Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Update: "Carries-Tonsil Surgery" The 13th, of 2010 My daughter was admitted this am, for removal of her "tonsils." The surgery went well and she should be released to go home in an hour or so. Then they will send this off for biopsy, and then she goes back to her doctor on the 26th, to find out what (stage her cancer) is in, and what "treatments" she will have to undergo. We want to thank everyone that is keeping Carrie, in your prayers. And ask for continuing prayer for healing in her body and over this awful disease.I will keep everyone updated as I can. ...to be continued! __________________________________________________ My daughter's Fight-Against "Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma" Carrie's (cancer) has returned; "Diagnosed in 2009-10" But first, I want to backtrack when she was first "diagnosed in 1999", with"Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma". (She had found lumps in her left groin, by this time she had left inguinal exploration and a biopsy of the lymph nodes. Final pathology did report malignant lymphoma, follicular mixed cell and large cleaved B cell type, low grade. The Doctor needed to do a staging workup to evaluate the extensive nature of my daughter's disease. She underwent a CT-Scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis as well as a bone marror biopsy and aspirate, and was recommended possible therapeutic options. Since she had an enlarging lhmph node over 18 month's, she had a higher stage lymphoma. She had qualified for a few study procols that they had on diffuse mixed B-Cell lymphoma. One study was a SWOK-S9911, which CHOP based chemotherapy for six cycles followed by nonoclonal antibody. (She had a monoclonal antibody following chemotherapy. They then begin CHOP regimen of chemotherapy for six cycles followed by monoclonal antibody Rituxan for an additional four to eight weeks. She received Cytoxan 1,440mg. Vincristine 2mg, as well as Prednisone 100mg.(She was found to have a stage 3) Carrie was a very sick girl for a long time during her chemotherapy treatments following in and out of the hospital. She lost all her hair at one point, but was still a loving, happy person. We also had a big scare when my daughter's Port=A-Cath had broken midway under the right clavicle. She seen a Doctor for the catheter removal and the interventional radiologist for removal of the distal fragmented piece. The proximal end of the catheter attached to the port was visible to just underneath the right clavicle. There was a segment of the catheter that overlyed the righ pulmonary artery. The fracture point of the catheter lied out in the right lung. They finally figured out it was in the right main pulmonary artery. She was then refered to Radiology for catheter removal. A snare retrieval system was inserted from from the right common femoral vein and multiple attempts using different catheters and guidewires was done to attempt to remove the catheeter. The snare was within a mm or 2 of snagging the catheter but the catheter could not be snagged. This procedure took 3 hours and there were 3 doctor's participating. A pulmonary angiogram was done into the main pulmonary artery, which clearly showed the catheter in the proximal portion of the right main pulmonary artery. Clots were evident. My daughter had numerous PVC's during the retrieval attempt. They then had to reshedule for the catheter removable at a later date, where they would try from a right brachial vein approach. It was felt by the doctor's that this would allow the snare to have a better angle at snagging the catheter. They then did a second attempt to remove the catheter. They tried retrieving the fragment of the catheter located in the right main pulmonary artery extending to the right upper lobe artery done using a left arm approach. A -6-French guiding catheter was introduced percutaneously via theleft median basilic vein. Ultrasound guidance was used to cannulate the vein. Catheter and guide wire was advanced to the proximal portion of the right main pulmonary artery. The attempt to advance the catheter to the peripheral margin of the catheter fragment in order to snare it distally was not successful. Now the tip of the catheter was wedged in a vessel that is approximately 2mm in diameter. The procedure was terminated and they did not remove the catheter at that time. And after 3 month's of having a broken Port-A-Cath and failor to remove it my daughter's chemotherapy was stopped. They then did a third attempt to remove the Port-A-Cath by performing half of a open-heart surgery, that was successful. She then started chemotherapy again and then went into remission. Carrie's cancer returned and she underwent treatments only with "Rituxan". UPDATED: 3-15-2002 Carrie is doing well although she found a lump under her arm very small in size they did not have to do anymore treatments at this time. I myself stood on the Word of God for her healing "for by His stripes we are healed". I asked those at that time who were Christians to please lift her up in there prayers. "For in Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them". And in "Matthew 21:22 and whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive". I give thanks unto God for each day of my daughter's life, Amen! UPDATE: 9-10-2002 My daughter's cancer came back two month's later. The doctor ran some "test" and confirmed she had lymphoma back under her arms and wanted to run more test and then start her on chemo again! I, my daughter, and her grandmother, were over visiting with some church elders at one of the sister's houses. We all prayed over my daughter and later when she returned to the doctor for her other test the doctor bcouldn't find the lumps or any cancer. Thank God for His mercy and His miracle's He is still performing today! God is still a God who hears and answer's prayers and who is not dead; He is alive still doing the work in His church and healing the sick. We can still feel the power of God in every service where His church is not dead, or traditional... ________________________________________________ My Daughter's Fight-Against "Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma" Carrie was in "remission" for over 6-years, in which we have been so thankful for but, her Cancer has "returned in Nov of 2009". We will not let this get us down as we know that God is a healing God, and He can intervein anytime. We are all in a constant battle in our life's every day, and this is just another battle. Carrie went in to her doctor and they did a mam-mo-gram, and a son-no-gram, the 11th, of Nov; and a pet-scan, Dec 9th, and then Dec 15th, they did a bone-marrow- biopsy. The 4th, of Jan she went in for all these "test results" and he told her he found lymphnodes in her right groins and in her tonsils. She was then refered to a throat doctor,and the 6th, of Jan she had her apt,the doctor said there is lymphoma in her tonsils and they have scheduled "surgery" to remove the tonsils the 13th, of Jan 2010, and send them off for biopsy. She will return to the doctor the 26th, of Jan to find out what treatments they will start her on. She was pretty upset at first as she doesn't want to start back on chemo-treatments as she gets so deathly sick after her treatments and has to spend alot of time in and out of the hospital. With "Rituxan" its not as hard on her as the chemo. And we don't know but she may have to have "Radiation-treatments of the throat". There will be a update the 26th, of Jan, to let you know what "treatments" they will start her on. Meanwhile, I will let you know how she's doing after her surgery the 13th, of this coming wk. "I ask, that you all keep her in your prayers for healing"... __________________________________________________

A New Doctor

Ever have to get a new Doctor? Mine moved his practice to another state and that left me searching for a Family Practice Doctor a little closer to home as I was going to Wichita. I finally had my first visit with my new Doctor, I liked her only the visit was a little short. It takes time to bond with your doctor. I had my old doctor for over 12 years and so I miss him and his nurse but we all have to move on and change is a constant reminder of our daily life's. I got my blood work all done and my EKG in which it came back normal and so Friday I go back in "fasting" to get my Lipid's. Once the holidays are over I need to get back on my diabetic diet and start counting my carbs and my calories. Hopefully my new doctor will set me up with a "Diabetic Dietician." It's almost *2010* folks a new year already upon us once again! I truely believe by what the Bible says' and that we will be in for alot of changes that will have to take place. Also America is in for a "fall" the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. That cashless society is about to take place and we will be forced one day to take the mark! It's time to read our Bibles more and to be prepared for whats about to happen to us, ...For now let me say, *HAPPY NEW YEAR*!!!

Old Man Winter

Old man winter for 2009 has finally arrived. We've been getting drizzling rain turning into ice making the roads and highways slick here in Kansas and more to come over the next couple of days. Now the weatherman is talking about 2 to 4 in's of ice and snow. I was thinking about getting out and going to Walmart but my cheeks are already cold and I'm inside; thinking that it wouldn't be to good to get out and fall' and break the Rod or screws in my lower lumbar (spine) from my laminectomy, so think i'll just stay inside. Though it's that kind of weather to go shopping for the Holiday's. It's so hard to believe that 2010 is upon us and that soon will be entering a New Year once again as they say, time waits on no man. Just sitting here all snuggled in my warm throw with my ol dog Red, watching the fire in the fireplace my mind wonder's off to when I was a young girl at home with my brother's who loved to take their girl friends and wifes sleigh riding. Those days seem so far behind me now but, it was like only yesterday, I see us all in the snow with our over coats and gloves and caps on while some of the boys pulled us younger kids behind their cars on sleighs. I still hear the laughfter, and can see us playing in the snow. There was a big hill not far away from the old homestead that the boys liked taking us too, and it was a blast riding the sleigh down the hill and then their was a pond the older boys and girls went ice skating on, it was such a pretty picture I pondered in my thought's memories that will forever remain in my heart. Well I better get up my daughter is suppose to drop in today, she has a Doctor's apt., and before long she has to have another bone marrow done. Happy Holidays everyone, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! -

Thanksgiving Holidays

We have already gotten through this Thanksgiving Holiday and here Christmas is around the corner. Although those all around are in a hurry, depressed, and trying to keep up with the the Holidays attention on sales and whats new and what can we buy, I keep Christmas in respects to what it's all about. It's not about you and I; or how many gifts we buy for under the tree. No, its about the Lord, Jesus Christ! Did you know that the "tree" is in the Bible and what it says about it? Oh, I know everyone likes to follow "tradition". But I like truth; truth can set you free! I am not saying to forget buying gifts or celebrtating Christmas. But to look at how you celebrate it! Do you keep it about JESUS? Or is JESUS even your focus when it comes to celebrating Christmas? Do you talk about the Lord and "what Christmas means" with your children? Do you read to them out of the Bible about when the Lord Jesus was born, and why? These are some things to think about this season during the Christmas Holiday. Keep focused on the real meaning of Christmas and let us share its meaning with others around the world. Kids today, don't even know the Lord let alone what the Bible says, and where they even come from because parent's do not teach their children about the Bible anymore! For me Christmas is more than "traditions" and "gifts," its a time to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas, When the little Lord Jesus was born to save his people. You can find this in the Bible to share with your family this Christmas it would be the most treasured gift you could give to your children. And may the message of Christmas bless you with God's hope & peace. 1. The Tree: Turn to Jeremiah 10:2-5 "Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs to be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good." (This is the Lord our God talking here, and he is telling us "not," to follow the ways of the heathen. He tells us not to put up trees and decorate them, with silver and gold). To follow and believe what the Lord God says, is to first obey His word! When we do this it's not hard to break "traditions." We either follow the Lord's commands or we follow traditions of men. 2. A child is born: Turn to Saint Matthew 1: 18-23 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was esposed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying. Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." 3. The Message: Luke 2: 7-21 "And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. An lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things whichh were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the cumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. We want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and we hope you keep the Reason for The Season in Christ Jesus!

Surgery - Apart Of Life

Monday the 12th of October my daughter went in for surgery. They did a complete Hysterectomy on her and right after they also fixed her bladder. The first night after surgery she was very sick because of all the pain medicine they had her on. Since then she has been having hot flashes~ and believe me I know how she feels as I also went through a complete hysterectomy at the same age of (34). Her body is in for alot of changes as it throws you right into the change of life. Today, she is doing better not quite so achy. And now she has to reschedule for her MRI, and her biospy. They found out her Non-hodgkins lymphoma has returned under the left arm. We are not sure if they will have her do chemo or not it all depends on how the "biospy," turns out! We sometimes don't understand all the sickness we go through but the Lord is in charge and theres a reason for everything. Though we go through a multitude of tests and trials, in the end we will learn courage. Our Lord is always faithful and loving.

Weight Loss

Today is a good day! After my doctor's apt' on the 2nd of Oct, I learned I had lost another 9- 1/2 pounds making it a total of (34) pounds lost. So is it hard ...yes, but worth it because its my life!

I recently had to start on insulin, which is diabetic shots. I do one shot a night and so far with counting my carbs, calories, and sugars, and watching my intake on cholesterol I have done a pretty good job. The doctor was very pleased not to mention I am feeling a little lighter and a whole lot better. Oh I thought about having sugery to get the weight off but, thats really not the way to go . I knew I had to quit giving in to the urge to let food overcome me any longer. Everyone has to take control of their lives in different ways and when I was told my cholesterol was as high as it can get and that I had to start on insulin, and etc, or I wouldn't be around long and that my blood-sugar was about 400 and my AC1 had went from 7 to 11 thats when it hit me. I told myself, I can do this because [one] I am a child of God, and God will get me through this if I do my part. [Two] I am the only one besides God thats in charge of my life and I enjoy life. So I started eating right.

I will not say, I am on a "diet," because really you have to retrain yourself to eat healthy foods and then a person can keep the weight off. So ...although, I do count my calories and try not to go over 1,500 cals a day, I sometime have up to 2,000 cals a day but I do try to keep it under that. Then I quit eating junk-foods, and I eat lots of fruits and vegetables. I cut back the red-meats and only have very lean red-meats once in a while and not on a daily bases. And I replaced hamburger with ground turkey so when I make my whole made chili or whole made stew,I use ground turkey, its delicious if you learn to use plenty of seasonings. To keep the turkey from being dry, I add some silken lite tofu to the turkey when cooking it.

I also cut back on my potatoe's and if I have a potato it is baked and I only eat half of it and it is not on a daily bases. Sweet potatoes are better for you than potatoe's and so I usually eat a half of a sweet potatoe instead of potatoe's.I also cut out my white breads completely and eat whole-wheat-whole-grain bread. And when I eat my fruits I always cut my fruit in half. I am eating half of what I use too; and I also have added more fiber to my diet; And with this I can say, it is working for me.

I am a "diabetic," and so its important for me to eat right. But, its also just as important for everyone even if your not a diabetic so, eating healthy now could spare you from becoming a diabetic! Another thing I will share with you is that if you do good then once in a while eat that piece of cake or have that candy bar ...but it just can't be every day. So I do not deprive myself and I believe thats what is making it easier on me is that I am not going to try and starve myself because it doesn't work that way, in fact diets don't work so their not in my vocabulary. You just have to use your comman since and do what you know is right. Isn't that the way it is with so many things in our lives.

Inbetween meals when I get hungry I eat raw vegetables such as turnips, celery, broccoli, apples, and or I'll have a bag of 100 calorie baked cheese-its, or 100 calorie packs of ritz snack mix. They don't have any cholesterol and only 16 carbs and 2 sugars. I do not eat them on a daily bases as of the fat in them. I also do not eat the baccon I love so much and or the sausage. I eat whole grain cereal and oatmeal. Once in a while I will fix up a good country breakfast very sparingly. When your a "diabetic" it does not mean you can't have sugar or anything else you like.

I try to buy foods with very little sugars and very low amounts of carbs and calories. And then I also try to get foods with the lowest amount of cholesterol and or zero cholesterol. I would also like to say' whatever you do don't ever believe what it says on the front of any of your vegetable cans or juices but, always look on the back of the cans or juice bottles to read the amount on the Nutritious labels when grocery shopping. You have to learn to count your carbs, and to cut back on the amounts of foods you eat. I could go on but I believe you get the point. So why not join me and lets get ...HeAlThY!

A Time To Say Goodbye

My cousin Elma died yesterday, at 10:Pm. after having heart sugery. She was not only my sister in Christ Jesus, but my friend. A "prayer warrior," she was, and a wonderful Saint' of God! I will miss her deeply. She lived in Missouri, and she had just written me a letter last wk. That letter will now make it into my keep-sake box. That box holds many memories of letters and etc,. Well Elmie, I know today, you are resting in the Lord! You have made it all the way across to the other-side. A heavenly place where the angels shouted when they seen you crossing over. A place I can only keep moving toward while here on earth, I will always remember you when I start to weaken, your voice telling me "I can make it," just stay in the church, and working for God ...because I now have the truth! Your prayers for me, your chitchats over the phone, and letters we shared will always give me strength. Don't forget to "dance around the throne one time for me." Someday we shall meet again where the streets are paved with gold, but better yet where we shall see and be with our Lord, Jesus Christ forever more!