Tis the Season...

I went to the doctor yesterday because I have been coughing for two weeks and didn't seem to be getting better.  I also started having an earache and my throat hurt when I swallowed.  Turns out I have an ear infection, so they gave me a 10 day regimen of antibiotics.  There seems to be a lot of sickness going around.  Maybe it's the up and down temperatures we are having in VA.  One day it is 70 and the next it is 30.  I am so thankful though that in spite of a compromised immune system, I have remained healthy overall.  I have not had any fevers and my blood work continues to be within normal limits.  I am looking forward to Christmas vacation.  I only have five more days of work this year.  We will be traveling the weekend before Christmas and New Year's weekend to visit family.  We also have family coming to visit us on Christmas Day.  I will have my last treatment soon and I am excited to start a new chapter of my life next year.   I hope that each of you are well and enjoying this time of year.  Thanks for checking in. 

One More to Go

I had my fifth treatment today.  Everything went well, and I am feeling pretty good this evening.  Thanks for all of your prayers and support.  I only have one more treatment to go.  If everything goes according to plans, it will be December 19th.  I have mostly recovered from being sick this past week.  I still have an occasional cough.

I enjoyed my Thanksgiving holiday and am looking forward to the coming events that the Christmas season brings.  Blessings to you and thanks for reading.

A Grateful Heart

It has been a little while since I have written, so I want to start with an update.  My labs have been good for the past two weeks.  My potassium was a little low, but it is back within normal range now.  My latest CA 125 test is down to 6.5.  I have been battling what I think is a cold for 3 days now, with the usual sore throat, coughing, and headache.  My husband has been sick as well.  My doctor said to monitor my temperature and if I start to run a fever to call her.  So far my temperature has been normal.  Please pray that I will get well very soon, and that this would not deter me from receiving treatment on November 28th.

Thanksgiving is just three days away.  I am looking forward to seeing family and friends who are coming to visit us. This Thanksgiving is especially meaningful to me, because looking back I realize how much I have to be thankful for.  I am thankful to be alive and to be able to move my arms and hands.  I am thankful for my faithful husband who has taken amazing care of me through this whole experience.  I am thankful for my beautiful daughter, whom I was able to see graduate from high school and begin college.  I am thankful for friends who have been so supportive.  I am thankful for God's provisions.  I could go on and on, but I will stop there.  As we enter this holiday season, I pray that each of you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and in the midst of the hustle and bustle you would find time to reflect on how much we have to be grateful for.

Moving Right Along

I had my fourth treatment yesterday.  Everything went well.  They were able to access the port on the first try, which is a first.  I was also finished an hour earlier than usual.  I only have two more to go now and if there are no delays, I will finish before Christmas.  I  have decided to go back to school.  I will begin taking four classes in January at the community college.  I want to make the most of my life and the blessings God has given me.  I am excited to see what the future holds. 

Jeremiah 29:11

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I Have Good News

I had my appointment yesterday to find out the results of my PET scan.  As soon as my doctor walked in she said, "I have good news, the scan showed the mass in not cancerous."  My husband and I breathed a sigh of relief as we left her office.  We are so thankful.  God is faithful.  Thanks to all who have been praying for me.
I will resume treatment on Monday, November 7th, for treatment number four of six.

Psalm 33:20-22

 ²⁰Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
 ²¹For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
 ²²Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

PET Scan Today

I had my PET CT scan done today.  It went well.  I will see my doctor on November 1st for the results.  Keep praying for good results. 

CT Scan Results

The CT scan went well.  They only had to stick me once to get the IV started.

When I saw my oncologist on Friday, she told me that the scan showed that I have another 3 cm mass. This time it's on the left side. She is concerned because the type of cancer I had is a more aggressive one and one that is harder to "cure".  If it is cancerous, that means I will have to have another surgery and she will change the type of Chemo that I am on.  I will have a PET CT scan done sometime this coming week and see my doctor on Nov. 1st for the results.  This test should tell them if it is cancerous or not.  My next chemo treatment is on hold until after they determine if I have to have surgery. This news was disheartening at first, but I am handling it much better today.  Please pray that this mass will be benign..

  In Christ Alone

By  Keith Getty, Stuart Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; this Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand. In Christ alone! who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe! This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones he came to save: Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied - For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live. There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious Day Up from the grave he rose again! And as He stands in victory Sin's curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine - Bought with the precious blood of Christ. No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me; From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

A Few Bumps in the Road

It has been awhile since I have written, so I want to take the opportunity to update you on my journey.  First, I want to say I am so blessed.  I have read and heard about people going through a similar journey as mine and I am reminded of just how bad things could be.  I am so thankful.  However, I have had a little more difficulty "bouncing back" since my last treatment.  I realize this could be an accumulative effect of the chemo.  I am still doing very well overall and my blood work has continued to be good each week.  I have just been struggling with fatigue and feeling down.  I have also had a stomach ache longer than usual and some numbness in my hands and feet.  I am feeling pretty well today though and pray that will continue.  I will have a CT scan tomorrow and see my oncologist on Friday.  Thanks for your continued prayers and support.

Three Down and Three to Go

I'm half way there.  I had my third treatment today. There were a few complications with my port, however they were resolved and we finished around 6:00 pm.  I am feeling pretty well.  I am fatigued and a little winded.  I have also been having a lot of hot flashes today.  Last week when I saw my doctor, she said that my CA 125 test is down to 8.5 from 57 before surgery and 11 a few weeks ago.  This means the treatments are working and getting rid of cancer antigens in my body.  I will have a CT scan done with dye within the next couple of weeks to make sure everything looks good on the inside.  My blood work has been good for a few weeks now.  I have so much to be thankful for.  I am so grateful that my cancer was found early and for God's faithfulness to carry me through this whole process.  I am thankful for my husband and his strength and unwavering dedication to love me and take care of me.  I am thankful for countless family members and friends who bless me in so many ways and are faithfully praying for me.  My cup truly runneth over.

Psalm 23

 ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.
 ⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

Changing Seasons and Lab Results

It is officially Autumn in Virginia. Sometimes the seasons change gradually giving us time to adjust, but I find that most of the time is happens drastically, pretty much happening overnight.  One day it is 85 and the next 65.  Fall is my favorite season, but there are things that I love about each season.  There are also things that I don't love.  So it is with the seasons of our life.  There are good and bad things that happen with each season we go through.  I am currently in a new season of life and whether I like it or not, it's here and I have to adjust.  I can either adapt and embrace the changes or fight them kicking and screaming.  I am learning how to embrace the changes.  It is so much easier and beneficial to surrender and let God use these changes to help me grow and for His glory. 

I am feeling well today.  I had blood work yesterday and I am thankful to report that everything was normal.  I am scheduled for my third chemo treatment next Monday, providing my blood work is good next Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment tomorrow with my oncologist.  Thanks for praying for me.  Please continue to pray for me that I will stay healthy, that my blood counts will stay normal, and continued protection from side effects.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Time for Everything

 ¹ There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens:
 ² a time to be born and a time to die,
   a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 ³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
   a time to tear down and a time to build,
 ⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
   a time to mourn and a time to dance,
 ⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
 ⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
   a time to keep and a time to throw away,
 ⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
   a time to be silent and a time to speak,
 ⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
   a time for war and a time for peace.

Update

I just wanted to post and let you know that I am doing well.  I have been working this week and going about "normal"  life.  I am looking forward to the cooler temperatures coming this weekend.  I will have lab work again on Sunday.  Thanks for checking in.

Lab Results

I just heard from my doctor's office that my labs are good.  I wasted some much time worrying about them for nothing.  Good reminder.  Good lesson.  I also got to thinking, that something may be going on in the life on the nurse who failed to call as she promised.  We never know what all is going on in someone's life by looking at them.  So I pray that God will bless her today and meet her every need.  Thanks for checking in.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 2:3

³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Patience

pa·tience

1 .the quality of being patient,  as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint,   loss of temper, irritation, or the like.

2 .an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.

3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience.

I am feeling frustrated today.  There is no other reason, but my lack of patience.  I am feeling pretty well today.  I had a few times of feeling rough over the weekend, but it has passed.  Yet, I still feel annoyed.  I had my weekly labs done yesterday and they told me they would call me last night.  I still haven't heard from them.  I tried to call them and they said that they will have someone call me.  I am frustrated because I need to know the results, so that I can plan my week.  Will I be able to work this week or not?  I have other people who need to now if they need to work this week.  As I read the definition of patience, I realize how self centered I am being.  Things are not going the way I want and I don't like it.  I am focused too much on "ME".  Patience is something that the Lord is teaching me through this journey and today I realize how far I have to go.  Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that I want God to develop in my life.  However, I know that desire will bring about trying circumstances.  James 1:2-4 says:  

 ²My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
 ³Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
 ⁴But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

If I let patience have her perfect work I will be complete, lacking nothing.  This sounds like something I want to attain to.  I want to be able to do all things without complaining.  When I take time to refocus on what really matters and who God is,  the little things that frustrate me no longer matter so much.  I want to spend my  time being thankful instead of complaining.   Lord please help me to do this today and everyday.  Help me to focus on you and wait patiently.

This Seems to be a Pattern

I am now on day five post my second treatment.  Yesterday, I felt a little more fatigued and started experiencing pain again.  I have pain medicine from the last time this happened and I am trying to stay ahead of it.  The pattern seems to be that I feel pretty well for the first few days and then start having trouble on days four and five.  This is good to know for future planning.  I am thankful that my side effects for the most part,  have been minimal.

Every Day is a Gift

One thing I have learned on this journey is a greater appreciation of the beauty of life.  Every day is truly a gift from God and I want to make the most of every day.  I am thankful for all the blessings in my life.  I heard someone say the other day that their cancer was a gift.  I have been pondering that statement and I believe that it is a gift.  It is a difficult thing to go through, but God has allowed this to happen for a reason and He will use this for His glory. Furthermore, if we allow it to, it brings us closer to God.  We have a choice.  We can rejoice in the midst of difficult circumstances or we can allow it to make us bitter.  It's all about having the right perspective.  I am feeling well today.  We all know that it easier to rejoice and be thankful when are having a good day.  My desire is to be that way all the time.  How is that possible?  By fixing our eyes on Jesus and who He is instead of focusing on our circumstances.  I realize that this is a learning process.  It requires practice and I will fail sometimes, but I am thankful that God is is with me and will help me try again.

I hope you enjoy your day and make the most of it. Thanks for checking in.

Hebrews 12:1-3
 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Colossians 3:15-17
¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

James 1:2-4
² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:17
¹⁷Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Philippians 4:4-9
 ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Two Down and Four to Go

I had my second round of Chemo today and things went well.  They had to stick me twice to access the port, but that is a great improvement from the trouble they have had in the past. I was also finished five hours sooner than my first treatment.  I am feeling good tonight. I only have four more treatments to go.  Please continue to pray that my counts would stay good,  that I will not get sick, and that there would be no delays. Thanks for reading.

Good News

I had blood work done today and my white blood cell count and my potassium level went up.  Therefore I will have my second round of chemo tomorrow morning.  My CA 125 test, which is a test that measures cancer antigens in the blood went from 57 before my surgery to 11.  Anything less than 35 is considered normal.  This is definitely an answer to prayer. 

My husband and I went to support groups for the first time tonight.  They have one for cancer patients and survivors and another group for caregivers.  We both enjoyed it and were encouraged.

A dear friend came over Friday and cut my hair for me.  It is very short and continues to come out, but it is much more manageable now.  It will probably be completely gone in a few more days. 

Please pray that they will be able to access my port tomorrow with no trouble.  Thank you so much for taking the time to follow my journey and for praying for me.  I am so blessed to have so many friends to support me during this time. 

It's Only Hair

My hair has started to come out.  As I sat holding a handful of hair I began to cry.  Some may say, "It's only hair, it will grow back," and while this is true in the grand scheme of things,  it is still difficult to go through.  A woman's hair means a lot to her.  That is why we spend so much time, energy, and money cutting, coloring, and styling it.   The Bible even says that a woman's long hair is her glory. (1 Corinthians 11:15)  Hair gives us a sense of femininity. When a chemo patient loses their hair, it is a constant reminder of what they are going through and a public sign that something is wrong.  Thankfully, there are wigs, hats, scarves, and turbans to help women cope with losing their hair.  There is a lady in Williamsburg called the Hat Trader.  She is a cancer survivor who has dozens of wigs and hats that she loans out to cancer patients.  I went to see her and she found a wig for me that I like.  She is truly a special lady and a great source of help and comfort to many in their time of need.  I plan to have my hair cut very short in the next few days.  I believe it will be freeing to go ahead and mostly finish the job instead of just waiting for the rest to come out.  I also know that my true identity is in Christ and that true beauty comes from within. 

1 Peter 3:3-4

³ Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Lab Results

I received a call this morning about my lab results.  They said that my Potassium level is low and they are calling in a prescription for me.  They also informed me that my white blood cell count has fallen.  This means I am at greater risk of infection and that I need to avoid crowds and avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables. I work with children at a private school, so this means I will be taking the week off.  If the counts are still off next week this could delay treatments.  Please pray that these counts will be better soon and that I would not get any infections.  I have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow.

Life is Good

I have been feeling great the last couple of days.  I am enjoying the last days of summer.  Today I went to the beach and had a fabulous time.  Tomorrow I will have blood work done again to make sure everything looks good.  I have also been trying to prepare myself for losing my hair.  I have accepted it, but I am  not looking forward to when it starts to happen.  Unless God intervenes it could be this week.  I know that God will give me grace to handle it when the time comes. 

To God Be The Glory

September 7, 2011

I had my LAST physical therapy appointment today for my brachial plexus injury.  I am very happy to report that I have made amazing progress and know that God has answered the many prayers that have gone up on my behalf.  I left my first therapy appointment holding back tears because of the realization of how great a deficit I had in my right hand and the news that this injury could take months or even a year to heal and it may never be completely the way it was.  I left today's appointment feeling thrilled.  My grip in my right hand has gone from  11 pounds of force to 55 pounds.  My left hand grip went from 51 pounds of force to 75 pounds.  There were also huge improvements on the other tests he did as well.  I still have some numbness and will continue to work on strength training at home but these results are considered functional for most things.

I have also felt really good today.  I was actually away from home today from nine to six doing various things and did well.

Thanks for all of the love and support.

One Week Post First Treatment

Today marks one week since my first treatment.  I have had a stomach ache off and on since yesterday, but I woke up this morning feeling more "normal"  than I have felt in the past week.  My nurse called yesterday and said that my blood work looked good.  I am thankful. 

Psalm 121

 ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth.
 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.
 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.
 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore.

Feeling a Little Better

The pain medicine is helping.  I was able to go to church today.  However, I had to leave the service a little early because I wasn't feeling well.  I think I just needed to eat something.  I just woke up from a nap and am feeling pretty good.  I am headed to Williamsburg for my weekly labs and then to a dear friend's house for dinner.  Thanks for checking in. 

One Day at a Time

I have been in a lot of pain for the last 12 hours or so.  I called the infusion center this morning and they are going to call in a prescription for pain medicine. I am trying to keep things in perspective.  I know that this too shall pass.  Be blessed.

1 Peter 5:6-11
 ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
 ⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
 ¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Day Four

I am feeling some joint and muscle pain today.  This is a common side effect for a few days after treatment.  Overall, I am still doing pretty well.  I am going to work today.  Thanks for your continued prayers.

Day Three

Good Morning.  I am happy to report I am feeling well today.  Thanks for checking in.  I woke up this morning with the first verse of Psalm 34 on my mind.  After reading the whole chapter, I wanted to share it with you today.  Have a blessed day.

Psalm 34

 ¹ I will extol the LORD at all times;
   his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the LORD;
   let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the LORD with me;
   let us exalt his name together.
 ⁴ I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
   he delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him are radiant;
   their faces are never covered with shame.
⁶ This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
   he saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷ The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
   and he delivers them.
 ⁸ Taste and see that the LORD is good;
   blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
⁹ Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
   for those who fear him lack nothing.
¹⁰ The lions may grow weak and hungry,
   but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
¹¹ Come, my children, listen to me;
   I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
¹² Whoever of you loves life
   and desires to see many good days,
¹³ keep your tongue from evil
   and your lips from telling lies.
¹⁴ Turn from evil and do good;
   seek peace and pursue it.
 ¹⁵ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
   and his ears are attentive to their cry;
¹⁶ but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
   to blot out their name from the earth.
 ¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
   he delivers them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
   and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
 ¹⁹ The righteous person may have many troubles,
   but the LORD delivers him from them all;
²⁰ he protects all his bones,
   not one of them will be broken.
 ²¹ Evil will slay the wicked;
   the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
²² The LORD will rescue his servants;
   no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Specific Prayer Needs

I am happy to report that I am feeling pretty good this morning.  I am a little tired but no nausea this morning.  Praise the Lord!  I realize that I have to take one day at a time.  I am going to post a list of specific prayer needs so that those who have been praying for me will have a better idea what to pray for.

Prayer Needs:
Please pray that I would not have any more delays in getting treatments.  It would be beneficial financially to finish treatments before the end of this year.  Please pray that I would remain healthy.  I will have a compromised immune system during the course of chemo. If I get sick or if my red or white blood cell counts get to low or to high, this could cause a delay.

Please pray for protection from the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, sores inside mouth or body, tooth decay, nerve damage, numbness in fingers or toes, hair loss, joint and bone pain, weight gain from steroids, memory loss, trouble with concentration, anxiety, blood clots, sore eyes, altered taste, constipation, damage to veins, fatigue, trouble breathing, high or low blood cell counts.

Please pray for:
financial provision
complete healing of brachial plexus injury
wisdom for my doctors and nurses
that the treatments would be effective in destroying cancer cells, but not effective in destroying healthy ones.
continued peace for our family and that God would be glorified through out this experience

Thank you so much for taking time to walk with me through this journey. 

Love and blessings to you.







 

One Down and Five To Go

Well, after 14 hours and 14 minutes, I have completed my first round of chemo.  YAY!  It was a very long day, but it went by fast and I had a good day.  I arrived at 9:00 am and they proceeded to do labs.  This is one reason it took longer than expected.  Normally they have me do labs the day before, but since I had to come on a different day they said that they would do them the morning of chemo.  They tried to access my port in the same spot they marked last week when I had the dye x-ray and nothing happened.  She called my doctor, who then called the doctor who put it in and asked him to come down and access it.  He was in surgery at the time so I had to wait about an hour for him to come.  He was able to access it the first time by feeling it,  The point of access was higher than where the circle was drawn and we asked if the port had moved.  He said the problem was when they drew the circle I was lying flat and when I sit up gravity pulls the skin down, so the circle was misleading.  Now I have to admit, I was getting a little discouraged when the nurse had trouble again and even considered pulling the plug on the whole thing.  However, I tried to be calm and ask for God to help.  Once the doctor came and was able to access it successfully, I felt better about it.  The nurses now have and idea where it is and have made notes in my file about how to locate it.  We then had to wait for my lab results to come back and for them to call my oncologist with the results to get her approval to start the meds.  They finally started the pre-meds about 1:10 and the chemo drugs at 4:26.  The first chemo drug was only supposed to take 3 hours to infuse, but it took close to five.  I think they wanted to go slow the first time to make sure I didn't have any trouble.  The second chemo drug was started about 10:20 and during this time I did feel a little bit of nausea, but nothing to bad.  After the last drug finished they had to run some saline through the port for about 15 minutes and then flush it out.  I left the hospital at 11:14 pm.  On the way home I felt ill at one point, but it didn't last long.  I am feeling alright at the moment, and I have medication I can take for nausea as needed.  Fortunately, in the future it should not take near as long, probably a maximum of 8 hours usually, but I am learning to expect the unexpected.  Thanks for all of the prayers. I have experienced peace and joy today.  They say the day or to after chemo can be the worse, so please keep praying.  I will post a list of specific prayer needs tomorrow.  It is pretty late and I should get some rest,  Good night and God bless.
 

This is the Day that the Lord has Made

I woke up this morning and this verse came to my mind:

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

This is a day that God knew about before I was born.  It is a part of my life story.  Therefore, I can go forward trusting in Him to meet my every need.  One way that I know He meets my needs is through the answered prayers of family and friends.  I am so thankful to know that there are so many people praying for me. I hope you have a blessed day.  I will try to post an update this evening.

Post Hurricane Update and Treatments Tomorrow

I am thankful to report we survived hurricane Irene without any damages and our power has been restored after only two days. Tomorrow I will begin chemo treatments.  Please continue to pray for me.

Post Surgery Check-up

It has been almost seven weeks since my surgery and I had a post surgery check-up today.  My doctor said everything looks great and I am free to do whatever I want.  My brachial plexus injury continues to heal as well and I am hopeful that the numbness in my fingers will soon go away.  I have also lost a total of 14 pounds since my surgery.  I am thankful for this good report and appreciate everyone who has been praying for me.

Chemo reumes next week and I'm starting back to work today.

I received a call from my doctor's office and I will resume chemo on Tuesday of next week.  Three weeks after that I will go back to a Monday schedule.  I will also have a post surgery follow-up tomorrow morning.

Today is the first day of school where I work, so I will be going back to work today.  I am happy I don't have to miss the first day.  I had to let my morning job go because I felt like it would be too much to handle with the chemo.  I am thankful for God's provisions and an understanding employer.

Results of Dye Study

I went in this morning to have the dye study of my port to check for fractures or leaking.  Immediately they were able to tell that the port had not been accessed in the right place.  The surgeon who placed the port put the access point below the incision and very deep, so it is very difficult to tell where it is from the outside.  The nurse had actually accessed it through the catheter and that is why she was able to get a blood return.  They rely heavily upon the blood return to tell them that the port has been accessed properly but in this case it was not enough.  They removed the needle from yesterday and accessed the port in the proper place using the x-ray as guidance.  They used a needle that was one inch, but it was not long enough.  They went to find a longer needle and then tried again.  This time they were able to access the port properly and inject the dye.  The results showed that the port did not seem to be damaged and there was no leaking.  He then marked a circle around the port area and advised me to keep it marked with a Sharpie when it begins to fade and always make sure they use a longer needle.  It is possible for them to go in and try to raise the port, but at this point I am comfortable with them trying again with the knowledge they received today.  I am waiting for a call from my oncologist to let me know her opinion on how to proceed.  I am thankful that God is in control and resting in his promise that "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 KJV)

The Diagnosis

For those of you who do not know how my journey came to be:

On July 7th I had surgery to remove a 15cm mass on my right ovary. I was also going to have an elected hysterectomy. The Dr. did not think it was anything to worry about based on blood tests and ultra sound. Well, the surgery that was supposed to take 2-2 1/2 hours ended up taking 6 1/2 hours because I had so much endometriosis everything was kind of stuck all together. They had the mass tested while they were operating and said that it had some cancer in it, she then proceeded to remove everything (ovaries, tubes, uterus, some lymph nodes and part of the cervix, it took a long time to carefully cut out everything. It was all done laproscopic so they had me in an inverted position called Trendelenburg's position. This caused my arms to be in a T position which caused a Brachial Plexus Injury. Which basically means a pulled or strained nerve in my shoulder. When I woke up my arms were in pain and my hands were numb and I could not move my right arm without help. My left arm was better pretty soon however my right arm is still not completely recovered, all though it has improved greatly in the 6 1/2 weeks since my surgery.  At my two week follow-up appointment, the doctor went over the results of the biopsies taken during surgery with me. The cancer was contained in the mass and everything else tested was negative. She diagnosed the cancer that was removed from me as Endometrial Carcinoma of the ovary Stage 1C grade 2 and recommended chemo as a preventative measure.  I will be receiving 6 rounds of Carbo/Taxol given once every three weeks.

Everything happens for a reason....

Well today I went to receive my first chemo session.  I arrived at the infusion center to a beautiful decorated room.  There was a cup with my name decorated with flowers, a cup with various snacks and grapes, a monkey that said hang in there on its shirt, and a hand made hat and blanket. Those that know me, know that I love little planned details to make the occasion special. I never realized being in the hospital could be so nice. The nurses were amazing and very kind.  I felt like I was on vacation!  I even had breakfast in bed.  Anyways, they accessed my port and I barely felt anything.  They did spray some medicine to numb the area first.  The port had a good blood return, which would indicate it was working.  The nurse began to run saline through it while waiting for the meds to come from the pharmacy.  A little while later she started the first med.  It was for nausea.  Ten minutes or so went by and I began to feel a little burning.  I reached up and felt around the port area and it felt like it was getting swollen.  I called the nurse and asked if this was normal.  She said no and decided to stop the infusion and call my doctor.  We waited a little while for the doctor to call and she said that I need to have a dye x-ray tomorrow and make sure the port is working properly before proceeding.  If the port is damaged, I guess that means another surgery to replace it.  If it is working properly I will probably resume chemo next week.  While I hope that another surgery is not required, I am thankful that the doctors are taking great precaution.  I am also thankful for a "trial run" which alleviated any fear of the unknown.  However, I have to say that I was in perfect peace today and credit that to my Lord Jesus for answering the prayers of my faithful family and friends.  So for now we wait and will see wait tomorrow brings. 

First dose of meds

I took my first dose of chemo meds tonight.  There were ten tiny pills called Dexamethasone to help prevent nausea and vomiting that can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy.  They left a nasty taste in my mouth, which I quickly got rid of by eating an Oreo. :-)  I only take these the night before chemo.  Next time I think I will take them with some applesauce.  


Well, I better get to bed.  We have to be at the hospital at 8:30 in the morning.  

The Journey Begins

I have decided to start a blog to document my journey through chemotherapy.  I have named my blog "I'm His Favorite" as a reminder of God's unfailing love for me.  It is so awesome that each of us who know Jesus as our Savior can say we are His favorites.  I am so thankful for all of my family and friends who have prayed for me and who have been so supportive during these past few months.  Most of all, I am thankful for my Savior who knows how I feel and will be with me every step of the way.