Goodbye Port, See You Never!

I am asking for prayer tomorrow.

I am stepping out in faith, trusting and believing the Lord has completely healed me! I am getting my port out!!!! 
I ask for no complications and that I won't be too sore!
I have been told that the doctors usually do not remove until at least the first set of scans or after a year. They have no problem removing it now. 

It is just another reminder of what I once had, and what I am free of now!

Thank you for taking me to The Throne
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Love,
Gigi

Transitions

So it has been a little while since my last post and I wanted to bring you up to date. 

Pretty much, I just have been trying to heal and gain my strength back, get back to living life,actually appreciating life. Soaking up the mercy of my Father! 
I am challenged by the eating process, that too is getting better. I'm trying to meet up with friends. 
It has been a transition from fighting for my life, to enjoying life. So much mentally to work through. Letting go, not living in fear. Wondering, is it really gone? I can tell you that having had cancer, you are left with a sense of vulnerability. You recognize the fragility of life and how easy it can be gone.
So my perspective has been tweaked a little more. Some things just don't matter, other things do. Apart from my relationship with Jesus, my family is the most important thing in my life! My close friends and brothers and sisters are priority! When it comes right down to it, nothing else really matters! 
So what do I do with this? Whatever God wants me to do with it. I know it won't be wasted! I want to pay it forward! I want to encourage those with the encouragement that has been given me! I want to bring glory to Jesus for what He has done in my life! 
I tell you this, without that relationship with Christ, I would not be the person I am today! I owe Him my everything! He began to prepare me for this journey last year and I knew that He was. My trust in God was strong from my loss of my son. I was familiar with fiery trials. It still caused anxiousness and asking God to prepare me for whatever His will was or His plan for my life. I trust Him!
So now, I am exploring the doors being opened. I know who I am and whose I am. I know that The Lord has gifted me to encourage and help others walk in freedom! I am not mad at God for this trial, as a matter of fact, it has shown me how much more I am loved by Him! Even if my outcome would have turned out different, he would still be good! So I plan to continue my blog and keep you updated. My doctors are very happy with my progress and they will be watching me closely for the next 5 years. I thank God for them and all of my medical team! They feel like family to me! I covet your prayers for me, and I will be praying for you! Love to you all! Here are a couple of pics of my doctors:

Poster Child

I went to my oncologist and surgeon today for follow up. They couldn't say enough how well I have done!

My pathology report was the best! My doctors said it doesn't go any better than what it has for me! I can officially say I am cancer free!!! I was told to "get on with my life"!

I will be monitored for the next 5 years but they said they really don't anticipate problems!

I couldn't have done this without my God, and without all of you! You all have been the wind beneath my wings! THANK YOU! I pray that your faith in Christ is so much stronger and larger because you have been a part of supernatural healing! The doctors told me this isn't the normal and even how well I have done in recovery mode! My weight is stable, I haven't lost a tremendous amount and I am now on solid foods! There is only one who does that and He has heard your prayers! They called me their poster child! LOL! I can't say I asked to be a poster child for cancer. I give God all the glory and honor for His compassion and mercy!

I am going to have a time of celebration soon. If you want to come to help me celebrate the victory, please message me and I will send the details to you! It will be at West Milton park. Either the last weekend in August or Labor Day weekend.

Again, thank you for taking this journey with me and carrying me in prayer! I couldn't have made it without you! Our God is able!

Much Love,
Gigi

Tears of JOY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!!

I am coming home today! Waiting on x-ray results and then I will be on my way! Can't wait! I had my last chest tube out and chest x-ray. My doctor said he was running out of excuses to keep me here! I haven't felt better! Still a little sore but not in any pain!

But here is the best part of all! The pathology report came back with no cancer cells left!!!!!

I hope and pray the for all of you who have been sharing this journey with me that you will taste and see that the Lord is good! It really hasn't sunk in yet but the more that it does, the more emotional I am. He has answered every single request, and as we have prayed! I am so excited now to see how He plans to use it for His glory!

If this makes you tearful, as it has me, please give those tears to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ! Please praise Him with me in this compassionate act of healing! Love you all and thankful for your ministry to me! There will be more to come!

BTW, I am in a full liquid diet, swallowing very well! No leaks!

 

Isaiah 38:19

Love to you all!

Gigi

Tuesday's Update:

I asked Jen via text for a quick update on her mom:

I am here with her now, things are good.
They took a chest tube out yesterday. They are going to run a test on Thursday after they take out the nose drain to check to see if her esophagus leaks or not. Hopefully the second chest tube will come out Thursday too. Pray that there is no leakage.

Gigi's Surgery - The Live Blog

UPDATE: 2:00 PM

Gigi is out of surgery and she is awake.  The surgery was very successful.  From what the surgeon could tell, the tumor was melted away and only scar tissue remained.  After another 11/2 hours, she will be moved from Recovery into her room.

PRAISE THE LORD!!

**************************************************

Gigi’s loved ones were able to have prayer with her moments ago and then she was whisked away to surgery.  She was visibly nervous – but the last thing she said to my sister before being taken back was “Is this purple gown my color?”. 

I’ll pass along updates as soon as I receive them. 

Carmen 

Sufficient Grace!

Please keep me in your prayers. I am entering the last phase of the cancer treatment. I will be undergoing major surgery in the morning. This may be the biggest part yet, (believe it or not).

 

I will say, I am quite anxious and am ready to get it over with. I have been feeling pretty good and ready to get on with my life again. But God's timing is His timing and I have to wait on Him. This is something I have to do in order to do the most to fight this disease. I am trusting in my God! I trust my medical team! So here we go!

 

Please pray that I would have no complications, peace for my family, quick healing. You all have carried me to this point and I trust you will continue to continue. I love Jesus and His body.

 

Carmen will update after surgery so you can see your prayers answered and your faith to be strengthened!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

 

Love,
Gigi

 

Almost There

I have had my first surgery, it went well and I am recovering well.

I have been sore and I have to take it easy but all in all not too bad. I have one more big step and then it's on to just recovering. Which may take a while.

I was reminded by a dear friend how far I have come! I was losing sight of that a little. When you are in the middle of it, you can sometimes only see the present not the whole picture. That is where my faith and trust are --  in the One who can see the whole picture! From beginning to end! God and God alone holds that ability and knows the results! He is sustaining me through the process. My prayer is that others will see Him through this! He is good all the time and all the time He is good! I never question that! 

If you are going through a hard time, look to Him for help and understanding. We are not exempt from rough waters but we can have access to a God who loves us and wants to help us in these times! I am no stranger to hard things in life but I have peace, and joy in the midst.

Please continue to hold me up in prayer through this last door I have to walk through. It may very well be one of the hardest. My doctors are saying I am in good shape for the surgery and so far I have passed all the tests I've taken. My last test is a pulmonary test to make sure my lungs can handle the surgery.

I am so thankful for all the prayer warriors on my behalf! You have carried me! This verse is used a lot but honestly it is truth:

 

Love,

Gigi

 



Surgery

Well, I am over the first hurdle pre surgery. I had CT scans post treatment today and everything looks good! No signs of cancer spreading! My oncologist was very happy for me! Can't tell if the tumor is all gone without a PET scan so I will have to wait till surgery to know that. Talked to my surgeon and got a lot of information concerning my surgery. I will have two surgeries, one is outpatient, the second one is inpatient. I was  informed that I will have chest tubes which took me by surprise. I have experience with those as Jeff had them with his surgery, so I am not real excited about that, but you do what you have to do. I think I may have down played this surgery a little bit so now I need to prepare myself for a pretty serious procedure.

God is faithful and I trust Him in this! I need to keep gaining weight to cushion what I will lose after surgery. I am eating well and moving around quite a bit so just need to keep going in that direction!

 

I can't tell you how much your prayers and well wishes mean to me! You all have loved on me with intensity and I am forever grateful! I love my Jesus and am so thankful for His care and love He has poured out on me! So many suffering with this disease!

Until surgery I am going to enjoy life to the fullest!

 

Much Love,

Gigi

Beside The Still Waters ...

I thought it to be about time for me to post. For the last 4 weeks I have really not been able to communicate real well. I can say I have honestly not been through anything harder! I can't even put words to it except that the verse about walking through the valley of the shadow of death applies!

Slowly I am coming out of it. I still can't eat a lot at one time, but at least I can eat again. I am still fatigued but getting out and about some. All I can say is cancer is ugly! Only good about it is what God brings out of it! I have no doubt He will use this! I believe I may have just been through the worst part. Not that surgery will be a piece of cake, but I won't be having all the toxicity going into my body!

I just want to thank each and everyone who has been praying for me. To those who have ministered to me personally, you have encouraged me on to the finish. Gifts, meals, cards, they mean so much! My family has been the greatest in cheerleading me to stay the course! They have never once wavered! I wanted to quit at the end but they kept saying" your almost done".

I am overwhelmed with the love of God in this journey! I can't comprehend how someone without Christ can do this! My faithful prayer warriors, you are the wind beneath my wings!

I have scans coming up soon which I will tell you I am a little anxious about. I am not scared, nervous, or frightened, just anxious. I know who holds my life!

Please pray for me to be able to increase my eating, and continue to get more energy. Pray for the tumor to be gone. I have lost a lot of weight, so I need to gain some back! I will just say that I am back to my weight when I got married! I think I should do a commercial!

I love you all and thank God for the true body of Christ! My Troy Christian family has blown me out of the water! They have gone above and beyond what I can imagine or think! Thank You! My faith has been made stronger!


"And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever." Isaiah 32:17

 

Urgent Prayers Needed

Although Gigi had her the last of her chemo/radiation treatment this past week she is extremely sick.  She cannot keep any food down and is vomiting blood at this point. 
 
Our friend is enduring the toughest part and she is asking for prayers - specifically for the healing of her esophagus. I know your prayers are precious to Gigi and her family.  Thank you so much and if I hear anything else, I will keep you posted.

Love,
Carmen

Finals Week!

So here I am! Final week!

Two more days of radiation! Four more days of chemo! 

It seems like everything is in slow motion. Even after I am finished, the after-effects from radiation linger for a couple weeks, so I won't be bouncing back real quickly. 

I picture myself in a race and everyone is on the sidelines cheering me on! 
"You can do it!", "You are almost there!", "You are doing well!" Even though it feels like I could lay down and quit! I am not a quitter! I will finish the race! But not without all of you! Thank you for your love and support!

Love,
Gigi

Deeper Still

I thought I might give an update.

I have just entered week 5 into my treatment. I am feeling the major effects of radiation!

Burning, nausea, not being able to keep food down, constant ache in my abdomen. Very weak and fatigued. I now have lost beyond the weight I started at. I am not telling all this to gain sympathy, I say it to be real and tell you the cold hard facts of cancer! If you have gone through treatment then you know what I am talking about. If you haven't pray you never do!

I watched the bible AD series and I thought about where Jesus asked His Father why He has forsaken Him! And Jesus is God! Sometimes it can feel that way. But the truth is, He hasn't forsaken me because the scriptures tell me He will never leave me nor forsake me! I can stand on that!

Pray me on to the end, church!

I am almost to the finish line!

I am deeper than my feet could ever wander!!!!

Glimmers of Light

Beginning week 3!

 

I have had a rough weekend and it's hard staying home and not being around people! I miss my church! But I have my Jesus!

I am starting to experience burning when I swallow. This will only get worse before it gets better! Time to take on the arsenal of meds!

All that said, I am beginning to see the light peeking through the end of the tunnel. Still have the hardest part to go, but I have no doubt the Lord will see me through! I will get there!

I had some questions answered last week which I have been putting off asking. So now I can be at peace with those!

My God is on the throne, He is in control, and I will continue to put my trust in Him!

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find you in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand.
 

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my savior.
I will call upon your name
Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine!

Faith, Fighting & Fatique

Well I have completed 2 weeks of chemo and radiation! I am fast approaching the half way mark! I am pretty fatigued and starting to lose my appetite again. I am also feeling some burning in my esophagus when I eat or drink.

I am going to be laying low for the next few weeks. I want to stay away from germs and to be honest not really up to a lot of company. I go up daily to Ohio State for treatment and by the time I get home I pretty much go to bed. Not too much to my life right now but surviving!

Please continue to pray because that is what sustains me! April 22 is my final radiation treatment so pray me to that day! It is not an easy road! I sometimes want to just crawl into my bed and go to sleep for awhile! But I have to fight! Please continue to fight with me! I won't give up and please don't give up on me!

I am reflecting on this coming week of Easter! Most important week for Christians apart from Christmas! Our faith rests on this one moment in time when Jesus bore our sin! He didn't give up and neither will I! I didn't ask for this disease, but I am learning more about my God through it! And myself as well.

A big shout out to Kara Puderbaugh for staying with me and keeping me company while my man was away! Love you girl! It was a good week!

Love,
Gigi

Back In The Battle

Day 1 down and behind me!

My blood counts were up more than expected! Thanks to all you prayer warriors! Weekend trip was a help for sure! My weight is good! I got the green light to go back into battle! I am so ready!

I went to the James for my chemo and was it ever a treat! We watched 2 movies and ate lunch! The staff is super friendly and very accommodating! My chemo nurse is going to be the same every time! So we will become good friends! She was very helpful!

So I got my BFF's back and their names are, 5-Fluorouacil and Oxaliplatin. While they may be my best buds, trust me, you don't want to be introduced to them. They are the kind of friends that if you have to know them, they are the best, but you really don't want to have to cross paths with them! Just saying.

Here is a pic of my radiation room:

Is it not the coolest? I did have a couple of back spasms because you lay on a flat table and they line you up perfectly with the beams. God got me through. You don't even know you are being radiated! It's over before you know it!

I saw a couple of books talking about cancer and info on treatment and prevention, you know what, I don't want to read any of that right now. Just want to count down the days and get through it! I may think on those things later.

I have decided that I will keep two of my wrist bands I get every time I go. It has my name, birthdate and medical number. I will keep the first, and the last.

Today I saw Marla my nurse that does my blood draw and accesses my port! I love her! She loves Jesus! She is a special part of this journey for me!

And so it begins! Thanks for the continuing support!

Love,
Gigi

On Hold

I have had a setback. Because of my white blood count being too low, my treatment is pushed back a week. I am going to rest and  do my best to recoup!

 

Please pray my count will come back up!

Preparing

As this week comes to an end, I have completed my tests, I have been marked and ran through the dry run for radiation. I received the most promising news about how the tumor has responded to the chemo! My doctor told me that I have made the best possible choice in treatment I could have made, had I gone with the standard treatment, I would have been on the other chemo drug. I think God had a hand in that!

Next week starts the real line of attack! I believe I am ready and prepared! I will put my game face on, my warrior headdress, and the determination of an overcomer! Because that is why I am! God has told me so!

In the mean time I will enjoy the next few days with family and friends!
Appreciating life and living! Jen and I had a special day together. We went to a German restaurant and fudge house -- we came home with some sweets! So I will close with a fun pic of our day!

 

 

Love,

Gigi

It's Hard To Be Still When You're Doing The Happy Dance

What can I say, this day has been absolutely mind blowing at the least! Why? Because I have a God who likes to blow our minds! He can do exceedingly above and beyond what we ask or think! If you have any doubt about that, we need to talk!

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so, yes Jesus loves me! I am thankful for my results! I am thankful for the people He has surrounded me with who are loving on me through this journey! I am thankful for the awesome medical team He lead me to. I pray God will bless them beyond measure!

Here is something The Lord is teaching me in this! BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD! in the crazy busy life we live He wants to lead us in the way We should go. But we need to stop and listen to Him. The Lord will speak to us but will we hear Him when He does? I can tell you this is one girl who will be still a little more!

Love,
Gigi

results

 

70 %!!!

 

 

PRAISE GOD!!!!

 



Laying Low

I know I have been a little quiet on here lately, which is unusual for me lol. I have been just trying to live normally, trying to get plenty of rest, taking in hockey games with my grandson and babysitting the little ones a little. Just enjoying life.

I feel pretty good right now! Praise God! I am eating very well! I have received some awesome meals! Thank you to all who are feeding us! I am encamped in perfect peace because my mind is set on Christ! Most days I really am not consumed with the cancer. Although the thought of it creeps in. I imagine that it will always be in the recesses of my mind all the days of my life.

This week I will be having my first CAT scan since starting chemo. I meet afterward to find out results and the next treatment plan. Then I will have a dry run for radiation. So it will be a busy week. I am ready!

The next phase will be a little more challenging, so I covet your prayers! My last day of radiation is April 15, and April 17 for chemo.

Each step I have had a certain doctor walking along side me, and when they have gone as far as they can, they pass the baton to the next. There has been one who is walking with me the whole way, that would be the Lord Jesus! He is the one overseeing the journey. The one who my faith and trust is in the most! He is the one who has lead me to this awesome team that is caring for me! As soon as I know results of this victory, I will share as I know God will grow your faith as well! We serve a BIG GOD! He is able! I just want to say that I so appreciate all the love, support, and prayers that everyone is showering me with! I pray that our Father will give you a double portion!

 

 



Love,
Gigi

Phase One ~ Complete!

So here I am - last day of chemo for the first stage of treatment. God is so good! I have been eating really well! No pain! Hopefully I will have gained a little weight! (Not too much! Haha!)

Well, today was a trip with my man! We left in a snow fall, arrived a little late, but not a big deal because doctors and nurses were doing the same. They told me they just are glad we arrived safely! Isn't that great that they actually care about me? So the day went well! I have gained a pound! Who-hoo! I will take that! Better than losing it! My labs were all good! They discussed the next phase, in which I won't know which chemo I will be using until I get my P.E.T. scan. After these next few days I will get a 2 week break! I am ready for it! Can you believe I am entering 2nd phase? It is going fast! Thank you for the gifts, the meals, the encouragement, most of all a big Thank you for your prayers and love! I do have the peace that passes all understanding! I am feeling victorious in Jesus! I had a fantastic birthday week with lots of love!

Please join me in prayer and in any way you might want to help a family of one of my friends from high school and junior high. Her name is Kelly and her daughter just recently lost everything in a house fire! She has 2 children and they literally have nothing but their lives! Which we praise God for their protection! Please message me if there is anything you would be willing to do to help them! I know God will bless and they will be blessed by it!

Also remember my dear sister in Christ as she too is battling her own cancer. Her name is Tara, and she is trusting God for the victory!

My memory verse this week is: Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall Renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Do you see an EAGLE soaring over those rolling waves? I do!

One more shout-out to all my Trivia Crack partners, keep playing the game with me because I really am not a sore loser and I feel I am being educated while playing the game. So if you beat me I will be up for a new challenge! Hahahahaha!

Love,
Gigi

To Infinity .... and Beyond!

So this has been a pretty incredible last few days! Let me start with how blown away I am at the outpouring of love and support by so many people! I really can't contain it all! Not only from family and friends, but people who don't even know me.

On Saturday Rick and Kelli Szakal held a benefit for me at Infinity Gym. They raised an generous amount of money and so many showed up to work out on my behalf. These people make me strong! They give me the motivation to be strong and fight with everything that's in me! I see that in their faces as they push through some of the hardest workouts! I love you Infinity family for having my back and showing the world what God's love looks like! Powerful, unconditional, and all consuming!

 

 

So many of you let me know how much you are praying for me even your kids who make me teary because we all need the faith of a child! And to think that these precious babes bring me before our God just motivates me to fight with everything I have in me.

 

Those prayers have been very effective! I am eating whatever I want! No pain! It would appear that the tumor is shrinking! I am fatigued for the most part which is to be expected but I am doing things and getting out. I am experiencing some cold sensitivity to my hands so like Elsa, I have to wear gloves! Lol. Can't handle frozen!

Chemo is not so terribly hard at this point, although I am sure some would disagree with me. And I anticipate things to get a little more difficult once radiation starts. I will be getting chemo every week along with radiation. So I will ask for those prayers to keep coming!

I am approaching my last treatment for this first half and then I will be having a pet scan. Please ask Jesus for a shrinkage of 50%. You can surely ask Him for 100%.

You may think I am a strong person, but I tell you my strength comes from my Savior! I give Him all the glory and acknowledgement !

I can tell you I feel blessed beyond measure and completely loved. God has gone above and beyond what I can imagine or think or ask for! He answers that through people! You! Thank you from my heart! I will never forget all you are doing! The only way I know how to answer back is to win this battle! I believe I will!

 

Love,

Gigi

Making His Deeds Known

TWO down, ONE to go!!!! Almost half way done!

Today was a good day! The best was that my big brother took me for my treatment and hung out with me all day! It was good and we didn't even watch tv! We talked all day! And those of you who know me, understand that is my comfort zone! Thank you John! Love you for being there in my time of need! You are the best!

 

I started with my blood draw and I had the same nurse I got the last time, she is a Christian and very sweet! We had a great conversation about how our faith makes all the difference in the world, and how people who don't trust in Christ get through these trials. I love her and pray I get her each time!

On to my doctor's visit and saw several nurses, and Audrey my coordinator, and then an intern who was very nice and encouraging. I had some new questions in which he answered, so I learned some new info. All in all very upbeat and positive visit.

Then on to top floor for my treatment. Had to wait a little but got in and started the process. Nothing different. Takes about 3 1/2 hours. And then we are on our way. This time I had my own private room with a full view of the horseshoe and a TV which we didn't turn on because we just had good conversation. Made the time seem to go quicker.

So now I am home and going to just chill for a couple days, and then I will be back into the flow.

So here are some praises:

I gained a pound!

 

My blood work is great!

I am eating normal food as my pain is subsiding!

I received all smiles from the staff on that last praise!

Dr said that is an indicator chemo is being effective!

I feel a little better this round I believe it's because I have been eating better, due to all the wonderful meals we are receiving from all you awesome cooks!!!!!
You are fattening me up, and that's a good thing!

I also heard some positives on side effects which help me put some anxiousness to rest!

I have received some beautiful gifts from some beautiful people! Thank you from my heart! You have made me feel very loved! Everyone has!

 

To all my awesome prayer warriors, can I just say I hope you all realize how powerful your faith is! God is hearing you and He is going above and beyond what we all can imagine or think! He is faithful! I pray that your faith grows through this as well as mine! I pray He blesses all of you in a major way!

I am thankful to everyone for walking this journey with me! I love you all!

Here is how I would ask you to pray:

That I can continue to eat healthy and gain more weight! I know, not a usual request from a woman!

There will come a time when that will change again when I begin radiation.

For travel safety.

That I continue to stay healthy - I ask if you see me that if you have any doubt about being sick please just keep your distance in order to protect me. I am a hugger and can't resist so I will rely on you to protect.

For continued peace

ThatI will reflect my Jesus!

For total and complete healing physically!

Thank you again!

 

Love, Gigi

 

And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Isaiah 12:4-5

One Day at A Time

So I am on the week after and feeling back to my old self somewhat. I am eating better and actually not having much pain when I do. Praise God! I have decided to not work during this time so I will have time to take care of me. I have put on my Warrior Headdress and Shield, along with my bow and arrow! I will be in fight mode for the next few months so expect to see my tough girl side!
I have been experiencing some side effects but nothing too severe. The two days I had my pump I wasn't feeling the greatest, but I got through.
The Lord has created us with the will to fight and to live! I intend to utilize that will!
I hear interesting comments all the time and some make me smile as I am not sure what people expect out of a chemo patient. No harm, it's just teaching me cancer etiquette because I really was not aware of what to say and what not to say. We will learn together! I may write a book when this is all said and done.
I am so thankful for the love I feel from everyone! You have been so above and beyond what I can imagine or think! Thank you with all my heart. So for now I will enjoy each morning and each sunset and everything in between! All the little things that go unnoticed!
Funny how much your perspective can be altered by one word.....Cancer!

Love to you all!

Gigi

She Will Not Be Moved

The sun will soon be coming up on the horizon, and I have survived my first chemo treatment! Praise God! Such a long day for my daughter, my mom, and myself! We arrived at 11:30, left at 7 pm. My mom who is going to be 85 years young, is going through her second round of cancer with daughter number 2. How do you do that?
She learned at a young age how to survive! I believe God has had his hand on her all her life, as I believe He also holds me.
My daughter Jen, who also is a tough girl, brought her soft and gentle side along. She can hang in the hard times and I would be lost without her. I couldn't do this without any of my family! Right now they are my glue!
So the day consisted of back and forth trips up and down the floors, starting with blood draws. I have a port so anytime you access that , it has to be done with extreme care. My nurse was a Christian and she was wonderful! She got my day started off right!
I am thankful The Lord has gifted me with patience because I am learning you have to have a lot! I am not the only one going through this! It was a holiday week so they have crowded everyone into 4 days!
Then it was on to see my oncologist, who I really like and draw such encouragement from. I received very encouraging news again. The chemo I am on is not supposed to cause hair loss!!!
So if that holds out to be true, I will be one happy camper! Although it has other side effects which I started experiencing right away.
Then it was on to chemo. Quite a few people waiting their turn. I went back about 3:30. Nurses are super nice and very professional. They double check their work. My area where I will be receiving chemo, is a cozy private area with a tv and large window to look out. They offer me a meal which I accept. We settle in for the ride. The bags of liquid are hung and as that is being done my nurse is explaining to me procedures and side effects. This is so surreal! I am about to have a toxic substance filtered through my body! Each one is explained along with side effects. So it begins. Two hour procedure, then the last chemo bag is given, and then I am hooked up with a pump to take home with me. I am sent on my way.
I started experiencing side effects pretty much right away as one of the drugs they give you actually opens up your cells so that the chemo goes to work immediately! They don't mess around!
And so I begin!
I can't tell you how much your prayers and concern, meals, cards mean to me! The outpouring of love is mind blowing! I know that their are some of you who are doing some serious praying and staying at our Father's throne room constantly for me! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
You represent the body of Christ well! This will forever change my life!
Here are some things to pray for!
My weight is stable - stays that way
I won't become sick
I can tolerate these drugs
Strength for my family
I can continue to eat and drink well
I will represent my Jesus well!
Sorry this is so long, I promise not to be so lengthy next time!
Love you all so much!

Gigi

One For The Money, Two For The Show...

So tomorrow is the big day! Ready to get this show on the road! I have peace! I am ready! I have a big God! 
Appreciate prayers for travel, and that all will go well, but mostly that I will reflect Jesus! Love you all for doing this with me!

Fear Not

I received my port yesterday and did pretty well. They didn't put me completely out so I was awake through the whole procedure. I couldn't see anything and the only pain I had was when they numbed the area. I know have a little device in my shoulder that everything will go through. No more I.V. and no more sticks for blood draws. I will only likely keep it a year maybe longer. My shoulder feels like somebody punched me really hard or for you hunters, a kickback from a shotgun. I am restricted for a couple weeks but other than that not too bad.

I was in the new building and got a first hand view of what they have to offer. It is something else. I am sure to experience a whole lot more. Everyone there is super nice and very helpful. They know their profession and perform with the upmost experience! I am in good hands! I am ready to get on with it.

I have been receiving so much encouragement from so many of you and I can tell you it is breathing life into me! I am blessed and thankful for it! I want to try to live as normal as I can, although is there such a thing? I know I am not the only one who has or will go through this, but I want to share my journey in the hopes that it will be an encouragement to someone. Either for the journey or spiritually. I have a God who can handle it all and wants to! He walks with me right through this, and if I become to weak and weary, He will pick me up and carry me! This I can rest in. I am memorizing a new verse:
Fear not, for I am with you ; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand. Isaiah 41:10

Action

So I am on my way to get my port and no doubt it will be a long day. It is becoming a reality. I will be starting my chemo treatments next week. I have been at a stand still for the last two weeks. Now that we have the plan, they have started moving fast.

I will be having chemo for 6 weeks, with a week off. Then I will start radiation and chemo for another 6 weeks. I will have 6 to 10 weeks of recovery and healing, then on to surgery. This type of cancer is best treated with chemo, radiation, and surgery. It makes the percentage of reoccurrence much lower.

After the first 6 weeks of chemo, they will do a pet scan to see how the tumor has responded. If it shrinks by 35% I will continue on with that drug, if not they will switch me over to the other drug that they use.

 

So we begin the journey. I have peace in My God! I have peace in my medical team! I have peace in my support! I will come out of this a changed person, but I pray it will be more like Jesus!

Please pray for:

Me to keep up my eating - high calories, high protein

Energy level

My prayer is the tumor will shrink 50% God can do more if He would like to!

I will tolerate the chemo well

I am not the only one at this time going through this kind of journey

My friend and sister in Christ Tara will start her chemo next week as well! Please pray for her to be strong and tolerate her treatment well. Peace for her and her family.

Jon and Amy Neimi. They have been given very encouraging news concerning his cancer. Pray that God will continue to do what He does the best. HEAL !!!

Above all our God will get the glory and praise for all things! These journeys will bring people to our Jesus!

Love you all.

Hills & Valleys

I know that some of you may be anxious to hear how my visit went yesterday, so I will try to communicate what is swirling around in my head.

While we all went up to Ohio State anticipating a game plan to be in place, several plan options were suggested to me. Clinical terms were used as well which brought the cold harsh reality of exactly what I am dealing with to me. I don't like clinical. I won't go into all the details of what I have been offered but the fact that I have options is to me a good thing. That means I can make the choice I feel will give me the best options to beat this! I also am not going to share my staging because I have already learned through several conversations that people who are not educated in this will react as though I will not win this battle. I absolutely do not need that reaction. I need prayers, encouragement, humor, love, hope, support. I don't want to hear any stories of how someone who has this type of cancer isn't beating it or didn't beat it. That does not help me. I know my biggest battle will be in my mind.

As of December 18,2014, my life changed in a major way. I have begun to make decisions that will affect the rest of my life. This is a interruption in my life that I did not see coming nor asked for. Nevertheless here it is. I have to deal with it and that I will. But not without Jesus being in the drivers seat, or will I be alone in this journey. I am blessed beyond measure to have the most supportive and loving family, friends, and the body of Christ, all who I know will help get me through this. I also have the utmost confidence in my medical team! For crying out loud, I have a tumor board who meet once a week and discuss my case! Lol. This will no doubt be one of the most life changing years for me. So once again I will hold onto My Father's hand and He will walk me through the valley! I will trust in Christ with all that is within me and I will praise Him for the trial! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

How you can pray:

 

That I will be able to continue to eat

That I will tolerate treatment

That treatment works

That those most involved in my care and support to remain strong

And

That this will point people to the one and only God - Jesus

That is the desire of my heart!

Love you all,

Gigi