Running...

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I had been training for the Chicago Marathon, up until about 1 month ago. I ran 14 miles early August, then was told to behave. I am sorry Staci, that I can't run the rest of the training and marathon with you. I will plan on being there for your next 2 long runs, either on a bicycle or maybe be able to run a couple with you--I have to make sure you don't slack off! haha

I also plan on running a portion of the Chicago--then I'll hand off my number to Staci--you can pretend we're chatting and avoiding those road apples and road kill that we often see on those runs.

As for running...I ran almost 3 1/2 miles this morning! It wasn't fast, but it was very comfortable. I will run as long as I can.

Sept 11th, Chemo starts

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We met with Dr. Nattam today. We will start chemo September 11th. I guess the chemo is all IV medication--3 different drugs. Monday I go in at 8:30 and will spend 6 or 7 hours at Dr. Nattam's office, then will go home with an infusion pump. I will receive treatment for 5 full days, get unhooked on Saturday, and rest for 3 weeks. Then we will repeat this, as long I can tolerate the side effects.

I'm getting a little nervous now. It seems a little scary now that we have an actual plan. I pray that this works! If not, I pray that some other treatment may show itself in a really obvious way!
I keep reading different things about Gleevec...I read about it in the Livestrong survivor book and how it saved a man's life who had abdominal tumors--then I opened up runner's world magazine today and read about a man who is taking Gleevec for his leukemia (Gleevec is actually one of the drugs of choice for leukemia, but not stomach cancer). Then I found a clinical trial in Georgia for non-resectable stomach cancer, guess what the drugs are called? Gleevec and Taxotere! I talked to Dr. Nattam about this trial, but he really did not sound very excited about it. His concern is that the trial is not far enough along to determine how effective it is in the treatment of stomach cancer. He is also concerned with any further delay in treatment. However, maybe the drug trial will tell us something down the road--if it seems to work, then SIGN ME UP!
I get a "port" next week. I'm a little apprehensive about meeting with Dr. Yahanda again. I know he wanted me to head to Texas, but Dr. Nattam wants him to put my port in. I guess the important thing that Dr. Y wanted was that I have a laparoscopy...which I did. MD Anderson wasn't going to see me until this past Tuesday, anyways and then probably wouldn't have done a lap until next week.
So back to the peach pie and vegetables. That's my diet, anyone who knows me, knows that I love my baked goods--especially peach and apple pie! I'm learning to like asparagus and all those other gassy vegetables, my kids aren't as excited about that!
Have a great weekend, be safe, and enjoy your families,
Love,
Becca

Thank you

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Thank you for all of your prayers and support. I know I keep saying that, but it's so true. You all have been so encouraging and dedicated prayer warriors. It's difficult to express our sincere thanks.

Well, Dr. Triozzi. kept up his end of the bargain--he called Dr. Nattam today (Fort Wayne). There is a national trial for stage 4 stomach cancer that he thinks I'd be perfect for. It would entail several weeks of intense chemo for several months, then a CT to check progress, then maybe some radiation. Fort Wayne may be able to do this same protocol. Dr. Nattam, in turn, called us--while we were on our way home. He is hopeful. We meet with him tomorrow to discuss treatment options. I am about to spend some time researching clinical trials. Several people have sent me websites to check out.

Oh, I need to say a few other thank yous: Sara G. Thank you for all of the wonderful info you have emailed me and "snail-mailed" me. I also received a purple relay for life "survivor" t-shirt today!!! Very motivating!

Also, Thank you for the warm, peach pie Sherry (I am eating a piece right now)
Thank you Vickie for the yummy banana bread.
It's going to be easy to put some fat back on!!!
We'll see when treatment starts.

Going home

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Finally saw Dr. Triozzi, the chemo Doc here. He is going to call Dr. Nattam in Fort Wayne to tell him of a study that they are doing here, he thinks it should be a good one for me. If I do this trial, then I won't do radiation for several months.

Battery dying, gotta go

Roommate

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My roommate and her husband have been wonderful. They are from Pittsburg and she had a cardiac catheter and ablasion--third one and the first one that worked! They are pumped up. She had rheumatic fever when she was younger...(mom you need to get a physical!).
They are strong Christians. Their names are Barbara and Jim--Barbara is looking at a mitral valve replacement in a couple of months--she is young, I imagine she is in her early 50s. They know a Becca in Pennsylvania who is younger than me that was diagosed with stomach cancer this summer--she had surgery and is doing great.
My battery is almost gone, so i'd better stop.

Finally, news

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I finally rolled into surgery around 3 pm today. I was wide eyed and bushy-tailed as soon as they rolled me into recovery. It was so frustrating, no one had any answers and the doctor did not stick around to talk to me OR Jade. However, I vaguely remembering asking Dr. Rice if it had spread and THOUGHT that he said there were several spots.

He finally came around, but Jade wasn't allowed back with me yet. Dr. Rice had about 8 or 9 interns following him, all standing around my bed when he gave me the news. He told me that the cancer has spread to my pelvis, my diaphragm (mom explain that to DAD), and there are spots along my abdomen. He did not know for sure if I have it in my pancreas--just assuming so. He said that my liver looked pretty good...

He was not hopeless, though. He said that maybe radiation and chemo could "cure" me--he actually used the cure word!! I am seeing the oncologist team in the morning and hopefully they can help me. I am in very good spirits--thanks to all of your prayers and support. Jade had a rough evening. We're looking forward to going home tomorrow.
Thank you, God Bless,
Becca

surgery this afternoon

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We just met with Dr. Rice. He has me on as his last surgery today which looks like early afternoon.

He is hopeful after the recent endoscopic ultrasound results--they did not see the abdominal spread or ascites like Dr. W did from Fort Wayne. He also said that we may not have a lot of results today, because he'll have to send specimens to the lab.

I should be home tomorrow.
Thank you, We'll try to keep this up to date, it may be difficult since I forgot to bring my lap top charger with me! Oops.
Becca

Wednesday's finally here!

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I slept pretty well last night, only because I had all of the blankets. Poor Jade, he froze all night, but didn't complain about it until this morning! What a guy!

I've just caught up reading the blog and emails that we received last night. I feel very encouraged. I'm just ready to get to it!

I'm not sure when I will be able to update this blog. I will try to this afternoon--maybe I can sweet talk a nurse to let me borrow here computer???
OR Jade may do that update. Please keep Jade in your prayers--he needs peace and comfort today.
Love, Becca

funny dream

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I woke up this morning in a panic...I had a dream that I used a swear word in this blog! (I had to giggle about that one). I guess God must be giving me some humor through my dreams.

I have received so many cards and emails. I went through them all this morning and pulled out some of the ones that had reference to Bible versus on them.

Isaiah 46:4 "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you".(Thank you Betty Hodges)

Psalm 57: 1-3 " Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.
He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me God sends his love and his faithfulness."(Thank you Aunt Kathy, Uncle Kim)

Psalm 41: 12 "In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever." and Philippians 4:19 " And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."(Thank you Betty Deaton)

Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Thank you Mike and Jennifer)
We feel enormous support and know that so many of you are also carrying our burden. We love you.

(I'm also enjoying those other kinds of cards, the ones I can't really talk much about on this blog!)
Love,
Becca
Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen". (Thank you Frannie)

Tough day

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It's so hard to stay positive all of the time. It really helps to read the notes, comments, cards, and emails.

I stopped by and talked to Dr. Lin today at Lutheran--my mother in law had back surgery there (she is doing great!). She was not as optimistic about the newest test results. However, she and Dr. Nattam have a plan of treatment if I am not a surgical candidate.

Then I talked to Cleveland clinic and they told me that the surgeon pushed my surgery back to mid morning Wednesday. I just sit here and wonder what that means?

One thing it means is that we get to spend another night as a family in our home-kids don't have to stay with someone else tonight (sorry Aunt Rachel). I am very nervous about Wednesday.

5K Run/Walk

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My family and some close friends have conspired and have planned a 5K Run/Walk at the Columbia City YMCA on Sunday, September 10th at 1:30 (more info is on the SWUMC home page--just click on the hyperlink).

If all goes as planned, I should start my 2 weeks of chemo and radiation at the Cleveland clinic on September 11th (I'm praying that this date will become a very positive turning point in this journey).

Thank you again for the love and encouragement that you keep sending our way.
God Bless,
Becca