'D' Day

With all of the test results 'in' today was 'Decision Day' for my mom.

Here's the e-mail that she sent out to those close to her heart:

Today was a difficult day for me as I heard the report that I will have to go back to the hospital for more chemotherapy treatment.

Dr. Verdi said that my hospital stay will probably be about 30 days depending on how I respond to this particular drug.

The detailed report we received from California and the results of my bone marrow biopsy is not too good. The leukemia has returned and is in 90% of the marrow of the bone. My only option for continued life is to undergo more treatment.

The care at Arrowhead Hospital is wonderful and I know that I have to go in with a positive mental attitude, trusting the Lord to give me strength to endure what is ahead of me.

I was given a gift of having this past week with my sisters and my daughter Angela is coming from Colorado Springs tomorrow to love and support me for several days.

The Lord is giving me His peace that surpasses all understanding and I am standing and believing that my Jehovah Shalom is my hope and my peace.

Thank you for all of your prayers.

In His Grip and Care,

Love, Sharon

Devastating News

I have bad news about my Mom's health.

Devastating news.

So devastating that it has taken me an entire week to actually sit down and share the news of my mom Sharon's relapse with you. Each day I've had the goal of writing a post but I've found myself tired and void of extra time and energy.

This morning isn't much different but I'm finding it helpful to click the keys and share what's going on - what's on my heart.

Here's the bottom line.

My mothers leukemia has returned. It doesn't look good.

Relapse in Acute Myleogenous Leukemia is common however we were hoping Sharon would fall outside statistical lines and have many more years of living. She responded favorably to treatment and has rebuilt her system with nutritional supplements. She looks great and she feels great. If you saw her you would never guess that she is a terminal patient. (picture taken with Carissa Christmas Day 2009)

If you want to understand Sharon's disease here is a short tutorial from marrow.org.

• "Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. In AML, the bone marrow makes many unformed cells called blasts. Blasts normally develop into white blood cells that fight infection. However, the blasts are abnormal in AML. They do not develop and cannot fight infections. The bone marrow may also make abnormal red blood cells and platelets. The number of abnormal cells (or leukemia cells) grows quickly. They crowd out the normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets the body needs

The devastating news of Mom's relapse came shortly after her monthly doctor's visit. During the appointment Dr. V expressed minimal concern over her blood work but it was understood that he was going to send her labs in for further testing. When she received a call two days later Dr. V told her that the labs showed a return of leukemic cells and that she is out of remission.

Hours later my brother sat by her side while Dr. V shared the harrowing realities and outlined her options.

Unfortunately options are limited.

Sharon has also consulted with the head physician at City of Hope, the Bone Marrow Transplantation Center in Phoenix, AZ. His assessment, while delivered with honest professionalism, was sobering.

A sobering confirmation of the devastating news.

For now we are awaiting extensive test results from a lab in California. Also, on Tuesday (January 26th) Sharon will have a bone marrow biopsy. The combination of these test results will better equip her Doctor about her condition. In light of this information my mom will evaluate and ultimately decide her treatment plan.

Her decision is pivotal. We all agree that her decision about treatment is hers. No one can make this decision for her. She has to own the decision and live and die the decision. literally.

So, along with our family, will you please join us in praying for my Mom Sharon?Please Pray:

• Sharon is able to discern God's voice and direction well.
  
• That Sharon experiences peace about her decision and treatment plan.
• For clear test results and wisdom for Dr. V and the medical team
  
• That our family would know how to best love and support Sharon through this health crisis
• That our family, in the bigger sense would walk through this trial well
• For Sharon's dreams to be made possible - for her wish to be to travel with our family to Disneyland, for a family reunion and for other special memory trips
  

Thank you for your prayers and for walking this road alongside me.

Sharon's daughter,

Angela

Relapse News

I saw Dr. V Wed. afternoon. The plan was for me to see him and then go to the hospital.

I have some great news. Dr. V is going to wait until next Wednesday to determine if I have to go to the hospital.

Many of the tests from California that take a long time to complete are not in yet. Since my blood counts are stable and they have not escalated since last Thursday, he has decided to wait until he sees the lab work which will show the cell mutations and genetics. From these tests he will determine proper treatment.

One advantage of this is that it will give us more time to pray. I am so excited that I do not have to go into the hospital today and praising God for His goodness.

Thank you so much for praying!

This has been an emotional roller coaster for me and my family but we will continue to trust God. I have really felt that peace that surpasses all understanding through this week and I know it is because all of you are lifting me up in prayer.

KEEP THOSE PRAYERS A COMING! OUR GREAT GOD IS ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS!

God, help me to stay close to you, returning day after day for strength, and refreshment of your love and care. Amen

In His Grip and Care, Love,

Sharon

Relapse

Unfortunately I am in another battle with my cancer and need to climb a mountain once again.

I received a report from my oncologist this week that my leukemia is out of remission and that my only option is for further Chemotherapy. My labwork has been sent to California and upon receiving the reports next week, I will return to the hospital for more treatment on Wednesday.

It is hard to believe this news because I have been doing so well. I've been feeling great and have been eating very healthy.

I am believing God's report that He will continue to touch my body and that I will be made whole. He has done so many miracles this past year and I am not giving up. I am trusting Him, that I am healed in Jesus name.

I would appreciate your prayers to stand in "FAITH" and that I will have the strength to "Fight the Good Fight" and that Triumph and Victory will prevail!How you can pray:

• Pray that the chemo drug administered will kill the leukemia cells and that there would not be any side effects.

• Pray that my strength would remain strong and when I get out of the hospital, I will be able to spend time with my family, friends and to travel.

• Pray that His healing words will go into my marrow and replace every healthy cell with His cleansing blood that He shed on Calvary on my behalf.

To God be the glory and honor for His word that cannot return void.

I have a wonderful family and friends that are so supportive with positive thoughts and faith to believe that God has great plans. My sister from Indiana is coming to be with me, as well as my sister here in the valley. My daughter, son in law and grand-kids from Colorado Springs will be coming sometime soon to support me.

I am blessed!

The Lord is my light and my salvation. When troubles come, He will hide me, he will set me on a high rock out of reach of all my enemies. Then I will bring him sacrifices and sing His praises with much joy.

I appreciate your prayers and I will keep you posted of my progress.

In His Care and Grip,

Love, Sharon