My last post was almost a week ago! Our Thanksgiving was wonderful, and our time away was fun, yet restful. The girls had a great time with our family, and we are all together again, turning our attention to "decking the halls."
My sister's family arrived safely from Japan today, and we are so excited to see them. This afternoon the girls did all of their school work for tomorrow so that we can get to my parents' house early.
We have gotten several inches of fresh snow today. It's beautiful!
Scott sang a solo at church today, and I want to share it with you. It clearly expresses the source of our strength during tough times. Our church usually only records the sermon, so the recording is rough, but I think you'll be blessed anyway! It may take a moment to load.
**
Thank you for your prayers and the comments that you leave here for us!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday Night Update
We saw my oncologist today. We were anticipating a report of the comparison of the two CT-scans, but the hospital lost the disc with the scan from September. I'm trying to be understanding, but they've only had it since Friday, and mine is the second one reported missing today! I stopped by the radiologist here in Clarkston to pick up another copy and will deliver it to my chemo nurse tomorrow.
My doctor explained his long-term plan. He said that I'll have chemo for six to eight more weeks, then we'll do a third CT-scan. If things have continued to improve, he will discontinue chemo and give me a different anti-estrogen drug in hopes that it will take over the control of the cancer. This is just one option, and things could change along the way, but it's good to have a plan in mind.
We're looking forward to this week. We're celebrating Thanksgiving with my family on Wednesday evening, then Scott and I are heading to Petoskey for a little getaway until Saturday.
On Sunday, my sister, Gail, and her family are coming in from Japan. They'll be in this area for December, and will move to Columbus, Ohio in January. We will finally meet our new nephew. He's almost nine months old. The girls are really anxious for some good time with our ten-year-old niece.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging comments. It has been fun to hear from old friends, make new friends, and have contact with those of you who are far away.
My doctor explained his long-term plan. He said that I'll have chemo for six to eight more weeks, then we'll do a third CT-scan. If things have continued to improve, he will discontinue chemo and give me a different anti-estrogen drug in hopes that it will take over the control of the cancer. This is just one option, and things could change along the way, but it's good to have a plan in mind.
We're looking forward to this week. We're celebrating Thanksgiving with my family on Wednesday evening, then Scott and I are heading to Petoskey for a little getaway until Saturday.
On Sunday, my sister, Gail, and her family are coming in from Japan. They'll be in this area for December, and will move to Columbus, Ohio in January. We will finally meet our new nephew. He's almost nine months old. The girls are really anxious for some good time with our ten-year-old niece.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging comments. It has been fun to hear from old friends, make new friends, and have contact with those of you who are far away.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday Night Update
My chemo appointment on Friday went well. My liver enzymes were back down, so my sister and I celebrated with some hot cocoa from Starbucks and a stop at Target. 'Tis the season!
My white blood count was a little low, so Scott has injected me with two shots of Neupogen this weekend. When he did the first one yesterday, it didn't hurt at all, so I was sure I could do it myself today. Needles really don't bother me anymore, yet I found it impossible to inject myself! Scott actually seems to enjoy it a little, and he does a good job. My wonderful chemo nurse, Lisa, was willing to come out both days and do it for us if we preferred. She does far more than her job requires, and I thank God for her.
A radiologist was comparing my last two CT-scans on Friday, so we should get another report when we see my oncologist tomorrow afternoon. We don't expect to hear any new or significant news, but I'll update tomorrow evening anyway.
I'm feeling well, except for some aching bones caused by the shots. It's really cold in Michigan this weekend, so I'm headed to the sofa to snuggle with my family. What could possibly be better?
My white blood count was a little low, so Scott has injected me with two shots of Neupogen this weekend. When he did the first one yesterday, it didn't hurt at all, so I was sure I could do it myself today. Needles really don't bother me anymore, yet I found it impossible to inject myself! Scott actually seems to enjoy it a little, and he does a good job. My wonderful chemo nurse, Lisa, was willing to come out both days and do it for us if we preferred. She does far more than her job requires, and I thank God for her.
A radiologist was comparing my last two CT-scans on Friday, so we should get another report when we see my oncologist tomorrow afternoon. We don't expect to hear any new or significant news, but I'll update tomorrow evening anyway.
I'm feeling well, except for some aching bones caused by the shots. It's really cold in Michigan this weekend, so I'm headed to the sofa to snuggle with my family. What could possibly be better?
Friday, November 21, 2008
24
Today I will have my twenty-fourth round of chemo in all. Along with a total of ten surgeries and 34 rounds of radiation, it surprises me that this battered body still functions. It also amazes me that I feel so good!
Many people ask about the side effects of my chemo this time. The fatigue is most prominant, yet it really isn't debilitating. The others are just annoyances; my nose runs all the time, except when it's bleeding, food tastes strange to me if I can taste it at all, and sometimes my bones and joints ache a little. The hair loss doesn't really bother me anymore, although I must admit that I would like to keep my eyelashes and eyebrows. So far, so good!
Each moment with my family makes it all worthwhile. God is hearing your prayers and is meeting all our needs. Thank you.
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that sufferings produce endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5: 3-5
Many people ask about the side effects of my chemo this time. The fatigue is most prominant, yet it really isn't debilitating. The others are just annoyances; my nose runs all the time, except when it's bleeding, food tastes strange to me if I can taste it at all, and sometimes my bones and joints ache a little. The hair loss doesn't really bother me anymore, although I must admit that I would like to keep my eyelashes and eyebrows. So far, so good!
Each moment with my family makes it all worthwhile. God is hearing your prayers and is meeting all our needs. Thank you.
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that sufferings produce endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5: 3-5
Friday, November 14, 2008
Results
My CT-scan report came in as I was getting chemo today. Without giving a million details, I hope my explanation of the report makes sense.
At first I was quite disappointed because, to my non-medical mind, the report was vague regarding my liver, and it seemed that things had not changed significantly. My liver enzymes were slightly elevated today as well. My chemo nurse quickly arranged a meeting with my oncologist.
He explained that with breast cancer, sometimes it takes awhile for the scans to catch up with the real progress that is being made. He did a thorough exam, asked many questions about how I'm feeling, then assured me that he believes I am getting better and that we need to stick to the course. He also explained that they have found that if a breast cancer gets into a remission very quickly, it is often a short remission. If it takes longer to get results, then the remission often lasts much longer. He used the analogy of a willow tree that grows very quickly, but is weak, versus an oak tree that takes longer to grow, but is very strong and resilient.
My last CT-scan was not immediately available for comparison, so I will ask my doctor to do a visual comparison of his own next week. We will also request a follow-up with the lung specialist to get her analysis.
The chemo is filtered through my liver as it is healing, and is therefore stressful to the liver, so my doc cut back on my dosage today. We will continue with our routine of chemo every week for three weeks, then take a week off.
Overall, I left the office feeling very optimistic. It was good to have my friend, Anne, by my side. My chemo nurse was also very helpful and encouraging, assuring me that she has seen many success stories, and that there is a "huge arsenal" of things that can be done if this chemo does not work. Have I mentioned the value of good nurses?
When I'm riding the emotional roller coaster, it sure helps to know my Father is the Creator of the World, the King of Kings, and the Great Physician.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
At first I was quite disappointed because, to my non-medical mind, the report was vague regarding my liver, and it seemed that things had not changed significantly. My liver enzymes were slightly elevated today as well. My chemo nurse quickly arranged a meeting with my oncologist.
He explained that with breast cancer, sometimes it takes awhile for the scans to catch up with the real progress that is being made. He did a thorough exam, asked many questions about how I'm feeling, then assured me that he believes I am getting better and that we need to stick to the course. He also explained that they have found that if a breast cancer gets into a remission very quickly, it is often a short remission. If it takes longer to get results, then the remission often lasts much longer. He used the analogy of a willow tree that grows very quickly, but is weak, versus an oak tree that takes longer to grow, but is very strong and resilient.
My last CT-scan was not immediately available for comparison, so I will ask my doctor to do a visual comparison of his own next week. We will also request a follow-up with the lung specialist to get her analysis.
The chemo is filtered through my liver as it is healing, and is therefore stressful to the liver, so my doc cut back on my dosage today. We will continue with our routine of chemo every week for three weeks, then take a week off.
Overall, I left the office feeling very optimistic. It was good to have my friend, Anne, by my side. My chemo nurse was also very helpful and encouraging, assuring me that she has seen many success stories, and that there is a "huge arsenal" of things that can be done if this chemo does not work. Have I mentioned the value of good nurses?
When I'm riding the emotional roller coaster, it sure helps to know my Father is the Creator of the World, the King of Kings, and the Great Physician.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Harvey Jewish Bakery
The girls and I are studying the book of Exodus as part of our homeschooling. We are learning about God giving Moses the Law, and the festivals that the Israelites celebrated. This week we have discussed Shabbat, the Jewish sabbath, so we made Challah bread this afternoon. Yummy!
Thank you for praying about my CT-scan today. If I get any test results when I go for chemo in the morning, I'll post an update.She's Back
Donna's back from the CT scan.
She is not feeling well from the nastiness they have you drink before the procedure. They call it a "berry smoothie" on the bottle, but I would beg to differ. I guess they want it to sound palatable.
She does not know when the results will be ready, but we'll probably call later to get an idea.
~Scott
She is not feeling well from the nastiness they have you drink before the procedure. They call it a "berry smoothie" on the bottle, but I would beg to differ. I guess they want it to sound palatable.
She does not know when the results will be ready, but we'll probably call later to get an idea.
~Scott
CT Scan going on right now...
Donna is having her CT scan done right now.
Please take a couple of minutes to offer up a prayer of petition to our great and glorious King.
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
~Scott
Please take a couple of minutes to offer up a prayer of petition to our great and glorious King.
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
~Scott
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Late Halloween... and a prayer request !?
We didn't post any pictures from Halloween before, so here are some now.
Rachel made her own super hero outfit. She designed and made her own logo. She is "Super Sensor"... (all of her senses are heightened).
Emily was an old lady; along with her cousin. They really got into it. Even to the point when they would get candy given to them, they would say, "Thank you, deary" to the people.
My oldest nephew was a bunch of grapes (which got a lot of attention and comments) and his younger brother was an explorer.
Needless to say, they all got way to much candy. One thing... I don't think I recall any of them exclaim, "That's not fair!" the entire night, while they were getting the free candy... that was quite remarkable. :)
**
Please continue to pray for Donna, as this Thursday she is getting a CT scan done to help determine how the chemo is doing against the cancer so far. We still don't know a plan going forward past the end of this cycle's treatments. Pray that the Lord would lead us to know His will. Pray that Donna's energy level would increase, but that she would also get the much needed rest she needs.
Thank you all!
For His glory,
~Scott
Rachel made her own super hero outfit. She designed and made her own logo. She is "Super Sensor"... (all of her senses are heightened).
Emily was an old lady; along with her cousin. They really got into it. Even to the point when they would get candy given to them, they would say, "Thank you, deary" to the people.
My oldest nephew was a bunch of grapes (which got a lot of attention and comments) and his younger brother was an explorer.
Needless to say, they all got way to much candy. One thing... I don't think I recall any of them exclaim, "That's not fair!" the entire night, while they were getting the free candy... that was quite remarkable. :)**
Please continue to pray for Donna, as this Thursday she is getting a CT scan done to help determine how the chemo is doing against the cancer so far. We still don't know a plan going forward past the end of this cycle's treatments. Pray that the Lord would lead us to know His will. Pray that Donna's energy level would increase, but that she would also get the much needed rest she needs.
Thank you all!
For His glory,
~Scott
Friday, November 7, 2008
Here's the plan...
When I went to get chemo today, my blood counts were good, so I got a full dose. Two of my liver enzyme counts hadn't changed much from last week, but the other one was in the limits of "normal"! That was encouraging. I will get a CT-scan on Thursday, and chemo for the next two Fridays. We don't know what to expect after that.
I'm feeling really good, but with a rain/snow mix predicted for tomorrow, I may stay in my jammies, read a good book and take a long nap.
Thank you for praying for us. Have a great weekend!
I'm feeling really good, but with a rain/snow mix predicted for tomorrow, I may stay in my jammies, read a good book and take a long nap.
Thank you for praying for us. Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Midweek Update
It's a beautiful day here in Michigan... sunny and 70 degrees! We're going to enjoy it while we can, because I just heard that we're expecting a mix of rain and snow on Saturday.
As part of the Cleaning for a Reason program, Clarkston Cleaning Services came and cleaned my house yesterday. They did a super job, and I'm so thankful! I'm embarrassed to say that some things are much cleaner than they were when I was perfectly healthy. Farewell, dust bunnies!
It has been 11 days since my last chemo treatment, and I feel great! I'll get another treatment on Friday, then schedule a CT-scan for follow-up. I'm expecting that there will be more treatment after that, but I'm not sure what it will be.
Please pray for good blood test results on Friday, and that I would spend my energy wisely. Pray for my family, and praise God for meeting all of our needs. Thank you!
As part of the Cleaning for a Reason program, Clarkston Cleaning Services came and cleaned my house yesterday. They did a super job, and I'm so thankful! I'm embarrassed to say that some things are much cleaner than they were when I was perfectly healthy. Farewell, dust bunnies!
It has been 11 days since my last chemo treatment, and I feel great! I'll get another treatment on Friday, then schedule a CT-scan for follow-up. I'm expecting that there will be more treatment after that, but I'm not sure what it will be.
Please pray for good blood test results on Friday, and that I would spend my energy wisely. Pray for my family, and praise God for meeting all of our needs. Thank you!
Now What?
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
I Timothy 2:1,2
I Timothy 2:1,2
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Gwen
Gwen is a dear sister-in-Christ. I met her when her family started attending our church. She is a wife, a mom to two wonderful kids, and a much-admired music teacher in our public schools. Only after we started this blog, I discovered that Gwen is also a very gifted writer.
Today Gwen wrote about me on her blog. Please read her entry here. I am humbled, grateful, and so incredibly honored by her words. To God Be the Glory!
Today Gwen wrote about me on her blog. Please read her entry here. I am humbled, grateful, and so incredibly honored by her words. To God Be the Glory!
Encouragement
Acts 15:31
31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
**
We are encouraged by all of you and your comments and cards. And we know we are not in this thing alone.
We know we have a great and mighty King who knows us and loves us... individually. He knows what Donna is going through. He has put her here. And we trust Him, because we know he loves us with a perfect love. A love we cannot always understand.
It is hard sometimes. Very hard. The kind of hard where we want to give up and run away. But, we don't. We lean on Him and "re-trust" Him.
Thank you all for your encouragement!! We thank God for you!
~Scott
31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
**
We are encouraged by all of you and your comments and cards. And we know we are not in this thing alone.
We know we have a great and mighty King who knows us and loves us... individually. He knows what Donna is going through. He has put her here. And we trust Him, because we know he loves us with a perfect love. A love we cannot always understand.
It is hard sometimes. Very hard. The kind of hard where we want to give up and run away. But, we don't. We lean on Him and "re-trust" Him.
Thank you all for your encouragement!! We thank God for you!
~Scott
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