3/09
Dear friends,
My final radiotherapy session was on Monday and Phil, Luke, Mady & I went out to dinner Monday night to celebrate!
Now I continue on with the hormonal treatment for the next 5years, possibly decide to have my ovaries removed but otherwise it's wait & see. A few people have asked me whether there is a test I can now have to see if I'm cured -the answer is no. There are statistics which tell me I have about a 90% chance of being disease free in 5 years but there is the other 10% and so you never know about the future ... But then none of us knows about the future much as we might like to which is all about us wanting to be in control of our lives. As Christians we know God is in charge not us and our uncertainty about the future with regard to the cancer is a good reminder of this. God's answer to the question 'am I now healed?' is : ' Trust me, whether the cancer is gone for good or whether it recurs, trust me to be working out my good purposes for you.' Focussing on this truth is a huge relief and blessing: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1Peter 5:7
The more important question than 'Am I healed?' is 'Am I right with God?' because that affects our future for all eternity. There is a wonderful classic book called 'Knowing God' by Jim Packer which I have been reading through - a real gem which was first recommended to me when I was at university. I can thoroughly recommend it.
This will be my last blog entry so thank you to all of you who are still reading! Thank you for your interest, your care and your prayers for me-I have certainly felt very upheld and loved through this whole ordeal.
Love Jill
Wednesday 3 September 2014
Monday 25 August 2014
1 week to go
25/08
Dear friends,
I finished my 3rd week of radiotherapy today so only one week to go and the rest of the sessions are only directed to the tumor beds.
Side effects of redness & itch have been more prominent the last few days, one side worse than the other ( I was testing 2 different creams - at least I can recommend one over the other to others!)
Hot flushes continue to wake me at night but at least it is winter & flinging off the doona brings some relief.
I will update once more in a week once treatment is finished.
Love Jill
Dear friends,
I finished my 3rd week of radiotherapy today so only one week to go and the rest of the sessions are only directed to the tumor beds.
Side effects of redness & itch have been more prominent the last few days, one side worse than the other ( I was testing 2 different creams - at least I can recommend one over the other to others!)
Hot flushes continue to wake me at night but at least it is winter & flinging off the doona brings some relief.
I will update once more in a week once treatment is finished.
Love Jill
Monday 18 August 2014
Radiotherapy halfway
18/08
Dear friends,
10 sessions of radiotherapy down, 10 to go! So far few side effects. We'll see what happens the next 2weeks. Actually it's only 5more days on the whole breasts then 5 days focused on the tumor beds.
I wrote the editorial for the church outline for last Sunday and Phil suggested I also post it on the blog, so here it is:
What is it that you fear? What are the things that fill your prayers?
I remember as a child being fearful of dying - I would have times when I would start thinking about death & about not existing anymore for ever. It would scare me so much I just had to decide to stop thinking about it. I remember my prayers as I walked to school consisted of asking God to look after my family & keep them safe.
Our deepest fears are usually tied up with the fear of bad news. Something awful happening to someone in our family, something awful happening to us. Cancer. The diagnosis strikes fear in us. It was my initial reflex response when I was diagnosed . Fear of how bad this might be, fear of what this means for me, for my family.
But for us as Christians we do not need to fear.
Psalm 112 says about the one who fears The Lord : He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. (Psalm 112:7 ESV)
Yes there will be bad news because we live in a fallen world and as Christians we do not escape the fallenness, but we are not to live fearing bad news.
Our initial response to bad news may be fear, but as we remember the one in whom we trust, fear is replaced by trust. The key to not fearing is not how great our trust is but rather how great is the One in whom we trust.
Fear dissolves as we focus on the greatness of our God, the one who has called us to know Him, the one who loves us so much He sent His only son to die for us so that we might be able to find forgiveness & eternal life, the one who cares for us so much in this life that He has his good purposes for us in everything we go through. I cannot know all of what God's good purposes are in what I am going through but I do know that part of it is to refine me & change me to become more like Jesus, preparing me for an eternity of life with Him forever.
What a blessing it is to not be the one in the driver's seat of our lives but rather to have a much better driver who knows the best direction for our lives to take, for our good and the good of others.
The well known verse in Proverbs 3:5-6 keeps coming back to me : Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 ESV) . We so often live as if we are in charge of our lives therefore it is a blessing from God to be thrown into situations outside our control which direct us to the One who really is in control, and to be challenged to put our trust in Him no matter what the future holds.
As I reflect on my response to what I have gone through so far it has brought home to me the importance of knowing God's word. The years of sitting under faithful Bible teaching, of pouring over God's word preparing for Bible study, of spending personal time with God in His word, have stood me in good stead to face hard times because I know God's counsel on this. It makes sense and it has strengthened & encouraged me through it all.
Through the diagnosis and ongoing treatment for cancer I have been immeasurably blessed by God. My trust in Him has been strengthened as He has reminded me through His word which I have read & others have brought to me, of His great promises. We have been blessed by the love & care of friends & family & especially God's family who have upheld us in many ways but especially through prayer. Thank you to all of you who have been a part of that.
Love Jill
Dear friends,
10 sessions of radiotherapy down, 10 to go! So far few side effects. We'll see what happens the next 2weeks. Actually it's only 5more days on the whole breasts then 5 days focused on the tumor beds.
I wrote the editorial for the church outline for last Sunday and Phil suggested I also post it on the blog, so here it is:
What is it that you fear? What are the things that fill your prayers?
I remember as a child being fearful of dying - I would have times when I would start thinking about death & about not existing anymore for ever. It would scare me so much I just had to decide to stop thinking about it. I remember my prayers as I walked to school consisted of asking God to look after my family & keep them safe.
Our deepest fears are usually tied up with the fear of bad news. Something awful happening to someone in our family, something awful happening to us. Cancer. The diagnosis strikes fear in us. It was my initial reflex response when I was diagnosed . Fear of how bad this might be, fear of what this means for me, for my family.
But for us as Christians we do not need to fear.
Psalm 112 says about the one who fears The Lord : He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. (Psalm 112:7 ESV)
Yes there will be bad news because we live in a fallen world and as Christians we do not escape the fallenness, but we are not to live fearing bad news.
Our initial response to bad news may be fear, but as we remember the one in whom we trust, fear is replaced by trust. The key to not fearing is not how great our trust is but rather how great is the One in whom we trust.
Fear dissolves as we focus on the greatness of our God, the one who has called us to know Him, the one who loves us so much He sent His only son to die for us so that we might be able to find forgiveness & eternal life, the one who cares for us so much in this life that He has his good purposes for us in everything we go through. I cannot know all of what God's good purposes are in what I am going through but I do know that part of it is to refine me & change me to become more like Jesus, preparing me for an eternity of life with Him forever.
What a blessing it is to not be the one in the driver's seat of our lives but rather to have a much better driver who knows the best direction for our lives to take, for our good and the good of others.
The well known verse in Proverbs 3:5-6 keeps coming back to me : Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 ESV) . We so often live as if we are in charge of our lives therefore it is a blessing from God to be thrown into situations outside our control which direct us to the One who really is in control, and to be challenged to put our trust in Him no matter what the future holds.
As I reflect on my response to what I have gone through so far it has brought home to me the importance of knowing God's word. The years of sitting under faithful Bible teaching, of pouring over God's word preparing for Bible study, of spending personal time with God in His word, have stood me in good stead to face hard times because I know God's counsel on this. It makes sense and it has strengthened & encouraged me through it all.
Through the diagnosis and ongoing treatment for cancer I have been immeasurably blessed by God. My trust in Him has been strengthened as He has reminded me through His word which I have read & others have brought to me, of His great promises. We have been blessed by the love & care of friends & family & especially God's family who have upheld us in many ways but especially through prayer. Thank you to all of you who have been a part of that.
Love Jill
Sunday 10 August 2014
Radiotherapy
11/8
Dear friends,
Finally radiotherapy has started. I have had 4 sessions so far, 16 to go. The first session was the worst as I had to lie still for 30 min with my arms in stirrups above my head, and my arms went numb! Now each session should only take about 15 minutes. No side effects so far. The hormonal treatment has kicked in so I am now waking up with hot flushes several times a night, but feeling ok through the day.
As we hear the news of the suffering of Christians in Iraq who have been driven out of their homes and many killed it brings perspective to anything we are going through. We certainly have nothing to complain about with the comforts & security of life here and the very best of medical care.My heart goes out to them . Let us all keep them in our prayers each day, that God will be their comfort & strength, that they will keep trusting Him to direct their paths. May we all remember that what is lost or suffered in this life does not compare with what is gained in the age to come.
The trial of Mady's HSC trials finished on Friday and her health only caused one of them to be delayed . She is enjoying a few days of no study!
Love Jill
Dear friends,
Finally radiotherapy has started. I have had 4 sessions so far, 16 to go. The first session was the worst as I had to lie still for 30 min with my arms in stirrups above my head, and my arms went numb! Now each session should only take about 15 minutes. No side effects so far. The hormonal treatment has kicked in so I am now waking up with hot flushes several times a night, but feeling ok through the day.
As we hear the news of the suffering of Christians in Iraq who have been driven out of their homes and many killed it brings perspective to anything we are going through. We certainly have nothing to complain about with the comforts & security of life here and the very best of medical care.My heart goes out to them . Let us all keep them in our prayers each day, that God will be their comfort & strength, that they will keep trusting Him to direct their paths. May we all remember that what is lost or suffered in this life does not compare with what is gained in the age to come.
The trial of Mady's HSC trials finished on Friday and her health only caused one of them to be delayed . She is enjoying a few days of no study!
Love Jill
Friday 1 August 2014
Ultrasound results
1/08
Dear friends,
The ultrasound revealed 2 larger cysts which I then had drained . This was what I expected but it was good to have it confirmed and dealt with.
So now I can get on with radiotherapy which will start Tuesday.
It is all in God's hands and He has His good purposes in it all which He may or may not reveal to me, but it is a blessing to know our Great God who is so trustworthy and directs my path at every point.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:5-8 ESV)
Love Jill
Dear friends,
The ultrasound revealed 2 larger cysts which I then had drained . This was what I expected but it was good to have it confirmed and dealt with.
So now I can get on with radiotherapy which will start Tuesday.
It is all in God's hands and He has His good purposes in it all which He may or may not reveal to me, but it is a blessing to know our Great God who is so trustworthy and directs my path at every point.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:5-8 ESV)
Love Jill
Monday 28 July 2014
Radiotherapy delayed
29/07/14
Dear friends,
Just a brief update to let you know radiotherapy has been delayed as I found another breast lump that needs to be investigated. It is almost certainly benign but still needs to be investigated before I start radiotherapy. So that's happening tomorrow. I will update after that.
Love Jill
Dear friends,
Just a brief update to let you know radiotherapy has been delayed as I found another breast lump that needs to be investigated. It is almost certainly benign but still needs to be investigated before I start radiotherapy. So that's happening tomorrow. I will update after that.
Love Jill
Monday 21 July 2014
Preparing for radiotherapy
21/07/14
Dear friends,
I had my radiotherapy planning session last Wednesday. This involved a scan and getting 5 tattoos-never imagined I would get a tattoo let alone 5! Mind you they are so small you can hardly see them.
The first dose of radiotherapy is scheduled for Wednesday, then each day apart from weekends, for 4 weeks.
The night sweats have started but so far not severe or disabling, just waking me up. Otherwise I'm feeling well.
Love Jill
Dear friends,
I had my radiotherapy planning session last Wednesday. This involved a scan and getting 5 tattoos-never imagined I would get a tattoo let alone 5! Mind you they are so small you can hardly see them.
The first dose of radiotherapy is scheduled for Wednesday, then each day apart from weekends, for 4 weeks.
The night sweats have started but so far not severe or disabling, just waking me up. Otherwise I'm feeling well.
Love Jill
Tuesday 15 July 2014
Negative for mutation!
15/7/14
Dear friends,
We visited the geneticist on Friday as the results had come back. The result was that I do not have the mutation on the either of the Braca genes which is good news for me & my family in terms of future risk of breast & certain other cancers. There is still a moderately increased risk of breast cancer because of the family history but not the high risk of both breast and ovarian cancer that the mutation would have given. Hurray! This means I don't have the difficult decision of whether to have further surgery which would have been a double mastectomy.
It was a blessing to get the result so quickly and it meant I didn't have to change my appointment with the oncologist which was yesterday. Now that the genetic test was out of the way we could plan for the radiotherapy. It was good to see Fran again - she is a wonderful lady. We talked menopausal symptoms with a few jokes thrown in, got the referral to the radiation oncologist & I gave her a copy of Dave's book 'hope beyond cure' that I have mentioned previously, suggesting some of her patients might find it quite helpful. We then got on to talking about a project she is going to be involved in with medical students helping/training them to ask patients about whether they have a spiritual dimension to their life and how that is impacting/being impacted by their illness. She asked if I would be interested in being involved, which I certainly am if she thinks I could be helpful.
I then managed to get in to see the radiation oncologist yesterday afternoon. The treatment will be 5days a week for 4weeks starting in the next week or two. I go tomorrow for the planning session.
I then saw the physiotherapist today who specialises in lymphoedema to have some baseline testing done - no sign of lymphoedema yet thankfully. My arm is still quite stiff with some 'cording' which is quite common after an axillary dissection so she gave me some exercises I need to do 3x per day.
Well that's about it for now - it really is quite a process but I'm getting there!
Phil & I had 2 days away on the central coast last week - some wonderful friends have a house which was free for the 2 days it was possible for us to get away. It was great to finally get some time out and it was very refreshing, even if it was only 2 days!
Love Jill
Dear friends,
We visited the geneticist on Friday as the results had come back. The result was that I do not have the mutation on the either of the Braca genes which is good news for me & my family in terms of future risk of breast & certain other cancers. There is still a moderately increased risk of breast cancer because of the family history but not the high risk of both breast and ovarian cancer that the mutation would have given. Hurray! This means I don't have the difficult decision of whether to have further surgery which would have been a double mastectomy.
It was a blessing to get the result so quickly and it meant I didn't have to change my appointment with the oncologist which was yesterday. Now that the genetic test was out of the way we could plan for the radiotherapy. It was good to see Fran again - she is a wonderful lady. We talked menopausal symptoms with a few jokes thrown in, got the referral to the radiation oncologist & I gave her a copy of Dave's book 'hope beyond cure' that I have mentioned previously, suggesting some of her patients might find it quite helpful. We then got on to talking about a project she is going to be involved in with medical students helping/training them to ask patients about whether they have a spiritual dimension to their life and how that is impacting/being impacted by their illness. She asked if I would be interested in being involved, which I certainly am if she thinks I could be helpful.
I then managed to get in to see the radiation oncologist yesterday afternoon. The treatment will be 5days a week for 4weeks starting in the next week or two. I go tomorrow for the planning session.
I then saw the physiotherapist today who specialises in lymphoedema to have some baseline testing done - no sign of lymphoedema yet thankfully. My arm is still quite stiff with some 'cording' which is quite common after an axillary dissection so she gave me some exercises I need to do 3x per day.
Well that's about it for now - it really is quite a process but I'm getting there!
Phil & I had 2 days away on the central coast last week - some wonderful friends have a house which was free for the 2 days it was possible for us to get away. It was great to finally get some time out and it was very refreshing, even if it was only 2 days!
Love Jill
Monday 7 July 2014
Recovery continues
7/7/14
Dear friends,
Recovery continues and in myself I feel back to normal apart from my L arm which has a way to go. I did manage to start back at the pool doing my laps twice last week which felt good. Tried not to overdo it - only did half of what I normally do and no freestyle yet so not very taxing aerobically!
No sign of menopausal symptoms yet - likely to come in the next month or so. The other hormonal treatment which I am due to start soon can cause osteoporosis so I had my bone mineral density done. Thankfully it came back above average even compared to a 30 year old (T scores of 1.4 (lumbar) & 0.3 (hip) for those who know what the numbers mean!) It will be important for me to do some weight-bearing exercise each day - finally the dog might get a walk each day!
Still awaiting the genetic test results - will let you know the results once we know.
Thankfully Mady's 18th went well - it was great having Sam down from Townsville & 2 of his army mates as our bouncers, and some lovely friends came to help us serve the food and keep an eye on proceedings but generally everyone behaved themselves which was a relief.
For those of you who have tried to reply to the blog online but have not been able to - apparently you need a gmail account to do so. Thank you for your emails & texts of support & encouragement.
Love Jill
Dear friends,
Recovery continues and in myself I feel back to normal apart from my L arm which has a way to go. I did manage to start back at the pool doing my laps twice last week which felt good. Tried not to overdo it - only did half of what I normally do and no freestyle yet so not very taxing aerobically!
No sign of menopausal symptoms yet - likely to come in the next month or so. The other hormonal treatment which I am due to start soon can cause osteoporosis so I had my bone mineral density done. Thankfully it came back above average even compared to a 30 year old (T scores of 1.4 (lumbar) & 0.3 (hip) for those who know what the numbers mean!) It will be important for me to do some weight-bearing exercise each day - finally the dog might get a walk each day!
Still awaiting the genetic test results - will let you know the results once we know.
Thankfully Mady's 18th went well - it was great having Sam down from Townsville & 2 of his army mates as our bouncers, and some lovely friends came to help us serve the food and keep an eye on proceedings but generally everyone behaved themselves which was a relief.
For those of you who have tried to reply to the blog online but have not been able to - apparently you need a gmail account to do so. Thank you for your emails & texts of support & encouragement.
Love Jill
Friday 27 June 2014
Visit to Geneticist
Saturday 26/6
Dear friends,
I was berated by my Bible Study group on Thursday for not updating my blog. Sorry to those others of you who likewise have looked and found nothing. So here goes!
I started my first injection of Zoladex ( which stops the ovaries producing oestrogen) on Friday a week ago. No side effects so far but these may take a month or two to show up.
Last Tuesday we saw the geneticist Dr Hilda High who was a lovely woman and so knowledgable. We were there for about an hour as she explained the ins &outs of the genetics of breast cancer as far as what is known to date, but the area of genetics is quite obviously a rapidly growing field and more is bring discovered all the time. The high risk breast cancer mutations are on 2 genes called Brca1 & Brca2.Only 2% of people who get breast cancer have one of these mutations. If you do have one of these mutations your chance of getting breast cancer is between 40 - 80%. Given my family history and the fact my breast cancer was bilateral my chance of having the mutation is a little over 10% which means I qualify to have it funded by the government which is a blessing as for a number of reasons we had decided to get it done either way and if I was below10% it would have cost $1750! My mother had offered to pay for it which was very generous but I was overjoyed to tell her she didn't need to.
I had the blood test done on Thursday and they were able to mark it urgent which means I will get the results within a month but hopefully sooner.
If it comes back negative I will then start the radiotherapy. If it comes back positive then I will have to consider whether to have more surgery due to the higher risk of getting another primary breast cancer.
Anyway that's the latest on the medical side. On the social side Mady turns 18 today and we are getting ready for her party with 70 friends (couldn't possibly get the list down from that apparently!)
We are holding our breath and looking forward to 11.30pm!!
I will be more diligent with updating the blog at least once a week even if there is little to report!
Love Jill
Dear friends,
I was berated by my Bible Study group on Thursday for not updating my blog. Sorry to those others of you who likewise have looked and found nothing. So here goes!
I started my first injection of Zoladex ( which stops the ovaries producing oestrogen) on Friday a week ago. No side effects so far but these may take a month or two to show up.
Last Tuesday we saw the geneticist Dr Hilda High who was a lovely woman and so knowledgable. We were there for about an hour as she explained the ins &outs of the genetics of breast cancer as far as what is known to date, but the area of genetics is quite obviously a rapidly growing field and more is bring discovered all the time. The high risk breast cancer mutations are on 2 genes called Brca1 & Brca2.Only 2% of people who get breast cancer have one of these mutations. If you do have one of these mutations your chance of getting breast cancer is between 40 - 80%. Given my family history and the fact my breast cancer was bilateral my chance of having the mutation is a little over 10% which means I qualify to have it funded by the government which is a blessing as for a number of reasons we had decided to get it done either way and if I was below10% it would have cost $1750! My mother had offered to pay for it which was very generous but I was overjoyed to tell her she didn't need to.
I had the blood test done on Thursday and they were able to mark it urgent which means I will get the results within a month but hopefully sooner.
If it comes back negative I will then start the radiotherapy. If it comes back positive then I will have to consider whether to have more surgery due to the higher risk of getting another primary breast cancer.
Anyway that's the latest on the medical side. On the social side Mady turns 18 today and we are getting ready for her party with 70 friends (couldn't possibly get the list down from that apparently!)
We are holding our breath and looking forward to 11.30pm!!
I will be more diligent with updating the blog at least once a week even if there is little to report!
Love Jill
Monday 16 June 2014
Oncologist visit
16/06
Dear friends,
Today we saw the oncologist, Professor Fran Boyle, a lovely & very knowledgable woman ( as far as breast cancer goes anyway!)
No chemotherapy! The best treatment for me will involve hormonal treatment rather than chemotherapy. It is where I thought we were heading given what I had read but it was great to have that confirmed.
The downside is that the hormone therapy is fairly intense as it involves two different medications one of which suppresses the production of oestrogen by the ovaries which will plunge me straight into menopause instead of gradually drifting into it which means the symptoms may be quite intense - I have warned my family!!
It was a blessing to have seen Fran after the recent International Conference where the results of a large study relevant to a case like mine were presented. It impacted on the choice of hormonal treatment and confirmed the decision that chemotherapy is not indicated.
The other outcome of seeing Fran was her recommendation to see a geneticist to discuss having genetic testing. If I have the genetic testing & it comes back positive this could impact on further treatment. So I need to have this done before radiotherapy commences.
We are thankful to God for making the way forward so clear.
We have continued to see many blessings from God through all this, especially the wonderful support and care of family & friends.
Love Jill & Phil
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. (Psalm 115:11,13 ESV)
Dear friends,
Today we saw the oncologist, Professor Fran Boyle, a lovely & very knowledgable woman ( as far as breast cancer goes anyway!)
No chemotherapy! The best treatment for me will involve hormonal treatment rather than chemotherapy. It is where I thought we were heading given what I had read but it was great to have that confirmed.
The downside is that the hormone therapy is fairly intense as it involves two different medications one of which suppresses the production of oestrogen by the ovaries which will plunge me straight into menopause instead of gradually drifting into it which means the symptoms may be quite intense - I have warned my family!!
It was a blessing to have seen Fran after the recent International Conference where the results of a large study relevant to a case like mine were presented. It impacted on the choice of hormonal treatment and confirmed the decision that chemotherapy is not indicated.
The other outcome of seeing Fran was her recommendation to see a geneticist to discuss having genetic testing. If I have the genetic testing & it comes back positive this could impact on further treatment. So I need to have this done before radiotherapy commences.
We are thankful to God for making the way forward so clear.
We have continued to see many blessings from God through all this, especially the wonderful support and care of family & friends.
Love Jill & Phil
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. (Psalm 115:11,13 ESV)
Wednesday 11 June 2014
A wonderful blessing
11/06
Dear all,
We saw the surgeon today and received the great news that all of the lymph nodes removed at the last surgery were free of cancer -a wonderful blessing. This will certainly make a difference to the options I am given for further treatment. So the next step is Monday when I see the oncologist and we discuss the various options. The other good news is that the oncologists have just returned from an international conference at which some research papers were presented with findings very relevant to my situation with regard to further treatment so I'm happy with that!
I had to have more fluid drained from both wounds which I have had to have done repeatedly since the initial surgery so am feeling a lot more comfortable today than yesterday. That will eventually settle but in my case it's not settling quickly. I am learning to be content in all circumstances! It is a blessing having enforced rest & so time to read.
Please pray for wise decision making regarding further treatment as it is likely there will be options not just one definite way forward.
Love Jill
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22, 23 ESV)
Dear all,
We saw the surgeon today and received the great news that all of the lymph nodes removed at the last surgery were free of cancer -a wonderful blessing. This will certainly make a difference to the options I am given for further treatment. So the next step is Monday when I see the oncologist and we discuss the various options. The other good news is that the oncologists have just returned from an international conference at which some research papers were presented with findings very relevant to my situation with regard to further treatment so I'm happy with that!
I had to have more fluid drained from both wounds which I have had to have done repeatedly since the initial surgery so am feeling a lot more comfortable today than yesterday. That will eventually settle but in my case it's not settling quickly. I am learning to be content in all circumstances! It is a blessing having enforced rest & so time to read.
Please pray for wise decision making regarding further treatment as it is likely there will be options not just one definite way forward.
Love Jill
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22, 23 ESV)
Friday 6 June 2014
Home (for good hopefully!)
Saturday, 7/06
Hi all,
Had a reasonable night's sleep ( drugs certainly have their place!) and the drain had little in it so I was given the ok to come home. Thought I was going to have to be a bag lady carry the drain around for a week but thankfully the drain could come out, so no bag to drag! A shower without accompanying attachments felt like luxury - interesting how the definition of luxury changes depending on your circumstances.
I have enjoyed having some time to do some reading which normally I have little time for. I've read the Herald each day, am in the middle of a John Grisham novel & I have re-read the booklet 'Sickness' by J.C. Ryle, a 19thC bishop -an oldie but a goodie. It is full of wisdom & wise counsel which I found myself saying "yes!" to with much more fervour than when I was read it while well. It is both an encouragement & a challenge. I can certainly recommend it. Another book which I read yesterday is one that has just been published called 'Hope beyond cure' by a friend of ours, David McDonald, a pastor in Canberra who at 49 was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We were all at Uni together & his wife Fiona studied medicine with me. In the face of hopelessness that such a diagnosis initially brings he found his beliefs being put to the test forcing him to investigate again the foundations of his faith and whether it stood up to scrutiny. It took him back to examining the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus & the implications of the truth of that. Only in the light of Jesus' resurrection can we have the certainty of hope beyond cure. It is an honest & moving story of Dave's journey to the present as he continues to battle the disease. I recommend getting 2 copies-one to read & one to give away!
Anyway the next thing for me is Wednesday when we get the next pathology results then Monday when we see the oncologist. Will post again after Wednesday.
Love Jill
Hi all,
Had a reasonable night's sleep ( drugs certainly have their place!) and the drain had little in it so I was given the ok to come home. Thought I was going to have to be a bag lady carry the drain around for a week but thankfully the drain could come out, so no bag to drag! A shower without accompanying attachments felt like luxury - interesting how the definition of luxury changes depending on your circumstances.
I have enjoyed having some time to do some reading which normally I have little time for. I've read the Herald each day, am in the middle of a John Grisham novel & I have re-read the booklet 'Sickness' by J.C. Ryle, a 19thC bishop -an oldie but a goodie. It is full of wisdom & wise counsel which I found myself saying "yes!" to with much more fervour than when I was read it while well. It is both an encouragement & a challenge. I can certainly recommend it. Another book which I read yesterday is one that has just been published called 'Hope beyond cure' by a friend of ours, David McDonald, a pastor in Canberra who at 49 was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We were all at Uni together & his wife Fiona studied medicine with me. In the face of hopelessness that such a diagnosis initially brings he found his beliefs being put to the test forcing him to investigate again the foundations of his faith and whether it stood up to scrutiny. It took him back to examining the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus & the implications of the truth of that. Only in the light of Jesus' resurrection can we have the certainty of hope beyond cure. It is an honest & moving story of Dave's journey to the present as he continues to battle the disease. I recommend getting 2 copies-one to read & one to give away!
Anyway the next thing for me is Wednesday when we get the next pathology results then Monday when we see the oncologist. Will post again after Wednesday.
Love Jill
Wednesday 4 June 2014
Post-op number 3
4/6/14
Hi all,
It was an early start - had to be there at 6am.Today's operation went smoothly and as expected. No post-op haematoma this time! I have a drain in this time anyway. Love the deep sleep of anaesthesia but still snoozed most of the afternoon and feel quite well at present. Will be in at least till Friday.
I am continuing to read through the Psalms which God is using to strengthen & encourage me.
An extract from the Psalms I read this morning:
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. (Psalm 86:4-7 ESV)
Yet again can I thank you all for your expressions of love and for your prayers.
Love Jill
Hi all,
It was an early start - had to be there at 6am.Today's operation went smoothly and as expected. No post-op haematoma this time! I have a drain in this time anyway. Love the deep sleep of anaesthesia but still snoozed most of the afternoon and feel quite well at present. Will be in at least till Friday.
I am continuing to read through the Psalms which God is using to strengthen & encourage me.
An extract from the Psalms I read this morning:
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. (Psalm 86:4-7 ESV)
Yet again can I thank you all for your expressions of love and for your prayers.
Love Jill
Wednesday 28 May 2014
Pathology result & what's next
28/05/14
Dear friends,
Well as the surgeon said: of course it's complicated. Why 'of course'? That's because complications & difficulties always seem to happen to patients who are Drs!
It's complicated because although the tumor on the L was relatively small (10mm) and low grade malignancy (grade1), there were 2 of the 7 lymph nodes removed that had microscopic cancer. The nodes on the R side were clear.
So what's next?
The result means I will return to surgery next Wednesday to have the remaining lymph nodes in the L axilla removed and examined for cancer. The result will determine further treatment.
Thankfully God is in charge not me. If it was me I'd do things differently which obviously wouldn't be what's best for me & those around me. I have been reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 today & frequently through this ordeal so far: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." In my understanding (& the surgeons) this makes little sense but God knows what's going on, the way forward and His purposes in all of this.
Thank you all for your continuing care, concern and especially your prayers for us all.
Love Jill
Dear friends,
Well as the surgeon said: of course it's complicated. Why 'of course'? That's because complications & difficulties always seem to happen to patients who are Drs!
It's complicated because although the tumor on the L was relatively small (10mm) and low grade malignancy (grade1), there were 2 of the 7 lymph nodes removed that had microscopic cancer. The nodes on the R side were clear.
So what's next?
The result means I will return to surgery next Wednesday to have the remaining lymph nodes in the L axilla removed and examined for cancer. The result will determine further treatment.
Thankfully God is in charge not me. If it was me I'd do things differently which obviously wouldn't be what's best for me & those around me. I have been reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 today & frequently through this ordeal so far: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." In my understanding (& the surgeons) this makes little sense but God knows what's going on, the way forward and His purposes in all of this.
Thank you all for your continuing care, concern and especially your prayers for us all.
Love Jill
Tuesday 20 May 2014
Home today!
21/5
Had a much better night's sleep -broken but 8 hours in total which is amazing as I sleep on my side & both sides are bruised & sore - much better than what felt like none the night before! Don't feel like my eyes are hanging out of my head!
Surgeon's happy for me to go home today which is great. Will see him with results of pathology next Wednesday so will update after that.
A big thank you to all of you for all your care,concern& prayers .
Love Jill
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:7, 8, 11 ESV)
Had a much better night's sleep -broken but 8 hours in total which is amazing as I sleep on my side & both sides are bruised & sore - much better than what felt like none the night before! Don't feel like my eyes are hanging out of my head!
Surgeon's happy for me to go home today which is great. Will see him with results of pathology next Wednesday so will update after that.
A big thank you to all of you for all your care,concern& prayers .
Love Jill
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:7, 8, 11 ESV)
Monday 19 May 2014
Post-op hiccup
Hi All
Small hiccup post-op. All was going well till about 10pm when swelling & pain developed L side due to haematoma into wound. Morphine worked well to enable me to snooze on& off but not sure I had any real sleep!
Back to theatre this morning at 7 to drain haematoma & feeling very comfortable now. Just exhausted like I've done an all-nighter which I guess I have!
From a human perspective just a small hiccup, from God's perspective He has His purposes in this just as He does in everything in my life - I guess He wanted me in here a bit longer! I'm content with that.
Small hiccup post-op. All was going well till about 10pm when swelling & pain developed L side due to haematoma into wound. Morphine worked well to enable me to snooze on& off but not sure I had any real sleep!
Back to theatre this morning at 7 to drain haematoma & feeling very comfortable now. Just exhausted like I've done an all-nighter which I guess I have!
From a human perspective just a small hiccup, from God's perspective He has His purposes in this just as He does in everything in my life - I guess He wanted me in here a bit longer! I'm content with that.
Post-op
Hi all, I'm back on the ward feeling a bit groggy. Surgery went well - no drain required thankfully!
Will be in overnight. Interesting morning pre-op in nuclear medicine -amazing technology!
See surgeon again in the morning.
Will be in overnight. Interesting morning pre-op in nuclear medicine -amazing technology!
See surgeon again in the morning.
Monday 12 May 2014
Update for family & friends
Monday 12/5/14
I'm not normally a blogger & I think I've only ever read one other blog. I don't even have a Facebook page! However it was suggested this might be a good way of keeping family & friends updated on what's happening & how I am going.
Today we saw the surgeon again and surgery is planned for Monday. Depending on the surgery I may be in just overnight or it may be a few days.
Thank you to you all for your love & care shown in so many ways.
We have a great God who cares for us and holds on to us in everything we go through. Romans 8:17-39 is such a powerful reminder of this.
Love Jill
I'm not normally a blogger & I think I've only ever read one other blog. I don't even have a Facebook page! However it was suggested this might be a good way of keeping family & friends updated on what's happening & how I am going.
Today we saw the surgeon again and surgery is planned for Monday. Depending on the surgery I may be in just overnight or it may be a few days.
Thank you to you all for your love & care shown in so many ways.
We have a great God who cares for us and holds on to us in everything we go through. Romans 8:17-39 is such a powerful reminder of this.
Love Jill
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