Six Years Later

 

   Sunday I was thinking during church how thankful for everything God has, is, and will be doing in Team Weigand.  I just started thinking how truly amazing He has been in giving me everting I have ever wanted-a husband and children that glorified Him (that is our prayer).  It made me think how every time this year I am reminded and thankful during February and March and how odd that is since everyone else is so thankful during Thanksgiving.  Then normal people use January to remember and have a brand, new, fresh start.  Then God spoke and said, “this is your season.”  You see for 34 years…I never once had a true valentine.  I always had the friend/class parties.  And if you know my mom and dad, they would always makes it special.  Even to this day mom makes it fun for me.  I have always loved the amazing example of a mother she is on how to love my family passionately.  But for years, I would cry out to God, “Why not me?”  I would wonder if I am not good enough, cute enough, skinny enough?  I would even ask if I was not being obedient to God.  So many years…so many questions…so many tears.  Every year there would be silence from God on answers.  I was always frustrated because I knew and believed He heard me.  Even asking if this was not supposed to be my desire, then please take it away from me.  Then in 2011, that all changed.  Chad Weigand became my favorite and forever valentine.  He spoiled me on that 1^st day and he has not stopped for 12 years now!  I began thanking God that he was worth the wait and understanding a little more about God’s protection. 

    Then I began thinking about what else this season brings.  On my 40^th birthday (Feb 19), that is when the check up that changed my entire life.  The cancer journey started.  I remember those days being so surreal after that one phone call that changed everything.  Now these months were full of chemo, check ups, scans, and lots of waiting.  It is funny how looking back at being single God was preparing me (without me realizing it) to be ready to be alone in hospital beds or in doctor appointments.  Do not get me wrong, Chad was there 1000% of the time, but we had 2 little sweet blessings that needed him too.  I remember asking “Why now”?  Why could we not find cancer before them.  As I was watching them play, I heard God say, “If you had, you would not have them here.”  You see, chemo put me into menopause.  Those moments would be the promises I would hold on to as I sat in my hospital bed at night or in the quietness of the day.  On March 3, 2016, I read Proverbs 3:5-7.  We all know that it says to trust in the Lord, but no one looks at it when it continues to say, “it will bring healing to your bones.”  I latched onto that and never let go of that promise.  I knew then I would be healed, but the road was going to be full of unknowns and hardships.  Being single taught me how to push in fully to God when my heart was broken.  I would see Him instead of my circumstances.  I would rely on Him and not anyone else. Again, Team Weigand was there but they could not give me the joy and peach that only came from my God nor did we want that to happen. 

                As April begins my heart still is in awe at what all that happened.  It has been 6 years now…seems like a lifetime ago.  I never want to forget those hard moments that turned into precious ebenezers in my faith.  I want to encourage anyone that is going through or questioning what in the world is going on and if God is even there or hearing you.  Please do not loose hope or faith.  He is there and hears you.  His love for you is overwhelming even when you do not feel it.  Be encouraged and do not give up!

Dead Fat (no, really... DEAD FAT)

    Please let me (Libby) apologize that we have not done a good job on keeping up with updating the blog.  We have been way busy with a kindergartner, a preschooler, and just life.  I have had many people ask me lately on how my health is.  To be honest, I think about it all the time.  I am in a constant state of awe and reverence on how God has truly not only restored me but has gone above and beyond what I could ever imagine.  I am so thankful to just be able to do wife and mommy things that even I forget that I was ‘sick’.  The best compliment I have heard these past months has been, “There is no way you had cancer! You don’t look sick.”  Well, I appreciate that but I was and am getting better every day.  

    So back to these past couple of months.  First of all, I want to ask forgiveness if you thought I was in any way dodging or ignoring you in some form.  For the first time, I was in a very dark place and was very conflicted in my reality.  You see…November 1^st I went in to have a CT scan for my checkup.  When that one came back there were ‘questionable spots’.  So of course, with my history, the ball got to rolling on another test on November 20^th.  As Chad, the kids, and I sat in that room and heard the doctor say, “I cannot tell you 100% that the cancer is or is not back.  We will have to have a biopsy.”  Well right there my heart skipped a beat.  Then he continued to have that hard conversation of ‘what ifs’. There is a new procedure that would use my own T cells, but that would put me in the hospital for 2 weeks.  Ummmm….that is where for the first time in this entire cancer journey I cried hard in front of the doctor and my favorite nurse.  I could not imagine going back to the hospital for any length of time.  The kids are starting to pick up and ask questions.  Separation is hard sometimes when they are not sure where I am going or when I will be back.  I had to quiet my heart just to get to the car.  I wanted to be alone. I wanted to sort through all of this.  I wanted to yell at God and try to figure out why.  I wanted to just cry out and tell Him that “I have done this!! We have all done this!!! Why is this even coming up?!?!”  As Mommies, we all know that sometimes you don’t get those moments.  I had to buck up and carry on as I heard “I need to go potty.  I am hungry.  Can we have fun supper!?”  Maybe this was good for me just to carry on with my routine.  As we got into the car, Chad gave me the biggest hug and smile.  He gets me. He knew exactly what to do…give me a wink and a cheeseburger! Now the waiting begins.  

That was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  The goal was to just lay low.  That is where I apologize for not saying anything.  You see…if I started to talk or even think about it out loud, I would cry.  The darkness of those hospital days came over me.  I had to for the first time in my life consciously pull myself out of a dark spiral.  I began reading the book by Lysa TerKerust, It is not supposed to be this way.   She made a statement, “News is not the truth.” In my heart, I knew…I believed…I lived knowing my God was good and in control, but my head and circumstances were hard.  What was going on? Did I not learn/do something right the first time? Not having answers was hard.   Well, the meeting with the surgeon was on Dec 14^th.  He was going to do a biopsy on a lymph node in my neck, but when I was in his office, he could not find it! After talking, we realized it was probably lit up on the scan because I had a cold that day.  They all kept reassuring me that it could be my lymph nodes waking up after the stem cell transplant.  As much as I wanted to believe that, I had to wrestle with and be OK WITH going 100% with what God had planned for all of this.  He scheduled a laparoscopic biopsy for Dec 31^st.  YAY!! That is the way to start New Years.  Asleep due to pain meds wondering if your entire family’s life will be upside down again.  On the way to the hospital E asked me, “Mommy, are you going to be bald again?”  It took everything in me not to just cry. Then one of the limitations after the biopsy was I could not pick up my kids.  As we went to the post op visit, B asked if the doctor would finally tell me that it was ok to pick her up.   I never wanted my kids to have to ever think of these things.  But this is their reality too.  

Well, I had the biopsy done.  Again, with the waiting.  On Jan 7^th, I was dressed in a cute black dress ready to take Chad out for his birthday when we got the call.  “Libby, it is not back!!!” I started to cry.  It is funny…my journey began with the doctor telling me about my cancer in the kitchen and then now I get the news in the kitchen too.  But wait…that is not the best part.  At my post op I found out that it was…not only fat…but DEAD FAT!! Who would have ever thought that!??! It is a thing.  Focal Necrosis.  My fat could have been traumatized during radiation or chemo.  Who knows and who cares! Today I embrace the fat!! 

As you can tell, it has been a roller coaster of months for us. But no matter what I can say that my God is good and He is faithful.  I learned a lot about myself during these past couple of months.  There have been some great things that God has put on my heart and somethings that He will be working on me still.  But one thing that He showed me was stopping, listening, and being intentional.  As His children, He so lavishly wants to love on us.  He wants to show us how much and how big His love is for us.  I know there are people out there hurting.  I know that in my world there are friends hurting.  Please know this….I am here for you.  Chad and I are here for you.  But most importantly…God is here for you.  

Chapters

Throughout our life, we will experience new joys, sorrows, upsets, and peace. Each of which have the opportunity to lead to new "chapters" in our life. Having starting a forever chapter in our life by having kids, we embarked on lifetime journey into two other lives that we will have the opportunity to have the greatest impact on. Like most parents, we want them to have a life full of happiness, adventure, and contentment. We have dedicated them both to God and promised to our friends and family to raise them both to know God personally to fulfill those things mentioned.

With Libby having gotten diagnosed with cancer, all four of us were introduced to a new chapter in our lives. Many of the pages of that chapter are full of sadness and anxiety due to the unknown. With each passing day and treatment, the pages were written, waiting for the next time scans were made to see if this chapter would ever end. Our hope was restored throughout this journey in knowing that no matter what life brings, God was in control. Through tears  and sadness in disheartening news, He was ultimately in control and was able to restore our souls. God gave us the right people at the right time in this journey to keep us going. Hope was restored in knowing we were not alone, and we are loved.

It has been almost a year now since Libby went through her stem cell transplant. The last treatment she went through. This chapter is finally coming to an end in our book of life and we are moving on to what God has next for us. It is our desire that those who have gotten to read this chapter in our life will know that no matter how bad or down right horrible your life may seem, even if you feel you have hit "rock bottom", God is in control and He will restore you. Let Him be the author of your book by giving him the pen. You will learn, as we did, a lot about God's character by allowing him a chance to write. By giving God control, we were able to understand more about God, as the verse we asked everyone to pray over us when asked what we wanted prayer for states.  Our verse throughout this journey has been Ephesians 1:17 which says: "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."

Our church asked us if we wouldn't mind telling our story in this chapter so that they can show our congregation the God story in all of it and to provide encouragement to others. We are in awe in how well the team who put this video together captured the essence of what we went through. You can watch the video they made below.

We put some dreams we had for our future on hold until we knew that this chapter was over. One of those dreams was to determine where God wanted us to send our kids to school once they were in elementary school so that they would get the best education and environment. Another dream was to give our kids the opportunity to have more land to play on. God has recently opened up a new chapter in our lives that is giving us both of those dreams and prayers answered.

God has provided us the opportunity to build again. This new build will give us almost twice the total land (which equals almost quadruple the amount of yard) we have currently and also put us in a much better school district.  Our new home will be complete hopefully sometime in July of this year. Perfect timing for our oldest to go to kindergarten. Another side benefit that God has blessed us with is that I am even closer to work.

As this chapter is written we will update the blog with pictures of the progress until completion. We are sadden to see our current home go; one which holds many memories. But, we know that God is writing one heck of a chapter for us. One in which we will have more opportunities and dreams fulfilled.

"He Restores My Soul"

This blog post is from Libby. 

I know that Chad is the writer in the family, but now it is my turn.  "He restores my soul."  These words kept going through my head all night last night and today.  You see, this time last year I was sitting in a chemo chair receiving pictures from Chad because he was able to go to EW’s pumpkin day and I was stuck hooked up to meds that were “making me better." I will be flat out honest… I was not a happy camper.  Cancer had not only taken me away from a fun day with my favorite son, but it also took away my chemo date for the day.  It was hard sitting in that chair all alone not understanding what was going on in my life.  I was told that the chemo should have worked and would be gone.  Unfortunately, to all our surprise, the tumor was shrinking but the cells were getting stronger.  That is when they had decided to start the three day chemo process with one day spent in the infusion lab, then two days in the hospital for a 24 hour infusion.  We were also given the news that a stem cell transplant was in our future. 

I say all of this to give you a window into my attitude and situation last year.  Well, today…He not only restored my soul but He gave me more than I could have ever imagined.  Not only was I able to hang out with my favorite 4 year-old, but also my favorite 3 year-old during pumpkin day at school.  It was a fun day of music, a petting zoo, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, etc. 

As I watched my kiddos move from each station, I was overwhelmed with love for our Father.  So many times I felt cheated during last year’s battle.  I would have little "pity parties" wondering what in the world was going on or what I was supposed to be taking away from all of this.  Today, I took-in every single moment that I was able to share with my kiddos.  To be honest, there are not a lot of pictures of every moment of our adventure because I was soaking them up in my heart.  I did not want to miss anything.  As we head into the holiday season, I am challenged to be engaged and to love my family fiercely.  There is so much going on with the world around us,  I just want to love and protect what God has entrusted into my care.  I want them to know without a shadow of doubt that their Jesus, Wife, and Mommy loves them with every ounce of her heart, and then some.  Seeing where I was last year, and knowing that God KNEW AND PLANNED for me to have a day like today, how can I not trust His heart for me and the days to come?!?

The Final Journey

Since we last posted, Libby has gone through several treatments of radiation. The radiation treatments ended toward the end of January. We waited anxiously to find out when she would have a PET scan to determine how the radiation performed on ridding her body of cancer. Finally, on February 27, we found out that the radiation did exactly what it was supposed to do... shrink the cancer until is was no longer visible on a PET scan. This triggered a serious of events that led us to where we are today.

Her doctor still wanted to do a autologous stem cell transplant, even though the cancer was no longer visible. We were told that the previous chemotherapy and radiation together worked to "put out the fire" and that the stem cell transplant will "wipe up the ashes". This past Friday, Libby went through another chemo treatment in preparation for her upcoming stem cell transplant. They sent her home with a saline bag and pump in a suitcase that she had to roll around with her everywhere after the chemo treatment until the next morning when they unhooked it. Needless to say, it was very cumbersome to maneuver around a suitcase everywhere you move. (See photo below)

Today is the first day of Spring Break for most schools across the country. Luckily, I have the week off because of that. Part of Libby's upcoming treatment involves some serious chemotherapy that requires a line going in and out of her. Currently, Libby has a "power port" installed that only has one interveinous line. Right now, we are at the hospital preparing for Libby to have surgery where they will remove her power port and have a "trifusion" port "installed". After this procedure, she will have her first shot of a drug that will help boost her stem cell count. She will have to come to the hospital every day now for the next 6 days to get the same shot and some lab work. 

Next Monday, Libby will start the process of stem cell collection. Rarely do they get enough stem cells on the first try, so they will probably have to try again they next day. Every time, they make her do the collection in the morning and then wait around until the afternoon to see how many stem cells they collected. If they dont have enough, they will give her another shot to boost her stem cell count and send her home to try again the next day. This will continue until they have enough collected to give back to her later on. 

On March 31st, Libby will be admitted to the hospital for her official stem cell transplant. The next 6 days she will receive a couple different chemotherapy treatments. These will completely wipe out any trace of cancer in her body. At the same time, it will also weaken her immune system to almost nothing. The hospital will give her serious antibiotics to help keep her from becoming ill during this time. On the 7th day, she will rest. The next day after, they will give her back her stem cells they collected early on. From this point forward, she will remain in the hospital until she is healthy enough to come home. 

Even when she does come home, her immune system will still be weak. Though, the doctor said it will be strong enough that she will be safe from any really bad diseases. Due to the state of her immune system, we will be limiting the amount visitors we have at our home for a little while. It would not worth it to have come this far and have her get sick with something else.

We cannot thank our family and friends enough for all the love and support you have given us. It is times like these that God humbles us by allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. In my own life, I have always been the type to want to handle everything on my own. God has shown me that it's "okay" to ask for help. Without our support network, this journey would be even harder. We are in awe of the many lives, many we don't even know personally, that care about us and think of us when they pray. To you, we are forever greatful. God has shown me personally time and time again through all of this that what we are going through is not only temporarily, but could be so much worse. There are many families who have to deal with cancer without hope. From the beginning, we were told that this is definitely beatable and we will get through this. Even though we have had several let-downs in this process, we have held on to that hope. Recently, the following verse has helped reminde  us that there is something greater in store. It is my hope always that God gets the glory in all of this.

 

" For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" 2nd Corinthians 4:17 NLT

Healing in God's Time

     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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saginaw "Run the Rails" 5K

CANCER SURVIVOR DAY!

Noah's Ark birthday

Enjoying summer at the park

Today's date in the infusion lab

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.

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.

Bag made for us at the relay for life... They put a candle in each one that night.