This is Todd ... so you just get the facts (no feelings allowed :-))
Christine went in for a two hour surgery this morning ... and came out after 3 hours and 15 minutes. The doctor had a great report. No scaring from her previous surgery, ovaries and liver looked great. He said it took longer because it was "putzie" work. He had to make three incisions and she had more bleeding then He would have liked.
Originally they thought she would be discharged on Thursday morning, but the doc is thinking he might hold her until Friday.
She is in pain as expected ... on morphine until they start weening her off this afternoon. At 1:00pm she was allowed ice chips and now has been promoted to water.
God is good - and her spirits are great. Thanks so much for your prayers. I imagine she will be able to write tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Good Report!
My blood draw and quarterly check up with Dr. Frick (my oncologist) was good! I am very thankful that the numbers look good and he is pleased with them! Praise God!
Side effects come and go - mostly just the numbness in my fingers and toes - but it is now mostly just finger tips and the toes - well - it fluctuates between being fine, raynauds flaring up, and being numb from the ball of my foot forward. My fine motor coordination is slowly gertting a little better. The doc says this will all improve with time....
I am so thankful to be at this point and feeling pretty good!
Yesterday, as I went for my pre-op testing, I learned that you have to be typed and cross-matched at the facility where your surgery is going to be. Didn't know that before.
Even if the computers talk, you have to go to the actual facility.
So when I was done with Dr. Frick, I drove across town with my medical port accessed to be drawn at the surgery center - only to discover that they didn't know how to get my info into the computer, linked to me and my surgery -- and the lab that I was to go to to get drawn, didn't have a nurse to work with my port, (blood drawers, or phlebotomists, are not allowed to cap a port as it involved a heparin push, which can only be done by a nurse) so I had to go to infusion to get that done!
It was quite an exercise in frustration, and self restraint :)
I was reminded of the verse that says "he who hold his tongue is wise" and "pleasant words are like honey."
All the tests were good though - they can operate! :)
Being in infusion (where chemo is given) reminded me again how blessed I had been going through chemo, that I didn't get sicker or weaker. You are awesome prayer warriors! It made such a difference!
Today I am thankful for
foggy rain, and a raincoat
Tues morning bible study
Chance being sassy - making me laugh
challenges that keep me humble and growing
fear that keeps me depending on God
His peace that is unexplainable - but is here.
Blessings to each of you -- and thanks for checking in!
Side effects come and go - mostly just the numbness in my fingers and toes - but it is now mostly just finger tips and the toes - well - it fluctuates between being fine, raynauds flaring up, and being numb from the ball of my foot forward. My fine motor coordination is slowly gertting a little better. The doc says this will all improve with time....
I am so thankful to be at this point and feeling pretty good!
Yesterday, as I went for my pre-op testing, I learned that you have to be typed and cross-matched at the facility where your surgery is going to be. Didn't know that before.
Even if the computers talk, you have to go to the actual facility.
So when I was done with Dr. Frick, I drove across town with my medical port accessed to be drawn at the surgery center - only to discover that they didn't know how to get my info into the computer, linked to me and my surgery -- and the lab that I was to go to to get drawn, didn't have a nurse to work with my port, (blood drawers, or phlebotomists, are not allowed to cap a port as it involved a heparin push, which can only be done by a nurse) so I had to go to infusion to get that done!
It was quite an exercise in frustration, and self restraint :)
I was reminded of the verse that says "he who hold his tongue is wise" and "pleasant words are like honey."
All the tests were good though - they can operate! :)
Being in infusion (where chemo is given) reminded me again how blessed I had been going through chemo, that I didn't get sicker or weaker. You are awesome prayer warriors! It made such a difference!
Today I am thankful for
foggy rain, and a raincoat
Tues morning bible study
Chance being sassy - making me laugh
challenges that keep me humble and growing
fear that keeps me depending on God
His peace that is unexplainable - but is here.
Blessings to each of you -- and thanks for checking in!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Parts
I have a confession --
Oct 31, I am having a laprascopic hysterectomy---totally unrelated to cancer--
just parts that have overstayed their welcome (as a friend phrased it)
By not putting it out on the blog, I could pretend that it wasn't going to happen.
The result is that some of you have heard about this via the grapevine instead of from me
- for which I apologize.
I just didn't want to talk about it - which was silly because it didn't work!
I was in denial and dreading it! Hope y'all understand --
It'll be a year ago - almost to the day- that I had colon surgery (Oct 27th)
Side effects are dwindling - though the numbness continues--coming and going. The raynauds is acting up very early this year which is unusual, and I attribute it to the damage from the chemo.
I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to this -- It is an exercise in mental discipline to keep focusing on God and on things to be thankful for.
I am deeply thankful that:
this is just a "parts" problem and not a cancer problem
it can be done laprascopically
I should be feeling better by Christmas
so many of you have asked how I am doing
we have such a rich history of God's provision--it gives strength and courage
Chance is still here
by comparison to other's problems, this is nothing
I got to enjoy so much despite the cancer
for the rich blessings of family and friends
God's gave us his word and promises
About 25 years ago, (I was a child bride) :) Todd wrote me a note to encourage me in my work -- I have kept it in my memory verse cards --
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps 27:1
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might -- Eph 6:10
I also remember my grandparents wedding verse, 2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness
So while dread is the main feeling, along with overwhelmed by my to-do list, I am thankful to be this far and hopeful that there is an end in sight!
Please forgive me for not posting this sooner -- I should have --
If any of you have experience with this, I'd love feedback -- the Doc says I'll be laid up 4-6 weeks! Colon surgery was relatively easy- though that was due to all your prayers, I know!
Just cannot believe 4-6 weeks! thoughts???
Thank you for your continued prayers and support -- they mean so much and make such a difference! God's rich blessings to you -- may you see him at work every day!
Oct 31, I am having a laprascopic hysterectomy---totally unrelated to cancer--
just parts that have overstayed their welcome (as a friend phrased it)
By not putting it out on the blog, I could pretend that it wasn't going to happen.
The result is that some of you have heard about this via the grapevine instead of from me
- for which I apologize.
I just didn't want to talk about it - which was silly because it didn't work!
I was in denial and dreading it! Hope y'all understand --
It'll be a year ago - almost to the day- that I had colon surgery (Oct 27th)
Side effects are dwindling - though the numbness continues--coming and going. The raynauds is acting up very early this year which is unusual, and I attribute it to the damage from the chemo.
I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to this -- It is an exercise in mental discipline to keep focusing on God and on things to be thankful for.
I am deeply thankful that:
this is just a "parts" problem and not a cancer problem
it can be done laprascopically
I should be feeling better by Christmas
so many of you have asked how I am doing
we have such a rich history of God's provision--it gives strength and courage
Chance is still here
by comparison to other's problems, this is nothing
I got to enjoy so much despite the cancer
for the rich blessings of family and friends
God's gave us his word and promises
About 25 years ago, (I was a child bride) :) Todd wrote me a note to encourage me in my work -- I have kept it in my memory verse cards --
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps 27:1
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might -- Eph 6:10
I also remember my grandparents wedding verse, 2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness
So while dread is the main feeling, along with overwhelmed by my to-do list, I am thankful to be this far and hopeful that there is an end in sight!
Please forgive me for not posting this sooner -- I should have --
If any of you have experience with this, I'd love feedback -- the Doc says I'll be laid up 4-6 weeks! Colon surgery was relatively easy- though that was due to all your prayers, I know!
Just cannot believe 4-6 weeks! thoughts???
Thank you for your continued prayers and support -- they mean so much and make such a difference! God's rich blessings to you -- may you see him at work every day!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Have you had your colonoscopy? 1 year ago....
A year ago today my life perspective changed-
I always said that God would sustain you through tough things. He had done that through a difficult 9 mos as my dad died. But I got a new opportunity to practice what I preached.
Could I give thanks in all circumstances?
Could I hang on to God when I was terrified - even if the answer was not good???
The colonoscopy left me too groggy to understand anything the doctor said, but Todd understood. He brought me home, tucked me in and went back to work, knowing that I had colon cancer. He had to lead a seminar that day...
Mid afternoon, he came home and woke me up, made a cup of coffee for me and we sat outside in the beautiful fall sunshine. I cannot imagine how hard it was to deliver that message....
When we began this adventure, I began blogging mostly as a communication tool, to let people know how we were doing and what was going on. Early on however, I began to share how I survive a storm like this and for me the only way is to hang on to God.
Ps 50:15 says, "call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me."
Time will tell whether I have been completely delivered, but I have been brought through this valley. There have been so very many times we have seen God's hand in all this that I cannot even begin to capture all of them - but I can point to a few very clear ones.
-Dad's house sold quickly, in a down economy
-My primary sent me to Dr. Carballo -- "the best"
-Doc C did not wait for pathology to confirm cancer, rather he saved us precious days cutting red tape and getting me in at the Vince Lombardi clinic in 5 days with all additional tests already run!
-The surgery date was originally at the end of Nov -- I pleaded with you to pray for this to be moved -- He heard you and it was moved up an entire month!
-When I went for the surgery for my medical port , it was delayed and panic set in--He sent me friends who texted me scripture and got me through the panic.
-God brought me through surgery smoothly, blowing our minds with the 600+ hits on my blog to check how I was. (this still makes me cry)
-He touched so many people's hearts to help and encourage us -
to send playlists - music - links to encourage us
to ease Todd's work load
to drive me to Bible Study
to bring us meals faithfully from November til March!
to clean house and do laundry
to check on me when Todd could not be here
to walk Chance when I couldn't
to walk with me so I got stronger
to send cards, e-mails, gifts and flowers
to pray for us - some who don't usually pray!
-He allowed me to encourage others
-He gave us gifts of time like
Christmas in Montana to celebrate Karl and Gretchen's engagement
Las Vegas with Todd for a conference
Time in Telluride to celebrate the end of chemo
Ten days in Montana with family to celebrate their wedding
-He gave me gifts of joy to brighten a long winter
Chance to keep me company, to wake me up, make me laugh
the birds activities
the change of seasons and each one's beauty
books to divert my mind
a warm fuzzy blanket to snuggle under
-He strengthened me to endure each chemo
there is so much packed into that line - He strengthened me to endure each chemo!
-He protected me so that I could attend public things like bible study, church and several funerals, and fly without getting sick. I never even had a cold.....while on chemo....
(when chemo compromises your immune system, it is not uncommon to wind up in the hospital because your body cannot fight off an infection)
That had to be God!!!
- and this is just a FEW of the things that we saw as being from Him!
(If you remember others - let me know! Some things are a little fuzzy to remember!)
I am crying as I write all this....
Who would have thought that something as awfull as cancer could yield so much good?
Now we have another chapter in our lives proving how God has blessed us, even when it didn't seem possible!
Prayer does change things
and
God can use all things for good for those who love him
and
One can learn and grow in difficulty especially when you cling to God
We will honor God, thanking Him for his provision
and
We have been blessed by all of you through this trial--
Thank you for your prayers and thanks for checking in!
ps
Side effects are dwindling - I still have numbness, but it comes and goes (how weird is that?)
and my fine motor skills are lacking.
My strength is not great - need to work out but hate going to the gym...
still am tired and my hair is a little fuzzy still, but I am thrilled to be this far....
Thanks for praying me here!
I always said that God would sustain you through tough things. He had done that through a difficult 9 mos as my dad died. But I got a new opportunity to practice what I preached.
Could I give thanks in all circumstances?
Could I hang on to God when I was terrified - even if the answer was not good???
The colonoscopy left me too groggy to understand anything the doctor said, but Todd understood. He brought me home, tucked me in and went back to work, knowing that I had colon cancer. He had to lead a seminar that day...
Mid afternoon, he came home and woke me up, made a cup of coffee for me and we sat outside in the beautiful fall sunshine. I cannot imagine how hard it was to deliver that message....
When we began this adventure, I began blogging mostly as a communication tool, to let people know how we were doing and what was going on. Early on however, I began to share how I survive a storm like this and for me the only way is to hang on to God.
Ps 50:15 says, "call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me."
Time will tell whether I have been completely delivered, but I have been brought through this valley. There have been so very many times we have seen God's hand in all this that I cannot even begin to capture all of them - but I can point to a few very clear ones.
-Dad's house sold quickly, in a down economy
-My primary sent me to Dr. Carballo -- "the best"
-Doc C did not wait for pathology to confirm cancer, rather he saved us precious days cutting red tape and getting me in at the Vince Lombardi clinic in 5 days with all additional tests already run!
-The surgery date was originally at the end of Nov -- I pleaded with you to pray for this to be moved -- He heard you and it was moved up an entire month!
-When I went for the surgery for my medical port , it was delayed and panic set in--He sent me friends who texted me scripture and got me through the panic.
-God brought me through surgery smoothly, blowing our minds with the 600+ hits on my blog to check how I was. (this still makes me cry)
-He touched so many people's hearts to help and encourage us -
to send playlists - music - links to encourage us
to ease Todd's work load
to drive me to Bible Study
to bring us meals faithfully from November til March!
to clean house and do laundry
to check on me when Todd could not be here
to walk Chance when I couldn't
to walk with me so I got stronger
to send cards, e-mails, gifts and flowers
to pray for us - some who don't usually pray!
-He allowed me to encourage others
-He gave us gifts of time like
Christmas in Montana to celebrate Karl and Gretchen's engagement
Las Vegas with Todd for a conference
Time in Telluride to celebrate the end of chemo
Ten days in Montana with family to celebrate their wedding
-He gave me gifts of joy to brighten a long winter
Chance to keep me company, to wake me up, make me laugh
the birds activities
the change of seasons and each one's beauty
books to divert my mind
a warm fuzzy blanket to snuggle under
-He strengthened me to endure each chemo
there is so much packed into that line - He strengthened me to endure each chemo!
-He protected me so that I could attend public things like bible study, church and several funerals, and fly without getting sick. I never even had a cold.....while on chemo....
(when chemo compromises your immune system, it is not uncommon to wind up in the hospital because your body cannot fight off an infection)
That had to be God!!!
- and this is just a FEW of the things that we saw as being from Him!
(If you remember others - let me know! Some things are a little fuzzy to remember!)
I am crying as I write all this....
Who would have thought that something as awfull as cancer could yield so much good?
Now we have another chapter in our lives proving how God has blessed us, even when it didn't seem possible!
Prayer does change things
and
God can use all things for good for those who love him
and
One can learn and grow in difficulty especially when you cling to God
We will honor God, thanking Him for his provision
and
We have been blessed by all of you through this trial--
Thank you for your prayers and thanks for checking in!
ps
Side effects are dwindling - I still have numbness, but it comes and goes (how weird is that?)
and my fine motor skills are lacking.
My strength is not great - need to work out but hate going to the gym...
still am tired and my hair is a little fuzzy still, but I am thrilled to be this far....
Thanks for praying me here!
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