Heart Report

As a result of her cancer treatments Toni had some heart episodes a number of weeks ago. Today the doctor gave Toni a great report with some witticism about Toni being able to work me to death!

We rejoice! Psalm 60:3-4, You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled...

The Cancer Treatments are Over!

As of Monday, February 23, the cancer treatments are over! Since the start of 2008 Toni has had infusions every three weeks with the associated doctor visits etc. Yesterday the oncologist with Toni’s approval determined that she should not take the last four because of the heart issues that had developed. Usually, theses heart issues take care of themselves with sensible life style adjustments. What is left? A daily pill for another 4.5 years and the usual checkups, pretty minor stuff! Many have taken the same journey as Toni.

Some have journeyed this path with a few friends and some with many friends. We are thankful that we have not only done this with many good friends, but friends who prayed and walked the journey from beginning to end. Thanks for taking the journey with us!

Toni and I are most of all, thankful that we knew that the Lord Himself was watching over us and directing our paths. This is no small thing to us. To have Him watching! Psalm 121:5-8, “The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

As well, the 23rd Psalm, has a renewed poignancy, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Dear Heavenly and Present Father, You wrote the promises, Your Holy Spirit reminded us of them and by faith we embraced them. Your Words are truth! Thank you for the unexpected blessings from an unexpected assignment along an unexpected path. In Jesus exceedingly precious Name! Amen!

Cardiologist added to Toni’s team

A cardiologist has been added to Toni’s cancer treatment team. She is home after some chest discomfort resulted in 20 hours in the hospital, 6 EKG’s, numerous blood draws and a nuclear imaging stress test. The results appear to be that she has cancer treatment induced high blood pressure and the weakening of the heart muscles. So we are at home with a prescription and an appointment with a cardiologist for some ongoing treatment to reinvigorate her heart!

We deeply appreciate those who have chosen to walk with us through this journey. Do you remember that Toni’s first request from those who would walk and pray with us through her cancer path was from Colossians 4:12? We are appreciating it anew ... (you are) always wrestling in prayer for (Toni), that (Toni) may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. God has been answering your prayers!!!

THANKS

One Hand to Go!

What? Toni has been talking recently about “one hand to go!” She lifts up her hand triumphantly and says just five more treatments of herceptin. Every three weeks she has an infusion and a doctor’s appointment. Besides there have been numerous other appointments for MRIs, mammograms, blood draws, and heart function tests. Today she learned that she will not have to have another mammogram until next year and that she only has one more heart function test. So things are wrapping up quite nicely, “one hand to go!”

I have never been a great detail person and remembering Toni’s correct birth date has been an embarrassing situation at times. But December 7th, is “a day that will live in memory!” Maybe Toni is right I could remember something “if I really wanted to.” December 7th is Toni’s cancer free anniversary. The surgery was performed, the cancer removed and all the tests have confirmed that result a year later!

Everything this past week has been constantly filtered through the deep joy of God’s wonderful, amazing, mysterious, unfailing grace and mercy. Today we affirm with the psalmist, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Ps 126:3)

Snow!

What a wonderful sight to wake up to this morning!

This is a medical weekend for Toni. Tests Thursday, an herceptin infusion today, more tests on Monday. So far her test results have been excellent! Only three more months of treatments!

Some Current Details

Some details for the detail lovers. Toni started the “herceptin only” treatments today; there were some elevated blood pressure issues after the infusion so she had to wait for while until released by her doctor. Today Toni starts a five year course of a daily drug called “Femara” and on Tuesday she will have a “Muga” heart function test and later in the day a bone density test.

Chemo Done! Herceptin Continues!

Toni has completed her 8 chemo treatments!

Yeah! Hurrah! Praise the Lord!!!

These last two have greatly reduced her energy, so we are extremely glad to be over this hurdle and really ready to move on to the herceptin infusions that reportedly have few side effects. Toni will have herception infusions every three weeks until next February. Her next one is this Friday.


We came home early from Breckenridge because some dental work, that had to be postposned during chemo, began to abscess. Our dentist and good friend got her in imediately and a pulled tooth has never felt so good to Toni!

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps 121:1-3, NIV)

Cancer Treatment

originally a part of the Jan. 5 update letter.

History
Sep 28, Annual exam not detected
Oct 22, Felt a bump, self-examination
Oct 24, Mammogram
Nov 9, Ultrasound guided biopsy
Nov 13, Report that there is cancer (at Maranatha when the call comes)
Nov 19, MRI
Nov 27, Visit with Dr. Parnell, surgeon
Dec 7, Mastectomy surgery
Dec 8, Hematoma surgery
Dec 10, Home from the hospital
Dec 13, Visit with Dr. Parnell
Dec 17, Visit with Dr. Batizini, oncologist
Dec 18, Visit with Dr. Parnell
Jan 3, Visit with Dr. Parnell, final ok to start treatment
Jan 3. Visit with Dr. Wyatt, plastic surgeon
Jan 4, First chemo, Dr. Batizini
Jan 5, First 24 hour injection
Jan 14, Visit with Dr. Batizini, oncologist, follow up for side effects etc.
Jan 25, Second chemo

Therapy

Four cycles, every three weeks of Adriamycin and Cytoxan, with each infusion being followed by an injection 24 hours later to build white blood cells.
· Jan 4, 25, Feb 15, Mar 7

Four cycles, every three weeks of Taxotere and Herceptin, with each infusion being followed by an injection 24 hours later to build white blood cells.
· Mar 28, Apr 18, May 9, 30

Thirteen Cycles, every three weeks of Herceptin alone
· Jun 20, Jul 11, Aug 1, 22, Sep 12, Oct 3, 24, Nov 14, Dec 5, 26, Jan 16, Feb 6, 27

Reconstruction
About a month after treatment stops, the first of three reconstruction surgeries begin. The first and most major surgery will be about 6 hours and require 3-5 days in the hospital. It will use an abdominal muscle and will require a month for recovery time. The total time will be about five months.
· Apr 1 through Sep 1, 2009