Giving Thanks

Sorry for the delay in blogging. Life has been busy. This blog post was started on December 4, 2022 and finished on December 20, 2022. 😳

It states in 1 Thessalonians 5:18a "in everything give thanks..." And so, as I continue on this journey, I try to give my Savior & Lord thanks for the good and the not so good. As you know, it's much easier to acknowledge good things and show gratitude than it is to when everything is crumbling around you. I'm learning that it's all in your attitude. When my attitude isn't what it should be, I am not a great person to be around!!! And I need a lot of prayer and an attitude adjustment!!! I hope over the past weeks, you took a few moments to thank the Lord for the many blessings in your life and I pray that you will continue to do that daily!!!

My doctor appointment was early on Thursday, November 17. It was a short and sweet appointment, and she was pleased with my numbers and how my lungs sounded. I wasn't as pleased with my CA-125 number. It only went down to 287 which was about 20 points from the end of October, but I was hoping for a bigger drop. Maybe next time. After my appointment, I headed up to the infusion floor and waited to be called back to my lovely chair.

After I got hooked up, I had a cup of tea and relaxed a bit. I had just finished my drip of Avastin when suddenly, the fire alarm went off. And it's quite loud and annoying. We were told it was not a drill and we would need to evacuate the building. YIKES!!! They nurses worked quickly to unhook everyone from their various treatments. Once I was unhooked, I grabbed my coat, handbag, and backpack and headed to the emergency exit. We walked down the three flights of stairs and headed through the lobby, out the front door and onto the little island across the street. As I didn't see flames shooting out the windows or roof, I figured it was some sensor that picked a really bad time to go bad. Of course, it was a very cold day, and I was sure glad I put on my coat. Finally, the firemen gave us the all clear and then we all had to make our way back into the building and get to our various floors and appointments. Thankfully, I could take the elevator back to the third floor. 

However, just as I made it back to my chair ... the alarm went off again. UGH!!! However, after about 15 seconds, it stopped. And then about a minute later, it went off again. But it only stayed on for about 5 seconds. Finally, I was hooked up again and able to finish my infusion without interruption. What a day!!!

I think the worst side effect this time around is the constant fatigue. Sometimes I push through and sometimes, I take a nap. However, I'm thankful that my employer has changed my hours and allowed me to work 5 hours a day/4 days a week. And I have every Friday off!!! WooHoo!!! And my sister's employer offered her the same type of schedule, so we both have Friday off!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!! And, to top it off, my employer was just named one of the top 5 places to work in Alabama. Way to go Adtrav!!! 

The week following Chemo 2A was Thanksgiving. We decided to do something we had never done before. We ordered a complete dinner from Cracker Barrel. We picked it up the day before, popped it in the fridge, and just had to reheat most of the items on Thursday. It wasn't exactly what we usually have, but it was good and for a dinner that was listed as serves 4-6, we got 6 dinners for 3 plus an extra turkey sandwich! Gobble, gobble!!! And guess what? We ordered Christmas dinner from Cracker Barrel again. Prime Rib ... yum!!!

Pumpkin Roll from Wegman's

December 1st was Chemo 2B. Of course, I had done the required labs (urine test) on Tuesday, received the results on Wednesday and knew I was good to get chemo on Thursday. After dropping my sister at work in Philly, I went right to MDA and waited for them to call me back to my chair. Again, they wanted to take more blood, but after speaking with my doctor and the nurse at my appointment, they advise if it happens again, to have them call and verify that I did not need to have blood drawn. So, I waited for them to contact my doctor. Finally, I was called back to my chair. They reached my doctor and she advised that although it is their protocol, at least for me, I would not require blood work before my "B" treatment. My wonderful nurse, Amanda, advised that she put that info in my chart and hopefully, I would not have to wait again. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!

And guess what??? I had an uneventful day ... finally!!! I finished my infusion before noon, set up my schedule for Chemo 3A & B, and went home for some lunch and a nap. 

As I now approach treatment 3A, I'm so thankful for so many people and so many experiences over the past month. From the beautiful message at Hope Community Church Ladies' Christmas Event, "A Weary World Rejoices," to singing with many choir friends at the Sage Christmas Banquet at Fellowship Alliance to the Sunday Advent message series at Hope, "Missing Christmas." I'm reminded in this season that we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ; we do live in a weary world - COVID, RSV, flu, inflation/recession, broken relationships, job stress, and the list goes on and on. I know I'm weary of this cancer journey.  How on earth could I or anyone rejoice? Like gratitude, rejoicing is more than just being happy. Recently, I've been thinking a lot about joy. In fact, in this past Sunday's Advent message was on Joy. Bible Project was quoted, 

"Joy is an attitude God’s people adopt, not because of happy circumstances, but because of their hope in God’s love and promise. The joy of God’s people is not determined by their struggles, but by their future destiny. Christian joy is a profound decision of faith and hope in the power of Jesus’ own life and love."

If you'd like to watch the entire video about joy from Bible Project, please click on the following link:

Watch: Joy (Chara) Advent Word Study Video | BibleProject™

As you gather with family & friends during the Christmas holiday, I truly pray that you can find true joy, hope, love, and peace that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can provide.

When I first started this post, several weeks ago, I heard this song and it got me thinking about being a thanks giver. I'm hoping you'll be a thanks giver and a joy giver, too!!! The song is by Crowder. 

Prayer Requests:

Thursday, December 22 - Dr. appointment & Chemo 3A - 8:45am

Tuesday, January 3 - Labs (urine test) - approximately 7:00am

Thursday, January 5 - Chemo 3B - approximately 9:00am

MERRY CHRISTMAS from my family to yours!!! 

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!!!

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

A Series of Unfortunate (and Wonderful) Events

Many of you know that I started back on chemo on Thursday, October 20. In preparation for this round of chemo, I was required to get an ECG (echocardiogram) to make sure my heart was in good shape. So, after work on Friday, October 14, I went and had the test done. I was the last test that day. I figured if there was a problem, I'd hear about it over the weekend and get the results in my portal on Monday -- at the very latest, Tuesday. Well, I waited and waited and waited some more. 

On Thursday morning, I treated myself to breakfast at a local diner. I had one of my favorite choices -- Cinnamon Bun French Toast. YUMMY!!! It was nice to have a little me time before I started more chemo.

My oncologist appointment early Thursday afternoon before my infusion. They, too, were waiting for the results. The nurse even called the Cardiology department to find out why my results were delayed. Nothing. The only bummer of the appointment was that they forgot to tell me and give me orders for one of the tests that I need to have before chemo -- a urine test. I would need to do that before I could get chemo. I finished with my appointment and the good news ... my CA-125 had gone DOWN exactly 100 points since August 16!!! Why??? My doctor thought it might have been the COVID booster that I got, but I informed her that I thought it was a God thing. She agreed. After listening to my lungs, she also thought that my "large" left pleural effusion was not quite so large anymore. I also think that the decrease in fluid around my lung was also a God thing!!! God does work in mysterious & wonderful ways!!! It reminds me of these verses - Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV says:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

9 

As the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways"

After hearing that news, I headed up to the infusion floor and waited to be called back to my lovely chemo chair. Once there, I was given the little cup and pointed towards the bathroom. I finished my "test" and brought back the cup and it was taken to be tested. So, the nurse hooked me up and started me on fluids. Since I also had to have infusions of both magnesium and potassium, they could be given without the urine test or the ECG results. 

While those two drugs were dripping into my body, the urine test results came back and I would be able to get the Avastin, but they were STILL waiting for the ECG results. My doctor even said that she was okay with using my ECG results from February if I was okay with using them. I just wanted to get this treatment in the books, I said, "Go for it!!!" As they were getting the Avastin ready to start dripping into me, SURPRISE, the ECG results finally populated into my portal. I will never know WHY it took so long to get the results. I only know that I now had them, and I was good to go to get the Doxil, too. However, because you can't get these two drugs at the same time, it was going to be a long day in the chair. I'll refer to this part of my chemo at the "A" portion (both drugs). In fact, it was 7:55pm when I finally got in my sister's car to go home and have dinner. At that point, I was so thankful that I had requested Friday off.

Philly sunset from my chemo chair.

On Friday, I relaxed, napped, and got a few personal things done before my sister & I had an event that evening. My friends, Jenn & Amanda, have started a ministry for women called The Remember Collective - We exist to create a collective of women who will use their various gifts to make God known and desire to call all women to remember God's Word & faithfulness. They are Godly women who have been gifted with making the Bible understandable to every woman. If you are in the Philly area, sign-up at the bottom of their website to be informed of events in the area. You won't be disappointed!!!

By Saturday morning, chemo fatigue started catching up with me. As much as I wanted to get things done, I just had no desire or energy. I could barely get to the post office and home without needing a nap!!! It became a lazy afternoon of attempting to watch college football between naps. Of course, napping all afternoon makes for a bad night of sleep!!! But I pushed through and went to church. Although the missionary message was good, I don't think I heard every word. It was good to relax again on Sunday afternoon and watch my Phillies clinch the National League pennant and head to the World Series for the first time in many years. 

Then it was back to work on Monday morning and although still tired, I pushed through. I was never so thankful that my employer is allowing me to work part-time. Afternoon naps are a necessity for me to keep going. On Friday, October 28, I was invited to attend a High Tea and learn about survivorship presented by The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) - Mid Atlantic Region. The event was held at a lovely tearoom in Flemington, NJ. I did a lot of driving that day, but it was well worth it. 

And just like that, it was another weekend and although fatigue is always tapping me on the shoulder, sometimes I try to fight it and sometimes I succumb. Most days, I get a few things done and then I'm done. However, I have noticed over the past couple of weeks that I don't get as winded as I was even a month ago. I think that God is slowly draining the nasty pleural effusion and allowing me to slowly get some energy and lung power back. I won't know "officially" until my next CT scan, but I can tell it's going. Thank you, Jesus!!!!!!!!

On Thursday, November 3 was what I refer to as the part B of a "round" of treatment. Again, there was a miscommunication and I had they had to draw blood before I could get my Avastin treatment. I had gone on Wednesday morning to the lab to do the urine test. I could have gotten the blood test then, but I wasn't told I needed it. I was not a happy camper, but thankfully, the infusion went well, and I was soon on my way home. I felt pretty good on Friday and worked my shift. And then Daylight Savings ended and theoretically, I got another hour of sleep. However, it didn't help that the Phillies were playing that night. Unfortunately, they lost, but I think most sports fans near Philly have Phillies Phatigue, but we are so proud of our team and how far they went this season. 

During Bible Study this fall, we started going through a book "Prayer Journal for Women" by Shannon Roberts. This is not your typical journal. It has prompts and scripture throughout and is loosely divided into sections such as love & inner beauty, strength through faith, fear, etc. Each week, we were encouraged to memorize a verse(s) of scripture that correlated to that week's questions. One of scriptures that hit me was Psalm 139:13-14 NIV, 

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 
your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

When we arrived at class that week, we were challenged to write a characteristic on the board that you were grateful to God for giving you. I really had to stop and think for a few minutes. In fact, I really struggled with something to write. I finally settled on that I was an encourager. After some discussion time, our leader challenged us to come the next week with a much longer list. But over the next week, any time that I thought of something that God created in me, I thought, "I am fearfully & wonderfully made!!!" I haven't finished my list. Maybe I never will be finished!!! Since it's Thanksgiving season, what characteristics are you thankful to God for creating in you??? Your list should be very, very long!!! 

While thinking and listening to music over the past weeks, I prayed that God would show me what He wanted me to use. And even though this wasn't truly on my radar, it is exactly what I want to use. The song is "Faithful Now" sung by Vertical Worship. It's amazing how God works!!!

On Sunday, November 20, I will "celebrate" God's faithfulness to me. It was on that Wednesday night in 2013 that God changed my life with the cut of a knife in the operating room. It was a night I should have been at choir rehearsal getting ready for the cantata. But God had other plans. God is still working in my life and even with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, I can say with confidence ... "I am fearfully & wonderfully made!!!" 

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday, November 15 -- Labs @ 7:30am ET 

-- lower CA125 and proper levels for the tests needed to get chemo

Thursday, November 17 -- Oncologist appointment @ 8:30am ET followed by Chemo 2A

Tuesday, November 29 -- Labs @ 7:15am ET

-- proper levels for the tests needed to get chemo

Thursday, December 1 -- Chemo 2B

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

A Quick Update

 Happy October Everyone!!! Several of my friends have battled Breast Cancer and it seems like the world has turned pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, but remember ...

I have received all the insurance approvals, so now I have some dates to share with you and humbly ask for your prayers.

Friday, October 14 -- 4pm -- Echocardiogram - needed before I start chemo

Tuesday, October 18 - 7am -- Blood work - pray that numbers are where they need to be

Thursday, October 20 - 1pm -- Oncologist follow-up appointment

Thursday, October 20 -- Following appointment -- it's time for CHEMO!!!                                                                             - pray for no crazy side effects

Depending on how I feel, I'll try to blog again after my date with Mr. Chemo.

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

Back to School - Always Learning New Things

*** One tiny, but important omission from my last blog post. Because the Zejula wasn't working, my doctor told me to stop taking immediately!!! Praise the Lord and Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!! Within 24-48 hours, I was starting to feel like my old self and most of the horrible side effects disappeared within a week. ***

Now, back to my regularly scheduled, crazy life!!!

On the morning of September 7, I walked into Cooper Hospital for my Guided Needle Biopsy. After the admission process, I proceeded to the Outpatient Radiology in the basement of the hospital. Thankfully, I only waited a few minutes before being escorted back to my lovely hospital bed where they took some vitals, asked a few questions, and made me change into a beautiful and comfy hospital gown. One of the nurses then found a juicy vein and put an IV in my right hand. Then, I got as comfortable as I could, I got my iPad out and started looking at email, playing a game or two and reading a book. I also was watching the clock. My appointment time was 10am. I'm watching the time slowly tick, tick, tick. 10:05. 10:15. 10:20, etc. Finally, someone advises me that they are running late. Really??? You think??? Of course, around 10:45, they tell me it should be soon. So, I decide, I better use the bathroom before I have this procedure. Wouldn't you know, in the 5 minutes that it takes me to walk across the room and use the bathroom, they come to take me to do the procedure. Well, now they can wait for me!!! 

So, off I go on the way to the CT scan room. Of course, I provide sound effects to warn others of our passing by. And it certainly made others smile and that made me smile. However, I think the girl that was driving my bed only had her learner's permit, but we made it safely. When we arrived at our destination, one of the techs was prepping the room. Wouldn't you know, he had a surgical cap on with a big Alabama "A." Of course, I said, "Roll Tide!" He asked if I was an Alabama fan. I told him that the company I work for is in the Birmingham area, so I was very familiar with the cheer for the Crimson Tide. 

It was finally time to transfer from the bed to the CT scan table and of course, I need to lay on my stomach. After climbing on and finding a comfortable spot for my head and arms, I finally talk to the doctor, and he briefly explains the procedure. Then they hook up the IV, clean my back, numb the area where the needle is to be used. The next thing I feel is someone rubbing my arm and saying, "Sandy, wake up." WHAT??? I'm totally blown away that it's over. The thing is, the IV stuff is supposed to just put you into that place between awake and dreaming. They call it conscious sedation or "twilight." Well, let me tell you, I was out and enjoying myself in dreamland. I so wish that they could have let me sleep a few more hours. But alas, I needed to roll off (literally) the CT table and back onto the bed so they could roll me back to recovery. Finally, I was able to EAT!!! I had some peanut butter crackers & apple juice and watched some TV. They finally disconnected me from the IV and the other wires. Then I was able to get dressed and wait for the wheelchair to roll me back to the entrance and wait for my sister to pick me up and take me home. AND because they were late, I was given 2 $5 coupons to use at any of the Cooper cafes. Now, if only they would give coupons for when the doctors are late...... Hmmmm!!!! Unfortunately, they told me it would take 7-10 days to get the results. Just in time for my appointment with my oncologist.

On September 8th, I got the final gel shots in both my knees for arthritis. Ahhhh!!! Sweet relief!!! And, believe it or not, nothing medical happened on September 9th!!!

Saturday, September 10th was a beautiful, late summer day. A great day for the Together in Teal Run/Walk for Ovarian Cancer Awareness. I woke up, had some breakfast, and drove to the new location - Neshaminy State Park. Plentiful parking, a large open space for teams to gather, vendors and health organizations to set up, and the popular, survivor area. 

I have to take a moment and give a BIG THANK YOU to all who donated to my walk page. Because of your generous donations, I made my goal and then some!!! If you still would like to donate, it's not too late!!! And every dollar goes to fund the programs of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). And September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, too!!!

https://togetherinteal.donordrive.com/participant/Sandy_Perry

After hearing inspiring stories from a survivor, a care giver, and a spouse, it was time to "hit the trail." Knowing my pleural effusion could potentially affect my walking, I told myself to walk slowly, take breaks, and drink water. Well, I started off good and forced myself to take it easy. I stopped for a break at a beautiful overview of the Delaware River, drank some water, and started off again. After walking about 5 more minutes, I knew I would not be able to continue. I saw several others heading off the trail towards a path back to the main meeting area. I decided, that unfortunately, I needed to do that, too. I didn't want to pass out on the walk and cause a scene!!! So, I headed off the main trail, stopped for a break, drank some water, and headed back to the main area. I will finish the miles that I didn't finish that day as soon as this pleural effusion goes far, far away!!!

September 12 - 14th were the hardest days. God certainly teaches cancer patients about the 4th Fruit of the Spirit - PATIENCE!!! It seems like I am always waiting for something - a test result, the next step in treatment, the doctor. As I said to a friend, "Waiting is my favorite thing!!!" I was so thankful that on Wednesday evening, I was able to attend Bible study at my church which is focused on prayer and we're using a really cool prayer journal.

The morning of Thursday, September 15, this verse arrived in my inbox from K-LOVE:

With little sleep, it was finally time to hopefully find out the results of my biopsy. And surprise, I was taken early for my appointment!!! Of course, I then waited, and waited, and waited for the doctor. God certainly has a sense of humor!!! Finally, the doctor arrived and with her, the moment of truth and results did, too! After the obligatory physical exam, she asked me to change back into my clothes to talk about the results. When I was dressed, she came back in and said, that she had spoken to the pathologist and the tissue sample was "high grade." Although this wasn't exactly the news I wanted to hear, she said that this could make me available for a clinical trial. In fact, she was excited about one particular one. She thought that I would be one of her first patients who qualified. When I seemed interested, she dashed off to her office and printed the 21-page document. She also, went to find the research coordinator so I could ask her questions. My doctor also advised that if I wasn't accepted into the trial, then it would be back to traditional chemo, just 2 different drugs. I told the research coordinator I would look over the document and call her on Monday. 

After my appointment, I drove home, picked up my Dad to take him to his senior group at church and then, I had a lunch date with a couple of friends nearby. It was so good to meet with these friends and talk about life & the Lord. We will definitely be doing lunch again!!!

After driving from church to pick-up my sister in Philly and then back home, I really needed a nap!!! During dinner, I explained what the doctor said, then watched some football and went to bed.

Finally, it was FRIDAY, September 16th!!! About 6 weeks ago, I signed up for NOCC's one day symposium called Rejuvenate. A day filled with education and wellness sessions, complimentary oncology massage, plus breakfast & luncheon. A time to practice a little self-care. A time to renew your energy, reclaim your spirit, and relax your mind. It was a wonderfully relaxing day, and I received another fabulous chair massage (thanks BL!!!), plus a fabulous swag bag. Unfortunately, I didn't take a lot of pictures. Thanks NOCC for a great day!!!

As I drove to the Blue Bell Country Club listening to Christian music, I was reminded to be thankful for the many blessings over the past several months. Has everything been easy? No. Has everything worked out in my favor? No. Has God been with me every step of the way? 1000% YES!!! Over the past several weeks, K-LOVE has been playing popular Christian songs from over the past 40 years. This one by Chris Tomlin from c. 2012 is titled, "Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)" has been replaying in my mind over & over. The song is based on the Biblical account found in 2 Kings 6. The Bible describes how God provides an army of angels leading horses and chariots of fire to protect the prophet Elisha and his servant and opens the servant's eyes so that he can see the angelic army surrounding them. This is how I feel these days. I just need to open my eyes and see how God is working and how God is protecting and how God is guiding me as I face another battle with this beast called cancer.

Saturday & Sunday, September 17 & 18 were relaxing and joyful because I had lunch with a friend on Saturday and worshipped the Lord on Sunday. Psalm 122:1 NIV says, "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'" Any time you can be with brothers & sisters in the Lord, and hear the Word of the Lord proclaimed, it is a time to rejoice!!!

And then came Monday, September 19. I called the research coordinator before work to ask a few logistical questions because I already decided that I wanted to be a part of science and possibly part of a cure. After speaking with her, I logged in to work and really thought that I wouldn't hear anything until possibly the next day. As I was finishing up for the day and ready to close down my work computer, I could see my phone ringing and it was from someone at Cooper. I answered and it was my oncologist. After pleasantries, she gave me the disappointing news, I didn't qualify for the trial because I have both high grade and low grade ovarian cancer in my body and they wanted someone with only high grade. So ... it's back to traditional chemo, but with 2 different chemo drugs - Doxil & Avastin. I'll go every other week. The first week, I get both drugs. The next time, just the Avastin. She said we'll start with four (4) rounds and see how it goes. I certainly was disappointed that I didn't get into the trial, but I know that this is God's plan and so, here we go back to chemo, but this time, it's Mr. Chemo's evil, but hopefully helpful cousins. I'm currently waiting for my insurance to approve and then I wait for the scheduler to call and start this whole ugly process all over again.

Back to school for me means learning how these new drugs work and how my body will respond. It means learning better time management. It means learning to rest better. It means continually learning to fully rely on God to get me through this battle ... again. 

What is the Lord teaching you in this season of back to school?

As always, thank you so much for all the prayers and encouragement. 

All this is for my good & His glory!!! 

Prayer Requests:

- That insurance would approve sooner than later

- That I can schedule my treatments around my other obligations

- That in everything I do & say, Christ will be glorified.

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

One Crazy Week

 Well, the week of August 15 was quite an interesting week. On Monday, I was supposed to see my hematologist, but she wasn't feeling well and they called to change my appointment. I was kind of glad they did, because I wasn't feeling great either. For over a week, I was dealing with bouts of nausea due to the Zejula that I'd been taking since the end of May. In fact, it was getting worse and worse, and my quality of life was declining. I was miserable!!!

On Tuesday, August 16, I had my blood draw which went fairly well, but they had to use my hand to find a vein. Remarkably, there was no bruising and the mark where they took the blood looked like a freckle. Yeah!!! Then it was home to eat a little bit of food before I had to go get my CT scan. Before drinking the yucky contrast, I had my port accessed so they didn't have to find another vein for the CT stuff. I was so thankful that drinking the yucky contrast did not make me nauseous!!! Finally, it was time to "shoot the doughnut" as I remember Margaret Feinberg calls it. After a few times in and out, I was done. All the prep for about 5 minutes. The results were always in God's hands, but I said a prayer and gave them over to God. As I heard in a sermon recently, "Pray More, Worry Less" based on Philippians 4:6-7. "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Read those words again and know that whatever you're going through, God's got it!!!

Of course, I'm anticipating getting the results of my blood work and my CT scan on Wednesday. However, I was watching the Phillies game on Tuesday evening and about 9:30pm, I get a notification from Cooper that says I have a new test result. I was intrigued. Who's reading CT scans at 9:30pm??? That's one dedicated employee!!! So, I log in to my portal and sure enough, my CT results. I read through all the results and finally came to the "impressions." I was told by a doctor that I should read these first because that is where the speak in layman's terms not medical terms. The first line item is this:

1. Moderate to large left pleural effusion is significantly increased in size.

Oh no!!! My first thought was great!!! They are going to want me to go to the hospital, like before, and have it drained and then do the pleurodesis. I'll probably be there for several days. Blah, blah, blah. Needless to say, the other 2 "impressions" didn't faze me as much as the pleural effusion one did. And of course, my mind worked overtime while I was trying to sleep and therefore, I did not have too many hours of good sleep that night. 

The next day was fairly busy at work and that kept my mind off all the bazillion possibilities of what the doctor might say. After waiting for the doctor what seemed like forever, she came in and had another doctor with her. I forget his name, rank and serial number, but he was nice. She sat down and started talking about my lymph nodes and how they had increased in size enough that now they could biopsy them and determine whether the "nodules" are high grade ovarian cancer or low grade ovarian cancer. You see, I'm "special" and have both types in my body. Knowing what these nodules are will determine how I'm treated. The CT Scan Guided Needle Biopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, September 7 at 10am ET. Along with that, I also need to have a COVID test on Sunday morning at 8:15am ET. Fun!!! 

I bet you are wondering, what about the pleural effusion??? I was thinking the same thing, too!!! Apparently, unlike last time when I was about 95% full of fluid and needed to spend a week in the hospital, this time the pleural area around my left lung is only about 1/3 full of fluid. We discussed that if I thought I needed to have it drained, I could do that right there at MDA and I would not need to spend time in the hospital. YEAH!!! Time will tell when I need to have this drained.

As I face another medical challenge, I know that God got me in the palm of His hand and nothing that happens to me is not a surprise to Him. Some days, I feel like giving up and saying enough is enough and then I realize that God has a purpose for my life and only when my purpose on this earth is done will He call me home to heaven. I've been listening to this song by David Leonard called "Good Lord." Here are some of the lyrics:

I may not know what tomorrow holds

But I know one thing for sure

Good Lord, I got a good Lord

Every day, every step of the way it's You who opened the door

Good Lord, I got a good Lord

Good Lord, I got a good Lord

I pray that you will examine your life and what God's purpose is for your life. Only when we are in God's perfect will, will we lead a fulfilled life. 

Prayer Requests:

Sunday, September 4 -- Covid test 8:15am ET - pray for it to be negative

Tuesday, September 6 -- Hemotology appointment -- 4pm ET

Wednesday, September 7 -- CT Scan Guided Needle Biopsy -- 10am ET

Thursday, September 15 -- Follow-up oncology appointment -- 9:45am ET

SEPTEMBER IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

I will again be walking in the 2022 Together in Teal Run/Walk to End Ovarian Cancer on Saturday, September 10. Thankful for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition who does so much for those of us battling this disease. For those of you who have already donated to my walk page, THANK YOU. If you haven't donated yet, I would be most appreciative if you would consider donating. Please click the link below to be taken to my donation page. And THANK YOU in advance!!!

https://togetherinteal.donordrive.com/participant/Sandy_Perry

And please get to know the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

Tears, Fears, but God is Near

Started July 17

Last week (July 10-16) started off with a great message at church followed by a relaxing afternoon napping and watching baseball. On Monday, I logged in to work and had a fairly good day. And thanks so much for the prayers for me going back to work. So far, so good!!! After saying prayers about my Tuesday morning blood work, I fell asleep knowing God's got this!!! Tuesday's blood draw was a 2-arm morning, but she finally found a vein, and all was good. The rest of the day went fairly well. After a blood draw, I usually get the results in my portal the next morning about 8am. Wednesday was no exception. I logged in to my portal. My hemoglobin, hemocrit, and platelet numbers were good. I scrolled down. NO!!!!!!!!! My CA-125 had taken another HUGE jump in the wrong direction. It went from 126 to 210!!! Tears flowed. And for that day, I cried. And I cried out to God ... "What's going on?!?!?!" "Is this drug not working???" "Is my cancer growing instead???" "Lord, I don't want to do more chemo!!!"

The Lord certainly heard my cries of despair and anguish!!! 

Thankfully, I was off on that Thursday & Friday because I was attending, She Speaks 2022 Online. This is a wonderful conference for content creators. The morning session by Lysa TerKeurst was fabulous. I'm going to have to listen to it again, but some of the little gems she spoke were, "Don't just digest, but ingest His Word." "Where there is chaos (sin), there is a lack of balance." Her talk was on how we all need boundaries and that boundaries are God's idea. The other speakers that I heard that day were awesome as well. In fact, I'm going to listen to all of the speakers again and again!!! 

By afternoon, my heart & soul was filled with worship, and I wasn't anxious about my appointment. Finally, the doctor arrived, and we discussed my numbers. She was disappointed as well that my CA-125 hadn't started to go down. She advised that "sometimes" it can take 3 months!!! We also discussed some side effects that had started to bother me. One side effect that was especially bothering me ... I was over emotional. I would cry at the stupidest things or be annoyed by the weirdest things or mad at everything. She suggested that maybe I should speak to someone. We said our good-byes and see ya next month. I drove home and shared what happened with my sister. Over the next couple of days, I prayed about seeking help. I had to ask the nurse a question and advised her of my chat with the doctor. She advised that MDA has counselors that I can see. Best part is... as a patient, you're entitled to 8 visits!!! The counselor, I'll call her Ms. N., called me and we set a time to meet in person. 

The day finally came and I met her at MDA. We chatted for about 45 minutes. She is also a cancer survivor, so she understands cancer patients. She said several things in a way that I hadn't ever heard before. One was that when you hear those words, "You have cancer," you experience loss. Loss of your freedom and lifestyle and health. That was eye-opening to me. I never considered all the things that I've "lost." I always try to look on the bright side. Keep my eyes on Jesus!!! Another thing Ms. N told me was that she's talked to several other women who are on Zejula and they have/had similar issues. I was grateful to hear that. I really thought I was losing it!!! 

Then, she gave me a fabulous suggestion!!! She challenged me to take 15 minutes each day to do something I enjoyed. Something just for me. This is not a time to do the dishes, laundry, cleaning, etc. This would be a time to do a hobby, go for a walk, take a nap, listen to music, read, or anything that would take my mind off my "problems" and put me in a better state of mind. I can't say that I've done it every day, but I'm trying!!! Then I got to thinking, (oh no!!!), that what if everyone took at least 15 minutes a day to pursue something they enjoy. I think there would be a lot less stress and anxiety in the world!!! I challenge you. Start today. I'm calling it..... My 15 minutes of joy!!! (And maybe there's a book in that thought, as well.) Who knows what God is going to do with it!!!

Over the past couple of weeks, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 keeps popping into my mind. Here it is from ESV:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

 

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

With all the crazy side effects that I've been experiencing over the past several weeks, I think God is trying to say, "It's just for a 'time.'" "I've got you!" "I hear you!" And best of all, "I love you and care about what you are going through." And it's with His peace, I enter a week with my monthly blood test, a CT scan, and a doctor appointment knowing whatever the outcome, all will be okay.

I heard this song on K-LOVE radio during one of those nights where sleep was hard to find. It's sung by Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave. It's called "God Is In The Story." I especially love the chorus and the 2nd verse. Over these 8+ years, God is truly in MY story!!! I hope He's part of your story, too!!!

Prayer Requests:

Tuesday, August 16 - 7:30am ET - Blood draw.

Tuesday, August 16 - 3:30pm ET - CT scan

Thursday, August 18 - 4:00pm ET - Doctor appointment

~~ Thank you for your prayers & encouragement. They get me through the hard times!!! ~~

Imagine a world where no woman ever loses her life to ovarian cancer.

Will you consider supporting me in the 2022 Together in Teal Run/Walk on September 10? Money raised supports the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in their mission to provide early awareness, to provide resources so women with ovarian cancer can live extraordinary lives, to provide funding for research, and provide opportunities for people to become involved in the battle against ovarian cancer. Any amount you can give would be greatly appreciated. Here is the link to my page:

https://togetherinteal.donordrive.com/participant/Sandy_Perry

And remember:

September is OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!!! 

Wear Teal!!!!

Only By His Strength,

Sandy

The Chronicles of Zejula

I know it's been a long time since I blogged, but I didn't have anything significant to report. Much of the month of May was spent waiting for insurance to approve this new oral chemo pill and then waiting for the "specialty" pharmacy to contact me and start delivering the package to my home. 

Finally, the package arrived on May 18. Whew!!! Since I was attending a workshop at church on that weekend, my oncologist allowed me to start on Monday. I have read online that many fellow ovarian cancer survivors that are taking Zejula, take it in the evening to avoid nausea. Well, I certainly wanted to avoid that!!! So, I actually started on Sunday evening, May 22 after dinner. I went on with my normal after dinner activities and went to bed. Suddenly, at approximately 4am, I was awakened with the most excruciating headache. The pain was intense! Being in such pain, I was only thinking that I couldn't take anything due to also being on blood thinner. So, I did the only thing I could think of ... pray!!! Finally, I fell back to sleep. Well, that was an interesting night. The information I received when they prescribed the parp inhibitor did mention headaches as a possible side effect. I would definitely be taking a nap during the day!

And so, I took the 3 pills again after dinner on Monday night. Watched some TV and went to bed. Again, approximately 4am, I am awakened with another headache. Not quite as intense, but annoying non the less. Again, prayer was my antidote and I soon fell back to sleep. Again, add nap to the list of things to do during the day. I advised my oncologist's office of the headaches and they advised that I could take Tylenol. Thank goodness.

On Tuesday evening I took the prescribed amount of pills and heading to my chair to watch some TV before heading to bed. Usually between 9:30pm and 10pm, the eyelids start to close and I know to either get up and go to bed or just fall asleep in the chair. The chair usually wins!!! However, this night would be different. At about 9:30pm, while watching the Phillies, I am somewhat jolted awake. This wasn't just a momentary thing. I was fully AWAKE!!! I saw the end of the game, watched the late news and even some late night tv. I finally decided I needed to try to go to bed and see if I could sleep. After about 2 hours of restless sleep, I finally sat up in bed. I read, played games, and watched tv. My thought in the morning. This is going to be a really long day!!! With only a short nap during the day, I kept busy hoping that I would be so tired that I'd sleep all night. 

Wrong!!! After only about 2-3 hours of sleep, I was again fully awake and unable to fall back to sleep. By my calculations, I had only about 5 hours of sleep in 48 hours. I could not go on like that. It reminded me of the sign at Animal Kingdom while waiting for a ride:

This is totally me! Except for the most active at night part. I need lots of sleep.

With this new, but not unheard of side effect, I called my oncologist's office and spoke with the nurse. After discussion, she suggested that I take the pills in the morning. So, as of Friday, May 27, I started taking the pills after breakfast. It seems like I'm much more awake during the day and sometimes can't even take a power nap. And my sleep overnight was much better, not great, but better. Thank the Lord!!!

Another thing that you need to do is have your blood drawn for 4 weeks in a row after you start taking Zejula. Oh goody goody!!! The reason for the blood tests apparently your hemoglobin, hemocrit, red blood count and platelets can drop quite significantly. If that were to happen, I might need a blood transfusion and/or a platelet transfusion or both. The blood test also tells them if you develop another cancer which is usually fatal. YIKES!!! As of the writing of this post, I have had my 4 blood draws and except for the 2nd one, my numbers are actually increasing. Praise the Lord!!!

The other necessity is a monthly visit with my oncologist. I had my first Zejula visit on Thursday, June 16. Everything was good except my CA-125 number which I was expecting to start going down actually doubled!!! My concern, which I stated to the doctor, was that the drug was not working. She advised that she would monitor the numbers and if necessary, order a CT scan in August. So, for now, stay the course.

Personally, I have been going through a Bible study in Romans using the First 5 app. I'm a little behind, but it's really good. I've been sewing/quilting on several projects. I help my Dad with his computer issues. I've had lunch with friends. And most importantly, I try to stay out of trouble. Sometimes I'm successful and sometimes ... well .......

As a Proverbs 31 Compel member, we are offered writing opportunities/challenges periodically through the year. The latest challenge began on June 1. It was to create a Bible study for their First 5 app on a selected passage in the Book of Ruth. When you sign-up, you are randomly given one of four passages. The passage I was assigned was Ruth 4:1-4. I have been diligently reading, researching, and praying. Yesterday, I sat down and wrote over 500 words on my passage. I'll be editing and editing until I submit it after July 1. 

In other news, I will be starting back to work, part-time, on June 29. I'll be back on the same team, doing the same job. Although I've loved not working and setting my own daily schedule, I knew that the longer I stayed away, the harder it would be to go back.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. During the past 2 years, I have virtually participated in The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's (NOCC) Together in Teal Run/Walk. Many of you have generously donated to my cause. This year, I've taken a step of faith and formed my own team - Team Philippian 4:13. The Run/Walk is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 10 at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem, PA. I would love for you to be a part of my team and help me raise both awareness and funds to support the mission of NOCC. There is, I believe, a virtual option if you don't live in the Philadelphia area and would like to participate. Thank you in advance for either donating to my page or joining my team. Here is the link:

Team Philippians 4:13

Please let me know if it doesn't work and I'll send it to you privately.

As always, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and encouragement.

I would not be where I am on this journey without you!!!

Prayer Requests:

Back to work - June 29 - pray that I would remember policies, procedures, and formats

Writing submission - July 1-8 - pray that my writing would be looked on favorably

Blood draw - Tuesday, July 12 - pray for lower CA-125 and that other numbers would be good

Doctor appointment - Thursday, July 14 - pray that I have another good appointment

Only by His Strength,

Sandy