Journal Entry-October 19, 2009
I was glad to get good news today from my doctor! My PET results do not show any sign of malignancy! Now that the worst case senario is ruled out, I will see Dr. Gococo next week to discuss other possible causes of the pain in my back. Hopefully it is just a reaction to one of the medicines and we can adjust them to ease the pain. Joey gets his stitches out tomorrow! Thanks for all the prayers!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Getting Into God's Stride
Journal Entry-October 12, 2009
"It is difficult to get into stride with God, because when we start walking with Him we find he has outstripped us before we have taken three steps. He has different ways of doing things, and we have to be trained and disciplined into His ways...Getting into the stride of God means nothing less than union with Himself. It takes a long time to get there, but keep at it. Don't give in because the pain is bad just now, get on with it, and before long you will find you have a new vision and a new purpose." (Oswald Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest)
Even in the midst of everyday life, there is comfort when we get into God's stride!
We are home from the surgery center and Joey is doing well. Dr. Rudisill did have to make a small incision to insert the pins, but did not have to insert a plate. He should be ready to go back to school tomorrow as long as he doesn't need pain medicine. Joey just needs to be careful with it as it heals! He goes Thursday for a check-up and to begin physical therapy. We are very thankful that things went as expected and appreciate your prayers!
After eight months of wearing my cranial prosthesis (my wig), I am now going out with my own hair! It is a little scary, but it feels nice! I'm enjoying the curls, even though they have a mind of their own!
I went Friday for my radiation follow-up with Dr. Wilcox. After talking with me about the back pain, she felt it would be a good idea to move my PET scan up to this week instead of waiting until November. So I go on Wednesday. I would appreciate your prayers specifically for my veins, that they would hold up for the IVs. It took 3 tries to find a good one for my last Herceptin and I almost passed out while they were trying! I also have to drink this sweet, thick liquid that makes me very sick. Last time I couldn't even drink half of it! They say the scan works best if I can drink it all, so I'm already praying that I can! I may have the results by Friday.
Thanks for your prayers!
"It is difficult to get into stride with God, because when we start walking with Him we find he has outstripped us before we have taken three steps. He has different ways of doing things, and we have to be trained and disciplined into His ways...Getting into the stride of God means nothing less than union with Himself. It takes a long time to get there, but keep at it. Don't give in because the pain is bad just now, get on with it, and before long you will find you have a new vision and a new purpose." (Oswald Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest)
Even in the midst of everyday life, there is comfort when we get into God's stride!
We are home from the surgery center and Joey is doing well. Dr. Rudisill did have to make a small incision to insert the pins, but did not have to insert a plate. He should be ready to go back to school tomorrow as long as he doesn't need pain medicine. Joey just needs to be careful with it as it heals! He goes Thursday for a check-up and to begin physical therapy. We are very thankful that things went as expected and appreciate your prayers!
After eight months of wearing my cranial prosthesis (my wig), I am now going out with my own hair! It is a little scary, but it feels nice! I'm enjoying the curls, even though they have a mind of their own!
I went Friday for my radiation follow-up with Dr. Wilcox. After talking with me about the back pain, she felt it would be a good idea to move my PET scan up to this week instead of waiting until November. So I go on Wednesday. I would appreciate your prayers specifically for my veins, that they would hold up for the IVs. It took 3 tries to find a good one for my last Herceptin and I almost passed out while they were trying! I also have to drink this sweet, thick liquid that makes me very sick. Last time I couldn't even drink half of it! They say the scan works best if I can drink it all, so I'm already praying that I can! I may have the results by Friday.
Thanks for your prayers!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Back to CSS
Journal Entry-October 8, 2009
It's back to the Center for Special Surgery on Monday for Joey! He needs pins and possibly a plate to repair the damage to his finger. It was officially diagnosed as an "angulated fracture of the 5th finger". We have to be there by 8:00 and surgery will begin around 9:30. We appreciate your prayers for him and for Dr. Rudisill as he operates. There is a chance that the tendon at the first finger joint may freeze up while the finger is immobile, so we are praying that it will be minimal and no function will be lost. Joey is also praying that he will still be able to try out for basketball at school. He has been really focusing on improving his basketball skills for over 6 months in anticipation of trying out. Thanks for praying with us!
Dr. Go said that the Tamoxifen may be causing my aches and back pain, so I'm going off of it for 3 weeks and we'll see if that helps.
Countdown to Hair Day...4 days!!
It's back to the Center for Special Surgery on Monday for Joey! He needs pins and possibly a plate to repair the damage to his finger. It was officially diagnosed as an "angulated fracture of the 5th finger". We have to be there by 8:00 and surgery will begin around 9:30. We appreciate your prayers for him and for Dr. Rudisill as he operates. There is a chance that the tendon at the first finger joint may freeze up while the finger is immobile, so we are praying that it will be minimal and no function will be lost. Joey is also praying that he will still be able to try out for basketball at school. He has been really focusing on improving his basketball skills for over 6 months in anticipation of trying out. Thanks for praying with us!
Dr. Go said that the Tamoxifen may be causing my aches and back pain, so I'm going off of it for 3 weeks and we'll see if that helps.
Countdown to Hair Day...4 days!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Birthday and Anniversary
Journal Entry-October 4, 2009
We've had a birthday and anniversary in our family this week! We celebrated Joe's birthday on Thursday! It is also Joey's one year anniversary of his hand surgery for a torn flexor tendon. He celebrated on Thursday by breaking his finger playing basketball at church! If he'd asked me I would've come up with a better way to celebrate! It was extremely dislocated at first until a friend of ours stepped Joe through the process of trying to pop it back into place. It did help and give some pain relief, but x-rays revealed Friday that there is a definite break. When the pediatrician began to do a referral to a hand doctor we requested Dr. Rudisell, Joey's surgeon from last year. The doctor said that it would be impossible to get in with him! But we know nothing is impossible with God!! They got Dr. Rudisell on the phone and even let Joe talk to him about Joey's finger. He gave us an appointment for Tuesday afternoon. After he reviews the x-rays and looks at the finger, he'll know if surgery is needed. I have a Herceptin treatment Tuesday afternoon, so I won't be able to be there with Joe and Joey. I'll give an update when we've heard something! I'd appreciate your prayers for Joey and for me as I have had severe "flu-like" aches in my back. I'm not sure if it is just a viral infection or side-effects from medications. I plan to talk to Dr. Gococo on Tuesday.
We've had a birthday and anniversary in our family this week! We celebrated Joe's birthday on Thursday! It is also Joey's one year anniversary of his hand surgery for a torn flexor tendon. He celebrated on Thursday by breaking his finger playing basketball at church! If he'd asked me I would've come up with a better way to celebrate! It was extremely dislocated at first until a friend of ours stepped Joe through the process of trying to pop it back into place. It did help and give some pain relief, but x-rays revealed Friday that there is a definite break. When the pediatrician began to do a referral to a hand doctor we requested Dr. Rudisell, Joey's surgeon from last year. The doctor said that it would be impossible to get in with him! But we know nothing is impossible with God!! They got Dr. Rudisell on the phone and even let Joe talk to him about Joey's finger. He gave us an appointment for Tuesday afternoon. After he reviews the x-rays and looks at the finger, he'll know if surgery is needed. I have a Herceptin treatment Tuesday afternoon, so I won't be able to be there with Joe and Joey. I'll give an update when we've heard something! I'd appreciate your prayers for Joey and for me as I have had severe "flu-like" aches in my back. I'm not sure if it is just a viral infection or side-effects from medications. I plan to talk to Dr. Gococo on Tuesday.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Under the Weather
Journal Entry-September 20, 2009
Rain, rain, and more rain! We really need it, but those inside recess days are tough! We need to be able to breathe some fresh air and try to avoid the inevitable germs of the season! Nevertheless, cold and flu season has begun-at school and home. Joey has had a cold, four of my students have been out with colds, and Joe woke up feeling "under the weather", too! My counts were low from radiation and I had a flu shot Tuesday, but whatever the combination of reasons, I have been sick with a cold since mid-week! I've been blessed to be well throughout my treatments, so I shouldn't complain now. I'm thankful for a short week at school for the kids-NO HOMEWORK!!!! I have to work so we can't go anywhere, but the break from routine is welcomed. Joe and Joey are going to the men's retreat at the Wilds, so Anna and I will enjoy some time together.
I wanted to give an update about the swollen lymph node. Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Go agree that the area of concern is significantly smaller, probably due to a combination of the antibiotic and the end of radiation treatments. So...only two Herceptin infusions and a routine radiation follow-up appointment in October! Then a PET scan November 2 with follow-up with Dr. Go on November 17.
As the first day of Fall approaches, I look back and realize that I've seen all four seasons throughout my cancer treatment. It hardly seems real; almost like the world and everyone else kept on moving and I just stood still. But one thing I know was constant:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent...He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting...O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all...These all look to you, to give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works."
Psalm 104:1-2, 19, 24, 27, 29-31
Rain, rain, and more rain! We really need it, but those inside recess days are tough! We need to be able to breathe some fresh air and try to avoid the inevitable germs of the season! Nevertheless, cold and flu season has begun-at school and home. Joey has had a cold, four of my students have been out with colds, and Joe woke up feeling "under the weather", too! My counts were low from radiation and I had a flu shot Tuesday, but whatever the combination of reasons, I have been sick with a cold since mid-week! I've been blessed to be well throughout my treatments, so I shouldn't complain now. I'm thankful for a short week at school for the kids-NO HOMEWORK!!!! I have to work so we can't go anywhere, but the break from routine is welcomed. Joe and Joey are going to the men's retreat at the Wilds, so Anna and I will enjoy some time together.
I wanted to give an update about the swollen lymph node. Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Go agree that the area of concern is significantly smaller, probably due to a combination of the antibiotic and the end of radiation treatments. So...only two Herceptin infusions and a routine radiation follow-up appointment in October! Then a PET scan November 2 with follow-up with Dr. Go on November 17.
As the first day of Fall approaches, I look back and realize that I've seen all four seasons throughout my cancer treatment. It hardly seems real; almost like the world and everyone else kept on moving and I just stood still. But one thing I know was constant:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent...He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting...O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all...These all look to you, to give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works."
Psalm 104:1-2, 19, 24, 27, 29-31
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Bachelor of Perseverance
Journal Entry-September 12, 2009
"We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3b-5
"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1b-2a
"You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:3-4
I graduated from radiation on Thursday and received my "Bachelor of Perseverance" certificate signed by all the crew at Radiation Oncology! It has been 223 days from my first chemotherapy to my last radiation! I would jump up and down to celebrate, but I'm too exhausted! I'm hoping the fatigue will slowly wear away and I'll have more energy for life! It never slows down!
So many have said, "Now you're finished!" With this phase-yes! I guess the active treatment of my cancer is over and the preventative treatment has begun. I will take Tamoxifen once daily for five years as a hormone blocker since my cancer was estrogen and progesterone positive. I will continue my Herceptin infusions every three weeks for a year. So it's a new phase, but the same faithful God and the same faithful prayers from so many! I am truly blessed!
"We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3b-5
"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1b-2a
"You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:3-4
I graduated from radiation on Thursday and received my "Bachelor of Perseverance" certificate signed by all the crew at Radiation Oncology! It has been 223 days from my first chemotherapy to my last radiation! I would jump up and down to celebrate, but I'm too exhausted! I'm hoping the fatigue will slowly wear away and I'll have more energy for life! It never slows down!
So many have said, "Now you're finished!" With this phase-yes! I guess the active treatment of my cancer is over and the preventative treatment has begun. I will take Tamoxifen once daily for five years as a hormone blocker since my cancer was estrogen and progesterone positive. I will continue my Herceptin infusions every three weeks for a year. So it's a new phase, but the same faithful God and the same faithful prayers from so many! I am truly blessed!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
"The Lord is my Shepherd"
Journal Entry-September 6, 2009
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23
I haven't read this Psalm in awhile, but it was brought back to my mind yesterday at the funeral for my Great Uncle Mont. It was one of his favorite passages of scripture. Rev. Shirley mentioned that this Psalm falls between Psalm 22 which speaks of the Cross and Psalm 24 which speaks of the King of Glory. In between them in Psalm 23 are the green pastures and a dwelling place with the Lord forever. Uncle Mont is dwelling in the house prepared for him now and no longer suffering from cancer! He and I both had our chemotherapy treatments at the same location. A couple of times we were there on the same day, but more often I missed seeing him by a day or so. The last time I spoke with him at length was the snow day we had in the spring when I went by for a visit. We talked about the chemo. and its effects on us. We talked about the Lord's grace and I prayed with him. I always remember him as the uncle who called me boy names and pretended to not realize I was a girl! I will always see him in his overalls and boots, walking around the farm and letting me help him gather the eggs from the hen house. Please pray for my aunt Louise, my grandmother, Janie and her other brothers and sisters in this great loss.
I have 3 more radiation treatments this week. I will "graduate" on Thursday! It should take about 6-8 weeks for the skin to heal and for my energy to return. I always felt like my cancer treatments were coming in order from the toughest to the easiest, and I still do. Chemo being first, surgery second, and radiation third. But none of them are a walk in the park. The level of exhaustion is incredible. I'm constantly fighting drowsiness and trying to keep up with work, homework, and housework. I went to Dr. Rippon this week for her to check the lymph node that is swollen. She said I should probably have an ultrasound in a few weeks if it is still hurting. I will talk about it with Dr. Gococo next Tuesday when I go for my Herceptin treatment. Thanks so much for your prayers, cards, and the meals that have been such an encouragement to us.
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23
I haven't read this Psalm in awhile, but it was brought back to my mind yesterday at the funeral for my Great Uncle Mont. It was one of his favorite passages of scripture. Rev. Shirley mentioned that this Psalm falls between Psalm 22 which speaks of the Cross and Psalm 24 which speaks of the King of Glory. In between them in Psalm 23 are the green pastures and a dwelling place with the Lord forever. Uncle Mont is dwelling in the house prepared for him now and no longer suffering from cancer! He and I both had our chemotherapy treatments at the same location. A couple of times we were there on the same day, but more often I missed seeing him by a day or so. The last time I spoke with him at length was the snow day we had in the spring when I went by for a visit. We talked about the chemo. and its effects on us. We talked about the Lord's grace and I prayed with him. I always remember him as the uncle who called me boy names and pretended to not realize I was a girl! I will always see him in his overalls and boots, walking around the farm and letting me help him gather the eggs from the hen house. Please pray for my aunt Louise, my grandmother, Janie and her other brothers and sisters in this great loss.
I have 3 more radiation treatments this week. I will "graduate" on Thursday! It should take about 6-8 weeks for the skin to heal and for my energy to return. I always felt like my cancer treatments were coming in order from the toughest to the easiest, and I still do. Chemo being first, surgery second, and radiation third. But none of them are a walk in the park. The level of exhaustion is incredible. I'm constantly fighting drowsiness and trying to keep up with work, homework, and housework. I went to Dr. Rippon this week for her to check the lymph node that is swollen. She said I should probably have an ultrasound in a few weeks if it is still hurting. I will talk about it with Dr. Gococo next Tuesday when I go for my Herceptin treatment. Thanks so much for your prayers, cards, and the meals that have been such an encouragement to us.
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