Friday, August 31, 2007

Dana's Sleeping...

Hey all-Dana is sleeping and wanted me to update everyone. I don't know if I'm all the blogger my sweetie is but-to bad ;) Dana has really been wiped out with the FEC. She is on the mend. She has had bouts of nausea and feeling exhausted but so wound up inside and not being able to rest. The affect of a combination of FEC and steroids. She has been on a emotional roller coaster as well, feeling very helpless then knowing that God is her strength and will see her through. She wants to get up and do "stuff" but is unable to do it. Just pray that she will rest and not be concerned with the "stuff" around her. God is sufficient in all He provides and His provisions have been very good to us...Thank you for your continued support in prayer.
A song that has been very encouraging to us has been one by Stephen Curtis Chapman,"Bring it on", it is a song that reminds us to look at God's plans and how they may not be our plans. By embracing what God has for us and allowing Him to steer the ship and not us, we get to see a new revelation of His goodness. We will never know "why" Dana got cancer...What I do know is that He has revealed more love to us than ever before. We have never trusted God like now and have a richer relationship with Jesus than ever before which makes our relationship that much richer. If you are going through tough times, whatever it may be, it is personal to you and is where God has you embrace it and watch God do cool things!
Some of the lyrics that speak to me are:
"I am not going to run form the very things that will drive me closer to Him, So Bring it on!"
the Courus goes:
Let the lighting flash!
Let the thunder roll!
Let the Storm wind blow! Bring it on!
Let the trouble come!
Let it make me fall on the one who is strong! Bring it on!....
Let me be made weak so I know the strength of the one who is strong...Bring it on!

May God Bless--Bring it on!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Started FEC...

Hey all you prayer warriors out there, this is Mark...

I want you all to know how grateful I am for your prayers and support. Dana has been a real trooper the last 12 weeks, and not only does she have a fighting spirit she has had the support of so many loved ones praying. I have always said about Dana, "Dynamite comes in small packages...so handle it carefully!" Cancer watch out!

Yesterday the 27th Dana started the FEC regiment, and as many of you know it is a "Butt Kicker!" The reason I am on the blog is that this is exactly what is happening. After treatment yesterday, mid-after noon she became very nauseated. So it was a long night but after some medication modification (more drugs) and hydration this am, she seems to be able to rest a little.

Please continue to pray that the Lord would use this regiment to kill all cancer cells and that the negative side effects would not be evident in her body. Pray for strength and emotional encouragement within her body-and please pray whatever the Holy Spirit puts on your heart as you may be able to cover things I/We don't realize or think of.

Thanks again for your love, concern, support and prayers.

We love you!
Mark

Friday, August 24, 2007

Taxol Done!!!

Hello Family and Friends,
We finally got a new computer and we are up and running. I feel so lost at times when I can't up date you on what's going on. Yes, I finally finished my first round of treatments and on to the second chemo drugs this Monday, August 27th. CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS: ok, I am counting on you for some serious prayer :) They tell me that this new treatment will be pretty tough as far as nausea and tiredness. My prayer is that I would have no side effects (especially nausea) and be able to give all the glory to God! I must admit I am scared but I am putting my trust in my Lord to get me through. His word is full of promises and all I have to do is BELIEVE with alll my heart! Keep me in your prayers during this coming week and I will update you on the progress. We are so excited because Grandma Bee and Grandpa T are coming into town today to spend the week with us! What a great visit we will have. Well, signing off for now - Have a wonderful Friday!

Love,
Dana

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Happy Saturday!

Hello Family and Friends!
Sorry it's been a few days since I have last blogged but our computer is on the fritz- looks like we need a new computer :( So I will be using Marlene and Harlan's computer to keep you updated until we can figure out what to do. If you keep in contact with me through email on our comcast account I won't be able to get it. If you can please take a second to register with gmail to add comments to my blog if you want to communicate that way or just give me a ring. I love you all so much and so appreciate all the wonderful cards, emails and calls. They always seem to come at just the right time or when I need a lifter. I am sooooo very excited to tell you that a very special friend of mine gave her heart to the Lord this morning. She is my friend I have introduced to you earlier in my blogs who supported me by shaving her head. Her name is Jen and she is now a sister in Christ. She is such a special lady and God has given her so many wonderful qualities. I can't wait to see how God will use her to bless so many other people as she already has blessed me. Please pray for Jen as she is a new Christian that God will make Himself real to her in her situation and that she grows in His word. As I told Jen today the angels in heaven are celebrating her commitment to Christ and her new life in Jesus! I am sooooooooo happy for her. A big thanks to Uncle Don and Aunt Denise for the beautiful and tasty edible fruit floral arrangement I received on Thursday. Wow! It was delicious. Fruit just tastes so good right now so it hit the spot. I wanted to be able to put a picture of it on the blog but until we fix the computer I will have to wait. Thanks guys! This monday is #12-YAHOOOOOOOO! I made it through the first treatment and August 27th is my first treatment of F.E.C. Please keep me in prayer or join me in fasting for that day. My prayer is that the side effects wouldn't touch me and that God's glory and power would be revealed. Also, please pray for me that I get a chance to share God's love to the people I have chemo with. They are really on my heart to share His truth. He is an awesome God and I want to share Him to the world. There is only One who can possibly understand all that we go through and help us get through any situation IF we are willing to give Him a chance. If you have never tried Jesus, please give Him the opportunity to work in your life. From experience speaking, He can give you a life full of joy, hope and love despite any circumstances.

Love you,
Dana

Monday, August 13, 2007

11th Treatment Done!

Thank you all for your prayers today! I felt them all! What a wonderful day today as far as chemo goes. It all went so smooth. I have a dear friend that left a message today on the voice mail of prayer for today and Sandy, I must say everything you prayed all happened :) The treatment went unusually fast and smooth just as you prayed. I love that Jessica and Samantha offered up a prayer of healing for me in youth camp -how awesome. It brought me to tears. Only one treatment of Taxol left. I am doing the happy dance again. I had forgotten to blog to all my family that Liz and Mark F. had their vacation here in Colorado this last week and we got to seem them brieflly as they were here. It was a bittersweet visit because most of the fam came down with some colds so all of our plans for hang'n out in Colorado didn't get to happen. But those guys are amazing. They mapquested our home, dropped some special gifts at the doorstep and ran back to their car. From the car window we got to see eachother and visit for a short while. I will take anything I can get. But it was painful to have our dearest buddies so close to us and not be able to hug them and spend time together. I love you guys tons and thank you sooooo much for making the effort to see us and bless us with the special gifts! We will party next year girlfriend!!! Tomorrow I will be learning about the new drug I will be taking. Please pray for me that I will have Christ's strength to hear about all of the yuky sideeffects. A part of me feels as if I am facing Goliath. But you know what happened with that story!!!! God's victory prevailed even when it didn't seem possible. I am facing a giant of a drug but with God's power and strength He again will pour out His grace and mercy and keep me from these side effects! Love you all and hope you are enjoying His everyday blessings!

Dana

Sunday, August 12, 2007

I Think I Can

Hello Family and Friends,
I sometimes feel like The Little Train that kept saying "I think I can, I think I can, I can..." Tomorrow is treatment #11! I am noticing that as the treatments accumulate in my body that I don't ever escape that "tired yuk" feeling anymore like I use to on the weekends. That's a little tough because I really looked forward to Saturdays and Sundays as kind of a little break from the chemo. I really had to talk to myself today and say "I know I can"!!! Please pray for me tomorrow as I receive my treatment that God spare me from side effects this week - thank you! On Tuesday I have my chemo education class on the next drug that will start on August 27th (F.E.C) and Thursday is an appointment with a second plastic surgeon to get her opinion on things. I will know more on Tuesday as to win the surgery might be. Other than that all is well and living victorious with cancer and soon to be living victorious over cancer! I do have a prayer request for all my prayer warriors. There is a young man in Wisconsin that is 21 years old. His name is Jason. From what I understand he has cancer in his brain, on his spine and in his testicles. He is in the hospital right now because he has a staph infection and can't receive his chemo treatments until the infection is gone. Please pray that God have favor on him and heal him completely of the infection and the cancer. He is a believer and I am sure would love your prayers. God is a powerful, amazing God and full of miracles. I am believing for great healings to happen so we as His children can proclaim His wonderful works and acts to be a witness to those who need hope and love. Thank you for all your prayers.

Love to you,
Dana

Friday, August 10, 2007

Joy in the Morning!

I told ya - "when sorrow comes for a night JOY comes in the morning" (Psalm 30) Or remember that song in the early 90's " I Have A New Attitude"! I popped out of bed this morning with the Joy that God promises and a "new attitude" to conquer! Yes, only because of your prayers - thank you!!!! I am feeling quite tired this morning but still doing well. We were hoping to visit with our best buddies from Wisconsin "the Fischers" as they are here vacationing in Colorado this week, but some of them have colds:( I have been totally restricted from going anywhere public because of germs and my white blood cell count being so low. You guys come all this way and I can't even get a Fischer Hug. I am so sorry guys - but next summer we will have the biggest victory bash and it will make up for this trip. Last night at I was reading I was reminded of the story of Peter and the disciples in the boat as Jesus was approaching them walking on water. Peter called out in excitement to the Lord and the Lord told him to "Come". He proceeded to get out of the boat and walk on the water towards Jesus but as he took his eyes off of the Lord he saw all of the big, huge, crashing waves around him. He then began to sink. As he sank, he called back out to Jesus and Jesus rescued him. That's exactly what happened to me a few days ago I took my eyes off of Jesus and saw all waves (horror stories of the new drug) crashing around me and I too began to sink. How awesome our Lord is to us that whenever and no matter what we do if we cry out to Him He will rescue us! Well, he indeed rescued me from my pit and I am thankful today that I have a new joy and new attitude :)

Enjoy His blessings daily!
Dana

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

On Bended Knee



Hello Family and Friends,
Yes, this has been a day on bended knees praying to God for strength, courage and hope! Yesterday I went to my first breast cancer support group called "Breast Friends". Kind of funny play on words, but thought the support of others going through this journey would be helpful. I went with the intentions of finding out about the experiences they had regarding masectomies, great plastic surgeons and opinions on reconstruction or no reconstruction. Little did I realize that I would soon be very overwhelmed with concerns that I had never considered or even knew about. To say the least I would much rather walk through this experience "nieve" or just take it day by day as my body dictates rather than hearing all the "horror" stories of others. Not that they meant it to scare me or anyone else in that room . The group is an excellent group and full of beautiful, strong women who I consider to be warriors but I just wasn't ready for that yet. One thing I walked away with last night is that God has indeed spared me from a great number of side effects as I listened to others who also took the same chemotherapy drug but couldn't remain on it. I have even more to be thankful for because of His great grace and mercy on my life. Please pray that my focus stays on the Lord and that He will protect my mind from fearing and doubting. I do indeed have my "bad" days and need the saints to rally around me but I just love the psalm that speaks of mourning for a time and then joy comes in the morning! So tomorrow I look forward to the sunrise, my boys big morning smooches and my hubby's hugs - everything will be better :)

P.S. My friend Chris from Wisconsin just cut her beautiful, long, brown hair to give to locks of love. You are one special gal, Chris and I love you tons! Hope you don't mind but I had to sport your "new do" to all my friends on the blog!

Love to you all,
Dana

Monday, August 6, 2007

To God Be the Glory!

Good Monday All!
Yes, 10 treatments under my belt- to God be all the glory!!!! It is not by my strength but by His that I have been able to go this far. 2 more treatments of Taxol and then on to the other drug. Today went well, although, I did get the "new nurse". How lucky am I????? She was super sweet and I enjoyed visiting with her, however, the port poke was something I care not to experience ever again. We are given a numbing cream to put on one hour before receiving chemo to dull the effect of the dreaded poke. But if you get a nurse that gets it in there just right then the cream is not even needed. Anyways, all went well today. Just tired from the Benedryl cocktail which is given to prevent any allergic reactions to the chemo. I just want to praise God and tell you thank you for all your prayers because after visiting with the nurses the last couple times of treatment I have come to realize that I "should be" experiencing many more side effects that I have not dealt with. I told my nurse today that all the credit goes to God because He is showing me His grace and mercy and it's because He hears all your prayers! That is some exciting stuff. My sister-in- law Debi came to sit with Mark and I today. It was great having her there for support - thanks Deb! Grandma watched the boys and they had fun helping working out in the yard and hulling rocks - thanks to Grams and Gramps! Yesterday we had a family barbeque and got to visit with Mark's uncle Don. It was a great day to spend a Sunday just kick'n back and enjoying family. Don, thanks for making the trip down and can't wait to see Aunt Denise soon too. Well, that's it for now. Just taking it one day at a time and trusting God with ALL I got! He lights my pathway everyday even if it seems at times I am taking baby steps. Eventually, I will come to that door that I visualize and walk through it, slam it shut, and call it one more chapter in my life! Then the next chapter begins and I can't wait to see what God has planned!

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Continued strength to fight and victory over cancer
That I learn all the God wants me to learn through this process
Strength for Mark and the kids everyday
That my body will be prepared to receive the new drug Aug. 27th

Love you,
Dana

Friday, August 3, 2007

Good Morning America's Interview with Robin Roberts

Hello Fam and Friends,
As I blogged yesterday about Robin Roberts having breast cancer - I thought you may want to hear her interview with Diane S. It's good for all women to be aware of no matter your age and continually to do self checks!
Love to you!
Dana


http://tv.yahoo.com/good-morning-america/show/30753/videos/3535642

Thursday, August 2, 2007

The Giants We Face

Hey Everybody!
Hope you are all having a wonderful day. It has been a good day here - I might add quite peaceful too :) Uncle Kevin came this morning to pick up the boys and take all the kids to the park and then swimming at their pool. What a fun day for them and hopefully not too tiring for Uncle Kevin :) Thanks Kev for allowing me some great time to rest. I had a huge nap today. I must have been more tired than I thought because one moment I was reading and the next thing I know it was 2 hours later. It was needed! I am sure all of you heard about Robin Roberts the anchor lady on Good Morning America announced that she has the early stages of breast cancer. It was interesting to hear her share news. She was surprised to have cancer as it did not run in her family history - neither did mine. 80% of women who find that they have breast cancer will not have a family history of it. Robin Roberts commented that she was also surprised because she felt so healthy and took good care of herself - that's how I felt too! That's why there is no rhyme or reason to cancer. I could just feel every emotion that Robin Roberts was feeling as she shared her news - it is sereal!(spelling???) However, whether it be cancer or broken relationships or troubles of any kind we can overcome these "giants" that haunt us with God's great power and strength. Yesterday was a wonderful day and the reason for it being so great was I finally got out of this depressing pit that I put myself in! I just kind of let myself start feeling sorry for myself and just kept digging my pit deeper and deeper when finally I realized I was having a hard time being positive about this whole situation. I know that there will definitely be days that I can't alway be up and ready to fight the world but I allowed myself to take my eyes of the One who gives me strength and onto my temporary problem. My mom remined me of the story of the Isrealites when they were getting ready to enter into the Promised Land that God had for them. God instructed Moses to have 12 men representing each tribe of Isreal to go and scout out the land that was promised to them. 10 men came back with negative reports of giants and fortified walls and cities making it impossible to take over. However, Joshua and Caleb were the only two that came back and told the Isrealites that it was a land flowing with milk and honey and ready for the taking ESPECIALLY since God was with them they could do anything. The Isrealites were quick to only hear of the negative reports and believe that the giants were too big to conquer. I too like the Isrealites was quick to only hear of the negative reports of my new chemo drug and all that was to follow (surgery and reconstruction) and forgot ALL of the promises God had already given me before I even started chemo. Yes, this is definitely one HUGE monster giant that I am facing at the moment with "fortified citites" all around it, but God is in control and if I keep my eyes focused on Him I too will conquer!!! Victory is already mine - Healing is already mine! So if you are reading this today and face a giant of your own know that you are not alone but God walks before you to lead you on a path of victory IFyou are willing to follow Him. Thanks mom for your insight - wow, it was great! Terri and Colleen - you awesome women- thank you for praying with me yesterday and speaking those words over me. It did more for me than you know :) Renee T. - Your card was hilarious and came just on the perfect day- I needed that. Thank you soooo much! You are right - this girl will never complain of a bad hair day again! Love you all!

Dana