Hello Dear Friends and Family,
I'm sorry for the long time between updates.....I'm in touch with most everyone through my personal emails....but know there are some that check my blog on occasion. I really had planned to try to express my "thanks" and sign off my blog with my good news.....but.....
First the GOOD NEWS!! In Aug. this year my twin sister, Linda, called and said her husband's niece asked if they had tried a "tens unit" for the pain? Long story short.....we tried it and PTL it has helped A LOT!!! I have not had any "hard drugs" since the day I first used it! Sooooo incredible how much better I can function and feel!! In case you don't know about a "tens".... it is a small battery pack you hook on your waistband. It has 4 electrodes that stick on my back. It sends an electric current to the 4 patches. You can adjust the current up... or down... depending on the pain level. A guest at the resort this summer, who is a "pain" Doc....says the simple explanation.....the pain travels to my spinal column and the tens unit shuts the door before it reaches my brain and says "ouch"!! I don't care how it works....just thankful!! I know that not everyone finds relief from chronic pain with them....but give it a try if you face each day filled with pain!!!
Now for the tiny concern and why I didn't close the story yet! July 2007 I had a PET CT scan trying to find a reason for the new intense pain in my back. PTL the test showed no new cancer.... or reason for the pain.....but found a couple of lymph glands in my lungs that were enlarged. They suggested another check in 6 months to see if there was any change. Someone had suggested that almost ALL folks who live in the Midwest have histopalmosa (sp). I hated putting the radio active "stuff" in my body and didn't repeat the test. In May when I saw my oncologist he asked, "Where is the new PET CT report?" He wasn't happy I hadn't repeated the test and I told him I'd think about it! He suggested doing ONE more and if there wasn't any change....forget about it!! Well I thought about it and didn't want to do it.......but a little nagging thought wouldn't go away.....so the end of Sept. ....when the new report came back the lymph glands had doubled along with various other ones had increased in size. Oooops!
The good news Oct. 8th.... when I saw the oncologist again.....the blood markers had not changed. He assured me that what every was happening.... it was NOT related to the breast cancer. He wanted to set my up with a "lung Dr." in Denver....but I couldn't get in until end of Nov.!! We closed the resort last Sunday (Oct. 19th) and we are now in Il.
I do have an appointment with a pulmonary doc Dec. 15th in Texas when we get down there! The oncologist in Denver of course isn't sure....but says it might be sarcoidosis...which isn't cancer and doesn't seem to serious...or maybe lymphoma. I'm voting for the sarcoidosis....I think!!
I'll be back online a few days after my appointment in Tx. I do have peace about this....especially when the blood report came back. Thanks for your love and support through these days....there truly aren't enough "special words" to describe the feelings we have felt on this journey because of you.... and God's hand on our lives!
I don't know what tomorrow holds....none of us do.....but I pray you know..... along with me.... that we DO know who holds it!!!
Loving Him and EACH of YOU,
Donna
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
2 YEARS AGO TODAY
Hello Family and Friends,
Could it be 2 years ago this day.... that I hear the word cancer spoken by my Doctor? The start of a new journey began that day, and I count is a blessing to be here to continue the story!
A special friend contacted me last week, because she had been watching my blog and not finding anything for so long. I'm truly story for any concern I have caused you... my faithful readers.... that I haven't posted for so long.....I have been waiting to be able to tell you good news. Thankfully I am better than I was when I last wrote. We have left Tx. since I last wrote.....spent the month of April in our home in Illinois....and now 2 week have passed here in Co. I am thankful I did the reconstruction....and very pleased with the results that Dr. Haws (Mindy) was able to create.....even though it seemed like it was starting over with the pain level...but know time will help.
While I was in Illinois, I found a Dr. that gave me 7 treatments of acupuncture. I was really impressed that it helped for about 24 hrs after a treatment....was disappointed I couldn't continue longer with him before heading to Co. He told me some good news....He said,"because I would get SOME relief....it wasn't permanent nerve damage. TYL (Thank You Lord). That was an interesting experience. I'd recommend anyone give it a try for just about any chronic pain! Our bodies are such wonderful creations....only God !!!
I have an appointment this Thursday with my PT (Julia) that I found last year in Denver. Julia was a BIG help last year....look forward to a weekly appointment this summer to see if I can get rid of more of the pain. Still sleeping in a chair about a third of the time and need percocet most of the days....know the increased pain now... is from long hours and extra activity getting our resort open for the season.
But....as I share the above....I'm so very mindful how blessed I am! Would I have wanted to missed this journey??? No!!. It may sound crazy to read that answer....but I have learned so much about the faithfulness of God.....the love of my family and friends...and that there is a purpose for my journey.
Your prayers for me an my family are treasures that we can't measure! Two years later.. we realize even more... the blessings that God has poured out on us through this journey. We pray that you also, see His hand on your life and experience His abiding love for YOU...... we are His precious children whom He loves!!
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna
John 1:16
Could it be 2 years ago this day.... that I hear the word cancer spoken by my Doctor? The start of a new journey began that day, and I count is a blessing to be here to continue the story!
A special friend contacted me last week, because she had been watching my blog and not finding anything for so long. I'm truly story for any concern I have caused you... my faithful readers.... that I haven't posted for so long.....I have been waiting to be able to tell you good news. Thankfully I am better than I was when I last wrote. We have left Tx. since I last wrote.....spent the month of April in our home in Illinois....and now 2 week have passed here in Co. I am thankful I did the reconstruction....and very pleased with the results that Dr. Haws (Mindy) was able to create.....even though it seemed like it was starting over with the pain level...but know time will help.
While I was in Illinois, I found a Dr. that gave me 7 treatments of acupuncture. I was really impressed that it helped for about 24 hrs after a treatment....was disappointed I couldn't continue longer with him before heading to Co. He told me some good news....He said,"because I would get SOME relief....it wasn't permanent nerve damage. TYL (Thank You Lord). That was an interesting experience. I'd recommend anyone give it a try for just about any chronic pain! Our bodies are such wonderful creations....only God !!!
I have an appointment this Thursday with my PT (Julia) that I found last year in Denver. Julia was a BIG help last year....look forward to a weekly appointment this summer to see if I can get rid of more of the pain. Still sleeping in a chair about a third of the time and need percocet most of the days....know the increased pain now... is from long hours and extra activity getting our resort open for the season.
But....as I share the above....I'm so very mindful how blessed I am! Would I have wanted to missed this journey??? No!!. It may sound crazy to read that answer....but I have learned so much about the faithfulness of God.....the love of my family and friends...and that there is a purpose for my journey.
Your prayers for me an my family are treasures that we can't measure! Two years later.. we realize even more... the blessings that God has poured out on us through this journey. We pray that you also, see His hand on your life and experience His abiding love for YOU...... we are His precious children whom He loves!!
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna
John 1:16
Sunday, February 10, 2008
One Day at a Time!
Hi Everyone,
Just a note to let you know I'm improving. Tuesday (12th) will be 3 weeks since surgery.
The colors of black and blue are now faded to some yellow. Left side is doing good. Right side is running about 2 weeks behind because of the extensive work that was done. Yesterday was the first day I could tell a little less swelling. Started an antibiotic 2 days ago to make sure the redness that remains in the right side isn't an infection. Didn't think I needed an antibiotic YET until the Dr. (Mindy) said,"We want to make sure we don't loose the implant"... I said....OK....almost fainted at the thought of that!
I'm back in the struggle of trying to take less BIG drugs for pain. Knowing how much to cut back and not getting way behind the pain is often hard to figure out. It is an on going problem. That would be my prayer request...discerning how much my body needs and the amount to take each day as I continue on this journey.
I find it so comforting how God's timing is perfect. I'm doing a bible study each Monday with some gals here in Sun City. It is a Beth Moore study on the book of Daniel. THIS WEEK we were reading about Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego that were thrown in the firey furnance. When king Nebuchadnezzar looked in, there were 4 people walking in the flames......God always abides with us through the trials of life. SOMETIME GOD DELIVERS US FROM THE FIRE. OTHER TIMES HE DELIVERS US THROUGH THE FIRE. STILL OTHER TIMES HE DELIVERS US BY THE FIRE INTO HIS ARMS! Beth says," Our God is able to deliver us, Beloved. Every time! And often He does!
If ever He does not and the flames of death or tragedy consume us, it is to light a fire somewhere and in some heart that can never be extinguished. Trust Him to the death. Trust Him through the death. In the blink of an eye, we'll understand"!!!
No...I'm thankful I don't feel the flames of death ....but what peace to know that He is there for all of us, who confess Him as Lord and Saviour....when that time comes!! In this journey, God's mercies and blessings are over whelming to me!
Your prayers and concern continue to touch our hearts. Almost daily... in cards, emails and calls. I pray the Lord lets me live a long, long time so I can try to repay others with the same kind of love you have shown us!
Joyfully His,
Donna
P.S. "spell check" won't work....no time to proof....but hope you can hear what my heart is trying to say!! Love Ya! D
Just a note to let you know I'm improving. Tuesday (12th) will be 3 weeks since surgery.
The colors of black and blue are now faded to some yellow. Left side is doing good. Right side is running about 2 weeks behind because of the extensive work that was done. Yesterday was the first day I could tell a little less swelling. Started an antibiotic 2 days ago to make sure the redness that remains in the right side isn't an infection. Didn't think I needed an antibiotic YET until the Dr. (Mindy) said,"We want to make sure we don't loose the implant"... I said....OK....almost fainted at the thought of that!
I'm back in the struggle of trying to take less BIG drugs for pain. Knowing how much to cut back and not getting way behind the pain is often hard to figure out. It is an on going problem. That would be my prayer request...discerning how much my body needs and the amount to take each day as I continue on this journey.
I find it so comforting how God's timing is perfect. I'm doing a bible study each Monday with some gals here in Sun City. It is a Beth Moore study on the book of Daniel. THIS WEEK we were reading about Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego that were thrown in the firey furnance. When king Nebuchadnezzar looked in, there were 4 people walking in the flames......God always abides with us through the trials of life. SOMETIME GOD DELIVERS US FROM THE FIRE. OTHER TIMES HE DELIVERS US THROUGH THE FIRE. STILL OTHER TIMES HE DELIVERS US BY THE FIRE INTO HIS ARMS! Beth says," Our God is able to deliver us, Beloved. Every time! And often He does!
If ever He does not and the flames of death or tragedy consume us, it is to light a fire somewhere and in some heart that can never be extinguished. Trust Him to the death. Trust Him through the death. In the blink of an eye, we'll understand"!!!
No...I'm thankful I don't feel the flames of death ....but what peace to know that He is there for all of us, who confess Him as Lord and Saviour....when that time comes!! In this journey, God's mercies and blessings are over whelming to me!
Your prayers and concern continue to touch our hearts. Almost daily... in cards, emails and calls. I pray the Lord lets me live a long, long time so I can try to repay others with the same kind of love you have shown us!
Joyfully His,
Donna
P.S. "spell check" won't work....no time to proof....but hope you can hear what my heart is trying to say!! Love Ya! D
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
IT'S OVER....and I'm soooo sorry I couln't tell you!
Good Morning dear family and friends,
I had promised so many of you that Michele or Teresa would post to this blog on Jan. 22. when my Reconstruction revision was finished! WELL.....MY USER NAME AND PASSWORD WERE CHANGED A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT WAS WRITTEN ON MY DESK PAD ....IN TEXAS.... and I couldn't remember it for any thing! We tried every combination we could think of to no avail!! I was plagued with worry that I couldn't tell you I was OK!!!!
We returned to Tx. Sunday night and was so glad to be in my own bed after being gone 3 weeks...(a side trip to Fl. with my twin sister and hubby in Daytona Beach before surgery).
Mindy (Dr. Haws) did an awesome job with the revision. The big glob under each arm is gone and they look much more normal. I'm swimming in huge pain again....but feel when time and swelling goes down....I'll be much better and more comfortable!!
"Thanks" never seems enough words when it comes to telling you how much my family and me appreciate and love each of you! You are one of God's greatest blessings to us.
On May 18, 2006, I never would have thought this blog would last so long......and perhaps it is not close to stopping....only God knows the plans for me....but I can say I'm overwhelmed with His grace and mercies on this journey. No matter how long the journey, I have such awesome peace knowing that, what ever lies ahead, He's walking with me and your love and prayers are supporting us! They are priceless to us. Please include Lloyd in your prayers....he is such an awesome life partner who cares for me with special details each day. (Flowers yesterday :}).
I'm praying for each of you in this New Year, that God will be pouring His blessings on you and your precious family. I pray as you climb into bed each night, that God will bring to mind the "little everyday blessings" He sent you that day. .....and you can say...."To God Be The Glory"!!
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna
I had promised so many of you that Michele or Teresa would post to this blog on Jan. 22. when my Reconstruction revision was finished! WELL.....MY USER NAME AND PASSWORD WERE CHANGED A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT WAS WRITTEN ON MY DESK PAD ....IN TEXAS.... and I couldn't remember it for any thing! We tried every combination we could think of to no avail!! I was plagued with worry that I couldn't tell you I was OK!!!!
We returned to Tx. Sunday night and was so glad to be in my own bed after being gone 3 weeks...(a side trip to Fl. with my twin sister and hubby in Daytona Beach before surgery).
Mindy (Dr. Haws) did an awesome job with the revision. The big glob under each arm is gone and they look much more normal. I'm swimming in huge pain again....but feel when time and swelling goes down....I'll be much better and more comfortable!!
"Thanks" never seems enough words when it comes to telling you how much my family and me appreciate and love each of you! You are one of God's greatest blessings to us.
On May 18, 2006, I never would have thought this blog would last so long......and perhaps it is not close to stopping....only God knows the plans for me....but I can say I'm overwhelmed with His grace and mercies on this journey. No matter how long the journey, I have such awesome peace knowing that, what ever lies ahead, He's walking with me and your love and prayers are supporting us! They are priceless to us. Please include Lloyd in your prayers....he is such an awesome life partner who cares for me with special details each day. (Flowers yesterday :}).
I'm praying for each of you in this New Year, that God will be pouring His blessings on you and your precious family. I pray as you climb into bed each night, that God will bring to mind the "little everyday blessings" He sent you that day. .....and you can say...."To God Be The Glory"!!
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna
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