Thursday, October 27, 2011

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. 

Saturday, October 22, 2011

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.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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.

Monday, October 10, 2011

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.

Monday, October 3, 2011

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.