Rejecting the pills

My prayer team, thank you for continuing to lift me in prayer. Tomorrow I go back to the doctor for possible adjustments to my treatment. My body started to reject the pills so I had to stop taking them. Since then I have been able to tolerate eating and drinking again.

Thanks again for all the cards and encouragement.

Love to all!
Terri

Happy Friday!

Our second treatment, day 5. God is good and continues to work a miracle. I am starting to feel a bit better. The pills are rough in my tummy. Please pray I can begin to eat better, drink more, and just swallow better. This has been the challenge. I still can't thank you all enough for the prayers. I can truly sense God's presence. This week I read Philippians 4:8.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Great word!
Love to you all,  
Terri

My first "off week"

Good morning. This is my off week of chemo. It has been nice to feel pretty good. This off week will be shorter than usual because on Monday I am scheduled to start my next 14 days again. The first 7 are the toughest. Please pray I keep an appetite.

Thanks you for being the army of prayer warriors.

Love,
Terri

First Chemo Treatment

Terri is home from chemo. She did really well, just a sore arm and tired! She had chicken and rice, and is now going to lay down! Agree with us in prayer for NO SIDE EFFECTS! Thanks for all who prayed and encouraged with emails and texts. It lifts her spirit!

We stand believing.

First treatment update (again)

Sorry for the change. My first chemo is now set for this Wednesday, October 16th.  I don't mind saying I am a bit nervous but I know God has a plan. I really do appreciate all the cards, text messages, and the prayers. Love Terri.

First treatment update

Hello prayer partners. We had to postpone my first treatment. My medication did not arrive. Boo. It looks like we will be starting on Monday October 21. Thank you for all your love and support.

Preparing for Chemo

Thank you friends and family for all your prayers, cards and support. I continue to heal from my surgery. On Monday I will begin the next step in this journey. Chemo. As I prepare I continue to pray God's medicine (His Word) over my body. Please continue to pray that I will stay strong. Love you all.  Terri.

Finally some news to report. Flu shots were required and we've had no adverse reactions to them! Thanks to Dr. Davis and PA Jessica Yul for all their love and care and going the extra mile for us on Tuesday. Today Terri had a PET scan and we get the results back tomorrow at her oncologist appointment. During the test she asked that I come in with her as she was in the scan machine. What an experience. We had independently a unique moment when we felt the presence of our Lord with us. Knowing He is with us, goes before us, and really does have a plan that can be trusted is a great feeling. Friday we meet Dr. Yee, who is her oncologist, and will get the schedule for chemo. We have been blessed and thank you to all who support, pray and love our family! Terri is a champion--a great attitude filled with hope and expectation that she is an overcomer in her Lord Jesus Christ.

One Month Milestone

September 15th is 1 month since we found out the battle we are in! Cancer might have found Terri but has no hold on her. She has a hold it of it through the power of the cross! We have experienced much in 30 days--colonoscopy, CT scan, surgery, ICU for a couple of days, hospital all told 7 days. Then we met the oncologist. We have a plan and from this point on we believe it is preventative treatment! Terri's attitude is really good. She is getting ready for the next chapter and is staying positive...

God bless you.

God Opens the Door to the Right Oncologist

This has been a very interesting week for us as we were in pursuit of an oncologist to begin the next chapter of Terri's journey. We were denied for city of Hope through our medical group because they feel they have adequate care with the physicians network we belong to. Interesting how the system works. Gut God is not limited to get you the best for your best!!

We were approved for Dr. Sharon Yee who was recommended to us when we first started out but it was thought you could not get into her because she is too busy. Well we got in and saw her Thursday. She is amazing and Terri trusts her and enjoyed her interchange with her. Dr Yee recommends after studying Terri's file that we have 6 months of chemo. So chemo commencing the first week of October--the date is still to be confirmed.

Much preparation is needed. Terri has lost 14 pounds and needs to gain some weight back. We need to get flu shots and get ready for an interesting 6 months. She is also going to have a PET scan in the next week. The doctor feels the chemo is a preventative measure, so we thank the Lord it is preventative and not life saving. Perspective is everything on this road! Thanks for praying. Please continue to pray not only for us but every individual and their family who battles cancer!

God bless you.

Just Enough Light

We had a great weekend. Terri is walking more and eating really well for her. For those who know her, you know what i mean! We have been encouraged in ways and means that go beyond what could have ever been imagined. This week the goals are to get our approval for 2nd opinion at City of Hope, then we get the care we need from there! We meet with the Blue Shield case nurse at our house Tuesday. Each step is important and we thank God at least for the steps.

The lesson of the weekend is when we ask for all the light I need right now from the Lord, I am forgetting that too much light can be blinding and can cause us to go off the path. We are getting just enough light for us to stay on the path he has designed for us that includes His timing, places and people. We are finding the more dependent we are on Him the bigger the steps of faith we take. Fact... HE REALLY DOES HAVE A PLAN!

Thanks for all the prayers and support it means a lot.

A Path We've Not Seen Before

Yesterday we went to the surgeon. He is amazed at Terri's recovery--the surgery was a success! Our surgeon is Dr. Howard Newman of Glendora and he is amazing!! We are still waiting on the referral for City of Hope. Life is filled with lessons my lesson today.... God moves us out on a path where we have never been before, but we can depend on the fact our God goes with us and before us! On that path you don't need sympathy--you need to find a word of hope that brings peace and strength and is anchored to truth. Today we are celebrating with Elaine that her cancer has not spread to her lymph nodes. We are praising God  for this and believe God has a plan for Terri too. Praying for you to have a blessed day!

Home and Healing

I must apologize for not keeping you up to date on Terri. We brought her home Monday. Boy does she like your food for those that have brought it over! LOL She is eating and enjoying being in our home and not the hospital. Thank you for all the support--it's very humbling! Tomorrow we go back to the surgeon for his final evaluation and things appear successful as per her surgery. She is a trooper going through this process of healing from surgery.

In regards to the report about the lymph nodes, we have applied for a second opinion of treatment at City of Hope. We are now waiting for approval and should know in two more days. Truthfully this is a marathon--everyday brings something new and we thank God for his strength, peace and hope we walk in. God is faithful. Thank you for all the prayer and scripture texts they are meaningful!

Thank you again for all the support!

Blessings,

The Lane We're Running In

Well yesterday we had some great moments... Terri got up and walked a few steps, less pain meds, she will be on a liquid diet today! Yes more than ice chips great progress.

The challenging moment came when we found out they found 3 lymph nodes that marked cancerous. They recommended chemo. We will be getting more opinions on this. Her chemo is a preventative measure so this is positive. We are not discouraged but encouraged because this is not a sprint--its a marathon. We know what lane we will be running in together.

Please continue to pray we have to heal from surgery to move forward. She is a champion fighter--you would be proud!!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 5:5-7 NLT)

Love you all!

Today is another positive step. Terri is starting physical therapy. She needs to start moving. This is very painful, but must be done. She is on an ice chip diet, still on iv and pain meds. Her spirits are really good and really just rebuilding, enjoying quiet and rest. She is focused on getting through the pain and taking next steps!

I am watching God do the little things that we take for granted. It reminds me how loving and caring our Lord is, and his hand is on us. "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him..." Ezra 8:22b

Thanks again for the outpouring of love, encouragement and prayer! Have a blessed day!

Stand Strong

Thank you to all that came to the hospital and prayed with us; and for your prayers, texts, emails, and phone calls. It meant so much, each one so faith and hope filled! While Terri and I were waiting in pre-op, she reminded me she expects to be told she is cancer free. As you know the cancer did not spread outside her colon! Our God is awesome, teaching us strength, hope, comfort and peace is in Him. It is a long journey of recovery--major abdominal surgery. She is very sore but we believe she will heal in the divine time table! Please agree with us for a speedy recovery.

She is in ICU for 2 days. Pray for God to strengthen nurses and doctors to complete the journey. We are still waiting for the pathology report, but are believing again it will show no problems. She has no drainage tube, no breathing tube, no nose tube--just oxygen.

Sitting on her tray table is a cross stating, "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NLT) Stand strong! God has a plan.

Surgery Results

Terri came through surgery well. The cancer was contained to the colon, and the surgeon was able to repair the colon. They will also test the lymph nodes to see if there is cancer there, but for now it does not appear to have spread. Terri will be in ICU tonight and will remain in the hospital at least until the weekend. Praise God for this good report!

Today is the Day

Well today is the day. Terri had a really hard time with the prep and was sick most of the night. The little hiccups can cause chaos in our minds but we have to work hard to keep our mind focused on Him. The calls, texts, and prayers have been amazing and full of encouragement. We do not know how people go through stuff like this alone? Well our day looks like this: 8:30 check into the hospital; she will begin a series of preps; and then by 4:00 surgery; and no food or water all day--just iv. Pray for Terri for patience and strength.  Her faith is anchored to John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Today, stand strong and face the day knowing He has a plan and we will do the same. Let’s lock arms and believe we all are marching forward to carry out His plan!

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Faith Is Essential

We had a great Sunday. Thanks for all the prayer and support! Today is one day closer--a little bit apprehensive but confident on the other hand. Today begins the prep. Have to keep a positive attitude and get rest. Our anchor for the day: Faith is essential and faith is built up through the community we share!

Our God says he is mighty and in our midst! For me it’s a reminder that he created the universe, lives inside us and this helps prepare us for the journey ahead. Power is evident when he sustains us when we are weak and makes a correction when something isn't right like only He can do. Our faith is strong because of who He is!

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Peace

Today is a day of hope, believing that God is capable of walking with us. He loves his creation! Terri is believing big, studying the Word, breathing in His strength.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

This is Terri's favorite verse in the moment: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Waiting...

Well it’s been 8 days since we were informed of the news “cancer”! That day will be forever etched in our hearts because instantly we’re put in a waiting room of life thinking naturally about everything our mind could imagine: Are you sure? Not really sure? How bad? Is it contained? Wow. Surreal. Just can’t believe this. The fact is we are just not sure how we are supposed to think about it… The one thing we can be thankful for is that God has a plan. We are trusting it and Him. But it does not make the waiting any easier… We just have to process step by step.

Here is a quote and scripture that strengthened us today:

“Waiting with hope is very difficult, but true patience is expressed when we must even wait for hope. I have reached the point of greatest strength once I have learned to wait for hope." George Matheson.

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)

The waiting time is the hardest. Speak peace and rest, believing it shall be done.

Bless You,

A New Challenge in Our Race

Last Thursday, August 15, God's plan for us took an unexpected turn at least from our point of view when Terri's doctor found a mass in her colon. After further tests on Monday, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and told she would need surgery. Surgery has been scheduled for next Tuesday, August 27.

We believe and are certain of God's healing, though the journey will be out of our normal routine for a while. We appreciate your support in prayer for peace and strength and in encouraging scripture as we run this challenging race God has set before us to deepen our understanding of Him and His love.

We love you,