More Info From Dr

My doctor at Vanderbilt just returned my page. I told her that I was getting numerous questions from family & friends & I want to have everything on this blog so no one is misinformed. She said I was getting a great response to the therapy. The disease is very stable and controlled. The tumor marker is still elevated at 264, with medicine recognizing a value of <41 as cured. The cancer cells are circulating at a much lower level. Medically speaking, it is still stage 4, but the areas are so small that they cannot be detected by PET resolution. I still say God is definitely showing off in a big way.

Faith Brings HEALING!!

I have been waiting on the day since all of this cancer stuff started back up again to be able to write this entry. On Wednesday, as many of you know, I had a PET scan at Vanderbilt & saw my doctor. She was only able to give me a prelimary report that day & was mailing out the full report asap. I received that report last night (Sat) surprisingly, as I forgot to get the mail at lunch. It was laying on the kitchen counter from where Anthony came in hurriedly & tossed it down to go get ready for our date night. I opened it before we left out. Silence overtook us both as we opened it up & read the report. Head & neck showed no foci (focus) of abnormal activity. Chest showed no abnormal foci of increased activity, specifically the multiple areas shown on the PET of 9/19/08 have RESOLVED. Abdomen & pelvis show no abnormal foci of increased activity. The KIDNEYS appear normal!! My left one has had atropy for the last two years or more! No mention of atrophy. Musculoskeletal showed no abnormal foci of increased activity, specifically the diffuse multifocal uptake of tracer seen on the PET scan in 9/08 has resolved in the interim. It only shows sclerotic (scarred) changes throughout my spine, without FDG (tracer) activity, likely representing treated disease. WOW!! I asked God to make himself known, to show to me who is, to show his power to me. I went in scared, dreading the report. As we sat there waiting on the dr., I read from my bible & devotion book called "Jesus Calling". I told God to let himself be known to me, to show me what he is capable of doing, & that I have all my faith in HIM that he can heal me. After we talked with the dr, Kristy left & the dr examined me & told me that I could go like this for years. One patient of hers has had what I've had done & she said she has to remind her she still has cancer in order to get her to come to follow-up appts. As soon as she left me alone in the room, I fell to my knees, raised my hands to him & declared to HIM his sovereignty & healing power. Since that moment, I have had a wonderful spirit about me...one of complete faith, a physical feeling I haven't had in two years, & joy that I didn't know if I would ever experience again. My energy level has increased daily. I felt like dancing last night (Sat). Anthony & I just soaked it in while out by ourselves. I didn't call anyone or say much until Sunday. The children are elated. Abby wanted a percentage of what is gone & I tried to explain that God has chosen for nothing to be seen, just scars. I told Mom I was in a state of shock. I have read & reread the report. There are a couple scriptures I want to share that spoke to me...I will live & not die & declare the illustrious acts of the Lord. Psalm 118:17; Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2; I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 God has been so good to me. Thank you all! Please continue to pray, but most of all PRAISE!

GOD IS SO GOOD!

I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. I got wonderful news today from the preliminary PET scan. She said the scan was better than the one back in September!!! "In fact it is better than better", she said. Lymph nodes in my chest were smaller. No new bones lesions. The lack of estrogen must be working. We are going to continue the Arimidex & Zometa indefinitely & the lack of estrogen can make me stiff/hurt due to it being a natural lubricant for the bones. Tears of joy swelled up in my eyes & all I could do was thank my Lord for all HIS greatness!!! This is truly an answer to many, many prayers. I can't thank you all enough for interceding continually to our Maker. My dear friend Kristy was there with me to celebrate the great news. There was little to no cell phone service, so I couldn't text or call after the dr left the room. We were there at Vanderbilt all day. From 10 a & got home around 7p. It was worth it being there all day getting that kind of news. God is so good! For HE knows the plans he has for me, to prosper not to harm me, plans for a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 YES LORD, I love this verse! You have this glorious scripture embedded within me. There is a reason for all of this...

Vandy

We had a great appointment on Monday. As we were driving to Nashville in the rain, I turned to Anthony & said, "I have a good feeling about this lady." Usually I have a case of the nerves before drs' appts, but Monday was different. I knew it would be crazy at Vanderbilt. From the parking to checking out & making more appointments. The doctor was thorough, humble, & looked me straight in the eyes when she talked to me. We go back on the 21st for a PET scan, to see her, & for my Zometa. Our plan is staying as is for now. Please say a prayer that everything is stable. The Lord has truly blessed me for the last month with increased energy & little pain. Thank you all for your cards, prayers, & sweet words of encouragement & love.