Determined not to give in.....

Before I go into my post a want to share a blessing: my CT scan revealed no other cancer than what we already knew about! God is good and he's answering prayers!

Make Today Amazing!!!
Wow, for the first time since my diagnosis I had to really determine that I would make Today Amazing.
If you are following my progress on this past Monday the 26th I had my first round of infusions.

So to back up a few hours our day started at 2:45 am leaving home at 3. We then drove to Boston where we, my husband and I, would be for 13 Hrs!
I started the day with a second biopsy which was a little harder than the first in which I can't explain why. I was very emotional and my doctor for this was so sweet, she had 3 Days left of her internship. Then she was returning back to her home out west. She and the other two doctors were so sweet and kind. One of which is saved 🙄 I did get to witness to the other two seeing as to how none of us could leave the room, a captured audience 🙂😲 I don't know if they can't or won't but neither would really give an exact answer if they accepted Christ. They did however take a tract.

They asked me all kinds of questions about my family,  my church and even how I met my husband. Now I don't know many doctors who do this, actually I don't know any doctor that does that! So anyway back to the day. I got through biopsy and then had 4 hrs before blood work was to be done. After this was done treatment was started. Finishing up at 8:30 pm of which I was not feeling well so we had to then wait for some medicine so I could travel home. We then arrived home around 1 am Tuesday morning.

The Chemo part of what I am doing is very little.  So I don't have a lot of side affects as of now. As I learn more about this of course I'll share it. Tuesday I barely remember as I slept the majority of a 24 hr day.

Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ...." I mentioned in the topic determined not to give in. When i got up this morning it would have been very easy for me to do nothing. However, my husband saw the need for me to venture out for a quick errand with him. I'm so glad I did! Gods good all the time!! See i could have easily said, no I need to stay here, but I knew as well getting out was needed.

I'll still take it easy and not over do it just wanted to remind you, don't let your situation, no matter what it is, get you down and keep you there. I could have done just that, but through Christ, my husband and prayer I had an amazing Day!

Time out with my husband that was not doctor related! Went to church and was so thankful I Did!
Made Today Amazing!!!

As for upcoming appointments July 17th will be my second treatment. August 7th will be number three. So between now and then, I'm going to enjoy what God has given me, and make each day amazing!

Here we go....

Good evening everyone! Well, Mondays the day! I'll be going to Boston with my husband and I'll have one more biopsy done, blood work and start my first round of treatments. Then I'll have treatments every three weeks over 18 weeks making a total of 6. Once we get towards the end of this I'll inform you more of what's to follow.

This really is a mixed emotion I'm anxious to get going, but yet I would almost be ok with forgetting the whole thing.  Before anyone thinks I'm seriously thinking about forgetting it, it's just part of the thought process, it's me being human.  I've had such an outpouring of love, support,  cards, calls, text etc that I know Gods in control. Even today with the yo-yo affect of Mondays appointment possibly needing to be moved, to it was moved, then no we can keep it on Monday, I knew God had his hand in the process the whole time. Now I was a little disappointed in that I'll miss hearing Pastor Fugate preach and the tour group from Commonwealth Baptist College sing but it'll all be good.

Simply put your faith, your trust, your life in God's hands and he'll take care of you!

May I remind you, God loves you and he gave His son for you. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Notice matter the "yo-yo" in your life, no matter the bumps and bridges you happen upon. God loves you!

God's love for you can make your today absolutely amazing!

Reality Check

Good afternoon everyone. As many of you know I had surgery yesterday to have my port put in. Now just in case you aren't familiar with what a port is, this is something you have surgically put in to literally save on being stuck hundreds of times. This allows one needle into one area all the time for blood work, medicine etc.

Since having this surgery reality hit me this morning. Yes, I've known from the beginning all this was real and that I couldn't change it. However, Today I've been alone, boys working,  soul winning,  helping set up for a big day at church tomorrow,  husbands working and well.... tears flowed!
So I went back a little bit ago and read this...

Since May 12, I, we, have begged God and ask him to heal me, or help me to get through this. So through many tears, uncertainty,  even being scared I realized again, God's in control. As the Bible says in another passage,

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee".

I'm human just like everyone else, I fear things sometimes but thank the Lord I'm not Alone! I have the Lord on my side, I have my family, my church family, my friends and many others. 

So as I did today, I'll probably do many times more, I'll cry, I'll pray but I'll trust in God to help make today Amazing! So yes, reality had a check up today but reality also helped me to regroup while alone at home. 

God's Good!

Wow! What a perfect day Sunday was!  We had several visitors at church, preaching was Great, song service amazing and so much more.  Then Sunday night we had 4 languages being used in Church, Italian, Spanish, Sign language and English!

An exchange student, Miss Monica, will be returning to Italy this week sang, "Amazing Grace" in English and Italian. Absolutely beautiful! I hope you will enjoy this.

Not only was the day good in that way, but God supplied the exact amount of money needed to make it possible to go to Boston Monday and buy Groceries! Not only did he provide that way, but he gave us good news. The cancer is stage 2 and my doctor couldn't find any thing in the lymph nodes, If that isn't God then I don't know what is!! See we are told to pray and the Bible states in Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name...." I believe that God has heard and is still listening to the many prayers not only by me, but by all the ones who are praying for me throughout the US and the world. Then not only was I told that it's stage 2 and the lymph nodes appear to have no cancer, but my EKG came back perfect! My heart is pumping blood and doing what it's suppose to do. All this is because of God! Let me say, though it would be hard if all this was the opposite it would still be of God, because that is what he would want for me. We're to praise him through the valley as well as on the mountain top. Yes, this is a valley for us, but he's brought a little sunshine to that valley.

The next update hopefully won't take as long I had a lot going on and I've also been staying focused on learning more about piano, going soul winning, being in church and enjoying my family. The next step in my journey is out patient surgery, tomorrow at noon EST. I would be incorrect to say I'm not worried about tomorrow, because I am. I've never had any type of surgery which means I've never been sedated. So yea, I'm nervous.

My friend, I don't know your journey, I don't know you story, but I do know who can and wants to lead you through your journey and be the topic of your story. His name is Jesus. He died and rose again for YOU and for me. He came to earth just for YOU! If you don't know today that you will go to heaven don't hesitate to ask me how to make this a sure thing  in your life. We don't know what tomorrow holds but we do know God already knows all our tomorrows, He knows your name and he wants to save you. Please feel free to comment and I would be more than happy to share with you the gospel.

So my dear friends, Make Today Amazing!!

Make Today Amazing with a "Normal" Day

Good afternoon! Well, today has been a "Normal" day for me :D See I define normal as no doctors visit, no shots, no blood drawn no going anywhere I don't want to go.

It's been a fairly slow week for us. Friday I had an ECO Cardiogram which was interesting to say the least. I didn't know they look at your heart from so many directions. Michelle, the lady who did the ECO is so sweet and yes, I look forward to seeing her on my next visit.

Monday we'll be taking off to Boston again where I'll have the privilege of having blood work done, and EKG an another Ultra Sound. All of this is to happen between 12:30 and 3..... HUM..... Last time I was at the Dana Farber center we were out 1/2 hour early. Let's see what happens this time.

Then on Friday at noon I'll have surgery to have my port put in. Now if you don't know what I mean by port this will save me a lot of being stuck with a needle. I'm all for that since I DON"T LIKE NEEDLES!  In case you missed that I don't like needles YUCK!!! Oh well, at least they try to help save pain that way :)

Then the following Monday I'll have a CT scan and shortly after that I should know when my treatments in Boston start!

As to how I feel, I really feel no different than I did before. I do have some pain every now then where the cancer is in breast but I'm still cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, running my wonderful boys all the over the place and most importantly taking care of my husband! We as a family are doing well. I do have my days where I might be more tearful than others but then that's to be expected.

I've been able to give out many tracts I've seen a man, Bill, receive Christ, Linette and Michelle we're praying will also receive Christ. As a matter of face the following are either my doctors, nurses or something that I will see soon on a regular basis. If you would join me in prayer for their salvation I'd certainly appreciate it.

Julia
Gulson
Rachel
Reight
Michelle
Linette
Then the ones I've not met yet as well, the surgeon and any others that I may cross their path.

Make today Amazing by having a normal day :) Leading a soul to Christ!  :) Praying for the salvation of others :)

Understanding Breast Cancer HER2

I asked a dear friend, Mrs. Kelly if she could share some things about the HER2 breast cancer here. Kelly an I have known each other for a long time. As a matter fact I believe, I was still single when my parents and I, first met Kelly and her lovely family. She's such an encouragement,  an amazing wife and mom. She has a walk with God that from what I've seen is wonderful.

The cancer I have and Kelly has though not exactly the same I believe, in this post she can help those who've asked me questions to better understand. So the following is from my dear friend Mrs. Kelly Johnson:

"It seems like every month I hear about someone else that I know being diagnosed with breast cancer.  I was saddened when the phone rang a few weeks ago and Paula told me her news.  None of us in this particular “club” like to have new members added.  

When I was diagnosed people came out of the woodwork to tell me about their mother, aunt, cousin, friend, and even their own diagnosis.  Well meaning people said things like, “My aunt had it and she just had a simple surgery.  No problem.” Insinuating I shouldn’t worry or do much about my cancer.

Another person said, “My mom had it.  She died three weeks after she was diagnosed.” This made me feel that death was imminent and all was hopeless.

Paula and I, like the majority of cancer patients, fall somewhere in between.  We understand that people are struggling to say the right thing, so don’t be afraid to talk to us.  However, please be sensitive to Paula’s spirit.  There will be days and moments when she is struggling.  She will need encouraging words.  Only the Lord knows the future so words like, “I love you.”  “I’m praying for you.”  “I’m here to LISTEN.”  “What day can I clean your house?” “What day can I bring a meal?” “Do you have a specific prayer request.”  “I’m cheering for you.” These are GREAT words!!!!!  

In the pathology of breast cancer there are several diagnostic markers they look at:  ER (estrogen receptor); PR (progesterone receptor); and HER2+++.  These are the three main things that medical science knows CAN fuel/feed breast cancer.  Among breast cancer patients we define ourselves as triple positive, triple negative, or somewhere in between.  Again, Paula and I fall somewhere in between.  

Treatment for breast cancer is three-fold: 1. remove the main tumor (surgery) 2. kill any tumors cells growing elsewhere in the body (usually with chemo and radiation) 3. block whatever is feeding the tumors (hormone blocker, ovary removal, target therapy).

Triple negative means that other than surgery, normal chemo, and radiation; the medical field isn’t really sure yet what is “feeding” these tumors.  They “hope” they get it all with those three main treatments.  I have several dear friends that live today and they are triple negative.

Triple positive means that you will have surgery, chemo, possibly radiation, hormone blocking medication, and target drug therapy for the HER2+++, which I will cover more in depth next.  Triple positive cancers have the most weapons to use against them, which is good, but they can be just as harmful. 

As I said, Paula and I fall somewhere in between.  However, we both have at least one positive.  A very aggressive form of breast cancer called HER2+++.  I have a dear friend Lynn that abides in Heaven today that helped me with my journey while she was a few years ahead on the same road.  It is not a death sentence for everyone, but this kind of cancer does need aggressive treatment.  Through the years there has been much advancement in this particular area of the disease, for which I am very grateful and have reaped a great benefit. 

While Paula goes through the treatment, surgery, and “starving out” of the cancer; let me encourage you to reach out with kind words.  Once Brother Bill and Paula have made their treatment decision, respect it.  Please don’t judge them.  This journey is hard enough without feeling like they have to make everyone happy, while trying to navigate what will make Paula’s years of life the healthiest and most productive.  As always, it is important to leave our eyes on the Lord for the outcome. When we ask the Lord for His direction and peace and He shows it, I believe we are being good stewards of our lives when we follow that direction.  

Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.  (Proverbs 4:26)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  (Psalms 37:23)

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  (Proverbs 3:6)

HER2+++ INFORMATION

Genes and Breast Cancer

One way to distinguish breast cancer cells is through your genes. When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will test the cancerous cells to determine their genetic makeup. 

How Many Are HER2-Positive?

1 out of 5 breast cancers overexpress the HER2 gene. HER2-positive breast cancer tends to be more aggressive and spreads more quickly than other cancers. That’s why it’s important to find out if the cancer cells in your body contain this protein.

Facts and Figures on HER2 Recurrence

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) conducted a study to determine recurrence risk for HER2-positive patients. Results showed that those who tested positive for HER2 at an early stage of the condition — with tumors 1 centimeter (cm) or smaller — had a higher risk of recurrence. 

HER2 Survival Rates

The MDACC study found that those who were HER2-negative had a five-year survival rate of 93.7 percent.

Researchers also found that HER2-positive patients had:

• around five times the recurrence risk of those who were HER-2 negative

• close to three times the risk of recurrence of those who tested negative for HER2

Factors Affecting Recurrence

The risk of recurrence with HER2-positive tumors is significantly higher than with HER2-negative tumors.

Tumors that are HER2-positive are more often associated with factors that increase recurrence rates. For example, HER2 tumors are more likely to have higher nuclear grade. Generally, the higher the nuclear grade, the more aggressive the tumor.

HER2 tumors are also more likely to show positive margins during breast surgery. Positive margins occur when cancer cells extend beyond the edge of tissue that’s removed. HER2 tumors also have a higher likelihood of residual disease being found when additional tissue is removed.

HER2 General Prognosis

According to The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), up to 70 percent of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer respond to treatment. However, total remission for the condition occurs in around 7 to 8 percent of patients.  (YAY this is me right now!!)

Targeted treatments (medicines that target the HER2 protein) have improved the prognosis for HER2-positive patients. Remissions can also be lengthy, offering another bright spot in prognosis. NEJM reports that remission can last more than 15 years for some patients. (I’m praying!)

Targeted Treatment

Being diagnosed HER2-positive brings special challenges to breast cancer patients. The HER2 protein can make your breast cancer more aggressive. It can also make it harder to treat with hormone treatments used for other types of breast cancer.

However, drugs like trastuzumab and lapatinib target HER2 directly — and effectively.  A new drug, pertuzumab (Perjeta), was approved by the FDA in 2014. This drug, when used in combination with other drugs, shows some very promising results for improving prognosis and survival rates for patients with HER2 cancer."

So family and friends,  hopefully you aren't scratching your head saying, "huh"? It's my desire to see souls saved, people come closer to the Lord ashall well as have family and friends understand even if just a little what is going on. 

BE STILL AND KNOW! 

Prayer warriors and newest update

I am constantly amazed at how many people are going to Lord in prayer on my behalf. I believe because of countless people praying,  my husbands prayers, my church family prayers and my prayers that God's going to do something great!

I also believe that this trial, bump in the road, journey or whatever we call it is for a purpose and that Satan isn't happy in that it's increasing my prayer life, but it's also brought my family closer together. Tension is something we have to deal with maybe not daily and not always about important matters. See, if Satan can take one little thing and cause strife then he's got his big toe in the door. It's a battle we all have to face. No matter what your heartache, physical need, family need if we allow Satan to creep in, rather than growing in the Lord, we'll pull away.

Today was one of those days we had to stop, refocus, and remember  Romans 8:28, Philippines 4:8 and Be Still and Know.
Friend did you know "All things work together for good...." Romans 8:28 We may not see cancer, or chemo, or trials as good but God has a plane.

Then if we think on things that are just, pure, honest, we can stay positive.  Phil 4:8 shows us what we should think on. That verse has been a favorite for many things, but Saturday at a ladies conference it was referred to, to me, an it's true if I think on these things how much better things will be.  Then at church Phil 4:8 was brought up in a sermon. So be positive in your talk, your day will be Amazing!

Be Still and Know.... I was given a plaque with this on it. I don't know about you but I'm not still at times that I should be.  God wants us to be still. Maybe it's to learn, maybe to pray, maybe to hear what's being said, no matter what the reason we all need to learn to Be Still and Know.

These little nuggets I've shared are from some of my prayer warriors. Are you a prayer warrior? Do you pray for for others? Pray without ceasing. I have an 8 year old niece that I spoke with her grandmother and I was in tears hearing how she's always wanting to pray for me, her Aunt. Then there's a wonderful lady, whom every Sunday morning I receive a text that she's prayed for me. My Pastor and his wife pray for me. And the list goes on and on. Prayer works and I know God can and will do work through us all.

Just today I received a special gift from some dear friends at my parents church. They are prayer warriors.

This is Courage Jr. His mom and dad sent him to be an encouragement to me. His dad is Courage and helped a man through his cancer. I'll share the letter in another post. Mean time encourage a friend,  your pastor, your parents, a sibling, anyone!  

Be a prayer warrior!  

For the update information we will be going to Boston to do the Clinical Trial. As far as answering questions about this I will give more information as I can. 

Make today Amazing with right choices.

Good evening! Since going to Boston we've had some major decisions of which we are still in limbo. Depending on God, making sure we have peace about what direction to go. I could let myself be overwhelmed....

Yes this is full of information and yes it will be helpful but I want to make sure all things are done decently and in order. Keeping everything open to God's Leading! How can I do This? 

By staying in the Bible, by praying about each decision and by seeking council.  The last two days I was thankfully able to meet with and talk with my Pastors wife. She truly is absolutely wonderful she's an encouragement to so many! After talking with Jennie I knew what I needed. God brings people into our lives for a purpose. 

There's no updates in this I just want to encourage you, if you have health problems don't try to face it alone! We all need someone or several people to turn to. Most importantly though you need to have Christ in the center of all things. 

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13 

The whosoever is you my dear friend. If you've never done as the above verse says. You can right now, right here, ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins, and to save you. He's waiting at your hearts door. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  

As you've read materials given by the doctors  or the world can overwhelm you. However with God and staying in his word, seeking his face he will lead you in the way best for you. 

This leads me to also allowing others to encourage you. I will admit being the center of attention really isn't my preference.  I'm happy doing what needs to be done quietly and without a lot of attention.  However...

This is just a little of what I've received since my birthday when I found out I had cancer. If it wasn't for family, church and church family, friends, the cards, the prayers, the calls and most importantly the Lord I couldn't get through this. I have my days where I sit an cry, or I worry a little more than I should. I have learned from several people not to stay in the low points of life. So I do all I can through Christ to, "make today amazing!" 

So when there's decisions to make first make sure you are in a good place. Make sure you seek council, pray and Lord willing the answer will be what you're looking for. 

As Dr. Jack Hyles use to say, "Don't make decisions when your decision maker is broken. "