Mom has now had 2 full days of chemo. She's doing great and a few of us are up visiting her tonight. She looks great and doesn't feel any of the effects of the chemo yet. Her blood count has gone down some, so in addition to the chemo, she's also getting blood tonight. That is very common and they expect that she'll need it throughout her stay. She usually starts to feel the effects of the medicine after day 10 so we are enjoying these days and just keeping her company. I have some Christmas music going here in the hospital room, we can see some Christmas trees lit outside her window, and nurses file in and out checking different things here and there.
It's been nice for Mom to see some of the nurses here on the 15th floor. She was on this floor 3 years ago when she first was diagnosed and developed good friendships with some of the women who took care of her for those months. One nurse specifically, Peggy, was very dear to Mom's heart and she caught up with her yesterday. Although they don't want to see each other (because that means Mom is sick), it's good to have familiar faces around.
Thanks for reading. We'll write again in the next couple days.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
We have been CHOSEN!
Mary feels God working already..feeling good and at peace.
The PIC line is in and all went well.
Dental result came back good, with no infections (because you cannot start chemo with any infections) as well as the in the scan of her sinus cavity.
So, because of everything going SO well today, chemo was started this evening at 7 pm. The good news with this..is that the sooner the chemo starts, the sooner Mary will go home :)
Also, we got word that Mary has been chosen to participate in the Clinical Trial with Elacytarabine chemotherapy..
This Nationwide Clinical Study (that has been going on for 2 1/2 years) was presented to us as the best option for Mary's (new) treatment plan.
They have followed roughly 150 people with this trial and have found tremendous results!
Last Wednesday, there were 12 spots left in the Clinical Study, and as of today, there are only 7 spots left in the nation...and Mary has been, in her words...BLESSED..to be qualified & chosen to participate in this clinical trial.
It is being given to patients whose AML keeps coming back..and as Dr. Altman's 1st choice of treatment plans, my family is so very thankful for the opportunity to try a new route since the last "tries" have not been successful in preventing the AML's return. We have been successful in getting it into remission, but this will hopefully keep it from coming back..for good!
This Clinical Trial is nearing the end of its "trial" phase and we are exited to be part of the research to help other patients in the future!
From the book, Jesus Calling, wanted to share what we just read..it's fitting:
"THIS IS THE DAY THAT I HAVE MADE! As you rejoice in this day of life, it will yield up to you precious gifts and beneficial training. Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready for you.
To protect your thankfulness, you must remember that you reside in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely. A constant focus on adversity defeats many Christians. They walk through a day that is brimming with beauty and brightness, seeing only the grayness of their thoughts. Neglecting the practice of giving thanks has darkened their minds. How precious are My children who remember to thank Me at all times. They can walk through the darkest days with Joy in their hearts because they know that the Light of My Presence is still shining on them. Rejoice in this day that I have made, for I am your steadfast Companion."
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-Psalm 118:24
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
The PIC line is in and all went well.
Dental result came back good, with no infections (because you cannot start chemo with any infections) as well as the in the scan of her sinus cavity.
So, because of everything going SO well today, chemo was started this evening at 7 pm. The good news with this..is that the sooner the chemo starts, the sooner Mary will go home :)
Also, we got word that Mary has been chosen to participate in the Clinical Trial with Elacytarabine chemotherapy..
This Nationwide Clinical Study (that has been going on for 2 1/2 years) was presented to us as the best option for Mary's (new) treatment plan.
They have followed roughly 150 people with this trial and have found tremendous results!
Last Wednesday, there were 12 spots left in the Clinical Study, and as of today, there are only 7 spots left in the nation...and Mary has been, in her words...BLESSED..to be qualified & chosen to participate in this clinical trial.
It is being given to patients whose AML keeps coming back..and as Dr. Altman's 1st choice of treatment plans, my family is so very thankful for the opportunity to try a new route since the last "tries" have not been successful in preventing the AML's return. We have been successful in getting it into remission, but this will hopefully keep it from coming back..for good!
This Clinical Trial is nearing the end of its "trial" phase and we are exited to be part of the research to help other patients in the future!
From the book, Jesus Calling, wanted to share what we just read..it's fitting:
"THIS IS THE DAY THAT I HAVE MADE! As you rejoice in this day of life, it will yield up to you precious gifts and beneficial training. Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready for you.
To protect your thankfulness, you must remember that you reside in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely. A constant focus on adversity defeats many Christians. They walk through a day that is brimming with beauty and brightness, seeing only the grayness of their thoughts. Neglecting the practice of giving thanks has darkened their minds. How precious are My children who remember to thank Me at all times. They can walk through the darkest days with Joy in their hearts because they know that the Light of My Presence is still shining on them. Rejoice in this day that I have made, for I am your steadfast Companion."
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-Psalm 118:24
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
-Psalm116:17
We rejoice today!
We'll keep you posted as the week goes on. As always, thank you for your ongoing prayers..Mary feels them!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday Check In
Hi there. Thanks for checking in on our Mom today. Mom is now up in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as of 7 o'clock tonight. She and my Dad are settling in tonight for a busy day tomorrow. They will put Mom through the ringer with all sorts of tests, check ups, and getting her pic line put in. In order to start a chemo regimen like she is about to have (and has had in the past), her body has to be thoroughly checked to make sure she's strong and will have no problems outside of the effects of the medicine. It's going to be a tiring and frustrating day for her, but we're thankful they take all the precautions they do in order to keep her safe. Thankfully in the past her body has checked out well, and we're praying that it's as strong as ever now.
Mom had a good Thanksgiving week at home. She was completely surrounded by family and friends who love her more than words can say. I believe it was a bittersweet week for her because she loves having us all with her but was also mentally preparing herself for her stay in the hospital. There's no question, though, that that was just how she wanted it. We hope you all felt blessed by family and friends during your Thanksgiving, too!
Please pray for Mom's strength- both for her body and for her spirit.
Also, feel free to post a comment below and we'll make sure Mom reads it!
Also, feel free to post a comment below and we'll make sure Mom reads it!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The Plan
Mom had her doctor's appointment this afternoon with her wonderful doctor, Jessica, and great assistant, Donna. My Dad and brother, Adam, joined Mom to hear the plan. Mom will be heading into Northwestern on Sunday evening to check in and start the process of treatment. On Monday they will run her routine tests and get her set up. On Tuesday they will start the chemo.
It's hard to be starting over with this horrible disease, but Jessica says it is possible to get Mom into remission again. They're trying new chemo and a new plan to try to get the leukemia to stay away...for good.
So this weekend we are going to enjoy some quality family time and build Mom up to prepare for battle. Her counts are still good and she's feeling normal, so she's going to do all of our normal Thanksgiving festivities. She's even talking about getting her Christmas shopping done on Saturday!
Please pray with us. We still believe God can do a miracle in my Mom and we are praying that she goes into remission and the cancer stays away forever.
It's hard to be starting over with this horrible disease, but Jessica says it is possible to get Mom into remission again. They're trying new chemo and a new plan to try to get the leukemia to stay away...for good.
So this weekend we are going to enjoy some quality family time and build Mom up to prepare for battle. Her counts are still good and she's feeling normal, so she's going to do all of our normal Thanksgiving festivities. She's even talking about getting her Christmas shopping done on Saturday!
Please pray with us. We still believe God can do a miracle in my Mom and we are praying that she goes into remission and the cancer stays away forever.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
No Fear
I see from the stats on this website that our friends and family have already been checking in on my mom this week. You all are so wonderfully supportive! I'm sorry it took so long for an update.
As many of you know, Mom received a call on Wednesday from her doctor after a bone marrow biopsy was done on Tuesday. The news wasn't good. Doctor Jessica let us know that they see AML (leukemia) in her blood once again. We were all very scared and sad to hear this news. This is the 3rd time she's been given this diagnosis and we don't want to see her go into the hospital for treatment again. The doctor said she could come in to start things the next day or she could wait til after Thanksgiving if she wanted to. Mom has been feeling so good and had no signs that this was going on. We were thankful that her doctor caught it so early this time, although an AML diagnosis is never something you want to hear your doctor say.
About 30 years ago when my Mom was pregnant with Julie, Mom was watching the 700 Club on tv. She had a miscarriage about 6 months prior to that, and had begun seeing the same symptoms in her new pregnancy. Pat Robertson, who is one of the hosts of the show, was leading prayer and prayed for "Mary" who was bleeding. He let my Mom know during that prayer that God was healing her adhesions and that the baby would be fine. Obviously my Mom was amazed at witnessing this miracle! She stopped bleeding soon after and Julie is doing great today. Praise God!
On Thursday Mom was watching the 700 Club again (Amy, Julie, and I were with her). Pat Roberston was praying for a few people and last prayed for someone with Leukemia. Mom claimed that healing prayer and is believing that God will bring her through this the same way He has brought her through all the other trials in her life.
Her counts are still good and she's home living normally. We're all spending a lot of time with her, aside from my Dad who is in the midst of an outage at work (where he works long hours for a few week period of time). He will take off work if he needs to be in the hospital with her. Today we (mostly Mom :) made Thanksgiving dinner and are enjoying family time. We are so blessed!
Still no further news from Mom's doctor in terms of what's next. They need to get more results from last week's biopsy in order to determine what they will do. In the meantime we are believing in God's healing power as we've witnessed before. We will not be afraid of the trials that await any of us in this life because we have a hope of something greater through Jesus Christ.
Here is an encouragement written by Jack Kelly from www.gracethrufaith.com. If you are going through a fearful time in your life, find encouragement by counting your blessings and trusting in our Creator...
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:15-16)
The Lord’s will is that you no longer be afraid but trust in Him to protect you. Therefore the fear you feel is from the devil. Resist him and he’ll flee from you (James 4:7) You have been given the authority to take your fearful thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Instead of crying yourself to sleep, stand up and rebuke these fears in the name of Jesus. Get into the Word and learn the promises the Lord has made to you. One of my favorites is Phil. 4:4-7 When I feel fearful or uncertain, I begin thanking God for all the blessings He’s given me. Before I’m finished, I’m at peace.
The enemy has persuaded you to reduce your thoughts to their lowest level. In Phil 4:8-9 Paul tells you to elevate them to their highest level. You have the right to choose the thoughts that will occupy your mind, and only need to exercise it. But you can’t just deny the fear, you have to replace it with thoughts of protection and blessing from Bible verses and your own experience, proving to yourself that your fear is unfounded. Since God has protected you in the past, it stands to reason that he’ll do so in the future. He is faithful after all. As you convince yourself, your fears will go away and the enemy will flee.
As many of you know, Mom received a call on Wednesday from her doctor after a bone marrow biopsy was done on Tuesday. The news wasn't good. Doctor Jessica let us know that they see AML (leukemia) in her blood once again. We were all very scared and sad to hear this news. This is the 3rd time she's been given this diagnosis and we don't want to see her go into the hospital for treatment again. The doctor said she could come in to start things the next day or she could wait til after Thanksgiving if she wanted to. Mom has been feeling so good and had no signs that this was going on. We were thankful that her doctor caught it so early this time, although an AML diagnosis is never something you want to hear your doctor say.
About 30 years ago when my Mom was pregnant with Julie, Mom was watching the 700 Club on tv. She had a miscarriage about 6 months prior to that, and had begun seeing the same symptoms in her new pregnancy. Pat Robertson, who is one of the hosts of the show, was leading prayer and prayed for "Mary" who was bleeding. He let my Mom know during that prayer that God was healing her adhesions and that the baby would be fine. Obviously my Mom was amazed at witnessing this miracle! She stopped bleeding soon after and Julie is doing great today. Praise God!
On Thursday Mom was watching the 700 Club again (Amy, Julie, and I were with her). Pat Roberston was praying for a few people and last prayed for someone with Leukemia. Mom claimed that healing prayer and is believing that God will bring her through this the same way He has brought her through all the other trials in her life.
Her counts are still good and she's home living normally. We're all spending a lot of time with her, aside from my Dad who is in the midst of an outage at work (where he works long hours for a few week period of time). He will take off work if he needs to be in the hospital with her. Today we (mostly Mom :) made Thanksgiving dinner and are enjoying family time. We are so blessed!
Still no further news from Mom's doctor in terms of what's next. They need to get more results from last week's biopsy in order to determine what they will do. In the meantime we are believing in God's healing power as we've witnessed before. We will not be afraid of the trials that await any of us in this life because we have a hope of something greater through Jesus Christ.
Here is an encouragement written by Jack Kelly from www.gracethrufaith.com. If you are going through a fearful time in your life, find encouragement by counting your blessings and trusting in our Creator...
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:15-16)
The Lord’s will is that you no longer be afraid but trust in Him to protect you. Therefore the fear you feel is from the devil. Resist him and he’ll flee from you (James 4:7) You have been given the authority to take your fearful thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Instead of crying yourself to sleep, stand up and rebuke these fears in the name of Jesus. Get into the Word and learn the promises the Lord has made to you. One of my favorites is Phil. 4:4-7 When I feel fearful or uncertain, I begin thanking God for all the blessings He’s given me. Before I’m finished, I’m at peace.
The enemy has persuaded you to reduce your thoughts to their lowest level. In Phil 4:8-9 Paul tells you to elevate them to their highest level. You have the right to choose the thoughts that will occupy your mind, and only need to exercise it. But you can’t just deny the fear, you have to replace it with thoughts of protection and blessing from Bible verses and your own experience, proving to yourself that your fear is unfounded. Since God has protected you in the past, it stands to reason that he’ll do so in the future. He is faithful after all. As you convince yourself, your fears will go away and the enemy will flee.
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