3/11/2010 Update on Stephanie
Let me start by saying that all of your thoughts and prayers are very helpful and have meant the world to us. Please continue to pray as we brace for the challenges in front of us.
Stephanie and I received the news/results yesterday (earlier than expected) from her PET scan this week. The news was not what we expected to hear...not even close. The cancer has spread to the right side of her chest, lymph node activity is double normal, indicating a good chance that the cancer is there as well and there is a small spot on her liver.
We are still pursuing options and this news changes nothing except giving us a greater sense of urgency to make decisions wisely and quickly. Stephanie recently started a maintenance program through a holistic doctor to keep the cancer from returning. This program will more than likely change as we move to eradicate the cancer instead of keeping her cancer-free. Those who are skeptical about holistic medicine, please hold your judgment until you have finished reading my post.
Stephanie's cancer has been extremely aggressive in nature, responding well to chemotherapy both times but coming back quickly once chemo has stopped. Albert Einstein once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This is hauntingly familiar in our situation. No one has been able to tell us why Stephanie continues to get cancer. If we look at what we do know, it is that a healthy body can kill cancerous cells while one with a depleted immune system cannot.
We are not opposed to another chemo regimen to keep the cancer under control but our focus is on fixing the leak rather than mopping up the floor. We are going to make every lifestyle change necessary to get Stephanie in best shape of her life. This is the direction that makes the most sense and through lots of prayer, we believe we are on the path that God would have us travel. Stephanie and I have joined hands and we are ready to run down that path together as fast as God will allow.
Stephanie and I spent several hours talking last night. Throughout that conversation, one theme emerged. Fear robs us of the time we have to love. God knows the desires of our hearts and we believe our prayers have already been answered. How exactly is not our concern but pleasing Him through our actions and listening to Him are of the utmost importance. We cannot do these things when we are fearful. That is an enemy we all fight together. I say boldly to those reading this, do not be fearful of what is to come. There is nothing pleasing to God in those thoughts. Spend you time praising God for the blessing both seen and unseen that are given through our situation.
Stephanie and I love God with everything in us. We know that He will be glorified through this situation and our faith cannot be shaken. Please, don't let yours be either! Focus on blessing that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Put the fear out of your mind and love! Katherine Mansfield said it well when she said, "The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be." I pray each of you embrace this and are blessed richly.
I will keep the updates coming as things unfold. Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers.!
Stephanie and I received the news/results yesterday (earlier than expected) from her PET scan this week. The news was not what we expected to hear...not even close. The cancer has spread to the right side of her chest, lymph node activity is double normal, indicating a good chance that the cancer is there as well and there is a small spot on her liver.
We are still pursuing options and this news changes nothing except giving us a greater sense of urgency to make decisions wisely and quickly. Stephanie recently started a maintenance program through a holistic doctor to keep the cancer from returning. This program will more than likely change as we move to eradicate the cancer instead of keeping her cancer-free. Those who are skeptical about holistic medicine, please hold your judgment until you have finished reading my post.
Stephanie's cancer has been extremely aggressive in nature, responding well to chemotherapy both times but coming back quickly once chemo has stopped. Albert Einstein once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This is hauntingly familiar in our situation. No one has been able to tell us why Stephanie continues to get cancer. If we look at what we do know, it is that a healthy body can kill cancerous cells while one with a depleted immune system cannot.
We are not opposed to another chemo regimen to keep the cancer under control but our focus is on fixing the leak rather than mopping up the floor. We are going to make every lifestyle change necessary to get Stephanie in best shape of her life. This is the direction that makes the most sense and through lots of prayer, we believe we are on the path that God would have us travel. Stephanie and I have joined hands and we are ready to run down that path together as fast as God will allow.
Stephanie and I spent several hours talking last night. Throughout that conversation, one theme emerged. Fear robs us of the time we have to love. God knows the desires of our hearts and we believe our prayers have already been answered. How exactly is not our concern but pleasing Him through our actions and listening to Him are of the utmost importance. We cannot do these things when we are fearful. That is an enemy we all fight together. I say boldly to those reading this, do not be fearful of what is to come. There is nothing pleasing to God in those thoughts. Spend you time praising God for the blessing both seen and unseen that are given through our situation.
Stephanie and I love God with everything in us. We know that He will be glorified through this situation and our faith cannot be shaken. Please, don't let yours be either! Focus on blessing that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Put the fear out of your mind and love! Katherine Mansfield said it well when she said, "The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be." I pray each of you embrace this and are blessed richly.
I will keep the updates coming as things unfold. Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers.!
Comments
I am very glad that you are trying the holistic approach, don't let anyone discourage you. The husband of a friend of mine was diagnosed with stage four cancer. He went to see a holistic doctor and began the VERY strict regimine he was put on. He was scheduled for 12 rounds of chemo. He had a PET scan after his 8th round and it came back 100% clean. I believe that he still finished the chemo, but he has been cancer free for the past three years.
I honestly believe that you are stronger than this cancer. My heart breaks that you have to face this set back, but I believe that it is only temporary.
I know that you hear this from everyone, but please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you! If you have any interest in talking to Natalie, (her husband is the one that beat his stage 4 cancer by going to a holistic doctor) PLEASE let me know. You, Jessica, Natalie and I could go to lunch. I know that she would love to share her information with you. She honestly believes that seeing a holistic doctor is what saved Eric's life.
Stephanie, I think that you are amazing. You are very lucky to have a husband that is standing beside you and screams his love for you to the world.
Please consider lunch. Jessica and I would love to take you to lunch.
You are in my prayers.
Love to you,
Christy Lorbach
~Jessica's sister :-)
Donna