Now that chemo is complete and radiation just ended. What now? Well, I am still on Herceptin. I will continue to have to go to Kansas City every 3 weeks for the Herceptin infusion until early March. I still have many follow-up visits with the specialist in Kansas City. I also face one more major surgery, one more minor surgery and 2 more out-pt. procedures (these will begin in March). But, chemo is OVER - did I mention that chemo is over? lol. Yes, as you can tell I am grateful to be done with chemo! My hair is growing back in (very exciting).
ONE STEP AT A TIME TOGETHER WE WILL CLIMB!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Steps 9-36
Yes, I have neglected to update for some time now. My apologies to all. My last three rounds of chemo proved to be much more of a challenge. The accumulative effect of the chemo certainly gave me some challenges. I am grateful chemo is now OVER! My counts became very low and my energy was greatly affected. I also lost most of my hair (I referred to my hair as the Charlie Brown Christmas tree - lol). But, I still did amazingly well and I know all your prayers got me through that process and I know the Lord was with me every step. I also just completed my 33 rounds of radiation (6& 1/2 weeks). I also did the radiation in Kansas City and yesterday was my last day (yea!!!!!!). I traveled daily (Monday-Friday) to KC. I am grateful to Dad for covering for me at work - Thanks Dad your love is never failing. And thanks to my Mom, Sister, Cindy, Pat, Ethan, Hollee, Christi and everyone who went with me to KC. Your company made my long days seem fun!! ONE STEP AT A TIME...TOGETHER WE MADE IT THROUGH CHEMO AND RADIATION!!!!!
Friday, August 13, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYDNIE!!!!!
Sydnie. Happy Birthday baby:). I hope you have an amazing day!!!! My Sydnie is 12 years old today - where does time go? Sydnie you are so full of joy and your giggle is contagious to all of us:) LOVE YOU!!!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Testimony
I have had several requests to post the testimony I gave at Church Easter Sunday. So, here it is:
As most of you know, I am currently fighting cancer. My battle with cancer began in late December. I had an initial removal of the tumor and it of course indicated I did have cancer. Within 2 weeks of the 1st surgery, I had already redeveloped another tumor twice the size. Not only did I have stage 3 cancer but I had 2 different types of cancer one of which is a very fast spreading and resistant type of cancer. After this occurred I was shaken. Fear and lots of what if questions began to overwhelm me. The devil had an edge and he knew exactly how to wedge fear into my life. But I did not let the devil linger long. Just a few days of this fear was plenty long for me. As I was on my hands and knees praying I told the devil no matter what happens you still loose. I stand strong with my Lord and will forever keep the Faith. No matter the outcome, no matter the odds, and even if this cancer is a battle I can not beat, the Lord is my Savior. From that moment an indescribable peace overcame me and is with me today. I do not fear the unknown, but instead I trust in the Lord.
I then faced a second and much more invasive surgery in Kansas City. Once again our news and prognosis looked grim. The surgeon indicated at one point during the surgery they debated if one aspect should be continued. But something amazing also happened during surgery. One of the surgeons stopped the procedure and prayed. What a difference this made. At my first post-op visit with the primary surgeon she was amazed at the pathology report. she stated and I quote " I have performed hundreds of these surgeries and have never seen a case that the prognosis appeared so bad in surgery and so hopeful now. You must have had someone looking down on you". Although the cancer was in the lymph system and had the possibility to have already spread, I still stood strong on Faith.
After many more tests, Pet scans, MRI's, and much more, the Lord proved faithful. the cancer was contained and had not spread. Although I am going through Chemo and will be doing radiation and have at least one more surgery. I am hear to testify that prayer does change things. He is the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega (beginning and the end). He is strong and forever faithful.
If you do not know the Lord as your personal savior today I urge you to seek him now. We are all sinners saved by Grace. There is no sin too big and no shame too deep that His blood can not cover. If you feel that lump in your throat, that beating in your chest, or the sweat on your palms. This is the Lord wanting you to seek Him. Don't wait, don't leave here today without His peace. come forward and find Him today. Grab the person next to you and tell them you are ready to make him your Savior.
As most of you know, I am currently fighting cancer. My battle with cancer began in late December. I had an initial removal of the tumor and it of course indicated I did have cancer. Within 2 weeks of the 1st surgery, I had already redeveloped another tumor twice the size. Not only did I have stage 3 cancer but I had 2 different types of cancer one of which is a very fast spreading and resistant type of cancer. After this occurred I was shaken. Fear and lots of what if questions began to overwhelm me. The devil had an edge and he knew exactly how to wedge fear into my life. But I did not let the devil linger long. Just a few days of this fear was plenty long for me. As I was on my hands and knees praying I told the devil no matter what happens you still loose. I stand strong with my Lord and will forever keep the Faith. No matter the outcome, no matter the odds, and even if this cancer is a battle I can not beat, the Lord is my Savior. From that moment an indescribable peace overcame me and is with me today. I do not fear the unknown, but instead I trust in the Lord.
I then faced a second and much more invasive surgery in Kansas City. Once again our news and prognosis looked grim. The surgeon indicated at one point during the surgery they debated if one aspect should be continued. But something amazing also happened during surgery. One of the surgeons stopped the procedure and prayed. What a difference this made. At my first post-op visit with the primary surgeon she was amazed at the pathology report. she stated and I quote " I have performed hundreds of these surgeries and have never seen a case that the prognosis appeared so bad in surgery and so hopeful now. You must have had someone looking down on you". Although the cancer was in the lymph system and had the possibility to have already spread, I still stood strong on Faith.
After many more tests, Pet scans, MRI's, and much more, the Lord proved faithful. the cancer was contained and had not spread. Although I am going through Chemo and will be doing radiation and have at least one more surgery. I am hear to testify that prayer does change things. He is the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega (beginning and the end). He is strong and forever faithful.
If you do not know the Lord as your personal savior today I urge you to seek him now. We are all sinners saved by Grace. There is no sin too big and no shame too deep that His blood can not cover. If you feel that lump in your throat, that beating in your chest, or the sweat on your palms. This is the Lord wanting you to seek Him. Don't wait, don't leave here today without His peace. come forward and find Him today. Grab the person next to you and tell them you are ready to make him your Savior.
Step 8
Yesterday was my 3rd round of chemo. I have been fighting an upper respiratory infection so my count had been running low. With lots of prayer, my counts were still high enough for chemo! (PTL). Once again, prayer did change things :). Other than the infection I feel good. I am still able to work and walk about 4 miles several days a week. I still have hair. However, it is getting thin. I do feel some minor side effects from the chemo, but I am grateful I can continue daily activities. I am now half way through with 2 of the meds (yea!!!!!). Once again, thanks for your continued prayers! One Step at a time TOGETHER we will climb!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Step 7
Monday (March 29th) was my second round of chemo. Exactly like the 1st round, all three meds were infused without adverse reactions (one of the chemo meds reacts on the 2nd infusion). I was able to complete this round of chemo in 4 hours -vs- the 5 & 1/2 with the 1st round. My side effects thus far seem to be just as mild as the 1st round. We will continue to pray for this! My blood counts are looking good to this point - another very positive note! My hair continues to fall out by the handfuls daily :(. I am still in the reconstruction process (this will take approx. 12 months for completion with one more surgery and then 2 more minor procedures). I feel very blessed to be able to continue daily living with minimal side effects. Again PTL (Praise the Lord!). And again, Thanks for your continuous prayers :). One Step at a Time, Together we will climb!
Step 6
My 1st chemo was on March 8th. I was able to tolerate both chemo meds plus the Herceptin infusions. PTL (Praise the Lord)! My side effects were fairly mild. The 1st and 2nd weeks I experienced mild fatigue and indigestion and of course losing lots of hair (I do however still have some - the one advantage of having very thick hair). I did not experience any nausea. All scans and tests have come back clear (PTL). I was able to continue working full time (very exciting!). I am grateful to have completed the 1st round without many side effects. I know the Lord is walking every step of the way with me. I am grateful to all of you for your continued prayers :) One step at a time, Together we will climb!
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