Sunday, November 23, 2008

Quick update

Yes, it's been a while since we last updated the blog... There just wasn't much to share as things have been going very well lately. I went through my first two chemo treatments with hardly any effects. My blood tests stayed positive so there was only a minor adjustment to the chemo dose. My physical response to all the treatment has been so surprising to me that I feel a little whimpy for even worrying about the treatments. However, that has proved to be short lived...

Two weeks ago I received my third chemo injection, (the start of the second round), and felt great for the first three days. The Saturday after the shot I began to feel a little feverish which worsened over the next 24 hours.  I spent Sunday evening in the hospital getting blood tests and IV antibiotics to fight off some sort of infection. My blood work didn't show any problems from the chemo, and in fact, showed my white blood cell count in the normal range. So, the cause of the infection was never determined. 

I recovered quickly over the next couple of days and returned for my fourth chemo injection this past Thursday. But, my white blood cell count had plummeted and the doctor chose not to give me the treatment.  I will have another blood test on Monday and we'll try again on Tuesday to get the treatment. However, if my white cell count is still too low they won't give it. The doctor says if it is still too low then he'll wait to give me any further chemo treatments until after the first of the year.

The other really great news is that I had another CT scan last week and there were no signs of any growths or masses in my abdomen. This type of cancer has a very high re-occurrence rate and can grow very fast. Because of that, I will continue to have CT scans every 3 months for the next year or two to keep an eye on it.

 Over all, I still continue to recover very well and I feel great! I'm not sure why but, God has blessed me with relative comfort and peace ever since the surgery. We continue to give him the glory for my health and praise him daily for the love and support we get from all of you! Thank you all for being here with us.

Russ and Robyn

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Coming around the 6 month stretch…

Praises to our Heavenly Father!!! I remember the day so clearly, May 16th, 9:30am, sitting in the doctor’s office after receiving a call that morning to come to his office.  Russ and I looking at each other, holding hands and waiting for the doctor to enter the room with the MRI results.  The doctor enters the room. Russ and I look up and we knew……..nothing had to be said.  It  was not going to be good news. A very rare aggressive cancer. Prognosis not good, not good at all. The tears came, along with fear, panic and it just can’t be.

Why share all of the above with you again? To share with you God’s absolute goodness in all of this!!!! Never on the day of May 16th did I think I would be sitting here sharing with you that Russ is rounding the 6 month stretch since his diagnosis. God is ever so faithful! Ooooh these 6 months have been a roller coaster. My family knows I do not like to ride the roller coasters at the amusement parks. I am the one sitting on the park bench “people watching.” However, with that being said this current roller coaster ride has been one of God’s love, blessings and joys that overtake the low point you hit every now and then on the ride. (Stomach feeling like it is in your throat and you want to get off now.)

I could write a novel about all the love and blessings we have received. I will only share a few but God is to be praised for many:

Your prayers…oh my goodness….not a day…not a day goes by that I am told that you are praying for my dear sweet husband. God is hearing your prayers. Thank you!

The care and love you show is incredible through cards, food, books, phone calls, a romantic dinner, 2 nights at the beach. A laugh or a hug at just the right time.

God’s provision and timing is amazing. I must share how on several, yes several, occasions we would receive a bill and then within 24 hours God would provide the means. One time was within seconds. We opened the bill, “ugh forgot about this one coming due” and then the next envelope I opened included a check for exactly what we needed. I love God’s wonderful handiwork in everything.

Thank you Lord!

Russ is on the chemo journey right now. He has had 2 treatments and is doing extremely well. Very little side affects. After his first round of chemo his white blood count was rather low so the doctor is making adjustments to his treatment. Please pray that his count can stay in the “safe zone.” As you read in the last blog posting he went in for an MRI due to some back and abdomen pain he had been having prior to starting the chemo. Which I have to say I was thrilled for the MRI being done thinking now we will get an accurate update on all his organs.  Well the good news is his MRI came back clear but the MRI was solely focused on his spine, no organ updates. Not sure why the doctor did it that way. 

Ya know, Russ was helping me clean house yesterday morning.  I stopped what I was doing and just watched him with tears coming to my eyes.  It was wonderful to have that moment.  By the grace of God he is still here…even if he did miss a spot on the window.  He’s a keeper. J

Blessings to all of you. Thank you for continuing to ride the roller coaster with us.

Robyn