Update from Annie- July 12, 2012

A joy-filled update...in my mom's words:

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are praising God for good news we received yesterday. At the end of the phone call I recieved from my surgeon regarding the scan's results... I gratefully thanked him, a devoted believer, he said, don't thank me, THANK THE LORD! So with that said, we are thanking the Lord! Let me explain:
It was a long, tense weekend anticipating the scan, and a long three two days waiting for the results. One of my many faith struggles is letting go and trusting God. These experiences are growing me, but I have a long, long way to go!!!

The short report is....THE LYMPH NODES ARE SHRINKING, and there are no new nodes.

The long report is:

ALL the lymph nodes previously noted have shrunk and are less that 1 cm in size; for example a node in the retroperitoneal space was 1.8 - 1.4 cm originally and is now 4 x 8 mm. Fat stranding around the paraaortic space is decreasing (not exactly sure what that indicates), and major abdominal vasculature is patant. A node closer to the pancreas was not as significantly decreased (we'll pray over that little bugger!!!), but still decreased. The pancreatic duct is worse and is causing atrophy of the remaining body and tail of the pancreas. Definite prayer over that is needed, and a follow up call to my surgeon to see if there is something we can be doing to address the damage to my pancreas. A new cyst was seen at the pancreaticojunal anastomosis that appears to be filled with fluid, which may be a result of chronic pancreatitis (caused by the worsening condition of the pancreatic duct). My spleen, right kidney, adrenal glands, bladder, overies, uterus, lungs and chest cavity show NO evidence of metastatic disease. A lesion on my left kidney is too small to characterize, but is unchanged from a 2011 CT scan is is likely a cyst. Lesions in my liver are consistent with previous scans and appear to be consistent with fatty infiltration.
This medical jargon can all be simplified down to...the current chemo regime is working and I will continue on it, (two weeks on, one week off), indefinitely. I was reminded that this is not a cure, but a way to "buy" more time. The possibility exists that as the chemo drugs accumulate in my body they will become so toxic that I will need to take a break, or switch to another therapy. My oncologist did suggest that when the nodes are even more decreased in size I could take a one or two week break and go on a little vacation. Our 35th wedding anniversary was in June so perhaps we may be able to take a little trip to celebrate!!! It is good to have something to anticipate, and hope for.
How can we be praying together:
WITH PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING, GIVING ALL GLORY TO GOD! This good news is not by my power, but by HIS!
-we give thanks that God has again reached down, and touch my body with His healing hand
-we give thanks that the lymph nodes are all decreasing in size
-we give thanks that there is NO evidence of metastatic disease anywhere else in my body
-we give thanks that we have hope in the future
-we give thanks to each of you, praying so faithfully. You are such an encouragement to us.
-we give thanks that our faith, though it waivered, was not lost, that when we were struggling, God came along side and made His presence known
-we are thankful for the many verses in God's word that provided encouragement during times of fear
-we are thankful that God loves us, and will never, ever leave us, provides for us, encourages us, heals
-we are thankful for God's gift of salvation

-we are praying for GOD TO BE GLORIFIED on this journey, He is the great healer!
-we are praying that the lymph nodes will continue to decrease in size and eventually become none existent
-we are praying that the cancer will not spread anywhere else in my body
-we are praying for healing of my pancreas, and restored pancreatic function
-we are praying that this round of chemo will go well, that I can better manage the side effects, listen to my body, sleep when I need to, eat when I can, no additional weight loss
-that our faith, and the faith of those we love, would not waiver, but instead be strengthened by the knowledge that God is present
Thank you again for your faithful pray support. Please continue to be in prayer for me and for my family. Please, please, please share with others our story of God's faithfulness, His healing power, so that He might be glorified, and others might be drawn to Him, their faith awakened, rekindled, restored, renewed. Our God is a mighty God and a mighty Healer...all the glory and honor is His alone.

Loving you with deep gratitude,
Annie

Update & Request from Annie

I received this update from my mom...her words articulate our family's praises and requests best.

Thank you for continuing to rally alongside us...may your hearts be blessed!

"In Christ alone, my hope is found"....this hymn keeps playing in my mind.  My "hope" is that this chemo is working.  I have had a beautiful fourth of July week with my family up at the lake.  The weather has been hot, hot, hot, which is a good excuse for resting on a lawn chair.  I am blessed to be surrounded by people I love (and who love me), in a place that brings so much peace.

On Monday I have another CT scan.  We will be looking to see if the chemo has been effective in reducing the size of the lymph nodes, and keeping the cancer from spreading.  Would you please join us in praying for good news when we get the results on Wednesday?

We are thanking God for:

-His constant presence in our lives

-that the effects of the chemo are diminishing

-a new job for B that he is enjoying!!!

-our time at the lake

and we are laying these requests before God:

-a miraculous healing; that the lymph nodes would be shrinking and that there would be no spread

-that the next round of chemo would go well, be effective, and have minimal side effects (days 3-6 were pretty rough last round)

-strength....I am so tired

-to regain the lost weight, a better appetite

-improved intestinal functioning....yes, I am still struggling

-that I would be able to reduce the amount of pain medication I am using

-that our faith would not waiver

-that God would be glorified

So many of you have asked what you can do to help.  Right now, we covet your prayers most of all.  As B settles in to his new job and is away from home our needs may change. 

Thank you so very, very much for your faithful prayer partnership.  It means so much to know you are praying, and sharing this journey with us. 

Love,

Annie

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!!

I just received the below email from my Dad...I wanted to share it with you all as soon as possible.  Several of you continue to ask "What can I do?"...finally, we have something we need tangibly help with!  Please, please, please consider taking action (even this week) on our precious Annie's behalf...and on so many other families behalf who are walking through the journey of Pancreatic Cancer. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reply. If any of you know of any family, friends, neighbors, co-workers...anyone who may be interested in rallying alongside us we would be honored and encourage you to forward this email on!  The more letters the better...as we feel that the letters are our way of making an 'all out attack' against this horrible cancer...all in hope that progress may continue to be made in finding a cure! 

In regard to an update on my Mom...round 2 of the new chemo regimen took place today. Other than feeling some mild stomach upset and tiredness...the infusion went well. Since our last update, she has been able to enjoy some sweet time with family...this weekend she joined extended family at my aunt and uncle's farm. We enjoyed good food, lots of laughs and even witnessed the birth of a baby goat!  My mom's grace continues to humble and amaze me (and our family) as she truly accepts each morning as un-promised and undeserved gift. Thank you for your continued prayers as we boldly pray for the chemo to eradicate every cancerous cell...for miraculous healing...for the Minnelide to be approved as quickly as possible...for my mom to be a Minnelide candidate and receive the newly developed drug...for peace that transcends ALL understanding...for sweet time with family and friends...for God to continue to be glorified!

May you be blessed and thank you thank you thank you for your help!

From my Dad:

I am Annie’s husband Bruce and I urgently need your help.  First, thank you for your continued prayers that the new chemo (started in late May) will shrink and eliminate the pancreatic cancer (she started her second round this week). That gives us hope.  Thanks to some great research at the University of Minnesota, all of us have the opportunity to create more hope.  “Minnelide” is a new pancreatic cancer drug, developed at the UofM, that has shown amazing results in animal studies.  The UofM researchers are waiting for FDA approval to start Phase 1 clinical trials of Minnelide.  FDA approval might not happen until this fall or later.  I do not know if we can wait that long.  Here is how you can help.  I have listed below the steps for how you can send separate emails to your U.S. Senators and Representative, and to the FDA, requesting that the Phase 1 clinical trial for Minnelide be approved right away.   To help save you time, I have included a paragraph that you can cut and paste into each email request.  Please feel free to make any changes to personalize your email request.  This could be a matter of life or death.  Let’s choose life!!  Thank you for helping to make life so precious, and for praying that Minnelide will be available for Annie.  Please pass on this request to others so that we have a landslide to approve Minnelide!!  God bless, --Bruce

U.S. Senators:  STEPS for sending an email to your two U.S. Senators:

1.  Go to the link below, and use the drop down menus to find the 2 U.S. Senators for your home state.  

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

2.  After you enter your home state, the web page will list your two U.S. Senators.  Click on the web link to each Senator, and follow the tabs for contacting that Senator by email.

3.  Here is a suggested message that you can copy and paste into each email to your U.S. Senator:

Dear Senator _________:  I am a resident of the State of _________ and have an urgent request.  My ________ [friend, aunt, cousin etc.], Annie (email us for Annie's full name if you need it) has metastatic pancreatic cancer.  A new and very promising drug called “Minnelide” may be Ann’s last hope for life.  Researchers at the University of Minnesota are waiting for FDA approval for Phase 1 clinical trials of Minnelide.  Will you please contact the FDA and urge them to complete that approval right away.  Ann is currently undergoing chemo but might run out of time if Minnelide is not approved soon.  Ann is only 56 years old.  Her two young grandchildren need their grandma for many more years to come.  Thank you for helping to make that possible. 

U.S. Representative:  STEPS for sending an email to your U.S. Representative:

1.  Go to the link below, and enter your Zipcode to find your U.S. Representative.  

    http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

2.  After you enter your Zipcode. the web page will show your U.S. Congressional Representative.  Click on the web link that has the name of your U.S. Representative, and follow the tabs for contacting your U.S. Representative by email.

3.  Here is a suggested message that you can copy and paste into the email to your U.S. Representative:

Dear Representative  _________:  I am a resident of the City of _________ and have an urgent request.  My________ [friend, aunt, cousin etc.], Annie (email us for Annie's full name if you need it) has metastatic pancreatic cancer.  A new and very promising drug called “Minnelide” may be Ann’s last hope for life.  Researchers at the University of Minnesota are waiting for FDA approval for Phase 1 clinical trials of Minnelide.  Will you please contact the FDA and urge them to complete that approval right away.  Ann is currently undergoing chemo but might run out of time if Minnelide is not approved soon.  Ann is only 56 years old.  Her two young grandchildren need their grandma for many more years to come. Thank you for helping to make that possible. 

FDA:  STEPS for sending an email to the FDA Office of Special Health Issue:

1.  The FDA Office of Special Health Issues (OSHI) is a liaison between the FDA and patients, patient advocates, and health professional organizations.  The OSHI responds to inquiries and concerns related to cancer, and provides information about the FDA drug approval process and clinical trials.

2.  Here is the email address for the FDA’s OSHI:

OSHI@fda.hhs.gov

3.  Here is a suggested message that you can copy and paste into your email to the FDA OSHI:

Dear FDA OSHI:  I am a resident of the State of _________ and have an urgent request.  My ________ [friend, aunt, cousin etc.], Annie (email us for Annie's full name if you need it) has metastatic pancreatic cancer.  A new and very promising drug called “Minnelide” may be Ann’s last hope for life.  Researchers at the University of Minnesota are waiting for FDA approval for Phase 1 clinical trials of Minnelide.  Will you please urge the FDA approval Board to complete that approval right away.  Ann is currently undergoing chemo but might run out of time if Minnelide is not approved soon.  Ann is only 56 years old. Her two young grandchildren need their grandma for many more years to come.  Thank you for helping to make that possible. 

The Lake...At Last!

My mom recieved this t-shirt as a gift...this past Friday, she wore it with a smile that went from one side of her face to the other...as we headed to the lake!!!!

We enjoyed of lot of laughing...

A lot of relaxing!

And our first camp fire of the season!

Grateful for the sweet time!!!

We praise God...

-That the pain is being managed!

-That we are able to spend time together and savor in the goodness of little pain

-For a weekend at the lake

We pray...

-That the Chemo drugs would be at work, working to irradiacate every cancerous cell

-That the pain would remain managed

-That each of our hearts would be overwhelmed with peace that transpires all understanding

-That God would continue to recieve all the glory

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Be blessed.

Praise! June 6, 2012

Just got off the phone with my MOM!!!

I didn't get to talk long, as her doctor walked in and she had to hang up...but wanted to let you all know that she woke up with NO PAIN!!!!

She told me she prayed through the night for a miracle...and God graciously heard hers and each of your prayers! Thank you thank you thank you for praying. I simply wanted to let each of you know so that you could join us in praising God for this indescribable gift this morning.

"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. "Psalm 16:9

May your day be blessed!

Prayer Request- June 5, 2012

I just spoke with my dad and he asked that I send out a quick update/request.

The procedure from my mom's nerve block seemed to go well until about mid-afternoon. She spent the morning resting and pretty groggy. This afternoon, the pain spiked again to a level '10'. They had removed the pain pump in preparation for her planned discharge sometime tomorrow assuming that the block would indeed to its job. At this point, it doesn't seem that the block is working. My dad has a call into the Palliative Care after hours doctors to try to get a plan in place, but haven't heard back.

Would you please join us in praying BOLDLY...

-For the pain to SUBSIDE

-For the block to WORK

-For the Palliative Care Doctors to return my dad's call TONIGHT

-For PEACE that transcends ALL understanding

-For God to be glorified

A friend recently shared this prayer that I find really appropriate tonight...

“Father, we come against the fears that work to tear down hope, the reports that dash our faith, and ask that You will pour out a fresh wave of faith on those surrounding Annie. May we be as Shaddrach Meshack and Abednego faithful in life's fires to believe against all odds, and trust in the face of the flames that You are more than able. We believe on Your awesome glory to bring about what man cannot, a miraculous touch, a complete healing, and a song of praise from Your children. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.”

Thank you for your prayers...we're weary and so grateful for so many friends and family rallying on my sweet mom's behalf.

Be blessed.

Update- June 4, 2012

We hope you all have had a good start to this new week.

A quick update...

My mom is still in the hospital, working to get her pain under control. Friday was rough pain-wise and the medications that have been prescribed to her caused her to be quick drowsy/sleepy. Saturday proved much more encouraging, she was able to sleep through the majority of the night and woke up to very little pain, she ate breakfast, enjoyed visiting with family and enjoyed the reprieve. Yesterday wasn't quite as smooth, she struggled to get adequate rest as her pain level increased. Today has been similar to yesterday, none of the '10 out of 10' pain, but still struggling to manage the pain in a way that is tolerable. The doctors are working to tweak her medications which takes time so for now...we wait.

The nerve block is scheduled for 10:00 tomorrow morning (Tuesday). The hope/prayer is that the block will alleviate the majority of the pain for 30 days (the doctors think the pain is being caused by the cancerous cells pressing against a nerve). When the block wears off, they will be able to do another one (if needed), but hopefully the Chemo drugs will take effect within the 30 day block period enough to shrink the cancerous cells back/away from the nerve (that is our prayer).

Would you please join us in praying at 10:00 tomorrow morning...

-That the block would be placed in the precise location that the pain is coming from and that it would work and be effective

-That my mom's body would remain safe and be as responsive to the block as possible

-That the nurses and doctors would be patient and compassionate

-For peace-filled hearts during the procedure

Our ongoing prayers...

-That the pain would be managed so she can come home and enjoy being a wife, mom, Gram, daughter, sister, aunt and friend

-That the Chemo drugs would be going to battle now and that the cancerous cells would be receptive and eradicated

-That every one's hearts would be overwhelmed with peace

-For stamina through the journey and protection for discouragement, sickness etc.

-That God would continue to be glorified

Thank you for your prayers...I will try to send an update as soon as I receive one regarding the nerve block.

Be blessed.