Results are in...

I know I posted a blog earlier today, but I simply cannot remain silent.

Pet scan showed effects from radiation....no new growth. I will proceed with the chemo maintenance pill this week, followed by an IV chemo (probably on Thursday) mainly to keep the swelling reduced.

GOD IS GOOD!!!!! Randy and I are just in"awe" of HIM!!!!!

Sorry for the delay...

It's been crazy around here these past 10 days. Having phone and internet issues only complicated my being able to blog. We did go to IU Med Center as previously mentioned. The doctor there confirmed my last MRI was inconclusive. His recommendation included a Pet Scan to see if we could get a clearer picture. While treatment would only vary slightly depending on what they see, they would like clarity. At first, insurance would not approve the procedure, so we had to spend a couple of days convincing them otherwise. I had the scan on Friday (10/22/10), so we should get the report this week. My hand/arm strength has improved so much since being back on steroids. My appetite has been on the rise, too. With losing nearly 20lbs. over the last few weeks and having very, little appetite, that has been a good thing.

Even more than the "medical" stuff I could tell you, I want to share the non-medical. Earlier this month, I hit what I determined to be my lowest point. I cried so many tears. God reminded me, though, that tears are a language He understands, so I knew that was okay. The thing about hitting bottom is that the only place to go is up, and that's exactly what happened. God enveloped me like no other time in these past seven months. He has reaffirmed to me how He is leading me through this journey.

Next Step

Tomorrow (10/14/10) we have an app't. at 2:00 p.m. at IU Med Center...

Brooke just called...her tumor on her putuitary gland (discovered 4-5 years ago) is completely gone...GOD IS STLL IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS.

I'M BACK ON STEROIDS

About a week ago, I started developing some weakness/loss of strength in my left hand/arm. My upcoming MRI and follow-up doctor's appt's. were immediately pushed up. The MRI was inconclusive (great, huh?). It was determined that something (fluid, scar tissue, or even a recurring tumor) was creating pressure, resulting in my hand/arm trouble. He immediately put me back on steroids hoping it will reduce any swelling and, therefore, improve my mobility. I have had only two doses thus far, and I can already see a "slight" improvement. I hope to be arm wrestling in a week. :-)

Because we cannot rule out a recurring tumor, treatment must proceed as if it has. That will entail IV Chemo Therapy once every two weeks. (1/2 day).

We also will making a trip to the IU Med center in Indy and possibly Duke University for consults and possible alternate treatments or studies. My Aunt Pam has put me in contact with a Dr. Alan Friedmam at DUKE. You should check out this man/doctor...he is doing AMAZING things!!!

Would appreciate your continued prayers...a lot will be taking place over the next two weeks. Could not get thru this journey without you.

TEARS ARE A LANGUANGE

WHATEVER THE REASON, I'VE BEEN HAVING A TOUGH WEEK. GOD REMINDED ME OF A SONG LAST NIGHT. HERE ARE THE WORDS OF THAT SONG:

OFTEN YOU WONDER WHY TEARS COME INTO YOUR EYES
AND BURDENS SEEM TO BE MUCH MORE THAN YOU CAN BEAR
BUT GOD IS STANDING NEAR, HE SEES YOUR FALLING TEARS
AND TEARS ARE A LANGUAGE GOD UBDERSTANDS

GOD SEES THE TEARS OF A BROKENHEARTED SOUL
HE SEES YOUR TEARS AND HEARS THEM WHEN THEY FALL
GOD WEEPS ALONG WITH MAN AND HE TAKES HIM BY THE HAND
TERS ARE A LANGUAGE GOD UNDERSTANDS

WHEN GRIEF HAS LEFT BYOU LOW IT CAUSES TEARS TO FLOW
WHEN THINGS HAVE NOT TURNED OUT THE WAY THAT YOU HAD PLANNED
BUT GOD WON'T FORGET YOU HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE
AND TEARS ARE A LANGUAGE GOD UNDERSTANDS

GOOD SEES THE TEARSOF A BROKENHEARTED SOUL
HE SEES YOUR TEARS AND HEARS THEM WHEN THEY FALL
GOD WEEPS ALONG WITH MSN AND HE TAKES HIM BY THE HAND
TEARS ARE A LANGUAGE GOD UN DERSTANDS

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Ladies (and gents, if you want)...don't forget to wear your pink this month. Cancer has become a part of too many lives....we need to keep fighting!