Rockin' Radiation

I began daily radiation treatments on June 24 and am about half way through the treatments.  I go to the clinic daily and see the Radiation Oncologist weekly.  I am happy to share that I have felt very few side effects.  I do have some strange "tingles" a few hours after the treatments, but nothing like side effects from the chemo - I'll take "tingles" any day! The radiation is focused on my chest and neck area and I have not had too many issues with my skin thus far.

The doctors gave permission for me to continue with some of our summer plans.  The girls, my Mother and I had a fantastic trip in June!  The pace was fast, but I did have time to rest in between seeing fantastic sights.  We were all thrilled to be able to travel together; I celebrated big at the Eiffel Tower.  The jump wasn't quite as good as my high school days, but I'm happy that I did make if off the ground!

My hair held on as long as possible, but I finally had to make the decision to get a buzz cut. I opted to go with the rocker look and kept a few bangs.  Wow, it is so much cooler than long hair; another great cut for the summer!

I will finish the radiation treatments around July 22.  I am scheduled to have a PET Scan in September to confirm that all the cancer is gone.  

Psalm 103:1-6

¹ Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

We praise God for forgiving our sin.  We praise God for healing.  We praise God for His love and compassion.  We praise God for providing us with friends and family to love and support us these months.  We have much to be thankful for.

Please continue to pray for our family as I go through the next few weeks and complete the radiation treatment.  Pray that the cancer is totally eliminated.

Chemo Complete! Now A Time for Rest

Praise God from whom all blessing flow!
  
Round 6 is in the past (May 21) and chemo is COMPLETE!  It is a fantastic feeling to know that portion of the treatment is behind me.  I slept through our 23rd wedding anniversary (May 23) but Mark continued to take extra good care of me.  After a week of resting at home, I was then able to recuperate at two places we really enjoy.

Pensacola Beach and Smith Lake.  

                               

The next phase of my treatment plan is 3 weeks of daily radiation.  I count it a blessing that you must wait several weeks for all the chemo drugs to exit the body before you are able to begin radiation.  I am excited to have several weeks with NO treatment and only a few doctors appointments.  The timing could not have been more perfect.  My doctors have given me permission to travel on a long planned very exciting trip with my Mother and 2 daughters.  We are off to make some wonderful memories!  

We will be home from the trip just in time to begin radiation the week of June 22.  I will go to the clinic everyday, Monday thru Friday, for 3 weeks.  I completed the radiation "simulation" this week.  It included something like a CAT scan and also the creation of this really cool mold. 

 It is critical that I do not move during the radiation treatment. The affected lymph nodes were really close to my heart and lungs.  The goal is to zap only the portions of my body that had the lymphoma; I think this custom mold with me strapped to the table will do the job.

My hair continues to thin, but thus far I've decided not to shave the remaining hair.  I am happy with thick headbands, scarves, and hats - I still have a few scraggly bangs to pull to the front.

Matthew 11:28-29
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

I feel like our family has been given a time for rest.  God desires for each of us to rest with Him. 

Thank you to everyone that continues to pray for our family.  Prayers are being answered.  Prayer gives me strength.  Prayer gives us all strength.  

In Sickness and In Health

Round 6 will be Thursday, May 21.  A great way to celebrate our last day of school, don't you think?!  The hair continues to fall out, but WOW I had an extra blessing with a super full head of hair to begin with.  Every morning Mark looks at me and says "Huh, this might be it" (time to shave it off).  I will see my Oncologist next week and hopefully confirm what's next.  The doctors have given us permission to make some summer plans - so we are excited about that!

The first several days after a treatment I am extremely lazy and no fun to be around.  This Saturday, May 23, is our 23rd Wedding Anniversary.  We have decided to postpone the celebration until a later date.  

I have always loved Mark.  But my guy has stepped up to support me, love me, listen to me whine and hug me when I'm down.  He is going to meetings for me and drives the girls to activities that I normally do.  He is my cheerleader.  He is continually asking if I need anything and will deliver whatever I need without a complaint (even in the middle of the night). He is making trips to the grocery store and washing dishes.  He does research and goes into the doctor's office with a list of questions.  And most importantly, he leads our family in prayer.  Twenty-three years ago we stood in my childhood church and pledged to love each other in good and bad, sickness and health.  Our marriage is even stronger due to this disease.

1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  

Despite our challenges the last few months, Avery and Alyse, have finished the school year strong; we are extremely proud of them - straight A's all year.  We are thankful for their small group leaders at church that have loved them, listened to them and prayed with and for them.

Thanks again for your love and support!  
"Praise God from whom all blessing flow."
We got this!

Answered Prayers

I had a PET Scan last Friday, May 1.  It is always a strange feeling when a nurse enters the room with what looks like a secret metal box and inserts a strange liquid into your IV.  The nurse tells you that she will see you in one hour and then they close the door with the "Warning Radioactive" sign on it.

We met with my oncologist Tuesday, May 5, and received the great news that the cancer is responding to the chemo.  My PET scan showed no cancer activity in the affected lymph nodes.  This is very positive!  Thank you for praying for the chemo to kill the cancer.  Our prayers are being answered!

Mark and I had gotten our hopes up that chemo might be over.  But, I will need to do a couple of more rounds of chemo; but still less than the original plan.  We know that God has a plan and if more chemo is part of that plan, then we are ready.  I might not be excited about it, but I am moving forward and closer to completion.  Round #5 is schedule for tomorrow, Friday, May 8.  I will then celebrate the last day of school with Round #6 on May  21.  

Radiation Therapy was part of the original plan as well, but we are still uncertain based on the clear PET scan and discussions with the Oncologist if we will not do any or do a reduced dosage - we meet with the Radiation Oncologist Tuesday. Please pray for clarity, it may be a decision we make based on statistics and studies.

God gives us just what we need at just the right time and he uses friends and family as His tools.  I am blessed to be able to continue to go to school many days.  One morning last week there was a happy on my desk when I arrived.  This Willow Tree™ Angel of Courage was on my desk - at the perfect time.   I love her raised arms - raised in praise, victory,  and determination.  

I know we continue to say it, but THANK YOU for all of the prayers, kind words, meals, cards, support, and love.

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14 

What's Next?

Round #4 is behind us.  Mark's proclamation against the Red Devil, renaming it Christmas Cheer, seems to have scared it away a bit. (read about it here)  The nurses ask if I am wearing a wig and are surprised when I say "NO!".  I have lost a TON of hair, had to use Drano in the sink due to hair clogs, but am thankful for the blessing of thick hair.  I had a lot to lose.

I tolerated Round #4 well.  My Mother was able to be with us; things are always better when Mom is around.  I was much more tired after this treatment.  I have always been a good sleeper. But following this treatment I enjoyed 10 hours at night and a couple of 2 hours naps a day - I am definitely getting my beauty sleep.  I am getting more energy each day and I am trying to enjoy the beautiful Spring weather with a little walk in the evenings.  It is a different pace than I am accustomed too and I am still learning to stop and smell the roses.

While Mark and I were at my treatment last Friday a dear group of girl friends blessed our home.   I came home from the chemo feeling green, and my spirits were brightened to find scripture and encouraging words all around our house.  By the coffee pot, in the silverware drawer, on the mirrors, in the girls bedrooms, in the spice cabinet, etc.  You are not able to escape the nausea, but little signs from those cheering you on helps. 

I will have a PET scan tomorrow, Friday May 1, to determine how the cancer has responded to the 4 rounds of chemo.  Next week we will get the results and learn the next step of my treatment plan.  I feel selfish to wish that the chemo will end and that I can begin radiation.  I know God has the plan and it will be good.

Please join our family in praying for good results from the PET scan.  
Please pray that we are all prepared emotionally for whatever the next step of treatment will be.  

Thank You to everyone that has been with us each step of the way.  Delicious meals, uplifting cards, and sweet words mean so much!

Jumping Hurdles

"I believe in miracles and blessings; both great and small.  I believe in the human spirit to prevail.  I believe in possibilities."  With our Mighty God, this is so true.  These words were on a card I received from a sweet friend.

Round #3 is behind us (Friday, April 10).  It was tougher for me than Round #2.  I think it was harder because I actually had 2 days prior to the treatment that I "felt like myself".  After you feel 'good' if makes the difficult times a bit more challenging.  I got the white blood cell booster shot on Monday and was able to make it back to work on Wednesday.  We continue to be blessed with caring friends and family taking care of us.

I am fortunate that we now know the plan and schedule for the next few weeks  I will have Round #4 Friday, April 24.   A PET scan is scheduled for Friday, May 1; the PET will show how the cancer cells are reacting to the chemo.  Further course of treatment will be determined after the PET scan.

There are so many people that have been fighting this terrible disease for a very long time. Many of us have loved ones that have bravely battled cancer.  Many of us have friends and family that are battling right now.  Some have been fighting for months or even years.  They are the strong ones.  They are the brave ones.  These courageous warriors and their families need our prayers for strength.

My Dad and Sister,Kim, each battled this disease for many years.  They both fought with dignity and bravery.  My Dad went to heaven in June 6,1992 and Kim joined him on June 30, 2013.

Kim's cell phone ring tone was Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger".  I think it was sort of like her fight song.  To those around her, Kim was the epitome of strength.  The afternoon that we received the surprising news that I might have lymphoma, Mark and I met at church to pray with one of our pastors.  We were driving separately since Mark was meeting me straight from work.  After our time at church, we went back to our separate cars to drive home.  My car radio was on XM The Pulse - guess what song was on the radio exactly when I started the ignition?  Yep. "Stronger".   When I told the story to Avery, she said, "No body plays Stronger anymore; especially The Pulse".  That song playing at that exact time was NOT a coincidence. I know it was a God moment with Kim right there beside Him.  

We always enjoy a good Southern prayer before our meals (hoping the food doesn't get too cold as Mark prays).  This Easter as we gathered around the table, at the conclusion of the prayer for some funny reason Alyse wanted to us to join in and sing a song.  No one in our family is blessed with a singing voice, so we all grinned and giggled and joined right in.  She began leading us in singing the Doxology (you know it, right?).

1. Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
   Praise Him, all creatures here below;
   Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
   Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Well, I have been singing the Doxology in my head since Easter.  Whenever I lay down for a nap, I sing the Doxology.  When we sit down to eat, I sing the Doxology.  Actually I think it is very appropriated.  We are made (created) to praise Him.  

This quote was also on the card I received......
"I believe that hurdles in life are meant to be jumped over, not as something to stop us."  

We are jumping over a hurdle, but our family wants to Praise God as we do it!

(from TN Warrior Dash a few years back)

Letting Go

With 2 treatments behind us, we are rapidly approaching treatment #3.  

Round 2 was Friday, March 30.  Thanks to many prayer warriors specific prayers for less nausea, I tolerated the chemo better the second time around.  I started the meds earlier and stayed ahead of 'that feeling' and had less nausea.  Praise God!!  I was surprised that my white blood cell count was low, but this is to be expected.  The day after chemo, I received a Neulasta shot.  Neulasta is a drug that stimulates the growth of white blood cells to help the body fight infection.  I had heard about the side effects of the dreaded shot; extensive bone pain due to the marrow rapidly multiplying.  Thankfully, I had an exhausted body, but no bone pain! 

Mark's positive attitude about my hair might be scaring the Red Devil (aka Christmas Cheer) away.  Luckily, I started with a super thick head full; I am shedding and probably down to a 'normal' head of hair now.  Avery tells me I need to be wearing a hair net while in the kitchen. Eeeek!

Round 3 will be tomorrow, Friday, April 10.

I believe one of the most challenging things I am learning is that I must let go.  I can not do all the things I normally do.  I need to sit back and smell the roses.  I need to let go and let God.  This past week 4 sweet girl friends came over and pulled weeds and raked leaves from our landscaping.  I enjoy working in the yard, but have  realized it is more important for my body to rest.  I love a trip to Target, but instead, let a kind friend make the Target run for me.  We are blessed with caring friends bringing dinner, instead of working in the kitchen I can take an afternoon nap.   It is very humbling. 

A friend gave me this little heart (one of the friends that worked in the yard and did shopping for me).  I have been carrying it in my pocket.  At times like this we get strength from others.  It is a joy each day when I go to the mailbox and find a card someone mailed me showing their support and love.  At times like this we MUST get our strength from God.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31

We appreciate your continued prayers for our family.   We appreciate the strength you provide. 

After two more treatments I will have a PET Scan to determine the effectiveness of the chemo thus far.  Please pray that the chemo drugs totally kill the cancer cells.

Much Love.