Thursday, August 28, 2008

Thursday, August 28, 2008: CA125 Results

We got Kristi’s CA125 results today and it’s up to 53. What does that mean? Nothing. Her nurse didn’t seem overly concerned about it and just said “we’ll check it again in a month”. The million dollar question is – what is Kristi’s normal? She can go the rest of her life and if it just bounces around in the 40’s and 50’s that’s fine. If it continues an upward trend however, then that would be a cause for concern. Well, it’s cause for concern now, but not enough to warrant any action. Any more upward movement and that will probably mean some sort of chemo regiment again. But we’ll wait for next month before we start talking about any of that. Next month it could come in at 49, or 51, or 42. At this point we’re just trying to figure out what “normal” is. So if you could keep her in your prayers over the next month that would be great. Thanks!

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you" Psalm 55:22a

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Tuesday, August 26, 2008: My Colorado Video

First of all, we're all doing great!! We were camping this past weekend at Ludington State Park with friends. We had a great time!! Kristi goes for her monthly CA125 check tomorrow. We'll post the results as soon as we get them. Here is the video of my trip to southwest Colorado. Like I said, I took over 600 pictures so it was hard to narrow it down. The video I made ended up being 16 minutes but I had to chop it down to 8 to fit it on YouTube. So here is the chopped up version...


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Tuesday, August 19, 2008: Colorado Pics

After Kristi got home from North Carolina, I was lucky enough to spend a week in Colorado with 3 friends. It was an amazing week. The first day there we drove right to the top of a 12,400 foot mountain and pitched our tents. It was incredible!! I took over 600 pictures during the week...here are just a few of my favorites. Of course I have a video done, I've just been too busy and haven't had time to put it on You Tube yet...maybe by the end of the week...


Sunday, August 17, 2008

Sunday, August 17, 2008: We're Still Here!

I can't believe it has been two weeks since we've updated! To be honest, I haven't even been thinking about cancer! Right now I'm completely focused on GEMS and back to school stuff. I apologize to those of you that have been wondering what has been going on.

Last week Monday I had my three month check-up. There was nothing new to report which is good! I have to have a ct scan in October which is just routine. Then I meet with my oncologist again in November. Pretty soon these appointments will just move further and further apart. I do still have monthly blood work for the CA125 level. I believe my next one isn't until the 27th. My doctor said that "you know there is a good chance that the cancer will return". My reply back was "I also know there is a that it won't come back". I refuse to believe it will come back. To me his comment was simply a reminder to me of the miracle God did by healing me and continues to do by keeping the cancer away. I'm a walking miracle.

We will probably not be updating near as much as we used to. This seems strange and a bit sad to me. This blog has been a lifeline to us for so long. We're not going anywhere though! We'll update when I have appointments and blood work and prayer requests. There are days when I feel like God is prompting me to share something through the blog and I will do that as well.

So until our next update . . . thanks as always to our mighty prayer warriors!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Sunday, August 3, 2008: Finally, an update!

It seems like I always start my update with this phrase but really, where does the time go? I made it home from the conference safe and sound last week Monday night. I had intentions to update the blog much sooner than this. Sorry to those of you who were wondering if we just dropped off the face of the earth.

Attending the GEMS conference was probably one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I don't even know where to start. I was convicted in so many areas - as a wife, as a mom, as a GEMS club coordinator and as a child of God. Every class I went to and every speaker I heard seemed to have something that went straight to my heart. Initially the conviction was painful.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11.

I was often moved to the point of tears from these convictions but immediately after felt a peace as if God was saying "it's okay, you messed up but that was in the past . . . let's move forward from here and this is what I want you to do".

I feel better equipped as a wife and mom and have gained a lot of confidence in myself. I have moved even closer to God through this experience.

On another note, I had my CA125 level tested last week (yes, I went in and forgot to update the blog . . . sorry!!!). I am at 47 now (I was at 44). This is still considered stable.

Thank you as always for your prayers! I don't have any specific requests right now - I would just ask that you pray where you feel God is leading you to pray. Thank you!!