One Year andddddd CLEAR!

Yep, you read the title right.  The April 2014 MRI showed no sign of change.  I will go another year till my next MRI.  It seems my oncologist, Dr. Needles may not return to the office.  I am in the process of figuring out who I should see in that office.  Dr. Hu or Dr. Finnie.

Thanks for checking in.

Kate

2014 MRI schedule

I cannot believe how fast a year can go.  It was March 2013 when my oncologist said I could go one year between scans.  I was elated as that was a milestone in my mind.  Having MRI's every month then every 2, 4, 6 etc.  I was ready for the one year! 

With that being said....
This Thursday, April 10 I will have my yearly MRI. Friday the 11th is my oncologist appointment to find out results. Please pray for a clear scan with NO CHANGE from last year as this is the 1st time I have gone a YEAR BETWEEN SCANS.

My oncologist, Dr. Needles is still out with his cancer.  He was diagnosed last fall & has yet to return to see patients.  I will be seeing Dr. Finnie.  He is in the same practice as Dr. Needles.  He is also my DAD's oncologist.  I cannot wait to introduce myself.  My dad has had multiple myeloma for a good 7 years.

I will update the blog when I hear my results on Friday.  It may be late as our youngest has his "Fun Run" at school that day in which I am helping.  Never a dull moment.... life with 3 boys... in 3 different schools.

Thank you for caring,

Kate  

Finally the March 2013 update

Oops, haven't updated in a long while.  Sorry for those who follow closely.

March oncologist visit...  The MRI was on a Thursday, oncologist appointment with update - Friday.  Dr. Needles came in the room & read the report stating "No change & looks good."  He then proceeded to give me the normal cognitive testing.  Went smoothly.  All in all he wants me to GO ONE YEAR BETWEEN SCANS.  I was elated to say the least.  I think this was a first for me to feel some relief / excitement with a clear scan report.  Each time I would come away feeling Hmm, that is nice... cannot fully express my feeling / emotions.  I had desired to go one year between scans for what seems like FOREVER.  Although Dr. Needles wanted me to come in October (6 months) for a cognitive testing.  March or April 2014 will be my next MRI.  Of course, if I feel / sense anything I can "always call" the doctor. 
I did have a migraine a few weeks prior to the March 2013 MRI & was relieved to hear that my brain matter is clear of cancer. If I don't rest or overdo it a few days in a row my brain will let me know.  I nap almost every day.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.  

Psalm 95:6-7

March MRI scheduled

Just wanted to let you know that the MRI is scheduled for March.  I plan on seeing the oncologist Friday, March 15 in the morning so my MRI with blood work is scheduled the Thursday (14th) before.

The following verses in Isaiah have been an encouragement to me today.  Hope you are blessed by reading.

Isaiah chapter 43  "Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

No evidence for recurrent tumor

The September 2012 MRI showed no evidence of cancer just normal scarring.  My oncologist, Dr. Needles was pleased as the radiologist compared the scan to three previous ones.  3/8/2012, 8/17/2010 & 9/9/2009.  And I quote from the report... "Status post right frontal partial lobectomy.  There is no evidence for recurrent or residual tumor.  No acute intracranial process."

All in all I am relieved yes to hear this news.  Of course!  The oncologist would like for me to return in 6 months for another check up / MRI.  He is pro active & I appreciate that.  I just better remember my blood work papers the next time as I usually bring it with me to the MRI test so I don't have to be sticked twice in one week.  They take the blood work then put in the contrast during MRI. 

I hope to post more thoughts later...

Kate

September MRI

My next MRI is Thursday, September 13 at 9:30 in the morning.  This is a 6 month check up.  I have an oncologist follow up on Friday morning.

16 Years !

"Being satisfied in God (or anything) always seems easier when all is going well. But when things you love are being stripped out of your hands, then the test is real. If God remains precious in those moments, then his supreme worth shines more brightly. He is most glorified." - Desiring God website.

Friday May 4, 2012 Dave & I celebrated our 16 year wedding anniversary.  I am most thankful for a committed husband of 16 + years.  We are imperfect people perfect for each other.  

Easter 2012

March MRI report showed no signs of cancer. I will have my next scan in 6 months (September). This recent scan I was allowed to wear ear plugs & have a ear phone covering my ears (small one but thankful none the less).

Draw Near...

I have been reading the book, Draw Near by Sherry Blankenship lately. With laughter & tears it has been good on many fronts. A quote I would like to share that touched my heart (many did)... "God promises that if we truly love Him, He will cause even the most terrible things in our lives to somehow be used for good." In reference to Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.


March MRI is Thursday the 8th at 9:30
Follow up doctor appointment is Friday at 9:30. Will I go another 6 months or will he suggest a year till next scan / appointment?

I have so enjoyed seeing the birds outside my kitchen window sitting on the tree branch all puffed up & then eat their seed in the feeder. God thank you for your beautiful creation & giving us white snow as the backdrop.

Have a restful weekend,
Kate

September 2011 MRI results

Clear is the word for my September MRI scan! I am to return in 6 months for another scan including blood work - March 2012. Speaking of blood work I did have some mishap on Friday regarding my calcium which had nothing to do with cancer (he clarified) but the oncologist was concerned enough for me to do another work up. It ended up being a typo. Thankfully, because he mentioned seeing an endocrinologist if it was still a low number. All in all March is on the horizon for my next step in this journey. I have been asked if there will be a time when they will consider me cancer free & my answer is I do not know. Not sure if they go by years like insurance companies. Really, I have gotten used to the idea of not knowing what comes next.

On the home front the boys are enjoying their sports. Stuart & Cole soccer. Cole asked to play baseball this fall as he took a break during the summer. He enjoys having Dad as his fall ball coach. Carter is on another fall ball team and ready to start 7th grade football (games have yet to begin). Best part of Carter playing middle school football is that practice is during the school day. Love this idea!

Enjoy your autumn days,
Kate

just wanted to let you know

I had no idea what to title this one as it has been on my heart to let others know that I am weak. Yes, that is a good thing to be reminded of as Christians. He is strong and I am not.

I have consulted with others regarding my concern with the upcoming MRI. The extreme loudness of the new scan was almost more than I could bear last time. A patient normally has ear plugs & ear phones covering their ears due to the noise. In February that was not the case. The new machine (which is supposed to be faster - not that I could tell) does not allow for the brain scan patient to have ear phones as the cage placed over the head does not fit the ear phones. Yes, making for a LOUD experience. I did tell my oncologist at the last appointment that if I don't die of cancer I will have hearing loss. A long story summarizing that I have asked for some meds to help calm me during the scan. That was a hard decision to make. Not sure if it was my pride in knowing I used to be able to pray & sleep /relax at times long ago. Anyway, just wanted all to know I am taking medication to help calm me for Wednesday.

Please pray for a clear scan. I see Dr. Needles Friday, September 9 with results.

k-

4 weeks till Sept MRI

Today is Wednesday, August 10 and it marks 4 weeks till my next MRI. The previous scan in February was extremely LOUD and bothersome (more than usual). Laying for 40 minutes was difficult then and I cannot imagine what it will be like September 7.

Not sure what the oncologist will suggest at my follow up appointment Friday, September 9.

chat later,

k-

February happy dance!

MRI results are clear! No change. The oncologist was pleased as so was I. He did ask how was my memory lately. He is watching for radiation side effects to the brain - cognitive, concentration, etc. Dave & those around me will need to be watchful to see if they recognize these. The doctor said he is not too concerned just yet.

I will have my next MRI in 6 months (+ a few weeks). I scheduled it for September to ensure the boys will be in school.

Happy Dance Kate

February testing

My next tests...
MRI & Blood work - Wednesday, February 23

Oncologist follow up -Friday, February 25
If it is a clear report will I go another 6 months? I am unsure of what the doctor will say.

Thankful days 2010

Hello there. Busy days lately which I am most thankful. Little Stuart is not so little as he just had his 6 year birthday kid party this past Saturday the 20th. Much chaos! Carter, Cole & Stuart are doing well in school and basketball will be keeping us on our toes as ALL will be playing. Dave of course is coaching. Cole's team are the ones who get Coach Snodgrass. It is a delight to my heart to see him so active in their lives. As for me, I am working two mornings a week as a Bible study children teacher. I also have the joy of studying the book of Acts through CBS Community Bible Study!

As Thanksgiving is this Thursday. It brings me to contemplate the past few years of my cancer journey. As most I have a lot to be thankful for. Many blessings abound! No matter if it is Thanksgiving time when you read this ... I would love to hear what YOU are thankful for.

February is my next MRI & blood work. Update will be around that time.

Choosing To SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope

On May 21, 2008, Maria Chapman age 5 had been playing outside with her sisters, Shaohannah, 8, and Stevey Joy, also 5. Maria wanted to hang from the monkey bars on their playground, but wasn’t tall enough to reach them on her own. When she saw her big brother Will, then 17, steering down the driveway, she darted off to meet him and ask for his help. Will never saw her coming, and fatally struck his sister with the car.

Mother Mary Beth Chapman says more than 2 years later as she has written a book. “I can say now that God is good when things are really, really bad,” Chapman said. “But I couldn’t say it when (Maria died) because he hadn’t showed me the journey. (I had to figure out what I could say) that would also encourage people, and maybe they could start seeing their own life in the book."

Choosing To SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope

What Mary Beth put into words blessed my heart. It was something I had been attempting to say. I have not read the book but thought the quote was so personal. I want to steal her quote for my own (with my input in the quote):

“I can say now that God is good when things are really bad,” Chapman said & so does Kate. “But I couldn’t say it when (2006 & 2007 cancer journey was intense) because he hadn’t showed me the journey.

Much love to all today,
Kate

August MRI report finding

All's good. WHAT AM I SAYING... All is GREAT! Clear is the word. Next MRI & see the oncologist in 6 months - February 2011.

Thanks for praying,
Kate

MRI date change + summer pics

My MRI with blood work has been changed to Tuesday, August 17 at 9:00.

The doctor appointment is still on Friday, August 20 at 9:30. As stated in a previous post... when the scan proves clear I will go 6 months till the next MRI. I will try & make time to post an update on the weekend.

Summer is coming to a close all too quickly. Below are some pics of the fun we have enjoyed.

Stuart beaver dance with goggles
(he keeps us laughing)

Cole ready in the pitCarter taking time to contemplate
(this is a common pose for him lately)
Carter rock climbing ready to laser tagCole rock climbingCole's bug he caught
(he wants to be an entomologist)
Snodgrass boys at the zoo
(Stu was the first to ask for a pic)

A young one in disguise
(he goes into grocery store & says no one knows who I am)
ha ha ha

It was last week when I actually made my August MRI appt. It is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18 at 9 am. Bloodwork will be taken as well.

My oncologist appt is 2 days later on that Friday, August 20 at 9:30. If the above MRI proves clear I was told in April he will have me go 6 months till the next one.

Summer time is sure flying by. Sorry for not posting as much. I have been thinking about possibly doing a web care page where one can sign up for updates. I have a few friends with cancer that have one and I receive an email telling when they have updated. It is great! (not their cancer but their care page - better make that clear) Time is precious.

Chat later,
Kate

God's Providence

"Believing ahead of time what can only be seen by looking back."
Philip Yancey definition of faith

k-