Thursday, March 13, 2008

Great news!

Dear friends,

I called and got in to see my oncologist today to go over the test results. The wait is over. There is no cancer in any organs or nodes or bones that showed up on the scans. There is some arthritis and some other things that showed up, but nothing serious and none of it was cancer. My doctor told me to have another scan done and then come back in 6 months.

While I was there I read some articles and one of them said that the 3 types of chemo that I had can cause long term fatigue in some patients. So most likely that is what is causing my low reserves of energy. Knowing there is no cancer is a huge relief. I can get the extra rest I need, take care of myself and then get on with life. I am trying to not get over committed, while at the same time there are many things I would like to do and wish I had more energy to do them.

The children's director at the church we are attending has asked me to consider helping with the Wednesday night curriculum for the kids. She would like to integrate missions into the program and used the THUMB Caleb Project materials last year. She is excited about my connection to that. There is a team working with the kids who can implement curriculum if I give it to them. I wouldn't have to do all the work which would be nice. I think I can help without wearing myself out too much. I have many lessons that I can let them use.

Tomorrow morning I will see my shoulder surgeon for a last check up. My shoulder isn't perfect, but it is doing really well.

Thank you so much for praying for me! I think God has been at work in my body. Blessings-
Nancy

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Waiting

Dear friends,

I got a call tonight from my friend Julie who called me from the other side of the planet. She told me it would be better to update you and let you know that I am waiting for test results, than to wait until I have them.

My pollop was clear of cancer, so I don't have to go back for 5 years...And I went to see Dr. Sienko, my oncologist, the day after I wrote last time. Greg tried to go with me, but they were running behind and he needed to get back to work.

Dr. Sienko decided after we talked that I should have a CAT scan of my neck, one of my chest to my hips and a total body bone scan. I haven't had one of those for many years. The tests are all done and I will call tomorrow to see if I can get the results. He scheduled an appointment with me later this month to go over test results, but maybe I can get them to move it up since the tests are already done. Now it is just the waiting. Thank you for your prayers.

I saw a tiny picture of the bone scan right afterward. I would like to see it in more detail. It didn't look like my right ribs were showing anything, so that is good. My right shoulder was lit up, but that makes sense because of my shoulder repair. I will let you know after I find out. B.y the way, my PT signed me out on Thursday. I am officially on my own with my shoulder now. I am supposed to do my exercizes at home 3-4 times a week until summer. My shoulder is doing well.

My ears are not all better yet (it has been a month) but I am hearing fine, so it is much better than it was. There is still some inner ear fluid left, and it isn't bothering me too much.

Greg and I saw a huge bull moose on our way home from church last week. It was a much better view than the first one we saw. This one was walking in a meadow out in the open. When he got about 25 yards away Greg suggested I get back in the car, because they are apparently pretty fast. I just am amazed that we live in a place where we can see moose within a mile of our house! Who would have thought this a year ago?

This is a big week at Partners International. The leaders are in from all over the 10/40 Window. Thursday they are going to be giving reports and I plan to be there for most of that day. Please pray for the leadership team and their planning meetings and budget setting this week. It is intense for the staff who work here, and just think of the ones who have jet lag on top of all the meetings! Greg's department is in charge of all the logistics and computers and power points, etc. I'll try to collect a few stories to share with you.

Well, thanks for waiting with me! God bless you- Nancy