"Round #5 begins" - update from Debbie · Sep 19, 08:02 AM

Psalm of David.) Blessed be the Lord, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;

I was enjoying a wonderful fall weekend at Labor Day Family Camp in Dayton, Ohio with friends when my oncologist called to let me know that the tumor markers had gone up and the recent PET Scan revealed three new tumors. Once again, my opponent had struck the first blow and I found myself reeling as I tried to process the words I was hearing. I had been having back and chest pain again for about 6-8 weeks, but I really didn’t expect to hear that the cancer had returned! I called Joseph who had stayed in Miami to begin the last semester of classes for his PhD and we began to process, yet again, the different scenarios that could play out and once again we found ourselves crying out to the Lord for wisdom and mercy and grace for yet another round.

After a terrific week in Ohio, we (my grandson, Aaron, had flown to Ohio with me) arrived home on Tuesday and I had chemo on Wednesday. The oncologist suggested remaining on the current chemo treatment but returning to the recommended two week schedule at the 100% dosage to see if we can shrink the tumors again. Today will be my second treatment under that regimen. So, I have one week on chemo that is difficult and one week feeling fairly normal. Sometimes it is difficult not to fall into negative thinking and give up, but I am choosing not to go there. I find that when I start giving in to the negative thoughts, I become weaker and want to stay in bed more, but when I keep my eyes on God (by faith), there seems to be grace to live a pretty normal life. At times I have to push myself, but it is always worth it.

Everyone says I look great and my friend, Jonathan Kopechek in Ohio, who is getting a PhD that allows him to study the very chemo drugs I am taking, said it is a miracle that I am still here and getting around as well as I am. I took that as an encouragement! And once again, I affirm that my “times are in God’s hands” and He will decide when my time is up. So, I am up and on my feet, carefully dodging my opponent’s blows and getting in some of my own! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I know this has been a long season, but thanks for hanging in there with us and for staying positive.

Love to all,
Debbie

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Comment

  1. Siempre estarán en nuestros pensamientos y oraciones. Ustedes han sido gran bendición para nuestras vidas… La labor que ustedes realizaron en Colombia, aún continúa dando sus frutos. DIOS LOS BENDIGA.

    — mario y yolanda. · Sep 19, 02:14 PM · #

  2. Thank you for keeping us updated. You’re a true inspiration to me. Thank you again for sharing your heart. May the Lord continue to pour out His mercy, grace and favor into your lives. Your in my prayers and thoughts.

    — Kimberly · Sep 21, 06:21 AM · #

  3. Debbie,
    “Thanks for staying positive…” How could we not? You are such an example. We love you guys and, no, we haven’t stopped praying and trusting the one who has us all in his hands.
    Love,
    John and Vicki

    — John and Vicki · Sep 21, 03:40 PM · #

  4. You keep lending strength to us ‘listeners’ as you continue on with such joy and determination. Thank you for that. I don’t know when I will have to dig this deep myself but whenever that is, I will thank the Lord for what I’ve gained from you Debbie.
    With prayer,

    — Stephen Hill · Sep 21, 03:45 PM · #

  5. My Dear Sister Debbie,

    The glory of God rests upon you. The kindness, I have known for more than 30 years shines from your eyes. The contageous confidence in God by which you and Joseph have lived your lives inspires me still. Tammy and I pray for continued strength and victory (and Joseph’s toe – ouch!) You are Blessed!

    — Gary Holman · Sep 21, 07:41 PM · #

  6. Just a note to thank you for coming by the other day. It’s always nice to have you visit.
    Love…Tom

    — Tom · Sep 23, 12:32 PM · #

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