Hello Friends!
I just wanted to post and let everyone know that I will be having my six-month follow-up scans on Monday, December 16th. Please pray that all the scans will come out perfectly clean, without any additional need for scans or tests or biopsies.
I will have a PET scan at 8am, followed by a CT scan, after which I will see my oncology team. Please pray that these would go smoothly and quickly and that I would not get sick from the different contrast dyes. These days can get very long and tiring!
I will post the results as soon as I have them! Thank you so much for all your prayers!
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Answered Prayers
Often I post specific prayer requests on my blog; but I know there are so many of you who consistently pray for me, regardless of special needs. I wanted to share an incident that happened just last week; because of the suddenness of everything that happened, we didn't get to tell many people about it. The wonderful thing that happened through this, is that many of my college friends and I were able to pray together and see God answer our prayers! So... to back up and tell the full story!
Two some weeks ago: My family had been passing around a cold, and I finally got it. I got a pretty severe cough, that was hanging on!
Late Afternoon: Well, being the stubborn girl I am, I decided not to go to the ER right away. I wasn't feeling well, so I was pretty sure I would be admitted into the hospital, and made up my mind to make the most of my remaining free time!
My friends had invited me to go make photo snow globes with them, and then join them for dinner. We had an incredible time capturing most of our friend group in our snow globes and I had an amazing dinner (because I thought it would be the last time I would get a decent meal in a good while)! One special moment I wanted to share...while I was standing in line, I was pretty nervous about what the doctors would find. My friend Heather saw me, and walked over to me. Putting her arm around me, right in the middle of the cafeteria, she prayed with me, and asked God to allow me to finish the semester and that I would be healthy.
During dinner, my Dad called; he was away on a business trip, so couldn't come with me. My Mom was nervous, because the last time I went to the ER with lung trouble, I ended up in the PICU. Dad said to firmly insist I be put in oncology, or he would fly up right away!
Evening: I went home and picked Mom up to go to the ER. Keeping with my stubborn self, I refused to pack clothes or anything else and we left. Thankfully, Rachel had packed a bag of snacks and clothes and other such necessities.
Night: After we got there, they needed to put in an IV. I'm an extremely hard stick and so was understandably tense about it! However, God blessed us with an amazingly kind and loving nurse, Shifra. She assured me she would only try if she like what she saw-and she got an IV on the FIRST TRY!
A chest X-ray came back clean for pneumonia! Another answered prayer! Mom and I were both shocked, because I certainly didn't sound/feel like my lungs were clear!
Next they wanted a chest CT...which meant another, larger IV! It was an EMT that was going to try and I wasn't to sure about it. She said she would just look, and if she didn't see anything, she would call Shifra. Well, she got her IV on her first try! It was nothing short of a miracle that two different nurses would both get an IV on their first tries! It was such a reminder that God was watching out for me, and had guided their hands, and cared about even the smallest details!
Late Afternoon: I finally went to college; however, I was able to take my sidekick John! We had a blast together as we both did our work, with our friends Sharon and Craig Bernard. The four of us enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies and had a productive afternoon together!
Evening: My final concert! John was able to meet our director, Dr. Bordo. It was a blessing to join in prayer with other musicians before the concert. Mom and the kids came, bring Ms. Kathleen, our piano/cello teacher. It was such a special blessing that she came, as I knew she wasn't feeling well at all, and how hard it is for her to get in and out of our van. Also, Naokosan came, bringing her four oldest. It is always a joy to see them, as they are such an encouragement to me. Also, my nurse Ceci came, bringing her dad! She had promised to come to a concert, but I knew Thursday nights were extremely difficult for her, not to mention she is coming from more than an hour away! I saw her walk in just before the concert began, and it was just the most special thing in my heart to see her there.
Two some weeks ago: My family had been passing around a cold, and I finally got it. I got a pretty severe cough, that was hanging on!
Wednesday, December 4th:
Early Afternoon: My dear nurse Ceci called almost daily, to check up on me. That day I was feeling quite poorly, and a little short of breath. My oncology team consulted, and asked me to go to the emergency room.Late Afternoon: Well, being the stubborn girl I am, I decided not to go to the ER right away. I wasn't feeling well, so I was pretty sure I would be admitted into the hospital, and made up my mind to make the most of my remaining free time!
My friends had invited me to go make photo snow globes with them, and then join them for dinner. We had an incredible time capturing most of our friend group in our snow globes and I had an amazing dinner (because I thought it would be the last time I would get a decent meal in a good while)! One special moment I wanted to share...while I was standing in line, I was pretty nervous about what the doctors would find. My friend Heather saw me, and walked over to me. Putting her arm around me, right in the middle of the cafeteria, she prayed with me, and asked God to allow me to finish the semester and that I would be healthy.
During dinner, my Dad called; he was away on a business trip, so couldn't come with me. My Mom was nervous, because the last time I went to the ER with lung trouble, I ended up in the PICU. Dad said to firmly insist I be put in oncology, or he would fly up right away!
Evening: I went home and picked Mom up to go to the ER. Keeping with my stubborn self, I refused to pack clothes or anything else and we left. Thankfully, Rachel had packed a bag of snacks and clothes and other such necessities.
Night: After we got there, they needed to put in an IV. I'm an extremely hard stick and so was understandably tense about it! However, God blessed us with an amazingly kind and loving nurse, Shifra. She assured me she would only try if she like what she saw-and she got an IV on the FIRST TRY!
A chest X-ray came back clean for pneumonia! Another answered prayer! Mom and I were both shocked, because I certainly didn't sound/feel like my lungs were clear!
Next they wanted a chest CT...which meant another, larger IV! It was an EMT that was going to try and I wasn't to sure about it. She said she would just look, and if she didn't see anything, she would call Shifra. Well, she got her IV on her first try! It was nothing short of a miracle that two different nurses would both get an IV on their first tries! It was such a reminder that God was watching out for me, and had guided their hands, and cared about even the smallest details!
| "Brown Girls" Shirali, Jahnvi, Mandy and I |
| Snow Globe Pictures! Most of our little group! |
Thursday, December 5th
3AM: Since they didn't find anything anywhere, I got to go home! And even though it was incredibly early, it was wonderful! I slept until noon! Although I had had a test that morning, Jessica, my wonderful helper at the Office of Accessibility, had spoken with my professor and gotten it moved. My orchestra director also allowed me to skip rehearsal that afternoon. Late Afternoon: I finally went to college; however, I was able to take my sidekick John! We had a blast together as we both did our work, with our friends Sharon and Craig Bernard. The four of us enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies and had a productive afternoon together!
Evening: My final concert! John was able to meet our director, Dr. Bordo. It was a blessing to join in prayer with other musicians before the concert. Mom and the kids came, bring Ms. Kathleen, our piano/cello teacher. It was such a special blessing that she came, as I knew she wasn't feeling well at all, and how hard it is for her to get in and out of our van. Also, Naokosan came, bringing her four oldest. It is always a joy to see them, as they are such an encouragement to me. Also, my nurse Ceci came, bringing her dad! She had promised to come to a concert, but I knew Thursday nights were extremely difficult for her, not to mention she is coming from more than an hour away! I saw her walk in just before the concert began, and it was just the most special thing in my heart to see her there.
I felt so blessed and so privileged to have so many people that love and care for me, there to cheer for me. All I could remember is the incredible love of God, because I do not deserve any of this.
What I had asked my friends to pray is that God would give me until my last final, on Friday, December 13th, to be out of the hospital. It was so close to the end of the semester, and I wanted so badly to finish all my work. I'm so grateful and humbled that God was gracious enough to allow me my heart's desire, and be able to finish my semester!
The Love of God
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
| With Mom at home, with the beautiful flowers Mrs. Ceci brought! |
Sunday, August 11, 2013
A Final Surgery
So I hopefully will be having my final cancer-related surgery this Tuesday, the 13th, to remove my Mediport! I'm so excited to finally be able to say good-bye to what has almost become a part of me. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and quickly!
I've posted some pictures from my stay at the hospital when I had my biopsy!
| This lovely big bear was waiting for me when I went to my room after surgery, a gift from my wonderful Child Life Specialist Lisa, and Art Therapist Michelle (note the duck tape slid up on his arm...) A lot of stuff to brighten my day!! |
Taking out my chest tube...
| Daniel, John and Rachel enjoying a treat... |
| Sunday afternoon found my room very crowded, with my family and Sheilka and Vijimama. Dad had brought some delicious Indian food, so we had a party in my room! |
| I've come a long way since... |
| All my many presents... |
| Vijimama wearing John's favorite zip tie |
Friday, July 12, 2013
Surgery Update
I will be having surgery for my biopsy at 11:45 today. Please pray that everything would go on time and as scheduled. I may be staying overnight at Rainbow Babies & Childrens.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Updated Test Results
So that harmless, we-are-not-worried spot in my chest has turned into a not-so-harmless spot!
After some further consultation, my oncologist have decided that a biopsy of the area would be a good idea. As a result, I will be having surgery to get it biopsied on Friday.
At this point I'm not sure of the type of biopsy, or time of surgery, but I do know it will be done by our good friend and faithful Christian surgeon, Dr. Barksdale.
We would greatly appreciate prayers on our behalf. Please pray that the result of this biopsy will not be cancerous, or anything to cause worry. We are thankful for the knowledge God has given the doctors, and that they are deciding to act on this quickly.
I'll try to post more details as I receive them!
After some further consultation, my oncologist have decided that a biopsy of the area would be a good idea. As a result, I will be having surgery to get it biopsied on Friday.
At this point I'm not sure of the type of biopsy, or time of surgery, but I do know it will be done by our good friend and faithful Christian surgeon, Dr. Barksdale.
We would greatly appreciate prayers on our behalf. Please pray that the result of this biopsy will not be cancerous, or anything to cause worry. We are thankful for the knowledge God has given the doctors, and that they are deciding to act on this quickly.
I'll try to post more details as I receive them!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Finally Home!
I'm finally home! It is so wonderful to be back with my amazing family in my lovely home. It was kinda a whirlwind (and sudden) discharge; on Wednesday morning I was cleared to leave, as soon as my tri-fusion catheter was removed. There was an opening in the schedule, so out it came Wednesday afternoon! AND, I got to keep it, which I think is really cool! Thursday morning I was discharged, and after doing some major packing home I was!
Because I'm still severely immunocompromised, our entire house had to be thoroughly cleaned before I could come home; this was much more than your average house clean- everything had to be wiped down with sanitizers, to be as dust and germ free as possible!
Though I'm home, there are still several restrictions I have to follow. For instance, I can't eat fruits or vegetables that aren't cooked, unless they can be peeled, and no fast food. I can't be in crowds, including church or shopping stores. I need to limit my visitors to people without colds/coughs/fevers or that have family that is sick. My family also has to be careful not to interact with those that are sick; please pray that we all would stay healthy and infection free as I recover!
My last night at the hospital, two different friends asked me what was the first thing I was going to do when I got home, which of course I hadn't thought about! So I decided to list 10 things that I've really enjoyed these past few days, roughly organized in the order I enjoyed them.
| Ready to leave! |
| Goodbye! |
Though I'm home, there are still several restrictions I have to follow. For instance, I can't eat fruits or vegetables that aren't cooked, unless they can be peeled, and no fast food. I can't be in crowds, including church or shopping stores. I need to limit my visitors to people without colds/coughs/fevers or that have family that is sick. My family also has to be careful not to interact with those that are sick; please pray that we all would stay healthy and infection free as I recover!
My last night at the hospital, two different friends asked me what was the first thing I was going to do when I got home, which of course I hadn't thought about! So I decided to list 10 things that I've really enjoyed these past few days, roughly organized in the order I enjoyed them.
- Sit OUTSIDE! Mom said nature was celebrating my discharge, as it was nearly 80 degrees that day- no small feat for Cleveland, where two days later it is snowing! It was lovely to feel the wind blowing, soak up the sun's warm rays, and just smell the great outdoors!
- Walk on carpet- and barefoot! No more hospital flooring!
- Cook my own dinner and have my own food! I love to be in the kitchen, so I really missed it. I made myself mac 'n' cheese shells for dinner. Also, I hate hospital food, and haven't eaten any of it for the last four weeks of my stay. It's so nice to have so many edible choices available at any time.
- Play a real PIANO!! I greatly enjoy my piano and violin, and have missed them immensely While I had a keyboard at the hospital, there is nothing like a real piano (not to mention it is my piano) to play on; also, I had all my music to select from! My sister was afraid I was going to overtire myself from playing and valiantly tried to get me to stop...
- My own bed and bedding! No more standardized sheets or blankets, or the plastic mattress or pillows (which can get unbearably hot).
- See Duino! -Our (my) cat, who our music teacher has graciously been hosting for the last several weeks. It is wonderful to have her home again!
- Eat good food! I haven't eaten so much in months! My dad made my favorite Indian dishes that I've been enjoying...well I've been enjoying all the food.
- Sprawl on the furniture...I'm no longer limited to a hospital bed or chair! And no medical staff to interrupt our family times.
- Wear t-shirts or anything I want again! Because of my tri-fusion and Mediport access and IV lines, I only was able to wear button down tops. I also only wore certain no-frills clothes to make it easier to adapt to the multiple IV lines and other inconveniences of the hospital. Not to mention I couldn't/didn't take my entire closet with me. It's really nice to only have to consider the weather when I choose my clothes.
- And most importantly, being with my family!! I've missed them so much...It is absolutely incredible to be back together again. I love hearing the many sounds of a busy household- both indoors and out- and just being able to do things with them whenever I want.
| A family again |
| The beauty of God's creation |
| A beautiful filled chocolate "Welcome Home" cake from our dear neighbors! |
I feel like a released prisoner, enjoying the tastes of freedom once again. Thank you all for your prayers, supporting words, visits, and outpourings of love. While this has been an incredibly long and rough road, which isn't over yet, I'm so grateful that God has brought me and my family through this time. His grace has always has been and always will be sufficient for what we need. The day I was discharged, I heard a song that has often comforted me, as it reminds me of God's amazing power.
You Are I AM
I've been the one to shake with fear
And wonder if You're even here
I've been the one to doubt Your love
I've told myself You're not enough
I've been the one to try and say
I'll overcome by my own strength
I've been the one to fall apart
And to start to question who You are
You're the one who conquers giants
You're the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You're the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan's hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I AM
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
T- +30
Monday marked my fifth week in the hospital. While it has been sooooo long, things are starting to move along! I've been taken of the TPN, and have been able to keep solid food down for a few days now. I've also been switched back to oral antibiotics and anti-nausea medicines, in preparation for going home!
Right now, the doctors are trying to schedule surgery for tomorrow, to take out my tri-fusion catheter line. So currently, it looks like it might be able to go home by the weekend!!
Please pray that I would be able to take ALL my many pills (which usually runs around 2 dozen pills!!), that I would keep being able to eat, and that the surgery would go smoothly!
Right now, the doctors are trying to schedule surgery for tomorrow, to take out my tri-fusion catheter line. So currently, it looks like it might be able to go home by the weekend!!
Please pray that I would be able to take ALL my many pills (which usually runs around 2 dozen pills!!), that I would keep being able to eat, and that the surgery would go smoothly!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Blessings from a Doctor
One special incident that happened on one of my lowest points...this past Wednesday evening Dr. Cooke, the attending oncologist, stopped by. Unlike other doctors, he held in his hand not a stethoscope but the ultimate textbook of healing-the Bible. He shared with me verses ending 2 Corinthians 12, which talks about St. Paul's "thorn in the flesh". Three times the apostle pleaded that God remove them; Dr, Cooke likened that to three extreme situations in my life-2 cancers and a BMT. God didn't answer the Apostle Paul with a straightforward yes/no answer, He only replied- My [God's] grace is sufficient for you, my power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. This was such a comforting reminder to me, that God's grace will always be enough to meet my needs.
| Dr. Cooke with his Bible |
Each day he shares an encouraging thought or verse from the Bible. I'm so blessed to have him!
On a side note, the initial results of my endoscopy have returned. There is still some irritation in my stomach (which is too be expected) but thankfully not as much as was expected. However, at one point in my stomach/intestinal meet the bile is going up, instead of down. I've been put on a some medications that hopefully will help resolve this matter. Other than that, please pray that I could eat and take my oral pills, so I can go home!!!!!
Labels:
Blessings,
prayer,
thankfulness,
update on Jennifer
Monday, March 25, 2013
The Dog Days of BMT
So since my last post was on dogs, this post is on the dog days! Credit for this term goes to this week's attending oncologist- Dr. Agne Petrosiute. It certainly describes these last few days perfectly,as they have been really rough !
All my blood counts have bottomed out, so there is only one direction to go now- up!! Now I'm waiting for engraftment day-when my blood counts double for three days in a row; when that happens is different for each person. On average, it takes about 2-3 weeks for engraftment. Today is my one-week mark!!
So far I've been experiencing a lot of pain, puking and diarrhea- all of which makes me extremely tired! The chemo destroyed the mucus lining of my GI tract, causing what is called mucositis. Because there is no lining, my throat/esophagus is extremely raw. As a result, I pretty much can't swallow. Since the lining in my stomach is gone, almost everything I do manage to get down comes right back up. It's amazing how much I can bring up, cuz there are times I'm sure there is nothing left in my stomach, but somehow stuff does come up....
I'm getting my daily calories from TPN, or IV food. The nurses always tease me about my "steak and potato" bags! The taste in my mouth is also altered. So pretty much everything has a weird, flat, chalky taste.
I have some pain in my throat, but also a sensation like heartburn in my esophagus. For the pain, I am now on a PCA pump-Personally Controlled Anesthesia. The pump gives a constant dose of pain medicine (in my case Dilaudid). However, I also have a button I can press up to every 10 minutes, to receive a bolus of pain medicine. This has really helped me with my pain.
Praises
My counts have reached 0, so now they can only go up!
The nausea is becoming somewhat manageable!
No fevers so far!!
Prayers
Counts to quickly engraft
Vomiting and diarrhea to stop completely
Pain to diminish
No fevers or other infections
All my blood counts have bottomed out, so there is only one direction to go now- up!! Now I'm waiting for engraftment day-when my blood counts double for three days in a row; when that happens is different for each person. On average, it takes about 2-3 weeks for engraftment. Today is my one-week mark!!
So far I've been experiencing a lot of pain, puking and diarrhea- all of which makes me extremely tired! The chemo destroyed the mucus lining of my GI tract, causing what is called mucositis. Because there is no lining, my throat/esophagus is extremely raw. As a result, I pretty much can't swallow. Since the lining in my stomach is gone, almost everything I do manage to get down comes right back up. It's amazing how much I can bring up, cuz there are times I'm sure there is nothing left in my stomach, but somehow stuff does come up....
I'm getting my daily calories from TPN, or IV food. The nurses always tease me about my "steak and potato" bags! The taste in my mouth is also altered. So pretty much everything has a weird, flat, chalky taste.
I have some pain in my throat, but also a sensation like heartburn in my esophagus. For the pain, I am now on a PCA pump-Personally Controlled Anesthesia. The pump gives a constant dose of pain medicine (in my case Dilaudid). However, I also have a button I can press up to every 10 minutes, to receive a bolus of pain medicine. This has really helped me with my pain.
Praises
My counts have reached 0, so now they can only go up!
The nausea is becoming somewhat manageable!
No fevers so far!!
Prayers
Counts to quickly engraft
Vomiting and diarrhea to stop completely
Pain to diminish
No fevers or other infections
Here is Pole 2.0- bigger 'n' better. I had no idea what a hit it was!
The black line is my PCA. The yellow is my 'steak' and the white my 'potatoes'. There are three different modules, running a maximum of 9 different bags (nausea and pain medication, antibiotics, TPN, fluids, and more!) .
Today I was strong enough to go to the craft room and make some jewelery. Notice the ever prominent puke bowl :)
Some people will do anything for a laugh...(they both are usually dignified nurses)
How they walked the entire floor is still a mystery to me. I wish I could have followed them with a camera...Thank you ladies for making my day! (I was laughing so hard I started choking- but as they say -Laughter is the Best Medicine! )
Labels:
Bone Marrow Transplant,
Chemosucks,
Hodgkin's lymphoma,
Hospitals,
nausea,
prayer,
update on Jennifer
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Each day is a day to be thankful for
Hello all,
This is Jen's dad providing an update. Thank you for the notes and gifts and offers of helps and visits that many have made, and most of all, your prayers on our behalf.
I am happy to report that Jen's treatment is progressing as expected, although this experience is not a pleasant one for her or for any of us. Her blood counts (rbc, wbc and their component parts) are all trending downwards, as the effects of the chemo kicks in this week, and they expect it to go to "zero" in the next 2 days or so. She has not eaten almost anything since Monday, and has been on "TPN", or food by IV. She is very nauseated and has pain in her belly, and is on several meds to help with that. Most food comes out pretty quickly. "Better out than in, I always say" - as she puts it:-)
Praises
- She still has a few hours of engaging activities (crafts etc.) per day before tiring out
- Still has a sweet smile and spirit, inspite of her physical condition
Please pray for:
- her nausea and vomiting and painful cramps to stop soon
- protection from infections (which are bound to taken place inside her body already)
- the stem cells to engraft soon and the uptick in her counts to come back up soon
This verse has been very meaningful for me many times in the past, and is again a help to me:
Ps 34: 4 I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Vijay for all the Anands
![]() |
| Each day is a day to be thankful for !! |
I am happy to report that Jen's treatment is progressing as expected, although this experience is not a pleasant one for her or for any of us. Her blood counts (rbc, wbc and their component parts) are all trending downwards, as the effects of the chemo kicks in this week, and they expect it to go to "zero" in the next 2 days or so. She has not eaten almost anything since Monday, and has been on "TPN", or food by IV. She is very nauseated and has pain in her belly, and is on several meds to help with that. Most food comes out pretty quickly. "Better out than in, I always say" - as she puts it:-)
Praises
- She still has a few hours of engaging activities (crafts etc.) per day before tiring out
- Still has a sweet smile and spirit, inspite of her physical condition
Please pray for:
- her nausea and vomiting and painful cramps to stop soon
- protection from infections (which are bound to taken place inside her body already)
- the stem cells to engraft soon and the uptick in her counts to come back up soon
This verse has been very meaningful for me many times in the past, and is again a help to me:
Ps 34: 4 I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Vijay for all the Anands
Labels:
nausea,
praise,
prayer,
thankfulness,
TPN,
update on Jennifer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)

