Great PET/CT Scans Reports

"Write it down.  Make it happen!"  Habakkuk  2;2

I learned this verse when I was trying to get a mission trip to South Africa organized for Feb. 2009.  It happened!   PTL

Along came 2010 and I had another PROJECT to work on in my own body.  I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with a life projection of 4 months.  I took the chemotherapy treatments, experienced  plenty of side effects and lived to tell about my experience. I particularly concentrated on other people with pancreatic cancer.  I hadn't known anyone whom I could talk to when I was diagnosed and realized it would be good to have someone to talk with about this devastating disease.  God have sent me 2 people in particular and I have developed a different kind of friendship with them.  Mandy O'Sullivan was the first and Sowatha Kong Chea was the second.  Both of them were Christians and both have died.  I visited Mandy in her home and although she was far along in her disease I was able to share my own experiences with pancreatic cancer with her and her dear family, which included her husband, 5 adult children, and her mother.  We had prayer and shared together telephone conversations later.  Sowatha was introduced to me by her neighbor, who is a mutual friend.  Our first meeting was in my home.  Again I shared my experiences with pancreatic cancer and answered questions which she had.   I visited in her home several times and had telephone conversations as well.  She had a very supportive family also, including her 95 year old Mother who worked circles around us!  She offered food to everyone who came to visit meanwhile keeping the kitchen spotless.  Her husband and 2 college age children were at her beck and call., as well as siblings of Sowatha and her husband.  I mention these because it is unusual in this high-metro area to have extended family living close enough to come often to support you.  Especially when you've migrated 30+ years ago from a foreign country (their's is Cambodia).   Family support has been tremendous for me as well.   My husband, Hampton, has been right with me all the way in this LONG, TOUGH journey of illness.  We have 3 adult children who've been supportive as well.

Tuesday, 10/2/2012, I visited my oncologist.  He gave me the results of my PET/CT scans which were done 9/19/2012.  These tests were to check how well the spheres treatment for the active lesions on my liver had done.  He said that my body is again free from cancer.  This time he didn't state that he couldn't explain it!  When he'd told me that about my pancreatic cancer, he said "I cannot explain this."  I replied that I could that it was a miracle from God.  this is great news.

Wednesday, 10/3/2012,  I visited my radiation oncologist who is the one who did the spheres radiation treatments.  He casually walked into the room and announced my liver is clear and whatever was causing concern near my breast bone was gone.  I said "That's good."  To which he replied "That's great, I will see you in four months."

Once again I'm cancer free.  As the surgeon who removed my gall bladder in May, 2012, explained "No one is totally free from cancer."  Even  people who've not been diagnosed with cancer yet, have SOME cancer cells.

I've lived 29 months since my first diagnosis and God still has work for me to do here on earth.

I appreciate the many prayers that have been offered for me.  May God continue to bless you as you pray!!


Mary Barbara Kirk Hoge

Orthopedic Report August 21, 2012

Tuesday, 8/21/2012, I had an appointment to have my right knee checked.  This is the knee that has the revised prosthesis.  Last summer I wore a cast allowing the knee to heal from the serious staph infection.  This summer I have been using a walker and wearing a cast to avoid falling.  Yesterday the doctor told me I must continue to use a walker and he issued me an identical brace to wear.  He agreed to 4 weeks of physical therapy which MIGHT strengthen my leg.  It will definitely not eliminate the brace or walker.  I want to try it even though I will not accomplish much.  He plainly explained that I will have to use the brace and walker for the rest of my life.

My sphere radiation treatments are completed.  Now I'm waiting to allow them to do their work.  September 17 I have both a CT and a PET scan.  On October 3, I return to the radiation oncologist to hear the results  of these tests.   I have no idea what will be suggested next.  These treatments were for my liver lesions  which have been present since my first diagnosis in April 2010.  They had become active and were seen by the surgeon who removed my gall bladder.  He took photographs of them and suggested I go to my oncologist. 

Currently I have NO PAIN, which is wonderful.  I am tired but it is explained by the accumulation of chemo therapy, numerous anesthetics, surgeries, etc.  

I truly believe God has allowed me to continue to live to witness that you can live beyond your "predicted prognosis".  I am to explain to others suffering from pancreatic cancer stage IV that God is with them, pray for them, and encourage them.

I appreciate all the prayers which have been prayed for me.

Prayerfully,
Barbara

Second Spheres Injection

Tuesday, August 7, 2012, I had my second injection of spheres to my liver lesions.   This went smoothly and they have a wonderful team at Fairfax Hospital for radiation therapy.  The prep and recovery take about 2/3 of the 4.5 to 5 hour period that you are at the hospital.  You're in la la land, not caring what they do to you, being neither fully asleep or fully awake.  I had no pain this time even after I got home.  I had one bout with nausea but it settled quickly, as opposed to 5 times having an upset stomach last time.  This is to be the last radiation injection.  I go for an office visit  in about a month, then schedule a PET scan probably mid October.

August 21 I go to my orthopedist to have my right knee checked.  I'm still wearing a brace and using a walker.  It seems to be better and hopefully I can get a smaller brace.  This brace has kept me from falling but it is heavy and makes me tired. 

All in all I feel OK.  I have an abundance of reasons for feeling tired so I just do whatever I can and don't worry about the rest!   Hampton continues to be a good caregiver.  He, our 2 grandsons, and David are in WV this weekend.  They're attending West Virginia Baptist Men and Boys' Camp at the WV Baptist Camp in Cowen, WV.  Making good Memories!

Prayerfully,
Mary Barbara Kirk Hoge

Yesterday in Jeremiah 1:5  I read:  "God has a holy purpose designed for you."

Spheres, Beading, Whatever

Wed August 1 I went to Dr Drooz (radiation oncologist) for an office visit.  He looked at me, punched my abdomen, listened to my breathing & heart and said I am doing fine from my earlier radiation spheres treatment.  His nurse had told me that my blood work was good.  He asked if I was tired.  I said yes and for the first 4 days following the procedure I confirmed his meaning of FATIGUE.  I told him now I'm just tired and he confirmed that all cancer treatments generally affect patients that way.   Every doctor tells me that and that I should expect to be tired.  My friends who're mainly older than I tell me that it's AGE.  My youngest child suggested  I develop some younger friends.   I don't think I could possibly keep up with younger people.

God's blessing me and I know friends are praying!

Barbara

Radiation by Beads

Friday 7/13 I received somewhere between 40 million & 70 million tiny beads of radiation.  The radiologist oncologist said he'd been up all night counting them but he lost his count!  Then, he laughed.  I explained that I'd heard I shouldn't use silverware only plastic ware to eat.  He laughed again and said he'd never heard that one!  Since I'd been given my I V  to la la land, he suggested we travel onward to the operating room.  There was a multitude of folks awaiting my arrival.  Several of them asked me, individually, if I was allergic to anything even tho' I had on a bracelet which stated NO ALLERGIES.  The nurse who wheeled me into the operating room said they're testing you.  Next a male technician stepped up and asked the square route of 144.   I answered I thought it might be 12 and he said well she's not in la la land yet!   Soon in came the dr and the procedure began.  Since they'd made the path a couple weeks ago, the beads flowed in easily.  It took about an hour.  Then I was wheeled to the recovery room.  By now, there'd been a shift change so I had a different care nurse.  Dorrie was just as attentive as Susan had been before surgery.

I'd had Susan for the mapping and had learned she goes on mission trips.  She's an Anglican.  I took her one of my beaded bracelets on Friday and she wanted to know how to make them.  She had me explain how to roll them from bulletins while she accessed my medi port.  It was an effective detraction.  I told her I'd bring some to show her when I go back in 4 weeks.  She says she'll try it before then but to bring the "helps" anyway.  You can imagine trying to explain this procedure while lying on a gurney getting my I V !!!

Now back to Dorrie.  She offered me ginger ale which tasted great after been without liquid since midnight on Thursday.  When I kept that down she asked me if I'd like a turkey club sandwich.  I readily accepted that and ate it without difficulty.  Then, I got to change into my clothes.  I felt fine and left for home about 4:30.  I had no problem riding and continued to feel OK.  My neighbor, Patty, brought us some delicious chicken soup.  After I'd eaten some I didn't feel very well.  I took some anti nausea pills and felt better temporarily then I got sick.  It wasn't the soup which made me ill.  They'd given written instructions that this WOULD happen.  That's why I had 2 different medications to take.  One I had to take 6 by the time I went to bed and the other as needed.  By midnight everything had settled down and I've been fine since then.  Saturday I ate cereal with bananas a couple times then other fruits & veggies later in the day.  Sunday I had bagels, banana bread, soups, and sandwiches with no problem.

I have not had to take any pain medication whatsoever yet.  I've been warned joint pain may come but so far nothing hurts.  I am fatigued as expected and still have the "don't give a hoot" attitude.  Hopefully that'll wear off soon.

I appreciate all the prayers and kindnesses shown to me and my family!

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) for liver tumors using SIR-Spheres microspheres is also referred to as Radioemobolization.  SIRT is a targeted treatment for liver tumors that delivers millions of tiny radioactive beads directly to the liver tumors.  The SIRT procedure is conducted by a medical team that includes a specialist known as an interventional radiologist.  SIRT has no effect on tumors outside the liver.
the first angiogram or mapping is to prepare your liver for the SIRT treatment.  Thursday 6/27 is when I had this done.  You visit la la land during this procedure, not being fully asleep so that you can communicate with your treating doctor. 

Friday July 13 I am scheduled for SIRT at 1:30 PM in Fairfax Hospital.  It is a 4 - 6 hour procedure.  Following that I can come home.  I have to stay away from crowds, not sleep with anyone, not hold children & not physically touch anyone for 3 or 4 days following this procedure.

This beading is radioactive beads.    My second bead project entails Salvation beads and the making of Salvation Bracelets for our church's evening outreach program for children.  Thursday afternoon, following mapping Hampton & I filled 120 zip loc bags with 6 colored pony beads.  The beads with their colors are BLACK for sin, RED for Christ's shed blood, WHITE for washing away our sin (wash white as snow),
BLUE represents Christ's Resurrection, GREEN represents new life in Christ, YELLOW represents Heaven.

Thirdly I am making rolled paper beads from church bulletins.  With the beads I make necklaces and bracelets.  Sarah's grandmother inlaw who lives with Sarah & Kirk is going to Tennessee next week.  Her niece has been sending me colorful bulletins so I want to have some jewelry to send with Dorothy on her trip.

As you can read, I'm fully immersed in BEADS.

What's up now, doctor?

As I write today is Wednesday, June 27, 2012.  Last Wednesday I had an appointment with a Radiology oncologist (Dr. Drooz).  After reviewing my last 2 PET scans, he agreed with my gall bladder surgeon and oncologist who's been treating me for 26 months that I was a candidate for Radiation by injecting radioactive beads into my liver. The beads attack the lesions on my liver and do not harm the good cells.  He explained that first he would do mapping of my liver/blood vessels.  Then I would have 2 bead treatments 2 - 4 weeks apart, depending on how I fair following the first treatment.  Thursday his assistant phoned that I needed to go to a radiation oncologist and she'd made me an appointment for Monday, 6/25.  Dr. Kanani saw me Monday and again agreed with the beading procedure.  He would personally do the first treatment, following the mapping done by Dr. Drooz.  Tueday 6/26 Dr. Drooz's nurse phoned that there was an opening for me to have my mapping done Thursday 6/28 if I could have a pre-op done TODAY 6/27.  Hampton drove me to the INOVA location near Prosperity Rd in Fairfax at 6:15 AM this morning for blood work & EKG.  We were completely finished by 7:35.  Now we get to travel the same route tomorrow then proceed to Fairfax Hospital, being there by 7:00 AM Thursday.  The mapping is a full day procedure.  I fast from midnight until it is FINISHED.  I will be in la la land, according to the nurse.

4th PET Scan & recommendations

Thursday, June 7, 2012, I had a 4th PET Scan.  Dr. Richard Brenner, the surgeon who removed my gall bladder and biliary tube & bag, and Dr. Nassar Khan, my oncologist, each recommended this following seeing the photographs taken during the surgery.   Monday, June 11, 2012, I went to Dr. Khan to get the results of the PET.  He verbally reported to me that I was experiencing activity in my lungs and liver.  He recommended I have an appointment with a radiologist, Dr. Alan Drooz.  It is now set for Wednesday, June 20, 2012.   Both Dr. Brenner and Dr. Khan had expressed that they did not see an immenent problem.   Not being one to sit around and wonder what problems I am experiencing, I made the suggested appointment.  THEN, I read the printout of the PET Scan which the receptionist handed me as I left the office.  It plainly states in 2 places "the lungs are clear."  I have spent the past 2 days questioning people as to what kind of problem this indicates.  I understand the radiologist will check this next Wednesday but I am puzzled NOW.

Gall Bladder & Biliary tube & bag RESOLVED

Tuesday May 22, 2012, after waiting 25 months my gall bladder & biliary tube & bag were removed.  It is a great relief!  Now I don't have to cover  the biliary with a plastic zip lock bag  & use an elastic band to hold it in place.  The first shower I took after the installation was aided by a male nurse.  He used Saran Wrap to wrap my abdomen / back area with multiple layers of tangled wrap.  It didn't keep anything dry!  Then being afraid of scalding me, he used only COLD water.  I quickly announced I'd had enough and just reach me some towels & take me back to my room.  I resorted to sponge baths the rest of the time in that facility!!   When I got home, I designed the bag ensemble.  It worked considerably better.  I must admit I took lots of sponge baths as well.  I have cleansing cloths for my private areas so sponge bathing works well.  Whenever I'd be hospitalized I'd request a zip lock bag and the aides were amazed how well they worked. 

The gall bladder removal and biliary tube 7 bag went smoothly.  The doctor was able to do it labaroscopically in less than an hour!  When the surgeon talked to Hampton he said I was remarkable and that I'd go home shortly.  All along he'd recommended that I plan to spend a night due to my various ailments.  When he talked to me, he said you'll be going home soon.  I asked if I didn't need care and he said "No."  Fortunately I do not have pain.  I took pain medicine on schedule so as to not let pain get ahead of me.  I've learned that is the very best way to resolve pain issues.

Three weeks Hampton & I spent a week in the Shenandoah Valley.  It was very relaxing.  We enjoyed a nice visit with Wes & Bettie Trindal.  After a wonderful lunch at Sal's in Edinburg we watched the movie "The Conspirators" at Trindal's home.  It is the movie made about the trial of Mary Surratt.  She's the only woman hung in the USA.  Bettie Trindal has written a biography of Mary Surratt.  She gave an author presentation at Chantilly Regional Library back when I was president of Friends of the library.

We came home for six days then travelled to Virginia Beach.  There we visited & enjoyed dinner with school friends of Hampton's who live there.  Technically one could say Hampton & Sue went through school together--1st through college!  He took a break in college so she graduated ahead of him.  We also spent time with friends from Charlotte Hall, Md.  They're at Virginia Beach the same week as we're there, yearly.  They're having A G E  problems as well.  We could see improvement since last year.  We celebrated his birthday with cake one afternoon while there!

My various physicians have recommended we travel whenever we can.  They encouraged us to take these trips before settling in to have repair work completed.  It does help one have a better attitude if you've had relaxation prior to working on your list of health issues.  Someday I plan to go back to the urologist to address a bladder problem which I had in Oct, 2009.  I had testing done to make sure it could be done.  Pills were recommended but they do not help my problem so SOMEDAY I hope to have bladder repair work done.

I truly appreciate the prayers offered aroung the world in my behalf!   I've been studying Priscilla Shirer's Bible Study on Knowing and Doing the will of God.   I also recommend "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns from World Vision.

May God Bless each of us as we continue our Christian lives!!!  My recovery will take a while longer!

Prayerfully,
Barbara

"You're an amazing woman," Dr. Brent Ain

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, I went to see my orthopedist. (Dr. Brent Ain)  The first thing he told me was "You're an amazing woman."  I am doing well with my "new knee."  I still wear a brace & use a walker.  This prevents my knee from buckling causing me to fall.  I am to return to him in August.  I told him that I talked to a woman who recently had her 4th knee replacement.  Actually after the second they're referred to as revisions.  I said she had a hinged knee.  He said, "you have a hinged knee so next time you talk about your knee, know what you're talking about."  He then said "don't you think I'd use the best thing available for you?"  I've been going to him for 12 years so we're very comfortable with our relationship! 

After that appointment, I went for my pre-op for my gall bladder surgery and removal of my biliary tube & bag.  I had blood work and an ekg.  I'll hear from this on Thursday.  My surgery is scheduled for May 22.

Hampton & I have a short trip before the surgery.  Medical personnel insist you travel & do things of INTEREST whenever you can.  This is for mental health which they work on beyond your physical health.

We had enough Baptists at Fair Oaks Hospital to have a Baptist Meeting.  The Andy Goulds & the Bob McClures were both sighted during our time there!  Hope they got good reports also!

Last week we enjoyed time in the Shenandoah Valley.  We visited with the Trindals.  Mary Elizabeth Trindal (Bettie) wrote a non-fiction book on Mary Surratt.  She was the only woman ever hung in the USA.  Bettie was one of the many interesting authors I had visit Chantilly Regional Library during my tenure in Friends of the Library.  She's in her 80's & still as sharp as ever.  We watched the movie "The Conspirator" which is based on Mary Surratt's trial.

I'm still working on my PHD (Projects Half Done).  In particular I want some of my rolled paper bead necklaces & bracelets to sell for some Mission Projects. 

FYI  I got my hair cut SHORT after letting it G R O W when I didn't loose it during my chemo treatments.

My latest PET Scan shows NO CANCER IN MY BODY.  Thanks be to God!!!

Blogging is FUN

Amazing title for someone has slowed down in her blogging!     do have good intentions--just don't follow through very quickly!

I am taking care of myself by wearing my brace on my right leg to keep it from buckling, causing my falls.  I go back to the orthopedist May 5 to have it checked.  I learned about a different kind of replacement at an anniversary party Saturday.  It is especially for ligament problems.  I'm not ready to have my knee reopened any time soon.  

First I'm planning to have my gallbladder removed May 22.  This will also lead to removal of my biliary tube & bag.  Hopefully it can be laproscopic  but that is questionable.  Then following recovery from those items I'll move on to bladder repair, which began in 2009 (before cancer intervened).

As you can read, I have a lengthy repair list.  I can thankfully say my appetite is great so my gallbladder isn't causing pain, just inconvenience.  I don't have PAIN currently anywhere in my body.  That's a great feeling.  Inconvenience seems like I'm impatient but 2 yrs is a long endurance test.  April 28 is my second anniversary of my cancer diagnosis.  According to my latest PET scan, I remain CANCER FREE.  God has granted me a miracle.

Hampton & I are taking a couple Virginia trips before my upcoming repair work.  Figured we'd better do them before I go back into recovering from various things!!


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Isaiah 4:6


Prayerfully,
Barbara 

 

Easter Post

I've been unable to get onto my blog to POST.  Sorry!

Three weeks ago I sat down due to falling in my upstairs carpeted hallway.  Since it was the second such event in 3 days I phoned my orthopedist on Monday and he said come first thing Tuesday morning as he was in surgery Monday.  After Xrays he determined the ligaments in my right (new) knee were ruptured.  This is due to my horrible staph infection.  I'm wearing a brace to keep my knee from buckling and walking with a walker for more stability.  It isn't what I wanted to happen but it is better than hopping with pain.  I return to the dr May 8 and determine what to do next.  It will probably lead to a permanent brace.  I can live with this setback so we'll just see what's next.

Meanwhile, my cancer free diagnosis amazes many.  I am experiencing a God given miracle.  I feel better than I have in a couple years, even tho' my back & bottom are sore from the fall.  Nothing BROKE so I use heat & rest for treatment.  I can get around so that's good.  My energy level isn't up to par yet.

Easter 1952 I was baptized into Christian Faith.  As a means of celebrating I'm giving copies of "The Hole in the Gospel" by Richard Stearns.  He is the CEO of World Vision.   I hope people will be encouraged to share Christ by reading this book.

May 22 I am to have my gallbladder surgery.  Then I'll be finished with the biliary tube after nearly 25 months!   Obviously I have a priority list for fixing up my body.

May God be with you!
Barbara Hoge

GREAT NEWS

Wed. March 14, 2012, I had a PET scan to show how my cancer is doing.  Thursday, Mar. 15 I went to my oncologist to hear the report.  "There is no sign of cancer in your body," said Dr. Nassar Kahn.  I said that it's been a miracle.  He replied that he'd had one other patient during his career with such a good report.  Now I'm to see a surgeon next Thursday to check on removing my biliary bag & gallbladder.

Praise God from whom all blessing!   Thanks for your continued prayers.

2 week renewal

Saturday, 2/18/2012, began my 2 weeks of renewal of my spirit.  That day I met with the Quilters for Jesus (Q4J) with whom I'd experienced a mission trip to South Africa in 2/2009 along with The :Lowe Chicks  (sisters who'd also taken a mission trip to South Africa).  Nine ladies met in the Yowell home in Etlan, VA, for a reunion.  Only 1 of our group was missing, due to a prior commitment.  We took tea (as is said in SA) and  enjoyed chatting with each other about our various activities in the 3 intervening years since our trips.  Our hostesses (The Lowe Chicks)  truly treated us royally!  We caught up on various activities, (particularly  Operation Christmas Child) , sponsored by Samaritan's Purse.  Our on site missionary in SA (Cathy Lowe Burleson) now works at Samaritan's Purse in Boone, NC and she told about the shoe boxes that are presented to children around the world at Christmastime.  2011 saw over 8 million delivered!!  Check out S P on the web and plan your personal participation in 2012.  I've begun collectin items for mine already.

Monday, 2/20/2012, Hampton and I went to The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV.  There we celebrated Tribute to the Virginias with Sarah, Kirk, Kyle, & Kory Beene, David Hoge, Alice Lowe, and Shelby Harrison  (2 ladies from our church).  We had a delightful time.  We also went to Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, WV, where we attended a Timbering Lecture with accompanying banjo music.  It was a new experience for us and actually quite enjoyable.

Wednesday, 2/22/2012, Our group departed Greenbrier.  I accompanied David to Charleston, WV, where I spent a week.  There I visited with long time friends!  I taught several of them to make rolled paper beads.  We made necklaces & bracelets from the beads.  I learned to make them back in 1993 from a former missionary to Mexico City.  Jennifer & I made them & sold enough to send a nurse on a mission trip in 1994.  The lady who taught me to make them called them "Baptist Prayer Beads".  I shared meals with friends and learned that First Baptist Church, South Charleston, is going on a summer mission trip to Arizona, to help the Hopi Indians.

Thursday, 3/1/2012, David brought me home.  David, Jennifer, & Sarah hosted a 75th birthday party for Hampton on 3/3 at Ox Hill Baptist Church.  It was a very nice party which over 90 friends celebrated with us.  Our kids put on a nice spread for their Dad  This explains why I was sent home with David.. 

Thus ended my 2 week period of renewal!  3/5/2012 was my day to return to my oncologist to see how I was doing.  When he first saw me he commented on how well I looked.  He asked me how I felt and I replied that God has provided me a miracle.  He agreed and commented that my blood work was excellent.  That was certainly a first for me in that facility.  Now I'm scheduled for a PET Scan 3/14 to see what is happening inside my body.  If all goes well with it, I'll see a surgeon on 3/22 to see about removal of my biliary tube and drain along with my  gall bladder.  It'll be nice to get more functional!  Dr. Kahn asked about my appetite.  When I replied ravenous, he laughed & said "Great".

Now I need to catch up on housecleaning which I have neglected for a couple years!

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my miracle & EATING.

Thanks for your prayers!  God hears & answers!!

Barbara




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Walking Outdoors

February has been like spring here in Chantilly.  While it has been nice outside, I've been taking walks using a walker so I won't trip on uneven sidewalks etc.  I heard 2 weathermen say that we are to get some snow tomorrow so I don't think I'll be walking tomorrow.  Today I walked 1 1/2 miles and felt refreshed when I got home.  Currently proper walking is my goal.  I'm happy that I can walk as I couldn't put my foot down for 14 weeks while I had the prosthesis in my right knee out.  I had to let it heal then a new knee put in,  As I walk I see neighbors who are out enjoying the sunshine.  They're friendly & ask what my problem is.  It's a long story as those of you who've been keeping up with this blog know!  I chose 2 different routes on Sunday & Tuesday.  I told the lengthy story so many times that I said to Hampton when I got in today that I was thinking of writing a handout.  It's nice to realize how concerned others are in your welfare!

I'd like to share some quotes from "God's prescription for healing" by James P. Gills

"Worry, anxiety, and fear exagerate our physical illnesses and impede our healing."  p.85

"When we appreciate the Lord and His mercy toward us, our hearts, minds, and bodies are open to the possibilities of improbable healing."   p. 169

Please pray for Sarah's niece Natalie as she has her tonsil/adenoid surgery on Thursday 2/9.

To God be the glory, great things He has done!


Mary Barbara Hoge

Hi prayer warriors!
Today Sarah's sister inlaw Rebekah Knapp & her husband Derek took their little daughter Natalie to the hospital at Johns Hopkins.  Natalie is tiny.  She needs her tonsils & adenoids removed but the drs are leery of putting her to sleep, due to her size.  Today the J H drs said her skull is smaller than usual & she needs to have the pressure on her brain relieved.  They want to do this at the same to eliminate a second time putting her to sleep.  She'll have to have an MRI prior.  Please pray for the Knapp family in this situation.

I called Rebekah and assured her that I'd call up my prayers!!!   Don't let me down.

Prayerfully,
Barbara

Biliary Examination

On April 29, 2010, at Fair Oaks Hospital I had a biliary tube and drainage bag installed to drain my gall bladder and liver.  For the past 21 months it has done its task without problems.  I have  kept a bandage of gauze around the entry into my side and  home health nurses, hospital nurses, Hampton, and finally I have changed this regularly.  After 17 months I was questioned how often I flushed it with saline.  I replied that it had not been flushed.  When the nurse recovered from shock, she suggested that I begin daily flushing.  Feeling that was a drastic change, I maintained weekly flushes.  That kept everything clear.

On January 20, 2012, I had a scheduled appointment to have the "system" fully checked.  It took most of the day to have it all examined and a new tube inserted as well as a new tube and biliary bag connected externally.  When it was completed the doctor then talked to Hampton and me about selecting alternative treatments.  I now have an appointment on March 8, 2012, with a surgeon.  He will determine what would be the safest way to continue my bile drainage.  My gall bladder is full of stones so something must be done.  There are several options.  Since my only gall bladder indication of problems has been my turning yellow on April 28, 2010, I am not changing my life plans to get this done immediately.

Very early in my pancreatic cancer stage 4 cancer treatments my oncologist recommended I continue life activities, particularly including travel.  I have done this throughout these 21 months since my diagnosis.  When I had my last orthopedic appointment, following my knee replacement and physical therapy, my doctor said "Get out and live your life!"  When I said the PT said I wasn't quite done with therapy he replied "I'm the doctor."  He'd explained earlier that he'd started to be an oncologist in medical school but had changed when he realized oncologists help their patients feel better while orthopedists can get you well.
The patient must do physical therapy but the doctor can take away the pain.  Cancer doesn't work that way just as it didn't when he was in med school 30 years ago!

The reason I made my appointment March 8 is because we're going to "The Greenbrier Resort" in West Virginia in February and Hampton's 75th birthday is February 23.  Everything is going well with my health currently so we're "living life!"  If you're interested in visiting the website for Greenbrier make sure to spell it with an e, not a as Virginians do!  The resort is celebrating "Tribute to the Virginias" currently with GREAT PRICES.

God has been right with me during this experience.  I appreciate the prayers which have been prayed around the world in my behalf!  May God be with all of us as we continue to "Live our lives."

Inspiration

Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer has been a BIG INTERRUPTION in my life!  Priorities have been rearranged dramatically.  Some things must be neglected, thus a change in life's schedule.  Cancer was not in my life's plan.

Following next came my divine intervention.  God has a plan for me and I had to undergo lots of health issues  to continue living within God's plan for ME!  The most recent issue was revision of my right knee.  Revision is the word used to describe replacing your first prosthesis.  The recovery time and physical therapy is the same as your first surgery.  It was 14 weeks between removing my first artificial knee and replacing it with a new prosthesis.  During that time I could bear NO WEIGHT on my right leg.  That meant using a walker and hopping on one foot.  Talk about limitations!   I have healed from the surgery and finished physical therapy.  I use a cane to walk, generally.  When I go for a walk outside I use a walker for safety.

Now comes the inspiration.  I have been inspired to share my experiences with others, particularly other pancreatic cancer patients.  I hope to be able to instill confidence that with God all things are possible.  Each illness can be devastating without the hope of Jesus Christ in our lives.

                                TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE