Sunday, December 4, 2011

Finally headed home!!!!

We are so glad to be headed home! We thought we would be home a week ago, so we are ready to be home. We went to a church service last night so we could head home right after my shot this morning...did I say we are glad to be heading home?!

I know you guys already know because of Josh's post, but ISNT GOD SO GOOD!?!! I can't begin to describe the weight that has been taken off of me. What I knew God was doing in my body has been proven. Others now know what I already knew...God is healing me and will continue to until I am cancer-free!!!! Oh my goodness, what a day that will be!

The last ultrasound I had was the one when they saw the suspicious lymph nodes and did an immediate biopsy that came back positive for cancer. To say that laying on that ultrasound table is unnerving, is such an understatement. I get undressed and lay on the bed for about 15 minutes, then a lady comes in and does the ultrasound...she literally does not say a word as she measures the lymph nodes on the screen. I am praying the entire time, resisting the devil and thanking God for good results. Once again though, doubts can fill my mind. Has it spread? Is that why she's not talking? Is it not responding? Maybe thats why it's taking her so long to measure...thoughts like these run through my mind. Thankfully, I have the power of the Holy Spirit and I can combat those negative thoughts with God's word. She finally leaves and tells me that the radiologist will come in to give me the results. I wait for another 15 minutes. Tears streaming down my face, praying and believing for good results. The radiologist finally comes in and tells me there seems to be a 25% improvement...I so badly wanted Josh in the room with me for this, but they don't allow you to have anyone come back. Yes, it was lonely and scary, but such amazing moments with me and my Heavenly Father..vulnerable, desperate, trusting, and resting in His presence. As the radiologist left the room, I just praised God over and over.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and He will flee from you." James 4:7

Dr. Morrow was thrilled at the response and she is just so great. I will be taking 3 shots for 3 days after each treatment to help with the ANC level. It is amazing that I haven't gotten sick with my levels so low. God is surrounding me as a shield.

"He is my hiding place and my shield. I hope in His word." Psalm 119:114

"But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head." Psalm 3:3

We met with my reconstructive surgeon and we discussed what we would do come surgery time. Lots and lots of new information. We loved my doctor and we will meet with them again probably around March or April. Reconstruction will happen 6 months to a year after radiation.

Considering everything, we have actually had a good couple of weeks. I was able to spend some much needed quality time with Josh and we had a great few days with my mom and Ms. Renea. We have shopped, rested, and Josh and I even got a massage. My sister and my mom blessed us with a massage, and it was amazing. We got some Christmas shopping done and it feels good to have some of that underway.

These last 2 weeks have been the worst I have felt thus far. I still feel ok, but many headaches...please pray this subsides. I am so thankful and blessed to only be having few side effects. The neupogen shots have caused my lower back and body to ache, along with the headaches. It comes in waves and right now, I feel great, but that has been a struggle. Overall, I am so thankful to feel like I have been.

We have been staying with one of my mom's friends, Ms. Tammy and she and her family are so great. We had a blast visiting with them last night. God has put such a desire in Josh and I to do for others what has been done for us. I think I have already said this, but it just keeps being planted in us over and over. We want to give. We want to serve. We want to go way out of our way for others in ways that may seem over the top.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Matthew 25:35

We have been so taken care of. Thank you for loving us!!!!

Getting one of my neupogen shots.

                                                     Treatment 5 done!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!

6 comments:

Ginny Evans said...

Aly, I wish you had some idea of how you inspire me!! You and Josh are an amazing pair and I know God has great plans for your future!!! So glad you are headed home and praying you have a good week!! Love, Ms. Ginny

Anonymous said...

Oh Aly I am so happy to hear the good news. I am so proud of your positive attitude. It astounds me. You are literally so strong and amazing I can barely comprehend it. You are definitely someone I look up to and admire. I love you and want the good news to keep on coming. Please call if you need anything even if it's just an icee or to watch a movie. I love you Aly!
- Bonnie (shake your bon bon)

Paula Aitken said...

God is so good. Let us send up praises to Him! Love you and Josh. Now get some rest at while you are home. Give Tammy a hug for me next time you stay with them. Paula Aitken

Paula Aitken said...

God is so good. Let us send up praises to Him! Love you and Josh. Now get some rest at while you are home. Give Tammy a hug for me next time you stay with them. Paula Aitken

Tammy said...

You and Josh are a blessing to us! You can now refer to our home as your "Houston" home. We adore you're both!

The Tiptons said...

Aly,
I am not sure that you remember me from ULM but I was friends with Lee. My maiden name was Kendall Turner. Of course, I remember you:) You and Josh were always such a sweet couple and I just loved seeing you two together. And how could I forget that beautiful smile you have:) I saw your alysfight website on Lee's page last night and have read from start to today. I know this has been such a roller coaster to you both. I am praying for your healing and strength. I am a radiation therapist in Little Rock! I absolutely love my job and my patients! But I do know that you can kick cancers butt:) Please know that I am thinking and praying for you often!!