1 Year Survivor

One year ago today I was diagnosed with Cancer.  It seems like an eternity.  So much has happened this past year.  As I ponder this anniversary, I am grateful.  I have read so many stories from other women with Ovarian Cancer and I am so aware of how much worse things could have been.  I am so blessed and have so much to be thankful for.  I am doing well.  I still have some physical pain as a result of the chemo, but I am doing well.  Thanks for reading.

Catching Up

It has been quite awhile since my last post about a "new normal."  It turns out my new normal is very busy.  Since my last post I have started college and I love it.  It is so fulfilling to me.  I am doing well in my classes and the work keeps me busy.  I am also still working part time and trying to stay on top of things around the house.

It has been a little over three months since my last chemo treatment. I had a CT scan on March 5th.  The results were good. (No new growths)  I am so thankful.  My blood work has continued to be good.  Although I had been a little concerned about my blood sugar,  I am pleased to report that my last fasting blood sugar was 96.

My husband and I have started working out 4 to 5 times per week and it has really helped with the joint pain as well as my blood pressure and blood sugar. We are also looking forward to going to the beach in May.

My family and I plan to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life in June.  If you are interested in making a donation, please let me know.

My eyelashes and eyebrows have completed grown back.  My hair has started to grow back too.  It is thicker and has a lot more gray than before.  Oh well, that is what hair dye is for right?

My daughter turned 19 this week.  It is hard to believe.  Time goes by so fast.

That is about all the news for now.  Thanks for checking in.

"A New Normal"

It has been a while since my last post.  The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.  I told my husband, it seems like a long time ago that I had my last treatment, but it has really only been a little over two weeks.  My last treatment went well.  They were able to access my port without any problems.  I was treated to sparkling apple cider, and cheesecake to celebrate my last treatment.  I am glad that the treatments are over, but I have to admit I will kind of miss all the special attention. :-)  I have really been struggling with fatigue, which I contribute to the chemo, as well as not sleeping well at night, traveling, staying up late, and getting up early.  Now, that the holidays are over I am trying to get back to normal, but what is normal?  In the cancer community there is a term called "new normal," which means things will never be completely the way they were before your diagnosis, so you have to find a "new normal."  I am not quite sure what this means for me yet, but I know there are some things that I desire to become normal for me.  I hope that a healthy diet and lifestyle become normal and that the new perspective and appreciation for life I have gained through this journey will become normal for me.

I had a CT scan done before Christmas and the results were excellent.  The scan showed that the previous area that they were concerned about had shrunk and that there were no new areas of concern.  My blood work has continued to be within normal limits.  I will have weekly labs for two more weeks and then see my doctor.  If all is well, I will begin monthly labs and see my doctor every three months.

I will also be going back to college next week, and I am looking forward to learning new things and the challenges that college brings.  A new chapter begins...stay tuned for more details.

I am so very grateful to everyone who has supported me through the last six months.  Thanks for all the prayers, meals, cards, phone calls, e-mails, texts, blog comments, gifts, visits, understanding, friendship, and love.  I know that God has heard and answered your prayers and I believe he is smiling because of your kindness.  I am so blessed, and I know that God has been faithful to get me through Chemo with minimal side effects.  Thanks for partnering with me through this journey.  I will continue to update you as details unfold.  For now, God bless you all and Happy New Year! 

Philippians 1: 3-6

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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.