Friday, November 14, 2008

Moving along

Wow, you prayer warriors are really at work. Amy took ½ pain pill this morning at 7:30 and hasn’t wanted one since!

Our morning visit with the Drs went well – to a degree. Sometimes it feels a lot like Ping-Pong. They did remove the bandages and one drain; the other is still going to town. We were told that this was just going to be a 15 minute checkup, but when the whole surgical team came into the room (and brought a box of tissue) we knew something was up. (Actually that was a little bit of hyperbole).
They told us that part of the pathology report had come back already and contained some information that would be important to us. I will try to break all the technical stuff down into some simple info.

First of all the type of cancer found was one that finally takes the right breast out of the woods – that was a relief. For those interested in the stage of the cancer we now have a an official score. Five of the 15 lymph nodes removed tested positive – that moved us into a stage and treatment category. Officially stage IIIa and because so many lymph nodes were involved, radiation is a definite must after chemo.

There are still several test to be run that will clear up the treatment picture – basically to check on the hormone receptors and genes in the cancer. Those could come back in such a way that treatment and delivery could go on as previously thought. Please pray to that end.

We should know more by our appointments early next week. There is a whole gamut of meetings and appointments scheduled in the next couple of weeks – see the upcoming dates box on the right as you pray.

I won’t go into all of the what ifs and possibilities in front of us, just please continue to pray for the right results on the remaining pathological tests.

The surgeon also recommended some exercises for Amy to keep her shoulder from locking up ( I guess a fairly common problem after this kind of surgery) and she is already able to get her arm above her head. In fact she got her pajamas on alone tonight! What am I here for anyway? She is doing incredibly well on the physical side. Drs were pleased w/ what they saw today and we are aware of the wonderful prayer structure that is lifting us before the throne of grace in many ways.

Amy may even be doing well enough to take over at the keyboard tomorrow.

Thanks again to all of you, the notes and comments are more blessing than you can imagine and are truly treasured.

Be back soon, Jon

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! Amazing! I enjoy your updates so much, Jon. The testing of faith is precious. 1 pet. 1. The "unknowns" keep us more focused in prayer. Even when Amy is able to comment, we'd love to keep hearing from you too from time to time. you are at the top of our daily prayer list.

Maribel said...

Jon and Amy, we are praying for you and your family. We thank God for what He has done, is doing and will do in your lives. God Bless you. David and Maribel Bell (Spain)

Anonymous said...

There have been a lot of prayers going up for you in the Greenville, SC area! I have enjoyed getting to know you through your blog. We will keep praying for you as you recover. Lisa Arnold, friend of Priscilla Marsceau

Donna said...

Thanks, Jon. Tears flowed as I read your blog. I am so thankful that we serve a good God and that He is going to give you grace as you go through the upcoming months. I love you all and am drawn closer to the Lord myself as a result of spending so much time in prayer for you. Be strong in the Lord.
Love,
DR

Anonymous said...

Jon and Amy, thank you so much for the update. God is good and we ARE praying for the entire family. God has especially laid you on my heart. Maybe simply, because I am a woman, maybe because Paul and I were married 13 years and expecting our 7th child.... He knows. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. - Candy Trygstad

Anonymous said...

Once again, thank you for the very informative updates, Jon. Our prayers for you all continue. Give Amy my love. Aunt Sarah

Anonymous said...

We serve an all-powerful God! "Ah Lord God! behold,Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. Jer.32:17 We praise Him for how He has helped you and answered our prayers for you. Our extended family and co-workers are praying as well. Much love, Uncle Tom & Aunt Pat

thefedssc said...

WOW you are doing so well Amy to have such good arm movement so early and also the minimal amount of pain medication is amazing. What a testimony you and your family are to the doctors as they see the way you are handling this "bend in the road." You are a blessing to us and all that are reading your blog of God's grace and peace. How wonderful to know that He NEVER gives us more than we can bear and we can continue to cast all our cares on Him.

Anonymous said...

My children and I are praying for you daily. They always ask me how you are doing. Ethan (the youngest) prays for you at every mealtime when it is his turn to pray. It is so cute. It is so good to hear how God is working in you. He is such a faithful God, full of mercy and grace. Keep loving Him.

Love,
Mary

Brandi said...

Will the prayer going! Getting on your own pj's , YOU GO GIRL!

LOve!
Brandi

PS Thanks Jon... appreciate you keeping us all updated.

Bonnie said...

Jon and Amy, I love seeing how the Lord is working in every single detail! Thanks for keeping us updated. Love, Bonnie

Unknown said...

Thanks for the updates. We're praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon and Amy,

I am so thankful that I can keep up with you through this blog. What a blessing to read you are experiencing the perfect peace our Heavenly Father so graciously sends when we are focused on and trusting completely in Him. Such a testimony! Our family, many of our friends, and I have been and will continue to lift you up in prayer daily. As we celebrate this Christmas, we will be thinking of you and faithfully praying that the side effects of the chemo will not hinder you from enjoying your favorite time of year. As I read the blog today, my heart was warmed and my thoughts turned to Proverbs 14:32 - "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge." Death is certain for all of us as Amy stated so clearly in her blog, but what an uplift to the spirit to know that we have an indescribable refuge in our Mighty God. He is our Strong Tower and Shelter when we are weak. Amy, when you start the treatment, and if at times it should seem impossible to press on, my prayer is that God will enable you to hear the crowd of the thousands cheering you on.

I love you!

Aunt Phebe