SWUMC News

September book Series

2007-08-28T10:20:00.000-04:00

Pastor Paul reminded us that he will be preaching from the book "Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith (Hardcover) by Bill Hybels (Author) , starting in September. He also said there will be 3 opportunities for small groups with info to come. I found it on amazon.com for $9.99 new (cheaper for used) and only $3.99 for shipping--if you order more than $25 you get free shipping (if you're interested just click on the link above) This book is supposed to be "life changing".

Wednesday July 25th

2007-07-25T15:24:00.001-04:00

Please check out the updated website. In addition, there are still some Women of Faith tickets left for Friday evening August 3rd and all day Saturday August 4th. Cost is $73. If you are interested in tickets, contact Patty Goodrich at 260-982-9783.

May 30th

2007-05-30T21:42:00.000-04:00

Don't forget Bible School is around the corner and we still need help. Please see the the SWUMC homepage for details.

On June 10th The "Bell-Buddies" will be here to sing in both services. In their 25th year and they are led by Tonda Murphy...your heart will be stirred as these 11 handicapped adults play their music for the Lord. Don't miss this special event, and invite a friend.

Our Church newcomer team will be feeding this group after the 2nd service on June 10th. It will be a simple meal of probably pizza and chips. If anyone is interested in helping with these expenses please contact Bruce Wrightsman at 260-839-0138 or put your offering in this Sunday marked Bell-Buddies. All help is appreciated.

Please check out Pastor Paul, Bruce and Michele's links on the SWUMC home page--new info. Thank you.

Myay

2007-05-30T21:40:00.000-04:00

Where Your Purple on Sunday, May 6th

2007-05-05T20:13:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to wear purple to church tomorrow if you're on a Relay for Life Team so that we can take a photo after 1st service.

Thanks a lot.

Holy Week Schedule

2007-04-02T12:02:00.000-04:00

Please note this week's SWUMC schedule of services. Pay special attention to the Easter Sunday schedule. Hope to see you there.

Maundy Thursday, April 5th
Carry-In Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Followed by Meditation and Communion
Bring a dish to share and your own table service.

Good Friday Service, April 6th at 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 8th

7 AM Sunrise Service
8 AM Breakfast (served by the Friendship Class, free will donation — proceeds go to paving the parking lot)
9 AM Sunday School
10 AM Combined Worship Service

Pastor Paul's New Article

2007-03-23T14:59:00.000-04:00

Friday March 23, 2007
After a very busy week of playing catch-up I have finally found the time to sit down and write about our work teams experience last we in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Rick and Missy Bollinger, Patty Good and myself had a very powerful and rewarding week down in Louisiana. We worked with 52 students and adults representing Wesley Foundation at Purdue and College Connection at Ball State University. The groups interacted well together through worship, work and play. I was especially impressed at how spiritually mature most of the college students were at this point in their young journey. They led devotions and worship twice a day. By the end of the week our three groups had bonded physically and spiritually. Although two days of pouring rain threatened to put a damper on our planned roof-work we were able to find enough work inside for everyone. When the sun finally came out, we all worked together to get the roofing done. By the end of the week we had completed two foofs, took out rotting walls, ceilings and floors, dry-walled one house, and completely rewired another house. Despite a few mishaps with a pit-bull, fire grass, a scratched cornea, and rusty nails, everyone had a great experience-finally giving four wonderful families their homes back. The four of us pulled back into South Whitley Saturday night exhausted but blessed. Blessed because we were able to carry out the Lords' work in such a meaningful way. We would like to thank all of you who supported us financially and with you prayers. We are looking forward to sharing our experience with you on Sunday morning in the near future. God Bless!!! Pastor Paul

March Activities

2007-03-11T12:51:00.000-04:00

The Newcomer's Church Committee, Bruce Wrightsman, Dee Snep, Miriam Bishop, Beth Ann Sickafoose, and Becki Vanderford are planning an all-church dinner on April 15 immediately after the second service.

Mike's Message is on the home page! Please check it out if you didn't get to hear him on Sunday!
Please keep Pastor Paul, Rick, Melissa, and Patty in your prayers while they are in Louisiana helping those in desperate need.

Next Sunday March 18 please remember to bring your change to fill up the shaker cans for the children's mission.
Also after church next Sunday the Cornerstone class is hosting a St. Patrick's day luncheon--baked potatos, salads, and dessert. A free will donation is appreciated.

March 25th at 6 pm please join us to hear a truly wonderful and inspirational program. Robert Rogers is speaking about his journey after losing his family in a terrible car accident. There will be refreshments following the service.

Today we heard a wonderful sermon from Bruce and Mike S. For those who may not have gotten to be at church today, Mike has agreed to send me his part of the sermon to post here on the blog and church website. I would love to include Bruce's sermon too. Please send it to me.

Pastor's Corner

2007-02-24T20:48:00.000-05:00

Please check out the Pastor's Corner. Pastor Paul has written a really great article that reads like a devotion. I enjoyed reading it very much! If you have trouble opening it up, you need office 2007 and you should be redirected to te microsoft webpage to upgrade.

Also, a reminder that Veronica is retiring and we are looking for someone to step up and fill her position. If anyone is interested please contact Veronica or Pastor Paul

5K Results

2007-02-18T20:33:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came out and braved the chilly weather and messy snow today for the Freakishly Strong & Courageous 5K. We raised over $800.00 for Relay for Life! I attached a link to the overall results and photos to this blog spot!

JOB POSTING

2007-02-17T08:33:00.000-05:00

After 35 years in church administration, Veronica is retiring. She is graciously staying until the first week of April. If anyone is interested in filling her position, please contact Pastor Paul.

New Blog Site

2007-02-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

I think it's time to create my own blog site and give this one back to the church. Thank you kindly for allowing me to use this site. However, I think we can do more things for the church utilizing this site. My new blogsite is: http://beccascancer.blogspot.com

I will continue to moderate this blog site and use it for church purposes. I am unable to upgrade this blogger because we will lose all archived blogs, and I would like to keep them intact.
Please check out this blogspot, there are links back to this blogsite as well as to the church homepage.

Thank you and God Bless.

Church home page

2007-02-13T15:22:00.000-05:00

Please take a look at the homepage for the church. If I have left off anything or you have some ideas to add to it, please let me know. I have added Jill's blog from her African travels--some beautiful photos and movies.

There are some links to local Christian radio stations. I don't know about WBCL, but I listen to WLAB via the net at work. It's so nice.
It would be great if someone would share weekly devotions or something like that? Any takers?
We could even create a blog around the devotions or topics? Please give me some more ideas. I'd love to get some info about the youth group so I could post it online. That would probably help some kids and parents out in a pinch.

Thanks for all of your input and great ideas!

Current Events for this Week

2007-02-12T08:32:00.000-05:00

Blood mobile February 14th 12:30 PM until 6:30 PM at the South Whitley United Methodist Church. Hope you can come out to support the great need for blood donation.

Valentines day February 14th--ALL DAY! "Do unto others as you would have done unto you". Make your loved one feel the love that Christ has given to us to share.

CrossWalker's Class "Faith Under Fire"
Feb 11th & 18th: Is the Bible Bogus?

Sunday February 18th: The Relay for Life Freakishly Strong & Courageous 5K Run/Walk at 2 PM (registration starts at 12:30 PM) Proceeds go to Relay for Life.

Radiation starts February 19th

2007-02-09T10:05:00.000-05:00

How ironic is that? The Love Run ended up being the day before I started chemo and I start radiation the day after our Relay for Life 5K! We can't start Feb 12th because I need a PET scan before she can complete the planning process.

Dr. L is a wonderful physician. She is the first oncologist from Fort Wayne who actually examines me and asks me questions. She is starting me on pancreatic enzymes. I think Dr. Hatcher asked me if anyone had prescribed those for me a long time ago. I guess that should help my stools. Also I will start drinking carafate again to help coat my stomach prior to each radiation. My radiation is scheduled for during the afternoon for the first week, then I move to 8:30 a.m. I think home health will hook me up at home to the 5 FU the morning before radiation starts or they meet me at Lutheran.

So I finally have some answers and information. I'm still sitting up here at Lutheran--they have free internet so I am taking advantage of that while I wait for my PET appt.

Well, I'd better git going.

Dr. N Visit

2007-02-09T06:54:00.000-05:00

I tried to post last night, but blogger was having trouble publishing the post. So I'll try again this morning.

First of all, Don't forget about the Garage sale and bake sale tomorrow (1oth) from 8 am-2pm at the South Whitley United Methodist Church. We should have some neat things. I know there will be all kinds of things from a rocking chair to jewelry, clothing, etc. PLUS a lot of yummy food.
Dr. N didn't really tell me a whole lot. He DID make an appt with Dr. Linn (radiation oncologist) this morning at 8:30! I saw her in the very beginning and she is very kind and a real go getter.

Dr. N imagined that I would probably have 4 to 6 weeks of chemo/radiation. The good news is that the chemo I'll be getting will be very low dose and he didn't think I should have any side effects. The bad news is that I'll be hooked up continously daily-monday thru friday for 4 to 6 weeks. I guess there is a pill form of the medication, but most insurance companies won't pay for it. Doesn't that stink?! You'd think that accessing my port with a IV medication would cost more, especially when you pay for the pharmacy, nursing and home health care costs! He said he thought I'd be able to work and run with it. But I'll find out more about the radiation this morning. I can't imagine that radiating my stomach would have pleasant side effects. But only time will tell.
I will post more later after my appt. I'm hoping I don't start until the 19th, but I guess we'll see.

Thank you again. Please keep us in your prayers. Becca

Thursday: "Broken Wings"

2007-02-08T07:15:00.000-05:00

Today's WordPoints is again, close to home. I will cut and paste it on this posting.

I see Dr. N today to find out the details of the treatment plan. I am trying not to get my hopes up too high, for he may tell me that I just need to see Dr. Lynn--radiation oncologist to find out the next step. Please pray for me to be patient with Dr. N and to hold my tongue!

It is ironic how Pastor Paul challenged us this week to make a list of things we need to change in order to do what and live how God wants us to live. A kind State Policeman helped me add another thing to my list last night...I got a ticket--warning! The first one that I've ever had. I felt bad that he had to stand outside in the cold because I screwed up! He was much kinder than I deserved. I failed to yield at a light...big no,no! Don't recommend it to anyone! When he returned my license he said he hadn't looked at my license initially and asked if Steve Myers was my dad. I wasn't sure how to answer that---could help me could hurt me? (just kidding Dad). Then I sobbed like a baby when he let me go... why do we do that??? Embarrassement? I think I drove 40 mph all the way home!

WordPoints: February 8th 2007
Broken Wings
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10

One of the most difficult kinds of weakness to endure is physical disability. Even for the person of extraordinary spiritual strength, it is hard to keep a positive focus on God when the body is not able to function normally or is racked with pain. We understand, at least in theory, that spiritual concerns are more important than physical ones, but the fact is, our bodies are the instruments through which our spirits must do most of their work. When the instrument is broken, it isn't easy to maintain joy and give thanks. What, then, should be our attitude toward physical impairments or diseases, especially those of a serious nature?
We should "go to the balcony" and look at each day from a larger perspective. If, for whatever reason, today is difficult, the thing we must always do is to see today against the backdrop of eternity. Today's truth may be hard to bear, but it's never the whole truth.
We should give thanks, if not for the pain, at least for the progress it produces in our character. There is no more challenging text in the New Testament than James 1:2,3, which says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." The testing is not pleasant, and none of us should be so naive as to suggest that the physical sufferer should just smile and be happy. Yet if suffering bathes our hearts in humility and reminds us to lean on God, it has done us a significant favor. "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities," Paul could say, ". . . for when I am weak, then I am strong."
We should understand that our troubles are not unique. Paul also wrote, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (1 Corinthians 10:13). There may be no one in our personal experience who has had to endure what we are enduring, but that doesn't mean no one ever has. Whatever our affliction, there are others who've coped with it -- and some who've coped with worse. Truth to tell, every person we've ever met is hurting in some way. Some become bitter, while others become better.

I thank God for my handicaps; for, through them,I have found myself, my work, and my God.
Helen Keller

Great Devotional, please read this

2007-02-07T11:19:00.000-05:00

This is from wordpoints.com February 7 "Are We Willing to Be Weak?"

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boastin my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Often we have no choice but to tolerate weakness for a while, but we're not content to remain weak for very long. If we have deficiencies or inadequacies, we want them removed as quickly as possible. We don't like being weak. And we adopt an almost demanding attitude about the matter: God had better get rid of our neediness! In our lexicon, "dependency" is the ultimate bad word, and "self-confidence" is the ultimate good one. If serving Him leaves us still weak and needy, what good is God?
Spiritually speaking, however, the attitude we call "self-confidence" can be a dangerous thing. What feels like strength may be little more than pride. If we're not careful, we can fall into the error of thinking that we're getting by on our own. As long as the good times roll, we can deceive ourselves into thinking that we need no help. Yet without God, we would perish in an instant, and it's sinful to forget that fact. Not only is it sinful, it's ridiculous. If we ever suppose that we can get by without God's help, then we are simply, and quite seriously, out of touch with reality.
It's true, of course, that by self-confidence we often mean little more than optimism, and optimism is certainly preferable to pessimism. But even here, our optimism needs to be grounded in what God can do, not what we can do. There is no doubt whatsoever as to the eventual outcome of the war between good and evil, and we need to confront our daily problems in the confidence that God's victory over His enemy is certain. The war has already been won.
Paul had to learn that God's strength "is made perfect in weakness," and we need to learn it too. Though it sounds contradictory, an admission of our weakness is the only way to be strong. Not only that, it's the only way to make progress. We can't really be useful to the Lord until our pride has been broken, perhaps by some lifelong "thorn in the flesh," and we've been helped to understand that God's grace is all we ever really have to have.
Christ is never strong in us until we are weak. As our strength diminishes,the strength of Christ grows in us. When we are entirely emptiedof our own strength, then we are full of Christ's strength.As much as we retain of our own we lack of Christ's.
William Tyndale

I'll just let these words speak for theirselves

Dr. T. Called this afternoon!

2007-02-05T19:36:00.000-05:00

Dr. Triozzi called me this afternoon with some encouraging news. He recommends that I have radiation and chemo together for 6 weeks. He spoke with Dr. N today and he is finally up to date. I see Dr. N. Thursday afternoon so he can talk to me about the plan? We'll see about that. Dr. T also was very optimistic. He said that "clinically" he'd call me a Stage I, but Stage IV as far as treatment goes. He said that the cancer could stay at bay for several years and maybe longer after radiation and chemo combo!!! Yippee! (I can read your mind Amy W.:)
I just needed to hear some good news from someone with a medical background--not to say chemo did all the tumor shrinking--God has given me so much strength and encouraging voices and cards and prayers!
Oh, when I faxed all of my records to Dr. T a couple of weeks ago, I wrote a little note telling him that I'm planning on running the Cleveland marathon on May 20th and I expect him to run me across the finish line... Well today he said that he'd better start running! I'm going to hold him to that too! I told him he could wait until the temperature was about 15 degrees!
Thank you again for your support and prayers!
The church website is under construction again, sorry for any inconvenience, but I'm completely redoing it. I'd like to add a "Pastor's corner" area and an area for our Music leader and Youth.

BRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrr!

2007-02-04T13:59:00.000-05:00

Isn't life all about Love? Tis the season for Love. Please don't tell Grandma and Grandpa that I put this photo on this site! But I really couldn't resist! (Grandma used that knife in her hand to cut Grandpa's birthday cake...)

The cold weather didn't deter as many people from attending church today than I thought it would. Maybe it was because all those people wearing colts shirts thought they'd better be celebrating Christ today--extra credit for the colts maybe?
I liked the sermon, although it is often difficult to admit that we need to change a single thing about ourselves. The pastor challenged us to write down a list of things that we would need to change in order to live as Christ would want us to. It didn't take me long to think of a few things I needed to change. I admit, I need to read the Bible more. I also need to be a better wife. I could give you a hundred excuses to why I feel I come up short, but the bottom line is that I allow other things to take up my time and wear me down that aren't always #1 in God's eyes. Yes, running sometimes gets in the way, but it also makes me a happier person. Therefore, my family is happier, right? Oops right there was an excuse.

What things can you think of that you can change? This probably won't be a topic most would want to write in this blog, but feel free if you would like.

Don't forget the Garage Sale & Bake Sale (proceeds will go to the Relay for Life) at the South Whitley United Methodist Church Saturday, February 10th from 8 am-2 pm.

The Freakishly Strong & Courageous 5K is Sunday, February 18th at 2 PM at the Columbia City YMCA. You can get an entry from the church homepage. Proceeds will be going to the Relay for Life. For more info email jadebecca1@earthlink.net
Stay Warm. GO COLTS!!!!!!
love Becca

Better Dr.'s Visit

2007-02-02T17:03:00.000-05:00

WE live in the world yet we don't really belong to it.--Amy Wagner emailed me with this quote. I needed to be reminded of this.
My appointment with Dr. Scheible went pretty well. He listened to my concerns and frustations and agreed to contact the Goshen Cancer center and talk to Dr. Wiersma to see if he has any contacts at Mayo Clinic. I feel like he is going to be my medical advocate. He also recommended making another appt in Cleveland with Dr. Triozzi regardless if Dr. N talks to him on Monday. So I called Dr. Triozzi's office today and spoke with his secretary. I asked her if I could make an appointment. She told me that Dr. Triozzi was awaiting Dr. Nattam's call on Monday and that I should wait until they talk. I mentioned to her that I was really frustrated with the situation and felt that things have been moving very slowly in Fort Wayne. She understood what I was saying and told me that Dr. Triozzi would call me on Monday morning. So I will have a chance to talk to him about my concerns and see if he is aware of any other treatments for stomach cancer.

I feel a lot better tonight than I did last night. Gina, thank you for your info about Mayo. I'm hoping to get on that website tonight and investigate their program there. The problem is that my cancer is Stage 4--and the 3 main drugs used for stomach cancer are the 3 that I've already had. Any combo of those 3 would not be as potent or possibly as effective.

Oh, and we DID have a great time at Disney World. I have gotten some emails from my friends that state that they wished we would have had a better time. The weather was a factor and we really only had 2 days to spend there. Tuesday we didn't get to the park until mid afternoon and then we only stayed a couple of hours. Then Friday, we spent all morning waiting around for Budget rental car...long story--but we'll never use Budget again. So we just had Wednesday and Thursday--raining weather. AND we all were getting over that nasty stomach bug. It was great to see the kids faces though. They loved the parade at Magic Kingdom. The really liked eating at Chef Mickey's. They didn't like the rain though and were pretty fussy.

Well, I'd better get something done today. Thank you all for your prayers. I admit, I haven't been into the Word like I need to be. I can feel the effect from Bible withdrawal. Do you think that could be a real medical diagnosis? It really should be looked into (hehe)! Love, Becca

Frustrated after Dr.'s visit

2007-02-01T15:11:00.000-05:00

I guess Dr. Nattam's nurse was confused the other day when she told me that Dr. N had already spoken with Dr. Triozzi at Cleveland. The first thing out of Dr. N's mouth today was "I just tried calling Dr. Triozzi, but he's on vacation". I was a little shocked. I asked him why he needed to talk to him again and he said, that he hadn't talked to him yet. Tears just rolled down my cheeks. I wish I would have had Jade with me--I told him he didn't need to come since we just got back from vacation and all. I asked Dr. N about having some radiation, but he said that he didn't think that would be a good idea since the cancer has already spread. Then I asked him about that Cyber Knife I've been hearing about on TV--shot that down too.

He said that there really isn't any other treatment out there, other than research drugs. It's so hard to believe that there isn't much more they can do for me, then I remember that GOD has the power to heal me if it is his will. It's hard to own that though, all the time. Dr. N mentioned that I could do 3 more rounds of the same chemo--though he is not sure that anyone has done this before. He will know more Monday, he says!

As for the potty training goes, Jackson has been doing great. He can #1 in the toilet, but #2 is hit or miss.

I appreciate all of your prayers and cards. It's been a difficult day. Sometimes I forget that I have a deadly illness. Then I go to the Dr. and am reminded of my cancer and its lethality. Sometimes I think I'd do better if I didn't visit the docs and go out to eat with my girlfriends instead!!!

It's good to be home

2007-01-31T21:10:00.000-05:00

We made it home safe and sound. There's no place like home...The kids are so excited to be home. They haven't seen any cartoons for 8 days. I can't believe they survived! It was so cool in Florida, but warmer than home, so we really couldn't complain. IT was so nice to spend some quality family time together.

We did go through it's a small world...I'm going to be honest, that ride nearly drove me insane! All those different metalic creatures, and songs. The kids loved it though. Jade and I were ready to bale out at the first corner!

We rode the tea cups twice! Ate in the castle and got to meet Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. Ate breakfast at Chef Mickey (I highly recommend eating there). We got to meat Pluto, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, and Donald Duck. They went around to each table.

My favorite place was Epcot. After waiting 1 1/2 hours (fast pass), Lauren and I got on the ride "Soar". It was my dream ride---had to get off before it started because Lauren had a melt down--cried her head off, wanted daddy! I nearly cried too. Never made it on the ride. Oh, went through the Nemo ride at Epcot--it was neat--Lauren screamed and scared us all when a fish jumped out at her (3-D).
Disney is quite the experience. I am glad we all went, but I don't know that I'd ever go back. Too many people.

I don't know who to thank, but thank you to the kind person who shoveled our drive way and side walks. That was so very kind and WONDERFUL!
I'll attach a couple photos.

See Dr. Nattam in the morning. I will let you all know what we find out. Love,
Becca

Sunshine and 65 degrees

2007-01-30T11:35:00.000-05:00

Disney was quite the experience. It was rainy and cool, but still fun. We all finally got over that stomach flu! Grandma and Grandpa are well. They crack us up!!!! The kids are loving the shells and we caught a gecko yesterday--it bit Jade and he couldn't get it off his finger. Too funny.
On our way down, Jackson tried to take off his pants going through security--thought since he had to take off his shoes and coat, he might as well undress! We didn't notice it at first until we heard the laughter and saw people pointing in our direction.
Can't write much, only have a couple minutes left on this computer (library).

We will be home tomorrow. God Bless. I see Dr. Nattam Thursday, and I have bugged him already. Dr. T from Cleveland and Dr. Nattam have a new plan--I can't wait to hear about it!!!!!!
Love, Becca

Kids sick again

2007-01-21T07:56:00.000-05:00

Well, my mouth sore left me, for the most part. Jackson has been sick since Friday with the stomach flu. Lauren started vomiting yesterday and they both are still miserable. Should make an interesting start to our vacation. I hope the airlines will allow suppositories and tylenol!

So far, Jade and I haven't got it. I know they were around Val's kids last week, I sure hope they don't get it too. Sorry Val! I know they had a blast at your house. Lauren and Jack let me give them a Tigan suppository once yesterday and then they cried because of the discomfort of that! So I guess if they are still sick in an hour, they have no choice in the matter...butt bullets will be initiated! (That's what Lauren calls them).

Please just keep our health in your prayers. My counts are still low and I'm hoping I don't get this. Plus I am supposed to work all day tomorrow! We'll see about that. I hope all is well by this evening.

Hope you all have a great week! Stay away from pukers!
Becca

Freakishly Strong & Courageous 5K Run & Walk

2007-01-19T07:50:00.000-05:00

Our Relay for Life team met last night and have a bunch of neat fundraisers planned. We're planning a Winter garage sale & Bake Sale on February 10th at the South Whitley Methodist Church. If anyone has anything they'd like to donate for the cause please let me know.

We're also having a 5K Run & Walk, on SUNDAY February 18th at 2 pm at the Columbia City YMCA. Yes, you read right, a 5K in the middle of winter! It should be a lot of fun. The YMCA has graciously allowed us to use their facility for the race day. The course will be part of the River Greenway and around a housing addition. You can get entry forms from the church home page towards the bottom of the page or from the Fort Wayne Track Club website www.fwtc.org
Preregistration is only $10.00--until 2/9, then the price goes up to $15. If you preregister, you're guaranteed a t-shirt, we're only going to have a few race day t shirts available and they will probably all be size large! So get me your entries asap!

The photo is of a few of the people on our team...several others couldn't make it so they got out of being in the photo. We'll catch them next time.

Mouth sores almost history! Feeling stronger.

2007-01-18T08:49:00.000-05:00

It's taken me about one week longer to recover after the last round of chemo. I barely made it 2 miles on the treadmill Tuesday night. Going to try it again today. My mouth sore is almost gone!

Last year when we went to Florida, much to Jade's dismay, I threw away Jackson's pacifiers and we never looked back...not Jade's idea of a vacation. However, after one day, he never asked for his pacifier again. I figured on vacation, it's easier to do things like that since we're all together and no one can take the easy way out or he'll get caught.

So guess what we're doing this year while on vacation? Potty training Jackson! Jade doesn't know it yet, but I'm hoping it's an easy task. He's been doing really well the past week. He only has one accident/day and is waking up dry! Aunt Sara has been a big help this week, too. I've had to work every day and she's been a trooper taking him to the potty! He won't even let us put a diaper on him now. (I snuck one on him after he fell asleep last night. When he woke up this morning and saw the diaper, he was as mad as a hornet!) So I'm thinking this shouldn't be too bad.

Mary Beth reminded me this morning how little information and recognition is out there about stomach cancer. I would like some input on how to get it better recognized by the press and media. We hear about colon and breast cancer all the time--which is AWESOME! But why not stomach cancer? What ideas do you have on how to get word around about it? The Post & Mail has been great about printing articles about it and the Love Run, etc.

GREAT NEWS!

2007-01-17T09:02:00.000-05:00

Had some blood drawn yesterday. Repeated those two cancer tests--got one back and it's now NORMAL!! My liver profile was normal too. My CBC wasn't as good, although my hemoglobin went up a little, my White count decreased even more. I'm going to have to wear a mask everywhere--especially at Church and on the airplane.

The Relay for Life Kickoff went well. It was great to see so many friendly faces. Hope more people can form some new teams!!!! It's not too late.
Love, Becca

Relay For Life Kick Off

2007-01-16T08:48:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the Whitley County Relay for Life Kick Off at the Eagle's Nest at 6:30 PM. ANYONE can come who is interested in learning more about this organization and how to start up your own Relay Team. It's a lot of fun and a great cause. I hope to see a lot of people there tonight.

I still have one sore left in my mouth. I'm telling you, it is as stubborn as I am...it must really like it in there. Heidi, thank you for your great advise. Raspberry Leaf Tea DOES help! I'll start recommending it. I picked it up at Kroger it's made by Traditional Medicinals (it's Organic). It does burn, but after the burning goes away, the sore feels better!! Yippee!

I was wondering if anyone might know why I have red horizontal stripes on my fingernails--looks Like the Cat in the Hat's Hat? I figure the chemo has something to do with it, but do I need to be checking any labs or anything??? They may be called muehrcke's lines? Not sure. Thank you.

Have a great day, Becca

Mouth Sores

2007-01-14T19:31:00.000-05:00

It's been a long week. Mouth sores still going strong. I did manage to eat tonight...first solid food since last Wednesday. Believe it or not, I'm tired of icecream. I figured out a way to get that lidocaine gel that Dan gave me to work a little. It's hard to use because the area of application has to be dry enough for the gel to adhere to. If I stuff tissue in my mouth to absorb the saliva and use the hairdryer to dry the tongue, then apply the gel, and dry again with the hair dryer...I've got a little bit of relief! The things people do to eat chocolate cake!

Thank you for all of your prayers again. Can't wait to be back to normal in a few days. Good to see my church family and hang out at Rachel's! Love, Becca

Orange Asics Gel Nimbus VIII!

2007-01-11T12:20:00.000-05:00

The cancer has shrunk 75%! Still in the pancreas and stomach, but he said he didn't see any spread throughout the abdomen like last time! No "omental caking"! I like cake, but not that kind!

Groggy and all, Jade helped me into Dick's and we each got a pair of running shoes...he's going to run the Indy Mini in May.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Pastor Paul, thank you so much, for coming up this morning--I know it was early, but you really helped calm my nerves. (So did that ornery anesthesiologist). No if those mouth sores would disappear...in time. ON a clear liquid diet anyways today. Can't wait to eat some real food! Love you!!!! Becca, Jade, Lauren and Jackson

Wednesday the 10th

2007-01-10T07:33:00.000-05:00

Today is a big day for the Poling family. Caden is having his heart surgery this morning at Riley. Please keep him and his family and all of the health professionals in your prayers. I can't imagine how difficult it has to be for them today.

Also my friend Amy is having gallbladder surgery this morning at Lutheran. She just found out about the surgery yesterday and needs your prayers too.

I woke up this morning feeling better than I have in over one week. (Thank you Jesus!). My mouth sores are really bad again. I look like a Valtrex commercial with white blisters on my lips and tongue. Really, they aren't herpes, but boy do they hurt. It's too bad that ice cream goes down so easy and is about the only thing I can eat right now. Frosted mini wheats are good too, after I let them sit in the milk and soften up. Anything too salty burns my mouth too. Also the bad stomach cramps and diarrhea revisited this time around. I think it's all part of the welcome wagon and fairwell party!

Tomorrow is our big day. I say I'm not nervous, but I guess I am. I've broken down a couple of times when I talk about having the endo ultrasound. I can still picture Jade standing by my gourney sobbing. I was not really happy with how it all went down last time. There was no privacy at all. My mom watched the nurse pull Jade aside in the waiting room to tell him that I had cancer. I still think that was inappropriate. I'm also hoping the nurses wear gloves this time around. I'm worried because my blood counts will be at their lowest tomorrow, and I really don't want another illness or hospital acquired infection. Hopefully there will be a lot of celebration tomorrow. I really need a new pair of running shoes, so if we get good news, we're stopping at Dick's afterwards!
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. Love, Becca

Made it 1 mile on the treadmill last night! Felt like 10 miles. It's crazy how fast the body weakens...and gets stronger.

Sunday

2007-01-07T10:28:00.000-05:00

In a few hours, chemo will be off! Rough morning. Had a couple of those black out spells again. Of course it happened while I was in the bathroom (how embarrassing)! Lucky for me, Jade was still here (not lucky for him, though). Spent a couple hours laying on the floor and am feeling much better now.

Mom and I ended up walking a couple miles yesterday out in the sunshine--pushed the kids. That was an adventure. Got to see some other Whitley gals enjoying the weather (Darcy, Melissa, Aubrey).

The Relay for Life Kick off is the 16th at the Eagles Nest and I hope to see many of you there. I have to say, I have benefitted from Relay for Life through several different avenues. I've been to their Look Good Feel Good program and the wig room. When I was first diagnosed, Sara G. from the American Cancer Society sent me a ton of information about my cancer which helped me out greatly. My chemo protocol is also the result of research and I am so thankful for that. I don't know if the Relay for Life has helped fund the research for my chemo protocol, but they have helped millions of other cancer patients--I am grateful for the cancer research. But most of all, I have made so many precious friends through the Relay for Life. I started out wanting to support my Aunt Beth on her team and have ended up taking more away from the Relay than I could have ever imagined. Cancer touches all of our lives at some point. What are your Relay memories?

I'll add one memory here. Last year it rained and rained until about 2 a.m...just in time for the tug-o-war. Traci, Staci, Brooke, Kim and I thought we could take on the Wal-Mart team...ended up pulling grass out of our teeth! It was so much fun, though.

Day 5

2007-01-06T09:36:00.000-05:00

This has been a tough week. Especially last night, had a little melt down. It is nice when the house is quiet and the kids are at Val's or Grandma's, but then I get lonely and start thinking too much. I bet unhooked tomorrow afternoon, which makes it seem like a long week, since normally I get unhooked Saturday afternoon. BUT this could be the last treatment for a while!

Got another email from my cousin Dan. Diego is doing well and it sounds like everything is going smoothly there. Please keep them in your prayers as I imagine it is also difficult to be away from their 3 sweet little girls. May they get home before the snow falls. We can't wait to meet Diego!

I hope all who can get out and walk and run take advantage of this wonderful weather. It may be a little damp, but at least it's not icy.

Have a great weekend!

Day 3

2007-01-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

First, I feel horrible I missed Nikki's birthday at work today. Happy Birthday. I wish I could be there eating mexican food with you. Instead I'm watching the kids fight and run through the house. I AM smiling though. (Plus Mexican food probably wouldn't settle in my stomach this week).
I'm feeling a little under the weather. But I keep focusing on Sunday afternoon when the chemo comes off (since I wasn't hooked up until Tuesday). Maybe we'll get some snow and we can celebrate with the kids by sledding. They can't wait to get some snow. Me, I kind of like this milder winter, except I keep catching colds. Maybe if it would get colder some of those nasty viruses would die, and less people would be out and about when really they should be at home getting better.

Dr. Wiersma's office just called and he scheduled me for next Thursday for the endoscopic ultrasound. I can't believe he can get me in that soon. I am so excited! The nurse said no one wants to spend their deductible as easily in January! (I don't mind, I'm going to meet it sooner or later). So we'll know if the cancer has spread any further or if the PET scan was indeed correct! (I can eat so I know at least some of the cancer has shrunk).

We have planned a vacation for the end of the month to Florida. A very kind family gave us some Disney Dollars to use towards this trip--Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. (We're also keeping you and your family in our prayers during YOUR travel!) So we're stopping off in Orlando for 3 days and 4 nights--Jade thinks this is way to long! (I think he thought one day would do it for him!) Then we're heading to Venice to spend a few days with Grandma and Grandpa Hurd. We are all looking so forward to time away--maybe we'll get some good running in 70-80 degree weather! (Jade had me sign him up for the Indy mini in May!!!!!! (hehe).
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week. Thank you for your prayers and support. God Bless, Becca

Round 6 Begins!

2007-01-02T21:13:00.000-05:00

Photo is of my Aunt Kathy and Eliana (not sure about the spelling), what a beautiful photo--both have bright blue eyes!

Round 6th started today so I'm on "high alert" as Staci would say. I'm drinking my Vibe, taking my L -lysine; drinking fluids, gargling with Biotene often and brushing and flossing after eache meal. Despite my nasty cough, fever, and runny nose, my labs looked pretty good.
Mom dropped me off on her way to work. I got my port accessed, labs drawn, and saw the Physician Assistant again. She didn't have any answers to my questions, but we're working on getting me scheduled with Dr. Wiersma for another endoscopic ultrasound. May not have the test done until February since we have a vacation planned in there. I know he's hard to get in to see, so I'm going to be very patient and take whatever they give me for an appointment time.
I also see Dr. Nattam Feb 2 for a recheck. Hopefully he can tell me something new as far as what the next step will be. If I don't have chemo for a while, I have to get my port flushed every 4 to 6 weeks.

So Aunt Beth and I went to Oak Express after chemo, needed some new chairs without dangerous, dagger-like back supports. Found some good deals! (The kids pushed themselves off the bar with their feet and have fallen backwards too many times. Now the spindles are broken). Then we ate dinner at a Japanese restaurant--yummy. Probably the last supper for 1 1/2 weeks.

Looking forward to camping out on the sofa this week. Especially after all of the holiday festivities, work and having that cold. Please DO keep my friends parents in your prayers. She mentioned it in the previous blog.
Love, Becca

Happy New Year!!

2006-12-31T23:02:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had safe fun bringing in the new year. Me, I layed here on our sofa, watching Law & Order repeats and sipped on grapefruit juice. I've got that cold/flu again. I can't seem to bring down my temperature. I don't know for sure how long I have had it, just took it this afternoon and it was over 101! Been feeling achy all day, though. I'm normally in the 97s as far as temperature goes. So I'm drinking fluids and taking tylenol and advil.
Jade and Lauren went to a New Year's party for a while, they had fun. They went to the Gaff's and celebrated with Jon and Val's family. Jackson and I took a nap and woke up just before they returned. They brought home some presents--Thanks Jon for the screaming flying monkeys!

I won't make it to the Mize's second annual New Years Day 5K, I don't think. I just don't want to botch my last round of chemo. It's supposed to start Tuesday! I have mixed feelings about it. I'm kind of nervous. I am excited that it is the last one in this round, but concerned that the cancer could start to grow again without chemo. Amy, I know God is in charge and He has got his arms around me and my family, but I can't help but be a little concerned about that. It's been nearly one year since my symptoms all started and I am a little nervous about nearing the anniversary of when all of this started. At least NOW I know what to look for and can let my doctors know if those symptoms return.

Well, I'd better get some rest. Love, Becca

Muddy, but lots of fun!

2006-12-30T17:05:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Today we had a blast running a loop of the HUFF (Huntington Ultra Frigid Fifty kilometers). We slipped and slid all over the place. A couple of us fell a few times, but managed to get up and keep going. All 4 of us crossed the finish line hand in hand at the same time!! I'll put a before and after photo on this site--we actually aren't THAT muddy, but our shoes were tough to run in with all the caked on mud. There were lots of muddy puddles to run through.

I haven't had this much fun running with a group EVER. I admit, I had to stop and walk a couple times and you girls were so nice to walk with me. It really wasn't nice of me to laugh so hard when Kelly and Stephanie wiped out, but I nearly hyperventilated...Kelly rolled on over like a volley ball pro! And just when a photographer yelled way to go...Steph hit the ground. Thankfully we all finished in one piece. A little past mile 7, there was even a table with pepsi, m & ms, chips, etc...so we took advantage of that too. Who'd imagine that out in the boonies there would be such a great oasis of food!
Thank you for such a great way to end this year! Love, Becca

Thursday

2006-12-28T07:53:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Merry Christmas! Kind of late, but really, this entire week leading up to New Years is like Christmas week. People are off work, kids are out of school--reminders everywhere that Christmas is here! Yahoo for Jesus' birth!

I see Christmas quite differently as an adult--not only do I have a lot more responsibilities like the shopping, food prep, and getting kids around, but I also have a new appreciation for Christ. It may be kinds of selfish since I have cancer--my mortality is a little more obvious to me than it used to be. But it is the wake up call that I needed.

There's still a group of us going to run a loop of the HUFF. I can't imagine running the entire 50 K (about 32-34 miles--depending on the course). I imagine it's going to be a muddy mess. A couple of us from church are going...Kelly M., Staci B, and myself, and also Stephanie, maybe Paula and Mary Beth too? I'd love to take my camera along to capture the mudslinging event, but I think that could be dangerous. We'll see.
There are several locals running the entire 50K! Go Kim, Dallas, Tom and Dr. Jamie!
Grandma Hurd made all her Great Grand daughter's robes...the photo is some of her Great Granddaughters.
Becca

Windy, windy, windy...

2006-12-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Whoa, what a windy day! Staci and I thought we could run in this weather. We're tough, (so we thought) we've ran in worse weather, so we took off with the wind to our backs, by the time it was time to turn and head back to town, we decided to just keep heading North to avoid the wind (we weren't as tough as we thought). We ended up at mom and dad's house! (Mom had just taken cereal mix out of the oven, so it was perfect timing on our part--I have a nak for showing up when food is coming out of the oven). After a few bites of the mix, I begged to borrow a vehicle to drive back to town! I'm glad my parents are past making me learn a lesson from such incidents--and gladly let us borrow dad's truck (which is a stick). So our duathlon included a 6 mile run, then a 6 mile drive in the truck!! I couldn't think of a better way to get back to town
We had a good laugh about this. Sure glad stick shifts are easier to drive than they used to be. Dad, I THINK your transmission is still intact. Thanks a lot!! We love you both! Love, Becca

Sunday School Info From Bruce

2006-12-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

Crosswalker's Sunday School Class DVD "Safe Walk Fire"
Dec 31st & Jan 7th "Did Jesus Rise From the Dead?"
Jan 14th & Jan 21st "Do All Roads lead to God?"
For more info, contact Bruce

Letters from Santa

2006-12-21T19:26:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
I don't know who to thank, but someone sent Lauren and Jackson a letter from Santa--postmarked North pole and everything! Thank you so much! It made their day!

We enjoyed some Carolers tonight from Collamer! What a treat! They sounded professional! Thank you! I felt sorry for you all because instead of standing in pretty snowflakes, you were all standing under raindrops.

Still feeling good. Not liking the rain, but at least there's not 6 feet of snow on the ground.

Pastor Paul wanted me to place a note on this blog asking if there is anyone in the Whitko school district who may be interested in sponsoring an exchange student? Please contacto Pastor Paul at 723-5107 if interested.

Talked to Dr. Nattam

2006-12-19T12:18:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Just got off the phone with Dr. Nattam. He is so nice. I asked him what he thought the next step was going to be and he said that he honestly doesn't know. Wow! I asked him if he thought it would be a good idea to talk to Dr. Yohanda again and he said he would give him a call. He also said he was going to have to call Dr. Triozzi from Cleveland to see what he suggests they do with me now. Kind of funny that no one knows how to treat me now. Dr. N said that he has never used this protocol on anyone before and has never heard of such a radical response from it (it's a God thing). I appreciated his honesty, though. So I decided that since he was being so frank with me that I'd ask him the question that has been on my mind a lot lately...I asked him what kind of prognosis do I have and if he thought I'd be around in a year? He laughed and said "I honestly don't know what to say". He says that I'm a mystery and that since I don't have mets in my liver, lungs, or brain that there's a pretty good chance I'll get to see another Christmas.
He wants to restage me after my last round of chemo. I requested another endoscopic ultrasound, which he agreed to schedule at my next appointment on Jan 2nd. So Denise, if you're reading this, maybe Dr. Wiersma can find a spot for me on his schedule in January sometime? We're hoping to head South to Florida around January 24th...it sure would be nice to know what things look like inside my belly before we go on vacation. (If things look bad, I can all I want to and have no regrets!)
Gotta go.

Tuesday

2006-12-19T06:42:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Sorry I haven't written this sooner, but I really enjoyed all the music on Sunday. What a service! Talent seems to come out of the woodwork during holidays. Too bad we didn't get to hear more specials on Sundays! The kids love it too.
I made 2 new photo collages on the homepage and updated a couple of things. Eventually I'd like to have a youth page and include all of the youth group activities. Mike S. is going to get me some info for that.
I called Dr. Nattam's office yesterday and left a message with the phone nurse to find out what the next step is going to be. I also worked up enough nerve to ask her to see if Dr. Nattam would consult with Dr. Yohanda (surgeon) to feel him out about what his opinion might be about possible surgery or not? (she hasn't called me back). I read the PET scan again last night and can't figure out why Cleveland Clinic didn't want to take a chance on me. So if Yohanda is in agreement with them, I will be at peace with the decision...for a while!
I feel better now than I have felt since last Winter. Can you believe that? So it's hard to think that I won't be around in another year or 2. I know I shouldn't go there, but there are so many things I want to do before I meet my maker. Hopefully we'll get some of those things crossed off my list this winter.
Ran 6 miles Sunday and 3 1/2 last night! Yahoo! I don't care if it takes me 2 hours to run, I'm so excited to feel good enough to try it! The HUFF fun run (nearly 11 miles of trails at Kil-so-quah in Huntington) is December 30th. I think we have 4 or 5 ladies, (we sound so old), that are going to attempt this challenge together. I'm so excited! What a bonding moment, running that event together. It's like the bonding I had with my OB nurse that occurred through blood, sweat, and tears, but definitely a strong bond (hopefully none of us fall and get injured).
One more thing. A lady at the YMCA told me about the kindness someone at the McDonald's drive through paid her...a complete stranger in the car in front of her paid for her breakfast! So she decided to "pay it forward" while at the coffee shop later that day. She talked about the joy that filled her heart doing something nice for another. I just challenge each of us to pay it forward this week...whether it be offering to take a mother's shopping cart back to the store for her, holding open a door for another person, or taking in an elderly person's trash cans. Little unexpected gifts such as these can provide days of smiles for another!
And don't hold back on giving out the "Merry Christmas" greeting! We need more of that! Love, Becca

Friday

2006-12-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
What a nice week it turned out to be. Ran 4 miles today (took a couple walk breaks though). It felt so good, though. I waved at the stool by the tree I've had to stop at before on on Calhoun, right off of 205...didn't have to take a load off today!

Jackson pottied in the toilet 3 times today...he also had 4 accidents. Oh well, it's a start. I forgot how exhausting potty training can be. Boys are harder than girls, in my opinion (I keep having to wash my bathroom rugs, if you know what I mean).
I now have several new mouth sores, but I'm trying to eat an M & M as I write this...I'd do anything for chocolate!
I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend!
Love, Becca

Combined Worship this Sunday

2006-12-14T18:54:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Just a reminder, the Christmas Worship Service is this Sunday December 17th at 10:00 a.m. (No early service). Sunday School starts at 9:00 a.m. Youth group will meet at 6:00 p.m. that day as well.

Also Don't forget to pick up your offering envelopes in the Narthex. If you can't find your name on the envelopes and wish to have some, please contact Betty M.

Dad & Uncle Randy

2006-12-13T08:23:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Up all night coughing. Then I remembered we had some very old children's cough medication with codeine...so I took it...didn't work. Anyways, I'm so tired of all that post nasal drainage. I think nearly every patient I saw yesterday had the same complaint. All the over the counter meds are useless to me now, nothing is working. I imagine it's worse because of my lower blood counts.

Still drug myself to the Y again last night. (I though we had a date Mindy?) I was thankful Mary Beth was there again. I'm telling you, working out with friends is the way to go. Especially when you're forced to work out indoors.
Ran nearly 2 miles on the treadmill, but my legs felt like lead. So I switched to the eliptical machine for about 30 minutes total. Even tried to do sit ups on the exercise ball, nearly fell off when I tried to "gracefully" dismount from it. Those balls are so full of air that it's hard to stay on them. Oh, another thing...I experienced one of the most horrifying, uncomfortable moments of my life last night...a hotflash while working out. It was horrible. I couldn't breathe, felt like heading for the doors to be cooled off by the pouring down rain. It's bad enough that I'm a huge sweater, but to have a hot flash on top of it about put me over the edge. I may have to start stuffing ice packs in my gym clothes!

I have another prayer request for my friend Sara G. She continues to lose weight and the doctors can't figure out for sure what's going on. I've suggested maybe heading to a big medical center somewhere. She may look into that. She is a mother, as well, and trying to work part time to keep things somewhat "normal". I feel for her. Please pray that she gets answers, and continues to have strength.
Please enjoy this dryer day! Love, Becca

Where's all the snow?

2006-12-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
I can't believe all of this rain! Wow. Last year we were sledding last weekend, this year we're using our umbrellas.

I'm feeling much better from the chemo. Boy, Sunday I thought that maybe this would be the day I don't bounce back. I felt really poor all week. By Sunday night, I was perking up and feeling pretty good (Jade is thankful because he said I was a grouch!) He was right, though.
Woke up yesterday morning and started cleaning and rearranging things, even moved the Christmas tree! Then we went to the library, got some books, and ate at the Corner Cafe. The kids had never been in there. We had fun.

I'm working this week (my usual 3 days). It's funny how my brain doesn't work well during chemo, but come Monday afternoon, I'm trying to reabsorb all the medical info on my desk that drug reps leave me. (And I'm searching through the break room for any goodies they might leave).

Last night, I drug myself to the YMCA. It was worth it. I met a couple of really nice people that started walking/running at the Love Run and haven't stopped. It was great to hear their excitement for exercise. I also made it one entire mile on the treadmill (heart still racing a bit, though), then headed to the eliptical. There I was blessed to have Mary Beth on one side and Mindy on the other. It sure makes working out more fun when you do it with friends. (Also, saw Gina and she's still celebrating her wonderful news!)
Well, I imagine you can tell I'm feeling better because I'm rambling on here. Have a super week. Thank you for your prayers, cookies (Lori S), and all the smiles when we're out and about! Love, Becca

Sunday December 10th

2006-12-10T07:43:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Sorry I haven't written much this week, I haven't felt very well. I have been really nauseated and just felt "green". I had a lot of help with the kids this week. Aunt Sara always comes over and actually knows my schedule better than me. She's so good with the kids. Val also watched the kids a day and is always there for us. We are truly blessed by good friends and family.

I got unhooked yesterday, but still feel queezy. I think I'm going to attempt church this morning without the kids. They still have a cold and are coughing quite a bit. I keep telling myself that I'll have 3 weeks off until the next round...but it's still been rough. I think what I thought was a cold is now a sinus infection. So I need to probably finally get some antibiotics for it. I can't seem to get over it on my own.

We do have Christmas at Candy and Randy's today, so that should be fun, as long as everyone feels well enough. I'm trying to muster up a positive attitude today and hope I have enough energy to make it through all the festivities.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. We really need it. Love, Becca

Wednesday

2006-12-06T14:22:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Echo went well. Looks like everything is normal as far as my heart is concerned. I wasn't really too concerned, but didn't want to continue running if there was something wrong.

Not feeling the greatest. Just really exhausted and nauseated. I normally stay home the first 4 days of chemo week, but had to drive to Columbia City yesterday and today. I think that just makes things a little more exhausting.

BUT, I keep thinking, I have 3 weeks off after this week! Yippee! Will get to enjoy Christmas too!!!!

I still haven't heard anything from Gina, I even called the YMCA, but noone had heard anything yet. I will post an update as soon as I hear. Please also keep Sara G. in your prayers. She's having some testing done tomorrow--same tests that I had done and she really could use some prayers.
Thank you and God Bless.

Chemo #5 starting!

2006-12-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Week #5 has started. It seemed so far away back on September 10th when we had the Love Run and my first chemo treatment was September 11th. Along the way I have met some very special people, heard about each of their journeys and even shared crochetting tips. I've seen 3 of my friends "graduate", the third had her last chemo today. I'm so excited for them, but each has left with some uneasiness...wondering how long will the be gone from the chemo room....

Despite having this horrible cold or flu bug, my counts were good enough to have chemo. I'm so relieved. It will run continuously until Saturday afternoon. Jade brought me today, then Rache hung out with me the rest of the day and brought some lunch. I don't remember lunch since he nurse gave me Ativan and Aloxi through my IV at the same time....couldn't keep my eyes open. Barely ate my lunch then took a 2 1/2 hour nap. At one point, I woke up and thought I saw my mom there. I headed to the ladies room, sat back down and tried staying awake to talk to mom...but the drugs won, I slept.

Next Sunday we have the Myers Christmas. I hope we have some sledding snow! I also hope all goes well this week and I don't feel too sick this weekend.
Gina, Rob, and Hunter, we're keeping you in our prayers. Please let us know what you find out! God bless you all!

Saturday

2006-12-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Well, I still don't have my voice, can't stop coughing, and my nose is dripping like a leaky faucet! This has been going on since Tuesday. I've been living off of Dayquil and Nyquil! Works pretty well. I'm hear to tell you that viruses are worse than bacterial infections. Maybe it's because there really isn't any medication to cure it! Hopefully it's a go on Monday for chemo. I hope no one else has gotten this virus.

I did run this afternoon, but had to spit frequently (I ran outside). Jade and I went to Decatur to look at some model homes. Just looking...that's all I can say about that. Maybe someday.

I sure do miss last weekend's weather. This stuff is cold! The sad thing is that in a few weeks when it's below 20 degrees, I'll be wishing for 30 degree weather! That reminds me, I need to send in my registration for the HUFF.

I hope you all enjoy this sunshine we're having and have a great weekend. We're heading to the Whitko Girl's basket ball game...hopefully to watch Whitko win!
Thank you for your continued prayers. Love, Becca

Thursday

2006-11-30T07:51:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

I have a prayer request for a friend. Her name is Gina and she is about my age, has a young child and has been treated for cancer of her vocal cords, I think. She recently had a PET scan that showed a spot on her C1 and C2 vertebrae. She and her husband are traveling to Mayo in a couple days and she is having a CT guided biopsy on Tuesday--very risky and dangerous she said. Many of you may know Gina, she works at the YMCA. Please keep her, her family, and all of the medical personnel in your prayers so that they may take good care of her and have no complications...and hopefully will not find anything once they get in there! Also please pray for safe travels (there may be some snow on the ground).

I love your dreams that you have posted. Thank you! I also dream of becoming an Aunt again...I can't wait to "corrupt" Rachel's kids! Really, I can't wait!!! Do you hear this Rach and Jamie!!!

I'm fighting a cold. Had a fever Tuesday night, sore throat, now just have a cough and sorethroat. Nikki drew some blood Tuesday and it looks like my white count is almost normal!!! Also my hemoglobin was over 11! Isn't that crazy. Normally chemo drops the hemoglobin. Praise the Lord!

Next round of chemo starts Monday...then I'll have just one more week of chemo starting January 2nd! Yahoo! Looking forward to finding out what's next after that.

Please all be safe and enjoy the snow when it comes. I'm hoping to get enough to go sledding and snowmobiling!!!

Tuesday

2006-11-28T08:21:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Feeling pretty good still. Took some advice from a cardiac NP and talked to Dr. H about all the heart symptoms I've been having during chemo. I have an echo scheduled for next week and a 24 hour holter monitor scheduled. We'll be able to see if the chemo is causing some heart issues.

My Grandma H got good news today (she's going to kill me if she finds out I wrote about her). But it's a blessing from God that she got good news and we need to celebrate things like that! She had the same procedure that I had, endoscopic ultrasound, and Dr. Wiersma gave her some good news! Praise the Lord!

This weather has been wonderful. Ran nearly 4 miles last night with Mary Beth. I'm so sore this morning! I guess that's a good sign.
Mouth sores are gone again and didn't get so bad this time. I took some L-lysine and it helped, I think. Plus I carried the mouth wash with me every where. After I ate anything, I'd head to the bathroom for a little swish and spit.

The Christmas tree is up and decorated--just at the bottom! So funny, I think I'm going to leave it that way. I will put some candy canes on it, but way at the top. The kids like to eat them too well.

Yesterday, a very kind patient brought in a beautiful stain glass window hanging that she made for me. It says Dream on it. It really got me thinking. I haven't been doing a lot of dreaming about the future lately, I guess I'm afraid to get my hopes up too high. But I've decided to start dreaming again. I'm going to draw up some floor plans and dream about a house! (Now Jade's going to kill me). I don't want anything fancy, just simple, an open floor plan like Grandma and Grandpa H's would be great, except 3 bedrooms instead of 2.
I'm dreaming about getting to watch my kids in school activities, if they so choose to do so.
Anyways, I'd love to hear about other peoples' dreams! Please post some of your dreams, if you don't want every one to read them, please feel free to email them to me at jadebecca1@earthlink.net.
I'm going to post a thanksgiving family photo of the Myers' Thanksgiving.

Saturday

2006-11-25T08:43:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
I hope everyone had as nice of a Thanksgiving as we did.
The weather was so beautiful. The sleepover went pretty well, Jade stayed home and got some well needed rest. The kids made cookies and played in a tent (indoors). We picked cat tails and blew the fuz all over the place. Then the kids brought them in Grandma's house, (sorry mom). So now there are cat tail seeds in her living room.

I also had a wonderful birthday. The girls at the office had a party, food from Red Lobster. Never really gave it much thought, but I don't recommend ordering crab legs as take out. I ended up using a can opener to crack open the legs. What a mess! But how yummy! Dr. Hatcher even bought each of us pink scrubs with cancer well wishes on them, I'll try to post a photo.

Today planning on putting up the tree and decorating it. The kids can hardly wait. We also are doing some home improvement stuff, new trim and some light fixtures. It's taken over 5 years to get this far!!!! The trim is even already in the house, so the odds are pretty good that we'll get it put up today!
I hope everyone continues to have a wonderful weekend!
Oh, mouth sores are gone, jog/walked 6 miles yesterday! Ran by the Yoders (Amos and Amanda) and Rachel was standing in the drive. She hollared at me to come up and see her mom's new baby. What a beautful child. Then she ran and brought me some deer jerkey that her dad just made. I had to chuckle b/c I put it in my pocket and then worried that a dog might attack me for that piece of jerky. So I was thankful when her mom told her to run and get a ziplock bag. I made it back to mom and dad's safely and shared the jerky with dad and mom...it was very good.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T17:03:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
What a beautiful day! Started out foggy and cool, mom and I ran the Turkey Trot in Huntington. It was a good and well organized race, except for the start. Ronald McDonald didn't really know what he was doing, so the timer started several seconds before we all realized we were supposed to start!

Great afternoon for a get together. Getting ready to head to mom and dad's for the first annual thanksgiving sleep over. Kyle and Emily are bringing a tent to put up for the kids. Should be interesting. Rache is bringing Guinness, her black lab, so there will be 4 little ones, including the dog. We'll see how long that tent stays up. Dad doesn't have to work tonight, so he doesn't get out of this craziness!

So you may be wondering who that is with my husband...it's my cousin Mindy. Rachel wrote about her superimposing herself with Jade...well I tried this! You asked for it!
Happy Thanksgiving! Love Becca

Happy Birthday Rachel!

2006-11-22T07:10:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Since I can't sing...just imagine the happy birthday song being sung by Whitney, no, how about by Marilyn, no, how about by the kids??

Made it 3 miles last night! Feel great this morning!! Thanks be to God for that!
Jackson is trying to scare me right now, he keeps climbing in the back of my chair as I write, screaming "Boo!". He has been opening cards and pretending they have the words to "Jesus Loves Me in them"...and really, that's the idea behind most of the messages in those cards.

I'm looking forward to the next few days. I'm excited about the warmer weather and hope to get in some miles on my running shoes, as well as, play with the kids, eat a lot of mash potatoes and gravy, and maybe find some turkey somewhere. I'm looking forward to holding some of the new babies, and just enjoying being around my family.

I've had some people requesting photos of my hubby, so I will look for one to post here...please don't tell him, though...
Have a great day and Thanksgiving. Thank you for all of your prayers, cards, and support.
Oh, and there is a 5k in Huntington on Thursday at 8 a.m. at the McDonald's. A few of us can't resist a race from McDonald's so, maybe we'll see you there?

Not the news I wanted to hear...

2006-11-21T07:06:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Dr. Nattam called me back last evening. He talked to Dr. Triozzi at Cleveland and I guess he doesn't think that I will ever be a candidate for surgery. Not what I really wanted to hear. I'm glad I was done seeing patients when he called.

Again, I think about God's healing power and that He has already shown me a miracle with the tumor shrinkage...medicine can't really explain that too well. Dr. Nattam told me that I had less than a 50% chance of response from this chemo and look how small that tumor shrunk!

I love reading your Thanksgiving stories. It so good to hear from people, Jennifer, I loved your story too. I remember begging my mom to go to your house to look at all the decorations and crafts. In fact, I still have 2 bird house lamps in my house!

When I think about Thanksgiving, I still picture my Great Grandma Opal's house...the fogged over porch windows from everyone coming in and out of her house, the candy bowl that eventually always made it to the top of the refridgerator so we wouldn't spoil our dinner, peering over the counter watching the busy ladies mash potatoes, make gravy, and cut the turkey. The "grown ups" always got to sit at the big table, which really wasn't so big, I have it now and who would have known it was a drop leaf? Then we'd all go outside and play basketball, even if it was snowing, over at Grandma and Grandpa Hurd's house. Rach and I would always take on our cousins we renamed as Cheech and Chong--not sure why we called them that--I think their real names are Zach and ?

This year our Thanksgiving is Aunt Christine's home. I still look forward to it, even more than Christmas. I love watching the kids play and just relaxing. A new tradition I think we're going to start this year is camping out at mom and dad's Thanksgiving night. Then Friday, we're going to make cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, and other goodies to share. I hope everyone really enjoys the holidays with their family and friends. I know we'll be savoring each second. We all have been guilty about griping about going to all the gatherings, but at least we are able to do so. Happy Thanksgiving and please keep the stories coming.

Monday, November 20th

2006-11-20T06:57:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Although chemo ended a day early last week, I still couldn't seem to shake the side effects over the weekend. A lot of body aches, skin aches, and heart palpitations. I could count my heart rate without touching a pulse...I could feel my heart beating so hard in my chest I could count my rate! I'm not too sure why I'm doing this more, unless the chemo is accumulating in my body. I'm also having pain again in my upper right and left abdomen...like I had at first.

Been doing some reading about the meds I'm on, and I guess these side effects are listed. BUT, I'm going to bug the oncologist about them today. I don't want to shrink the tumor and then kill my liver! What would the point of that be? So maybe it's time to make an adjustment some where?

The kids got to spend time with Grandma Judy this weekend. They made a gingerbread house and made houses out of shoe boxes for their dolls and match box cars. I remember doing stuff like that as a kid. It's so funny watching them drag those shoe boxes around the house like they cost $100! I love it. Kids are so easy to please.
Looking forward to some warmer weather this week. Hope to get outside and log some miles in. Mom and I may try to walk/jog the Galloping Gobbler on Thanksgiving at Saint Francis (it's at 8:30 if anyone is interested), Or we may decide to have our own turkey trot that morning more locally. Hate to waste great weather and not put in some miles. Those miles go a long way physically, but also mentally!

How about some Thanksgiving memories? Anyone have any good ones? (Remember, this is the church blogsite!)

Dr. Nattam Called Back...

2006-11-18T06:58:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Dr. Nattam called me back yesterday. He left a message with Dr. T. at the Cleveland Clinic but hadn't heard back from him yet. So I don't know anything additional, yet.
However, I asked him if we could take a vacation in February, and he recommended to go in January...just in case I may be having some surgery done.

I talked to mom yesterday, and she has suggested that I ask for very specific prayers. So I've been thinking, I am very nervous about possibly having my stomach and some of it's neighbors removed. I need God to tell me, without a doubt, what he wants me to do. We've prayed all along that the cancer would shrink so that I could have this surgery...now we may be near to this reality and I'm apprehensive. Stomach cancer is highly recurrent, so even though it appears to be shrinking, it could come back quickly. Surgery would help slow this down and hopefully delay it for a while. I really need prayers for guidance, and peace with whatever lies ahead for us.
It's difficult to talk about this to you all and to humbly and graciously ask for such prayers, but I believe in you all and the power of prayer. So that is why I'm asking this request specifically. Thank you. Love, Becca

Friday

2006-11-17T08:19:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Dad & Rachel...I'm laughing my head off! I recall that necklace that had a "gamey smell" to it. I threw it out into the bean field, but Chopper found it and brought it back to the back porch and tore it apart! So, no, I don't want another soft and fluffy necklace this year...thanks for the offer.

Darci, I'm cracking up at the halloween candy comment! Too funny. Good luck with your labs, I hope everyone remembered to fast at least 8 hours.

I woke up this morning and noticed that my infusion bag was really light. So I opened up the fanny pack and it's almost gone. It looks like I will be unhooked this afternoon instead of tomorrow, yeeha! I called Laurie and I will give Nattam another call...I called yesterday to find out what the plan is from now on, but his nurse never called me back...kind of frustrating! So I'll bug her again today.

Kids are feeling much better...running around the house like a wet dog after a bath. I'm so relieved! They've got a play date at Mary Beth's today, they can hardly wait.

I'm feeling pretty good, except I have to go get my license renewed today....without hair should be fun. At least I don't use my license very often.
Thank you for your prayers and support! Have a great day. Becca

Normalcy at our house

2006-11-16T07:21:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Woke up this morning to see Jackson throwing up at the foot of our bed on the floor. Then 2 hours later, Lauren was doing the same thing! Except that time, Jade was already at work. So each of them continue to get sick every 20 minutes or so, but I have to say, I'm doing pretty good with the vomit. I don't feel too bad this morning, I imagine that helps. I didn't take my steroid dose last evening and I don't know if I'll take it today...sometimes it upsets my stomach too much (it's supposed to help with nausea). So today will be an interesting day.

My heart rate is also coming up, I think cleaning up after the kids has brought it up (haha).
I pulled some vegetable soup out of the deep freeze last night and Grandma Hurd made some more tapioca, so we're set on food, at least if we're not all sick by tonight.

I am thankful for so many friends and all the prayers. God is so great. I am being called by Lauren again. Bye for now.

Wednesday

2006-11-15T15:51:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News: 2006-11-15

Feeling kind of gross today. Jade took the kids to Judy's so I could get a little rest. They were fighting like crazy this morning. I am feeling really queazy again, but have not gotten sick yet. My heart rate is in the 40s and 50s again, but I'm keeping my head elevated and it seems to keep those other weird symptoms away--no chest pressure.

Writing down my blessings yesterday helped keep me be more focused and attentive on what God does for me every day--that I often take for granted. Just like today, my mother in law called at just the right time and offered to watch the kids, or a cute little picture the kids make, or having such a supportive family and boss...the list goes on and on.

I'm also blessed b/c I plan on seeing my 33rd birthday next week and wasn't so sure that I'd make it there. So Rachel, you still have to share that day with me, remember we blow out the candles on the count of 3...no cheating. The kids are looking forward to spending that day with you. Well, I'm going to try and take a cat nap before Jade gets home and Jackson wakes up. Love, Becca

Tuesday's Devotions

2006-11-14T08:31:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Here is the important stuff of this note, I coudn't believe my eyes when I read the Upper Room this morning. Hebrews 12: 11-15 will be of interest to all of you, I'm sure. : "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed". Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."
I interpret this to mean, don't pout and feel sorry for my ailments and imperfections, but do what I can so that I can be strong as I can be--inspiring others with ailments to do the same? Also there is much more than physical healing, maybe the author of Hebrews wanted the weak and feeble to stand so that others can be healed spiritually and emotionally? What do you think?

Today during chemo, a man had a bad reaction and tried to code on them. I think he even was unresponsive. They called 911, grabbed a crash cart, and all of the docs came flying in to care for this gentleman. He came around, but they went a head and took him to the hospital. Thankfully, they said he ended up doing really well at the hospital. I felt bad for him and his wife; and the lady I was sitting next too...it was her first day.

Not feeling too bad, yet, from the chemo, just a headache. It's funny how fast body changes from chemo. I don't remember if I mentioned the different drugs they give most chemo patients during chemo? When I go in for chemo I have to take a "nausea and vomiting" prevention drug orally, called Emend (Amen for Emend!). Then IV hydration starts until I get a couple hundred mLs, then I get Decadron, a steroid (also for nausea and vomiting--also responsible for my big appetite next week.) Then taxotere is the first chemo drug I receive. After that infuses, I get more IV hydration to flush that on through. Then I get another drug for nausea and vomiting called Aloxi--from this point on, I can't usually hold an intelligent conversation and everything looks blurry. Then more IV hydration and then 1gm of Ativan through my IV!! Yikes! Can you see why I can't remember much from that day? Then I have my second chemo drug called Cisplastin followed by more hydration and Magnesium Sulfate.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers. Also, Ann, I have been praying for you as well.

Monday, Round 4 of chemo

2006-11-13T19:15:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
This morning I had some blood drawn before I saw Dr. Nattam and it looked pretty good.

My Hemoglobin actually increased and is now 11.4--and I'm NOT taken iron (doesn't look like iron-deficiency anemia. Also my differential looked great--meaning my body is able to fight off diseases such as cold and flu right now. My magnesium was low, too. Kind of had a feeling because I have been getting cramps in my feet a lot, so I asked them to check the magnesium level again...good thing, since they ended up giving me 2 grams of it via IV.

My appointment was scheduled for 8:15...did not even see Nattam until sometime around 10 a.m. He was very happy with the results--and suprised. He actually was not sure how we will progress after my six round are finished. So he is going to get into contact with Dr. Triozzi at the Cleveland Clinic and get back with me.

My last round falls on Christmas day, so I asked if we could put it off on week and start after the 1st of the year?? He did not hesitate and said sure! So I won't have to be ill during christmas and maybe we can run the fun run at the HUFF? I wish we could get 2 teams and build the teams so that running buddies could run at the same time? Wouldn't that be fun?

Well, I'm needing to get some rest, I feel pretty tired and wiped out. Thank you for your prayers and the blessings you keep sharing.
Love, Becca

Check out SWUMC Home Page

2006-11-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

I've updated the home page to include current events & news for the next few weeks. Please check it out and let me know if there is more info that you would like included.
Thank you

Also, I was hoping we could start another uplifting topic similar to "my favorite things", but this time, let's discuss "blessings". As I think of my blessings, an obvious one is that my PET scan came back with significant improvement. Also, I am blessed with a wonderful support system with a lot of love.
Pastor Paul spoke about sharing our inner most feelings or mistakes with God, but I also think he may have been talking about sharing those things with each other. This blog has most definately been a blessing to me and my friends and family in this way. We have been able to share so many intimate thoughts and feelings with each other, despite not necessarily knowing each other very well. I am guilty of being afraid of rejection at times, but not so much any more. I believe that we all imagine that if we share our troubles with someone else, maybe someone in our church, that we think we will be judged or alienated. I believe the opposite. We all are children of God and have been born into a world of sin. None of us are sinless or free of sin. Therefore, we should not be judgemental of one another, but be supportive of each other--wanting the best for one another which should include sharing God's love. I have felt this unconditional love from a lot of people and God. I want all of you to be able to experience the same wonderful feelings and love that I have experienced. What are your blessings?

Saturday

2006-11-11T08:07:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

The Upper Room was very timely this morning. For those of you who may not have a copy near by, I'm going to enclose it in this note. First of all, I don't think I've ever read Habakkuk before (Today's reading is Habakkuk 3:1-19), very interesting though.

Also Philippians 4:6-7 is quoted "Do not 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 guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".

Here is the devotion written by Clarice K. Shuman of Georgia: "We recently received news that my husband, a member of the national guard, was being activated for military duty in Iraq. This became a point of prayer for our family. At mealtimes, we take turns saying the family prayer. One evening, after the family had gathered around the table, four-year-old Jack prayed. My husband and I broke into smiles and the older children giggled because Jack prayed, "Heavenly Father, thank you that Daddy gets to Iraq"."

"A few days later, I heard the speaker on a Christian radio station say that we do not truly trust God until we thank God for the trials in our lives. Then the Lord brought to my mind Jack's prayer. In tears, I realized that my son had prayed as Philippians says we should. Now, I thank God for what lies ahead. I pray for more faith and place my trust in God because "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28)"."
It was interesting to read how the author changed her perspective (and that she also had a son named Jack!).

When I read the comments on the blog, I am truly humbled and amazed at all of your inspiring words, your words of wisdom, and growth, and the comfort your words have for me and my family, as well as for all who read this blog. It's like we have this wonderful "extended family" now. You all motivate me to continue digging and searching the Word, even when the days are tough. It is during those tough days that we should be searching and digging the hardest!
Love, Becca

Doctor's Appt

2006-11-10T18:17:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Dr. Scheible seemed pretty happy about the PET scan results. I don't really know what all this means yet or if there are still cancer cells other places. Dr. S wondered if after I'm finished with the next 3 cycles of chemo, if I may see a surgeon again.
Over the weekend, I'm going to try to fax this PET scan to Dr. Triozzi at the Cleveland Clinic with a copy of the Chicago Tribune article. He had faith this entire time and didn't give up on me. He is the one who suggested this type of chemo, too.

I appreciate all the phone calls and emails. Thank you SDI girls for the beautiful flowers and balloons--by the way, thank you for sending 2 balloons--the kids would be fighting if there was only 1. Thank you for the prayers. God is AWESOME!

I'm going to try to attach a photo of the special gals who I work with who shaved their heads a couple weeks ago--they need another hair cut...hair is getting long. Love, Becca

PET Scan Results

2006-11-10T08:43:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Are you ready for this? The tumor is SHRINKING!!!! To the point where the radiologist wasn't sure if it was even there or not! Isn't that amazing? definately a MIRACLE!
Prayers = Miracles!

Will find out more about what all this means today when I see Dr. Scheible. Then I see Dr. Nattam on Monday before the 4th round of chemo starts.
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Keep your prayers coming!
Love, Becca

No results yet...

2006-11-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Sorry I did not post this yesterday, but I couldn't get onto the internet...earthlink was all messed up.
I called the PET Imaging people around 5 last evening and they said the radiologist JUST read it but my results weren't typed up yet...the radiologist are in a different building, but she could see on her computer that the PET had been read. So hopefully this morning we'll get some results.

What a beautiful day yesterday, and looks like another pretty one today. I see Dr. Scheible (GI DR) today--he said he wants to "chat". So I'm taking the kids with me and well have some fun while we're in Fort Wayne (not really b/c they're getting their pictures taken at Sears--they hate that). So I told them mommy might be in a couple of the pictures...

Ran 4 miles last evening...felt good, but I am still feeling that back hamstring pain, and it wraps around to my hip. Kind of funny that the only pain I have is this! What am I complaining about!

Had a fall festival town meeting last night. I'm excited to see so many people willing to help out and make the festival what it used to be when I was a kid. If any one has any more ideas, please come to the monthly meetings--the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30. Next meeting is Dec 5th.

I'll post something as soon as I hear about my PET scan. Thank you so much for your prayers, emails, and phone calls.
Love, Becca

one more day til the PET scan

2006-11-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Ran 4.5 miles today, felt really good. My skinny clothes are too small! Watch me end up fitting into my maternity clothes before all this is over!!!!

Tomorrow is the PET scan--8:00 a.m. Probably won't know anything until Friday, but I'll bug them tomorrow to see if they can get the results sooner!!!

We had our 2nd girl's night out last night--went to a Japanese place--Sukura? Or something like that. We had a lot of fun. Learned a lot about my friends...great time!!(hehehe)
Well I need to get to work. Thank you for your prayers!

Monday

2006-11-06T07:56:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
What a beautiful day we had yesterday. Sounds like we're going to have a warmer week too!! Yesterday I felt great all day!

This morning I read something in my devotions that evoked a sense of responsibility in me to share here on the blog. Sometimes I feel like I'm on the fence with my Christian walk and also on many issues in our world today. It's tough, because I try so hard to be objective and non-judgemental at work, that I find it sometimes carries over and then conflicts with what I truly believe in my heart and soul. It's OK to have this objectivity in the work place, but it's also my responsibility as a Christian to not stand in the gray area, but have confidence in my beliefs of right and wrong...making that choice and living it. So here is part of the devotion I want to share with you, my friends and family:

"But as important as the word "choose" is, the word "life" is even more important. The thing that we can choose to have in God is not merely a period of service but an eternity of life. What God wants for us is our highest good. Speaking of Himself, Jesus said, "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17). And He told His disciples, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

Although there is some difficulty in choosing the life that God offers, it is no difficulty at all compared to that which is encountered on the path to death. And choosing life over death is also easier than living in the limbo that results from not deciding. The person who won't make a choice or take a stand is going to get the most difficult of all lives. Nothing is more exhausting than procrastination, and nothing is more destructive than indecision. So when the God who created us calls upon us to "choose life," it's time to determine our course. "God has no need of marionettes. He pays men the compliment of allowing them to live without him if they choose. But if they live without him in this life, they must also live without him in the next" (Leon Morris)."

Saturday

2006-11-04T12:06:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News
Feeling better, mouth sores almost gone. Ran 3.5 miles yesterday. Felt great. Staci came in and we thought we could run 6...she could have ran 6, but after 2 miles, we walked jogged the rest...that felt great too. I like walking...slow. I'm not a fast walker like mom and Traci...they know how to swing their hips to burn calories. I think I gain calories the way I walk!

Had a great time last night with the Wall's at Pizza Hut. Kyle, Em, Chad, Chrystelle and their kids were just one table away. It was funny, Jack and Lauren decided that they wanted to sit with them and bumped Kyle...so he sat with us for awhile. Kids are so funny.

Staci and I figured out how to frame the Chicago Tribune article with the finisher's medal. It went pretty well...although I now have a new respect for double sided tape...glad I had an extra article to use.

Val and John, all I can say is I haven't laughed so hard as I did yesterday...hilarious. Looking forward to Christmas shopping soon.

Thank you for your prayers. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day. So AFTER church, I plan on seeing a lot of you out and about walking, running, and biking!!!
Love, Becca

Dr.'s appt

2006-11-02T15:24:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Dr. Nattam is not too concerned with my elevated liver tests. He was a little concerned and bewildered by the chest pressure I had last week. Said he's never heard of that before with chemo.
He wants me to have another PET fusion scan instead of a CT next week. That's scheduled next Thursday. He likes that my symptoms are improved, but didn't want me to get too excited. I asked him what we'll do after the 6 weeks of this treatment, I was thinking that he might extend it. However, he said that won't be an option, this chemo is too harsh and he cannot give me more than 6 of them. He said we'll talk more when the time comes about different chemo options. He says Radiation is "way down the line". I like that comment since he's insinuating that I'll be here "way down the line"!
That's all I know about that.
Ate yummy beef and noodles for lunch from Grandma Ummel, and then we're going to Grandma and Grandpa Hurd's for dinner (FRIED CHICKEN)! I can't wait, only 2 more hours til dinner!
Tomorrow we have a date with the Wall's at Pizza Hut, so all the meals for the week are taken care of! Hopefully those mouth sores get better quickly!

See Dr. Nattam tomorrow

2006-11-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

Met Dad, Rach and Jamie this morning at Bob Evans for breakfast. That was nice, but the mouth sores started bugging me. By lunch mouth sores were in full force. They are nearly as bad as before--clear liquids today. (Moolate from DQ was lunch--can't complain too much).

Work went well. A lot of colds going around. My hands are so dry from all the handwashing that I'm afraid they will crack. I can't believe all the patients that read this blog...it really touches me brings tears to my eyes. (enough sappy stuff, though).

Tomorrow I get to see Dr. Nattam. I haven't seen him since before chemo started. I'm kind of anxious to see him. I hope he rechecks my liver functions and sees if I have any white blood cells--but the nurse who scheduled the appointment insisted that he would not draw any blood. (I've been fighting a sinus infection!) I also want to see if I can get him to say the word "remission". But afraid to push too much b/c I don't want him to shoot down my hopes again. I know he's just doing his job, but a girl needs to hear some good news from her doc, don't you think?

Well, I need to get home and love on my family. I think I will make some pudding for supper--maybe some refried beans from Taco Bell might go well, I can't remember if they are spicy, though. I guess I'll find out pretty quickly.
Buenos Noches!

Monday

2006-10-31T08:40:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

What a beautiful day we had yesterday. Felt a lot better as the day went on. Didn't end up working, though. The kids played in the leaves and road their bikes, while I tried to keep up!

Now that Carol's is closed, we have to get our ice cream from Dollar General. Dad came in and we walked up there to get a treat. Visited Grandpa and Grandma Hurd, too. They are doing great. The kids picked off all of Grandma's flowers and pretended they were ice cream and tried feeding them to us. (Grandma didn't even yell at them!)

Well, we had a monarch caterpillar that we watched turn into a cocoon. Then it hatched. So we brought in some of the butterfly bush and stuck it into the artificial flower arrangement on the kitchen table. The butterfly went right to the fresh flowers. So after a bit, we thought we'd better let it go so it can fly to Mexico (or Grandma's in Florida). When I tried to release it, it dropped to the ground and seemed lifeless (Aunt Sara was here and we both nearly died!). Before the kids could see what happened, I ran out and scooped it up and brought it back into the house. Thankfully it started flapping its wings. But then it started flopping around, like it was having a seizure. After a few hours of this, I thought I'd put it out of its misery and put it into the garage--by now it was really chilly and I figured it would freeze--fibbed to the kids and told them I thought it was on it's way to Florida.

THEN Yesterday, (3 days later), we went out to the garage and Lauren says "look mommy, the butterfly must not have gone to Florida". It was still alive on the garage floor underneath the car! (This is why no one should lie to their kids). So here we go again, we made up some sugar water and put it on a sponge and tried nursing it back to health. When Jade got home, he "finished it off". The poor thing was barely hanging on, what an event!

Sunday

2006-10-29T15:07:00.000-05:00

SWUMC News

This third round of chemo really knocked me down. I thought that after getting disconnected yesterday afternoon, that I'd feel great. I barely got off the couch last night, it was a huge effort to make it to my bed. Then I couldn't muster much strength this morning. Didn't make it to church, really bummed about that. I get to feeling so disconnected from everyone during chemo week. I ended up using a lifeline and Jade took the kids to Grandma Judy's this morning. I was feeling pretty guilty about getting angry with Jade and the kids b/c I could not rest and feeling kind of resentful towards my family. I guess I needed to speak up and ask for what I needed--which was some peace and quiet. Back to bed I went. When I woke up mid morning, I was craving a roast and potatoes...since I'm not known for my patience and did not want to thaw one out, I went to the store and guess what we're eating for dinner? Gravy, pork pot roast, and vegetables, mmmmmmmm good. I am feeling better.

Going to take it out to mom and dad's and share (I think mom is making apple crisp and Em is bringing a yummy home grown vegetable).

Then Darcy brought over chicken pot pie! Going to freeze that for later in the week.
Thank you to everyone. I keep saying it, but I truly mean it. I opened up some more cards today...had to shed a few tears. B/c there isn't a day that goes by that we don't receive a card in the mail. You are are so amazing and we lean so heavily on your prayers and support. It's so humbling. I can't imagine what it would be like to go through this alone without God or friends and family. No one should EVER have to go through something like this alone.

Finally slept great!

2006-10-27T07:05:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

Yesterday morning I went to Dr. Hs and had my blood pressure and pulse taken--both were super! (I think getting rid of some of that fluid helped).
I also got ahold of Nattam's nurse and was a little upset that they did not have any documentation of the ER Dr. calling them (BUT, he could have spoken with a different Dr. since I went to Parkview, not Lutheran). Anyhow, Dr. Nattam wasn't aware of my elevated liver enzymes and is going to see me next Thursday. He wasn't overly concerned--says he's seen higher. I don't like to see my AST at 221! Or ALT of 78. Hopefully this is a temporary and ONE TIME crazy elevation.

My pump nearly ran me off the road yesterday. The silly thing scares me to death when it goes off, and it's not even that loud. I couldn't get it to stop and then I realized my chemo bag was leaking. When I got home, as I was on the phone with the "pump" people, Jackson starts coughing in his sleep and then throws up all over his little Dora Bed. So he starts screaming and then suddenly falls back to sleep in that mess! I was torn! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm no good with vomit, especially when I already feel nauseated. So I got off the phone, walked over to Jack and started cleaning him up...then came the dry heaves! Sorry this is gross, so I tried calling Jade at work...phone was busy. So I try his cell, no answer. So I call Sara, and she agrees to run out and get Jade!!!! Jade came home to the rescue.

What a zoo! So now I have a new pump and bag and didn't hear any "beeping" last night! What a day, though.

We did get some yummy food yesterday. Thank you Anita for your warm pumpkin bread, Aunt beth for the pie and ice cream, and Mom for the lasagna. Also Thank you to Lori for the wonderful potato soup earlier in the week...the kids love it, especially the mushrooms you put in it.
Again, thank you for your prayers.

A little excitement on Wednesday

2006-10-26T04:33:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

My infusion pump woke me up AGAIN this morning (Laurie--you're probably giggling about that one). I had to change the batteries again, and then the pesky "air in line" went off again. I fixed it though! (yes, the chemo is still running).

Yesterday morning I started feeling a little pressure in my chest and my heart just "felt funny". So I took my pulse and it was only 40, then 44 after walking around. Had some blurry vision too, I guess. So I earned a visit from Laurie, my wonderful home health care nurse. She found my blood pressure was kind of high, and found my pulse to also be low. So after talking with my docs, off to the Parkview ER we went. Poor Jade, he had no clue what was going on. I was getting ready to call him, when he walked in the door to eat lunch. Perfect timing.

Long story short. I didn't have a heart attack, and the doctor seemed to think my low pulse was from running, my blood pressure was high due to chemo and that was that. He told me that all my labs "looked good", so I was satisfied with that and headed home.
He failed to tell me that my labs weren't fine and dandy (I happen to see them myself yesterday evening), so I'm following up with Dr. Hatcher this morning about them.

OH THIS IS GREAT... While I was getting ready to leave, I saw Dr. Wiersma out in the hallway (he's the guy that diagnosed me with the cancer). I asked my nurse if he was there to pop in and see me (I thought one of the reasons I was going to Fort Wayne was so that I'd be seen by the appropriate docs...nope, just the ER doc). So she went out into the hall and asked him who he was here to see--it wasn't me, but he came in and talked to Jade and I for a bit. He was very nice and talkative--shocked when I told him I can eat again and that my symptoms are improving. He said he couldn't believe how good I looked and that I was working. I told him God is great medicine! He didn't quite know what to say to that, then said people with God in their lives do often seem to do better! Now how about that! I think the reason for my trip yesterday was so that I could see him!

I really do feel better this morning. No more chest pressure, and I've been up all night "getting rid of water" as Grandma Myers might say (haha). I think maybe the pressure was also due to all the fluids they gave me on Monday--I actually had some extra Magnesium too, which likes to hold water.

The mouth sores are trying to decide if they want to attack yet. I can just barely feel that burning sensation on my tongue from those little guys. I'm using all the swish and spit concoctions too.

Oh, and I guess that the Chicago Tribune story may have been pushed back a day or 2 since the winner was in the hospital for a few days. His story, which would have normally ran on Monday or Tuesday, didn't run until yesterday. So either our story will run late, or who knows, maybe they will bump it?
UPDATE: THE STORY IS IN TODAY. Here is the link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-0610250303oct26,1,1829249.story?coll=chi-leisuretempo-hed

Thank you for your prayers and notes.

Wednesday

2006-10-25T04:40:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

My stomach woke me up this morning around 2:30 a.m. so I ate some cereal and can't seem to go back to sleep. It's nice and quiet though. The kids were so ornery yesterday, I welcome a little stillness.

I'm feeling pretty good, so far. Starting to feel those pesky little mouth sores, though. They usually don't make a full appearance until Saturday or Sunday.

I've been able to drink well, but I couldn't eat until lunch time yesterday--the nausea was a little overwhelming. I'm glad Dr. H talked me into staying home (actually I had no choice in the matter--she's so good to me):)

After running Sunday, I feel better than I thought I would. I can still feel it in my hamstrings and quads, but nothing compared to how I imagined I'd feel.

Kelly and Stephanie are heading to Detroit this weekend to run their marathon. I'd love to jump in with them at the 1/2 way point, but I know I won't be up for that, nor would my family go for it!

I was surfing the net for Boston qualifying marathons that I could maybe be up for in a few months, then recieved an email from Staci. Evidentally she can either run the Boston in 2007 OR 2008 and I think she is going to run in 2008. So I imagine we'll be running Chicago in 2007 to try and get me qualified for Boston 2008? Yikes! My qualifying time will need to be 3:40 or better! So WHEN I'm in remission, I should feel stronger and be able to do that. Heck, there's a 1/2 marathon at the Boston, maybe we can take a bus from South Whitley!

Well, I need to get some rest before the kids wake up.

I'm just adding a note...got a couple more hours of sleep, then had my first episode of the dry heaves. So I thought, maybe I just need to eat so I just at a blueberry waffle--not what I normally recommend to my patients, but we'll see? And I'm drinking some ice tea. What a combo, but the ice tea seems to soothe my stomach.

Week 3 chemo

2006-10-23T22:28:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

Other than some sore hamstrings and calves, I felt really well when I woke up this morning.

Had blood drawn and saw Dr. Waylen this morning--I think I liked him even better than Nattam. He had a lot of good information. I asked him what his impression since my symptoms have been greatly improving...due to the prayers and chemo or steroids. He felt strongly that my tumor is shrinking and that is why my symptoms are improving. I will have a CT scan in 2 weeks to see if the tumor is shrinking. I have mixed feelings about that day. I am afraid to get bad news. It's hard to imagine that the news would be bad if I'm feeling so good?
Then I will have 6 more treatments then reevaluate everything.
I also asked him what his impression was for my prognosis. He promptly replied that normally with stage 4 stomach cancer we don't shoot for a cure with chemo, but do seek remission. I was a bit confused by this, but did not ask any more questions. I think I like that word "remission". It's a lot better than "dead in 6 months!
ALSO, my counts are headed back up. My white blood cells were 4.3 today (in the normal range) which is inceased from last Wednesday when it was 3.4. Also my anemia is improving and went up one point from 10.4 to 10.5. Not bad. EXCEPT my magnesium was a little low today so I had to have a couple grams today. The nurse said it is common to occur during chemo. My creatinine (kidney test) was normal though! So Overall I was pretty happy with today's visit. Now I'm trying to get my pump to stop beeping and saying that there is air in the line! I don't see much air, so I just stop then start it again. I really don't want a bunch of air entering my port.

I'm taking the week off from work. Will rest and work on crocheting hats and scarves! Also bought a couple more patterns with neat hat and scarve directions!
It was nice to have mom there with me today. We sat in the overflow chemo room again and are getting pretty close to some of the patients and their family. Today we sat with Joyce (breast CA) and her friend (I found out is friends with Dr Hatcher), Hope (coloncancer) and her sister Esther, Ed (lung cancer) and a couple other elderly men who spent most of the time sleeping and snoring (haha)--just like home!
Will get off here and get ready for bed. Love, Becca

WE DID IT!

2006-10-22T21:02:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

So I misdirected my husband once we were in Chicago and missed the turn. So we ended up going a few miles out of our way. We also got a bit lost on the way home, but I have to add that I wasn't responsible for that one!

We did it and Staci qualified to run the Boston marathon in 2007! It was a very cold morning, but at least it only sprinkled a little, instead of the down pour that was forecasted on Friday. Jade, Mom, Dad, Rachel, Dan, and Braydan all waited with me between miles 12 and 13 for Staci (we also saw her AND Greg Lopshire at mile 2). It was a chilly hour and half--I had on 2 pairs of running pants, long sleeve shirt, jacket, coat and hat and hood--2 pairs of gloves and was STILL shivering! It was kind of scary to take off the coat, a pair of pants and a pair of gloves to get ready to jump in with Staci. We were all shivering. It was funny, though. I didn't see Staci running our way, but Jade did and he practically tossed me into the street at her! (He made me proud--what support!)
I was so afraid that I'd hold her back, but she insists that I didn't. I'm so excited for her and I'm so excited that God gave me the strength to run with her. It was wonderful to have my family there with me.
Staci grabbed my hand and we ran the last 100 meters holding hands and were approached by a reporter from the Chicago Tribune. He had a lot of questions and ended up calling both of us this evening. He took some photos--yes I have pink hair and will probably have pink hair for many days-it's not washing out. (Lauren does not like it). The article will be in either the Tuesday or Wednesday addition of the Chicago Tribune! Kind of neat. (Oprah, here we come)!

Thank you for all of your prayers, encouragement, and support. I know there were a few people kind of nervous about me running. I DID clear it with Dr. Nattam last week. He said that I could go run!
Tomorrow I see another Dr. since Dr. Nattam is out of town again. I see Dr. Waylen? He's Aunt Beths oncologist. I hope that he can answer some questions, like how many more treatmens I have to undergo before we'll do some more scans or endoscopy. Also I sure would like to know if there is a point that I will have radiation too? They talked about this early on, but since I haven't talked to a physician since before I started chemo, I really don't have any clue about my plan of care.
I had better go, I need to get some Ben Gay.

2 days!

2006-10-20T20:38:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

Well the weather forecast for Chicago looks like a cold wet one on Sunday. I hope that it's dry by the time the marathon starts (or at least by the half way point:)--just kidding Staci.

I guess the race starts at 9 a.m. our time, 8 a.m. Chicago time. I can't wait to see all of those crazy runners! It's an awesome site. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. I wish I could be at the start line with Staci and the other 30 or 40,000 runners, but at least I get to go and absorb the wonderful atmosphere (and experience the many different odors).

I can't believe how good I feel. My biggest pain is a blister on my little toe that I got from wearing some new dress shoes...not even a sports injury! But Jennifer at Wal-mart hooked me up with some stuff to help that feel better too. Oh, Aunt Candy, I think my hair is growing b/c I could feel the wind moving the little strands today. 2 sweethearts from work are shaving their heads tomorrow, so they measured my hair and it's now 1 whole cm long! So hopefully that pink spray will stick!

I'm so excited about going tomorrow, I don't know if I'll be able to even sleep. Most of you probably think I'm crazy, but the Chicago marathon is like your Super Bowl or Final 4 championships, and I get to go and participate (hopefully).
Today when I was driving down Calhoun street to pull onto 205 (one of my running routes), I rolled down my window to smell the leaves and yearned to run that route today...but I didn't. Instead I worked a couple of hours, then came home and pigged out on Ravioli and made breakfast rolls! I think the steroids are really kicking in.
I hope to bring home some great stories...

PINK HAIR!

2006-10-18T13:35:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
I made it 10 miles this morning!! Thankfully there are still a few fields with corn still standing!!! I kept between 8:30s and 8:50s mile pace! I think I'm going for it--jumping in at the half way point at mile 13. I picked up some hair paint so I'm going to spray my head hot pink Sunday morning--I hope it doesn't rain!

I heard that people can sign up to be notified when runners pass over certain mile markers. If you are interested you can sign up for free. You can either receive an email or a text message.

Well I need to get ready for work. Keep moving!

Tuesday, sorry mom!

2006-10-17T20:13:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
An update, Taylor is in Whitley county hospital with pneumonia. Kyle and Emily could really use your prayers. She is doing well, they are giving her IV antibiotics and fluids and checking her oxygen levels. She's not too happy about that. We don't know how long she'll be there.

I am feeling just wonderful. I even forget that I have cancer, until I see my bald head! I worked yesterday, today, and will work tomorrow. I am wearing a mask and taking precautions. It's such an amazing realization just how powerful and mighty God is!

I LOVE that picture of mom and Traci in the newspaper. I thought it turned out pretty good. For those of you who haven't seen it, you can check it out here (just copy and paste): http://www.thepostandmail.com/articles/2006/10/17/news/sports/sports02.txt
I'm so proud of you two, and of all those who braved the cold and the camera that morning!

Well, I plan to run 8 or 10 miles in the morning. I had blood drawn this afternoon and I'm holding steady, so I feel comfortable that running 13 or 14 miles on Sunday should be "cake". Well, maybe not cake, maybe more like "road apples", but I'm really pumped up for this.

There are quite a few local runners who will be there, Denny Boggs from Oak Grove United Methodist is running it, Greg Lopsire (Paul and Nancy's son), and then a whole slew of people from Fort Wayne. I guess you can look on the chicago marathon website and go under registration--to find the bib number of anyone. Then you can put that number in at another place on the website to see how people are doing. SO, if you see that Staci is running a lot faster than an 8:30 pace, you'll know, I won't be!! I want Staci to run this race for HER--we can always meet up at the end.
Enough chatting, I'd better head home.

Great Day

2006-10-15T08:04:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

We had a super turnout for the 5K. Although the weather was chilly, at least it was dry. Everything went smoothly and we had 106 very kind runners and walkers, plus the dozen or so of 1 mile runners. Results have been sent to the Fort Wayne Track Club and runindiana.com
(as well as a few photos).

I ran the course Thursday morning without much grief, the wind made it a little difficult to breathe, but physically I'm feeling really good again. My mouth sores are nearly gone and my hair is growing again (I'm not getting too excited, as my hair should start falling out again this coming week). But at least I know that still works!

We won't be making it to South Whitley UM this morning, we got invited to Oak Grove UM--the Bishop is preaching today! Isn't that cool? I guess Pastor Gene (of Oak Grove) used to go to the Bishop's church before he was a Bishop years ago. So there's going to be a big celebration this morning. Don't you think every Sunday morning at any church should be a big celebration?

One week from this morning Staci will be running the Chicago marathon and I'll be trying to figure out how far I can make it so I can jump in with her. I'm so excited. I really want to be able to finish half of it, and then take my medal to my oncologist's office on Monday morning and say "look what God can do!!!!!" If I can only make it 6 or 8 miles, then I will jump in a bit later than mile 13 (but still take my medal to the Dr.) It takes a special person to let a friend jump in and only run part of a marathon with her!

God is so great!

Pastor Appreciation Month

2006-10-12T19:02:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
October is Pastor appreciation month so lets celebrate all of our wonderful Pastors on this blog.

Pastor Paul and Bruce are wonderful. Thank you for all of your phone calls, emails, and visits. We are blessed to have you both in our church.

Thursday

2006-10-12T18:55:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
Wasn't the snow beautiful today? The kids went crazy. By the time we got our boots and coats on, it stopped snowing. Thankfully, it started snowing again and the kids got to enjoy it a little.

I've been feeling pretty good. Just a little tired. Took a nap today and stayed home. It was really nice. Dad came over and took Jackson to the library, Lauren and I drew butterflies and ate cookies!

Last night we had a wonderful girls night out. It was so much fun. It was fun to laugh at ourselves and the silly things we did and wore in school. It was just what we needed, I think. It was funny, too, Dr. Nattam walked in while we were there...he didn't recognize me in my new wig! What a fright! I can't go into any details, but I will say the wig is a bit like Cher's hair--just a lighter color!!!!! It was fun though.
Hope to say many of you at the Fall Fest this weekend. Maybe even at the 5K or breakfast on Saturday morning?
Love, Becca

Beautiful Day

2006-10-10T06:44:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

Thank you for your encouraging comments and prayers. My spirits are about 500% better! (It didn't help that mother nature decided to visit!) Like Mary Beth said, at least that is some more normalcy in my life.

Woke up yesterday feeling pretty strong--decided to take the kids to the zoo. So after waking up my Dad to invite him at the last minute, we spent a wonderful morning in the sunshine at the zoo. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. We rode the log ride and train, watched them feed the sea lions and had a picnic lunch in the grass. GREAT THERAPY.
The only trouble I had yesterday was that I lost steam about the time I was to go to work. But a 20 minute nap helped that too. The GI trouble came Sunday night, too. I think that contributed to the weakness. But I took a couple Immodium and haven't had a lot of trouble since then.

My mouth sores are really trying to dominate me again! I have 4 of them now and my gums feel really funny. So I bring my "flask" of mouth wash with me every where I go. I think it is helping.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow night. We're having a girl's night out at Biaggis. A group of girls that we graduated with are meeting at Biaggi's. I think there will be 8 or 9 of us. I'm hoping I get to eat more than soup, although I imagine their soup is wonderful.

I'm keeping my head up. Your prayers are giving my His strength every second of every day.
Love, Becca

Tough day

2006-10-07T19:18:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
Physically the past week has been much easier than last the last chemo. But mentally, it's been really tough the past couple of days...Today Rach and the kids went with me to homecoming at Anderson University. There was a reunion/breakfast in the nursing department..it's been 10 years since graduation! So many memories overwhelmed my mind. It was difficult to think back at the innocense I had back in the AU days.
We went down to what we call the valley and Lauren and Jackson ran all over the place. (We used to "borrow" lunch trays and sled down the hills there). Rachel must have been thinking the same thing I was thinking, because we both had big tears running down our cheeks. We just sat there, watching the kids laugh, giggle and have so much fun. I just sat there and absorbed it all. Today was one of those "pity party" days. I know God is with me and my family, He is in control, but darn it, I want to be around a while. I want to see the kids grow, I want to be there when they go to kindergarten, when they get into trouble for talking too much in school...
I AM so blessed to have a wonderful family. I also feel especially blessed to have Rach and the kids have her too. Although we're not a lot alike, we're similar enough that the kids would always be close to who I am (just in case I'm not always there).
Enough of this sad stuff, I just needed to get some of this out.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, notes, support. Gay and Ted, your card was so timely today. Thank you for your words of encouragement and inspiration. Love, Becca

Better day

2006-10-05T16:51:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
I don't know if it's because Ada brought over her pumpkin cookies, but I am feeling a little better. I haven't had the fun diarrhea yet and I'm able to drink fluids much better than last round. The mouth sores have backed off too...miracle?
Got to go to court with mom and dad this morning, but needed a nap. I guess if I just listen to my body better, I might be able to stay out of trouble!
Mom came over today and helped with the kids, took another nap (2 hours). I'm going to be spoiled.
The kids frosted cookies with mom--although I watched and wouldn't suggest eating any of those cookies--lots of licking of the knife!
Thank you for all of your prayers. Love, Becca

Here we go again!

2006-10-04T18:31:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

I woke up this morning at 2 a.m., worked on thank yous again. Then went back to bed for a couple of hours and woke up not feeling so well. I guess I just need to wake up more slowly, not jump out of bed like I'm used to. Ended up feeling better, cleaned the house and did some laundry. But about 9 a.m., yuk hit again. Val came over and helped with the kids, I ended up sleeping most of the afternoon. Woke up feeling much better EXCEPT I'm getting those mouth sores again! Dog gonnit!
We made reservations for Cork n Cleaver for Saturday night--for our anniversary thinking that I wasn't having chemo until next week! (We have a gift certificate from last Christmas to use!) So we'll see.
I'm not running at all this week. Just resting. Hopefully come Sunday, I'll be able to get a couple miles in. (I'm excited to test out how aerodynamic my new hair do is!!
Oh, we have 48 pre registered runners and walkers for the fall fest. If you are planning on participating, get your entry in or you may not get a t shirt.
Thank you for your prayers and uplifting emails and comments! Love,Becca

Tuesday

2006-10-03T19:12:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
I loved reading all of your favorite things. That just made me feel really good inside.

I worked today, did not see patients, but worked pretty much a full day. I fought with the scanner a good part of the morning. I think I finally figured that out.

I woke up this morning at 4 am, but was afraid to post that early...I know people look at the time now. I think the IV steroids hype me up. I'm hoping for a better night sleep.
So I worked on the thank yous a little more. I think I'm down to 75! People have been so generous.
I can barely keep my eyes open. I'm going to sleep shortly, I already brushed my teeth and gargled--don't want to get those sores again.

Please keep Tam Kyler in your prayers. I do not know what has happened, but I know she needs our prayers.
Also please keep Luann Warner in your prayers as well. I understand that she also needs to feel His strength, as does Tom.

Take care God bless. (Watch dancing with the stars for me).
Becca

Oops!

2006-10-02T21:11:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
Today I had an appointment with a physician assistant at Dr. Nattam's office. A scheduler girl gave me the appointment card when I was there on September 11th. She said I would also have some blood work that morning too......NO MENTION OF STARTING CHEMO THAT DAY! So I dropped the kids off at Grandma Judy 's (she could only watch them a couple hours because she works second shift). Then I headed up to the never ending waiting room of the Oncology office. After an hour, I get my blood drawn, and then waited some more. After I finally got to see the PA, she said, ok you can go sign in. I said "sign in where". She replied, "sign in for chemo". You can imagine my shock at that moment. I didn't think I was starting chemo again until October 9th!. So I did not bring a driver, lunch or a good book! I also was planning on working later that afternoon and needed to make some really quick phone calls. Evidently when I was given my schedule, I was told that I would have one week "on" then 3 weeks "off". But what they really meant, was 2 weeks off.

So I am hooked up again. I stopped at the grocery and stocked up on gatorade, pudding, yogurt, and soup! I also have a years supply of immodium (well, maybe not quite that much). The good news will be I will have an extra week of recovery and training before the Chicago marathon. Then my next treatment starts the day after Chicago Marathon!
I talked Dr. Hatcher into letting me work 1/2 day tomorrow, just answering phones and reviewing x rays and labs, but I will be off work the rest of the week. I was really looking forward to that girl's night at the Mizes on Friday. I will try my best to stay on top of the yuckiness of this week so I can still go. Love Becca

Favorite Things...

2006-10-01T10:24:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
This morning at church, Pastor Paul talked about favorite things and asked people to shout out their favorite things. It would be awesome if we could continue that topic and you all could mention a few of your favorite things.

A couple of my favorite things are Jackson, Lauren, and Jade (although they aren't things). I also love to run along pook road in the early Spring when I can smell the lilacs (without the aroma of manure) and also in the Fall when I can smell the leaves and hear them crunching under my feet. One other favorite thing would be Ada Mae's pumpkin cookies with a large glass of ice cold milk! (that's not a hint, either).

What are your favorite things?

SWUMC News: Sunday School Class Information

2006-10-01T10:10:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News: Sunday School Class Information
http://swumc.whitleynet.org

Saturday

2006-09-30T19:02:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News

Another really good day. I got to run a little with Staci this morning. She had to run 22 miles. So she met at our house and ran an 11 mile loop twice. The first loop she ran with Beth K. Then Traci and I went with her the second loop. I only ran 6 miles (huge accomplishment), then biked with Traci the second half while Staci ran her little legs off. Way to go Staci!!

Jade and I got to have a date this afternoon--soccer game and Logans! I even got to clean the house without the munchkins running around--they went to Aunt Rachel's and Uncle Jamie's house.

Tomorrow is the day for the "hair cut". Aunt Candy is going to do it. I am not sure what to expect. I wonder if I'll go through the stages of grief and mourning? Just kidding, I think it will be hard to get used to, but it will be better than shedding like I am. I think I am ready. It's just hair, and it's already almost gone.
I really appreciate all of your great suggestions and helpful hints!

Wigs

2006-09-28T20:26:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News: Thursday
Had a great afternoon with Aunt Beth. She took me to get a wig, ended up that I have 2 wigs. Wigs are kind of strange. A wig feels so weird, like there's a fluffy animal stuck fast to my head. I am so thankful Aunt Beth went with me. She knew what to ask and had the nice lady trim up the wigs. So now I have a tina turner wig and a auburn colored, shorter wig. Lauren and Jack had to try them on right away. They looked like Joe Dirt with the Tina Turner wig on. It was hilarious!

Then we went out for a late lunch and did a little shopping. I introduced Beth to Coldstone Creamery--ate some ice cream, yummy. I ate the entire bowl--haven't done that in a while. (yahoo) Aunt Beth cracked me up. She can't have cookies but she unknowingly ordered something that had oreos in itbut did not realize it. She was eating and talking, and then she suddenly stopped chewing and said "what's crunchy in this ice cream, is there a cookie?". We thought it was almonds, then realized it was the cookies-she had to spit it out!! So, Aunt Beth, I sure hope you are feeling good and that you didn't get sick. I should apologize for giggling--I'm sorry.

Hat and Scarf party--good friends

2006-09-28T20:23:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
Tonight I was surprised with a hat and scarf party at my sister's house. I think I have more hats and scarfs than the 80s did. I had a lot of fun getting to see friends and family--some whom I haven't seen in years. It was great to catch up and see their children (several got to come and play with Jack and Lauren). You know, good friends are those who you can just pick up where you last left off--no hard feelings for missed years--and just catch up on as much stuff as you can. I am greatly blessed with those kinds of friends.

I'm a little nervous about tomorrow--I hope I don't get to feeling too overwhelmed. It's going to be a very emotional day. I'm looking forward to seeing friends and family and even making some new friends--all for a healthy cause. I don't know if I will be able to run or walk--will have to just wait and see.
I'm excited to see all of those who do participate in the run/walk. I LOVE seeing people getting out and just moving.
There are also 7 ladies in South Dakota who are going to walk 3 miles tomorrow!!! (you go girls!)
Better get to sleep. Love,Becca

Thursday

2006-09-28T07:15:00.000-04:00

SWUMC News
I was sitting here eating frosted mini wheats and before I knew it, my entire bowl was empty! This is a praise because I'm gaining some weight and I have not had painful swallowing since starting chemo. I'm hoping that means the tumor is shrinking. I was also thinking that if my hair follicles are already falling out, maybe that is also a good sign? Since chemo attacks the very rapid growing cancer cells AND all the body's normal fast growing cells like hair follicles, taste buds, etc.
Also, a friend emailed me a daily devotional that I now get every morning via email. I want to share it with you. Many of you may share the same problem that I have, trying to fit in daily devotions. Well, getting devotions sent to email is very convenient and does not let me make up excuses anymore!
www.wordpoints.com
Have a wonderful day.
Oh, and I think Aunt Beth is going to help me get hooked up with a wig. And Nikki, you and Melissa do NOT need to shave your heads--your hair is so pretty and the weather is becoming cold!! But that was a very touching offer! I love you!