I just got off the phone with Tisha and she said, “Good news, I’m NOT going to die from cancer and I just thought you would be happy to know!” Yes Tisha, I am very, VERY happy to know that!
She said she has just made her mind up that she will not die from this and that between that, our prayers, and claiming God’s scripture of healing, this cancer will not get her. I could not agree more! There is so much evidence that having hope and strong will is critical to beating cancer.
Metisha called her nurse at oncology and asked her to send her files onto MD Anderson in Houston. She is still contemplating calling Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa also. Pray for God’s direction in this process. Pray that God will make the best hospital and best doctor known for a second opinion. Pray that insurance coverage will not be an issue. Pray that a second opinion can be received quickly. And pray that the second opinion is in direct line with God’s plan for Metisha and provides her and Mark with a clear path.
So as you can tell, Metisha’s spirits are back up, and that’s largely thanks to your prayers for her faith and strength. We know that Metisha is securely in God’s grip and safe in Him. And I agree, Metisha will not die from cancer!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Urgent Prayer
I don’t know how to say this to make the blow any easier. The nurse who told Metisha her pathology report was fine last week was wrong. Metisha met with her oncologist today and was told that her uterus and ovaries had no cancer but that there was cancer on her appendix and a spot on the muscle structure between her ovaries and uterus. There were additional “cancer cells” in her muscle structure in her abdomen around these organs.
We are shocked, angry, and completely taken aback by this news. Her oncologist could not explain why she was given false information last week. The appendix spot was likely not visible on the last PET scan because it is too close to her bladder which always shows up as hot on a PET scan.
The oncologist started Metisha on a new pill form drug about a month ago that is supposed to help block the spread of metastatic cancer that is hormone driven. So they are waiting on additional reports from pathology to confirm if these new spots are hormonally driven like all of the previous cancer. If they are, the oncologist wants to continue this drug therapy along with the IV bone therapy until it stops proving good results. At that time chemotherapy would be the last option. Because this drug does not have the horrible side effects of chemo, the oncologist believes this drug gives her the best quality of life while fighting off additional cancer. They feel this treatment will best address the spot on her liver also so they do not want to pursue the Cyber Knife at this time. Her oncology nurse told her she has had metastatic (stage IV) patients who have been on this drug for years and had excellent results which is encouraging.
Metisha and Mark need urgent prayers for wisdom. They are trying to decide if it is time to get a second opinion at MD Anderson or Cancer Center Treatments of America. Metisha’s oncology nurse has been an angel who has done so much for Metisha but the last few weeks have shook her confidence in the doctors at Texas Oncology. She and Mark need to decide what the next steps should be to not only give Metisha the best chance possible but to also give them the upmost confidence in her treatment.
The oncologist believes we are now in a fight for quality of life but we believe our God is more powerful than any cancer or medical treatment and will give Metisha abundance of both quality and quantity of life. Metisha is claiming for her all the verses in the Bible that promise healing. When she was first diagnosed God lead her to Psalm 91 and that continues to be her strength. But claiming God’s healing and having a constant faith in His healing when you are staring down stage IV cancer is not easy. Metisha has times when her human nature and Satan out power her faith causing periods of doubt and she fears it is these brief moments that will cause her to lose this battle. Pray for her in this area. Pray that the Holy Spirit will consume her with a steady faith that cannot be shaken, even for a moment. Pray that God’s unfathomable peace will wash over her every minute of every day. This battle will take an enormous amount of spiritual, physical, emotional and mental strength and we know God will give her the perfect amount.
Metisha has gone from facing her death again to ready to fight this with everything she has. She is amazing and her attitude and spirit continue to amaze me daily. There is no doubt about it, today is just hard day, not a good day. But we always have hope in God. Pray for Mark and Metisha and their family that we will feel this hope and we pray the same for you.
We are shocked, angry, and completely taken aback by this news. Her oncologist could not explain why she was given false information last week. The appendix spot was likely not visible on the last PET scan because it is too close to her bladder which always shows up as hot on a PET scan.
The oncologist started Metisha on a new pill form drug about a month ago that is supposed to help block the spread of metastatic cancer that is hormone driven. So they are waiting on additional reports from pathology to confirm if these new spots are hormonally driven like all of the previous cancer. If they are, the oncologist wants to continue this drug therapy along with the IV bone therapy until it stops proving good results. At that time chemotherapy would be the last option. Because this drug does not have the horrible side effects of chemo, the oncologist believes this drug gives her the best quality of life while fighting off additional cancer. They feel this treatment will best address the spot on her liver also so they do not want to pursue the Cyber Knife at this time. Her oncology nurse told her she has had metastatic (stage IV) patients who have been on this drug for years and had excellent results which is encouraging.
Metisha and Mark need urgent prayers for wisdom. They are trying to decide if it is time to get a second opinion at MD Anderson or Cancer Center Treatments of America. Metisha’s oncology nurse has been an angel who has done so much for Metisha but the last few weeks have shook her confidence in the doctors at Texas Oncology. She and Mark need to decide what the next steps should be to not only give Metisha the best chance possible but to also give them the upmost confidence in her treatment.
The oncologist believes we are now in a fight for quality of life but we believe our God is more powerful than any cancer or medical treatment and will give Metisha abundance of both quality and quantity of life. Metisha is claiming for her all the verses in the Bible that promise healing. When she was first diagnosed God lead her to Psalm 91 and that continues to be her strength. But claiming God’s healing and having a constant faith in His healing when you are staring down stage IV cancer is not easy. Metisha has times when her human nature and Satan out power her faith causing periods of doubt and she fears it is these brief moments that will cause her to lose this battle. Pray for her in this area. Pray that the Holy Spirit will consume her with a steady faith that cannot be shaken, even for a moment. Pray that God’s unfathomable peace will wash over her every minute of every day. This battle will take an enormous amount of spiritual, physical, emotional and mental strength and we know God will give her the perfect amount.
Metisha has gone from facing her death again to ready to fight this with everything she has. She is amazing and her attitude and spirit continue to amaze me daily. There is no doubt about it, today is just hard day, not a good day. But we always have hope in God. Pray for Mark and Metisha and their family that we will feel this hope and we pray the same for you.
Psalm 91
Safe in the Lord
1 Those who go to God Most High for safety
will be protected by the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, "You are my place of safety and protection.
You are my God and I trust you."
3 God will save you from hidden traps
and from deadly diseases.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you can hide.
His truth will be your shield and protection.
5 You will not fear any danger by night
or an arrow during the day.
6 You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark
or sickness that strikes at noon.
7 At your side one thousand people may die,
or even ten thousand right beside you,
but you will not be hurt.
8 You will only watch
and see the wicked punished.
9 The Lord is your protection;
you have made God Most High your place of safety.
10 Nothing bad will happen to you;
no disaster will come to your home.
11 He has put his angels in charge of you
to watch over you wherever you go.
12 They will catch you in their hands
so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
13 You will walk on lions and cobras;
you will step on strong lions and snakes.
14 The Lord says, "Whoever loves me, I will save.
I will protect those who know me.
15 They will call to me, and I will answer them.
I will be with them in trouble;
I will rescue them and honor them.
16 I will give them a long, full life,
and they will see how I can save."
Monday, May 18, 2009
Good News!!!
The pathology report delivered good news today: no cancer in the ovaries or appendix!!! We are so grateful for this news! I asked Metisha what they said the spots on the ovary and appendix were and she said, “I don’t know, I kind of stopped listening after she said no cancer!” I agree Tisha, no cancer is all we needed to hear!
Metisha is healing well after surgery and is getting some rest. She did go to school for a few hours last week to put the fear of God in her kids who were abusing the substitute. I can’t believe any of Tisha’s students were brave enough to try that trick! But after a good lecture from Ms. Welsh involving a high play on guilt and the cancer card and some tears from some of the kids, the reports were all quiet the next day. Trust me, I’ve seen her angry face and it isn’t one you want to cross!
The next step is to hopefully go after the spots on her liver. Pray that she will be a candidate for the cyber knife and that the treatment will be easy on Metisha’s body. Continue to pray for physical and emotional strength. Pray for wisdom for the doctors and for a continued fighting spirit for Tisha. This cancer doesn’t stand chance!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Keep the Prayers Going
Metisha was released from the hospital this morning. She is feeling very well from surgery and isn’t having too much pain. As always she is the toughest person I know and the hardest part of her recovery will be making her obey doctor’s orders to rest and not do too much! But she continues to need your prayers. When the doctor came in this morning he said there were spots on one of the ovaries and nodes on the appendix so they both were sent to pathology. It will take several days for the pathology report to be completed. Pray diligently that this is not cancer spread. We continue to believe in God’s healing for Metisha and pray for peace and faith as we wait for the pathology report
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Few Organs Less
Metisha is out of surgery and in recovery. The surgeon said everything went well. One of the ovaries did have an area on it that looked diseased; the surgeon is not concerned but is sending it to pathology to be safe. They also found her appendix to be enlarged so they went ahead and took that out also. I guess that was a freebie and now she is another organ lighter :)
Pray for a quick and easy recovery and that the pathology report comes back clean.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Surgery Tomorrow
Metisha’s hysterectomy is tomorrow at 9:45 am. She will most likely spend one night in the hospital and then spend a few weeks recovering. She is definitely dreading this surgery and we are praying she will not have any pain and very quick recovery.
God has again answered our prayers for good doctors with Metisha’s hysterectomy. She has struggled to find a good OBGYN after her cancer diagnosis and several months ago someone told her about a doctor who specializes in OGBYN and related cancers. She wrote the doctor’s name down and put in her desk drawer for future reference. When her oncologist decided she needed the hysterectomy he referred her to an OBGYN and you guessed it, it was the same doctor the friend had recommended earlier! She also had a friend, who has a friend who is a nurse on the Cyber Knife facility where the oncologist wants to send Metisha for her liver and this nurse had great advice on who she feels are the best doctors. God continues to lead and direct Metisha to doctors he will use for her healing.
Metisha did receive some good news in pre-op appointments for tomorrow’s surgery. The doctor told her that her uterus is small. Metisha said, “Well that’s the first time anyone’s ever described anything about me as small!” Hopefully this small trait will make surgery and recovery easier!
Dad, mom and I want to say a HUGE thank you to Metisha’s co-workers who blessed her in such a big way last week! You are such wonderful people and you have eased a big worry we had for Metisha and her recovery. Thank you so, so much!
Continue to stand by Metisha in prayer. Pray for a non-eventful surgery tomorrow. Pray for no pain and a quick recovery. Pray that the Cyber Knife will be an option for the liver spots. Pray for Metisha’s physical, mental and emotional strength. Pray our faith that it will be strong and we will continue to claim God’s healing for Metisha. And as always, pray this is her last battle with cancer and she will live to be an old wrinkly lady. We are so thankful to all of you for your prayers and love and you make a daily difference in Metisha’s life!
God has again answered our prayers for good doctors with Metisha’s hysterectomy. She has struggled to find a good OBGYN after her cancer diagnosis and several months ago someone told her about a doctor who specializes in OGBYN and related cancers. She wrote the doctor’s name down and put in her desk drawer for future reference. When her oncologist decided she needed the hysterectomy he referred her to an OBGYN and you guessed it, it was the same doctor the friend had recommended earlier! She also had a friend, who has a friend who is a nurse on the Cyber Knife facility where the oncologist wants to send Metisha for her liver and this nurse had great advice on who she feels are the best doctors. God continues to lead and direct Metisha to doctors he will use for her healing.
Metisha did receive some good news in pre-op appointments for tomorrow’s surgery. The doctor told her that her uterus is small. Metisha said, “Well that’s the first time anyone’s ever described anything about me as small!” Hopefully this small trait will make surgery and recovery easier!
Dad, mom and I want to say a HUGE thank you to Metisha’s co-workers who blessed her in such a big way last week! You are such wonderful people and you have eased a big worry we had for Metisha and her recovery. Thank you so, so much!
Continue to stand by Metisha in prayer. Pray for a non-eventful surgery tomorrow. Pray for no pain and a quick recovery. Pray that the Cyber Knife will be an option for the liver spots. Pray for Metisha’s physical, mental and emotional strength. Pray our faith that it will be strong and we will continue to claim God’s healing for Metisha. And as always, pray this is her last battle with cancer and she will live to be an old wrinkly lady. We are so thankful to all of you for your prayers and love and you make a daily difference in Metisha’s life!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Surgery Moved
They hysterectomy surgery has been moved to Tuesday, May 12th. Pray that God will continue to strengthen Metisha’s body during this delay so that she will have a quick and easy recovery.
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