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.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
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
.
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
.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
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
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
Saturday, January 21, 2012
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."
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."
Friday, January 6, 2012
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
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
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Lord is my Shepard
Currently I'm doing a home Bible Study. The title is Walking with God (Learning discipleship in the Psalms) by Richard D. Phillips. Today I read "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2 & 3"
Next month it will be two years since I started this health/illness marathon. I am feeling better than I have since it all began. I still tire following a half day of being busy but that's a vast improvement. Yesterday I accompanied Hampton on a routine visit to his cardiologist. As he walked into the room he asked me how I am. I explained that my pancreatic cancer is stable and my right knee has been revised and I can walk, using a cane. (Revision is replacement of an earlier prosthesis) The technician had done vitals and an EKG on Hampton. The cardiologist commented that all his readings are good. He shook Hampton's hand then came to me and said "You get a hug!" He was very pleased with both of us.
We're preparing for Christmas with a brighter outlook than last year. May God grant you peace and happiness during this Advent Season and throughout 2012.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Barbara
Next month it will be two years since I started this health/illness marathon. I am feeling better than I have since it all began. I still tire following a half day of being busy but that's a vast improvement. Yesterday I accompanied Hampton on a routine visit to his cardiologist. As he walked into the room he asked me how I am. I explained that my pancreatic cancer is stable and my right knee has been revised and I can walk, using a cane. (Revision is replacement of an earlier prosthesis) The technician had done vitals and an EKG on Hampton. The cardiologist commented that all his readings are good. He shook Hampton's hand then came to me and said "You get a hug!" He was very pleased with both of us.
We're preparing for Christmas with a brighter outlook than last year. May God grant you peace and happiness during this Advent Season and throughout 2012.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Barbara
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