I wanted to let you know about our visit to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. We met our care team last Friday afternoon. The team included an oncologist, a surgical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a radiation oncologist resident, and others. (We left the center with seven business cards each person gave us.)
After evaluating the medical tests done in Walla Walla, the oncologist's recommendation was to begin chemotherapy treatment before the mastectomy. The type of cancer I have is aggressive and there is a high probability that it has spread elsewhere.
After I begin chemo, they will know how effective the chemo is by monitoring how it affects the breast cancer, and in turn, cancer cells that may have spread elsewhere.
I'll be in Seattle next Tuesday and Wednesday to have an MRI, mammogram, and lymph node biopsy that will give doctors more information.
I have agreed to be part of a research study and the good thing is, I will receive additional monitoring throughout my treatment.
The most difficult part of this experience has been the waiting, but we feel great about the Seattle medical team. And, we feel blessed that we will have the support of family, friends, and Walla Walla University (my workplace) that will be required for the Seattle treatment to happen.
Many of you have offered your help/support--from meals, prayers, and magazines to flowers, Bible passages, kid playdates, and plane transportation. Vince and I are so appreciative. Now that we know more about the road ahead, we may be taking you up on it.
Thank you!
9 comments:
Rosa~ I'm sending you a copy of an article I had published about a year ago. I think that the texts are beautiful ones-and that they are from God to you. ~ Nancy
“He will be.” These three words hold such strength for me today. They sound so promising—so sure. A friend e-mailed them to me this morning, knowing that I’m going through a tough time dealing with my brother’s cancer. Reading those simple words, “He will be” brought scriptures flooding into my mind:
He will be… My Comforter - when my heart aches from a sadness I’ve never known before: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalms 34:18).
He will be… My Peace - when I wake up in the middle of the night with anxious thoughts: “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6).
He will be… My Helper - when I don’t know how to help or which choice is best: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
He will be… My Answer – when I don’t have one: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).
He will be… My Strength - when I feel helpless because I can’t change what is: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).
He will be… My Hope - when I forget to take my eyes off this world and look up: “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).
He will be… My Conqueror - once and for all, someday: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
He will be… My Preparer - when I forget that this world is not my home: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him”
(I Corinthians 2:9).
He will be… My Promise - when I need to be reminded that He won’t go back on His word: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (I John 2:25).
He will be… My Anchor - when the world, as I’ve known it since I was a little girl, is being turned upside down: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
And He will be…for you, too. Whatever you might be going through or will go through, He will be everything you need. You’re not alone. He will be.
(Scriptures taken from the New International Version and the New King James Version)
Published in GraceNotes
Rosa,
Katherine and I think about you and the family everyday. Let us know if we can help out in anyway...please use us!
Love you,
Warren
Rosa,
I am sure you are well on your way to Seattle as I am writing this comment. It's times like these I wish I still lived in Seattle and had that basement room Vince liked so much. What is funny is Richard always reminisces about the basement too. Must be a man thing.
Every waking and free moment is spent praying that your treatment will be guided by God's power and reach it's target.
I hope you know I can be available for any of the needs you mentioned... and of course if you need a good laugh. I never thought I would be quoting Readers Digest " Laughter is the best Medicine."
Love Sandra, Richard, Rico and Titi
Rosa,
I was shocked to hear news of your fight with breast cancer when I stopped by your office last Thursday. Allan Fisher shared the news with me. Please know you are in our prayers. If you ever need to come down to Portland for testing or procedures we would be honored to share our guest rooms with you and your family. We'd love the chance to see you and catch up. Please don't hesitate to call if needed.
Heather (Hall) Tourville
(503) 761-2478
heathert@wellsource.com
Rosa,
I love you and my heart goes out to you today and everyday. I pray the next two days go well at SCCA in Seattle. Call me for anything at anytime. I'm here for you.
Your sister,
guto
Hi Rosa - we are praying for you and your family as you go through this tough time! Just remember what a great God we have and that He is still in control!
Steve and Suzann
Rosa,
We were so stunned to hear the news of your cancer. Please know you and your family have been and will continue to be in our prayers.
We've had four family members take on the cancer fight (2 of them in the Seattle area) and everyone has made it through. I know you will too. Your optimistic attitude and love of life is a big plus.
Wish we could be there in person to help more.
Love,
Wendy, Jim, Jessie & Josh
jbleth@live.com
Rosa,
Our Women's Bible Study Group is boldly presenting you before the throne of grace in prayer that you will obtain mercy and find grace to help from our Advocate in your time of need.
Valerie Remboldt
University Church
Rosa,
Thank you for sharing these updates with us. They will help us know how to focus our prayers for you.
My thoughts are will Vince, your family and all your extended family who are there and to those who wish they were with you too.
Darold
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