"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:3). With GREAT joy, I am so glad to share with you that I just received my best test results in the last 2 1/2 years!!!
Recently, I've been battling worse-than-usal aches and pains. My doctor ordered a set of tests--bloodwork, x-rays, the usual. When I didn't hear back from her last Friday, I'm sorry to say that I became slightly concerned. The adage that "no news is good news" doesn't always apply if you have stage IV cancer, so I was kinda worried. Just keepin' it real. Anywho, I called my oncologist's office Monday afternoon to find out what's the dealie!
She told me the following: We have GREAT news! The x-rays showed that the chemo has been working!! In fact, the large cancerous lesions that were on the linings of your lungs are almost invisible. The right lung is clear and the lesion on the left lung is nearly undetectable. That's miraculous!
If you know even a little about my health crisis last summer, my cardiologist and pulmonologist did not give me much chance to live. To come back this far in just over a year is nothing short of a miracle! I want to thank EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for pouring your hearts out to God on behalf of me and my family! God hears and answers prayers! I marked my prayer list by writing the date of 10-13-2008 by it.
Love always,
Janet
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Your Ultimate RSVP
In my last blog, I mentioned that my dream "date" would be between Jesus Christ or Sting, former lead singer for The Police. Don't get me wrong, like many people, I would want to meet 
Jesus, but I think His dance card would be millions of miles long! Why would I want to meet Jesus face to face? Well, think of the answers to many questions that most of us have. What was he thinking when he created flowers? On my best days, I'm only marginally creative. I don't have it in me to have thought of even a fraction of the colors displayed in orchids alone. And the color combinations...breathtaking! My husband is a graphic designer and he's got a PMS color fan on him at all times (you know, the color thing you get from Sherwin Williams or at Home Depot's paing department). I never knew how many different shades of pink there could be. And I don't even LIKE pink!
Jesus, but I think His dance card would be millions of miles long! Why would I want to meet Jesus face to face? Well, think of the answers to many questions that most of us have. What was he thinking when he created flowers? On my best days, I'm only marginally creative. I don't have it in me to have thought of even a fraction of the colors displayed in orchids alone. And the color combinations...breathtaking! My husband is a graphic designer and he's got a PMS color fan on him at all times (you know, the color thing you get from Sherwin Williams or at Home Depot's paing department). I never knew how many different shades of pink there could be. And I don't even LIKE pink!So, Jesus would be my #1 date of all time. But, I hope to see Him one day in the future. Good medical science, reformed nutrition and my strength of will will, hopefull, delay that date. In the meantime, Sting is my #2. Why Sting, you may ask? Even if you didn't ask, I'll happily tell you. Sting (born Gordon Matthew Sumner) is one of the all-time greatest story tellers in history. Not just an opionion, his consistent presence on the top of music charts and his profitability confirm this. I once saw him on a show called, oddly enough, "Storytellers," and he commented on his unique style of lyricism. Nearly 90% of rock songs have to do with love--either falling in love, being in love, or losing love. Not very varying in depth, I would say. Sting has addressed world politics, economics, antiquities and a whole realm of issues, some hard hitting and some quite silly. Sometimes, the songs can even masquerade as silly, take "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" for example. At first hearing, one might consider this a bizarre little tune. Why would a trio of grown men make baby noises? In fact, this song blasts the hypocrisy found in political figures when they speak down to the electorate. That's a timeless sentiment in my book!
Anyway, please shoot me your choice for best date. I'd love to hear it!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
It's Just the Way It Goes
I am a creative, crazy, funny, passionate woman who is mad about her children, ferociously-loyal to her friends, sentimental about my husband and forever grateful for the unconditional love from my family and my Lord and Savior.
Yet, I am also a cancer patient. Cancer has been my uninvited friend since 2001. Since he first showed his face in my place, I have had to contend with him in many situations. A
t first, he seemend almost tame, easy to handle. Then, he became very oppressive--jealous with his time, erratic and unrelenting in demands. Now, he is very deceiving; at some points, playful, seeming benevolent. Yet, I am not fooled because he is a fickle being, not to be underestimated or taken lightly.
Throughout my battle with cancer, I have been most helped by people--men and women--who have allowed me to share my ups and downs without judgment or pity. This blog wishes to invite anyone contending with cancer regardless of age, stage or situation to share. Let's just share...life, pain, love, tears, joy, frustration, strength and victory! Cancer is with me but it will not defeat me!
Question of the day: Amazing men and women have graced the planet and provided us with beauty, knowledge and truth in many different forms. If you could meet with your hero (regardless of time or space) and spend 2 hours discussion those areas that most intrigue you, with whom would you want to meet?
(For me, I would struggle big time to choose between Jesus Christ and Sting (former lead for The Police.)
Yet, I am also a cancer patient. Cancer has been my uninvited friend since 2001. Since he first showed his face in my place, I have had to contend with him in many situations. A
t first, he seemend almost tame, easy to handle. Then, he became very oppressive--jealous with his time, erratic and unrelenting in demands. Now, he is very deceiving; at some points, playful, seeming benevolent. Yet, I am not fooled because he is a fickle being, not to be underestimated or taken lightly.
Throughout my battle with cancer, I have been most helped by people--men and women--who have allowed me to share my ups and downs without judgment or pity. This blog wishes to invite anyone contending with cancer regardless of age, stage or situation to share. Let's just share...life, pain, love, tears, joy, frustration, strength and victory! Cancer is with me but it will not defeat me!
Question of the day: Amazing men and women have graced the planet and provided us with beauty, knowledge and truth in many different forms. If you could meet with your hero (regardless of time or space) and spend 2 hours discussion those areas that most intrigue you, with whom would you want to meet?
(For me, I would struggle big time to choose between Jesus Christ and Sting (former lead for The Police.)
In All Things, Humor!
Early on in my cancer treatment, I started having some problems. What problems? You already have cancer, you say. Well, believe it or not, it's not bad enough that one has cancer. In fact, the very treatment that is supposed to cure you of cancer can cause innumerable problems, say, horrific zits, rashes, boils, and/or blisters. I know, it sounds like the plagues from biblical times. Well, by the time I had the "leprous"-like skin lesions, I was feeling quite biblical in sentiment...most like Job!
So, I went to my ex-oncologist. He's something like others may say, "My first husband." Not the dashing one, or the drooling one, but the first one. Get the picture?! Cancer patients often move from one oncologist to another because, hey, we're not married to them. So, if one turns out to be a complete jerk, then why the heck should I pay him?! Last time I checked I didn't suffer from sado-masochism, just breast cancer! Anyway, I went to my "ex-oncologist" to show him my most recent plague. Just to rewind a minute, the night before I called him on his cell phone. He sounded miffed because I probably woke him during some "doctorly" activity, like an intense chess tournament, ballet, opera or a moment in the sack with his wife. I don't know, but he sounded miffed! So, I say, "I'm having an allergice reaction to the medication you gave me today."
"You couldn't be having an allergic reaction," my ex-O says in a smug voice.
"I assure you I am and I have large, puss-filled blisters to prove it!" I declared emphatically.
So, we went back and forth like two five year olds for a moment until my husband raised his eyebrows at me and reminded me just how old I was. I made the doc promise to meet me at his office, see me right away and tell me what the heck was wrong with me. I think to get me off of the phone and get back to whatever it was he was doing, he reluctantly promised me.
Once at his office, I gingerly got out of the passenger seat of the car and my husband helps me out and walks me into the doctor's office. Upon entering, the sweet receptionist takes one look at me and says, "Geez, Jan. You look terrible!" I nod in ascent to her and tip-toe over to the chair outside of the doc's office.
The doc, in his rico suave manner, strolls over to me and says, "Well, now. You sure have a lot of bumps on your face and arms." "What caused that?" he questions.
"Funny you should ask. I was going to put that question to you?" I grumpily replied.
"It can't have been MY medicine!" he exclaimed.
It takes the power of God and a gentle nudge from my husband to keep me from wacking this guy across the face with my new Coach handbag. I like my Coach bag to much, really, to get it bloodied. So, I take a deep breath and remind the doctor (and I use the term very loosely) that I'm allergic to all antibiotics except one. And the one he gave me was not that one!
Well, he was my first oncologist. I now have a new, female one! Fellow cancer divas--and divos--should not feel tied to a doctor any more than we feel tied to a hair stylist. If the first one does not work for you, you have the freedom to move on. As Americans, taxpayers and very high insurance premium payers, we have so much freedom to choose. I say, express your rights and find the doctors who are partners!
So, I went to my ex-oncologist. He's something like others may say, "My first husband." Not the dashing one, or the drooling one, but the first one. Get the picture?! Cancer patients often move from one oncologist to another because, hey, we're not married to them. So, if one turns out to be a complete jerk, then why the heck should I pay him?! Last time I checked I didn't suffer from sado-masochism, just breast cancer! Anyway, I went to my "ex-oncologist" to show him my most recent plague. Just to rewind a minute, the night before I called him on his cell phone. He sounded miffed because I probably woke him during some "doctorly" activity, like an intense chess tournament, ballet, opera or a moment in the sack with his wife. I don't know, but he sounded miffed! So, I say, "I'm having an allergice reaction to the medication you gave me today."
"You couldn't be having an allergic reaction," my ex-O says in a smug voice.
"I assure you I am and I have large, puss-filled blisters to prove it!" I declared emphatically.
So, we went back and forth like two five year olds for a moment until my husband raised his eyebrows at me and reminded me just how old I was. I made the doc promise to meet me at his office, see me right away and tell me what the heck was wrong with me. I think to get me off of the phone and get back to whatever it was he was doing, he reluctantly promised me.
Once at his office, I gingerly got out of the passenger seat of the car and my husband helps me out and walks me into the doctor's office. Upon entering, the sweet receptionist takes one look at me and says, "Geez, Jan. You look terrible!" I nod in ascent to her and tip-toe over to the chair outside of the doc's office.
The doc, in his rico suave manner, strolls over to me and says, "Well, now. You sure have a lot of bumps on your face and arms." "What caused that?" he questions.
"Funny you should ask. I was going to put that question to you?" I grumpily replied.
"It can't have been MY medicine!" he exclaimed.
It takes the power of God and a gentle nudge from my husband to keep me from wacking this guy across the face with my new Coach handbag. I like my Coach bag to much, really, to get it bloodied. So, I take a deep breath and remind the doctor (and I use the term very loosely) that I'm allergic to all antibiotics except one. And the one he gave me was not that one!
Well, he was my first oncologist. I now have a new, female one! Fellow cancer divas--and divos--should not feel tied to a doctor any more than we feel tied to a hair stylist. If the first one does not work for you, you have the freedom to move on. As Americans, taxpayers and very high insurance premium payers, we have so much freedom to choose. I say, express your rights and find the doctors who are partners!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Big Picture!
So many of you have asked about my health I thought I should give you an update. Pls forgive my delay! :-)
In case you were not aware, in 2001 I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. I was caught completely off guard because my youngest daughter, Sofia, was almost 3 yrs old and cancer did not run in my family. After some time grieving and accepting the situation, I opted for a mastectomy and reconstruction. Since we had caught the cancer early, my oncologists did not recommend further treatment (tamoxifen, etc.) apart from surgery.
Unfortunately, just two months shy of the "magic 5 year" mark, my cancer came...with a vengeance. It seems cancer was eager to get back at me. April 2008, I discovered another lump and was told that I, not only, had a recurrence, but it had grown for some time under my sternum. In Nov 08, I had most of my sternum removed along with part of 2 ribs, muscle and more tissue from my chest area. Additionally, I underwent extreme doses of chemotherapy and radiation. The drugs were nothing in comparison to the horror of the surgery. Even today you can see my heart beating clearly from my chest since there is no muscle or bone to cover it (my doctors & I laugh that they never need stethoscopes with me). One must have a lot of levity to get through something like this! :-)
Needless to say, I was classified as a Stage 4 cancer patient without much chance of living. My oncologist, a "rock star" in the field of women & cancer, told me I could beat my prognosis of 2 yrs at best if I maintained a positive outlook. That proved challenging, but not impossible because I serve the Creator of overcoming the impossible (Phil 4:13). All seemed to be going well, in fact my family had planned an elaborate vacation--a 14-day cruise around the Hawaiin islands. We loved every moment of it; my girls were the belles of the cruise ship! I was doing terrifically physically and spiritually, until the last few days of the trip when I suddenly began to have trouble feeling hungry. By the last days of the trip, I had given up eating altogether. By the time we arrived back in Orlando, I had lost a significant amount of weight and slept for 24 hrs straight.
By the time we returned home, I was slipping in and out of consciousness. My husband rushed me to the hospital where they found that I was in complete organ failure. After an emergency surgery to revive my organs and extract the fluid that had filled my chest and collapsed my heart and lungs, I was barely alive. I did not find out until much later that my family had been asked whether or not to keep me on life support. Thank the Lord that I never got around to filling out my Advance Directives forms because several friends had urged me to put "do not rescscitate" and "no feeding/breathing tubes" on my documents. FYI: once you put those down, those directions are followed to the letter of the law by medical professionals, so know what you're requesting!
After a 4-5 week hospital stay and lengthy recovery, I have fought back with every fibre of my being and the Spirit of God infused in every cell. My spiritual and physical families have been absolute angels, not letting me get too down or feel alone. I have so much to live for and I plan to do just that. Now, I am happy to say that I'm doing so well that my doctor has taken me off of one of my chemo drugs! The medical staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center--my 2nd home--call me their MP (i.e., "miracle patient" or "model patient", depending on their moods that day).
If ever you feel short on faith or skeptical that God means what he says in the scriptures, drop me a line or look at the pictures of my beautiful family on Facebook! I am forever grateful that God gave us His son and each other so that we never have to go it alone!
Love always,
Janet
In case you were not aware, in 2001 I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. I was caught completely off guard because my youngest daughter, Sofia, was almost 3 yrs old and cancer did not run in my family. After some time grieving and accepting the situation, I opted for a mastectomy and reconstruction. Since we had caught the cancer early, my oncologists did not recommend further treatment (tamoxifen, etc.) apart from surgery.
Unfortunately, just two months shy of the "magic 5 year" mark, my cancer came...with a vengeance. It seems cancer was eager to get back at me. April 2008, I discovered another lump and was told that I, not only, had a recurrence, but it had grown for some time under my sternum. In Nov 08, I had most of my sternum removed along with part of 2 ribs, muscle and more tissue from my chest area. Additionally, I underwent extreme doses of chemotherapy and radiation. The drugs were nothing in comparison to the horror of the surgery. Even today you can see my heart beating clearly from my chest since there is no muscle or bone to cover it (my doctors & I laugh that they never need stethoscopes with me). One must have a lot of levity to get through something like this! :-)
Needless to say, I was classified as a Stage 4 cancer patient without much chance of living. My oncologist, a "rock star" in the field of women & cancer, told me I could beat my prognosis of 2 yrs at best if I maintained a positive outlook. That proved challenging, but not impossible because I serve the Creator of overcoming the impossible (Phil 4:13). All seemed to be going well, in fact my family had planned an elaborate vacation--a 14-day cruise around the Hawaiin islands. We loved every moment of it; my girls were the belles of the cruise ship! I was doing terrifically physically and spiritually, until the last few days of the trip when I suddenly began to have trouble feeling hungry. By the last days of the trip, I had given up eating altogether. By the time we arrived back in Orlando, I had lost a significant amount of weight and slept for 24 hrs straight.
By the time we returned home, I was slipping in and out of consciousness. My husband rushed me to the hospital where they found that I was in complete organ failure. After an emergency surgery to revive my organs and extract the fluid that had filled my chest and collapsed my heart and lungs, I was barely alive. I did not find out until much later that my family had been asked whether or not to keep me on life support. Thank the Lord that I never got around to filling out my Advance Directives forms because several friends had urged me to put "do not rescscitate" and "no feeding/breathing tubes" on my documents. FYI: once you put those down, those directions are followed to the letter of the law by medical professionals, so know what you're requesting!
After a 4-5 week hospital stay and lengthy recovery, I have fought back with every fibre of my being and the Spirit of God infused in every cell. My spiritual and physical families have been absolute angels, not letting me get too down or feel alone. I have so much to live for and I plan to do just that. Now, I am happy to say that I'm doing so well that my doctor has taken me off of one of my chemo drugs! The medical staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center--my 2nd home--call me their MP (i.e., "miracle patient" or "model patient", depending on their moods that day).
If ever you feel short on faith or skeptical that God means what he says in the scriptures, drop me a line or look at the pictures of my beautiful family on Facebook! I am forever grateful that God gave us His son and each other so that we never have to go it alone!
Love always,
Janet
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