Medical Update - Psalm 16 · Feb 28, 08:08 AM

PSA 16:6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

I awoke at 4am this morning due to the chemo I had yesterday. It doesn’t permit much sleep that first night, but I have been listening to the beautiful birdsong and the good morning greeting of the local rooster as well as the morning sounds of neighbors rushing off to work. Life is good and pleasant for me.

I have had a couple of complications in the last couple of months that I would like to ask you to pray for. Beginning in December I began having swelling in my face, hands and feet, so I have been getting Lymphedema Massages to help flush toxins from my system. They are helpful. Also, my kidneys are showing signs of distress by putting out protein at levels that will not permit me to have one of my chemo drugs (Avastin). The steroids I take to help with the side affects of the chemo (nausea, vomiting and pain) are also pushing my blood sugar up into the 500-600 range so the endocrinologist has started me on insulin shots and a new medicine to bring control. It may be the steroids that are causing the swelling and protein in the urine as well.

Even though there are a few days that I stay in bed, most days I am up by 6am fixing coffee/tea for Joseph and myself to drink as we read the Bible and pray together. Then we are off and into our day…me to help with the grandchildren, housework, taxes, etc. and Joseph to the university to study for his comprehensive exams and work on research for his dissertation.

In June I will celebrate 4 years since the doctor gave me the diagnosis. May you know God’s goodness as well!

Blessings,
Debbie

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Comment

  1. Hi Debbie,

    I am (one of) Joseph’s (several) friend(s), and I was in your place for a party last year.

    I love your picture on the mainpage, the one with a wonderful smile on your face. Old people in my country (Turkey) would call it a “light of wisdom, and/or faith, on your face”.

    I wish peace and health for you.

    Harun

    — Harun Onder · Feb 28, 10:54 AM · #

  2. Dear Debbie,
    I was also up at 4 in the morning because I have cold. Nothing serious. But I like to know I shared those early moments and somewhere in the other side of town you were up. I am/ was there with you.
    Much love
    Aurora

    — Aurora Morcillo · Feb 28, 11:05 AM · #

  3. We love you Debbie. Our prayers continue…

    John and Vicki

    — John and Vicki Meadows · Feb 28, 07:46 PM · #

  4. Hi Mrs Debbie.
    You have always been such a dear and sweet person, that allowed me a part of your family.
    I am so grateful that the Lord has blessed you and that you may continue to fight.
    I know that we don’t see each other much, but your I always have you in my heart.
    I hope to see you soon. (and I mean that)
    Much love ALWAYS.

    — Lani Blanco · Mar 2, 10:02 PM · #

  5. Well since you’ve been staying up so late anyways you might as well come hang out with us at stick and steins!! Oh.. and I had plans to kill that rooster, but now that I know you like it I guess I’ll let it slide.

    — Daniel · Mar 3, 02:31 AM · #

  6. Oh and that stroganoff you made today was Awesome.

    — Daniel · Mar 3, 02:33 AM · #

  7. I’m so glad you didn’t kill the rooster, Dan. In case you hadn’t noticed, I love animals. Thank you all for your kind comments…Debbie

    — Debbie · Mar 3, 05:52 PM · #

  8. Hi Debbie,
    I love listening to birds too in the mornings. As a child, I did not pay attention to those things. It is as I grow old, that I pay more and more attention to those and other things. Yeni and I turned six. I guess, in that respect, we are children and do not notice many things yet, but we will as we “grow”. I don’t pray that often anymore. But when I do, I will pray for you and Joseph.
    Israel

    — Israel · Mar 3, 09:14 PM · #

  9. Hello Debbie: Good to talk to you and Joseph a few weeks ago. Looking forward to seeing you on the 14th in person. Then I can give you a hug. Love you and in my thoughts and prayers as always.

    — Selena · Mar 4, 08:27 AM · #

  10. Jack prays for you every night. Judith has chosen July 10, 2010 as her wedding date. She wants Joseph to do the ceremony. Can you hold on? Love, Betsy

    — Betsy · Mar 4, 09:17 AM · #

  11. hi Israel, I just read your note to Debbie — she will log on here later to respond, but thanks for the prayers. When are we going to get together?

    Looking forward to seeing you Selena, Betsy, tell Jack “thanks” ... did I undstand you right that Judith wants ME to do the wedding?

    — joseph · Mar 4, 09:36 AM · #

  12. Hi Debbie, You amaze me when you get up after a few days and carry on as usual. What strength the Lord gives you! Keep on keeping on. Love Grace

    — Grace · Mar 7, 02:28 PM · #

  13. Hi Debbie,
    I pray for you all the time. I wish I was there to spend my Wednesday afternoons with you after work. I miss our times together. I love you and miss you very much!

    — Clare · Mar 7, 04:17 PM · #

  14. hey Clare, we miss you too. When are you coming back to visit? Perhaps when Ruth gets back in June? I’ll tell Debbie about your comment.

    Hi Grace. Is this Grace Immel? Good to hear from you.

    — joseph · Mar 9, 07:36 AM · #

  15. Debbie, you and Joseph and your family are on my mind today. I deeply appreciate your example of “faithful faith” in our Father and our Lord Jesus. I pray that you will experience the refreshing wind/breath of the Holy Spirit today and that he, “the finger of God,” will touch you at the places of deepest need — spirit, soul, and body.

    — Steve Humble · Mar 11, 07:47 AM · #

  16. hey Steve, thanks for the note. It is probably a good thing you are thinking of us today. She was throwing up most of the morning … and she starts another two week round of chemo on Friday. These two weeks past, there was no break — no “good days.” I think she has hit an emotional low point today. So far, I am not letting it bother me, but I am sure it is working on me unconsciously — so, the bottom line is, we have really needed your prayers today. THANKS!

    — Joseph · Mar 11, 01:58 PM · #

  17. quick update: we talked with the oncologist on Thurs. Deb was at a real low point after two solid weeks of feeling aweful with no relief. The oncologist made a couple of suggestions to try some changes in medication, and then agreed to Debbie’s request to “take a break” from chemo. The chemo what was schedule for last Friday was pushed back two more weeks. Yesterday and today
    Deb is feeling better — quasi normal. Thanks for your prayers!!

    — joseph · Mar 15, 10:30 AM · #

  18. We are thinking of you, praying breakthrough for you, and contending for healing on your behalf, from friends in the faith in the Atlanta area. With hugs and generous armloads of strength to be there as you have need of them – day after day, Deborah B.

    — Deborah · Mar 18, 12:24 AM · #

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