Hello, Stranger!

Well it has been a while since I've made a post here. It's time for some updates! Mom has been given the privilege of going on a Mission trip to Belize!! What an angel she is. Always making a point to make a good impact in the lives of others!
 

"Baby Antonio. Can I keep him?"

A few words from one of her updates during the trip:

"For anyone who doesn't believe God exists, you need to come here. Or just open your eyes and look around. God is everywhere. I could definitely live here."

Anticipation....

Today Mom gets results of her latest Octreotide scan. She was told last month, after having a routine CAT scan, that there has been growth in the tumors on her liver. After nearly three years of stability, it appears the monthly injections she has been receiving are no longer maintaining stability of the cancer. She went for the Octreotide scan a little over 2 weeks ago, the results of which are far more accurate than the CAT scan. The images will tell how much growth there has been and next course of treatment can be determined...possibly chemotherapy or chemo-immobilization. The anticipation of hearing those results has really got me on an emotional roller coaster today. I pray that the growth is minimal, though I fear it has been significant. While I am frightened, I continue to be inspired by my Mom's extreme faith and strength she shows during these times. She never ceases to amaze me! I love you Mom! No matter what news we get today, we will continue to take it as it comes, one day at a time and within the hands of GOD.

What's the Plan, Lord?

Update from Brenda 1/13/13 - I have an appointment with my oncologist Monday 1/14 at 2 pm to find out the results of my latest Octreotide Study. The results will determine if I have another Chemoembolization and or more Chemotherapy. My prayer is that God will take all the cancer and pain away ("When the Hurt and the Healer Collide" - Mercy Me) or if it is in His plan for a second round ("Even if the Healing Doesn't Come" - Kutless). Whatever the outcome my God is still in control and will be praised Forever & Ever! To God I give all the glory !!!!!!

Origami Angel

F.R.O.G (Faithfully Relying on GOD)

Thanks to all for your continued thoughts and support. And a special thanks for the cards and notes sent to my Mom during her Emmaus Walk. She was very surprised! She still has yet to finish reading the stack of greetings she received.

Sincerely,
Nikki


Update - Brenda 11/15/2010

Greetings All, I saw my oncologist on 11/3. She told me that two small spots showed up on the scan that was done on 10/27 & 28. They are too small to do biopsies on and may be from my being sick 1 week prior to the scan. I will have a CT scan done in 3 months and see what it shows. Until then, I'm trusting in God to take care of them. I went on the Darke County Women's Emmaus Walk #40 the weekend of 11/4-7. It was a wonderful, spirit filled weekend. I met a lot of new friends, cried a lot, laughed a lot and ate more that weekend than I normally do in 1 week! It was awesome! I can't wait to go on another one as a team member. Faithfully Relying On God (frog)! Brenda

Update - Brenda 7/23/10

Dear all!

I had my 3 month follow-up with the oncologist on Wednesday. She said my scan (done last week) showed that tumors are still stable. PRAISE THE LORD! She also said "I'm really amazed that you are not having even the slightest hint of liver failure or symptoms, considering the condition your liver is in". Wasn't sure if I should be concerned or not. I'm just glad and Praising the Lord for my current physical and mental condition. I FEEL GREAT! I even quit taking a couple of my digestive meds (was starting to have side effects). I feel better everyday. I don't have to go back to see the oncologist for 4 months. I still go for my monthly injection of Sandostatin though (that will never change).

PRAISING MY SAVIOR ALL THE DAY LONG !!!!!!
Love to all,
Brenda

All is Stable - Brenda - Update 2/1/10

PRAISE THE LORD FOR ANOTHER GOOD REPORT FROM THE ONCOLOGIST!!!

Tumors are still stable !!! Still no symptoms !!!

However, she did increase my monthly Sandostatin injection to 30mg (which is the max). Trying to get rid of (or at least decrease) the hot flashes. Still no flushing though. Hot flashes may be due to menapause. Guess that what happens as we ladies get older.....what?!?!?! me getting older just because I had a bday Saturday !?!?! no way....still 25 and holding...what ?!?!?!?

I will see the oncologist again the end of April.

I'm so thankful that God has gotten me through another year (even with a few minor set backs). He is still enabling me to work at least 40 hrs a week !!! My God is an Awesome God !!!

Thanks for all the continued prayers !!!! May you all be richly blessed in more ways than you can imagine in 2010 !!!!

In God's Loving Arms Always & Forever,
Brenda