God had been good. Mom emailed me early this morning her gratitude again for the work we did at her house yesterday and to let me know she had a good night. We talked around noon and I was a little worried that she was faking a good day. Todd went over and hooked up the water line for the new fridge and helped Ken get some stuff at Lowe's.
After I got stuff done around the house I packed up Haidyn and we went by mom's on the way to trunk or treat at church. The Bird's were there dropping off food for them and mom was asleep. After about 5 minutes of Haidyn's bottle mom walked in the room with a big smile. She was having a great day. I was so relieved to see how well she feeling and getting around. After she ate she came and got Haidyn from me to finish her bottle with her so I could eat. We got Haidyn dressed together in her pumpkin costume. Mom loved our little pumpkin and that she got a sneak peak at her costume with her own pictures last night.
I got to give Tricia a hug tonight at church for sitting with my mom. She said she did great yesterday. We have such a loving and supportive church family that it is hard to ever get down around that kind of encouragement. Throughout all of this my prayers and reading have increased. I found a verse today that comforted me.
2 Samuel 22:31-33 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a sheild for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Our family has sought refuge from this fear in God and he is our Rock. He has a perfect plan for us all. God is holding us in the palm of his hand strengthening us through this battle every day.
Thank you so much for the prayers, comments and love. The stack of new cards in the mail box today was again amazing. Mom taught me to be a card writer so it is nice to see her getting so many cards in return.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
October 30, 2009
This morning it was raining so bad. Todd drove Haidyn and I over to mom's to pick her up. We got breakfast on the way and mama sat in the back with Haidyn and I so she could talk to her on the way. When we got to the clinic we all said a prayer together. Mom said she was physically sick and tired but emotionally never stronger or more brave. I was so proud of her.
Tricia told me Wednesday night that she had her chemo upstairs at the West Clinic and mom would be down stairs so she would not get her favorite nurses. Tricia called me about 10 and told me that Patti, Tricia's best friend who sat through all her treatments with her, was already with mom this morning. She said that her favorite upstairs nurse happen to be working down stairs and was mom's nurse. Patti, Tricia, mom and the nurse sat together till Ken came later. Now that friends is a blessing. God was really looking over mom in every way he can reassure her.
They didn't get home till about 6:15pm. It was a really long day. I got Haidyn to cooperate and we got her Halloween pics taken this morning so I could surprise my mom with them. I went to their house and changed her sheets, did a couple loads of laundry, and cleaned her garden tub so she can take a bath when she gets ready to relax. Daniel and Todd got all the groceries moved from the old fridge to the new one and got the old one out in the garage for them. They were very pleased with their new fridge! I loved seeing their reaction to the fridge, all the cleaning, the flowers and the pictures of Haidyn. There were also atleast 12 new cards in the mail box today too. Amazing!
Ken got mom some dinner while I finished cleaning. Mom held Haidyn and they both relaxed till mom fell asleep. I put Haidyn back in her sling and finished up with Ken relaxed too. I asked mom how she felt and all she could say was tired and drugged. I think that would mean it was a pretty good day because their were no complaints.
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE PRAYERS AND MORE! Please continue to pray that she will have a tolerable weekend and these drugs will be gentle on her and aggressive to the cancer. God has blessed us in so many ways. The text messages, phone calls and Facebook comments all day has encouraged me so much. I love all of you for loving my mom so much and for having such faith in the power of God. God is good always!
Tricia told me Wednesday night that she had her chemo upstairs at the West Clinic and mom would be down stairs so she would not get her favorite nurses. Tricia called me about 10 and told me that Patti, Tricia's best friend who sat through all her treatments with her, was already with mom this morning. She said that her favorite upstairs nurse happen to be working down stairs and was mom's nurse. Patti, Tricia, mom and the nurse sat together till Ken came later. Now that friends is a blessing. God was really looking over mom in every way he can reassure her.
They didn't get home till about 6:15pm. It was a really long day. I got Haidyn to cooperate and we got her Halloween pics taken this morning so I could surprise my mom with them. I went to their house and changed her sheets, did a couple loads of laundry, and cleaned her garden tub so she can take a bath when she gets ready to relax. Daniel and Todd got all the groceries moved from the old fridge to the new one and got the old one out in the garage for them. They were very pleased with their new fridge! I loved seeing their reaction to the fridge, all the cleaning, the flowers and the pictures of Haidyn. There were also atleast 12 new cards in the mail box today too. Amazing!
Ken got mom some dinner while I finished cleaning. Mom held Haidyn and they both relaxed till mom fell asleep. I put Haidyn back in her sling and finished up with Ken relaxed too. I asked mom how she felt and all she could say was tired and drugged. I think that would mean it was a pretty good day because their were no complaints.
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE PRAYERS AND MORE! Please continue to pray that she will have a tolerable weekend and these drugs will be gentle on her and aggressive to the cancer. God has blessed us in so many ways. The text messages, phone calls and Facebook comments all day has encouraged me so much. I love all of you for loving my mom so much and for having such faith in the power of God. God is good always!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
October 29, 2009
I would say today was a good day despite the rain most of the day. I talked to mom early and she sounded great. Erica and I decided in September that mom and Ken needed a new fridge but they informed us it was not priority. Well, with all the food coming to the house we just couldn't stand it. I have spent the last several days searching and researching fridges to find a good deal on one for them. Today we found it. We enlisted the help of Grandmommie and got them a beautiful fridge. Todd went and picked it up and delivered it to their garage to cool overnight. Ken really liked it. Haidyn and I went to see mom's reaction to her new fridge but she was passed out. I mean she was really getting some good sleep because Haidyn had to have a diaper change and she screamed the whole way through it and mom didn't wake up at all. We decided not to wake her- I have to admit I just stood at her door (like I've done so many times lately as a new mom) and just watched her sleep peacefully. I thanked God for that rest for her- she needed it!
We went back over tonight when Tom, Lisa and Kristin came over to visit. Ken and mom had already had their dinner delivered. They are really appreciative of all the meals! Ken was sharing banana bread tonight with the whole family. Today is Haidyn's 2 month old birthday so everyone got to wish her a happy birthday and see her bandaids from her shots. Mama was so proud that her little grandbaby is finally up to 8lbs 2ozs. Mama loves being a grandmom. I think we have decided we want Haidyn to call her GiGi. She will call her whatever she wants but mom seems to like that name too.
Erica slipped the secret and told mom that she and Michael are planning on coming for Thanksgiving too so mom was on cloud nine tonight telling everyone that we will all be home very soon. I am so glad she has something so fun to look forward to.
Haidyn and I are going to go pick her up in the morning and pray with her before we drop her off for her first treatment. We are all praying that these drugs will be gentle on mom yet aggressive on the cancer in her lungs. We have certainly been prepared for the worst but are praying for the best. I feel so blessed that I will be able to be with her for the first treatment. I don't think they want Haidyn back there during the treatment, plus they have told mom to expect a 6 hour day, so we won't be staying with her the whole time but we get to pray with her right before she walks in the door. She will be constantly on my mind till I get the phone call from Ken that she is headed home :)
Please continue to pray with us for good days like today- praise be to God! Also, that these drugs will be more than tolerable for mom and she will have more good days than bad. At the present, we're just hoping for her to respond well and have a good weekend. We will know by Monday what mom can expect the side effects of this chemo treatment to be.
Thank you all. I have gotten more sweet emails, the stack of new cards at their house, the food, the sweet comments and most importantly the prayers! We are counting our blessings in our prayers for friends and family like you. God is love!!
We went back over tonight when Tom, Lisa and Kristin came over to visit. Ken and mom had already had their dinner delivered. They are really appreciative of all the meals! Ken was sharing banana bread tonight with the whole family. Today is Haidyn's 2 month old birthday so everyone got to wish her a happy birthday and see her bandaids from her shots. Mama was so proud that her little grandbaby is finally up to 8lbs 2ozs. Mama loves being a grandmom. I think we have decided we want Haidyn to call her GiGi. She will call her whatever she wants but mom seems to like that name too.
Erica slipped the secret and told mom that she and Michael are planning on coming for Thanksgiving too so mom was on cloud nine tonight telling everyone that we will all be home very soon. I am so glad she has something so fun to look forward to.
Haidyn and I are going to go pick her up in the morning and pray with her before we drop her off for her first treatment. We are all praying that these drugs will be gentle on mom yet aggressive on the cancer in her lungs. We have certainly been prepared for the worst but are praying for the best. I feel so blessed that I will be able to be with her for the first treatment. I don't think they want Haidyn back there during the treatment, plus they have told mom to expect a 6 hour day, so we won't be staying with her the whole time but we get to pray with her right before she walks in the door. She will be constantly on my mind till I get the phone call from Ken that she is headed home :)
Please continue to pray with us for good days like today- praise be to God! Also, that these drugs will be more than tolerable for mom and she will have more good days than bad. At the present, we're just hoping for her to respond well and have a good weekend. We will know by Monday what mom can expect the side effects of this chemo treatment to be.
Thank you all. I have gotten more sweet emails, the stack of new cards at their house, the food, the sweet comments and most importantly the prayers! We are counting our blessings in our prayers for friends and family like you. God is love!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October 28, 2009
Today has been another day of highs and lows. Mom was feeling much better so Haidyn and I went over to see her. As she was giving Haidyn a bottle the research nurse called from the West Clinic. Mom has been qualified for the clinical trial drug research however she was randomized into Group A which is the chemo drug we were hoping she would not be taking. She will be taking the Paclitaxel and carboplatin once every 3 weeks plus centuximab weekly. All three chemo possiblities have essentially the potential for the same side effects however group B and group C drugs seem to react more gently with the patient.
This news was bitter sweet to say the least. We feel so fortunate that mom qualified to recieve such a good drug with additional screening but are fearful of the side effects for mom. There is an increased chance of hair loss, nausea, bones or body aches and fatigue. Mom wants so badly to feel better, not worse. Since she starts her chemo on Fridays the main effects would happen within the first 72 hours of administration of the drugs. If she can tolerate that, then there is a good chance she will stay on the trial with the drugs. At any time she does have the option to withdraw but that will mean giving up the Erbitux and the additional screening. My mom is so tough, please pray for her strength and endurance to fight this cancer as aggressively as possible with these drugs. If this is not the answer there are other drugs but we are praying that this will be the answer.
Mom is not afraid of the hair loss rather she is concerned about the fatigue, nausea and aches. Her doctor wanted to stay away from this drug because of the holidays as well but we already knew our holidays this year would be different from any other. I am begging you all to please pray for her strength and for Ken's strength to help her through those tough days. Luckily she will only have to have the treatment once every 3 weeks so she will have 2.5 weeks of good days, then 3-5 tough days and it starts all over again.
It was good to be around our church family tonight. To receive so many hugs on behalf of my mom and to have so many ask how she is doing felt so encouraging. Many thanked me for the blog- THANK YOU FOR CARING, FOLLOWING, COMMENTING and PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING. This is the smallest thing I could do for my mom and Ken and it is a blessing to keep everyone up to date so the prayers are specific. Not that any of us believe God needs to know, but it is a powerful feeling to pray specifically and feel like he answers specifically. Our God is an awesome God. I am trying so hard to understand his plan for my mom and our family right now but I have put my faith in him and trust that he will hold us in his hands and give us peace. Tonight Kelly shared his story with me which gave me peace. Even though the circumstances with his parents weren't any more ideal than what our family is dealing with, he is able to see the strength and closeness his family gained from their experience. Thank you for reminding me of the ways God will use our family as we fight as a famiy for my mom's health to be restored.
Again, I say it in every blog but THANK YOU! I am truly amazed at the response this blog has generated. For those that have sent me personal messages to encourage me- I needed it! This is not always easy but is a minimal sacrifice for the benefits to mom and Ken. They are two of my heros and I love that they are finally finding strength in something I am doing instead of me feeling like I am leaning on them to have strength. Please continue to pray for my mom as she prepares to start treatment Friday morning, the doctors and nurses that are overseeing her care, Ken and his strength to support mom and to praise God for all the ways he has and continues to bless us all. God is always good!
This news was bitter sweet to say the least. We feel so fortunate that mom qualified to recieve such a good drug with additional screening but are fearful of the side effects for mom. There is an increased chance of hair loss, nausea, bones or body aches and fatigue. Mom wants so badly to feel better, not worse. Since she starts her chemo on Fridays the main effects would happen within the first 72 hours of administration of the drugs. If she can tolerate that, then there is a good chance she will stay on the trial with the drugs. At any time she does have the option to withdraw but that will mean giving up the Erbitux and the additional screening. My mom is so tough, please pray for her strength and endurance to fight this cancer as aggressively as possible with these drugs. If this is not the answer there are other drugs but we are praying that this will be the answer.
Mom is not afraid of the hair loss rather she is concerned about the fatigue, nausea and aches. Her doctor wanted to stay away from this drug because of the holidays as well but we already knew our holidays this year would be different from any other. I am begging you all to please pray for her strength and for Ken's strength to help her through those tough days. Luckily she will only have to have the treatment once every 3 weeks so she will have 2.5 weeks of good days, then 3-5 tough days and it starts all over again.
It was good to be around our church family tonight. To receive so many hugs on behalf of my mom and to have so many ask how she is doing felt so encouraging. Many thanked me for the blog- THANK YOU FOR CARING, FOLLOWING, COMMENTING and PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING. This is the smallest thing I could do for my mom and Ken and it is a blessing to keep everyone up to date so the prayers are specific. Not that any of us believe God needs to know, but it is a powerful feeling to pray specifically and feel like he answers specifically. Our God is an awesome God. I am trying so hard to understand his plan for my mom and our family right now but I have put my faith in him and trust that he will hold us in his hands and give us peace. Tonight Kelly shared his story with me which gave me peace. Even though the circumstances with his parents weren't any more ideal than what our family is dealing with, he is able to see the strength and closeness his family gained from their experience. Thank you for reminding me of the ways God will use our family as we fight as a famiy for my mom's health to be restored.
Again, I say it in every blog but THANK YOU! I am truly amazed at the response this blog has generated. For those that have sent me personal messages to encourage me- I needed it! This is not always easy but is a minimal sacrifice for the benefits to mom and Ken. They are two of my heros and I love that they are finally finding strength in something I am doing instead of me feeling like I am leaning on them to have strength. Please continue to pray for my mom as she prepares to start treatment Friday morning, the doctors and nurses that are overseeing her care, Ken and his strength to support mom and to praise God for all the ways he has and continues to bless us all. God is always good!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
October 27, 2009
Today was a very good day. Even though they told mom she could be around me and Haidyn after yesterday she still wanted us to wait. Hopefully we will be able to see her tomorrow. She is feeling better as well so we want to wait till she is feeling more like herself.
We got very good news today. She went and had the stiches removed from her ribs at the doctor's office. She and Ken went back to the West Clinic for them to draw another tube of blood from her and give her some prescriptions. Her doctor got the PETscan results and there were no suprises. Praise God!! There was something on the ribs right at the lungs which they suspected but nothing in any other organs. They will just mark that and track it because it does not effect the chemo treatment at all. I can't tell you what a relief it is to get this incredibly good news. Not knowing was the worse. The worst is behind us. Now we are ready to get this party started as mom says.
I have put my faith in God since the breaking of this news and I trust the doctors are telling us all we need to know. I am not researching any of this, just walking by faith that God will heal my mom through the power of the thousands of prayers that you are lifting up to him. So far, God has given us the best possible outlook on this situation and for that I know we are truly blessed. Thank you all for the comments, prayers, food, and all the special ways you all are supporting and encouraging mom. Today was a good day! Thank God for the peace we will all have as we lay our heads down tonight.
We got very good news today. She went and had the stiches removed from her ribs at the doctor's office. She and Ken went back to the West Clinic for them to draw another tube of blood from her and give her some prescriptions. Her doctor got the PETscan results and there were no suprises. Praise God!! There was something on the ribs right at the lungs which they suspected but nothing in any other organs. They will just mark that and track it because it does not effect the chemo treatment at all. I can't tell you what a relief it is to get this incredibly good news. Not knowing was the worse. The worst is behind us. Now we are ready to get this party started as mom says.
I have put my faith in God since the breaking of this news and I trust the doctors are telling us all we need to know. I am not researching any of this, just walking by faith that God will heal my mom through the power of the thousands of prayers that you are lifting up to him. So far, God has given us the best possible outlook on this situation and for that I know we are truly blessed. Thank you all for the comments, prayers, food, and all the special ways you all are supporting and encouraging mom. Today was a good day! Thank God for the peace we will all have as we lay our heads down tonight.
Monday, October 26, 2009
October 26, 2009
Ken, Todd and I went with Mom this morning for her oncology consult. I feel like we got all good news, praise God. I can't say enough good things about mom's doctor and the staff at the West Clinic. The clinic is almost on the Christian Brothers campus too which is where Ken teaches!!
The official diagnosis is Adenocarcinoma which is a non small cell lung cancer. When they performed the biopsy they actually removed a 2cm mass from mom's right lung; I didn't know that. She was able to complete the PETscan today and we should have results tomorrow or Wednesday. They want to start her chemo on Friday!! Yay!
There are 3 chemo drugs which treat this type of lung cancer: paclitaxel, gemcitabine and pemetrexed. She will be on one of these drugs plus a drug called carboplatin as her chemo therapy.
Mom also signed up for a clinical trial drug that is approved for other types or cancer and highly successful but has not been approved yet for the treatment of lung cancer. This drug is Erbitux. Cliff note version of this drug is that it inhibits the cancer cells from communicating with healthy cells to recruit them to cancer cells. So, while the chemo attacks the cancer cells the Erbitux prevents the healthy cells from becoming cancer cells. Pretty cool huh?!
There are many advantages to being in the trial.
1.) The drugs are free and proven to improve the effects of the known successful chemo treatments.
2.) Additional screening and testing will be provided at no additional cost to mom.
3.) We will get results after every 2 rounds of chemo treatments, so every 3 weeks. If she is not in the trial we will have to wait for all 6 rounds before the catscan to determine results.
4.) There is no placebo used in this clinical trial, everyone gets the drug.
The draw back is that once she qualifies for the treatment her doctor will not be able to pick which of the three chemo drugs are used. Two out of the three Dr. B is perfectly happy with; the third she would not recommend if it were her mom. Our chances are better than 60% that they will not select that one drug so please pray for the qualification and the selection of the recommended chemo drugs.
When Dr. B listened to mom's lungs today she asked her how she felt. Mom still has been experiencing an upset stomach but didn't mention anything about coughing or the extreme shortness of breath she did have. Dr. B feels the stomach issues are due to the medications and anxiety. She said that mom's lungs sounded so much better today than last week when she listened to her. Amazing, no drugs yet and already signals of improvement! We believe in the power of prayer.
There will be 6 rounds of chemo treatments with or without the trial drug. We are praying for clean PETscan results and qualification into the research drugs. Once qualified we are praying that she will be selected for the most gentle chemo drugs to be administered with the carboplatin and Eritux.
I think we have all been a little sick to our stomachs waiting to learn more about the situation and what our plan for healing will be medically. All of us know the ultimate plan is to pray for the power of God to answer by mom being cancer free after treatment. I know that mom is scared all the same of the prognosis but comforted in the power of knowledge. Once we get the PETscan results we will be out of the dark on exactly what we are fighting. Starting treatments Friday will be a relief for us all to know we are attacking the cancer that is living within my mom.
When I talked to Sherry yesterday all the meals were scheduled for the rest of this week. Wow! Mom and Ken not having to worry about meal preparation is such a relief for them and for me because I would insist on helping them and they would fight me every step of the way. I say this in every blog but thank you for the support in every way. Those that have called and prayed over them with Ken by phone is one of the most healing feelings you can provide. Erica and I have discussed the comments left and we are amazed at the distance this news has traveled and the depth of God's love for our mom.
I am so proud of my mom's strength and beauty. She is facing this knowing that the full armour of God wrapped around her through your prayers of healing. She has amazing courage and the most positive attitude. As we face the next 18-20 weeks of her treatment I know that God will continue to strengthen us all when we feel our faith is failing and/or our spirits are sinking. We love you all very much and I know if you could see my mom's beautiful smile you would find comfort in it the same as I have found every day of my life. She believes that with your support and the power of our prayers God is going to heal her and strengthen us all for the trial. Amen mom! You are an inspiration to us all and we are committed to your fight.
The official diagnosis is Adenocarcinoma which is a non small cell lung cancer. When they performed the biopsy they actually removed a 2cm mass from mom's right lung; I didn't know that. She was able to complete the PETscan today and we should have results tomorrow or Wednesday. They want to start her chemo on Friday!! Yay!
There are 3 chemo drugs which treat this type of lung cancer: paclitaxel, gemcitabine and pemetrexed. She will be on one of these drugs plus a drug called carboplatin as her chemo therapy.
Mom also signed up for a clinical trial drug that is approved for other types or cancer and highly successful but has not been approved yet for the treatment of lung cancer. This drug is Erbitux. Cliff note version of this drug is that it inhibits the cancer cells from communicating with healthy cells to recruit them to cancer cells. So, while the chemo attacks the cancer cells the Erbitux prevents the healthy cells from becoming cancer cells. Pretty cool huh?!
There are many advantages to being in the trial.
1.) The drugs are free and proven to improve the effects of the known successful chemo treatments.
2.) Additional screening and testing will be provided at no additional cost to mom.
3.) We will get results after every 2 rounds of chemo treatments, so every 3 weeks. If she is not in the trial we will have to wait for all 6 rounds before the catscan to determine results.
4.) There is no placebo used in this clinical trial, everyone gets the drug.
The draw back is that once she qualifies for the treatment her doctor will not be able to pick which of the three chemo drugs are used. Two out of the three Dr. B is perfectly happy with; the third she would not recommend if it were her mom. Our chances are better than 60% that they will not select that one drug so please pray for the qualification and the selection of the recommended chemo drugs.
When Dr. B listened to mom's lungs today she asked her how she felt. Mom still has been experiencing an upset stomach but didn't mention anything about coughing or the extreme shortness of breath she did have. Dr. B feels the stomach issues are due to the medications and anxiety. She said that mom's lungs sounded so much better today than last week when she listened to her. Amazing, no drugs yet and already signals of improvement! We believe in the power of prayer.
There will be 6 rounds of chemo treatments with or without the trial drug. We are praying for clean PETscan results and qualification into the research drugs. Once qualified we are praying that she will be selected for the most gentle chemo drugs to be administered with the carboplatin and Eritux.
I think we have all been a little sick to our stomachs waiting to learn more about the situation and what our plan for healing will be medically. All of us know the ultimate plan is to pray for the power of God to answer by mom being cancer free after treatment. I know that mom is scared all the same of the prognosis but comforted in the power of knowledge. Once we get the PETscan results we will be out of the dark on exactly what we are fighting. Starting treatments Friday will be a relief for us all to know we are attacking the cancer that is living within my mom.
When I talked to Sherry yesterday all the meals were scheduled for the rest of this week. Wow! Mom and Ken not having to worry about meal preparation is such a relief for them and for me because I would insist on helping them and they would fight me every step of the way. I say this in every blog but thank you for the support in every way. Those that have called and prayed over them with Ken by phone is one of the most healing feelings you can provide. Erica and I have discussed the comments left and we are amazed at the distance this news has traveled and the depth of God's love for our mom.
I am so proud of my mom's strength and beauty. She is facing this knowing that the full armour of God wrapped around her through your prayers of healing. She has amazing courage and the most positive attitude. As we face the next 18-20 weeks of her treatment I know that God will continue to strengthen us all when we feel our faith is failing and/or our spirits are sinking. We love you all very much and I know if you could see my mom's beautiful smile you would find comfort in it the same as I have found every day of my life. She believes that with your support and the power of our prayers God is going to heal her and strengthen us all for the trial. Amen mom! You are an inspiration to us all and we are committed to your fight.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
October 25, 2009
Today was a much better day for mom. She did get a good night of rest. This morning Haidyn and I went to church. Mom and Sherry Hart teach the five years olds at church and for the past several months I have gone in there to help them. I went this morning and all the kiddos made mom get well cards. They were so sweet. Sherry sent mom a plaque that said, "don't measure the mountain, pray to the one who can move it." Amen!!
I did really well at church until one of the invitation songs was "It is well with my soul". Randy Lillard, one of our shepards who's family knows the emotions of cancer all to well, was down front. I made it to the last chorus before the emotions hit me and I had to be honest and say, it's not so well with my soul. Haidyn and I went down and without a word to Randy he knew what was on our hearts. His family and many others surrounded us and not only prayed for mom's strength but also for our appointment tomorrow for the treatment plan and PETscan testing/results. It's still not well with my soul but it feels so much better! The family at Sycamore View has to be one of the most supportive and loving congregations this side of heaven. Many times we have been brought to our knees thanking God for them but I have never felt more surrounded in my life with positive christian prayer.
After church I took the cards and plaque over to my mom's. She teared up at the cards. Children's innocence and sincerity will soften any heart. I love Sherry for helping those precious children to make those for mom. They have a stack already of cards they have received in the mail but as any parent knows, children make the most sacred treasures! Mom was sitting in the living room with Ken and looked so much better. We talked about tomorrow. I told her about this morning and I told her how much support and prayer I felt being surrounded by our shepards and church family.
Caroline Phillips took groceries over to the house yesterday which was a big surprise for them. I love the way that some are refusing to take no for an answer but are doing small things that don't take much of Ken's time away from helping mom to accept and appreciate. Many asked this morning if they can go by and visit, at this time mom is still too winded to enjoy guests. She would love to have a house full everyday but she can't physically endure the stress at this time. I am sure they will let us know when she has enough strength to entertain guests. So many asked what can they drop off to eat. Sherry Hart has the calendar for those that are taking food this week and I told her I am going to direct everyone to her for those instructions.
Thank you all for EVERYTHING, most importantly putting your faith in God to heal my mom. Please remember to thank God for our blessings. We will have a long day tomorrow so specifically remember mom at 9:30am and 1:30pm tomorrow. Also, please remember our dear friends, Paul and Caroline Phillips, in your prayers for their new grand baby. They will be doing some testing on the baby's kidneys and we pray for the best possible outcome and a healthy baby for Caroline's daughter Katie and her husband. It was really hard for me, already emotional, to learn of this news while I held my little Haidyn in my arms this morning. Life is precious! Hold on tight to the ones you love and remember to forgive quickly and make as many good memories as you can :)
I did really well at church until one of the invitation songs was "It is well with my soul". Randy Lillard, one of our shepards who's family knows the emotions of cancer all to well, was down front. I made it to the last chorus before the emotions hit me and I had to be honest and say, it's not so well with my soul. Haidyn and I went down and without a word to Randy he knew what was on our hearts. His family and many others surrounded us and not only prayed for mom's strength but also for our appointment tomorrow for the treatment plan and PETscan testing/results. It's still not well with my soul but it feels so much better! The family at Sycamore View has to be one of the most supportive and loving congregations this side of heaven. Many times we have been brought to our knees thanking God for them but I have never felt more surrounded in my life with positive christian prayer.
After church I took the cards and plaque over to my mom's. She teared up at the cards. Children's innocence and sincerity will soften any heart. I love Sherry for helping those precious children to make those for mom. They have a stack already of cards they have received in the mail but as any parent knows, children make the most sacred treasures! Mom was sitting in the living room with Ken and looked so much better. We talked about tomorrow. I told her about this morning and I told her how much support and prayer I felt being surrounded by our shepards and church family.
Caroline Phillips took groceries over to the house yesterday which was a big surprise for them. I love the way that some are refusing to take no for an answer but are doing small things that don't take much of Ken's time away from helping mom to accept and appreciate. Many asked this morning if they can go by and visit, at this time mom is still too winded to enjoy guests. She would love to have a house full everyday but she can't physically endure the stress at this time. I am sure they will let us know when she has enough strength to entertain guests. So many asked what can they drop off to eat. Sherry Hart has the calendar for those that are taking food this week and I told her I am going to direct everyone to her for those instructions.
Thank you all for EVERYTHING, most importantly putting your faith in God to heal my mom. Please remember to thank God for our blessings. We will have a long day tomorrow so specifically remember mom at 9:30am and 1:30pm tomorrow. Also, please remember our dear friends, Paul and Caroline Phillips, in your prayers for their new grand baby. They will be doing some testing on the baby's kidneys and we pray for the best possible outcome and a healthy baby for Caroline's daughter Katie and her husband. It was really hard for me, already emotional, to learn of this news while I held my little Haidyn in my arms this morning. Life is precious! Hold on tight to the ones you love and remember to forgive quickly and make as many good memories as you can :)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
October 24, 2009
Mom did not have the best night. I think the disappointment of not having the PETscan yesterday really took more of a toll on her than she expected. Her stomach was still pretty upset today but Ken is a good nurse :) The Hite's brought over a home decoration that said "Believe in Miracles". It is beautiful and Ken put it on the mantle in the living room as a reminder to everyone that comes in the house. Debbie French brought them some dinner for tonight and a very festive fall pumpkin home decoration that went above the TV in the keeping room. Ken is glad they have the freezer outside so he can freeze some of the chicken casarole the Hart's brought over Tuesday night. The offers for service and meals brought to the house are humbling to say the least.
Haidyn and I went over to see mom and she laid next to her in the bed for a few minutes while I made a bottle. Even on days when mom is really struggling I can already tell that just the baby noises from Haidyn can make her smile. I was thankful for my baby before this past week but I don't know what we would do without her now.
We are all in praise to God that the MRI scan was clean and we know that my mom has a healthy cancer free brain. We normally go to Virginia for Thanksgiving to visit my mother's mother and her entire side of the family. Even though we are not making the trip to Virginia, our Thanksgiving plans are quickly in the making. We are all very excited that my grandmother is planning on traveling here this year. This will be a visit that will have mixed emotions of a highs and lows however we will be holding on to every moment and cherishing the memories that we will be making.
I wish everyone could visit with mom and see how beautiful and positive she is and always has been. Visits take so much out of her because she gets short of breath and her temperature goes up so she is still limiting her guests. I am prayerful that once she starts her treatment and the tumors reduce her oxygen intake and energy will improve so she can get back to her normal, active and social life.
Please continue to pray constantly for mom's emotions Monday and her physical strength to make it through the day. The consult and the PETscan are going to make it a terribly long day for her but the emotions of having to prepare herself for the second time to have the PETscan will be tough. I am so proud of my mom! The reality of his diagnosis has sunk in but the strength of my mom will never cease to amaze me. She and Ken have been so blessed by the comments and followers to this blog. Please continue to keep those coming because that is something they can enjoy on when it is most convenient for them and find strength together.
Haidyn and I went over to see mom and she laid next to her in the bed for a few minutes while I made a bottle. Even on days when mom is really struggling I can already tell that just the baby noises from Haidyn can make her smile. I was thankful for my baby before this past week but I don't know what we would do without her now.
We are all in praise to God that the MRI scan was clean and we know that my mom has a healthy cancer free brain. We normally go to Virginia for Thanksgiving to visit my mother's mother and her entire side of the family. Even though we are not making the trip to Virginia, our Thanksgiving plans are quickly in the making. We are all very excited that my grandmother is planning on traveling here this year. This will be a visit that will have mixed emotions of a highs and lows however we will be holding on to every moment and cherishing the memories that we will be making.
I wish everyone could visit with mom and see how beautiful and positive she is and always has been. Visits take so much out of her because she gets short of breath and her temperature goes up so she is still limiting her guests. I am prayerful that once she starts her treatment and the tumors reduce her oxygen intake and energy will improve so she can get back to her normal, active and social life.
Please continue to pray constantly for mom's emotions Monday and her physical strength to make it through the day. The consult and the PETscan are going to make it a terribly long day for her but the emotions of having to prepare herself for the second time to have the PETscan will be tough. I am so proud of my mom! The reality of his diagnosis has sunk in but the strength of my mom will never cease to amaze me. She and Ken have been so blessed by the comments and followers to this blog. Please continue to keep those coming because that is something they can enjoy on when it is most convenient for them and find strength together.
Friday, October 23, 2009
October 23, 2009
We have good news and disappointing news.
Haidyn and I went to pick mom up and took her the #14 from Lenny's, her favorite. She ate it on the way in the back seat with Haidyn. We got to the West Clinic and had about an hour wait so we got to visit and mom patted her grandbaby to sleep. I can't tell you all how much I love seeing my mom love my baby. It has to be relaxing for her nerves to sit and just be a grandmother before facing some tough stuff. Please remember to thank God in all your prayers for blessing this family with Haidyn and the therapy she provides to us all. She smiled at her daddy and I for the first time this morning and I have to tell you that was a feeling I will never forget. The disappointing news is that mom was not prepared for the testing and she was suppose to come on an empty stomach. Since she had just eaten at 11- no test today her blood sugar was too high. Mom was terribly disappointed but this will not hender the schedule for treatment at all.
The great news is that when she got to talk with Dr. B, which BTW was not on the schedule for today, she recieved the MRI results. Mom's brain is free and clear of any cancer or concern! Praise God!! Thank God for all the positive things that are happening for my mom and our family at this time. Not that we expected anything but the best but it sure is a good feeling to get medical reassurance.
More good news, they weren't able to reschedule mom for her PETscan till Tuesday afternoon but during her talk with Dr. B, there was a cancellation for Monday. Right place at the right time. God is really looking over us and making positive things happen. Dr. B is meeting with us on Monday morning at 9:30am for her consult. She is very optomistic about the future for mom and her treatment. We are too!
Monday will be a very long day for mom so please pray for her strength. Not to mention the fact that she will have to be on an empty stomach since our consult is at 9:30am and her PETscan will be at 1:30. The PETscan results will be in within a few hours after it is completed. During the consult Dr. B will go over all mom's test results, treatment options, clinical research drugs and answer any/all questions. Again, she is very optomistic about the results of mom's PETscan so we will proceed Monday morning as if we have those results already and get the game plan for treatment. By the end of the day Monday we will know what mom's treatment plan will be and have all test results completed.
We are very anxious to be on field and off the bench to start the fight. I can't tell you how many ways God has used this waiting period to bless our family this week. Our family has prayed more together, our friends have overwhelmed us all with love and support, the offers of service are more than we ever could have imagined and there have even been reunions of such with extended family. I will never understand God's plan or why cancer is so unfair to anyone facing that diagnosis but I can tell you I am beginning to understand the strength God empowers us all with just when we think we have reached the end of our rope.
Mom hadn't had the opportunity to visit my blog before this morning so as we sat waiting this morning I read everything from the blog to her off my blackberry. For the first time in my life- I felt as strong as my mom (that's pretty strong for those of you who don't know first hand). I was able to read it without a single tear! She was able to listen without a single tear too- in fact we were both smiling. She sat there with her hand on her baby's leg with my baby in her arms. What a precious moment that we never would have had without these circumstances. I read her all the comments. Some I had read before- some were new. Some my voice did shake but still no tear. She was so excited about this forum for me to keep everyone with us on this journey and for she and Ken to be able to find strength and encouragement from friends and family. Although my sister's was the shortest comment it was the hardest to read. I have always been so proud of Erica and mom my whole life for their strength and now they are proud of MY strength. It is only Christ who is strengthening me because even a week ago I know I would not have thought I could report news like this about MY mom. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for our family as we continue on this journey.
We can't show our appreciation to everyone enough for the love, prayers and support we have recieved this week. I know that everyone is praying for mom and Ken, the doctors treating her and our entire family that we will be a support base to keep mom going as she faces the realities and starts treatment. God is always good! As we pray for total healing for my mom I ask that you please remember to thank God for all the ways he is blessing us as well.
Haidyn and I went to pick mom up and took her the #14 from Lenny's, her favorite. She ate it on the way in the back seat with Haidyn. We got to the West Clinic and had about an hour wait so we got to visit and mom patted her grandbaby to sleep. I can't tell you all how much I love seeing my mom love my baby. It has to be relaxing for her nerves to sit and just be a grandmother before facing some tough stuff. Please remember to thank God in all your prayers for blessing this family with Haidyn and the therapy she provides to us all. She smiled at her daddy and I for the first time this morning and I have to tell you that was a feeling I will never forget. The disappointing news is that mom was not prepared for the testing and she was suppose to come on an empty stomach. Since she had just eaten at 11- no test today her blood sugar was too high. Mom was terribly disappointed but this will not hender the schedule for treatment at all.
The great news is that when she got to talk with Dr. B, which BTW was not on the schedule for today, she recieved the MRI results. Mom's brain is free and clear of any cancer or concern! Praise God!! Thank God for all the positive things that are happening for my mom and our family at this time. Not that we expected anything but the best but it sure is a good feeling to get medical reassurance.
More good news, they weren't able to reschedule mom for her PETscan till Tuesday afternoon but during her talk with Dr. B, there was a cancellation for Monday. Right place at the right time. God is really looking over us and making positive things happen. Dr. B is meeting with us on Monday morning at 9:30am for her consult. She is very optomistic about the future for mom and her treatment. We are too!
Monday will be a very long day for mom so please pray for her strength. Not to mention the fact that she will have to be on an empty stomach since our consult is at 9:30am and her PETscan will be at 1:30. The PETscan results will be in within a few hours after it is completed. During the consult Dr. B will go over all mom's test results, treatment options, clinical research drugs and answer any/all questions. Again, she is very optomistic about the results of mom's PETscan so we will proceed Monday morning as if we have those results already and get the game plan for treatment. By the end of the day Monday we will know what mom's treatment plan will be and have all test results completed.
We are very anxious to be on field and off the bench to start the fight. I can't tell you how many ways God has used this waiting period to bless our family this week. Our family has prayed more together, our friends have overwhelmed us all with love and support, the offers of service are more than we ever could have imagined and there have even been reunions of such with extended family. I will never understand God's plan or why cancer is so unfair to anyone facing that diagnosis but I can tell you I am beginning to understand the strength God empowers us all with just when we think we have reached the end of our rope.
Mom hadn't had the opportunity to visit my blog before this morning so as we sat waiting this morning I read everything from the blog to her off my blackberry. For the first time in my life- I felt as strong as my mom (that's pretty strong for those of you who don't know first hand). I was able to read it without a single tear! She was able to listen without a single tear too- in fact we were both smiling. She sat there with her hand on her baby's leg with my baby in her arms. What a precious moment that we never would have had without these circumstances. I read her all the comments. Some I had read before- some were new. Some my voice did shake but still no tear. She was so excited about this forum for me to keep everyone with us on this journey and for she and Ken to be able to find strength and encouragement from friends and family. Although my sister's was the shortest comment it was the hardest to read. I have always been so proud of Erica and mom my whole life for their strength and now they are proud of MY strength. It is only Christ who is strengthening me because even a week ago I know I would not have thought I could report news like this about MY mom. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for our family as we continue on this journey.
We can't show our appreciation to everyone enough for the love, prayers and support we have recieved this week. I know that everyone is praying for mom and Ken, the doctors treating her and our entire family that we will be a support base to keep mom going as she faces the realities and starts treatment. God is always good! As we pray for total healing for my mom I ask that you please remember to thank God for all the ways he is blessing us as well.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
October 22nd
This is day 4 since we got the preliminary results from mom's lung biopsy last Thursday indicating a diagnosis of lung cancer. Needless to say, we were all in shock! The reality is setting in for us all now but we will never be comfortable with this news. My mom is the picture of happiness, health and beauty. She just became the world's most excited and loving grandmother on August 29th. Mom is ready to fight this cancer to see and help raise many more grandchildren, God willing, otherwise she will be stuck spoiling this one rotten:)
The oncologist that we met with Tuesday was amazing. We were all taken with her compassion, information and commitment to be as up front with us as possible and to fight as aggressively as my mom's body can handle. What we know so far is this is not small or large lung cancer- its just lung cancer. The tumors are only in her right lung however since you can't shut one lung down from the other the lymphatic system is effected in both. The tumors are the size of lymphnodes and that is why they went undetected in xrays. The lung cancer is the primary source and is stage 4. There is a spot in the xrays at T11 in her back that they are interested in researching further but are unsure at this time what that might be. My mom has kept up to date with all her physicals, screenings and check ups so all indications are optimistic. She had the MRI Tuesday night, before leaving the hospital, to scan the brain.
She got to go home yesterday afternoon and was so glad to be back in her favorite chair and sleep in her own bed. Ken told me she passed out before 9pm last night- praise God for a good night's rest in her own bed! Todd ran cable to her room so she can watch TV there so they can no longer brag about only owning one TV in the house-LOL
Haidyn and I picked mom up this morning and took her back to the hospital at 11:30am for her to have the portacath inserted. She was very hungry and not looking forward to 2 or 3pm which is when they told her it would probably begin. She is still wondering why she had to be there at 11:30am but I am sure we will get very comfortable with the waiting game. Tomorrow mom will go to the West Clinic for her PETscan which will identify any and all cancer cells in her body. Once we have the results from the PETscan and MRI they will be able to give this cancer a definite name and identify the most aggressive treatment to attack it.
My mom is so strong and positive always. She is the head cheerleader of our entire family. She has amazed me this week at her grace and beauty in the face of such scary news. She is optimistic and has faith that God is good always and is a healing God. We are all, especially mama, ready to start the fight and get these "cool drugs" (that's what Dr. B called them) in her system and attacking the cancer.
Our family wants everyone to know how grateful we are for all the love sent our way through phone calls, emails, text messages, IM's, FB wall post and cards. We are humbled by the offers of love and service this week. I am begging mom and Ken to please give us all something we can do and stop doing it all on their own. This may be a battle we have to continue to fight but John Hite was a great friend by refusing to accepted that and cutting their grass the other day- thank you brother. That really meant more to them than I think John will ever know. We will continue to ask you to pray for my mom, our family, and the doctors that are treating her. As Dr. B told us- they have VERY good drugs and they are improving everyday but they will NEVER compete with the power of prayer. Praise be to God in all that we do and may he bless our lives through this trial so that we can be an example of his miracles of love forever more.
The oncologist that we met with Tuesday was amazing. We were all taken with her compassion, information and commitment to be as up front with us as possible and to fight as aggressively as my mom's body can handle. What we know so far is this is not small or large lung cancer- its just lung cancer. The tumors are only in her right lung however since you can't shut one lung down from the other the lymphatic system is effected in both. The tumors are the size of lymphnodes and that is why they went undetected in xrays. The lung cancer is the primary source and is stage 4. There is a spot in the xrays at T11 in her back that they are interested in researching further but are unsure at this time what that might be. My mom has kept up to date with all her physicals, screenings and check ups so all indications are optimistic. She had the MRI Tuesday night, before leaving the hospital, to scan the brain.
She got to go home yesterday afternoon and was so glad to be back in her favorite chair and sleep in her own bed. Ken told me she passed out before 9pm last night- praise God for a good night's rest in her own bed! Todd ran cable to her room so she can watch TV there so they can no longer brag about only owning one TV in the house-LOL
Haidyn and I picked mom up this morning and took her back to the hospital at 11:30am for her to have the portacath inserted. She was very hungry and not looking forward to 2 or 3pm which is when they told her it would probably begin. She is still wondering why she had to be there at 11:30am but I am sure we will get very comfortable with the waiting game. Tomorrow mom will go to the West Clinic for her PETscan which will identify any and all cancer cells in her body. Once we have the results from the PETscan and MRI they will be able to give this cancer a definite name and identify the most aggressive treatment to attack it.
My mom is so strong and positive always. She is the head cheerleader of our entire family. She has amazed me this week at her grace and beauty in the face of such scary news. She is optimistic and has faith that God is good always and is a healing God. We are all, especially mama, ready to start the fight and get these "cool drugs" (that's what Dr. B called them) in her system and attacking the cancer.
Our family wants everyone to know how grateful we are for all the love sent our way through phone calls, emails, text messages, IM's, FB wall post and cards. We are humbled by the offers of love and service this week. I am begging mom and Ken to please give us all something we can do and stop doing it all on their own. This may be a battle we have to continue to fight but John Hite was a great friend by refusing to accepted that and cutting their grass the other day- thank you brother. That really meant more to them than I think John will ever know. We will continue to ask you to pray for my mom, our family, and the doctors that are treating her. As Dr. B told us- they have VERY good drugs and they are improving everyday but they will NEVER compete with the power of prayer. Praise be to God in all that we do and may he bless our lives through this trial so that we can be an example of his miracles of love forever more.
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