Early this morning, I received a call from our 1st oncologist with the verbal results of the "second opinion" pathology report from Barnes. They are still classifying the tumor as a grade 3 (mid-high grade) anaplastic oligoastrocytoma. Also, the tumor does not have the certain genetic mutation markers that we were hoping for, which means that it will be less receptive to chemotherapy (bummer!).
The good news is that we have an appointment tomorrow (Wednesday) with neuro-oncologist, Dr. Linette, who specializes in the treatment of brain tumors. He has set aside time just to see me tomorrow. I told the nurse, I am a patient that HE really wants. (I am not sure she believed me.)
After the phone call about the Barnes pathology report, Stuart and I went to see diggers and excavators working at a construction site near our home. It was good to get away and spend some time with him. Just like old times prior to the diagnosis. He loves his DIG R's.
I did cry after I heard about the gene mutation disappointment, but I realize tomorrow is a new day! (which I am thankful for) - Kate
11 comments:
KATE,
We too are sorry that the gene results weren't what you wanted and the grade remains a 3.
You are doing so well trusting God that he didn't put you in this by accident and that you are holding on to your child like faith at times and just saying, "bummer", lets go look at the diggers!
Just like the dirt removed at the construction site where something new will be built, your cancer will be "dug" out and we all can't wait to see the NEW building (YOU). GOD IS AT THIS CONSTRUCITON SITE WITH YOU EVEN IF IT FEELS LIKE IMMINENT domain and YOU HATE IT NOW!! You have been such an encouragement to our family as we deal with disappointment and things in our lives we didn't ask for! Our God is a mighty awesome God. God bless you all!
Tom and April Curtis (Covenant) STL
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Kate,
We cling to this and we continue to pray for you and your family as we wait to see what healing God will work here.
The Byars
P.S. Erin says don't forget that God is great and He is with you!!
Kate, I read your blog every day...we're running along the banks of the river with everyone else, praying for you, encouraging you...
I've been praying for you the song "Hold Me, Jesus" by Rich Mullins these last couple of weeks....really the FIRST part & the chorus (before the "bridge" section). God has always used this song when I feel like I can't go on anymore.
Hold Me, Jesus:
Sometimes my life just don't make sense at all. When the mountains look so big and my faith just seems so small.
Chorus:
So hold me Jesus, cause I'm shaking like a leaf. You have been King of my glory, won't you be my Prince of Peace.
And I wake up in the night and feel the dark. It's so hot inside my soul, I swear there must be blisters on my heart.
Repeat Chorus:
"Bridge":
Surrender don't come natural to me. I'd rather fight you for something I don't really want, then take what you give that I need. And I've beat my head against so many walls, I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees.
And this Salvation Army band is playing this hymm. And your grace rings out so deep, it makes my resistance seem so thin.
Repeat Chorus:
Kate,
I love you, and I am so sorry about your latest news. Children are such a wonderful distraction, and I'm glad you have three to bring you joy and laughter in the midst of this.
Don't forget the promises you read and posted this morning---read them and re-read them until they sink in deeper at times when you are really struggling.
You are NOT alone.
Love, Tiffani Gibbs
i wish i could i take my sister's cancer away.
Amen, to aunt Dee Dee!!!!!!!!! I'll choose to walk with you now until God takes this away. I love you very much! Love, Emily, Grant, Meegan, Madeline & Sarah Elizabeth
Kate,
I was doing my Bible study this morning and came across Isaiah 43:2-3 which reminded me of you and your situation right now. My jaw dropped when I immediately went to the computer to share this with you and you had posted the exact verses this morning.
"When you pass through the waters. I will be with you: and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Wow!
The comment on these verses in my Bible says...Going through rivers of difficulty will either cause you to drown or force you to grow srtonger. If you go in your own strength, you are more likely to drown. If you invite the Lord to go with you He will protect you.
Beth Moore says "He does not always immediately calm the storm, but He is always willing to calm His child on the basis of His presence...We may never learn to enjoy our storms, but we can learn to enjoy God's presence in the storm."
I thought of you and prayed once again for you during this study. We will continue to pray for you and your family as you go to your appointment tomorrow and start treatment.
April Abbonizio
2 Corinthians 1:8-12
"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. "
Kate,
A friend of mine led me to read this last verse - that we can help one another through our prayers, that blessings are granted to others through the prayers of many - and let me assure you that MANY are praying. But, I had to include this whole passage to you, because it spoke to me so deeply. Look at how Paul says this was to MAKE US RELY NOT ON OURSELVES BUT ON GOD WHO RAISES THE DEAD. I pray that you will rely on Him who is able and yes, He is able.
Romans 8:31-
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
As you struggle day by day (and we know you will), hold on to these promises, sister. We love you and are running & swimming & praying beside you.
- Kim Endraske
Memphis
a
Kate,
Well, I left the computer to go and take care of something and Abby snuck in and left you a comment. Just the letter "a" I see. I came in my room to see a sheepish grin, and took a look at the screen and saw "your comment has been saved". It gave me a good laugh. How a 2 year old was able to figure out how to leave a comment is beyond me.
It was good to see you today after your appointment. Know that you have been constantly on my heart. I am BOLDY approaching the throne of Grace for you everytime I think of you.
I was reading this verse and I thought of you...
2 Corinthians 1:20-22
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "YES" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you STAND FIRM in Christ. He annointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Never stop claiming all of God's promises in His word to you, KATE! They are all "yes" in Christ Jesus.
You belong to Him, He created you...He sealed you and set you apart...He annointed you...you are His treasure.
Love to you this day,
Michelle
To Kate's Grandpa in Columbia from from Kate's mom.
I know you are always with us on Thanksgiving and this year you will not be joining us as we gather to give Thanks. You made a sacrifice to temporarly move to Columbia when news of Kate broke. I want to thank you dad for being willing to pack your bag and join Mary Jo for awhile. That has freed me up to help take care of three boys.
To Mitch, Mary Jo, Abby, Joseph and Eric: Thanks for moving over and making Grandpa feel welcome. Carter did the same for me. Sometimes when I open the first drawer of his dresser I can't help but chuckle a little and think half a drawer is better than no drawer at all. Kate's journey has made more than one person take stock of how to be generous with their personal space. A good lesson for all of us.
To Aunt Dee Dee a big thank you for all the help with the boys. Gram can only play kick ball for so long. To all the bloggers. I could never thank you enough. You make us laugh and cry and help us to look beyond ourselves. We know that many of you have trials of your own. We are so very grateful.
Thanksgiving 2006: I thank my God for all the powerful scripture that has been brought our way via the blog.
To Dave and Kate: "When you have done all to stand, then stand."
Blessed Thanksgiving to all of you.
Soccer Gram signing off and thinking of Aunt Dee Dee's root vegetables and that famous Turkey Day card game (spoons).
Post a Comment