Not What We Wanted to Hear

Well Mom went in for another Octreotide scan this week and today is the day she received her results. I got a text message from her in the evening asking me to give her a call when I had a chance. I dared not hesitate so I called right away with anticipation eating at my gut. She said that her doctor has told her that she will no longer be a possible candidate for a liver transplant as he had thought a month before. This latest scan (much more powerful than a CT Scan or MRI) showed that her cancer is NOT contained in the liver, it has actually progressed and spread to other areas of her body. Huge blow of devastation right there! She calmly went on to tell me that there is a spot in her mediastinum region (the cavity in the chest that holds the heart, esophagus, trachea, etc.), a spot on her left shoulder blade and a third spot on her left arm bone between the shoulder and elbow. At this point the doctor had not had an opportunity to review the entire report and scan results so he couldn’t tell her how large these new tumors are or where we go from here. She says there is no point in worrying about something she has no control over, but of course I worry. I am heartbroken. So we wait. Wait to hear back from the doctors on Monday or later and wait for an appointment with the oncologist to devise a treatment plan..........

Good News, Bad News, Good News, Best News- Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Today Mom saw her liver cancer specialist to review the results of her latest MRI. Here's her update on that visit:

"God is so AWESOME! I saw my liver cancer specialist today to get the results of my latest MRI. I got good news, bad news, good news and what could possibly turn out to be the best news ever. The good news: the small tumors are shrinking or staying stable. The bad news: 1 tumor has gotten quite a bit larger. The good news: since I'm feeling really good and have been off my meds since January 5th he decided not to do another embolization at this time. I will have another MRI done in 3 months and decide at that time if the embolization will be done. Now for the news that could possibly be the best news ever: He is going back to the liver transplant team and reopen the possibility of a liver transplant. This is because the cancer has been contained in the liver for the past 6 years. The first request was denied because there were tumors on my pancreas. These were removed during my surgery in 2008 and no more have appeared. I will know within the next 3 months if the request is approved. If the transplant is in God's plan for me it will be approved. I told the doctor I had a few more trips to make to Belize. My God is an AWESOME God! I know He isn't done with me yet! He had lots of plans yet for my life! Thanks for all the prayers. God is still in control!"

How reassuring to know that there could possibly be and end in sight to this cancer! Oh what I would give to have my mom's body ridded of this evil beast. Regardless, though, we will take it and face it as it comes!

Show Me

“I wanna live this life unsafe, unsure, but not afraid. I'm a believer. Jesus show me where you want me to go and what you want me to do.” -Brenda Kite, Facebook Post 2/10/14

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