Teary-eyed and grateful

Thank you Lord for friends and family. I am always encouraged. What do people do without You Lord, without Your family? I am forever grateful that you continually give me joy and a peace beyond comprehension. I feel like the "luckiest" girl alive. We are so blessed to have Nanna visiting us, loving us, and caring for us! YOU are a Good God; there is NONE like you! How could anyone turn away from your unfailing love?

Teary- eyed and tired today. My mood was perfectly matched up to today's gloomy weather. Thankfully I had the privilege of napping. I am so very thankful that days like this are rare indeed. I do hope and pray that this tiredness will pass and that my red and white blood cells will be unusually high on Friday so I can continue treatment. I have been trying acupuncture and a special concoction of Chinese herbs to support my body through chemo treatment. I pray that my blood test will show that it is effective! Your will be done LORD.

Bless the other families at Calvary who are going through trying times of illness, cancer, unemployment, addictions, broken marriages, etc.

Just an FYI - movies that will rock your nutritional thinking ...If you have seen either or both and have comments, please share!!

God bless you

"Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead"
"Forks Over Knives"

Disappointment

Have you ever met anyone who was disappointed to NOT have a chemo treatment? I must be one of the weirdest people on earth!! The doctors decided it was best for me not to have treatment today because my neutrophil - a type of white blood cell that fights infection-- is too low. They thought it best to let my body continue to do its thing and build more of these white blood cells. Apparently this is a job of the bone marrow so there is nothing we can do to help the body make these. So chemo# 3 is delayed until next Friday, March 3.

God made such an amazing body. It's all so interesting. Because I feel so very good, I never imagine that my blood cells could be in such "low" shape. No diet, or amount of exercise or special pill can help this. Well, there is a drug called nuplasto (sp?) that can help boost the production of neutrophils but my number is .5 too high to get the treatment. I guess this is a good thing. God has a plan for this to all work out. I will just have to get over the disappointment and continue enjoying life!!!

I need to remind myself of the great things about the delay -- Tim got to return to work for the day instead of use his personal time (which he will need to use during my hospital time), David's caretaker for the day wasn't feeling the best so she got to go home and get some needed rest, our dear friend is flying in from Seymour and I  will be in better shape to visit!! Also Tim's birthday is Sunday so I will be enjoying a birthday meal and cake with the family instead of wrestling with nausea!! Happy Birthday my darling husband!

Comfort in The Word and friends who follow God's leading

This scripture came from a friend out of the blue the morning I was going to get my 2nd CT Scan. It was exactly what I needed to hear as I went out the door to my appointment because I WAS feeling "nervous" about the findings. That afternoon my GYN who had ordered the CA125 and 2nd CT scan called to tell me the news that I had cancer and I needed to see a GYN oncologist tomorrow. I am so grateful for friends who are prompted by the Lord and then follow the Lord's leading. Thanks Heather!!!  

January 5, 2012

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS

Do not be afraid!  I am at work in your life to bring you to your appointed destiny.  Even when you get off track, you can trust Me to bring you back.  Set your heart to pursue Me, and set your will to never deliberately go back to the world.  You did not choose Me; I chose you to establish My kingdom where you are on the earth.  Establish My kingdom in your heart, in your relationships, where you live, where you work and where you worship.  That is My will and purpose for you, says the Lord. 

1 Peter 2:9  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Chemo #3 - Feb 24

I can hardly believe it's time again for chemo treatment. I feel much better prepared and am actually looking forward to time "in the chair". The 1st hour of the treatment is the worst because the Benadryl they give me makes me soooo loopy and tired. After a little sleep I am ready to talk, read, type, whatever. the day goes pretty fast. Tim spends the day with me. David spends the day with our dear friend, Alyssa. The nurses are busy tending to all the patients. I am hoping to meet someone with the same diagnosis so I have someone to learn from and share with.

Although my blood cell counts get lower with each treatment and the anemia sets in stronger than before, I feel great!! Life is wonderfully fabulous. I can't explain any of it. I only know that God's ways are higher than mine and His peace surpasses ALL understanding!!
Much strength is found in the following Scriptures:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11: 28-31)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Thanks for your continued prayers as I take on Chemo #3, Friday from 10-3

Speaking of support...so very thankful!

What would we EVER do without our church family? Calvary Chapel of Salt Lake City--God bless you!! So many people who love us and pray for us, I'm in tears of thankfulness. We are so very grateful for grace-filled people like you! 


Kudos to the Utah Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Utah Cancer Specialists center for all their fabulous and FREE services -- house cleaning services, snow removal services, support groups, caregivers support groups, yoga nights, etc.


Thanks to the College of Myotherapy for chair massages, the "Look Good, Feel Better" skin care/make-up workshop for the free makeup, advice, and wigs, and to France Luxe for the gorgeous silky head scarf! 


I am positive there are hundreds of other such services and organizations helping people with cancer. It's just a matter of taking time to surf the net.


For those who are searching for support -- these are good starting places. I hope there is something similar available in your area!


Remember to ask your pain management doctor about acupuncture services. Remember to call your insurance company to find out what is/isn't covered (e.g. nutritional counseling, head prosthesis, alternative therapy, etc.)


I am so grateful God for all these people, places, and services. Heavenly Father, Creator of All, please use me to bless others with this information. I pray for anyone who has not yet found the body of Christ to be family...that they would come across true Christians who serve like Jesus and love like Jesus.


Blessings,

 Debbie

Support. Everyone needs it!

Fight Like a Girl! Signed by my beloved family in Indiana!

Thanks Annie for all your prayers, tears, and love!

 I have been thinking how blessed I am to have a husband who loves & serves his family as Christ loves & serves the church. Unselfishly. Totally. Tim has been so kind and gentle seeing me through my good times and bad, hair and no hair. He lovingly holds me when I have uncontrollable tears; he keeps me focused when I don't want to swallow any more pills; he tracks my meds & prepares my nighttime meds daily.








(He writes down the time, drug, and dosage in a handy color-coded, spreadsheet which he developed.)
     I can't believe the stories I have heard and read about -- when one spouse leaves another during a cancer diagnosis and treatment!! I can NOT imagine going through any of this without my life mate. Where would life's enjoyment be?

Our David supports me in his 2 year old way by laying his head in my lap, or hugging my leg, saying "I love you soooo much!" Or asking, "How are you feeling mommy? Is your tummy hurting mommy?" And when he puts his head down in my lap and says, "Dear Jesus help mommy heal her hurts, in Jesus' name, amen", I feel his compassion.

One of my favorite places in the whole world!!!

 My mom -- well what can one say about a mom who loves you so much that she drops everything and hops on a plane so she can attend the dreaded doctor appointment about your diagnosis…who reads everything there is to know about your cancer because you can't seem to face the reality of it… who calls people all over the country to get info about support groups and available cancer treatments …who goes to Dr. appointments with written questions, and pen & paper in hand?! Boy, she needs a vacation!!!
Everyone should be so blessed to have
such a mom and/or an advocate. We miss you mom!

Thank you to all the people who pray, e-mail, write on the blog, send card(s), call, text, help with David, pray for Tim, care for us, clean the house, play chauffeur, provide meals, etc.
          THANKS! THANKS! THANKS!

We look forward to Grandma Sara's return!
We hope you have a relaxing time in the sun!
We miss you - so do Larry Boy and Alfred:-) 

What can I say Linda? You keep me laughing and
you're a GREAT caregiver!! We miss you terribly.

Thanks Grandma Boggess for coming to visit us and
for giving David and all of us love & attention! 

Thank you Mary for the medical & nutritional advice.
You are blessed to have a kind, generous daughter
in Alyssa. We would be lost without her!

     It's strange…or, shall I hesitantly say "unfortunate" (?) how people put forth so much beautiful and welcomed effort to encourage you, love you, and shower you with help when you get 'near-death' sick. I say unfortunate only because we get so busy in our lives and time slips away as do treasured friendships and family relationships. I believe these relationships are vital when one is sick just as much as when one is healthy. But we forget to nurture them for whatever reason. 

     I believe that God intends for us to love, encourage and shower each other with help on a daily basis in sickness and in health. But we are human beings carrying Adam's sin burden which he introduced to his future descendants when he selfishly chose to disobey God's command in the Garden of Eden. Thankfully we have a choice – to obey or disobey God. To be selfish or selfless. Ahhhh, how to be selfless…it's all written in His word. I have got to read more!!

     I selfishly admit that I want your prayers, your thoughts, your encouragement, your attention, your help. I selfishly want to live to grow old with my husband (although I have always joked that he is not allowed to die before me). I want to see David graduate from kindergarten, grade school, college, etc. I selfishly don't want anyone to forget me – ever.        

     Then I hear about all the people at our church who are afflicted with some sort of disease more so now than ever and realize I am NOT the only one in need. And I NEED to be selfless, encouraging, loving and helping others. I need to be on my knees in prayer for others. The list of hurting souls is sooooo long and the days are short. Lord, help ME to put others first! Forgive me for being selfish and disobedient. Thank you for your forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

Staggering Stats on ovarian cancer

Ovarian Cancer is so similar to the cancer that I have -- peritoneal cancer -- that my GYN oncologist doctor says "we'll just call it ovarian cancer". 

Peritoneal cancer info obtained from somewhere on the internet: "As far as cancers are concerned, peritoneal cancer is one of the rarer forms, and because of the way peritoneal cancer tends to present, it is often mistaken for other types of cancer, especially ovarian cancer, with which it is strongly linked.

The peritoneum is a very thin layer of tissue that lines the walls of the abdomen and serves as a type of protective structure around the bladder and the rectum, as well as the uterus in women. The entire structure is made up of tiny cells called epithelial cells, which are essentially what peritoneal cancer attacks.

The main purpose of the peritoneum is to allow organs to move smoothly throughout the abdominal cavity, and it does this by producing a slick fluid. However, when peritoneal cancer strikes, that fluid production is compromised, causing problems with many bodily symptoms.

While cancers of the stomach and the intestine can sometimes invade the peritoneum, this is not a true or primary form of peritoneal cancer. True peritoneal cancer begins in the peritoneum and may grow or metastasize to other areas of the body."

IF you have ANY history of cancer on either the maternal or paternal side and you experience the following symptoms -- TELL your doctor to check you for cancer!!!!

Here are symptoms

* Bloating (even the anti-acid pills can't touch this kind. Just as soon as gas is relieved it immediately returns as if there was no release)

* Pelvic or abdominal (unexplained, similar to ovarian cyst symptoms, but the cramping continues all month long, not during your period, pressure on your rectum, pinching feeling on your right and left ovaries)

* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly (there may be a fluid buildup in the peritoneal or around the diaphragm)

* Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency, sometime this just feels like "one of those Symptoms that happens when you get older")

Additionally keep in mind:

* Ovarian cancer occurs in approximately 1 out of 72 women

* Ovarian cancer can strike at any age (age 14 is the youngest I have heard of)

* There is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer (The "CA125" is merely an indicator,  
        not 100% conclusive)
* Because it is so hard to detect, ovarian cancer is often NOT diagnosed until stage 3 or 4!! 

* A Pap smear does NOT detect ovarian cancer

* Symptoms are often vague and easily confused with other illnesses, especially 
       gastrointestinal illnesses

* Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers :-(