Good Morning Everyone,
I hope you all had blessed Christmas celebrations full of the knowledge of God’s goodness and focused on heaven’s Giver of Life!
We spent the weekend playing music for Christmas Eve (our family’s universally ascribed favorite service), enjoying Ben’s repeated and improved Luke 2:1-21 recitations, savoring Daddy’s buttery shrimp and Mama’s “Bruna Bönor” and “Saffron Bulle”, conversing on endless topics, learning a game Daddy played with his family when he was young(!), relishing the books and documentaries we gave each other as gifts endeavoring to absorb some of the wealth of wisdom and good information in them... It was a precious time.
Yesterday’s appointments went very well; God gave us confidence and clarity of purpose regarding the order of Mom’s future treatment and surgery, a certain answer to prayer. There was some question of resuming Taxol and whether it would interfere with the surgery schedule, general treatment schedules, etc. Previously, I wrote that it was not likely Mom’s nerve pain would diminish to barely noticeable. I’m not sure how or why (except for the working of God) but her symptoms have decreased to the point where once again we discussed Taxol treatments, not necessarily a preferred topic for deliberation by this time. :) We were also a little apprehensive of our appointment yesterday morning because we were not scheduled to see our regular oncologist. Like so many times before, all this was brought before our heavenly Father and we were blessed to see Him still our souls and prepare a path for us, bringing clarity out of uncertainty. We have plans to proceed with surgery in the next few weeks (with no positive date until we meet with the surgeon on January 4th) and then possibly, if Mom’s nerve pain continues to heal as it has she will finish as many Taxol treatments as possible. We choose to trust in Him who has proven Himself infinitely faithful on our behalf. In the next few days, we would appreciate prayer specifically for wisdom in surgery decisions, that God would provide us with clear, definitive answers to our questions, so we will know what pleases Him and be confident in it. Please know we love and appreciate you so much and are forever ineffably grateful for all your prayers.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
There is not much to report this week except that no news is good news! Mama says her neuropathy pain might be improving, that is, lessening. We are excited although not sure what we should attribute it to, the fact that she has not had Taxol for 2 ½ weeks and she could be healing already? Or perhaps because she is no longer taking the Lyrica drug so her feet are not swelling so much, or maybe even the B vitamins she started taking last week are helping? Whatever it is we are thanking and praising the Lord especially now as we draw near Christmas and prepare our hearts with gratefulness to worship Him and celebrate His birth!
Speaking of which, this home is full of preparation and secrets, the savory smells of almond, saffron and cinnamon as the last few treats are baked and the hushed “Don’t look!”s as odd-shaped bundles wrapped in blankets are carted from room to room. Ben’s room especially is always shrouded in mystery. Every Christmas he makes special hand-made gifts and throughout the month of December we can hear curious hammerings and machinery and smells of burnt leather and wood stain seep out from under his door. :o) These small acts of generosity being such a wonderful reminder of the greatest gift of all…!
May you all be blessed this Christmas with a grateful comprehension of God’s love for us in giving us His Son “whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power….” “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:6-11, Hebrews 1:2-4, Romans 5:7-8)
Speaking of which, this home is full of preparation and secrets, the savory smells of almond, saffron and cinnamon as the last few treats are baked and the hushed “Don’t look!”s as odd-shaped bundles wrapped in blankets are carted from room to room. Ben’s room especially is always shrouded in mystery. Every Christmas he makes special hand-made gifts and throughout the month of December we can hear curious hammerings and machinery and smells of burnt leather and wood stain seep out from under his door. :o) These small acts of generosity being such a wonderful reminder of the greatest gift of all…!
May you all be blessed this Christmas with a grateful comprehension of God’s love for us in giving us His Son “whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power….” “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:6-11, Hebrews 1:2-4, Romans 5:7-8)
Monday, December 13, 2010
We saw our oncologist today and were encouraged by his visit! Mama will only resume Taxol treatments if her nerve pain is reduced to “barely noticeable”. As that is not likely, I think we are safe to assume Mom is finished for now with chemotherapy and will continue with Herceptin which is immunotherapy and less physically taxing. Our oncologist said we are not to worry about this conclusion of Taxol being a setback in the overall treatment plan. He said, “Don’t think that way.” ;o)
Mama received Herceptin today and will continue with weekly treatments throughout December at which point we will switch to once every two or three weeks. A consultation with our surgeon is scheduled for January 4th. We would appreciate continued prayer for good communication; more trust in God’s goodness and that the Lord would continue to guide the minds of our doctors.
Praying you are all warm and safe after the Minnesota blizzard!
Mama received Herceptin today and will continue with weekly treatments throughout December at which point we will switch to once every two or three weeks. A consultation with our surgeon is scheduled for January 4th. We would appreciate continued prayer for good communication; more trust in God’s goodness and that the Lord would continue to guide the minds of our doctors.
Praying you are all warm and safe after the Minnesota blizzard!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement; you don’t know how much they mean to me and us.
We just received an email from our Oncologist this morning, “No more Taxol. Have the nurses call me Monday and I can stop by.”
Prayers have already been answered… so thankful… a great peace has set in.
Love,
Karen for all of us here
We just received an email from our Oncologist this morning, “No more Taxol. Have the nurses call me Monday and I can stop by.”
Prayers have already been answered… so thankful… a great peace has set in.
Love,
Karen for all of us here
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thank you all for your notes and prayers! The Lord gave us peace and assurance as we needed it.
We are grateful for His sovereignty in everything. However much we plan and take counsel even so it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand (Proverbs 19:21) and He directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9). We are reminded (not for the first time in recent history :o)) that God disposes even kings as He pleases (Proverbs 21:1) and so take comfort that whatever a doctor’s decision or study coordinator’s input is, it is guided by One who makes no mistakes and who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. Oh, sweet confidence! “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone”.
I would say that overall our appointment today went well, but not without struggles and uncertainty as to what action to proceed with at times. We weren’t able to see our oncologist for very long; he generously made himself available to stop in for a brief consultation even though technically he was “booked” all day. We were very satisfied with his decision. He suggested cutting the Paclitaxel dosage basically in half which would have allowed Mama to still receive it but hopefully without such harsh results. Unfortunately, after he left, the study coordinator found a detail in the study manual that wouldn’t allow Mom with stage 3 neuropathy, to switch to that dosage... I won’t weary you with more details. Suffice to say, Mama didn’t receive the Paclitaxel today (She did still receive Herceptin). We are somewhat glad because this gives us another week to observe how Mama is doing, but I think you’ll know what I mean when I say we wish the decision could have remained as our doctor suggested rather than the study criteria. Of course the truth above still applies and we rest in the knowledge that God had the right treatment in mind for Mama today whatever the outcome. We still pray for wisdom for the doctors next week as they reassess Mom’s ability/necessity of continuing treatments and also peace and assurance for Mama in communicating with different doctors especially ones we don’t see regularly. Thank you for your kindness to us in so many ways, your expressions of care and love. We are so grateful for you.
We are grateful for His sovereignty in everything. However much we plan and take counsel even so it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand (Proverbs 19:21) and He directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9). We are reminded (not for the first time in recent history :o)) that God disposes even kings as He pleases (Proverbs 21:1) and so take comfort that whatever a doctor’s decision or study coordinator’s input is, it is guided by One who makes no mistakes and who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. Oh, sweet confidence! “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone”.
I would say that overall our appointment today went well, but not without struggles and uncertainty as to what action to proceed with at times. We weren’t able to see our oncologist for very long; he generously made himself available to stop in for a brief consultation even though technically he was “booked” all day. We were very satisfied with his decision. He suggested cutting the Paclitaxel dosage basically in half which would have allowed Mama to still receive it but hopefully without such harsh results. Unfortunately, after he left, the study coordinator found a detail in the study manual that wouldn’t allow Mom with stage 3 neuropathy, to switch to that dosage... I won’t weary you with more details. Suffice to say, Mama didn’t receive the Paclitaxel today (She did still receive Herceptin). We are somewhat glad because this gives us another week to observe how Mama is doing, but I think you’ll know what I mean when I say we wish the decision could have remained as our doctor suggested rather than the study criteria. Of course the truth above still applies and we rest in the knowledge that God had the right treatment in mind for Mama today whatever the outcome. We still pray for wisdom for the doctors next week as they reassess Mom’s ability/necessity of continuing treatments and also peace and assurance for Mama in communicating with different doctors especially ones we don’t see regularly. Thank you for your kindness to us in so many ways, your expressions of care and love. We are so grateful for you.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Good Evening,
We are enjoying a restful night together after an exciting morning of worship and celebration; rejoicing in all the good things God has done for us! We would appreciate prayer for wisdom as we, and specifically Mama has a tough decision to work through before next treatment, tomorrow. As you know, the Paclitaxel has caused considerable nerve pain and neuropathy for Mama. The Lyrica drug helped to alleviate the problem for a few weeks but is now causing her feet and ankles to swell making her symptoms worse. Mama’s doctor told her it is really up to her to decide how severe her pain is and thus how much longer to continue treatments. We know or think we know that every treatment reduces the risk of recurring cancer. I think we can’t know exactly because we don’t know how much cancer still exists or if any exists at all. We are also informed the nerve symptoms will get worse each treatment and the worse they get the “harder” (longer) it will be before they heal. Of course Mom wouldn’t want to continue unnecessary treatments and suffer permanent nerve damage. On the other hand, she certainly does want to decrease her risk of recurring cancer and would like to have finished all the treatments… Thank you for reading this out and praying for us as I know so many of you will. Hopefully, after our appointment with our Doctor tomorrow we will have more information and God will make it clear what treatment Mama should have. We'll let you know what happens tomorrow. Love to you all and good night.
We are enjoying a restful night together after an exciting morning of worship and celebration; rejoicing in all the good things God has done for us! We would appreciate prayer for wisdom as we, and specifically Mama has a tough decision to work through before next treatment, tomorrow. As you know, the Paclitaxel has caused considerable nerve pain and neuropathy for Mama. The Lyrica drug helped to alleviate the problem for a few weeks but is now causing her feet and ankles to swell making her symptoms worse. Mama’s doctor told her it is really up to her to decide how severe her pain is and thus how much longer to continue treatments. We know or think we know that every treatment reduces the risk of recurring cancer. I think we can’t know exactly because we don’t know how much cancer still exists or if any exists at all. We are also informed the nerve symptoms will get worse each treatment and the worse they get the “harder” (longer) it will be before they heal. Of course Mom wouldn’t want to continue unnecessary treatments and suffer permanent nerve damage. On the other hand, she certainly does want to decrease her risk of recurring cancer and would like to have finished all the treatments… Thank you for reading this out and praying for us as I know so many of you will. Hopefully, after our appointment with our Doctor tomorrow we will have more information and God will make it clear what treatment Mama should have. We'll let you know what happens tomorrow. Love to you all and good night.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring...
Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.
Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.
Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Greetings Dear Friends,
I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving filled with gratefulness for our Savior and the joy of being near dear family and eating from the bounty God has generously provided for us – we did!
Thank you all for the love birthday blessings and wishes for Mama! We mentioned she settled for an apple pie with a candle in it… well, we stuck 50 candles in it and made quite a blaze! We had to be careful not to put it too close to Mom and sing “Happy Birthday” fastest ever so the candles didn’t melt her wig. Speaking of which, we are very excited; Mama’s hair is growing back a wee tiny bit so her head looks like a peach. Oh, joy, come back hair! Sometimes hair comes back on Paclitaxel and sometimes it doesn’t. At first Mama lost her eye brows and some lashes but now it’s all growing back slowly.
We have good news today! Mama’s white counts have actually gone up since last week from 1.04 to 1.66 (Neutrophils) so she was able to have the Paclitaxel today. Thank you for all your prayers! Praising Jesus for His soft and slow and faithful (and did I mention perfect!) care of us, His children. We are officially half finished; only 6 more chemos to go.
Mama did notice an increase in her neuropathy and nerve pain in her feet this past week. She walks 2-3 miles at a time about 4 times a week. The first half mile is pretty painful but her feet actually feel better afterwards; we are not sure if the increased circulation helps or if simply walking stimulates the nerves to “wake-up” in a good way? In any case, we would appreciate continued prayers that her poor feet that feel like “clubs” would hold out for 6 more treatments or at least a few more. Pray that her white count stays high enough and that she escapes the germs going around. The fact that she has been protected from sickness so far is nothing short of miraculous, so keep praying! God is hearing us!
And can I say again, thank you everyone for your love and care, and for all who have brought meals. They are unspeakable blessing to us, a very tangible expression of the love of God generously poured out through you all. This road would be much too steep without you.
Love you much,
Aubrey
I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving filled with gratefulness for our Savior and the joy of being near dear family and eating from the bounty God has generously provided for us – we did!
Thank you all for the love birthday blessings and wishes for Mama! We mentioned she settled for an apple pie with a candle in it… well, we stuck 50 candles in it and made quite a blaze! We had to be careful not to put it too close to Mom and sing “Happy Birthday” fastest ever so the candles didn’t melt her wig. Speaking of which, we are very excited; Mama’s hair is growing back a wee tiny bit so her head looks like a peach. Oh, joy, come back hair! Sometimes hair comes back on Paclitaxel and sometimes it doesn’t. At first Mama lost her eye brows and some lashes but now it’s all growing back slowly.
We have good news today! Mama’s white counts have actually gone up since last week from 1.04 to 1.66 (Neutrophils) so she was able to have the Paclitaxel today. Thank you for all your prayers! Praising Jesus for His soft and slow and faithful (and did I mention perfect!) care of us, His children. We are officially half finished; only 6 more chemos to go.
Mama did notice an increase in her neuropathy and nerve pain in her feet this past week. She walks 2-3 miles at a time about 4 times a week. The first half mile is pretty painful but her feet actually feel better afterwards; we are not sure if the increased circulation helps or if simply walking stimulates the nerves to “wake-up” in a good way? In any case, we would appreciate continued prayers that her poor feet that feel like “clubs” would hold out for 6 more treatments or at least a few more. Pray that her white count stays high enough and that she escapes the germs going around. The fact that she has been protected from sickness so far is nothing short of miraculous, so keep praying! God is hearing us!
And can I say again, thank you everyone for your love and care, and for all who have brought meals. They are unspeakable blessing to us, a very tangible expression of the love of God generously poured out through you all. This road would be much too steep without you.
Love you much,
Aubrey
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Happy Birthday to Mama!
Much love to you Mama on the anniversary of your birthday! We are so thankful and honored to be your children and not often enough conscious of our great privilege in spending quality time with you. Praise the Lord, for his wonderful grace in giving you to us! We rise up in love to honor and bless you with a share of the devotion that you lavish every day on us, your family, by the grace of your heavenly Father and ours.
Mama asked for a candle in a large steak… and then under persuasion she settled for a candle in an apple pie tomorrow after a candle in a big piece of steak tonight! :o) Daddy cooked it for her…just right.
Mama asked for a candle in a large steak… and then under persuasion she settled for a candle in an apple pie tomorrow after a candle in a big piece of steak tonight! :o) Daddy cooked it for her…just right.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Good Evening,
I’m sure you are all filled with excitement and anticipation as you prepare for Thanksgiving this week! We are so thankful for all God is doing for and in us, showing us treasures of the darkness, and holding us fast to His word. He is demonstrating to us His faithfulness and who He is and we hunger to be nearer to Him as the hymn writer said, “Even though it be a cross that raiseth me”.
We were talking today about the mercy of God in our nearness to heaven and how we become especially conscious and thankful for the fact that this earth is not our home in the presence of so much human suffering and frailty. I am lost in the wonder of God’s mercy in rescuing me from not only this but the much worse punishment, being blatantly aware that nothing I can do earns Heaven but only His indescribable grace towards those who believe. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”(1 Peter 2:24) At the risk of appearing tautological to some, I cannot be silent on the subject that is overflowing from our hearts and the only source of our joy and steadfast confidence, in the hope that as some of you have said you can have confidence in our reliance on God.
I have a few prayer requests to share with you for Mama. Mom is participating in a study and according to the study’s standards her white count today was “too low to proceed” with chemo but by Mayo Clinic’s standards it was just high enough at 1.04. By the study’s standards her white count didn’t need to be tested today; by Mayo Clinic’s it did… So the doctors agreed to go ahead and give her the Paclitaxel anyway. This means that we will have to be extra careful making sure Mom doesn’t get exposed to too many germs. Also, her white count will likely be lower next time and she may have to miss a week of treatment. Would you pray that God protects her from infection and raises her white count by next week and helps us to be diligent in working on the things that improve white cell production? :o) Mom often says she feels like she is “floating”. I think I know what she means in that God knows how much we can handle and really only lets us take on bite-sized pieces of pain, allowing enough to accomplish His good work in us but not too much so that we shrivel under the glare. He has given us courage so our fears do not overwhelm and we are so grateful for all your prayers for us. We know “the prayers of a righteous man availeth much” and God has shown us first-hand at least a part of how powerful they are! So thank you again and again for interceding for us.
May you be filled with the joy of Jesus this Thanksgiving, remembering all His acts of mercy throughout history. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
I am filled to overflowing with gratefulness for all of you. Your kindness and faithful encouragement has been precious to me the last 3 ½ months. Your generosity and love…now the tears are flowing… They are thankful tears and overcome tears, awed with God’s goodness and your kindness. Thank you for your prayers, notes, emails, phone calls, delicious meals, picking up groceries and bringing them to church every week, cleaning our tubs, taking the boys waterskiing, vacuuming, bringing me to the wig shop the first day and helping me pick out a wig, tears, reminders of Job and Jonah, smiles, the great smelling hand sanitizer and new pajamas, squeezes, funny wig quips, the little bedside light and devotionals, the socks and big brimmed hat waiting at chemo, the DVD’s you sent, cutting and stacking logs, giving us wood, spending time with Craig or the one of the kids and really listening, pedicures, laughing us through the first Paclitaxel treatment, weeding the garden, encouraging words, gifts, the box of scarves, love, laughing over lunch with the boys, traveling over a 100 miles every week to work at the Farmer’s Market with the girls, taking me on a challenging walk, fixing the faucet and listening about side effects. Praying for all of you has been a beautiful gift as well. Thank you for sharing your challenges and allowing us to give to you as well. Some of you were scared, I know. Your experiences with cancer have been painful, but you still called or came and held my hand. Thank You.
We are filled daily; Jesus supplies us every day with strength and hope. His gifts are generous and faithful. One of the greatest gifts of this small suffering is the knowledge, that, if anyone I dearly love was called to suffer, Jesus will certainly carry them as He has faithfully carried me. He has never left us alone; we are surrounded and overwhelmed by love, help, encouragement and faithful people. Families; husbands and wives, moms and dads have gone before us and honored God in their suffering. They are an ever present reminder to my heart, always available and surprising us by meeting our need, because they know. I have to mention two ladies, young mommies, cancer survivors and faithful women, whom God in his sovereignty introduced me to within the last 18 months. He foreknew our circumstances and provided before we had an opportunity to ask or even want for anything. For anyone who has read Pilgrims Progress, these precious ladies are my “Hopefuls”, they honored God in their suffering and now they are cancer free, living productive beautiful lives before my eyes, with beautiful full heads of hair. J And they are willing to talk to me about the suffering…they will go back and give to me, telling me “it is a long tunnel” but it won’t last forever. Repeating it many times, so I don’t forget. There are many more priceless examples of “Hopeful”; over comers and survivors and you know who you are. Thank you for giving and encouraging. Another I must mention is my own mom. Many of you know Mom and her smile and giving spirit. Having lived thirty-five years plus in a wheel chair, she overcomes and gives and loves and laughs. How can I not be thankful and filled with courage?
My words are feeble, but I know Jesus will reward each one with gifts I can’t imagine. I can’t wait!
May He Richly Bless you all and yours,
Standing on THE Promises,
Karen
I am filled to overflowing with gratefulness for all of you. Your kindness and faithful encouragement has been precious to me the last 3 ½ months. Your generosity and love…now the tears are flowing… They are thankful tears and overcome tears, awed with God’s goodness and your kindness. Thank you for your prayers, notes, emails, phone calls, delicious meals, picking up groceries and bringing them to church every week, cleaning our tubs, taking the boys waterskiing, vacuuming, bringing me to the wig shop the first day and helping me pick out a wig, tears, reminders of Job and Jonah, smiles, the great smelling hand sanitizer and new pajamas, squeezes, funny wig quips, the little bedside light and devotionals, the socks and big brimmed hat waiting at chemo, the DVD’s you sent, cutting and stacking logs, giving us wood, spending time with Craig or the one of the kids and really listening, pedicures, laughing us through the first Paclitaxel treatment, weeding the garden, encouraging words, gifts, the box of scarves, love, laughing over lunch with the boys, traveling over a 100 miles every week to work at the Farmer’s Market with the girls, taking me on a challenging walk, fixing the faucet and listening about side effects. Praying for all of you has been a beautiful gift as well. Thank you for sharing your challenges and allowing us to give to you as well. Some of you were scared, I know. Your experiences with cancer have been painful, but you still called or came and held my hand. Thank You.
We are filled daily; Jesus supplies us every day with strength and hope. His gifts are generous and faithful. One of the greatest gifts of this small suffering is the knowledge, that, if anyone I dearly love was called to suffer, Jesus will certainly carry them as He has faithfully carried me. He has never left us alone; we are surrounded and overwhelmed by love, help, encouragement and faithful people. Families; husbands and wives, moms and dads have gone before us and honored God in their suffering. They are an ever present reminder to my heart, always available and surprising us by meeting our need, because they know. I have to mention two ladies, young mommies, cancer survivors and faithful women, whom God in his sovereignty introduced me to within the last 18 months. He foreknew our circumstances and provided before we had an opportunity to ask or even want for anything. For anyone who has read Pilgrims Progress, these precious ladies are my “Hopefuls”, they honored God in their suffering and now they are cancer free, living productive beautiful lives before my eyes, with beautiful full heads of hair. J And they are willing to talk to me about the suffering…they will go back and give to me, telling me “it is a long tunnel” but it won’t last forever. Repeating it many times, so I don’t forget. There are many more priceless examples of “Hopeful”; over comers and survivors and you know who you are. Thank you for giving and encouraging. Another I must mention is my own mom. Many of you know Mom and her smile and giving spirit. Having lived thirty-five years plus in a wheel chair, she overcomes and gives and loves and laughs. How can I not be thankful and filled with courage?
My words are feeble, but I know Jesus will reward each one with gifts I can’t imagine. I can’t wait!
May He Richly Bless you all and yours,
Standing on THE Promises,
Karen
Monday, November 15, 2010
Home again and 1/3 of the treatments are officially finished! Four done… eight to go! The oncology nurses told us we should have a party! :o)
Charlie wore his cowboy hat and boots to Mom’s treatment. An older gentleman offered to sell him his water hose, pipes and etc. We weren’t quite sure what he meant till he came up to Charlie later and bluntly asked him if he’d done much roping. No, Charlie really hadn’t done much roping. The man would like to sell him his mustang horse. He is no longer able to get on it and it appears to him Charlie would. :o) All this in such a jovial good humor. We so enjoyed his entertaining conversation and cheerful smile!
To update you on how Mom is doing physically… if you remember from last week Dr. L. prescribed Lyrica to hopefully prevent peripheral neuropathy and nerve pain. Mama noticed in the past week she had less pain and neuropathy with only a little bit of occasional fatigue and dizziness from the drug. So we are pressing forward with tentative high hopes of completing treatments sometime in the middle of January!
We are thankful and praising God for this good reaction… of course not just because we possibly found the results we desired. There would be some pretty deep valleys of disappointment if that were the case! There is a deeper, firmer knowledge of the goodness and sovereignty of God, being in the center of His will that tops human preferred circumstances by a mile! I love how Em so much more fluently communicates this!… Click here to read her article. God bless you all tonight!
Charlie wore his cowboy hat and boots to Mom’s treatment. An older gentleman offered to sell him his water hose, pipes and etc. We weren’t quite sure what he meant till he came up to Charlie later and bluntly asked him if he’d done much roping. No, Charlie really hadn’t done much roping. The man would like to sell him his mustang horse. He is no longer able to get on it and it appears to him Charlie would. :o) All this in such a jovial good humor. We so enjoyed his entertaining conversation and cheerful smile!
To update you on how Mom is doing physically… if you remember from last week Dr. L. prescribed Lyrica to hopefully prevent peripheral neuropathy and nerve pain. Mama noticed in the past week she had less pain and neuropathy with only a little bit of occasional fatigue and dizziness from the drug. So we are pressing forward with tentative high hopes of completing treatments sometime in the middle of January!
We are thankful and praising God for this good reaction… of course not just because we possibly found the results we desired. There would be some pretty deep valleys of disappointment if that were the case! There is a deeper, firmer knowledge of the goodness and sovereignty of God, being in the center of His will that tops human preferred circumstances by a mile! I love how Em so much more fluently communicates this!… Click here to read her article. God bless you all tonight!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Hello Dear Friends,
This is Aubrey again… One of these days Mama will update you all here on what she is gleaning through all this… She was going to last week but didn’t quite get to it. We continue to be overwhelmed by all you faithful ones who persistently bless us with your kindness. We are like dry plants in a hot greenhouse being watered and propped up by our heavenly Father through your prayers and notes and humbling generosity.
Mama had a little more pain and numbness last week and noticed that her symptoms were a little worse. On Saturday she slipped on the stairs and fell a little way, not a serious fall - she wasn’t hurt; but her feet were so numb she couldn’t feel the stairs. Dr. L. said that usually these symptoms aren’t this severe until the 8th, 9th or 10th week so Mom must be one of those patients who are especially sensitive to Paclitaxel and may not be able to make it through all 12 treatments. Of course Mom wants to take as many treatments as possible to decrease the risk of recurring cancer as she possibly can without permanently damaging her nerves. This week Dr. L. gave us a drug to try (it is called Lyrica, a smaller dose of Gabopentin) that may prevent nerve damage in the future so Mom could have more treatments in the long run… but it also causes drowsiness. Actually, Mama took this drug during the first round of chemo to prevent nausea so she has a very natural aversion to it and doesn’t want to be tired and loopy again. J
So, that is what we’re working through right now. We would so appreciate prayers especially this week. If you could, would you pray that the drug doesn’t make Mom super tired and that it would work really well in preventing nerve damage so she lasts through more treatments.
As for the chemotherapy yesterday, we have many reasons to be thankful for God’s graciousness. We still pray every time for high enough white counts, that the nurses would choose a good strong vein for the IV and that the treatment would go smoothly; everything was much better this time… giving thanks to Him who knows just how much we can handle. We were even blessed with hand massages, chocolate kisses, a love dinner and a delicious-smelling clean house when we got home! Many thanks to all!
Yesterday morning, Sam harvested his first deer and Ben had his braces taken off as well, two usually big celebrations at our house. All through these last few months, God in His mercy has kept life full and over brimming and though it is not all necessarily what we would have chosen, it is all good, reminding us that He is sovereign.
Mama and I finished the last section of Job while we were waiting yesterday. God’s incomprehensible goodness even in our ignorant helplessness brought tears to our eyes. Mama asked me to post this little part of Job’s answer from chapter 42: “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know….” “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.” Psalm 130:5
This is Aubrey again… One of these days Mama will update you all here on what she is gleaning through all this… She was going to last week but didn’t quite get to it. We continue to be overwhelmed by all you faithful ones who persistently bless us with your kindness. We are like dry plants in a hot greenhouse being watered and propped up by our heavenly Father through your prayers and notes and humbling generosity.
Mama had a little more pain and numbness last week and noticed that her symptoms were a little worse. On Saturday she slipped on the stairs and fell a little way, not a serious fall - she wasn’t hurt; but her feet were so numb she couldn’t feel the stairs. Dr. L. said that usually these symptoms aren’t this severe until the 8th, 9th or 10th week so Mom must be one of those patients who are especially sensitive to Paclitaxel and may not be able to make it through all 12 treatments. Of course Mom wants to take as many treatments as possible to decrease the risk of recurring cancer as she possibly can without permanently damaging her nerves. This week Dr. L. gave us a drug to try (it is called Lyrica, a smaller dose of Gabopentin) that may prevent nerve damage in the future so Mom could have more treatments in the long run… but it also causes drowsiness. Actually, Mama took this drug during the first round of chemo to prevent nausea so she has a very natural aversion to it and doesn’t want to be tired and loopy again. J
So, that is what we’re working through right now. We would so appreciate prayers especially this week. If you could, would you pray that the drug doesn’t make Mom super tired and that it would work really well in preventing nerve damage so she lasts through more treatments.
As for the chemotherapy yesterday, we have many reasons to be thankful for God’s graciousness. We still pray every time for high enough white counts, that the nurses would choose a good strong vein for the IV and that the treatment would go smoothly; everything was much better this time… giving thanks to Him who knows just how much we can handle. We were even blessed with hand massages, chocolate kisses, a love dinner and a delicious-smelling clean house when we got home! Many thanks to all!
Yesterday morning, Sam harvested his first deer and Ben had his braces taken off as well, two usually big celebrations at our house. All through these last few months, God in His mercy has kept life full and over brimming and though it is not all necessarily what we would have chosen, it is all good, reminding us that He is sovereign.
Mama and I finished the last section of Job while we were waiting yesterday. God’s incomprehensible goodness even in our ignorant helplessness brought tears to our eyes. Mama asked me to post this little part of Job’s answer from chapter 42: “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know….” “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.” Psalm 130:5
Monday, November 1, 2010
Mama, Garrison and I just returned home from treatment and Mama is doing well. Somebody shout and clap and praise the Lord; we are one-sixth done! And then next week ¼ done, the week after 1/3, 5/6 doesn’t sound very good but one half certainly does! We are like little kids counting down till Christmas. Garrison with his superior experience in reality just laughs and shakes his head. Oh, bother! J You are not to suppose, however, that Garrison is not fond of humor! We enjoyed many good laughs over his “spot on” observations on mundane things mentioned at just the right moment. J
Since Mom didn’t have a reaction last week to the Paclitaxel or Herceptin, she got half doses of steroids and Benadryl, still enough to make her tired but hopefully not enough to give her thrush again. Mama did get another case of thrush last week from the steroids. Four times a day x ten days of swish and swallow “lemon joy”. Apparently, once you get it, it is hard to prevent no matter how many salt water washes you do.
We were especially thankful for “Mr. Incredible Vein Man” as Mom officially titled the oncology nurse who did her IV today. One nurse tried twice; she “rolled” one vein and “blew” the other and then called on the incredible vein man who explained all his techniques and did a superb job! Many thanks to those who know this job and do it so well and tenderly! It makes a huge difference.
We read the middle section of Job this week… “Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! That they were engraved on a rock, with an iron pen and lead, forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (19:23-27) Our present skin will be destroyed, therefore we do not fear or take account of its temporary destruction. Our hope and confidence is in our Redeemer whom we shall see with our own eyes when we are made new. This we know, and put our hope in. Not that we aren’t good stewards of our present bodies. But when He should see fit to send suffering we rejoice in a firmer more blatant assurance of our complete reliance on Him, in the ways which we can’t always see or predict by which He will bring glory to His Name, and in a closer knowledge of Him who is our Protector and Provider, King and Redeemer. Oh, how I love my Mama, who takes care to encourage us even now!
Since Mom didn’t have a reaction last week to the Paclitaxel or Herceptin, she got half doses of steroids and Benadryl, still enough to make her tired but hopefully not enough to give her thrush again. Mama did get another case of thrush last week from the steroids. Four times a day x ten days of swish and swallow “lemon joy”. Apparently, once you get it, it is hard to prevent no matter how many salt water washes you do.
We were especially thankful for “Mr. Incredible Vein Man” as Mom officially titled the oncology nurse who did her IV today. One nurse tried twice; she “rolled” one vein and “blew” the other and then called on the incredible vein man who explained all his techniques and did a superb job! Many thanks to those who know this job and do it so well and tenderly! It makes a huge difference.
We read the middle section of Job this week… “Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! That they were engraved on a rock, with an iron pen and lead, forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (19:23-27) Our present skin will be destroyed, therefore we do not fear or take account of its temporary destruction. Our hope and confidence is in our Redeemer whom we shall see with our own eyes when we are made new. This we know, and put our hope in. Not that we aren’t good stewards of our present bodies. But when He should see fit to send suffering we rejoice in a firmer more blatant assurance of our complete reliance on Him, in the ways which we can’t always see or predict by which He will bring glory to His Name, and in a closer knowledge of Him who is our Protector and Provider, King and Redeemer. Oh, how I love my Mama, who takes care to encourage us even now!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Good Afternoon!
We are reveling in the hardness of the frost last night. Everything here (except the Cana Lilies) is put away or battened down for the winter and we at last had a restful morning.
I have a prayer request to share with you for Mama. Not to worry; she is still doing well. But she has struggled a bit in the last two days with pain and numbness in her fingers and toes and joints. We were thankful to be able to talk with Dr. L. and walk through our options making a plan for pain medication. The pain really is not arthritic as many have supposed up till now but I think is related to some form of nerve pain. We knew these would be the side effects of Paclitaxel, but frankly, didn’t expect them to come so early on in the treatment regimen. Dr. L. told us that often people who have pain early on are more likely to struggle with neuropathy later. So would you pray for Mama, that the pain would continue to be manageable, so she can go all the way through her treatment plan and that God would give her wisdom so she would know when and what to communicate with the doctors.
Thank you all for your faithfulness in praying and caring for us.
With Love and Gratefulness,
Aubrey
“Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.” Psalm 33:20-21
We are reveling in the hardness of the frost last night. Everything here (except the Cana Lilies) is put away or battened down for the winter and we at last had a restful morning.
I have a prayer request to share with you for Mama. Not to worry; she is still doing well. But she has struggled a bit in the last two days with pain and numbness in her fingers and toes and joints. We were thankful to be able to talk with Dr. L. and walk through our options making a plan for pain medication. The pain really is not arthritic as many have supposed up till now but I think is related to some form of nerve pain. We knew these would be the side effects of Paclitaxel, but frankly, didn’t expect them to come so early on in the treatment regimen. Dr. L. told us that often people who have pain early on are more likely to struggle with neuropathy later. So would you pray for Mama, that the pain would continue to be manageable, so she can go all the way through her treatment plan and that God would give her wisdom so she would know when and what to communicate with the doctors.
Thank you all for your faithfulness in praying and caring for us.
With Love and Gratefulness,
Aubrey
“Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.” Psalm 33:20-21
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thank you all so much for praying!
Mama’s “Echo” showed her heart is still strong. Before any chemotherapy her “ejection fraction” was 70% and now it is still strong at 67%! Pardon my lack of knowledge of medical terms. I think the ejection fraction is the rate at which blood is pumped through the right(?) side of the heart. Anyway, “it” is at 67! :o)
Her white count and Neutrophils were just below normal, which is exceptionally high for Mom! And God protected her from any negative allergic reaction to the chemotherapy drugs. I must confess we were all more or less nervous about Mom’s reaction to these new drugs. They seem a little more intricate and vital in the way they affect a person’s body. We are again reminded that God is our Protector and everything given to us is sifted through His hands. Even so, to my own chagrin, I think I’m still working on untwisting the knot in my stomach.
We were so blessed by visitors yesterday; filling us up with love and prayers. A good friend came just before the nurse administered the Paclitaxel and made us laugh so that Mama was amazed a few minutes later when she realized she hadn’t had a reaction. :o) So thankful for God’s gifts of encouragement and friendship.
Compared to the first treatments, this chemotherapy is a lot easier so far. We know it will gradually build up and that is when the side effects will manifest themselves. Right now, though, Mom is doing really well. She was groggy for a while from the Benadryl and then energetic from the steroids which made her silly and exhausted by turns yesterday. :o) Now she said she is just a tiny bit nauseated; of course nothing like the last time, though!
We are so grateful for you all, your thoughtfulness, generosity and prayers.
With Much Love, Goodnight!
For all those interested in homeopathic remedies:
Did you know Paclitaxel was originally isolated from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree, Taxus brevifolia, and dissolved in polyoxyethylated castor oil?
Something I’m sure you always wanted to know. :o)
Mama’s “Echo” showed her heart is still strong. Before any chemotherapy her “ejection fraction” was 70% and now it is still strong at 67%! Pardon my lack of knowledge of medical terms. I think the ejection fraction is the rate at which blood is pumped through the right(?) side of the heart. Anyway, “it” is at 67! :o)
Her white count and Neutrophils were just below normal, which is exceptionally high for Mom! And God protected her from any negative allergic reaction to the chemotherapy drugs. I must confess we were all more or less nervous about Mom’s reaction to these new drugs. They seem a little more intricate and vital in the way they affect a person’s body. We are again reminded that God is our Protector and everything given to us is sifted through His hands. Even so, to my own chagrin, I think I’m still working on untwisting the knot in my stomach.
We were so blessed by visitors yesterday; filling us up with love and prayers. A good friend came just before the nurse administered the Paclitaxel and made us laugh so that Mama was amazed a few minutes later when she realized she hadn’t had a reaction. :o) So thankful for God’s gifts of encouragement and friendship.
Compared to the first treatments, this chemotherapy is a lot easier so far. We know it will gradually build up and that is when the side effects will manifest themselves. Right now, though, Mom is doing really well. She was groggy for a while from the Benadryl and then energetic from the steroids which made her silly and exhausted by turns yesterday. :o) Now she said she is just a tiny bit nauseated; of course nothing like the last time, though!
We are so grateful for you all, your thoughtfulness, generosity and prayers.
With Much Love, Goodnight!
For all those interested in homeopathic remedies:
Did you know Paclitaxel was originally isolated from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree, Taxus brevifolia, and dissolved in polyoxyethylated castor oil?
Something I’m sure you always wanted to know. :o)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Dear Friends,
Hopefully you are all enjoying these moderate Fall days! We are working on preparation for tomorrow, walking and packing and taking notes for appointments. As many of you know, Mom will (Lord willing) receive the first of her second round of chemotherapy treatments tomorrow.
Would you pray:
- that Mom’s echocardiogram would once again show that her heart is especially strong, strong enough to withstand the possible negative effects of Herceptin,
- that her white count would be high enough to proceed tomorrow,
-and then finally that she wouldn’t have any adverse reactions to either the Paclitaxel or the Herceptin so she is able to continue with her treatment regimen. We know that most reactions occur within the first twenty seconds so she will be carefully watched for the first three or four minutes and then we are hoping to stay in Rochester near the clinic for the first night.
Pray for strength and peace from the Lord through these next few days, that we would glorify Him in patience and joy.
I will update you tomorrow or the next day on how Mom is doing. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayers.
Much Love,
Aubrey for the Lenz’s
“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.” Psalm 138:8
Hopefully you are all enjoying these moderate Fall days! We are working on preparation for tomorrow, walking and packing and taking notes for appointments. As many of you know, Mom will (Lord willing) receive the first of her second round of chemotherapy treatments tomorrow.
Would you pray:
- that Mom’s echocardiogram would once again show that her heart is especially strong, strong enough to withstand the possible negative effects of Herceptin,
- that her white count would be high enough to proceed tomorrow,
-and then finally that she wouldn’t have any adverse reactions to either the Paclitaxel or the Herceptin so she is able to continue with her treatment regimen. We know that most reactions occur within the first twenty seconds so she will be carefully watched for the first three or four minutes and then we are hoping to stay in Rochester near the clinic for the first night.
Pray for strength and peace from the Lord through these next few days, that we would glorify Him in patience and joy.
I will update you tomorrow or the next day on how Mom is doing. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayers.
Much Love,
Aubrey for the Lenz’s
“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.” Psalm 138:8
Friday, October 22, 2010
Riding the Storm
From Emily and Aubrey's blog...
My fondest childhood memories happened while we were in the car. We drove on family vacations…miles and miles of varying road driven to our favorite music…the cups of juice and Surprise Bags that Mama packed with projects for us…the conversations that grew out of the scenery; everything from clothes hanging on a wash-line in Tennessee and why stop-signs are French in Canada, to what that loud noise is the trucks in Chicago make (Jake-braking) and why the dirt is red in Oklahoma.
Other vivid child-hood memories are of storms. The first tornado warning experience I remember stands out clearly in my mind…the sky an uncanny color, and Daddy standing on the small hill next to our house watching the menacing cloud-front roll in while we watched him with very little trepidation from our dining room window. I don’t recall being frightened or even concerned. Daddy was checking the sky and of course that was perfectly alright. I suppose it is those things we do which seem ordinary that make the deepest impressions, so as to become ordinary to the child, and thus shape his life.
Daddy often took us out in the car during thunderstorms. To this day, driving through an electric storm in the car with the family still rivals the pleasure I find in a good book in front of the fire. I believe it is the contrast of the turmoil and danger outside with the perfect peace and confidence inside the car that still draws me. I knew as a little girl that no matter how angry the flashes of lightning looked and how loud the crash of thunder was, Daddy would keep us safe and take us where it was best to be. Because of that, I relished watching the storm. I remember that now, and wonder at how shallow my faith in our heavenly Father often grows. What is it about the storm that fixates us so we can no longer remember our Father driving the van?
Trials are humbling; they force you onto a lonely stage out of a familiar living room. Like a child who keeps foolishly looking back at the piece of candy he dropped in the road while his father gently leads him towards the candy shop he cannot see; we tug blindly and with real anguish on the hand that pulls us upward. When we are in the midst of trouble, we realize it is neither what we dread, nor what we could wish and time feels as though it is dragging until you look back and the place you left seems an eternity past. The reason for our suffering is never what we expect, and yet it comes exactly when we are ready for it…not because we can take it on, but because we must.
When God burns every bridge but the one which we stand on the brink of, how certain we should be that He has us in the center of His will and is taking us where we need to go. How can we then refuse to leave behind what we thought was right? How can one in such a position ask for direction of the Father without tacitly refusing to step on the path he is given? The future, however seemingly uncertain or dark, is then revealed to be just where it always was – in His keeping. What better road is there to walk, however steep this may prove to be, when we know the toiling course runs straight Home?
My fondest childhood memories happened while we were in the car. We drove on family vacations…miles and miles of varying road driven to our favorite music…the cups of juice and Surprise Bags that Mama packed with projects for us…the conversations that grew out of the scenery; everything from clothes hanging on a wash-line in Tennessee and why stop-signs are French in Canada, to what that loud noise is the trucks in Chicago make (Jake-braking) and why the dirt is red in Oklahoma.
Other vivid child-hood memories are of storms. The first tornado warning experience I remember stands out clearly in my mind…the sky an uncanny color, and Daddy standing on the small hill next to our house watching the menacing cloud-front roll in while we watched him with very little trepidation from our dining room window. I don’t recall being frightened or even concerned. Daddy was checking the sky and of course that was perfectly alright. I suppose it is those things we do which seem ordinary that make the deepest impressions, so as to become ordinary to the child, and thus shape his life.
Daddy often took us out in the car during thunderstorms. To this day, driving through an electric storm in the car with the family still rivals the pleasure I find in a good book in front of the fire. I believe it is the contrast of the turmoil and danger outside with the perfect peace and confidence inside the car that still draws me. I knew as a little girl that no matter how angry the flashes of lightning looked and how loud the crash of thunder was, Daddy would keep us safe and take us where it was best to be. Because of that, I relished watching the storm. I remember that now, and wonder at how shallow my faith in our heavenly Father often grows. What is it about the storm that fixates us so we can no longer remember our Father driving the van?
Trials are humbling; they force you onto a lonely stage out of a familiar living room. Like a child who keeps foolishly looking back at the piece of candy he dropped in the road while his father gently leads him towards the candy shop he cannot see; we tug blindly and with real anguish on the hand that pulls us upward. When we are in the midst of trouble, we realize it is neither what we dread, nor what we could wish and time feels as though it is dragging until you look back and the place you left seems an eternity past. The reason for our suffering is never what we expect, and yet it comes exactly when we are ready for it…not because we can take it on, but because we must.
When God burns every bridge but the one which we stand on the brink of, how certain we should be that He has us in the center of His will and is taking us where we need to go. How can we then refuse to leave behind what we thought was right? How can one in such a position ask for direction of the Father without tacitly refusing to step on the path he is given? The future, however seemingly uncertain or dark, is then revealed to be just where it always was – in His keeping. What better road is there to walk, however steep this may prove to be, when we know the toiling course runs straight Home?
Monday, October 18, 2010
Hello Dear Friends,
I realize I have not done a very good job updating in the last few days. I apologize for that… It has been 17 days since the last treatment. The good news is, Mom has been doing really well. Her thrush has completely healed and she isn’t struggling with mouth sores quite as much as last time. We celebrate every bit of energy she regains. It is definitely not what it was before but enough to keep us all on our toes keeping Mom off hers. We’re still working on strategies to precede her in thinking of tasks. :o) Don’t tell us it won’t work; we’re trying it any way!
We are so extremely blessed and humbled by all the kindness we have received. We read and reread all the notes posted here or on our email. It is such a blessing to be comforted and encouraged in this way. Thank you to all the woodcutting men and meals on Saturday! We will post pictures of the great feat soon. It was incredible to see what was accomplished. Last night, Ben stoked one of the wood fires that was still smoldering and made us S’mores. Somebody asked what is one thing God has blessed our family with at this time and Daddy said, “Good Friendships…”
Thank you to all you dear ones who are smoothing this hard road for us and consulting with our Healer daily on our behalf.
I realize I have not done a very good job updating in the last few days. I apologize for that… It has been 17 days since the last treatment. The good news is, Mom has been doing really well. Her thrush has completely healed and she isn’t struggling with mouth sores quite as much as last time. We celebrate every bit of energy she regains. It is definitely not what it was before but enough to keep us all on our toes keeping Mom off hers. We’re still working on strategies to precede her in thinking of tasks. :o) Don’t tell us it won’t work; we’re trying it any way!
We are so extremely blessed and humbled by all the kindness we have received. We read and reread all the notes posted here or on our email. It is such a blessing to be comforted and encouraged in this way. Thank you to all the woodcutting men and meals on Saturday! We will post pictures of the great feat soon. It was incredible to see what was accomplished. Last night, Ben stoked one of the wood fires that was still smoldering and made us S’mores. Somebody asked what is one thing God has blessed our family with at this time and Daddy said, “Good Friendships…”
Thank you to all you dear ones who are smoothing this hard road for us and consulting with our Healer daily on our behalf.
Friday, October 8, 2010
I hope you are all enjoying the fall colors!
Mom, Em and I returned yesterday from a three day rest up north with Mama’s sister and parents. The leaves were past peak in Itasca but a few maples and red oak stood out in striking contrast to the brilliant yellow tamaracks. As a side note, wearing red-tinted sunglasses vastly improves fall colors. :o)
Many thanks to Aunt Linda, Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Steve and Kelsey for the encouraging conversation and delicious food, warm fires and refreshing walks in crisp “up north” autumn air. We were so blessed by your care and all the work you put into making us relax and laugh.
We did have a minor incident that made us regret for a moment we weren’t a little closer to home and doctors. But thanks to experienced oncology nurses who were able to diagnose over the phone and our doctor who called in Mom’s prescription to a Park Rapids pharmacy we were well on our way to a solution in a couple of hours, no going home necessary! Mama had a mild case of something in her mouth… she assumed it was mouth sores and that she could simply use mouth wash diligently. On Tuesday morning she woke up with a fairly severe sore throat and by the afternoon we called oncology. She had thrush, a fungal infection that was spreading down her throat and could have eventually developed in her stomach. She had a normal temperature so thankfully nothing serious had developed yet. The nurse told us this infection is caused by a combination of steroids and a weakened immune system. This afternoon her tongue is starting to heal and her sore throat is minimal although she still has a cough. Would you pray that the medication continues to clear up the infection, and pray that Mom would especially not get sick in the next few days; that the cough would be “nothing”, since her white count is at its lowest.
Thank you all for your faithfulness in praying for Mom and asking specifically how to do so.
I can never verbalize how precious your prayers are to us.
With Much Love,
Aubrey
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Hello Dear Friends,
A quick update on Mom:
It is such a comfort to us to know you are praying with us. We think Mom had a more “common” response to the treatment this time. She felt pretty good on the first day, was fairly sick on the second day and has been gradually getting better ever since. Overall, it was a preferable reaction, being less acute at one specific time, which we are all very grateful for. We really don’t have any idea what medication was responsible for the improvement as there were several adjustments. We are grateful it is finished and extremely grateful we don’t have to “plan for next time”. Mama is still feeling pretty “cruddy”. It is harder to update at this point; we’re still a little battle weary. But this we know and are confident in all the time; God is good.
"'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”’ ~Isaiah 41:10
A quick update on Mom:
It is such a comfort to us to know you are praying with us. We think Mom had a more “common” response to the treatment this time. She felt pretty good on the first day, was fairly sick on the second day and has been gradually getting better ever since. Overall, it was a preferable reaction, being less acute at one specific time, which we are all very grateful for. We really don’t have any idea what medication was responsible for the improvement as there were several adjustments. We are grateful it is finished and extremely grateful we don’t have to “plan for next time”. Mama is still feeling pretty “cruddy”. It is harder to update at this point; we’re still a little battle weary. But this we know and are confident in all the time; God is good.
"'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”’ ~Isaiah 41:10
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Good Evening,
We are praising and thanking God today! He has answered our prayers and shown himself strong on our behalf for His glory! Mama’s white count went from 2.0 three days ago to 3.4 today! Her neutrophil count (a specific kind of white blood cell that is particularly affected by chemotherapy) needs to be at 1,200 to receive chemotherapy. On Monday it was 680 (0.68) and today it was 1530 (1.53)! Lots of confusing numbers but such joyous news to us. :o) At our appointment three days ago, our NP suggested Mom should stomp up and down stairs right before the blood test to give her counts a boost. Neutrophils are produced in our bone marrow so apparently “pounding” your bones stimulates neutrophil production. So Daddy dropped Mom and me off ten minutes early this morning and we alternated between the two flights of stairs in “the lobby”, running up and down much to the amusement I’m sure of observers. I loved the look of triumph and humor on the NP’s face when we told her we did it. “See, it’s an old nurse’s trick!” Nurse’s trick or not, stair steps are not enough to increase her white count that much, according to the NP. We are so thankful for all of your prayers.
In Mom’s words, the chemotherapy treatment itself went 100% better this time; the nausea was much more manageable… only a little bit after the first two chemo drugs. We had peppermint candy, root beer barrels, ginger oil and ginger ale to help abate the nausea, and popsicles instead of ice chips for cryotherapy during the chemotherapy, all of which I’m sure helped her get through her treatment. We are thankful to all of you who have gone before and know “what works”. :-) We read through almost the entire book of Esther during chemo; didn’t quite finish it. Mama likes that story; God working through circumstances for His glory...
As you may know, this is the fourth and final chemo cycle for the first round of chemotherapy in Mama’s treatment schedule. Round 1 of her chemotherapy is the most difficult one to endure due to the side effects. Thankfully, her tumor has been very responsive so far. Round 2 will begin in just over three weeks on October 25th. This is when she will begin receiving Herceptin in combination with Paclitaxel. Herceptin, which has only been available for about 10 years, is probably better characterized as immunotherapy, and is a monoclonal antibody which has been very successful in treating HER2-positive cancers (the type of cancer Mom has). Paclitaxel is another chemo drug that she has not yet received. We have been told (and are hoping) that these two drugs used together have a much less adverse affect on the body. She will receive this every week for twelve weeks, and then surgery and radiation will follow. There is much to pray about, but also much to be thankful for!
So now, if you would, pray specifically that the nausea drugs would work well, that the nausea tonight and tomorrow especially would be minimal or better yet gone! Please pray that God would give us wisdom to know which medications to take, balancing drowsiness and nausea. Pray for us to know as much as is possible for us to comprehend, what God’s goodness is and to be grateful to Him for it.
Thanking God for you all,
The Lenz’s
We are praising and thanking God today! He has answered our prayers and shown himself strong on our behalf for His glory! Mama’s white count went from 2.0 three days ago to 3.4 today! Her neutrophil count (a specific kind of white blood cell that is particularly affected by chemotherapy) needs to be at 1,200 to receive chemotherapy. On Monday it was 680 (0.68) and today it was 1530 (1.53)! Lots of confusing numbers but such joyous news to us. :o) At our appointment three days ago, our NP suggested Mom should stomp up and down stairs right before the blood test to give her counts a boost. Neutrophils are produced in our bone marrow so apparently “pounding” your bones stimulates neutrophil production. So Daddy dropped Mom and me off ten minutes early this morning and we alternated between the two flights of stairs in “the lobby”, running up and down much to the amusement I’m sure of observers. I loved the look of triumph and humor on the NP’s face when we told her we did it. “See, it’s an old nurse’s trick!” Nurse’s trick or not, stair steps are not enough to increase her white count that much, according to the NP. We are so thankful for all of your prayers.
In Mom’s words, the chemotherapy treatment itself went 100% better this time; the nausea was much more manageable… only a little bit after the first two chemo drugs. We had peppermint candy, root beer barrels, ginger oil and ginger ale to help abate the nausea, and popsicles instead of ice chips for cryotherapy during the chemotherapy, all of which I’m sure helped her get through her treatment. We are thankful to all of you who have gone before and know “what works”. :-) We read through almost the entire book of Esther during chemo; didn’t quite finish it. Mama likes that story; God working through circumstances for His glory...
As you may know, this is the fourth and final chemo cycle for the first round of chemotherapy in Mama’s treatment schedule. Round 1 of her chemotherapy is the most difficult one to endure due to the side effects. Thankfully, her tumor has been very responsive so far. Round 2 will begin in just over three weeks on October 25th. This is when she will begin receiving Herceptin in combination with Paclitaxel. Herceptin, which has only been available for about 10 years, is probably better characterized as immunotherapy, and is a monoclonal antibody which has been very successful in treating HER2-positive cancers (the type of cancer Mom has). Paclitaxel is another chemo drug that she has not yet received. We have been told (and are hoping) that these two drugs used together have a much less adverse affect on the body. She will receive this every week for twelve weeks, and then surgery and radiation will follow. There is much to pray about, but also much to be thankful for!
So now, if you would, pray specifically that the nausea drugs would work well, that the nausea tonight and tomorrow especially would be minimal or better yet gone! Please pray that God would give us wisdom to know which medications to take, balancing drowsiness and nausea. Pray for us to know as much as is possible for us to comprehend, what God’s goodness is and to be grateful to Him for it.
Thanking God for you all,
The Lenz’s
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Would you all pray tonight that Mama's white count would be high enough tomorrow to proceed with chemotherapy? We are excited and anxious for it to be over and at the same time wishing it were over now.
Your prayers are so valued by us. We know it is only by His grace and mercy that we are sustained.
So far, God has protected Mama from getting a cold that has made its way through our house. Considering her low white count and obviously many other factors she technically should be sick. The only explanation is God's providential protection.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s…
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities…
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust…
Bless the LORD, O my soul!”
~From Psalm 103
Your prayers are so valued by us. We know it is only by His grace and mercy that we are sustained.
So far, God has protected Mama from getting a cold that has made its way through our house. Considering her low white count and obviously many other factors she technically should be sick. The only explanation is God's providential protection.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s…
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities…
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust…
Bless the LORD, O my soul!”
~From Psalm 103
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement.
This morning Mom's white count was too low to proceed with chemotherapy treatment. Normally, a person's white blood cell count is between 4.0 and 10.0 (4,000 and 10,000). They will give treatment if you are down to 2.5 but Mom's count was 2.0 so the doctors are delaying treatment till Thursday, September 30th.
At first we were disappointed because we had prepared for it mentally and physically. But, as we walked out of the office we realized the sun was shining and how relieved we were that the time was put off even for a few days. One of us remembered Mom and Dad's anniversary is the 29th of September and now Mom won't be sick on that day. "See, God did it!" He is good to us. Of course He was working all along to remind us of His goodness and providence.
Also, we are thankful for a very helpful nurse practitioner who walked us through all kinds of "practical" issues. We didn't even have to ask questions... just take notes on all the useful information. She is guessing from her experience that Mom's extendeded nausea is a result of heartburn from steroids rather than chemotherapy so now we can treat the actual cause of the nausea in the two weeks after treatment.
We learned a little more about the next 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment as well, probably beginning October 25th. Would you pray specifically for those treatments to be easier? But then especially that we would rest in God's perfect knowledge of what Mama can handle so we can say His will be done.
This morning Mom met a young woman named Carolyn from Michigan. Carolyn has a 10% chance of survival; she had leukemia and it has recurred. Mom said she looked tired and sad... Would you pray for her too; that she would know the perfect hope that only our Savior can give... and that we would be able to minister to her where she is staying.
Much Love to You All,
Aubrey, for the Lenz's
Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
This morning Mom's white count was too low to proceed with chemotherapy treatment. Normally, a person's white blood cell count is between 4.0 and 10.0 (4,000 and 10,000). They will give treatment if you are down to 2.5 but Mom's count was 2.0 so the doctors are delaying treatment till Thursday, September 30th.
At first we were disappointed because we had prepared for it mentally and physically. But, as we walked out of the office we realized the sun was shining and how relieved we were that the time was put off even for a few days. One of us remembered Mom and Dad's anniversary is the 29th of September and now Mom won't be sick on that day. "See, God did it!" He is good to us. Of course He was working all along to remind us of His goodness and providence.
Also, we are thankful for a very helpful nurse practitioner who walked us through all kinds of "practical" issues. We didn't even have to ask questions... just take notes on all the useful information. She is guessing from her experience that Mom's extendeded nausea is a result of heartburn from steroids rather than chemotherapy so now we can treat the actual cause of the nausea in the two weeks after treatment.
We learned a little more about the next 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment as well, probably beginning October 25th. Would you pray specifically for those treatments to be easier? But then especially that we would rest in God's perfect knowledge of what Mama can handle so we can say His will be done.
This morning Mom met a young woman named Carolyn from Michigan. Carolyn has a 10% chance of survival; she had leukemia and it has recurred. Mom said she looked tired and sad... Would you pray for her too; that she would know the perfect hope that only our Savior can give... and that we would be able to minister to her where she is staying.
Much Love to You All,
Aubrey, for the Lenz's
Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Hello Dear Friends,
We would appreciate your prayers tomorrow and the next few days as Mama will have her 4th and last treatment of this kind tomorrow morning. It is encouraging to know that this will be the last intensive treatment for the foreseeable future.
Specifically please pray…
… that Mama would not be anxious, since anticipating the treatments doesn’t get easier with time
…That her nausea would be minimal, especially during the treatment.
…And that she will recover quickly from the side effects this time.
Also, a cold is beginning to move through the house. Pray that those are healthy can stay so and especially that Mama will not get sick.
The support of your prayers and encouragement have remained indispensable to Mama and our family during this time. Mama specifically mentioned the other day that she was finding rest and joy in the Lord and that she knew this courage is there because of prayers.
Thanking Him for You Always,
Emily and Aubrey for the Lenz Family
We would appreciate your prayers tomorrow and the next few days as Mama will have her 4th and last treatment of this kind tomorrow morning. It is encouraging to know that this will be the last intensive treatment for the foreseeable future.
Specifically please pray…
… that Mama would not be anxious, since anticipating the treatments doesn’t get easier with time
…That her nausea would be minimal, especially during the treatment.
…And that she will recover quickly from the side effects this time.
Also, a cold is beginning to move through the house. Pray that those are healthy can stay so and especially that Mama will not get sick.
The support of your prayers and encouragement have remained indispensable to Mama and our family during this time. Mama specifically mentioned the other day that she was finding rest and joy in the Lord and that she knew this courage is there because of prayers.
Thanking Him for You Always,
Emily and Aubrey for the Lenz Family
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Hello Dear Family and Friends,
Mom is home and doing well so far after her third round of chemo. The doctors tweaked her nausea medication recipe again so we are hoping (just a little) for an easier journey this time. They also started all the medications earlier prior to administering chemo so we get a head start controlling the nausea. So, Mom fell asleep almost as soon as we got home!
Actually, administering the chemo itself was a little harder this time. I think once she sees and smells the chemo, and chews the ice chips; the association of those things with the experiences of prior treatments causes nausea. The memory and her senses play a powerful role in the battle. But, we knew God was near us (had just read Psalms 8, 103, and 27) and she was so relieved when it was all over. I had such a thrill of a joy when we were leaving and God had answered our prayers and taken away that specific nausea we had asked Him to take and Mom was laughing. God filled us with such joy, not our own but His real joy.
So, now, we are keeping up with medications, food and rest. We are so inexpressibly thankful to all you who have walked with us through this, both with prayers that we can’t ever possibly express our appreciation for, and with encouragement and so many generous acts of kindness. You are all such a treasured, sustaining expression of God’s love.
If you could pray tonight and tomorrow; pray for the nausea meds to work well and that He would fill us with strength to persevere in His providence.
Regarding her consultation with the doctor this morning, we continue to be thankful for the progress mom is making. Again, the doctor observed more reduction in the cancer. Her blood tests were quite good all things considered. Her white count was a little low, but not too low to prevent continuing the chemotherapy. Mom is such an encouragement to us all with her sweet attitude and her trust in our loving Savior.
Aubrey for all the Lenz's
Mom is home and doing well so far after her third round of chemo. The doctors tweaked her nausea medication recipe again so we are hoping (just a little) for an easier journey this time. They also started all the medications earlier prior to administering chemo so we get a head start controlling the nausea. So, Mom fell asleep almost as soon as we got home!
Actually, administering the chemo itself was a little harder this time. I think once she sees and smells the chemo, and chews the ice chips; the association of those things with the experiences of prior treatments causes nausea. The memory and her senses play a powerful role in the battle. But, we knew God was near us (had just read Psalms 8, 103, and 27) and she was so relieved when it was all over. I had such a thrill of a joy when we were leaving and God had answered our prayers and taken away that specific nausea we had asked Him to take and Mom was laughing. God filled us with such joy, not our own but His real joy.
So, now, we are keeping up with medications, food and rest. We are so inexpressibly thankful to all you who have walked with us through this, both with prayers that we can’t ever possibly express our appreciation for, and with encouragement and so many generous acts of kindness. You are all such a treasured, sustaining expression of God’s love.
If you could pray tonight and tomorrow; pray for the nausea meds to work well and that He would fill us with strength to persevere in His providence.
Regarding her consultation with the doctor this morning, we continue to be thankful for the progress mom is making. Again, the doctor observed more reduction in the cancer. Her blood tests were quite good all things considered. Her white count was a little low, but not too low to prevent continuing the chemotherapy. Mom is such an encouragement to us all with her sweet attitude and her trust in our loving Savior.
Aubrey for all the Lenz's
Monday, September 6, 2010
Tomorrow morning will be Mams's third chemo treatment...
God is continually faithful in His presence and in providing the encouragement we need when we need it. One of the blessings we have been most grateful for in the last few weeks is joy that we know He has given us.
Today and tomorrow, would you pray for Mama...
First that she would not be anxious. No matter how confident we are that the chemo is something to be thankful for, anticipating treatments of this toxic nature doesn't get any easier with experience. Pray that God would give her a peace during the time before and during treatment and that her joy in Him would not diminish.
Second, please pray especially that Mama would not have as much nausea. The doctors prescribed a stronger medication for the last treatment than the first one, but the nausea was still quite a bit worse and was more difficult to get under control. Pray that the doctors can provide effective medications and that we will be able to get the symptoms under control quickly.
Lastly, pray for endurance and that the Lord would guard our hearts and minds. Thinking rightly about the circumstances we are in is so important, especially as we desire above all things to guard our hearts. We know the Holy Spirit is working, and He has been faithful in this way, but pray that difficult days, when they come, would only cement the truth in our hearts and not drag us back from the steps we are taking heavenward.
As always, thank you for beings warriors for us in your prayers. The prayers of the righteous do avail much...as we are experiencing first-hand...even from moment to moment.
God is continually faithful in His presence and in providing the encouragement we need when we need it. One of the blessings we have been most grateful for in the last few weeks is joy that we know He has given us.
Today and tomorrow, would you pray for Mama...
First that she would not be anxious. No matter how confident we are that the chemo is something to be thankful for, anticipating treatments of this toxic nature doesn't get any easier with experience. Pray that God would give her a peace during the time before and during treatment and that her joy in Him would not diminish.
Second, please pray especially that Mama would not have as much nausea. The doctors prescribed a stronger medication for the last treatment than the first one, but the nausea was still quite a bit worse and was more difficult to get under control. Pray that the doctors can provide effective medications and that we will be able to get the symptoms under control quickly.
Lastly, pray for endurance and that the Lord would guard our hearts and minds. Thinking rightly about the circumstances we are in is so important, especially as we desire above all things to guard our hearts. We know the Holy Spirit is working, and He has been faithful in this way, but pray that difficult days, when they come, would only cement the truth in our hearts and not drag us back from the steps we are taking heavenward.
As always, thank you for beings warriors for us in your prayers. The prayers of the righteous do avail much...as we are experiencing first-hand...even from moment to moment.
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.Emily for all the Lenz's
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." ~ Ephesians 3:14-21
Friday, September 3, 2010
From Every Stormy Wind That Blows
From ev'ry stormy wind that blows,
From ev'ry swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat:
'Tis found beneath the mercy seat.
There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness on our heads;
A place than all besides more sweet;
It is the blood bought mercy seat.
There is a scene where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common mercy seat.
Oh, let my hand forget her skill,
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy seat!
Ah! Whither could we flee for aid,
When tempted, desolate, dismayed:
Or how the hosts of hell defeat,
Had suff'ring saints no mercy seat.
Ah! there on eagle wings we soar,
And sin and sense molest no more:
and heav'n comes down our souls to greet,
While glory crowns the mercy seat.
A Hymn by Hugh Stowell - 1799–1865
From ev'ry swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat:
'Tis found beneath the mercy seat.
There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness on our heads;
A place than all besides more sweet;
It is the blood bought mercy seat.
There is a scene where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common mercy seat.
Oh, let my hand forget her skill,
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy seat!
Ah! Whither could we flee for aid,
When tempted, desolate, dismayed:
Or how the hosts of hell defeat,
Had suff'ring saints no mercy seat.
Ah! there on eagle wings we soar,
And sin and sense molest no more:
and heav'n comes down our souls to greet,
While glory crowns the mercy seat.
A Hymn by Hugh Stowell - 1799–1865
Thursday, September 2, 2010
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
"For who has known the mind of the Lord,or who has been his counselor?"Or who has given a gift to himthat he might be repaid?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."
~ Romans 11:33-36
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation."
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Thursday, August 19, 2010
With the second chemo treatment four days behind her, Karen is beginning to feel better. This bout was a little more difficult than the last, but it did not last as long. Right now, our most pressing prayer request is for health for the rest of the family. The stomach flu ravaged the house excluding Karen only by God's grace! While the rest of us were sick, she spent the time in very comfortable quarantine in Rochester for three days through the generous hospitality of Aunt Susan and Uncle Steve, Craig's sister and brother-in-law. Thank you Susan and Steve...and kitties! Her white count was great on Monday when she went in for treatment!
We also had an appointment with one of the oncologists and he told us that the tumor has shrunk!
The encouragement in every form...the cards, gifts, meals, conversations, phone-calls, and the list goes on...are incredible gifts from God. We simply don't know how we would be able to keep walking this road without them. These expressions of love are precious to us. We go back to the notes often to remind ourselves of the nearness of God through the relationships He blesses us with.
Under His Mercy,
The Lenz's
P.S. For those of you who would like to recieve email updates, if you prefer not to subscribe to the blog posts, you can subscribe to email notifications on the CaringBridge site that let you know if we have posted on the blog.
We also had an appointment with one of the oncologists and he told us that the tumor has shrunk!
The encouragement in every form...the cards, gifts, meals, conversations, phone-calls, and the list goes on...are incredible gifts from God. We simply don't know how we would be able to keep walking this road without them. These expressions of love are precious to us. We go back to the notes often to remind ourselves of the nearness of God through the relationships He blesses us with.
Under His Mercy,
The Lenz's
P.S. For those of you who would like to recieve email updates, if you prefer not to subscribe to the blog posts, you can subscribe to email notifications on the CaringBridge site that let you know if we have posted on the blog.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Its Unanimous...
The second chemo treatment is scheduled for Monday morning...
We especially appreciate your prayers for Karen!
Pressing on,
The Lenz Family
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Nearer, Still Nearer...
Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
Fold me, oh, fold me close to Thy breast,
Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest,"
Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest."
Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Naught as an offering to Jesus, my King;
Only my sinful, now contrite heart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.
Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,
'Til safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Through endless ages, ever to be,
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.
~A hymn by Leila Naylor Morris (1862-1929)
Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
Fold me, oh, fold me close to Thy breast,
Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest,"
Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest."
Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Naught as an offering to Jesus, my King;
Only my sinful, now contrite heart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.
Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,
'Til safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Through endless ages, ever to be,
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.
~A hymn by Leila Naylor Morris (1862-1929)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Notes
For those of you who may have tried to post a comment here on the blog and could not because of the account issues, my apologies. The matter has been resolved and anyone is now free to post!
Simply select the "Name/URL" option in the "Comment as" drop down list to identify yourself (a URL is not nessessary).
Your kind and loving notes are so appreciated.
Thank you!
Emily (Admin)
Simply select the "Name/URL" option in the "Comment as" drop down list to identify yourself (a URL is not nessessary).
Your kind and loving notes are so appreciated.
Thank you!
Emily (Admin)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Reflecting on this verse last night: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—“ (II Corinthians 4:7-9) We are in awe at the glorious works of God, seeing firsthand how He is using all these circumstances to prove His excellent power.
Mama’s first Chemo treatment was this morning. Even with all the encouraging and helpful information that we have received, of course you can’t know exactly what to expect until you go through it. The treatment went very well… We know Mama was bathed in prayer, both our own and others and focused on God’s goodness. We were able to laugh heartily with the nurses over consent form questions (made humorous by Daddy) and altogether enjoyed ourselves praying together, reading psalms, eating snacks and chewing ice…
The nurses and doctors are all so kind and thoughtful. We are blessed over and over by their patience and willingness to go over and over things to help us understand exactly what is going on. The integrity of service is truly excellent. (We were a little overwhelmed by the number of letters pharmaceutical companies can string together when naming a drug. Apparently easy pronunciation and spelling aren’t prerequisites in the naming of these medications. :)
Even more than this, the loving notes and prayers so many of you send are immense blessings. We are overwhelmed and humbled by your generosity and kindness. God knows just what we need and when we need it. We covet your continued prayers for calm and rest and perfect contented knowledge of Jesus’ goodness in the midst of every pain and fear.
Walking in the Light,
The Lenz’s
Mama’s first Chemo treatment was this morning. Even with all the encouraging and helpful information that we have received, of course you can’t know exactly what to expect until you go through it. The treatment went very well… We know Mama was bathed in prayer, both our own and others and focused on God’s goodness. We were able to laugh heartily with the nurses over consent form questions (made humorous by Daddy) and altogether enjoyed ourselves praying together, reading psalms, eating snacks and chewing ice…
The nurses and doctors are all so kind and thoughtful. We are blessed over and over by their patience and willingness to go over and over things to help us understand exactly what is going on. The integrity of service is truly excellent. (We were a little overwhelmed by the number of letters pharmaceutical companies can string together when naming a drug. Apparently easy pronunciation and spelling aren’t prerequisites in the naming of these medications. :)
Even more than this, the loving notes and prayers so many of you send are immense blessings. We are overwhelmed and humbled by your generosity and kindness. God knows just what we need and when we need it. We covet your continued prayers for calm and rest and perfect contented knowledge of Jesus’ goodness in the midst of every pain and fear.
Walking in the Light,
The Lenz’s
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The last few days we have learned a lot from our team of doctors and we feel extremely blessed and grateful for their knowledge and expertise and also their compassionate care of the situation. We learned that Karen’s cancer is grade III (that is, the most abnormal and aggressive) and stage 2 (out of four stages - based on the progression of the tumor). We were very thankful to learn there is no cancer anywhere else in her body. Praise God! We had a small celebration in the office when her doctor announced that!
Later the oncologist looked at her and said, “We are going to cure you.”
We are so grateful for God’s goodness and already see His hand in myriads of ways working in both easy and hard circumstances. On Monday, Karen will receive her first chemotherapy treatment and then every three weeks after that for a time. She will receive another twelve weeks with a different kind of chemotherapy and then shortly after surgery and radiation.
God is faithful in calling us up using these circumstances. So many of you have called and mentioned God’s hand at work. The verse John 15:16 comes to mind.
God shows Himself faithful again and again, reminding us that we are not called to produce the fruit…only to bear it as He grows it in our lives.
The Lenz Family
Later the oncologist looked at her and said, “We are going to cure you.”
We are so grateful for God’s goodness and already see His hand in myriads of ways working in both easy and hard circumstances. On Monday, Karen will receive her first chemotherapy treatment and then every three weeks after that for a time. She will receive another twelve weeks with a different kind of chemotherapy and then shortly after surgery and radiation.
God is faithful in calling us up using these circumstances. So many of you have called and mentioned God’s hand at work. The verse John 15:16 comes to mind.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”Being appointed to bear fruit was none of our choosing, and often we have a sense of unworthiness to fulfill this calling. You are never more aware of your mortal nature than in the hours of doubt and fear when God allows trouble to remind you of your true vulnerability and helplessness…and also of His power, faithfulness and goodness.
God shows Himself faithful again and again, reminding us that we are not called to produce the fruit…only to bear it as He grows it in our lives.
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” James 2:5Under His Mercy,
The Lenz Family
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Another email...
Dear Friends:
I wanted to provide you all with a quick update on Karen’s diagnosis and treatment. But first, I want to express our deep gratitude for the response we have received from all of you. When I sent the first email, I knew that you loved Karen and would pray for her, which is all that I could have presumed to ask. I had no idea of the love and encouragement we would receive. Your responses have already filled a treasure chest full of encouragement and blessings. We our overwhelmed with your kind words, offers of assistance and commitments to pray. Thank you so much! I know that all of you have encountered your own hardships and trials, and you understand how important these things are. The wisdom that has been shared is priceless. Please know that we count it a privilege to call you our friends and we will be praying for you also.
Karen’s diagnosis is infiltrating ductal carcinoma, grade III. It is breast cancer that has reached the lymph nodes under her arm. We think that it has been caught fairly early, but we will learn much more this week. We have an appointment with one of the best doctors in the world Monday morning at Mayo’s Breast Clinic. We will have a consultation with a surgeon on Thursday and an oncologist on Friday. We expect the treatment to begin immediately. We are so thankful that we are being seen at one of the best clinic’s in the world. The care we have already received has been fantastic. They are extremely compassionate and responsive, and move very quickly.
Karen’s attitude is wonderful. She is a quiet warrior trusting in our Heavenly Father for her comfort and strength. Our children are doing well and are great comfort to Karen and I. I will continue to provide updates and let you know what our needs are if that is okay. Thank you again for your encouragement and prayers.
Love,
Craig
I wanted to provide you all with a quick update on Karen’s diagnosis and treatment. But first, I want to express our deep gratitude for the response we have received from all of you. When I sent the first email, I knew that you loved Karen and would pray for her, which is all that I could have presumed to ask. I had no idea of the love and encouragement we would receive. Your responses have already filled a treasure chest full of encouragement and blessings. We our overwhelmed with your kind words, offers of assistance and commitments to pray. Thank you so much! I know that all of you have encountered your own hardships and trials, and you understand how important these things are. The wisdom that has been shared is priceless. Please know that we count it a privilege to call you our friends and we will be praying for you also.
Karen’s diagnosis is infiltrating ductal carcinoma, grade III. It is breast cancer that has reached the lymph nodes under her arm. We think that it has been caught fairly early, but we will learn much more this week. We have an appointment with one of the best doctors in the world Monday morning at Mayo’s Breast Clinic. We will have a consultation with a surgeon on Thursday and an oncologist on Friday. We expect the treatment to begin immediately. We are so thankful that we are being seen at one of the best clinic’s in the world. The care we have already received has been fantastic. They are extremely compassionate and responsive, and move very quickly.
Karen’s attitude is wonderful. She is a quiet warrior trusting in our Heavenly Father for her comfort and strength. Our children are doing well and are great comfort to Karen and I. I will continue to provide updates and let you know what our needs are if that is okay. Thank you again for your encouragement and prayers.
Love,
Craig
An Email
It has been a challenging week in the Lenz household. On Monday we scheduled an appointment for Karen at Mayo for Tuesday morning due to a discovery of a small lump on her right breast and under her right armpit. That appointment led to numerous additional appointments on Tuesday and Wednesday. Today we learned that the small lump under her arm is cancer, and we are awaiting the results of the analysis of the breast biopsy. We already have appointments with the breast clinic next Monday, a surgeon next Thursday and an oncologist on Friday. Obviously this has been a great test of our faith in our beloved Lord and Savior. We are very grateful for the speed that the Mayo staff has exercised on our behalf. We have already felt the intercession of prayers by those who have been aware of the appointments. We now covet the prayers of all our friends and family on Karen’s behalf. We know that we serve a good God who knows our needs before we ask. We know that He intercedes on our behalf with groanings that cannot be uttered, according to the will of God. We will keep you informed as we learn more of what we are facing. Please ask all to pray.
Craig
Craig
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