Getting Ready for Back Surgery and then the Whammy!

September 24 (Thursday)... 

I want to thank all my prayer warriors once again for storming heaven for me. I got a call Tuesday afternoon from the neurosurgeon office. I have an appointment scheduled for Monday to discuss the plans for back surgery or even if that is what is needed. 

They did ask that I have a different CT scan done of my back. So a new scan was quickly scheduled for yesterday afternoon. The scan took place without any difficulty. I have become quite the pro at praying my way through the procedure. 

However, I did have two things happen as part of the procedure. One shows how awesome the medical staff at the center are in caring for me. The second is just silly. 

In order to have the scan done quickly, the clinic scheduled my appointment for after 5pm. The problem with this was my port. I would need to be accessed and that could only take place at the chemo treatment room. So I arrived an hour early to allow for time before they went home for the day. Nurse Brent accessed my port but was very concerned because they would all be gone by the time I had my scan complete. I assured him that we had worked out for another nurse on call to help me after the procedure. He showed concern but since I had a plan, he would leave as scheduled. Well, at least that is what he told me. When I returned after the scans, I was surprised to see Brent was still in the treatment room. He told me that he just wanted to be there from start to finish. He would sleep better at night knowing I had been taken care of properly. He also remembered that I had a sensitivity to the latex bandages, and had the correct bandage to avoid irritation to my skin. Nice guy!!

The funny thing happened when I was actually at the scan. I was called back to the exam room by a technician I had not met. He was bald and had a very pronounced roman nose. He helped me to the room and onto the exam table. He even positioned me properly. I then closed my eyes and began praying. However, he talked me the through the procedure which lasted about twenty minutes. When all was done, I opened my eyes and I was a little fuzzy in the head and off balance. He did not notice because he had walked away to complete some paperwork. He was standing bent over his desk, so I could not see him. I always like to know the staff by name so I asked him his name. He told my he was Sergio as he turned back to face me. He no longer was bald but had a full head of hair and no roman nose. I had to laugh!!  They had switched off sometime within the procedure!!!  I remembered Sergio from my last scan!!!  I told him they he and his fellow tech should not do that to a person!  I really thought I had gone a little loopy!  We both had a little laugh over the mix up. Oh my!  

After yesterday going so smoothly, I was not prepared for the news I was given this afternoon. I wish I could say it was another mix up. However, I got a call that Dr. Drengler had gone over my bone scan. The cancer in the bone has spread again and I have been referred back to the radiologist. I now have cancer in my right hip bone and possibly other areas that we will need to watch closely. 

We are not wasting any time, as I already have an appointment scheduled to talk to radiologist next week. I will most likely will need radiation to these new areas as soon as possible.  I guess it was not meant for me to rest in between chemo treatments. I will be quite busy next week with my appointments and my mom.  

Funny thing is I have more energy now and not in pain so I guess I am being held up to continue on in this battle by all your prayers. I continue to be so humbled by all who pray for me. I know there are many of you praying for me more than I pray for myself. I have also been blessed by two of my prayer warriors who have made me protective masks. I was brought to tears Tuesday after Mass by the beautiful gift of mask and head covering from a fellow parishioner. The other mask was given about six weeks ago but I had set it aside during one of my difficult moments and misplaced it. I have it now and it is such a nice one too. I will use them when going to Mass. 

Always remember that God is good all the time!  I trust in him and I know that he will not fail me. He shares his love for me through others who are open to his message. Praise God!!

A Sneak Peak at my New 'Do

September 22 (Tuesday) ... I have had some of you ask if my hair has started to grow back. I think it is kind of funny. When i was completely bald and had a smooth head, i had no problem going around in public. However, now that the hair is starting to come back it is kind of awkward. I am not even sure what color my hair will be as it is different in various places on my head. I must admit, I will wear a cap until I have a full head of something. But for those of my faithful prayer warriors who are curious, I will post an updated photo in the comments. I just ask that you not laugh if you take a peek!  

God bless you!  Have an amazing day full of joy and laughter!

A Fun Geo-Camper Weekend

September 18-20 (weekend)... so our family had this plan to go camping. But we did not know if it was going to be possible. We had to plan this trip over a month ago and with my situation we were not sure of anything. But it was a good opportunity to try because it would be with a group of geocachers and we knew Michael would have help with our crew if needed. So I started thinking about how to have a hotel near by, how to find the equipment we would need and have an exit plan should I need it. It turned out to be easy...a nice hotel was available 15 minutes from the state park with reservations that could be canceled if we had to back out...my friend, Nancy, offered to drive me and could take me home if needed any time during the weekend...we got a great deal on a tent...it was meant for us to enjoy this camping adventure. 

So Friday, while I was helping my mom with her stress test, Michael was packing up the vehicle and heading out the door with our crew. Once I knew my mom was OK, I would follow later with Nancy. 

It was a great weekend for all of us. The weather was perfect for camping with highs in the 80s during the day and 60s at night. And clear skies to enjoy the night sky in this Dark Sky park. 

The best part was being able to go and not have a lot of questions about my cancer. Either people did not know or they decide not to ask. Either way, we could enjoy the camping and nature without a lot of focus on what was happening back home (although I did check on my mom each day and she informed me that many were calling to check on her). Most of the weekend my stomach was upset and my back hurt but I felt the best option was to work through it. I stayed on flat trails and took lots of time to rest. Being a part of a group allowed the rest of the crew time to go on harder trails. 

I did think it was funny that the organizer of the weekend came to me at the end and said she was glad I was healthy again and I could enjoy the weekend. I just smiled and told her it was nice to be out in nature. I guess my plan to live regardless of the cancer is working if people do not realize that I am not well. And compared to how I looked even three months ago, I probably do appear to look healthy.  I have come along way in the last few weeks. Besides, this weekend was really more about my family enjoying a fun experience. I went along to enjoy watching them. As one of the crew likes to say...mission accomplished!  

Add to the awesome weekend...we arrived home in time to rush Sean to work. We had no plans for dinner but one of our friends called and offered to drop off a meal Sunday afternoon. We arrived home just an hour before she came with dinner!  We could not have made a better plan!  

Now for a couple of weeks of unknown days of resting before the chemo begins again. I am sure there will be more updates but for now we will just focus on school and resting. 

God bless you all.

A Rough Morning for Mom

September 18 (Friday)... I wanted to give an update for all those who are praying for my mom. I took her to have her chemical stress test early this morning. We do not have her results nut she made it through the test a little nauseous and light headed, but otherwise she felt all went well. We were not told how long the test would take and a quick search on line had us thinking it would be an hour long test. It turned out to be a three hour test that was delayed an hour. So this made for a long morning. She was glad to be home again when all was complete. 

I was glad to be able to take her to the test. And while I waited I ran an errand that was well over due. My brother Adrian and I were talking about my desire to find a cedar chest for Amanda. It turns out Adrian is really good at finding good deals and he had one tracked down in San Antonio before our conversation was over!  That was earlier in the week and we saw that it was close to mom’s fest location, so I took a chance the chest would still be available at the end of the week. I arrived to find that the chest was even more beautiful than the pictures. And the man at the store knew it was meant for me and lowered the price. I now have the joy of being able to fill it with her special items we have kept over the years. Praying that one day I will be able to share it with Amanda in person. 

I was able to pick up the chest and take it home. I encouraged Michael and the crew to complete their tasks (more on that in a different post) before heading back to mom. Thankfully, I thought to grab some lunch before heading back to wait in the parking lot. Also it was a nice breezy day so with the windows rolled down I was able to enjoy my wait for mom. 

I was so glad to see her walk out of the clinic!  Even with the busy morning, I just wanted to know she had made it through that test without any problems. And a big thank you to all who were praying for her and all who called to check on her in the afternoon. I know she appreciated both. One more hurdle complete to determine what the plan if action will be to keep her healthy. 

God bless to all!

Double Duty at the Cancer Clinic Today

 September 16 (Wednesday)...

What can I say?  Another round of chemo complete. Praise God!

  

I was able to complete the round multi-tasking through a bone scan too!  

I started out the day having my port accessed because that is what I was told was needed when the bone scan was ordered. Turns out I just needed the exercise of running up and down floors in the building. No harm done there...I need the exercise!  

Got down to lab for the administration of the contrast needed for the bone scan right on time. The nice tech, Marisa, said no port was needed and I grew concerned due to the last attempt at accessing a vein. She did not seem too concerned and I found out why as she stuck me quickly in the arm to give me the dose of contrast. I was so surprised that I did not have to think about it hurting. And it didn’t hurt a bit!  Marisa can stick me anytime!  Then she gave me a “get out chemo” and “no long waiting in line for scan” card, so I could return to her in three hours. 

Raced back up to the chemo room to get started with treatment. I was a little disappointed that Nurse Cindy would not have me today. But I was taken care of by Nurse Cherie and she did a great job!  She not only was a great nurse but she helped me stay hydrated so the contrast was able to run its course through my body. 

The only problem I had was the typical rash my body seems to use to relieve the body of excess chemo. And the added pain of my new allergy to adhesive. It is unfortunate and painful (my top layer of skin feels like it was burned around my port area) but it will heal. And we now know not to use the adhesive bandage after an access. 

The three hour treatment went by quickly and I was able to run back downstairs on time for the second part of the bone scan. Marisa was ready and waiting for me. I had my next opportunity to lay flat on my back but she covered me nicely with a warm blanket and I was able to pray in a meditative state with little effort. The full body bone scan was done in less than thirty minutes. Dr. Drengler should have the results by the next day. I will call and see what he says tomorrow. 

A good day ending this round of treatments. My prayer request for my prayer warriors is to find a way to get me on the schedule of a very busy neurosurgeon. If i need the back repair, I would rather have it sooner than later. 

Thank you all!  God bless you!

Suffering out of Obedience

September 15 (Tuesday)...another “easy” day of chemo. Mainly rash on neck and legs but the time went by quickly so not much to say on that part of my day. I had my Tough Nurse again today but it was an easy run so all was good and we chatted about family today. 

Forgot to mention yesterday that my mom got some lab work back and showed her cholesterol was improved from last set of labs done in March. She attributes this change to some of the essential oils she started taking when this all started six weeks ago. She also started back on her low carb/low sodiun diet but only in the last two weeks so not contributing to her change yet. She did have some high levels in other tests, so we continue to pray for her improvement. She has another test on Friday. 

With more time to reflect on the concept of suffering, I thought today was a nice follow up on yesterday as we celebrate the traditional feast in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows. It must not have been easy being the mother of the Savior. She faced the sorrows of his arrest and persecution that would lead to his crucifixion. Yet she stayed near him throughout that day and his dead body was laid in her arms before burial. 

We read the following passage today at Mass:

“In the days when Christ was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”  Hebrews 5:7-9

Jesus became man...knowing he would die. And yet, he still cried out in prayer to the Father. And he was obedient. 

The last line is puzzling...it states “he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”  The passage just speaks of suffering and I can only take this to mean that we are also asked to suffer out of obedience as Christ has done. Yes, we will follow in his message of joy and hope as well, but obedience cannot stop with what makes us happy. However, if we can accept the suffering times in our lives knowing the hope of a better end, we can unite our sufferings with Christ as Mary does. And we will also have the joys of eternal life with Christ in heaven. 

The Mass ended today with this prayer:  

“Rejoice when you share in the sufferings of Christ, that you may also rejoice exultantly when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13

“Having received the Sacrament of eternal redemption, we humbly ask, O Lord, that, honoring how the Blessed Virgin Mary suffered with her Son, we may complete in ourselves for the Church’s sake what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.  Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.”  Amen. 

I feel this desire to share in the sufferings of Christ knowing that I can one day rejoice. But also in the hope that others gain from this shared suffering and turn to  Christ in a more profound way. God is working through me in amazing ways. I have never been so blessed. I know God will be with me  through it all. How i can i complain about that. It seems like a good place to be. I pray for my family (and friends) to know this blessing through my cancer so they do not have to suffer. But really we all have a journey of suffering in our lives. So i just pray that they learn to see God working with me so they remember that God will help them when they are suffering one day. 

May God bless you all in all the joys and sufferings in your life as well.

Some Chemo Reflection Exalting the Cross

September 14 (Monday)... First day of chemo for this round went well. Really the same old same old for the first day. So nothing to be concerned about or changes. I continue to have the rash come and go. I continue to have neck pain that we hope to resolve with the back surgery. And I continue to have an upset stomach so I don’t eat as much (maybe that is not such a bad thing). 

My mom did not need to wait around because Nancy was kind enough to pick me up. We were so glad she could stay and enjoy dinner with us.   

Today is a traditional day to celebrate the Exaltation of the Cross. So we had a nice yet simple meal. My mom prepped and I was able to complete while we waited for Michael to arrive. We had a nice evening with food and conversation. We even had a simple dessert to end the meal!

  

Since I had time to reflect during chemo, I will share with you these verses and thoughts:

“Christ suffered for you,

and left you an example

to have you follow in his footsteps...

By his wounds, you were healed.”

1 Peter 2:21-24

and

“If then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as [being] dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 6:8-11

So as I reflected on these verses for the day, I could not help but think about the suffering I now deal with each day. But also the others I see each day here in the chemo room. And even further, all the world suffering in just our daily lives. Think if we do not suffer in misery and depressed, but instead offer our sufferings to unite with Christ. 

Peter tells us that Christ gave us the example. He followed the will of the Father out of obedience. We are called to follow in his footsteps. So that leads me to believe that we must also follow the will of the Father by accepting the sufferings of our lives. Jesus did not go around upset and depressed and he knew how his life would end!  He lived his life full of joy and hope. He did this knowing he would die a horrific death to save us from our sins. 

The second passage also speaks of dying to sin and living for God. Paul is telling us to give up our selfish desires and think of others as God thinks of others. Just think of what a wonderful world we would live in should we live with this in mind. It would be like heaven on earth!

  

Thy kingdom come, Lord!  Amen!!  Alleluia!!  

“We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.“ Galatians 6:14

🎶 Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim 

        till all the world adore his sacred name. 🎶