For the first time during this entire process, I (Libby) felt like I should share my feelings going through all of this. This post will not have any new news or medical timeline and I am going to go ahead and apologize if it is not theologically correct in some aspects. It is me being real and honest with you and what has been going on in my heart and mind for the past 7 months.
As I was making lunch for the kids in February, I got a phone call that would shake my world to the core. "We think it is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and you have to go get a biopsy." I just remembering hanging up the phone, looking at the kids, and falling to my knees praying they were not right. How was I going to tell chad? How was I going to tell my mom? How was I going to tell my sisters? All I wanted at that moment was to be in Chad's arms coming up with a plan. Well, on March 25th, it was confirmed and we had a plan. Eight rounds of RCHOP chemo. We would be done by fall. "Ok," I thought... "this is doable. I can handle this. It is a plan and it is non-terminal. We got this." We started this process and I was "OK" with all of it. The Mommy/wife in me was scared to death, but the little girl who accepted Jesus at a young age kept me calm and close to His side each step of the way. Before we even knew the results, God showed me Proverbs 3:5-8. We all know that we are to trust Him and submit our ways to Him, but it was verse 8 that calmed every fear I had. Verse 8 states, "This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Done. I was going to be healed. This was a new territory for all of us. The verse Romans 8:26 kept flooding over me "....the spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." I remember sitting and praying, without understanding, but seeing how God was working it all out. Remember, we have a plan. Eight rounds of chemo, then I am done.
Oh what I would do to go back to that plan. As you might be aware, things have gotten a little more complicated. This new extra chemo has taken a toll on my body and my spirit. I have been ok with loosing my hair. I have been ok with loosing my eyelashes and even my nose hairs. Last weekend, however, cancer took a first from me... being a mommy and wife. First of all, my kiddos got sick. The toughest thing I had to do was look at my child and tell him that mommy had to go to the hospital for her 'medicine' instead of taking him to the doctor. Now, I know that I have a WONDERFUL husband who is capable and willing to take the kids to the doctor. But, sitting in the hospital bed knowing that they both had ear aches and were about to be on antibiotics broke my heart. I am sitting in a hospital bed hooked up to drugs that make me feel yucky and all I want to do is be a mommy. I kept telling God, the one thing that I love doing more than anything is now being messed with due to cancer. My heart began to to think about the 3 week hospital stay for my upcoming stem-cell transplant. How can I not be a mommy or wife then? Why are you asking me to do this? You know I love You and will do anything, but this, really God??! He had to remind me that this is all for His glory. I dried my eyes and then began to listen into the hallway at different patients and their journeys. I was humbled. I have been blessed way more than I can ever imagine through this. Then came the next weekend. I got my first fever during this process. We had an entire day planned out. It was all put on hold because of my sickness. I got really upset thinking again cancer was taking something important away from me.
This past Thursday, I had to have a blood transfusion. I was told that I would need 2 units of blood at most. If after the 1st unit, my counts were good we would not have to have the 2nd unit. I prayed, "God, could I have a small miracle, please?" I had faith... He could do it. I had people from all over praying for me. God's answer? Well, not only did I have to have 2 units, but I had to come in the next day and get one more.
Why? I have been on my knees praying for healing. I have had others praying for my healing. In His word it promises when two or more are gathered, things happen. I believe You can heal me. I see in Your word where Your promises are true. You have shown me that I will be healed. Why have I not been healed yet? A line in Chris Tomlin's song comes to mind "You hold my healing in your hand." Sometimes I wish He would just give it to me! But, when I begin to sit and think of all He has done and shown me through this, I am humbled. He chose me. He wanted me to know Him in a new way. Do not get me wrong. There are nights I look at Chad with tears in my eyes and wonder, "When will my prayers get answered." We both laugh and think about how it took 27 years of me praying to have my family I have now.
As we near the end of this journey, which I know it is coming, my faith will continue to say "IT IS WELL". There are still tough days ahead covered in many tears but my God will be there holding me through it. If I never understand why, I can say this... My God is a good God and He loves me.
Please know that I have appreciated all of the cards, meals, words of encouragement, etc. I have been truly humbled by the outpouring. Please know that I have prayed for you also. I also appreciate how real and honest friends have let me be. This has not been a lot of fun, but there have been many blessings. I am also going to use this time publically say thank you to my wonderful husband who has stuck to his vows 10000%. I thank God every day for him. To my mother, sisters, and their families. They have sacrificed so much helping me with childcare and loving on me even when it meant their lives were on hold. Friendship has taken an entire new level in my book. I pray that through all of this I will be a better friend. I love you all and again thank you for giving me this time to share.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Chemo #9
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
- James 1:2-4 NIV
Persevererance is key in this battle. We were slightly mistaken on the process Libby would be taking since that last update on our blog. What we were told, and what was communicated later, were two different things. Needless to say, here we sit in the hospital on Libby's third time going through a chemo regimen called RICE.
After we were told that she would be changing to this regimen, we were under the impression that all a stem cell transplant would be was something where they take out the stem cells before each chemo treatment, then undergo the chemo treatment, and replace the stem cells. We were "told" that this would take place over a 24 hour period in the hospital.
When we arrived at the hospital for the first time to do Libby's first regimen of RICE, they said that they "do not do stem cell transplants at this hospital". We were slightly confused because that is what we thought she would have happen each time. To summarize, stem cell transplant is actually a LOT more endepth process then just a little 24 hour process in the hospital. We also found out that she would be having a completely separate time in the hospital just to do a stem cell transplant. Libby didn't get admitted into the hospital for the first regimen of RICE until almost 4:30 PM on that Friday which put us getting out of the hospital at 2:00 AM on Sunday.
At the last RICE regimen, Libby was able to get in a lot early on that Friday (three weeks ago from yesterday). We were able to get her out of here around 3:00 PM on that Saturday. Between that treament and this one, Libby met with her stem cell transplant doctor to talk through the process she would be undertaking. After being approved for stem cell transplant, they would begin a series of stem cell booster shots over 4 days starting 4 weeks after her last chemo. On the 5th day, they will do a stem cell extraction (with hopes of collecting around 5 million stem cells). If they don't get enough during the first extraction, they will give her another booster shot and collect the next day. This process will repeat until they have collected enough stem cells.
After the stem cell collection is complete, they will admit her to the hospital to start a 6 day straight powerful chemo treatment which will completely wipe out any remnants of cancer cells, and unfortunately all her stem cells as well. After this, they will re-introduce her stem cells that they collected and purified back into her. She will have no immune system initially, so she will be on serious antibiotics to keep her from getting sick while she recovers and her body "resets" in the hospital. They will keep her in the hospital for another 7 to 14 days after they re-introduce her stem cells for recovery. She has to have certain blood cell reach a set level before she will be allowed to leave and come home.
Libby had a PET scan this past Monday. We were hoping the scan would be clear so she can get started on the stem cell transplant and be DONE with cancer. Unfortunately, on Tuesday (while Libby was having a complete "workup" done for the stem cell transplant) we found out the scan still showed the main mass was there, but smaller, along with other remnants of lymphoma. This meant that she would have to have at least one more RICE treatment that we started yesterday and will be complete with today.
Both Libby's oncologist and the stem cell doctor believe after this treatment, Libby will be able to start the stem cell transplant at the beginning of November. This is a big waiting game, hence perseverance is key. Our God is bigger than cancer, so we know that through this all, His will for our lives at this moment is always to serve Him. Through our obedience, God will get us through this day-by-day, treament-by-treatment. Without the prays and support of our wonderful family and friends, this struggle would be even harder. We are blessed beyond measure for each and every one of you who have reached out to help us.
On a lighter note, below is a fun picture we took two weeks ago at a local nursery that had a fall program where the kids got to do fun activities including decorating their own pumpkin.
- James 1:2-4 NIV
Persevererance is key in this battle. We were slightly mistaken on the process Libby would be taking since that last update on our blog. What we were told, and what was communicated later, were two different things. Needless to say, here we sit in the hospital on Libby's third time going through a chemo regimen called RICE.
After we were told that she would be changing to this regimen, we were under the impression that all a stem cell transplant would be was something where they take out the stem cells before each chemo treatment, then undergo the chemo treatment, and replace the stem cells. We were "told" that this would take place over a 24 hour period in the hospital.
When we arrived at the hospital for the first time to do Libby's first regimen of RICE, they said that they "do not do stem cell transplants at this hospital". We were slightly confused because that is what we thought she would have happen each time. To summarize, stem cell transplant is actually a LOT more endepth process then just a little 24 hour process in the hospital. We also found out that she would be having a completely separate time in the hospital just to do a stem cell transplant. Libby didn't get admitted into the hospital for the first regimen of RICE until almost 4:30 PM on that Friday which put us getting out of the hospital at 2:00 AM on Sunday.
At the last RICE regimen, Libby was able to get in a lot early on that Friday (three weeks ago from yesterday). We were able to get her out of here around 3:00 PM on that Saturday. Between that treament and this one, Libby met with her stem cell transplant doctor to talk through the process she would be undertaking. After being approved for stem cell transplant, they would begin a series of stem cell booster shots over 4 days starting 4 weeks after her last chemo. On the 5th day, they will do a stem cell extraction (with hopes of collecting around 5 million stem cells). If they don't get enough during the first extraction, they will give her another booster shot and collect the next day. This process will repeat until they have collected enough stem cells.
After the stem cell collection is complete, they will admit her to the hospital to start a 6 day straight powerful chemo treatment which will completely wipe out any remnants of cancer cells, and unfortunately all her stem cells as well. After this, they will re-introduce her stem cells that they collected and purified back into her. She will have no immune system initially, so she will be on serious antibiotics to keep her from getting sick while she recovers and her body "resets" in the hospital. They will keep her in the hospital for another 7 to 14 days after they re-introduce her stem cells for recovery. She has to have certain blood cell reach a set level before she will be allowed to leave and come home.
Libby had a PET scan this past Monday. We were hoping the scan would be clear so she can get started on the stem cell transplant and be DONE with cancer. Unfortunately, on Tuesday (while Libby was having a complete "workup" done for the stem cell transplant) we found out the scan still showed the main mass was there, but smaller, along with other remnants of lymphoma. This meant that she would have to have at least one more RICE treatment that we started yesterday and will be complete with today.
Both Libby's oncologist and the stem cell doctor believe after this treatment, Libby will be able to start the stem cell transplant at the beginning of November. This is a big waiting game, hence perseverance is key. Our God is bigger than cancer, so we know that through this all, His will for our lives at this moment is always to serve Him. Through our obedience, God will get us through this day-by-day, treament-by-treatment. Without the prays and support of our wonderful family and friends, this struggle would be even harder. We are blessed beyond measure for each and every one of you who have reached out to help us.
On a lighter note, below is a fun picture we took two weeks ago at a local nursery that had a fall program where the kids got to do fun activities including decorating their own pumpkin.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Chemo Update
What a journey it has been so far. Last Monday Libby went to have a PET scan done to determine the future of her chemo treatments. After taking her labs and injecting her with the radio active material, the tech found out the machine was broken. They had to reschedule her for this past Wednesday in a mobile unit at another hospital which was completed. We had a normal chemo treatment scheduled this morning, but we knew there might be a chance Libby didn't have to do it depending on the results of the PET scan.
We arrived at Texas Oncology at 8am this morning and Libby had her labs done, as usual. Then, we finally got to speak to her oncologist about the results and what would be happening today. What we expected to hear was that she either had two more treatments of RCHOP and then probably radiation, that she only had radiation, or that she was in remission and didn't need any more chemo or radiation (ultimately what we had hoped to hear). Unfortunately, none of these scenarios came true. Instead, we were told that the largest of the masses in her abdomin had shrunk a little bit, but unfortunately has gone hyperactive. This basically means that it is trying to grow at an even greater rate than before. Her oncologist talked to other doctors to see what they suggested, and they all came to agreement that Libby should switch to a new treatment called RICE (No, not the rice you eat. That would be too easy).
With the RICE treatment, Libby will have to go into the infusion lab on one day to have part of the chemo drugs injected, then the next day they will put her in a hospital overnight for the other part where they will have to do a stem cell transplant. This process of stem cell transplant will be to remove some of her stem cells before treament, then place them back again after treament. The reason they do this, as we were told, was that this new drug(s) will destroy a lot of stem cells. Through the stem cell transplant, Libby will not lose nearly as many stem cells as she would if they didn't do it.
They expect that Libby will have to do this regimen about 2 to 3 times with 3 weeks in between each. Then there is still the possibility of radiation afterwords. Not the news we wanted to hear, but we know God is ultimately in control and will be able to use this experience for His glory.
On a positive note, we finally had to opportunity to try out a new donut shop near Texas Oncology called "Funkytown Donuts". We all, including the kids, got one "funky" donut each to try out. Pretty good donuts, but we are still a better fan of Shipley's donuts.
We arrived at Texas Oncology at 8am this morning and Libby had her labs done, as usual. Then, we finally got to speak to her oncologist about the results and what would be happening today. What we expected to hear was that she either had two more treatments of RCHOP and then probably radiation, that she only had radiation, or that she was in remission and didn't need any more chemo or radiation (ultimately what we had hoped to hear). Unfortunately, none of these scenarios came true. Instead, we were told that the largest of the masses in her abdomin had shrunk a little bit, but unfortunately has gone hyperactive. This basically means that it is trying to grow at an even greater rate than before. Her oncologist talked to other doctors to see what they suggested, and they all came to agreement that Libby should switch to a new treatment called RICE (No, not the rice you eat. That would be too easy).
With the RICE treatment, Libby will have to go into the infusion lab on one day to have part of the chemo drugs injected, then the next day they will put her in a hospital overnight for the other part where they will have to do a stem cell transplant. This process of stem cell transplant will be to remove some of her stem cells before treament, then place them back again after treament. The reason they do this, as we were told, was that this new drug(s) will destroy a lot of stem cells. Through the stem cell transplant, Libby will not lose nearly as many stem cells as she would if they didn't do it.
They expect that Libby will have to do this regimen about 2 to 3 times with 3 weeks in between each. Then there is still the possibility of radiation afterwords. Not the news we wanted to hear, but we know God is ultimately in control and will be able to use this experience for His glory.
On a positive note, we finally had to opportunity to try out a new donut shop near Texas Oncology called "Funkytown Donuts". We all, including the kids, got one "funky" donut each to try out. Pretty good donuts, but we are still a better fan of Shipley's donuts.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Chemo #6
Not much to report on this Chemo update. There has definitely been a decrease in energy level since having chemo last time. About 5 days after last chemo, Libby was feeling really really tired and ended up sleeping 5 hours straight in the afternoon. Luckily I was able to be home to take care of the kids.
Libby and I celebrated our 5th anniversary this past Saturday. The best 5 years of our lives. We took he opportunity to have a date night and went to 54th Steeet for the first time. There was a 45 minute wait when we arrived, but we didn't mind since we didn't have to wait with kiddos.
Libby will be having another PET scan in two or three weeks. We will find out the results of which when we come in for the next treatment in three weeks from today. At that time, the doctor may determine that sh will not need to do a 7th and 8th treatment and just have to have radiation only for three weeks. We are praying that she not only doesn't have to have a 7th and 8th treatment, but no radiation either.
That is all for is update. BW will be turning 2 in a little over a week. Will post birthday pictures on our next update. Thanks for all your prayers and support. To God be the glory.
Libby and I celebrated our 5th anniversary this past Saturday. The best 5 years of our lives. We took he opportunity to have a date night and went to 54th Steeet for the first time. There was a 45 minute wait when we arrived, but we didn't mind since we didn't have to wait with kiddos.
Libby will be having another PET scan in two or three weeks. We will find out the results of which when we come in for the next treatment in three weeks from today. At that time, the doctor may determine that sh will not need to do a 7th and 8th treatment and just have to have radiation only for three weeks. We are praying that she not only doesn't have to have a 7th and 8th treatment, but no radiation either.
That is all for is update. BW will be turning 2 in a little over a week. Will post birthday pictures on our next update. Thanks for all your prayers and support. To God be the glory.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Chemo #5
So here we sit, chemo treatment #5...
Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. We celebrated a little early on the 1st at the Haslet 4th of July celebration parade and fireworks. Our city doesn't offer any 4th of July events so we, since last year, have been going to a nearby city to celebrate. It's a small town parade with a fun fireworks show once it gets dark. Our friends joined us to celebrate with their daughter for her first parade and firework show. We did a picnic in the nearby park for dinner and then walked down the street to watch the parade. I think we shall continue to make this a Weigand family tradition. Below is a family picture we took while there and you will see the t-shirts Libby and the kids made. Very cute design, in my humble opinion. I did add my personal touch by helping outline where the stripes should be (a little OCD about having straight stripes).
A week ago from last Wednesday, Libby did another PET scan to see the progress of shrinking/eliminating cancerous cells. Her first scan before chemo showed she had several locations above and below her diaphragm in her lymphatic system where cancerous cells were growing. We just found out the results of this last test this morning. We were told that the PET showed no more cancerous cells above her diaphragm and the ones below are in remission! God is good! The largest mass, which was about 15cm long in her abdomin, is now about 6cm. With this news though, we were told there is a good chance Libby will still need 3 more treatments after today. Not sure about radiation treatment. That will be determined for sure at a later time. Thank you for all the support and prayers. We have amazing friends and family who are helping us get through this one step at a time.
A week ago from last Wednesday, Libby did another PET scan to see the progress of shrinking/eliminating cancerous cells. Her first scan before chemo showed she had several locations above and below her diaphragm in her lymphatic system where cancerous cells were growing. We just found out the results of this last test this morning. We were told that the PET showed no more cancerous cells above her diaphragm and the ones below are in remission! God is good! The largest mass, which was about 15cm long in her abdomin, is now about 6cm. With this news though, we were told there is a good chance Libby will still need 3 more treatments after today. Not sure about radiation treatment. That will be determined for sure at a later time. Thank you for all the support and prayers. We have amazing friends and family who are helping us get through this one step at a time.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Chemo #4
Can it be? We are actually half way done after this??? So far everything is going well with chemo and it sounds like treatment is going as scheduled. Before Libby's next treatment, they will be doing a PET scan to see how well the chemo treatments are doing on shrinking the tumor in her abdomin. After which, we will find out for sure how many more treatments they anticipate.
June 4th was a big day for us. Our little boy turned 3, we ran/walked our first 5K here in our hometown, and then we went on to celebrate "cancer survivor day" with Cancer Care Services. Felt good to get out and run considering I have not ran an actual race event since October, 2011. We plan on getting back into doing more race events once we are through with all this cancer business.
On June 11th, we had a "Noah's Ark" party for EW to celebrate his 3rd birthday. We had planned to do an outside movie showing of Veggie Tales "Noah's Ark", but our projector just was not bright enough for a sunset viewing and we didn't want to have to wait until 9:30 at night just to be able to see it. Everything turned out well though and we all had a good time.
June 4th was a big day for us. Our little boy turned 3, we ran/walked our first 5K here in our hometown, and then we went on to celebrate "cancer survivor day" with Cancer Care Services. Felt good to get out and run considering I have not ran an actual race event since October, 2011. We plan on getting back into doing more race events once we are through with all this cancer business.
On June 11th, we had a "Noah's Ark" party for EW to celebrate his 3rd birthday. We had planned to do an outside movie showing of Veggie Tales "Noah's Ark", but our projector just was not bright enough for a sunset viewing and we didn't want to have to wait until 9:30 at night just to be able to see it. Everything turned out well though and we all had a good time.
Saginaw "Run the Rails" 5K
CANCER SURVIVOR DAY!
Noah's Ark birthday
Enjoying summer at the park
Today's date in the infusion lab
Friday, May 27, 2016
Chemo #3
What a morning! Got a late start out the door today, then we got into the car and quickly realized we had a flat tire... plus, it was raining the whole way here... Ended up making it to the labs appointment 10 minutes late despite all that. Started the actual chemo treatment about 30 minutes ago. So far, all is well. Today they will be going full speed on all drugs, which means we will be out of here a little quicker today.
The week after Libby's last treatment, she had a few days where she didn't feel well. Other than that, she has been great. All the Weigands are getting over allergy mess, so praying we stay well in the weeks to come. Not much else new to report since last update other than that.
I start teaching summer school next week and then EW will be turning 3 next weekend! Time sure does fly. God has truly blessed us with two wonderful children.
The week after Libby's last treatment, she had a few days where she didn't feel well. Other than that, she has been great. All the Weigands are getting over allergy mess, so praying we stay well in the weeks to come. Not much else new to report since last update other than that.
I start teaching summer school next week and then EW will be turning 3 next weekend! Time sure does fly. God has truly blessed us with two wonderful children.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Chemo #2
Good morning!
Three weeks later, and here we are again in chemo. Last treatment we ended up spending all day in the infusion area. This is typical for the first chemo treatment. Everything went really well and there was no side effects initially. About 4 days after, Libby started get nauseous, but other than that she was fine.
Two weeks ago we visited a relay for life at TCU. It is amazing to see how much support there is for people with cancer. The kids, especially EW, had a good time there as well. After the relay event, we tried out a new local pizzeria.
Last Saturday Libby's hair was noticeably falling out, so we went ahead and shaved it. I had the honor of doing it, which was one of the hardest things to do knowing how much her hair means to her. Below you will see a photo of the night we did it.
We are overwhelmed with how much support from family and friends we have received thus far. To those who have, we can't thank you enough. We are very appreciative. Today we found out that Libby is stage 2A. Which means that the Lymphoma is only in the lower part of her torso. Also, the oncologist told us today that the turmor has shrunk to about half the orginal size based on what he could feel! Praise God for that! Chemo is working and by the end of Septemeber she will be done with chemo.
Three weeks later, and here we are again in chemo. Last treatment we ended up spending all day in the infusion area. This is typical for the first chemo treatment. Everything went really well and there was no side effects initially. About 4 days after, Libby started get nauseous, but other than that she was fine.
Two weeks ago we visited a relay for life at TCU. It is amazing to see how much support there is for people with cancer. The kids, especially EW, had a good time there as well. After the relay event, we tried out a new local pizzeria.
Last Saturday Libby's hair was noticeably falling out, so we went ahead and shaved it. I had the honor of doing it, which was one of the hardest things to do knowing how much her hair means to her. Below you will see a photo of the night we did it.
We are overwhelmed with how much support from family and friends we have received thus far. To those who have, we can't thank you enough. We are very appreciative. Today we found out that Libby is stage 2A. Which means that the Lymphoma is only in the lower part of her torso. Also, the oncologist told us today that the turmor has shrunk to about half the orginal size based on what he could feel! Praise God for that! Chemo is working and by the end of Septemeber she will be done with chemo.
Bag made for us at the relay for life... They put a candle in each one that night.
Friday, April 15, 2016
We are back!
To our faithful followers... we apologize that it has been several years since we have updated. That being said, we have a very important update(s) we would like to make accessible through use of our blog for our family and friends to keep current.
At the beginning of this year, Libby and I had noticed a random "bump" in her abdomin. Didn't think much of it since it didn't hurt or was causing any other problems. We noticed, however, it would somewhat pulsate with her regular bloodflow. We both had yearly physicals scheduled for February 26th, so we figured she would just ask her PCP then about it.
When her PCP felt the bump, her first impression was that it was possibly an enlarged artery and was really nothing medically that can be done about it. To be sure, the following Tuesday, March 1st, Libby had an ultrasound done. The next day, the radiologist called her to let her know they did indeed see a large mass (15cm x 10cm x 4cm to be exact) and that her spleen was slightly enlarged. Based on those conditions, he felt there might be a possibility that this could be non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Libby's PCP ordered a MRI to be done the next day to confirm.
On March 4th her PCP recommended we see and oncologist to go over the results of the MRI and to see what actions should be taken. So, Tuesday March 8th, Libby and I met with the oncologist. After reviewing the results of both the MRI and ultrasound, he felt that we were definitely working with lyphoma. He said she would need to have a biopsy done on the mass to confirm. Wednesday, March 23rd Libby had her biopsy. On Friday, March 25, we got a call to that afternoon to meet with our oncologist. He told us straight forward that his suspicion was right, Libby does indeed have lymphoma. She has Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma to be exact. He said that it's a "good bad cancer" meaning if she were to get cancer, this is the one to have since it is treatable and beatable.
On Tuesday, March 29th, Libby had a PET scan and echocardiogram done to help determine staging. On Wednesday, April 6th, she had a chemo port installed and also bone marrow biopsy taken. Yesterday, April 14, we went to a chemo class (didn't know there was such a thing) where they discussed all the side effects of all the drugs she will be taking.
This brings us to today. Right now Libby and I are at the oncologist all day having her first of 8 chemo sessions. All is well so far, but very overwhelming. As I write this, the first dose of chemo is being inserted. Her mood is as good and can be expected with what is going on. We ask that you would please keep us in your prayers through this process. One thing we know for sure is our God has this... We ask that you do pray Ephesians 1:17-19 over us praying for wisdom and understanding.
"17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
Ephesians 1:17-19
At the beginning of this year, Libby and I had noticed a random "bump" in her abdomin. Didn't think much of it since it didn't hurt or was causing any other problems. We noticed, however, it would somewhat pulsate with her regular bloodflow. We both had yearly physicals scheduled for February 26th, so we figured she would just ask her PCP then about it.
When her PCP felt the bump, her first impression was that it was possibly an enlarged artery and was really nothing medically that can be done about it. To be sure, the following Tuesday, March 1st, Libby had an ultrasound done. The next day, the radiologist called her to let her know they did indeed see a large mass (15cm x 10cm x 4cm to be exact) and that her spleen was slightly enlarged. Based on those conditions, he felt there might be a possibility that this could be non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Libby's PCP ordered a MRI to be done the next day to confirm.
On March 4th her PCP recommended we see and oncologist to go over the results of the MRI and to see what actions should be taken. So, Tuesday March 8th, Libby and I met with the oncologist. After reviewing the results of both the MRI and ultrasound, he felt that we were definitely working with lyphoma. He said she would need to have a biopsy done on the mass to confirm. Wednesday, March 23rd Libby had her biopsy. On Friday, March 25, we got a call to that afternoon to meet with our oncologist. He told us straight forward that his suspicion was right, Libby does indeed have lymphoma. She has Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma to be exact. He said that it's a "good bad cancer" meaning if she were to get cancer, this is the one to have since it is treatable and beatable.
On Tuesday, March 29th, Libby had a PET scan and echocardiogram done to help determine staging. On Wednesday, April 6th, she had a chemo port installed and also bone marrow biopsy taken. Yesterday, April 14, we went to a chemo class (didn't know there was such a thing) where they discussed all the side effects of all the drugs she will be taking.
This brings us to today. Right now Libby and I are at the oncologist all day having her first of 8 chemo sessions. All is well so far, but very overwhelming. As I write this, the first dose of chemo is being inserted. Her mood is as good and can be expected with what is going on. We ask that you would please keep us in your prayers through this process. One thing we know for sure is our God has this... We ask that you do pray Ephesians 1:17-19 over us praying for wisdom and understanding.
"17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
Ephesians 1:17-19
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