me after 42 years!! He is in charge and I trust His will for my life.
He has brought so many wonderful people into my life before this disease appeared and so many more after news of this disease. I am grateful for each and every person who says a prayer here and there, those who pray daily, those who send cards, those who text and call, those who drive me to appointments, those who care for David, those who bring meals, those who are part of our Small Group bible study, those who come visit and care for us and of course for family members!!
My mom and niece were here for 5 weeks. Blessings to them for putting up with me!! They left on the 24th and are sorely missed. My brother and his family stopped in for 4 whole days while Mom and Holly were here. The time flew by too quickly. I miss being around everyone like that.
My next chemo is scheduled for August 17th - the 1st day of our Women's Retreat. I WILL be attending the retreat!!
We continue to covet your prayers that God's Will will persevere in our daily lives. That people may come to know the mercy and grace of our Lord through this dis-ease. The road is long and we are grateful for your continued care, love, and prayers. Many kisses and hugs to you!
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| Fun at Park City, UT (l to r) Holly, mom, Taylor, brother Mark, Jen, and Alice |
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| Riding the ski lift to the top!! |
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| Taylor, Holly, Mark, Mom, Alice and Jen taking off |
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| Jen, David and Deb in front of hand-painted moose |
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| Michael W. Smith concert, July 24th |
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| Alyssa volunteered ALL DAY to help at the concert. she also sang back-up in Drew's band, the organizer of the event |
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| Recognize anyone? |
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| Deb, Tim, MWS, Henry and Cheryl Ong |
Sunday, July 8, 2012
back for more chemo...arghhhh. God is in control!!
Nearly 5 weeks after surgery and I am doing well. Thanks
again for your prayers and love!! Mom and my 12-year old niece have been here
since the end of June and will stay until July 24th. We are so very blessed to
have them here. I can't bear the thought of them leaving so soon! I must remind
myself that God is in control and He will provide for our needs.
Most of the steri-strips (bandages) covering my stitches are
gone – just the two end points remain tightly glued to my skin. The scar is
very sensitive to clothing or anything touching it so I am looking for ideas
regarding WHAT to put on my healing incision. I am looking for remedies that
will help it heal quicker and leave less of a scar. Let me know if you have any
remediesJ
I am still restricted on lifting, pushing and pulling for
about 10 more days. I don't know how the surgeon finally decides to lift the
ban but I look forward to being able to do a little more around the house!! I
meet with her Monday July 23rd.
David has been very mindful of my tummy and the fact that I
cannot carry or lift him. So we compromise and I sit when he wants me to hold
him and we just snuggle. He still asks to see the stitches and bandages on my
tummy on occasion. Most peculiar is his fascination with the port in my chest. Even
though we have explained what its job is, he still wants to "press the buttons"
and feel it. Because it protrudes out from my thin skin, you can see the 3
little "bumps" on the unit and he wants to press each oneJ
Tim and I were able to head north to some "cooler" temperatures
for the 4th of July. We decided to visit dear friends who recently moved north to
Logan , UT and
then head to Twin Falls , ID. Shoshone Falls
were only 2 miles from us so we were able to be near "home" in case
we needed to get me to a resting place. We walked a lot. Although I walk a
pretty slow pace we covered a good amount of ground. It feels good to walk but
after awhile my lower abdomen will remind me that it's time to rest. My back
spasms are just about gone as my stomach muscles grow stronger. I am grateful
for that!
I met with the oncologist a couple weeks ago and she said we
will begin chemotherapy after the surgeon gives the ok that I have healed (well
enough) from surgery. So we have scheduled chemo to start July 27th .
Mom and Holly will leave the 24thL.
We are leaning on God to provide the helpers we need when we need them. I am
ready for all this to be over!!! One would think that 5 treatments and major
surgery would be the end of this battle but it's not. Unfortunately the
oncologist reminded me that I will have to live with this cancer the rest of my
life and our goal is to get it in remission. I am having a hard time getting
that into my thick head!!
The oncologist is aiming for "3 chemo treatments – IF –
my body responds positively," she says. I have been experiencing
neuropathy (numbness in my feet) since treatment 4 and there is a chance it could increase with more chemo. So
treatment options could change. Currently I am taking Vitamin B6 to help with
the numbness. I don't feel much difference yet.
The surgery has left me with numbness on the top of my right
thigh from my hip down to my knee. It's not totally numb but it feels like it
is just waking up from being asleep. It's a strange feeling.
Below are pictures of our Fourth of July adventure - to Logan for time with friends and their participation in a rodeo! And our trip to Idaho...
Below are pictures of our Fourth of July adventure - to Logan for time with friends and their participation in a rodeo! And our trip to Idaho...
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| There goes Sydney at the rodeo! |
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| Prepping for the rodeo with mom, April. |
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| Great way to spend the 4th of July -- at the rodeo with good freinds!! |
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| Passing over Snake River in Idaho - God's glorious scenery |
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| The scenery was much greener than the picture shows. We had 2 lovely days in ID. |
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| The Shoshone Falls - Magnificent!! |
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| Nice picnic spot overlooking the Shoshone Falls. |
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| Table set for breakfast at The Fillmore Inn B&B |
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| A wonderful gluten-free breakfast of home-made muffins, fresh fruit, juice, waffles, and gorgeous weather! What a treat! |
My brother and his family arrive on July 17. We are so excited to have so much family under one roof for 4 whole days!! I am grateful that we have a Michael W. Smith concert to go to on July 24th – it will help me cope with the overwhelming feeling of everyone being gone. We have had someone at our home nearly everyday since we first got the news of cancer in January. We are so blessed to have family and friends willing to spend their time here with us. It will be lonely once mom and Holly leave. David will be stuck with mommy all day longJ
Monday, June 18, 2012
Thank you, thank you Jill!
I have been so very blessed to have my cousin Jill here for my recovery. So far it's going well. Tim has had the past 2 weeks off work too so I have had so much wonderful care!
We have been able to visit with many people, go for short and long walks, and do a little sight seeing. We went to the Temple Square, and to the Farmers Market downtown. How wonderful it has been to have my dear cousin to laugh with, to cry with, and to recuperate with. Thank you Jill for the sacrifice you made to come to Utah and care for me. Your time is a gift worth more to me than I can express. I love you dearly and thank you greatly:-)
It turned out that my incision was not 5-6" but rather the length of my entire abdomen. The surgeon gave me a hysterectomy, removed my spleen, my omentum and 11 lymph nodes.
Tim had a hospital bed waiting for me at home which has been very helpful. Jill and Tim have alternated sleeping on the couch to help me through the night. I am now able to get up and out of bed myself. I am taking less pain medicine and able to move around. I still receive a shot each day to keep my blood from clotting; but that will end Saturday. I need to remember to rest each day. I am expecting a text from Jill each day to remind me, to rest and remind myself, "I'm recovering."
My mom and niece Holly arrive tomorrow. We are so excited!!
We have been able to visit with many people, go for short and long walks, and do a little sight seeing. We went to the Temple Square, and to the Farmers Market downtown. How wonderful it has been to have my dear cousin to laugh with, to cry with, and to recuperate with. Thank you Jill for the sacrifice you made to come to Utah and care for me. Your time is a gift worth more to me than I can express. I love you dearly and thank you greatly:-)
It turned out that my incision was not 5-6" but rather the length of my entire abdomen. The surgeon gave me a hysterectomy, removed my spleen, my omentum and 11 lymph nodes.
Tim had a hospital bed waiting for me at home which has been very helpful. Jill and Tim have alternated sleeping on the couch to help me through the night. I am now able to get up and out of bed myself. I am taking less pain medicine and able to move around. I still receive a shot each day to keep my blood from clotting; but that will end Saturday. I need to remember to rest each day. I am expecting a text from Jill each day to remind me, to rest and remind myself, "I'm recovering."
My mom and niece Holly arrive tomorrow. We are so excited!!
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| Visit to the surgeon to have drainage tube removed. |
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| Beautiful flowers, sorry I don't know how to turn these pictures right side up |
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| Jill prepping me for a shot. |
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| Jill teasing me that she was trying to carve her initials in my belly with each shot!! Almost Jill:-) |
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| Sorry I don't know how to turn this picture right side up. Grateful we had a hospital bed at home!! |
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| Jilly and me! Doin" the tourist thing! |
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| My favorite guy in the world. Maaawaaaa! I love you Tim! |
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| Getting ready to see the surgeon. One week after surgery. |
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| Grueling work taking care of Deb! |
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| God bless you Jolene! (one of the night shift nurses) |
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| Homecoming!! 4 days after surgery. |
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| Getting ready to leave the hospital |
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| We miss you! |
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| Thank you for coming Jill!! You are awesome!! |
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