So, we are still in Houston. Yesterday, we talked to my nurse and she said that nothing could be done until my counts go up. They told me to rest and we would draw blood again on Wednesday. We decided to stay here to give my body the best chance of the best rest.
Please pray my counts go up! We plan to stay in Houston until they do. In the future, there is apparently something they can give me that helps my counts go up so that this is not such an issue. We are praying and trusting that a great solution to all of this will be made!
As of right now, on Thursday I have an appointment with the reconstructive surgeon, as well as an ultrasound and an appointment with Dr. Morrow. This is the appointment I have been long awaiting as the ultrasound with show how I am responding to chemo...I can't wait to see how well it is responding!!! After the ultrasound, we will meet with my Dr. I assuming to discuss the results and to gain a little more clarity on that the future treatments look like.
Please pray my counts go up so high and also that the ultrasound shows the cancer shrinking, if not gone! God can do more than we would even think or imagine, so I am having faith that some would note as foolish...
We will stay in Houston until my chemo treatment is given! Please pray it happens quickly...it is so crazy to feel fine, yet your blood work looks terrible. God is so good to me. I take all of this as a sign of the chemo working wonderfully, killing all cancer cells in my body. I told Josh last night that even though my hair continues to fall out, I gain some sort of satisfaction from it...cells are continuing to be killed. Of course, struggling with it, but God has given me an incredible perspective.
Love you all and thank you for praying for high ANC counts and great results on Thursday...
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Trusting
God is faithful and He works everything together for the good of those who love Him- that's me!
Josh and I are trusting God throughout this rough weekend, because He knows what I need and just when I need it. Yesterday, they were able to get in touch with a doctor and they ordered the chemo- I was overjoyed! All they were waiting on was my blood work. We were fully assuming that they would rise like last week. Well, the blood work came back and my ANC was .32. Of course, I was disappointed and could not receive chemo again yesterday. We ate lunch, went to whole foods, and took a nap in time to wake up for church.
It has been a whirlwind of emotions from hopefulness to disappointment again and again. The Lord never changes. I can depend on Him and His unfailing love when I can't depend on anything else. I have no idea how people go through cancer without a relationship with the One who holds their life in His hands.
We went to an amazing church service last night and God spoke to the both of us in very specific mighty ways. The church embraced us and once again the body of Christ was shown in a powerful way. The pastor spoke on miracles...I obviously am praying for a miracle and believe that one will take place in my body. However, I do not want to seek the promise-giver or miracle-maker for the miracle or the promise. I obviously am believing and claiming that, but that is not the reason I seek God. I praise and seek Him because He is worthy of it- just because of who is is- His very character. I am seeking Him for Him...not just for His miracle working power. This was reiterated in the message we heard last night.
We stayed in a hotel for the first 2 nights here and of course thought we would only be here one night. Last night, we moved from our hotel to a special friend's friend's house (Mr. Clint and Ms. Rose Ann). They have an apartment attached to her house and it has been such a blessing to have those opening up their home to ours. Last week we stayed at one of my mom's friend's house from college (Ms. Tammy)....people have been so generous to us..we are so grateful.
We are sitting in the lobby at MDA waiting to see what the doctor wants us to do. We are assuming blood work again, hopefully followed by chemo if my white cell count raises. Please pray with us that they raise, if it is God's will.
I have been challenged this weekend to be thankful in all circumstances. This is a command by God and I will obey.
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful In all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I am thankful and praising God for this setback. I am not sure why, but I will be thankful and praise Him for everything. Thank you for joining us again in prayer!
Josh and I are trusting God throughout this rough weekend, because He knows what I need and just when I need it. Yesterday, they were able to get in touch with a doctor and they ordered the chemo- I was overjoyed! All they were waiting on was my blood work. We were fully assuming that they would rise like last week. Well, the blood work came back and my ANC was .32. Of course, I was disappointed and could not receive chemo again yesterday. We ate lunch, went to whole foods, and took a nap in time to wake up for church.
It has been a whirlwind of emotions from hopefulness to disappointment again and again. The Lord never changes. I can depend on Him and His unfailing love when I can't depend on anything else. I have no idea how people go through cancer without a relationship with the One who holds their life in His hands.
We went to an amazing church service last night and God spoke to the both of us in very specific mighty ways. The church embraced us and once again the body of Christ was shown in a powerful way. The pastor spoke on miracles...I obviously am praying for a miracle and believe that one will take place in my body. However, I do not want to seek the promise-giver or miracle-maker for the miracle or the promise. I obviously am believing and claiming that, but that is not the reason I seek God. I praise and seek Him because He is worthy of it- just because of who is is- His very character. I am seeking Him for Him...not just for His miracle working power. This was reiterated in the message we heard last night.
We stayed in a hotel for the first 2 nights here and of course thought we would only be here one night. Last night, we moved from our hotel to a special friend's friend's house (Mr. Clint and Ms. Rose Ann). They have an apartment attached to her house and it has been such a blessing to have those opening up their home to ours. Last week we stayed at one of my mom's friend's house from college (Ms. Tammy)....people have been so generous to us..we are so grateful.
We are sitting in the lobby at MDA waiting to see what the doctor wants us to do. We are assuming blood work again, hopefully followed by chemo if my white cell count raises. Please pray with us that they raise, if it is God's will.
I have been challenged this weekend to be thankful in all circumstances. This is a command by God and I will obey.
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful In all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I am thankful and praising God for this setback. I am not sure why, but I will be thankful and praise Him for everything. Thank you for joining us again in prayer!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Frustrating day
Hey guys,
We made it to Houston last night after flying in from Tennessee for Thanksgiving. I had my blood work this morning and I was then supposed to have my chemo at 10. It was nearing noon, and they still had or received the results of my blood work. They finally got in and my ANC was .29. Ugh!!! Remember last week it was .86 and it was too low? Well, this week even lower.
The nurse could not get in touch with Dr. Morrow to see what she wanted to do. We are in the main building this week since our normal one is closed for the holidays. Apparently weekends and especially holiday weekends are crazy over here. They still have not talked to Dr. Morrow and they must talk to her before they order chemo. They were able to administer the neupogin shot, but cannot do anything else without Dr. Morrow's approval.
We were planning on heading home to West Monroe today, but now we will just wait here until they hear from Dr. Morrow. They will definitely hear from her on Monday, but we are praying that she calls them back sooner and I can get chemo tomorrow.
I just cried and cried when the nurse told me we couldn't schedule chemo for today or tomorrow. Even a day or a few days, or a week to be off schedule seems like an eternity. The nurse told me I need to rest my body, so we are resting today and tying to enjoy some time together. Please pray that Dr. Morrow calls back soon. We will keep you updated.
We made it to Houston last night after flying in from Tennessee for Thanksgiving. I had my blood work this morning and I was then supposed to have my chemo at 10. It was nearing noon, and they still had or received the results of my blood work. They finally got in and my ANC was .29. Ugh!!! Remember last week it was .86 and it was too low? Well, this week even lower.
The nurse could not get in touch with Dr. Morrow to see what she wanted to do. We are in the main building this week since our normal one is closed for the holidays. Apparently weekends and especially holiday weekends are crazy over here. They still have not talked to Dr. Morrow and they must talk to her before they order chemo. They were able to administer the neupogin shot, but cannot do anything else without Dr. Morrow's approval.
We were planning on heading home to West Monroe today, but now we will just wait here until they hear from Dr. Morrow. They will definitely hear from her on Monday, but we are praying that she calls them back sooner and I can get chemo tomorrow.
I just cried and cried when the nurse told me we couldn't schedule chemo for today or tomorrow. Even a day or a few days, or a week to be off schedule seems like an eternity. The nurse told me I need to rest my body, so we are resting today and tying to enjoy some time together. Please pray that Dr. Morrow calls back soon. We will keep you updated.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Silpada Jewelry Event to SUPPORT Aly
Like myself, we are all searching for many ways to SUPPORT and BLESS Aly through this journey of her life. I would love to invite you to another event being held so that you can help make this possible! I, with the help of my dear friend Brandae Miller/Silpada Representative, am holding an ONLINE jewelry catalog order. Brandae has been blessed beyond words can say with her growing business and has been waiting for the opportunity to bless someone in return. She will be donating 100% of her profit to Aly and Josh.
If you are not familiar with Silipada Jewelry, it is handcrafted with the finest Sterling Silver and manufactured to stand the test of time with a LIFETIME GUARENTEE! To order and browse the catalog, type in www.mysilpada.com/brandae.miller as appears, making sure that you include the forward slash and period between brandae and miller or it WILL NOT pull up Brandae's home page. PLEASE make sure that at checkout, you CHOOSE ALY TAYLOR as HOSTESS so all purchases will go towards Aly's Event!! This event was initially going to be held through the entire month of November, but Will be extended until DECEMBER 4. Note, we will need to close on the order by that date so all orders will be processed and delivered in plenty of time for Christmas! Like myself, what not a perfect time to do Christmas shopping for those wonderful people on our list, and at the same time, contribute to blessing an AMAZING young woman!!!!!!!
If you have ANY questions or would like help placing the order, please contact Lee Ann Shows at 318-376-0674 or Brandae Miller (Silpada Representative) at 601-807-9343. Please get your orders in soon! Blessings to all and Happy Shopping!!!!!!!!
If you are not familiar with Silipada Jewelry, it is handcrafted with the finest Sterling Silver and manufactured to stand the test of time with a LIFETIME GUARENTEE! To order and browse the catalog, type in www.mysilpada.com/brandae.miller as appears, making sure that you include the forward slash and period between brandae and miller or it WILL NOT pull up Brandae's home page. PLEASE make sure that at checkout, you CHOOSE ALY TAYLOR as HOSTESS so all purchases will go towards Aly's Event!! This event was initially going to be held through the entire month of November, but Will be extended until DECEMBER 4. Note, we will need to close on the order by that date so all orders will be processed and delivered in plenty of time for Christmas! Like myself, what not a perfect time to do Christmas shopping for those wonderful people on our list, and at the same time, contribute to blessing an AMAZING young woman!!!!!!!
If you have ANY questions or would like help placing the order, please contact Lee Ann Shows at 318-376-0674 or Brandae Miller (Silpada Representative) at 601-807-9343. Please get your orders in soon! Blessings to all and Happy Shopping!!!!!!!!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Almost devastation turned victory!
Hey all! We are home from Houston...yay!!! Whew, I have so much to write. First of all, thank you so much for your prayers Thursday..they were so vital to me and God answered them. You all are amazing.
Thursday, I had my port pre-op appointments with some of the nicest ladies yet. Then, I went to get my bloodowork and had the sweetest nurse who confided in me that she was pregnant and hadnt told many people yet..so,so sweet. It is crazy how close you can feel to people that are working hard to not hurt you and just want to take it all away. She was precious.
After my bloodowork, we grabbed lunch and shopped a little and headed to an outlet mall about 30 minutes away. On the way there, we tried calling some of my nurses to see if they could tell us how the bloodowork came back. It took forever to get to someone who could actually tell us something. We finally talked to Joy in the infusion therapy department and she was able to compare my blood work from last week to this week. The part they are concerned with is my ANC count (similar to white blood cells). It is supposed to be at 1 or higher. Anything lower than that puts you at an increased risk for infection and doctors typically do not feel comfortable administering chemo below 1. Last week, my ANC was .95 and this week it dropped again to .86. Joy was nervous they were not going to be able to give me chemo, so she contacted my doctor. We were at the mall for 10 minutes when we received a call from Joy to say that they wanted to give me a shot that night to try and boost my ANC level. So, we headed back to MD Anderson! We laughed that we had driven all that way to turn around again! Thankfully, I have an amazing husband and mom that were more excited for me to get the shot than to stay and shop and get a break from the hospital.
Soooo, we headed back! Traffic was crazy and we moved about 10 miles in an hour, but we made it:) I got the neupogin shot and it went well. It burned pretty badly as it went in, but other than that, it went well. Esmie, my nurse, said that it could cause some bone pain, but so far, so good!
Joy informed us at the time of my shot that we had to wait 24 hours to get chemo for the shot to be in my system, so, at that point my chemo changed from this Friday morning to Friday night. We planned on leaving this Friday afternoon, but then we learned my chemo changed, so we thought we would have to stay the night, but no, God is bigger!!!
I had my surgery this Friday morning and it went well. It took about an hour and I am really sore, but it went well. I said some pretty funny things and did some crazy things...that provided some entertainment:) My collar bone and neck just hurt badly! It hurts to talk! It should go away, but this catheter is in my jugular and is just very uncomfortable. It will get better as I get used to it though.
Now comes the good news!!! They took my blood through my port during surgery and remember my ANC was at .86 Thursday? Well, Friday it was at 8.11!!!! Yes, crazy high!!!! All it had to be at was 1 and it ws 8! We were thrilled and so thankful. It is amazing how the Lord orders our steps.
Because of this, we could have chemo whenever and didn't have to wait until Friday tonight. So, we had chemo around 12! Talk about change of plans..God's plans are so much better than our own. Because he knows the future and just because of who He is, He goes before us and knows what's best. He knows the end of my story ends in victory. He just wants me to trust Him, and I will trust him- no matter what.
I am standing on His promises! It has really hit me in the last few days just how long this process will be. I am such an organized person that wants to check off dates and move along, and that will happen, but it will take a while. I will wait patiently for the Lord. Praying this moves along quickly, but I will wait as long as He has me wait.
"Rest in the Lord asnd wait patiently for Him." Psalm 37:7 "But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint?" Isaiah 40:32
He will save me. I will live and declare the works of the Lord!!!
"I will not die. Instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done!" Psalm 118:17
On the way to Houston on Thursday morning.
Shot on Thursday night.
Ready of my port surgery Friday morning.
This creeped us out a little when they put this on her foot. Josh asked why and they said to identify me during surgery so that they do not have to interrupt the "sterile" zone near the actual surgery site.
Still a little odd.
Round 4 in the books. Again, for whoever blessed us with the iPad2, please look on my lap and you will see just one more time we have used the iPad. It has been a blessing.
Thursday, I had my port pre-op appointments with some of the nicest ladies yet. Then, I went to get my bloodowork and had the sweetest nurse who confided in me that she was pregnant and hadnt told many people yet..so,so sweet. It is crazy how close you can feel to people that are working hard to not hurt you and just want to take it all away. She was precious.
After my bloodowork, we grabbed lunch and shopped a little and headed to an outlet mall about 30 minutes away. On the way there, we tried calling some of my nurses to see if they could tell us how the bloodowork came back. It took forever to get to someone who could actually tell us something. We finally talked to Joy in the infusion therapy department and she was able to compare my blood work from last week to this week. The part they are concerned with is my ANC count (similar to white blood cells). It is supposed to be at 1 or higher. Anything lower than that puts you at an increased risk for infection and doctors typically do not feel comfortable administering chemo below 1. Last week, my ANC was .95 and this week it dropped again to .86. Joy was nervous they were not going to be able to give me chemo, so she contacted my doctor. We were at the mall for 10 minutes when we received a call from Joy to say that they wanted to give me a shot that night to try and boost my ANC level. So, we headed back to MD Anderson! We laughed that we had driven all that way to turn around again! Thankfully, I have an amazing husband and mom that were more excited for me to get the shot than to stay and shop and get a break from the hospital.
Soooo, we headed back! Traffic was crazy and we moved about 10 miles in an hour, but we made it:) I got the neupogin shot and it went well. It burned pretty badly as it went in, but other than that, it went well. Esmie, my nurse, said that it could cause some bone pain, but so far, so good!
Joy informed us at the time of my shot that we had to wait 24 hours to get chemo for the shot to be in my system, so, at that point my chemo changed from this Friday morning to Friday night. We planned on leaving this Friday afternoon, but then we learned my chemo changed, so we thought we would have to stay the night, but no, God is bigger!!!
I had my surgery this Friday morning and it went well. It took about an hour and I am really sore, but it went well. I said some pretty funny things and did some crazy things...that provided some entertainment:) My collar bone and neck just hurt badly! It hurts to talk! It should go away, but this catheter is in my jugular and is just very uncomfortable. It will get better as I get used to it though.
Now comes the good news!!! They took my blood through my port during surgery and remember my ANC was at .86 Thursday? Well, Friday it was at 8.11!!!! Yes, crazy high!!!! All it had to be at was 1 and it ws 8! We were thrilled and so thankful. It is amazing how the Lord orders our steps.
Because of this, we could have chemo whenever and didn't have to wait until Friday tonight. So, we had chemo around 12! Talk about change of plans..God's plans are so much better than our own. Because he knows the future and just because of who He is, He goes before us and knows what's best. He knows the end of my story ends in victory. He just wants me to trust Him, and I will trust him- no matter what.
I am standing on His promises! It has really hit me in the last few days just how long this process will be. I am such an organized person that wants to check off dates and move along, and that will happen, but it will take a while. I will wait patiently for the Lord. Praying this moves along quickly, but I will wait as long as He has me wait.
"Rest in the Lord asnd wait patiently for Him." Psalm 37:7 "But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint?" Isaiah 40:32
He will save me. I will live and declare the works of the Lord!!!
"I will not die. Instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done!" Psalm 118:17
Still a little odd.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Port surgery
Aly just went back to get her port put in. We were with the doctor and they asked if she wanted complete sedation or just enough for her to not actually be in pain and of course in classic fashion Aly says just give me the lesser one because we have some stuff to do today when this is over. I literally am in awe of her ongoing strength because let me tell you that I ask for the gas at the dentist office to get my teeth cleaned. Needless to say they would have to knock me out just to make me stay still, this woman is crazy strong.
The lady asked her what is your pain tolerance and said on a scale of one to ten when would you be uncomfortable and to that Aly said 8. The lady looked at me expecting me to say something different and the only thing I had to say different was I don't think she feels pain.
Today's Proverb is golden, especially Verse 22: the man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
I now know why Nic Cage called for advice on treasure hunting when they were shooting National Treasure. Anyone could look and see I have quite a jewel....that is my sad, bad attempt for the day.
We will post later on when we a actually getting round 4 of chemo and how the surgery this morning went, as of now she should be out of surgery in 15:05seconds.
The lady asked her what is your pain tolerance and said on a scale of one to ten when would you be uncomfortable and to that Aly said 8. The lady looked at me expecting me to say something different and the only thing I had to say different was I don't think she feels pain.
Today's Proverb is golden, especially Verse 22: the man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
I now know why Nic Cage called for advice on treasure hunting when they were shooting National Treasure. Anyone could look and see I have quite a jewel....that is my sad, bad attempt for the day.
We will post later on when we a actually getting round 4 of chemo and how the surgery this morning went, as of now she should be out of surgery in 15:05seconds.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Prayer request
Hey guys, just wanted to send a quick prayer request. I am getting my blood taken today and I need my white blood cell count to be high enough to be able to get chemo tomorrow. I am believing that it will be, but since it was low last time and they had to get permission from Dr. Morrow to administer the Taxol, I am concerned, so please pray! Also, they said my potassium was high, so please pray that lowers as well.
Almost done with all my pre-op stuff and then to get my blood taken, which is why I am having you pray..then surgery and chemo tomorrow. Love you all!
Almost done with all my pre-op stuff and then to get my blood taken, which is why I am having you pray..then surgery and chemo tomorrow. Love you all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)