Dear friends,
It is Thursday night and it was nice and sunny today. I spent the day working on Dalit curriculum for a ministry in Denver the focuses on them. I have talked about this before, and now the rubber is meeting the road and ideas are actually getting down on paper. A friend is coming over tomorrow morning to help me for a few hours on this. I got fabric tonight on which to make a map of India for them with directions so any individual or church could make their own. The question is how much information to include on the map. Do we put words or keep it marked only with country shapes, to give the idea of where India is in relation to other countries? If there are no words, it can be used to teach geography and I can make up some activities to help that happen. Please be praying about this. I want to get it done soon, and the Dalit Freedom Network would like it done to give to churches who are focused on the Dalits or outcasts of India.
I have encouraging medical news. My neck still hurts, but I am going to a chiropractor who is really helping me. He has my neck moving much better. He also feels certain about what is causing the pain in my right rib area. He checked the muscles where the pain is, and said they are full of nodules from the muscles being stressed. When he realized that I have such extensive scar tissue on the left corresponding side from radiation, he linked the two immediately. He said the scar tissue is tightening the muscles on the left more and more, and as it does, the muscles going from there to the right side are then pulling the muscles on the right. That is what has been causing the increasing pain on my right side. It made sense that we do tests to rule out bone cancer in my right ribs, because this kind of pain is typical of that. But now we know what is going on, and Dr. Williams is working on fixing it. He is doing deep tissue massage on the scar tissue and on those right side muscles. It REALLY hurts, but it is helping and he said they are slowly getting smaller. I have been to him 3 times, and he works on me for about 30-45 minutes. He is very good and has given me hope. He told me that my fatigue makes perfect sense with all that is going on in my neck, ribs, etc. He also is working on the right side of my jaw that has been hurting for a long time- almost 2 years. He is doing deep tissue massage there too, and although it hurts at the time, my face has less pain.
A very nice thing happened to me today. I got word through Greg that someone was asking at Partners if there were any women who would like to use leftover tickets to the Women of Faith conference in Spokane this weekend. I heard about this conference last fall and dismissed it as out of my price range. We had the situation with our renters being very behind on their rent, and although I wanted to go, I just couldn't. So I called to inquire this afternoon and the tickets were still available. And they aren't just tickets, they are seats in a "suite" at the convention center. We have private parking and fantastic seats. I called one of the other VP's wives at Partners who just moved here in January. She is coming with me and also wanted to go, but with their move just couldn't afford it. So tomorrow night and Saturday, Blythe and I plan to be there to listen the what the Lord wants to teach us and to network with the ladies in our "suite."
I mentioned in my last entry that I was going to meet with the children's ministry team (some staff and some volunteers) to talk about integrating missions. The skit last Sunday morning was very funny and well received. I found 2 actors who really hammed it up, and the kids got the message. I have already done 2 lessons on the Uzbeks of Central Asia with the Wed. Night Kids' Club at church and have 4 more lessons to go: 2 on the Riffi Berbers of Morocco, one on the Turks of Turkey, and one about the Olympics and how to pray for them. We will also have our own mini Olympics. The Uzbeks, Turks and Riffi's are all curriculum I helped develop at Caleb Project as part of the Kids Around the World series. They are still available online I think if you looked up Caleb Project you would find the web site. Anyway, I have been going gangbusters and and going to slow down after this run. This group doesn't meet in the summer since so many are gone at their lake houses on the weekends.
Allison called me yesterday to tell me that she had just come from her"pinning ceremony." I think that is the equivilent of getting "hooded" for advanced degrees. So she is officially done with college and walks on the 26th. Tomorrow she goes to say good-bye to her 1st grade class and thinks she will probably cry. We plan to go next Friday and come back the next Tuesday morning. Our girl finished college! Yahoo! She has a phone interview with AT&T on Monday morning regarding doing the same kind of job Laura has. Her thinking is to try starting with them in Sept. and work to pay off her loans ASAP so she can afford to do what the Lord gives her as a job- teaching? working overseas with children? She just isn't sure yet. She and Jenni did find an apartment to house sit this summer for someone who will be gone for June and July rent free. They will take care of a dog while the owner is in India.
Allison is still looking for a car. Hers is getting worse and a college friend's family has offered to let her borrow one while the hunt for a replacement continues. Please pray with us that this would all work out. These same friends might have a few connections that could find something and they are keeping their eye out for us.
Jesse is officially planning to graduate early- End of Jan of '09. Then he plans to head overseas until June or so. We are pursuing leads for him to be able to do a serious "job shadow" with a friend doing relief/community development work. Please pray with us about the details of his plans. I think that could be a very defining time in his life if he ends up in the right place. He has a friend who wants to do it with him who is graduating this year. I guess our kids are growing up!
I think I have made this long enough, so I will end here. Feel free to email me at nancyfritz@aol.com or call me at 509-990-8465- especially if I haven't talked to you for a while.
God bless you! Nancy
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Fool's Day Update
Dear friends,
I hope you had a great Easter. The weather here was rainy, but the day was still a wonderful celebration. We enjoyed a nice time at church and then had a lamb dinner with friends from Partners. Our 3 teenage kids did an indoor egg hunt and the camo eggs took them over 1/2 hour to find! It was very fun.
I have had a few people ask me to answer some questions here, so I will do that now. First of all, an update on our kids. LAURA is about to turn 23 (April 10th) and told me to tell you she is now in her late early 20's. She is still working with AT&T Mobility and is doing corporate sales in the Baltimore/DC area. She has a sweet roommate and lives near some Grove City grads and is involved in a weekly Bible study. She has picked a church to attend. She enjoys entertaining and often has people over for dinner. Jenni spent her spring break with Laura a few weeks ago.
ALLISON is finishing her student teaching of 1st graders in Lakeland, FL. Her graduation is on April 26th from Southeastern University. Her 22nd birthday is May 2nd. She is planning to work in Denver this June ande July, where she will be nannying for a family with 2 girls she has worked for for several years. JENNI plans to spend those 2 months in Denver with her. They are looking for a place to live during that time. Jenni is looking for a job for those 2 months in Denver. Allison is job hunting for after July, and Jenni plans to spend August with us before heading back to Grove City for her sophomore year.
JENNI is enjoying her freshman year of Mechanical Engineering at Grove City College. She is in the school choir and leads worship for a fellowship group every two weeks. She is planning to go to a dance this Saturday night. She really feels like Grove City is a great fit for her. She turns 19 on April 29th.
JESSE turned 17 on March 8th. He is still job-hunting here in Spokane. He is avoiding applying to fast food places, and his dream job would be Starbucks. He probably has applied 20 places so far, and is somewhat discouraged. He is preparing for a mission trip to Mexico with his youth group this summer. Last Wednesday night he played guitar and sang in the school talent show. He did a good job and is putting together some songs with a friend to play at coffee houses, and an upcoming benefit concert that has been postponed. They sound really good together. He is on spring break right now and is helping Greg dig garden space in the backyard for berry bushes that are coming in the next week or two. Jesse helps lead the music team for youth group, plays the baritone in the school band and enjoys the school choir too.
I am scheduled to meet with the children's ministry team at our church tomorrow night to talk about curriculum. In a few weeks I am coordinating a missions skit during children's church. Greg and I are planning to go to Allison's graduation with free tickets we got in January when we volunteered to get bumped off a flight. Her car is limping to its death right now and we have to find a replacement for her. This is a challenge from 1000's of miles away- but we are trusting that the Lord will help us find her something.
My ears- This is an update for those who remember that I had the flu which settled in my ears in February. I could hardly hear for 2 weeks, and gradually my hearing came back. My ears are still popping with occasional pain. We recently took a walk in the evening and I think the cold air got to them. Anyway, I am just waiting for them to get better. They don't hurt very often.
The Partners International meetings. The most powerful message I heard was from one of our Asian partner leaders. He talked about poverty and a better way to understand it, and also some effective ways to deal with it. The surprising thing he said was that a lot of projects are counter productive when done for the impoverished, and don't solve the problem. He also described one model of community developement where people dwelling on a dump, actually have totally transformed their lives. They are in homes with jobs and a lovely neighborhood. Initially the team working with them debated whether they could make any difference since the situation was so terrible. Now people are trying to buy property in that area to live there as it is so desirable. This process takes maybe 7 years to fully happen and ends with a church planted as well.
Jesse ended up coming with me to hear this, and we were blessed to have this man stay over night and spend the next day with us. Jesse asked him how he could get trained to do this kind of work. So we are praying with Jesse about what steps he can take to prepare himself for what the Lord has for him to do. Jesse hopes to graduate from high school a semester early, and may use that time to travel and get some of this training. We would love for you to pray for God's leading in his future.
Greg took me with him to a leaders meeting here in Spokane last Thursday and Friday to represent Partners. We got to network with both local ministry leaders and several who came in from out of town. It was a really neat time and relationships were established that will bless Partners and that will allow us to be a blessing to others as well.
Well, I will let you get back to your life! Thanks for being interested and for praying for us. I am regularly very achy and tired, but no cancer that we know of. That makes dealing with the rest of this much easier.
God bless you!
Nancy
I hope you had a great Easter. The weather here was rainy, but the day was still a wonderful celebration. We enjoyed a nice time at church and then had a lamb dinner with friends from Partners. Our 3 teenage kids did an indoor egg hunt and the camo eggs took them over 1/2 hour to find! It was very fun.
I have had a few people ask me to answer some questions here, so I will do that now. First of all, an update on our kids. LAURA is about to turn 23 (April 10th) and told me to tell you she is now in her late early 20's. She is still working with AT&T Mobility and is doing corporate sales in the Baltimore/DC area. She has a sweet roommate and lives near some Grove City grads and is involved in a weekly Bible study. She has picked a church to attend. She enjoys entertaining and often has people over for dinner. Jenni spent her spring break with Laura a few weeks ago.
ALLISON is finishing her student teaching of 1st graders in Lakeland, FL. Her graduation is on April 26th from Southeastern University. Her 22nd birthday is May 2nd. She is planning to work in Denver this June ande July, where she will be nannying for a family with 2 girls she has worked for for several years. JENNI plans to spend those 2 months in Denver with her. They are looking for a place to live during that time. Jenni is looking for a job for those 2 months in Denver. Allison is job hunting for after July, and Jenni plans to spend August with us before heading back to Grove City for her sophomore year.
JENNI is enjoying her freshman year of Mechanical Engineering at Grove City College. She is in the school choir and leads worship for a fellowship group every two weeks. She is planning to go to a dance this Saturday night. She really feels like Grove City is a great fit for her. She turns 19 on April 29th.
JESSE turned 17 on March 8th. He is still job-hunting here in Spokane. He is avoiding applying to fast food places, and his dream job would be Starbucks. He probably has applied 20 places so far, and is somewhat discouraged. He is preparing for a mission trip to Mexico with his youth group this summer. Last Wednesday night he played guitar and sang in the school talent show. He did a good job and is putting together some songs with a friend to play at coffee houses, and an upcoming benefit concert that has been postponed. They sound really good together. He is on spring break right now and is helping Greg dig garden space in the backyard for berry bushes that are coming in the next week or two. Jesse helps lead the music team for youth group, plays the baritone in the school band and enjoys the school choir too.
I am scheduled to meet with the children's ministry team at our church tomorrow night to talk about curriculum. In a few weeks I am coordinating a missions skit during children's church. Greg and I are planning to go to Allison's graduation with free tickets we got in January when we volunteered to get bumped off a flight. Her car is limping to its death right now and we have to find a replacement for her. This is a challenge from 1000's of miles away- but we are trusting that the Lord will help us find her something.
My ears- This is an update for those who remember that I had the flu which settled in my ears in February. I could hardly hear for 2 weeks, and gradually my hearing came back. My ears are still popping with occasional pain. We recently took a walk in the evening and I think the cold air got to them. Anyway, I am just waiting for them to get better. They don't hurt very often.
The Partners International meetings. The most powerful message I heard was from one of our Asian partner leaders. He talked about poverty and a better way to understand it, and also some effective ways to deal with it. The surprising thing he said was that a lot of projects are counter productive when done for the impoverished, and don't solve the problem. He also described one model of community developement where people dwelling on a dump, actually have totally transformed their lives. They are in homes with jobs and a lovely neighborhood. Initially the team working with them debated whether they could make any difference since the situation was so terrible. Now people are trying to buy property in that area to live there as it is so desirable. This process takes maybe 7 years to fully happen and ends with a church planted as well.
Jesse ended up coming with me to hear this, and we were blessed to have this man stay over night and spend the next day with us. Jesse asked him how he could get trained to do this kind of work. So we are praying with Jesse about what steps he can take to prepare himself for what the Lord has for him to do. Jesse hopes to graduate from high school a semester early, and may use that time to travel and get some of this training. We would love for you to pray for God's leading in his future.
Greg took me with him to a leaders meeting here in Spokane last Thursday and Friday to represent Partners. We got to network with both local ministry leaders and several who came in from out of town. It was a really neat time and relationships were established that will bless Partners and that will allow us to be a blessing to others as well.
Well, I will let you get back to your life! Thanks for being interested and for praying for us. I am regularly very achy and tired, but no cancer that we know of. That makes dealing with the rest of this much easier.
God bless you!
Nancy
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
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
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
Thursday, February 28, 2008
At least I know my heart is beating!
Dear friends,
The last time I wrote, I was up with an ear ache. It is now 15 days since my left ear filled up and about a week and a half since my right one did. I am at maybe 1/2 to 1/3 level of being able to hear. I am missing lots of conversations going on around me and feel for the deaf and hard of hearing. Wow. I also can hear my heart beating in my head, but the rhythm is a little different in each ear which is driving me a little crazy. It impresses me how regular and hard my heart works. God invented some amazing systems when He designed the human body. I am very ready for my hearing to come back, however.
I went to the doctor for the second time and am now on steroid nasal spray to help clear up my sinuses and ears. Antibiotic didn't touch it. If I still can't hear in another week and a half, he will refer me to an ENT doctor. There has been some ear pain and terrible headaches, but I did go to church this week and to Bible study and the grocery store yesterday. So although I am sleeping a lot, I am getting some things done. Thank you for praying for my ears. It is such a small thing in the scheme of things. A chance for me to learn patience.
My colonoscopy went well. They are right that the prep is worse than the procedure. I had one pollop (sp?) and a lot of pockets which were not too deep. I should find out tomorrow the pathology on the pollop, but my experience is that when it is bad, they call you sooner. So I am not concerned about it.
On Monday I also saw my Integrative Medicine doctor. Dr. Valley is fantastic. Very smart and kind and is helping me with supplements and with my cholesterol, etc. One medication I am on for the rest of my life (Femara) is causing it to go up. I take that to help me avoid further cancer. But it has the side effect of bone density loss and increased cholesterol. Anyway, Dr. Valley ordered some blood work that he reviewed with me. My liver is doing better so I am now allowed to do my candida diet for a few months.
I have a yeast overgrowth in my body called candida. Lots of you know what that is, but I will tell you a little about it just in case. I also had this 3 years ago and got rid of it by doing a special diet and taking an antifungal for a few months. Cancer treatment in '06 included steroids for anti-nausea and antibiotics and chemo, etc., that allow candida/yeast to flourish. So I have known I had it again since before we moved lat summer, but my liver wasn't doing well enough to handle flushing out the candida when it dies. It is a strain on the liver to do that. Now that my liver numbers are better, Dr. Valley gave me the go-ahead. This might also help to lower my cholesterol. It did the last time. Last time I also lost 25 lbs. doing the candida cleansing. I don't need to loose much this time, but hope I will feel better when I am done. I have been very tired since my last cancer episode.
Tomorrow I see my oncologist for a check up. Greg might be able to come with me and meet Dr. Sienko, as the oncology office is a few hundred yards from the Partners International office. My physical therapist (for my shoulder which is doing great by the way), chiropractor, Dr. Valley, and my internist, all want Dr. Sienko to find out why my right side is hurting. A place on one of my ribs hurts when palpated, and also when I move certain ways. I used to get a stabbing pain once in a while, and I thought maybe my rib was out of joint or something, but it has gotten more frequent and has been hurting more and more. Now it is every day, almost all day. The oncologist's rule I learned almost 9 years ago is, "If something hurts and gets worse and not better in 2 weeks, come and see me."
You can guess where my head goes when that happens. I try to steer it away from the idea of cancer. Bones is one of the places breast cancer metastasizes to. But then I remember that the Lord is the author of my days, and He gives me peace when I remember that each day any of us has here on earth is a gift from Him. This life is so brief in the scope of eternity. But I do want to be totally His each day and not worry about what might be coming in the future. It could be something other than cancer that is not serious. God can heal it. But since I have had cancer twice, I sometimes wonder if that battle is looming again around the corner. If the worst that can happen is starting my stint with Him in eternity, then there is NOTHING to worry about!
So you can join me in prayer. Let's pray for God's perfect will, and for healing for my ears, sinuses and right side. And wisdom for Dr. Sienko. He might order a scan. Much of my prayer is also praise for the wonderful friends He has brought into my life. I am so very blessed, with amazing kids and a great husband and church and neighbors and Partners...I could go on all night, but I think I need to sleep. I am grateful for you too. Any and all who read this.
By the way, Erin, who we bought this house from, commented on my last blog entry that she saw 2 moose that day hanging out by her house. Pretty cool.
Blessings- Nancy
The last time I wrote, I was up with an ear ache. It is now 15 days since my left ear filled up and about a week and a half since my right one did. I am at maybe 1/2 to 1/3 level of being able to hear. I am missing lots of conversations going on around me and feel for the deaf and hard of hearing. Wow. I also can hear my heart beating in my head, but the rhythm is a little different in each ear which is driving me a little crazy. It impresses me how regular and hard my heart works. God invented some amazing systems when He designed the human body. I am very ready for my hearing to come back, however.
I went to the doctor for the second time and am now on steroid nasal spray to help clear up my sinuses and ears. Antibiotic didn't touch it. If I still can't hear in another week and a half, he will refer me to an ENT doctor. There has been some ear pain and terrible headaches, but I did go to church this week and to Bible study and the grocery store yesterday. So although I am sleeping a lot, I am getting some things done. Thank you for praying for my ears. It is such a small thing in the scheme of things. A chance for me to learn patience.
My colonoscopy went well. They are right that the prep is worse than the procedure. I had one pollop (sp?) and a lot of pockets which were not too deep. I should find out tomorrow the pathology on the pollop, but my experience is that when it is bad, they call you sooner. So I am not concerned about it.
On Monday I also saw my Integrative Medicine doctor. Dr. Valley is fantastic. Very smart and kind and is helping me with supplements and with my cholesterol, etc. One medication I am on for the rest of my life (Femara) is causing it to go up. I take that to help me avoid further cancer. But it has the side effect of bone density loss and increased cholesterol. Anyway, Dr. Valley ordered some blood work that he reviewed with me. My liver is doing better so I am now allowed to do my candida diet for a few months.
I have a yeast overgrowth in my body called candida. Lots of you know what that is, but I will tell you a little about it just in case. I also had this 3 years ago and got rid of it by doing a special diet and taking an antifungal for a few months. Cancer treatment in '06 included steroids for anti-nausea and antibiotics and chemo, etc., that allow candida/yeast to flourish. So I have known I had it again since before we moved lat summer, but my liver wasn't doing well enough to handle flushing out the candida when it dies. It is a strain on the liver to do that. Now that my liver numbers are better, Dr. Valley gave me the go-ahead. This might also help to lower my cholesterol. It did the last time. Last time I also lost 25 lbs. doing the candida cleansing. I don't need to loose much this time, but hope I will feel better when I am done. I have been very tired since my last cancer episode.
Tomorrow I see my oncologist for a check up. Greg might be able to come with me and meet Dr. Sienko, as the oncology office is a few hundred yards from the Partners International office. My physical therapist (for my shoulder which is doing great by the way), chiropractor, Dr. Valley, and my internist, all want Dr. Sienko to find out why my right side is hurting. A place on one of my ribs hurts when palpated, and also when I move certain ways. I used to get a stabbing pain once in a while, and I thought maybe my rib was out of joint or something, but it has gotten more frequent and has been hurting more and more. Now it is every day, almost all day. The oncologist's rule I learned almost 9 years ago is, "If something hurts and gets worse and not better in 2 weeks, come and see me."
You can guess where my head goes when that happens. I try to steer it away from the idea of cancer. Bones is one of the places breast cancer metastasizes to. But then I remember that the Lord is the author of my days, and He gives me peace when I remember that each day any of us has here on earth is a gift from Him. This life is so brief in the scope of eternity. But I do want to be totally His each day and not worry about what might be coming in the future. It could be something other than cancer that is not serious. God can heal it. But since I have had cancer twice, I sometimes wonder if that battle is looming again around the corner. If the worst that can happen is starting my stint with Him in eternity, then there is NOTHING to worry about!
So you can join me in prayer. Let's pray for God's perfect will, and for healing for my ears, sinuses and right side. And wisdom for Dr. Sienko. He might order a scan. Much of my prayer is also praise for the wonderful friends He has brought into my life. I am so very blessed, with amazing kids and a great husband and church and neighbors and Partners...I could go on all night, but I think I need to sleep. I am grateful for you too. Any and all who read this.
By the way, Erin, who we bought this house from, commented on my last blog entry that she saw 2 moose that day hanging out by her house. Pretty cool.
Blessings- Nancy
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Isaw a moose with my own eyes!
Dear friends,
On Valentine's Day, Greg and I drove the loop down by the Little Spokane River just to see deer and maybe a moose. It was the end of the afternoon. Greg saw some cars pulled over so we went to investigate. And there it sat! A full fledged moose. There was a fence between us and it was sitting down, so we got to watch it for a while without having to worry about it coming closer. Greg said they have lost their antlers already, so we don't know if it was a male or female. Exciting for me! It was on my list of things to see in my life.
I am up early because I have a pretty bad earache in my right ear. I have done all the suggestions on web md, and the pain has decreased a little. I have had a sick week. Very sore throat on Monday, then to my sinuses, then all that and my left ear closed up, a cough joined the lineup and now my right ear hurt a lot! I was hoping to go to church, but we will have to see.
My surgeon called to tell me that the MRI matched the ultrasound and that there appears to be no cancer in the new scar tissue on my left side. So I will see her again in six months unless something else comes up. That is a praise. My cancer looks just like scar tissue, but it would have extra blood supply if it were cancer, and that just wasn't there.
I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on Thusday, so I have adjusted my diet for that for the next few days. Greg had one last week and was totally clear. He turns 50 today and I am feeling sad that I am sick on his birthday. We were going to go look around at Cabella's which just opened near here. He had a big celebration at the office for his 50th. All sorts of 50 jokes and black balloons, etc. I will post some pictures later.
Well, I think I might be able to get to sleep now, so I will say goodnight. Blessings- Nancy
On Valentine's Day, Greg and I drove the loop down by the Little Spokane River just to see deer and maybe a moose. It was the end of the afternoon. Greg saw some cars pulled over so we went to investigate. And there it sat! A full fledged moose. There was a fence between us and it was sitting down, so we got to watch it for a while without having to worry about it coming closer. Greg said they have lost their antlers already, so we don't know if it was a male or female. Exciting for me! It was on my list of things to see in my life.
I am up early because I have a pretty bad earache in my right ear. I have done all the suggestions on web md, and the pain has decreased a little. I have had a sick week. Very sore throat on Monday, then to my sinuses, then all that and my left ear closed up, a cough joined the lineup and now my right ear hurt a lot! I was hoping to go to church, but we will have to see.
My surgeon called to tell me that the MRI matched the ultrasound and that there appears to be no cancer in the new scar tissue on my left side. So I will see her again in six months unless something else comes up. That is a praise. My cancer looks just like scar tissue, but it would have extra blood supply if it were cancer, and that just wasn't there.
I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on Thusday, so I have adjusted my diet for that for the next few days. Greg had one last week and was totally clear. He turns 50 today and I am feeling sad that I am sick on his birthday. We were going to go look around at Cabella's which just opened near here. He had a big celebration at the office for his 50th. All sorts of 50 jokes and black balloons, etc. I will post some pictures later.
Well, I think I might be able to get to sleep now, so I will say goodnight. Blessings- Nancy
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A moose on our street!
Dear friends,
On Saturday when Greg went out to clear snow and ice away from drains with the neighbors, he spotted moose tracks! 6-7 inches long. They went up the side of the street and around the corner and up the next street. One of my goals is to see a moose in person, and although I didn't see it, I am closer to my goal than I was a week ago. There is so much snow in the mountains that they are coming down into populated areas more than normal this year. My friends know to call me if they see one so I can possibly get a glimpse.
The last time I wrote we had just gotten to Orlando for the Call2All Congress. The congress was very inspirational. The worship was excellent and we enjoyed fellowship with pastors and mission leaders from around the world, as well as a few former co-workers and friends. It was so great for Greg to be there to represent Partners in that setting. He was able to share what Partners is doing in the least reached parts of the world with indigenous ministries. As agencies were strategizing ways to get the last 600+ groups reached, it was good for Greg to be able to offer information about what our partner ministries might already be doing amoung these groups.
The schedule was demanding and we stayed 40-60 minutes away, so I got pretty tired. I felt sick on Thursday that week and actually took a 2 hour nap on 4 seats up in the balcony of Northland Church while Greg attended a round table discussion. We saw a preview showing of the Ben Stein movie called Expelled. It was very powerful. Ben Stein was actually there. It is being released by the same company that did The Passion. It will be relased in theaters in April. Also, we heard about a new website about to be debuted called YahWay. It is similar to Yahoo but being done by Christians.
After the conference we visited Greg's Uncle Fred and Aunt Beth who have a winter home in The Villages north west of Orlando. Allison was able to meet us and we had a relaxing time with them and her until we left for home at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday the 3rd. Jesse ended up having the entire week off from school because of snow and had a great time with Andrew and his friends.
Allison is in the home stretch and graduation is April 27th at Southeastern. Her student teaching is in full gear. Greg and I hope to go for her graduation. Thank you for praying for her and our other kids.
I have had some medical check ups. My hysterectomy/rectocele has healed well, but she told me to be careful of lifting and to avoid it when I can for the rest of my life. Also, now that my rectum is back where it is supposed to be, my bladder is decending into the viod where my rectum was. I am not planning to do anything about that, and so far it isn't a problem.
I had an ultrasound last week to check the scar tissue on my left side. It is new since last May and is from radiation. I learned that it usually grows for about 1 1/2 years and then stops. It has been 13 1/2 months since I finished radiation. I also learned that if there were cancer in my scar tissue, there would be an active blood supply there. The ultrasound indicated that it is just scar tissue, but my surgical oncologist also wanted me to have an MRI to make sure the ultrasound picked up everything. If after comparing them, the ultrasound showed everything, next time she can check it with just the ultrasound which is much cheaper. I had the MRI yesterday.
The MRI people had me positioned like Superman flying for 40 minutes which has made my shoulder sore. But I am sure that is just temporary. My shoulder is doing well and after PT next week, I am going to be able to finish my therapy at home. My range is good, but I just need to strengthen my shoulder for over the head reaching. I forget a lot of days that I even had my shoulder fixed.
I will see my oncologist later this month. I tried going off my Femara for two weeks to see if I would feel less achy. There was no change, so I am back on Femara and my oncologist will have to see if he can figure out what is going on. I had blood work done which will hopefully give him some clues. My integrative medicine doctor and breast surgeon are also planning to see me in the next few weeks. I would appreciate your prayers for me to have pereverence. Greg and I were talking over the weekend and when thinking about it, I couldn't think of the last time I felt good. I feel like I got hit by a truck most days. We are tired of all the doctor visits, and would love to turn the corner from that...for me to feel good and have energy again. I have a bad sore throat today and spent the day resting.
Greg turns 50 on Sunday. He got Geritol outside his office yesterday and a deck of "Uh Oh, Five O!" cards today. The staff are having fun teasing him! He is such an amazing guy. It is an honor to be his wife. This summer it will be 25 years. I remember his 25th birthday back in Pasadena.
I need to get to sleep, but know that it was important to get this done today as I haven't written for 2 weeks. God bless you! I will write soon and let you know how the MRI results come out.
Blessings- Nancy
On Saturday when Greg went out to clear snow and ice away from drains with the neighbors, he spotted moose tracks! 6-7 inches long. They went up the side of the street and around the corner and up the next street. One of my goals is to see a moose in person, and although I didn't see it, I am closer to my goal than I was a week ago. There is so much snow in the mountains that they are coming down into populated areas more than normal this year. My friends know to call me if they see one so I can possibly get a glimpse.
The last time I wrote we had just gotten to Orlando for the Call2All Congress. The congress was very inspirational. The worship was excellent and we enjoyed fellowship with pastors and mission leaders from around the world, as well as a few former co-workers and friends. It was so great for Greg to be there to represent Partners in that setting. He was able to share what Partners is doing in the least reached parts of the world with indigenous ministries. As agencies were strategizing ways to get the last 600+ groups reached, it was good for Greg to be able to offer information about what our partner ministries might already be doing amoung these groups.
The schedule was demanding and we stayed 40-60 minutes away, so I got pretty tired. I felt sick on Thursday that week and actually took a 2 hour nap on 4 seats up in the balcony of Northland Church while Greg attended a round table discussion. We saw a preview showing of the Ben Stein movie called Expelled. It was very powerful. Ben Stein was actually there. It is being released by the same company that did The Passion. It will be relased in theaters in April. Also, we heard about a new website about to be debuted called YahWay. It is similar to Yahoo but being done by Christians.
After the conference we visited Greg's Uncle Fred and Aunt Beth who have a winter home in The Villages north west of Orlando. Allison was able to meet us and we had a relaxing time with them and her until we left for home at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday the 3rd. Jesse ended up having the entire week off from school because of snow and had a great time with Andrew and his friends.
Allison is in the home stretch and graduation is April 27th at Southeastern. Her student teaching is in full gear. Greg and I hope to go for her graduation. Thank you for praying for her and our other kids.
I have had some medical check ups. My hysterectomy/rectocele has healed well, but she told me to be careful of lifting and to avoid it when I can for the rest of my life. Also, now that my rectum is back where it is supposed to be, my bladder is decending into the viod where my rectum was. I am not planning to do anything about that, and so far it isn't a problem.
I had an ultrasound last week to check the scar tissue on my left side. It is new since last May and is from radiation. I learned that it usually grows for about 1 1/2 years and then stops. It has been 13 1/2 months since I finished radiation. I also learned that if there were cancer in my scar tissue, there would be an active blood supply there. The ultrasound indicated that it is just scar tissue, but my surgical oncologist also wanted me to have an MRI to make sure the ultrasound picked up everything. If after comparing them, the ultrasound showed everything, next time she can check it with just the ultrasound which is much cheaper. I had the MRI yesterday.
The MRI people had me positioned like Superman flying for 40 minutes which has made my shoulder sore. But I am sure that is just temporary. My shoulder is doing well and after PT next week, I am going to be able to finish my therapy at home. My range is good, but I just need to strengthen my shoulder for over the head reaching. I forget a lot of days that I even had my shoulder fixed.
I will see my oncologist later this month. I tried going off my Femara for two weeks to see if I would feel less achy. There was no change, so I am back on Femara and my oncologist will have to see if he can figure out what is going on. I had blood work done which will hopefully give him some clues. My integrative medicine doctor and breast surgeon are also planning to see me in the next few weeks. I would appreciate your prayers for me to have pereverence. Greg and I were talking over the weekend and when thinking about it, I couldn't think of the last time I felt good. I feel like I got hit by a truck most days. We are tired of all the doctor visits, and would love to turn the corner from that...for me to feel good and have energy again. I have a bad sore throat today and spent the day resting.
Greg turns 50 on Sunday. He got Geritol outside his office yesterday and a deck of "Uh Oh, Five O!" cards today. The staff are having fun teasing him! He is such an amazing guy. It is an honor to be his wife. This summer it will be 25 years. I remember his 25th birthday back in Pasadena.
I need to get to sleep, but know that it was important to get this done today as I haven't written for 2 weeks. God bless you! I will write soon and let you know how the MRI results come out.
Blessings- Nancy
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