First, let me start out with a sincere, heartfelt "Thank You" to all my prayer partners/warriors. Without you, this journey would be so difficult. The strength and comfort I feel by your surrounding prayers has moved me...I just can't express how much with eloquence.
Here's the latest news on our journey.....
Monday, June 3, 2013 I had my 2nd brain surgery. The pathology report came back that I have a recurrent tumor. My surgeon removed tissue, about 'grape' size that had cancer cells present. He was pretty aggressive with the removal so the hope is that he got everything he could see.
I'm in the process of healing.....physically (3-1/2 years older!!) and emotionally....finally getting my mojo back!! I must confess this is hard. I was disappointed and grieving, but I am now setting my sights on praying, healing and living!!
What's next????
My stitches will be removed Friday, June 14th and I am hopeful to go back to work on Monday, June 17th. The plan is to have my Neuro-Oncologist at Duke University direct my next course of treatment in St. Louis. I can't have overall brain radiation again....that was a one time shot, but I can get the SRS boost (focalized radiation) at the resection site, so that will probably the happen. Not sure yet on the Chemotherapy regimen....so more to come on that once known.
A friend of my daughter, Kellie, sent her this passage the night we got the pathology report. I believe this will now be my mantra....
"Remember....God wouldn't give obstacles to someone who couldn't pull through. He gives his roughest battles to his strongest soldiers!"
43 months from original diagnosis, this set back is NOT setting me back.....We can do this!!
Jesus bring the Rain!
+Peace,
Sandy
Monday, June 10, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Calling all Prayer Warriors...I need you!
"I do not want to fail in hope"
Back in March when I last posted, I was in a grateful mode. I am still so very grateful for all of the prayers and the trust we have in our healing God. He is awesome and he continues to carry me everyday.
With the MRI I had on April 3rd, I reported my MRI results showed 'all clear'. That ended up not being entirely true. There was a very,very small sign of an 'enhancement' in the space where the tumor was. Since that time, I also have been experiencing some 'tingling' symptions in my face and mouth, although that hasn't been really anything out of the ordinary from the beginning of my journey. The 'enhancement' was thought by my doctors to be scar tissue and we would just monitor the symptons. After talking with my doctor at Duke, to be on the safe side, she felt it necessary to have another MRI in a month's time. That would have been early May. Finally, after back and forth with the insurance company waiting for them to decide if I needed the followup MRI, I was approved for it. I had it done on Monday, May 21st.
As you can imagine, the anticipation of what the results would be was very stressful. I was fortunate to get in to see my Radiation Oncologist on Tuesday, May 22. To my disappointment (to say the least!), the 'enhancement' has increased slightly in size compared to the the April results. It still could be scar tissue, however there is that 50% chance it could be tumor regrowth. To be sure it would need to be removed. My doctors concur that removing it would be the best thing to do. Then we'll know the next course of action. I agree......I just want this thing out of my head!!!
So....I am imploring my many prayer partners to continue your generous prayers in helping me in my journey to complete healing. I will be having surgery on Monday, June 3rd to remove the 'enhancement'. Please, please, please keep me in your prayers asking God to to be with the doctors and hospital staff, to continue to give me strength and to carry me to healing. We got this!!!!
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
+ Peace,
Sandy
Back in March when I last posted, I was in a grateful mode. I am still so very grateful for all of the prayers and the trust we have in our healing God. He is awesome and he continues to carry me everyday.
With the MRI I had on April 3rd, I reported my MRI results showed 'all clear'. That ended up not being entirely true. There was a very,very small sign of an 'enhancement' in the space where the tumor was. Since that time, I also have been experiencing some 'tingling' symptions in my face and mouth, although that hasn't been really anything out of the ordinary from the beginning of my journey. The 'enhancement' was thought by my doctors to be scar tissue and we would just monitor the symptons. After talking with my doctor at Duke, to be on the safe side, she felt it necessary to have another MRI in a month's time. That would have been early May. Finally, after back and forth with the insurance company waiting for them to decide if I needed the followup MRI, I was approved for it. I had it done on Monday, May 21st.
As you can imagine, the anticipation of what the results would be was very stressful. I was fortunate to get in to see my Radiation Oncologist on Tuesday, May 22. To my disappointment (to say the least!), the 'enhancement' has increased slightly in size compared to the the April results. It still could be scar tissue, however there is that 50% chance it could be tumor regrowth. To be sure it would need to be removed. My doctors concur that removing it would be the best thing to do. Then we'll know the next course of action. I agree......I just want this thing out of my head!!!
So....I am imploring my many prayer partners to continue your generous prayers in helping me in my journey to complete healing. I will be having surgery on Monday, June 3rd to remove the 'enhancement'. Please, please, please keep me in your prayers asking God to to be with the doctors and hospital staff, to continue to give me strength and to carry me to healing. We got this!!!!
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
+ Peace,
Sandy
Saturday, March 2, 2013
40 Months Strong - In a GRATEFUL mode!
Faith is like a muscle, the more you use it the stronger it gets!
I love that, it is so true. This journey is teaching me to never stop being faithful. I'm comforted by knowing that I am not walking this journey alone. God is faithful. He never stops healing me. He never stops carrying me. He never stops loving me. His mercy and grace are precious gifts and I thank and praise HIM daily for them.
I'm behind on blogging, and I apologize. Most of you know my progress because we are Facebook friends, but I will recap.
I went to Duke BTC on January 7th and carried my December MRI to share with my doctor. Her findings agreed with the results from Mercy. Still NO signs of cancer regrowth.
Based on learning of a family that has 2 members stricken with GBM, I was concerned that there was truth to this cancer being genetic and had some concern that my daughters may be at risk. My doctor validated that it is not genetic. That situation could be coincidental, environmental, who knows! My mind is at ease with her assurance.
My next MRI and Mercy oncologist appointments are early April and will not go back to Duke until July. Until then, life goes on in a 'grateful' mode!!
Share HOPE!
+Sandy
I love that, it is so true. This journey is teaching me to never stop being faithful. I'm comforted by knowing that I am not walking this journey alone. God is faithful. He never stops healing me. He never stops carrying me. He never stops loving me. His mercy and grace are precious gifts and I thank and praise HIM daily for them.
I'm behind on blogging, and I apologize. Most of you know my progress because we are Facebook friends, but I will recap.
I went to Duke BTC on January 7th and carried my December MRI to share with my doctor. Her findings agreed with the results from Mercy. Still NO signs of cancer regrowth.
Based on learning of a family that has 2 members stricken with GBM, I was concerned that there was truth to this cancer being genetic and had some concern that my daughters may be at risk. My doctor validated that it is not genetic. That situation could be coincidental, environmental, who knows! My mind is at ease with her assurance.
My next MRI and Mercy oncologist appointments are early April and will not go back to Duke until July. Until then, life goes on in a 'grateful' mode!!
Share HOPE!
+Sandy
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Blessings Abound
O Come All Ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant.
This seems to be my theme after every MRI these days. My latest, on December 10th, once again, shows no sign of cancer. Per the imaging report.....'there is no convincing evidence of a change since the most recent study on 9/4/2012." All of my blood work came back normal, as well.
My trip to Duke BTC is Monday, January 7th. I expect nothing but good things there.
I am astounded by the blessings I've been given and am so 'joyful and triumphant'. Many Blessings to you and your families for this Christmas season. May the new year bring even more 'glad tidings' and a healthy future.
+Peace,
Sandy
This seems to be my theme after every MRI these days. My latest, on December 10th, once again, shows no sign of cancer. Per the imaging report.....'there is no convincing evidence of a change since the most recent study on 9/4/2012." All of my blood work came back normal, as well.
My trip to Duke BTC is Monday, January 7th. I expect nothing but good things there.
I am astounded by the blessings I've been given and am so 'joyful and triumphant'. Many Blessings to you and your families for this Christmas season. May the new year bring even more 'glad tidings' and a healthy future.
+Peace,
Sandy
Saturday, November 24, 2012
3 Year Survivor!!
Trust in the Lord, for he is our Deliverer!!
We did it....We passed the 3 year mark! We are beating this cancer with prayer and unconditional belief. God is so Good.
I stand in awe of the prayers and support that have been given me during this time. This is truly a season of giving thanks and being grateful for each and every day.
My next MRI is Monday, December 10th followed by my oncologist appointment on Thursday, the 13th. (One more before the new year insurance deductibles start over!! ;-) ). I'm still on the 'MRI every 3 months" routine, which is fine as if gives us a checkpoint of stability. I will have bloodwork this time as well. Next Duke appointment is January 7th.
In the meantime....let's look forward to the celebration of new life with the season of Christmas as the birth of Jesus gives us hope for a renewed future!
"May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power.
Collossians 1:11.
Blessings for a great day!
+Sandy
We did it....We passed the 3 year mark! We are beating this cancer with prayer and unconditional belief. God is so Good.
I stand in awe of the prayers and support that have been given me during this time. This is truly a season of giving thanks and being grateful for each and every day.
My next MRI is Monday, December 10th followed by my oncologist appointment on Thursday, the 13th. (One more before the new year insurance deductibles start over!! ;-) ). I'm still on the 'MRI every 3 months" routine, which is fine as if gives us a checkpoint of stability. I will have bloodwork this time as well. Next Duke appointment is January 7th.
In the meantime....let's look forward to the celebration of new life with the season of Christmas as the birth of Jesus gives us hope for a renewed future!
"May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power.
Collossians 1:11.
Blessings for a great day!
+Sandy
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Life is so good!!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Wow.....has it really been over 3 months since my last blog post?? So hard to believe in the last 3 months, I've had a beautiful granddaugter born and a MRI that shows no signs of cancer. God continues to bless me with gifts of good health and wonderful family and friends, for which I am forever grateful.
God asks us to 'empower life' and share what we have abundantly. This is my mantra everyday. thank you all for sharing your prayers with me. God answers them, each and every day.
Empower Life!
Peace,
+Sandy
Wow.....has it really been over 3 months since my last blog post?? So hard to believe in the last 3 months, I've had a beautiful granddaugter born and a MRI that shows no signs of cancer. God continues to bless me with gifts of good health and wonderful family and friends, for which I am forever grateful.
God asks us to 'empower life' and share what we have abundantly. This is my mantra everyday. thank you all for sharing your prayers with me. God answers them, each and every day.
Empower Life!
Peace,
+Sandy
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I'm such a slacker!!!
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours. ~Mark 11:24
My apologies for not posting to my blog for so, so long. I would imagine you all are pretty much thinking that no news is good news. If that's the case....then you are 100% correct!! My last MRI was June 11th. Once again, this scan was totally clear. Yay!
I am heading to North Carolina on June 29th, as my next Duke BTC appointment is on Monday, July 2nd. I am fortunate to be able to stay for the entire week to visit with my daughter and son-in-law, Alison and Isaac, as they await the birth of their first child, my first granddaughter! They are due on July 1st, but we are all hopeful (especially Alison) that she will be born anytime before then.
God has blessed me so tremendously....obviously He is not finished with me yet!! I feel that He is giving me such a gift in living to see my first grandchild. I continue to pray that I am able to see many more in the years to come.
You all continue to remain in my prayers. I truly appreciate yours!
Never forget to thank God for each day, He is so generous with his gifts.
Peace,
+Sandy
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Today is the Day...
Our GOD is Healer, awesome in Power....
Had my most recent MRI on Monday, March 5th. I have been somewhat worried about the results due to little twinges in my head and face occasionally.....that always sparks a concern that maybe things aren't right. I am usually so optimistic and confident that GOD has healed me......WHY do I question that ???
My Oncologist appointment on Thursday, revealed that my MRI results were absolutely stable and remain unchanged...ALL CLEAR! My blood work results indicate that all of my counts are back to normal. As relief set in, I said "I think I am cured!" He said, "You just might be. It has been 13-months since your last chemo treatment without recurrence, that is amazing for this type of cancer. There are rare occasions when this type of cancer has been cured."
Why there are people who don't believe in the power of prayer is beyond me. I am here because all your generous prayers and trust in GOD. Please, please continue to remember me in them as I remember you in mine.
Praise God, the ultimate Healer!
Peace
+Sandy
Had my most recent MRI on Monday, March 5th. I have been somewhat worried about the results due to little twinges in my head and face occasionally.....that always sparks a concern that maybe things aren't right. I am usually so optimistic and confident that GOD has healed me......WHY do I question that ???
My Oncologist appointment on Thursday, revealed that my MRI results were absolutely stable and remain unchanged...ALL CLEAR! My blood work results indicate that all of my counts are back to normal. As relief set in, I said "I think I am cured!" He said, "You just might be. It has been 13-months since your last chemo treatment without recurrence, that is amazing for this type of cancer. There are rare occasions when this type of cancer has been cured."
Again...why do I question and worry??? Plain and simple...I gotta stop doing that! As of today...it's been 857 days of CANCER FREEDOM!
With this good news...what's next you ask? I've graduated to 3-month MRI's, so my next one is mid-June. My next visit to Duke BTC is the end of June as well. (Combining this visit to North Carolina with the birth of my first grandbaby..yay!)
Why there are people who don't believe in the power of prayer is beyond me. I am here because all your generous prayers and trust in GOD. Please, please continue to remember me in them as I remember you in mine.
Praise God, the ultimate Healer!
Peace
+Sandy
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Happy Day, Happy Day!!
Put yourself in my hands and watch.....GOD!
Monday, January 9, Duke Brain Tumor Center appointment with Dr. DesJardins reconfirms, but with a more optimistic stance, that my latest MRI results reveal NO signs of cancer. She is so thrilled, however not as thrilled as I am! I am in total awe of the wonderous gift GOD has given me today for my 52nd birthday! YAY for another birthday!!
Next up....
- MRI scheduled February 27th
- Dr. Hu (STL Oncologist) scheduled March 1st
- MRI in early June
- Duke BTC visit late June
Monday, January 9, Duke Brain Tumor Center appointment with Dr. DesJardins reconfirms, but with a more optimistic stance, that my latest MRI results reveal NO signs of cancer. She is so thrilled, however not as thrilled as I am! I am in total awe of the wonderous gift GOD has given me today for my 52nd birthday! YAY for another birthday!!
Next up....
- MRI scheduled February 27th
- Dr. Hu (STL Oncologist) scheduled March 1st
- MRI in early June
- Duke BTC visit late June
Thank you for remembering me in your prayers and please know that you are in mine. Together we are making a such a difference and realizing that GOD's plan is to give us hope and a future. We are so blessed.
Happy New Year everyone.... It really is!!
Peace and Love
+Sandy
Thursday, December 29, 2011
I know it's been awhile since my last post....
...but there really has been nothing to report. All has been been going very well....so far so good!!
I had a routine follow up MRI on Tuesday, December, 27th. My doctor appointment this morning revealed the results.....ALL looks good and remains stable. This is truly a season for celebration!!!
My next appointment at Duke BTC is Monday, January 9th. I will hand deliver my MRI CD and narrative results and am anxious to see how they read the images. I don't want you to think I'm skeptical, but I always like to hear the Duke doctors concurrance as well! For me, it seems to be an additional comfort hearing their respected opinion. I will post after my appointment.
Believe it or not, our journey together is coming up on 26 months in early January. Your continued and unfailing prayers have carried me this far....please continue to hang with me and go the distance!!!
Everything I am has come from the goodness of GOD!
Peace and love to all,
+Sandy
I had a routine follow up MRI on Tuesday, December, 27th. My doctor appointment this morning revealed the results.....ALL looks good and remains stable. This is truly a season for celebration!!!
My next appointment at Duke BTC is Monday, January 9th. I will hand deliver my MRI CD and narrative results and am anxious to see how they read the images. I don't want you to think I'm skeptical, but I always like to hear the Duke doctors concurrance as well! For me, it seems to be an additional comfort hearing their respected opinion. I will post after my appointment.
Believe it or not, our journey together is coming up on 26 months in early January. Your continued and unfailing prayers have carried me this far....please continue to hang with me and go the distance!!!
Everything I am has come from the goodness of GOD!
Peace and love to all,
+Sandy
Sunday, November 6, 2011
2 year Anniversary...November 4th!!
Lift up your voice and lay your burden down!
It's hard to believe that 2 years ago, my life was forever changed. Thank goodness that it was!! The diagnosis of a cancerous brain tumor has led me to find an inner strength that I never knew I had. With all of your faith and prayers, I was given the gift of faith to believe that God has other plans for my life. I'm learning that by living in trust and not in fear, God truly will not give anyone more than they can handle. If we lay our burdens down, HE will pick them up and carry them for us.
As we look forward to each new day and counting off another year of this healing journey, I ask you to please continue to keep me in your prayers, as I do for you. There is such promise for a new tomorrow and I am filled with gratitude every day I have the opportunity to wake up and experience it.
Today is the day you have made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Peace, hope and love,
+Sandy
It's hard to believe that 2 years ago, my life was forever changed. Thank goodness that it was!! The diagnosis of a cancerous brain tumor has led me to find an inner strength that I never knew I had. With all of your faith and prayers, I was given the gift of faith to believe that God has other plans for my life. I'm learning that by living in trust and not in fear, God truly will not give anyone more than they can handle. If we lay our burdens down, HE will pick them up and carry them for us.
As we look forward to each new day and counting off another year of this healing journey, I ask you to please continue to keep me in your prayers, as I do for you. There is such promise for a new tomorrow and I am filled with gratitude every day I have the opportunity to wake up and experience it.
Today is the day you have made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Peace, hope and love,
+Sandy
Thursday, October 27, 2011
All Clear!!
The voice of truth says do not be afraid!
I visited my Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Stroud on Wednesday, the 26th for a 6-month followup and to hear the results of Monday's MRI. Once again, NO CHANGE....ALL CLEAR!! Fabulous news...I must say!! We joked about the images showing there is nothing there, we laughed and I said "I already knew that...I wonder how long I can use the excuse of losing things in the black hole in my head!" A little comic relief goes a long way. ;-D Ha!
Up next...
I see my Medical Oncologist next week for a 2-month follow-up and then another MRI at the end of December. Back to Duke in January.
We will be reaching a milestone very soon...my 2-year anniversary of diagnosis. I am in awe of the way my life has been blessed with so much support and so, so many prayers. You have all lifted me up so that I am not afraid or worried about what may come next. I know there is a plan for my life and am very grateful for the opportunity everyday that I wake up to strive to live it to the best of my ability. Lucky me!!
Live simply.Speak kindly.Care deeply.Love generously. Leave the rest to GOD.
+Peace and love,
Sandy
I visited my Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Stroud on Wednesday, the 26th for a 6-month followup and to hear the results of Monday's MRI. Once again, NO CHANGE....ALL CLEAR!! Fabulous news...I must say!! We joked about the images showing there is nothing there, we laughed and I said "I already knew that...I wonder how long I can use the excuse of losing things in the black hole in my head!" A little comic relief goes a long way. ;-D Ha!
Up next...
I see my Medical Oncologist next week for a 2-month follow-up and then another MRI at the end of December. Back to Duke in January.
We will be reaching a milestone very soon...my 2-year anniversary of diagnosis. I am in awe of the way my life has been blessed with so much support and so, so many prayers. You have all lifted me up so that I am not afraid or worried about what may come next. I know there is a plan for my life and am very grateful for the opportunity everyday that I wake up to strive to live it to the best of my ability. Lucky me!!
Live simply.Speak kindly.Care deeply.Love generously. Leave the rest to GOD.
+Peace and love,
Sandy
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
23 Month Anniversary...
Be strong in the Lord, never give up hope.... God has his hand on you.
Well everyone, by the grace of God, we've made it 23 months, today!! Looking forward to the future and many more blessed days. Keep the faith and keep praying as we live toward our next milestone. My port will be removed this Friday.....yay! I will be in touch and post next week.
I will run and not grow weary....I thank God for each day!
Peace and love,
+Sandy
Well everyone, by the grace of God, we've made it 23 months, today!! Looking forward to the future and many more blessed days. Keep the faith and keep praying as we live toward our next milestone. My port will be removed this Friday.....yay! I will be in touch and post next week.
I will run and not grow weary....I thank God for each day!
Peace and love,
+Sandy
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Duke BTC Check up
"Cheers!" to a good life!!
The visit on Monday, 9/12 to my neuro-oncologist at the Duke Brain Tumor Center in North Carolina yielded great news! She agreed with my St. Louis oncologist that my MRI looks stable and unchanged from 2 months ago. Yippee!!
The routine continues....MRI in 2 months, send the CD to Duke for analysis. Two months after that, early January, another MRI. That one will be hand carried with me for my 4-month follow up. If all goes well in the next 4 months, I will 'graduate' to a 3 month MRI schedule and a 6 month follow up schedule with Duke.
She also consented for me to have my port removed!! I think that is a great sign that we are on the path to total healing! Needless to say, I walked out of there feeling so great and so, so blessed. Who can not help but believe that God is doing wonders in our lives, when we get such great news!
All of your prayers continue to carry me every day. It is such a fabulous feeling to know that your thoughtfulness and steadfast commitment to praying has brought me to 22-months of faith-filled healing and life! My cup of gratitude is over-flowing.
I am a 'Believer'! Are you?
Peace and love,
+Sandy
The visit on Monday, 9/12 to my neuro-oncologist at the Duke Brain Tumor Center in North Carolina yielded great news! She agreed with my St. Louis oncologist that my MRI looks stable and unchanged from 2 months ago. Yippee!!
The routine continues....MRI in 2 months, send the CD to Duke for analysis. Two months after that, early January, another MRI. That one will be hand carried with me for my 4-month follow up. If all goes well in the next 4 months, I will 'graduate' to a 3 month MRI schedule and a 6 month follow up schedule with Duke.
She also consented for me to have my port removed!! I think that is a great sign that we are on the path to total healing! Needless to say, I walked out of there feeling so great and so, so blessed. Who can not help but believe that God is doing wonders in our lives, when we get such great news!
All of your prayers continue to carry me every day. It is such a fabulous feeling to know that your thoughtfulness and steadfast commitment to praying has brought me to 22-months of faith-filled healing and life! My cup of gratitude is over-flowing.
I am a 'Believer'! Are you?
Peace and love,
+Sandy
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Latest MRI Update
Our GOD has given me the best gift....living each day to be a witness to his saving grace.
Had a routine MRI last Thursday. I haven't been worried about the results, because I know in my heart that I have been healed. Went to see my medical oncologist today, and he confirmed that all is well....the MRI indicates all is stable, no sign of any regrowth. The official narrative states "the reconstruction site remains unchanged!" My doctor went as far to say "I think you may just be the one to beat this cancer!" I said, "Of course I am....actually, I already have!" How about for fabulous news???
He asked how I've been feeling....told him I'm feeling great. He asked if I'm tired...I told him I'm a menopausal women....I don't sleep much! He asked about headaches....I told him I have them occasionally, no more often than anyone else does. I did tell him that I have been having this twitching going on in my left eye, wondering if this is a sign of anything. He said, "that wouldn't be a sign of the cancer. In the Chinese culture (you guessed it...he's Chinese), a twitch in the left eye is a sign of fortune!" My comment to that was, I will take all of the fortune I can get! So all-in-all....it was a great day of fabulous news!
I visit my Duke doctor on Monday, Sept.12th. I expect only good news there as well. If Dr. Desjardins says she doesn't see any treatment in the foreseeable future, I should be able to have my port removed. That would just make my day....again!
Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support. This miracle we are witnessing is because of the undeniable power of prayer and God's healing hands. We have asked and we have received....how much more cool can that possibly be?
I do ask for your continued prayers as we move along in this journey of life. Please know that I pray for all of you as well, that God will bless you as he has blessed me.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
+Peace, gratitude and love,
Sandy
Had a routine MRI last Thursday. I haven't been worried about the results, because I know in my heart that I have been healed. Went to see my medical oncologist today, and he confirmed that all is well....the MRI indicates all is stable, no sign of any regrowth. The official narrative states "the reconstruction site remains unchanged!" My doctor went as far to say "I think you may just be the one to beat this cancer!" I said, "Of course I am....actually, I already have!" How about for fabulous news???
He asked how I've been feeling....told him I'm feeling great. He asked if I'm tired...I told him I'm a menopausal women....I don't sleep much! He asked about headaches....I told him I have them occasionally, no more often than anyone else does. I did tell him that I have been having this twitching going on in my left eye, wondering if this is a sign of anything. He said, "that wouldn't be a sign of the cancer. In the Chinese culture (you guessed it...he's Chinese), a twitch in the left eye is a sign of fortune!" My comment to that was, I will take all of the fortune I can get! So all-in-all....it was a great day of fabulous news!
I visit my Duke doctor on Monday, Sept.12th. I expect only good news there as well. If Dr. Desjardins says she doesn't see any treatment in the foreseeable future, I should be able to have my port removed. That would just make my day....again!
Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support. This miracle we are witnessing is because of the undeniable power of prayer and God's healing hands. We have asked and we have received....how much more cool can that possibly be?
I do ask for your continued prayers as we move along in this journey of life. Please know that I pray for all of you as well, that God will bless you as he has blessed me.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
+Peace, gratitude and love,
Sandy
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Update....
What you are is God's gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.
I have been given the greatest gift....life!! I am feeling great, have no complaints and look forward to my next MRI which is the end of this month. I will keep you posted when I get the results in early September.
Keep praying!!
+Peace,
Sandy
I have been given the greatest gift....life!! I am feeling great, have no complaints and look forward to my next MRI which is the end of this month. I will keep you posted when I get the results in early September.
Keep praying!!
+Peace,
Sandy
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Nothing but Great News!!!
MRI on June 23rd....Stable!
Medical Oncologist visit on June 27th....Non-eventful!
Bloodwork results....Normal!
Loving Life....Priceless!!
Next MRI....Late August.
Next Medical Oncologist visit....September 1st.
Next Duke Brain Tumor Center visit....September 12th.
There is no small blessing in life!! God is sooooo Good!!
Peace,
+Sandy
Medical Oncologist visit on June 27th....Non-eventful!
Bloodwork results....Normal!
Loving Life....Priceless!!
Next MRI....Late August.
Next Medical Oncologist visit....September 1st.
Next Duke Brain Tumor Center visit....September 12th.
There is no small blessing in life!! God is sooooo Good!!
Peace,
+Sandy
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Just checking in...
I am so grateful for every prayer, every day!
I'm just checking in....
Next MRI is on June 23rd. Next Doctor visit is on June 27th. I will blog when I get the results.
I'm doing GREAT.....enough said!!! ;-D
+Sandy
I'm just checking in....
Next MRI is on June 23rd. Next Doctor visit is on June 27th. I will blog when I get the results.
I'm doing GREAT.....enough said!!! ;-D
+Sandy
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Duke BTC visit - 05/09/2011
Woohoo!!
I had a fantastic visit to the Duke University Brain Tumor Center (BTC) on Monday, May 9th!! I took the CD of my last MRI, which was from 4/20, for the Doctors to review. I received praising comments of "everything looks great", "all looks stable", "it looks a little better than the last MRI", and the real kicker comment....."you have a beautiful brain"!!!!! How much better news can a brain cancer survivor get??? What a great way to end a beautiful Mother's Day weekend with my daughter and son-in-law!!! Alison and I drove on 'Cloud 9' back to Fayetteville for me to catch my flight back to St. Louis.
Next up on my 'healing' agenda:
I had a fantastic visit to the Duke University Brain Tumor Center (BTC) on Monday, May 9th!! I took the CD of my last MRI, which was from 4/20, for the Doctors to review. I received praising comments of "everything looks great", "all looks stable", "it looks a little better than the last MRI", and the real kicker comment....."you have a beautiful brain"!!!!! How much better news can a brain cancer survivor get??? What a great way to end a beautiful Mother's Day weekend with my daughter and son-in-law!!! Alison and I drove on 'Cloud 9' back to Fayetteville for me to catch my flight back to St. Louis.
Next up on my 'healing' agenda:
- MRI end of June - send CD to Duke for their review
- Medical Oncologist visit in STL on June 27th
- MRI early September
- Next Duke BTC visit - September 19th
As your prayers continue to flow, they continue to carry me to healing. There is no doubt in my mind that I am a testimony that prayer works and I am a living testimony that miracles DO happen. God is touching me to go out and touch others by giving me the opportunity to share my story. HE is definitely rewarding us for our faithfulness.
Forever GOD is faithful!
Peace,
Sandy
Friday, April 22, 2011
Latest MRI Results
My cross transforms my life anew!
My apologies that it's been a while since my last update, but your continued prayers have kept me on a track of healing and health.
If you recall, my last chemo treatment was on February 14th and following that I had a MRI on the 18th. My medical oncologist didn't want to see me for 2 months and we scheduled a MRI for prior to that upcoming visit. All was good, life was good, and thankful for being a 'chemotherapy graduate".
I've always experienced some numbing and tingling symptoms, but for the last few weeks, the tingling, numbness and twinges here and there have become a 'bit more noticeable to me. From a brain cancer survivor perspective, you can imagine that every little symptom tends to cause some concern and wondering. Well, two months have passed, believe it or not, and I had a routine MRI on Wednesday, April 20th. All the while I lay in that tube, I pray for everyone on my prayer list (which includes all of you!) and it makes the time go much, much faster. I left the Pratt Cancer Center just feeling very nervous.
Well.....I visited Dr. Stroud, my radiation oncologist, on Thursday morning. He walks into the office and says, "Hi there! You look great, how are you doing?" I looked at him and said, "Thank you and YOU tell me how I'm doing!!" He smiled at me and said, "You're doing great, your MRI is stable!!" I said, "Oh my gosh!" I felt the tears well up, I jumped up from my chair, gave him a hug and said "That's is wonderful, you just made my day....this is fabulous news!! I was prepared to come in here and ask you to pray with me." He said, "It's stable, but we can still pray together! Why were you worried, don't doubt the power of prayer!"
Obviously I was more concerned about the results than I led on to anyone. We talked about the presenting of these symptoms, which is more likely than not the nerves trying to regenerate themselves causing some small seizure activity. I had alot of radiation 15 months ago, and there are long term effects that can happen from it. This is one of them. I will remain aware of any symptoms and we'll just go on from here. I will talk to the neuro-oncologist at Duke about this too. It is such a wonderful relief to know that there is no re-growth and that my head is 'stable'! :-b
Next up on my schedule is visiting Dr. Hu, my medical oncologist, on Monday, April 25th and then I go to Duke Brain Tumor Center for my follow-up on May 9th. (The best part of that trip is that I get to spend a couple of days with Alison and Isaac, since they live about an hour and half from Duke.) In my opinion, based on the outcome of Dr. Hu's visit, I would think it will be another 2 months between appointments. I also think that I won't need to go back to Duke for ~4 months.....but I guess we will see how accurate I am with that. I will update my blog with all of those results.
You all have been such a blessing in my life as your prayers continue to be a phenomenal source of strength to me. We are just a couple of weeks away from the 18-month mark of that life changing diagnosis. Look how our faith has grown....it's amazing as we stand together and give thanks to our awesome God!!
The rising of Jesus has given US ALL new life!
+Peace,
Sandy
My apologies that it's been a while since my last update, but your continued prayers have kept me on a track of healing and health.
If you recall, my last chemo treatment was on February 14th and following that I had a MRI on the 18th. My medical oncologist didn't want to see me for 2 months and we scheduled a MRI for prior to that upcoming visit. All was good, life was good, and thankful for being a 'chemotherapy graduate".
I've always experienced some numbing and tingling symptoms, but for the last few weeks, the tingling, numbness and twinges here and there have become a 'bit more noticeable to me. From a brain cancer survivor perspective, you can imagine that every little symptom tends to cause some concern and wondering. Well, two months have passed, believe it or not, and I had a routine MRI on Wednesday, April 20th. All the while I lay in that tube, I pray for everyone on my prayer list (which includes all of you!) and it makes the time go much, much faster. I left the Pratt Cancer Center just feeling very nervous.
Well.....I visited Dr. Stroud, my radiation oncologist, on Thursday morning. He walks into the office and says, "Hi there! You look great, how are you doing?" I looked at him and said, "Thank you and YOU tell me how I'm doing!!" He smiled at me and said, "You're doing great, your MRI is stable!!" I said, "Oh my gosh!" I felt the tears well up, I jumped up from my chair, gave him a hug and said "That's is wonderful, you just made my day....this is fabulous news!! I was prepared to come in here and ask you to pray with me." He said, "It's stable, but we can still pray together! Why were you worried, don't doubt the power of prayer!"
Obviously I was more concerned about the results than I led on to anyone. We talked about the presenting of these symptoms, which is more likely than not the nerves trying to regenerate themselves causing some small seizure activity. I had alot of radiation 15 months ago, and there are long term effects that can happen from it. This is one of them. I will remain aware of any symptoms and we'll just go on from here. I will talk to the neuro-oncologist at Duke about this too. It is such a wonderful relief to know that there is no re-growth and that my head is 'stable'! :-b
Next up on my schedule is visiting Dr. Hu, my medical oncologist, on Monday, April 25th and then I go to Duke Brain Tumor Center for my follow-up on May 9th. (The best part of that trip is that I get to spend a couple of days with Alison and Isaac, since they live about an hour and half from Duke.) In my opinion, based on the outcome of Dr. Hu's visit, I would think it will be another 2 months between appointments. I also think that I won't need to go back to Duke for ~4 months.....but I guess we will see how accurate I am with that. I will update my blog with all of those results.
You all have been such a blessing in my life as your prayers continue to be a phenomenal source of strength to me. We are just a couple of weeks away from the 18-month mark of that life changing diagnosis. Look how our faith has grown....it's amazing as we stand together and give thanks to our awesome God!!
The rising of Jesus has given US ALL new life!
+Peace,
Sandy
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