REMISSION! Praise the Lord! We just returned from CTCA this weekend and after only being on this new drug for 8 weeks, I'm in remission! YEAH! The downside is that I'll always have to take this drug to keep the cancer cells from forming again, as long as I can tolerate it anyway. Or our Lord could choose to heal me from this cancer, that's the upside!
Right now the drug is making me extremely tired and nauseous, plus it's playing havoc with my blood sugar and thyroid. But, with all that said, it's a small price to pay for remission from the cancer, just have to work thru the side effects. I also have to stay out of the sun while on this drug. On the trip home, the sun was coming in my window and I started having unbearable itching that lasted 24 hours with not much that would calm it. So believe me, you won't be catching me getting a tan or even close!
I love all of you that have prayed for me so faithfully. Knowing that you're praying helps me get thru the tough times. I'm still enjoying my bible study and also a book called "Chicken Soup for the cancer patient". Wow, such encouraging stories of folks going thru similar events as I am and learning that no matter what I'm going thru, it's NOTHING compared to what our Lord went thru.
I will stand strong in my faith and in knowing that my healing is coming!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
May 6th, 2011
We just got back from CTCA this week. I had a couple of weeks that were really good, no rash or itching..... praise the Lord! Then I broke out again while we were in IL, the doc seems to think that its an allergic reaction to a new medication that they put me on but it's not any better & now the itching has joined the party, and not a fun one. They are concerned that my thyroid is very low, triglycerides are very high and my sugar is running real high too so they want me to see an endocrinologist asap. That seems to be a problem because getting into them takes a while, weeks.. that we don't have to wait. Please, pray that I can get an appointment soon.
On a happy note, our kids ended up paying for both of my wigs, I am so blessed to have the caring family that I have. Then this weekend they will all be over to celebrate Mother's Day with me. Then on the 21st, we get the honor of celebrating the high school graduation of our oldest grandson, Asher Benjamin Perkins! We're so very proud of him. He will be attending John Brown University this fall for a music degree.
Again, thanks for always being there to pray for my needs. I'm so grateful for the healing that IS taking place in my body, whether it be by Divine intervention or by medical science. Thank you Lord!
On a happy note, our kids ended up paying for both of my wigs, I am so blessed to have the caring family that I have. Then this weekend they will all be over to celebrate Mother's Day with me. Then on the 21st, we get the honor of celebrating the high school graduation of our oldest grandson, Asher Benjamin Perkins! We're so very proud of him. He will be attending John Brown University this fall for a music degree.
Again, thanks for always being there to pray for my needs. I'm so grateful for the healing that IS taking place in my body, whether it be by Divine intervention or by medical science. Thank you Lord!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
April 14th, 2011
Well, it's been a while since I've posted. We went back to Zion IL in March & it was confirmed that my cancer is back. They decided to have me to try to take Targretin for 4 weeks. It has a lot of serious side effects, Praise the Lord that I don't have any of them at this time! I have to get weekly blood tests done to make sure I'm doing OK with it, so far so good. The rash & itching has been severe, making it difficult to sleep or get comfortable, even hard to wear clothes so I stay at home most of the time. They added a herbal tab this week to what I'm already taking, it seems to be helping, I'm very thankful for the relief. I return to CTCA the first week of May to make sure all is going well. They only give the Targretin a 50% chance for success, I'm believing that I'm in that 50%!
My family has been very supportive, doing whatever is needed to help out. My girls took me on a shopping adventure last week for a new wig, that was a lot of fun. We found one that we really liked but it was way to pricey so I came home & found the exact one for considerably less on line, Thank you Lord for saving them those dollars & for my new wig. While I was looking, I also found another one that was so cute, so I ordered it too, So I'll look like a different woman when you see me again! LOL.........
I feel so blessed with all my family & friends that are there for whatever my needs may be. I can't imagine what I'd do without that support. I've started a new bible study so I know that there will be strongholds to break thru but I'm excited to be learning more of our Lord's plan. Blessings abundantly to each of you!
My family has been very supportive, doing whatever is needed to help out. My girls took me on a shopping adventure last week for a new wig, that was a lot of fun. We found one that we really liked but it was way to pricey so I came home & found the exact one for considerably less on line, Thank you Lord for saving them those dollars & for my new wig. While I was looking, I also found another one that was so cute, so I ordered it too, So I'll look like a different woman when you see me again! LOL.........
I feel so blessed with all my family & friends that are there for whatever my needs may be. I can't imagine what I'd do without that support. I've started a new bible study so I know that there will be strongholds to break thru but I'm excited to be learning more of our Lord's plan. Blessings abundantly to each of you!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
March 19th, 2011
Well, we're back in Zion IL at the cancer hospital, my symptoms have returned, sever itching and the rash. Already had a PET Scan & 5 skin biopsies this week and will get a bone marrow test on Monday. Will see the doctor again on Tuesday to get the results. He wouldn't commit that the cancer is back until he gets the test results back. We can pray!
We were blessed to get a room where we can have Chloe with us again, she is so much company and I'm really glad that she's here with us since we'll be here for a week or so.
The weather is a lot colder here than home, I should have brought a coat! What was I thinking? I guess since Spring is happening at home, I assumed that it would be happening here too! LOL!
So again, we're petitioning you for prayers of healing. Thanks so much for your faithfulness to pray. We really appreciate all of you.
Blessings & Love sent your way.....
Joyce & Leon
We were blessed to get a room where we can have Chloe with us again, she is so much company and I'm really glad that she's here with us since we'll be here for a week or so.
The weather is a lot colder here than home, I should have brought a coat! What was I thinking? I guess since Spring is happening at home, I assumed that it would be happening here too! LOL!
So again, we're petitioning you for prayers of healing. Thanks so much for your faithfulness to pray. We really appreciate all of you.
Blessings & Love sent your way.....
Joyce & Leon
Friday, February 4, 2011
February 4th
Let it snow.......let it snow.......let it snow! It's a beautiful site in NW Arkansas! We rarely get this much snow and we are really enjoying it. We're so thankful to be home now with family & friends!
I'm still feeling good, Praise the Lord! We made our trip to the Cancer hospital to speak to the board, that went really well. Again, what an honor to be asked to talk the this prestigious board. We were able to meet up with several friends that we've made up there too, that was so good to see all of them again. We have truly been blessed.
Well, I'll make this short this time, again thanks for all of your prayers on our behalf, be blessed!
I'm still feeling good, Praise the Lord! We made our trip to the Cancer hospital to speak to the board, that went really well. Again, what an honor to be asked to talk the this prestigious board. We were able to meet up with several friends that we've made up there too, that was so good to see all of them again. We have truly been blessed.
Well, I'll make this short this time, again thanks for all of your prayers on our behalf, be blessed!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January 6th, 2011
WOW......... a new year has come & where did 2010 go so fast?
We've been home since December 23rd and are loving it! We both missed family & friends so bad. It's been a busy 2 weeks but so much fun. Christmas day all of the family was over, we played games, ate, laughed, ate more, played more games & ate some more......... lots of good time with family! Then we had out annual New Years Eve Party with family & friends. Again we ate, enjoyed music by Leon, Asher, Ronnie, Billy, Breana & Cheryl, then we ate some more & some played games until 3am (me too!). what a fun nite we all had!
I'm getting stronger every day, thank you Lord! It's so wonderful to say that I feel good and actually mean it! My feet are much better, I've been able to wear shoes again for a few days, yeah! God is so good!
Well, Leon & I will fly off to the Cancer hospital on the 18th for a couple of days. I've been asked to speak at the January board meeting about my experience with the hospital and my disease, I feel honored that they would ask for my opinion. They have a board meeting every quarter and always begin with a patient testimony, again what an honor that is to be asked to talk to the board of such an amazing place. I've been asked a lot what I think of the hospital and is it as good as the commercials say. All I can say is that they exceed my wildest expectations of what quality care should be and would recommend this place to anyone that is looking for cancer care. Not many hospitals include God in your care, they treat the whole person, inside & out and also care about what your caregiver is going thru with you. We love them all & have made some lifelong friends!
Better go for now. Thanks again for all of your prayers and I'm so thankful to give our Lord ALL the praise! Love you all! Joyce
We've been home since December 23rd and are loving it! We both missed family & friends so bad. It's been a busy 2 weeks but so much fun. Christmas day all of the family was over, we played games, ate, laughed, ate more, played more games & ate some more......... lots of good time with family! Then we had out annual New Years Eve Party with family & friends. Again we ate, enjoyed music by Leon, Asher, Ronnie, Billy, Breana & Cheryl, then we ate some more & some played games until 3am (me too!). what a fun nite we all had!
I'm getting stronger every day, thank you Lord! It's so wonderful to say that I feel good and actually mean it! My feet are much better, I've been able to wear shoes again for a few days, yeah! God is so good!
Well, Leon & I will fly off to the Cancer hospital on the 18th for a couple of days. I've been asked to speak at the January board meeting about my experience with the hospital and my disease, I feel honored that they would ask for my opinion. They have a board meeting every quarter and always begin with a patient testimony, again what an honor that is to be asked to talk to the board of such an amazing place. I've been asked a lot what I think of the hospital and is it as good as the commercials say. All I can say is that they exceed my wildest expectations of what quality care should be and would recommend this place to anyone that is looking for cancer care. Not many hospitals include God in your care, they treat the whole person, inside & out and also care about what your caregiver is going thru with you. We love them all & have made some lifelong friends!
Better go for now. Thanks again for all of your prayers and I'm so thankful to give our Lord ALL the praise! Love you all! Joyce
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
December 21st
REMISSION! Praise the Lord! That's what I was told today, that my cancer had responded very well to the radiation and I was in Remission. God is so good, God is so faithful! Praise the Lord!
So, we'll go to the hospital in the morning for my last treatment then head home for Christmas, we're so ready to be home. It was hard today telling our nurses & therapists, "see you later" as one of them said. We've made some lasting friendships here & will remember all of them with warm thoughts and loving memories. God certainly sent us to a wonderful healing place and we're both so grateful!
We'll have to come back in February for a check-up with my Radiology Oncologist, hopefully the weather will cooperate, winter can be tough up here.
I'll make this short as I need to start packing everything up (that means this computer too)! I didn't get my Christmas cards ready to mail so this is our Christmas wish for all of you. That Christmas will bring families together & lots of joy in your hearts while you share time together and reflect on the birth of our Lord. And that 2011 will bring blessings to you & yours!
Pray for a safe trip home and I'll still be posting, just not as often. Thanks so much for the prayer covering that you've had over us. I KNOW that is why my treatments have went so well. I love you all!
Blessings............. Leon & Joyce
So, we'll go to the hospital in the morning for my last treatment then head home for Christmas, we're so ready to be home. It was hard today telling our nurses & therapists, "see you later" as one of them said. We've made some lasting friendships here & will remember all of them with warm thoughts and loving memories. God certainly sent us to a wonderful healing place and we're both so grateful!
We'll have to come back in February for a check-up with my Radiology Oncologist, hopefully the weather will cooperate, winter can be tough up here.
I'll make this short as I need to start packing everything up (that means this computer too)! I didn't get my Christmas cards ready to mail so this is our Christmas wish for all of you. That Christmas will bring families together & lots of joy in your hearts while you share time together and reflect on the birth of our Lord. And that 2011 will bring blessings to you & yours!
Pray for a safe trip home and I'll still be posting, just not as often. Thanks so much for the prayer covering that you've had over us. I KNOW that is why my treatments have went so well. I love you all!
Blessings............. Leon & Joyce
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)