Julie is doing a little better today. They have her off the oxygen and she is remaining pretty stable. I stayed with her this afternoon so gerald could run home and take care of some things. She wanted to walk and so we did a lap around the entire floor! That was a big deal for her! She is still (of course) having quite a bit of pain but they are working to manage it. She is running a slight fever and so they have her on broad spectrum antibiotics. They also have her on blood pressure medicine to help regulate that as well. Keep up he prayers and I'll keep updating you. Thanks again... - tobra
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
saturday update
things are still about the same with julie. they are still having difficulty keeping her oxygen level within normal ranges. they removed the epidural today because it is causing weakness in her legs and so she isn't able to stand or walk. it sounds crazy to think they would have her on her feet already, but it's a very important part of her healing. first of all it helps expand her lungs, and it most definitely helps move the gasses out of her system which are right now causing a lot of pain and pressure for her. it also of course helps with her ability to use her abdominal muscles as well. gerald said it has been pretty quiet, no big scares, just a lot of constant monitoring. they are leaving her in ICU where they can keep a close eye on her. the surgeon came in today to talk to them again, no more news than previously reported other than he put their minds to rest a bit about the upcoming radiation. he assured her it will not be painful, and it will take place over the course of several days. she will meet with her oncologist after her recovery in ICU to discuss the course of action with chemo to prevent any further growth of tumors. so please keep her in your prayers that they can stabilize her oxygen and breathing, and for a quick recovery. most especially pray that this disease will be gone from her body forever. i will update you again tomorrow... thanks again - tobra
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday noon update
I have spent most of the morning with Julie. Right now she is resting. Gerald went home to sleep after being up most of the night. They asked him to keep her alert throughout the night because everytime she would fall asleep her breathing would become shallow. This is a result of the anesthesia still being in her system an as it leaves today they will be able to give her more pain medicine. But the combination of the two last night caused her breathing to stop. They have been diligent today in monitoring her and I'm happy to report that she is doing well. Aside from more pain than she would like (due to the reversal of the epidural and narcotics last night) she is in good spirits and the physical therapist even came in earlier and Julie got on her feet and walked with us two to the nurses desk and back to a chair in her room. I am amazed at her strength. She is already unhappy with her walking progress being the overachiever that she is ;) but we told her she is doing well above average given what she had been through. More to come.... Keep on praying,
- in Christ, tobra
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- in Christ, tobra
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
a difficult day - update as of 11pm
first of all - thank you to anyone and everyone who prayed for julie today. i don't have the words to express how much it means.
after julie got out of 8 1/2 hours of surgery tonight they moved her to recovery. after they administered some pain medication she stopped breathing and coded in recovery. they were able to bring her back and she is stable now and resting in the ICU. it was a very difficult and frightening experience for all of us, most especially gerald. thank you to all who responded to the urgent request for prayer.
now here are the results of the surgery. as most of you know, the doctor did exploratory surgery to remove the 2 tumors showing up on the PET scan and any others that were in there. when he opened her up he found hundreds of small tumors all throughout her entire abdomen. many were in the fatty tissue around her belly, and many others were in the lining that holds the intestines and other organs inside. the rest were scattered throughout. he surgically removed many and cauterized others. in the end he was able to get rid of every tumor with the exception of one larger inoperable tumor. they will use radiation to shrink this one, and chemo to prevent the growth of any others. we were told before the surgery that they would biopsy the tumors and send off to grow and then test multiple types of chemo to see which kind they respond to best. and by best i mean which medicine will destroy them most effectively. we will know more after talking to the surgeon and the oncologist over the next few days. and of course i will keep you posted on anything we find out.
julie is groggy right now, but alive. the gracious God we serve has continued to breathe life into this magnificent woman and i pray he continues that because i came as close tonight as i ever want to losing julie. she means so very much to me, and to so many of you. and of course to her husband gerald. the terror we faced not knowing what was to happen paralyzed all of us for about 45 mins- but through the prayers of those sitting at CTCA and the rest of you out there, Christ heard us and responded and she is with us still tonight. i thank you so much. and i will blog more tomorrow from the hospital.
in Christ - tobra
after julie got out of 8 1/2 hours of surgery tonight they moved her to recovery. after they administered some pain medication she stopped breathing and coded in recovery. they were able to bring her back and she is stable now and resting in the ICU. it was a very difficult and frightening experience for all of us, most especially gerald. thank you to all who responded to the urgent request for prayer.
now here are the results of the surgery. as most of you know, the doctor did exploratory surgery to remove the 2 tumors showing up on the PET scan and any others that were in there. when he opened her up he found hundreds of small tumors all throughout her entire abdomen. many were in the fatty tissue around her belly, and many others were in the lining that holds the intestines and other organs inside. the rest were scattered throughout. he surgically removed many and cauterized others. in the end he was able to get rid of every tumor with the exception of one larger inoperable tumor. they will use radiation to shrink this one, and chemo to prevent the growth of any others. we were told before the surgery that they would biopsy the tumors and send off to grow and then test multiple types of chemo to see which kind they respond to best. and by best i mean which medicine will destroy them most effectively. we will know more after talking to the surgeon and the oncologist over the next few days. and of course i will keep you posted on anything we find out.
julie is groggy right now, but alive. the gracious God we serve has continued to breathe life into this magnificent woman and i pray he continues that because i came as close tonight as i ever want to losing julie. she means so very much to me, and to so many of you. and of course to her husband gerald. the terror we faced not knowing what was to happen paralyzed all of us for about 45 mins- but through the prayers of those sitting at CTCA and the rest of you out there, Christ heard us and responded and she is with us still tonight. i thank you so much. and i will blog more tomorrow from the hospital.
in Christ - tobra
Important update
We had a big scare. Julie stopped breathing after they had taken her to ICU but the doctors were able to help her and she is "up and Rollin again" as gerald said. He is with her now. She is talking again. Please pray. There were hundreds of small tumora throughout her abdomen and he removed all but one in the 8 1/2 hour surgery. They will shrink the remaining tumor with radiation. I will have more details coming.
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finishing up surgery
she is essentially out of surgery and doing well... they have finished and the surgeon will be down to speak with gerald soon... i will update as soon as i know more. thanks again for prayers.
4:30 update
Nurse called again. Julie is still ok but they will be in surgery for another 1-2 hours plus recovery. I will update the blog as soon as we have more information. Keep praying.
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1:30 update
No news other than a call from OR saying she is still doing just fine.
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Update on Julie
They took Julie back to surgery at about 9:45 and we received an update about 11 am stating everything was going smoothly so far. I will keep you all posted. Thanks - tobra
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Julie is in surgery
Julie went back to surgery about 9:45 am. We are sitting waiting and it an update about 15 mins ago (11 am) letting us know everything is going well so far. I will keep you posted as we progress. - tobra
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Hearts and minds are clear...
as my mother-in-law used to say. I'll go in for surgery in the morning. I had a rough night Monday, couldn't sleep because I was worried about everthing. I laid there and thought that maybe I needed to write a few letters and make a list of songs I wanted at my funeral. Then I realized that my stomach was in knots and I knew it was all a lie. You see, I have learned over the years that when my stomach is doing flip flops that Satan is spinning his lies. So about 1:30 I started asking for peace. I continued to angst most of the night. Then the alarm went off and I started the day. I was scheduled for six different appointments at CTCA so on the way I asked God to calm my fears and give me the courage to face the surgery.
For anybody that knows me, you know that I am a planner. When ever there is a task before me I make a plan to accomplish it. Then, just in case, I have a back up plan. Then just to be safe, my back up plan has a back up plan. I know I'm a little crazy and a bit of a control freak! The thing that is bothering me most is that this surgery is deemed exploratory, meaning we don't know what all they are going to do, how long it is going to take or even how long I'll be in the hospital. All I know is show up ready on Thursday morning.
When I got to CTCA, I met with the anesthesiologist who explained all the procedures and then assured me that I was in good hands because I had the best surgeon. Then I met another patient and her husband that had worked with my surgeon and praised his work. My next appointment was with the respatory theraperist. She told me about the excellent care that I was going to receive and how lucky I was to have Dr. Greeff, that he is the best oncology surgeon. Back out at the waiting room, I met another patient of Dr. Greeff's that told me about their very positive experience. On to the pain management appointment...my other big fear was the epidural (a big freakin' needle in your spine). He explained how he does the procedure and that he will numb the area before inserting the needle...problem solved. After the doctor left I got to visit with Barbara, the nurse. She was so comforting and shared with me her devotion from that morning. Here it is:
Learn to live from your true center in Me. I reside in the deepest depths of your being, in eternal union with your spirit. It is at this deep level that My Peace reigns continually. You will not find lasting peace in the world around you, in circumstances, or in human relationships. The external world is always in flux - under the curse of death and decay. But there is a gold mine of Peace deep within you, waiting to be tapped. Take time to delve into the riches of My residing Presence. I want you to live increasingly from your real Center, where My Love has an eternal grip on you. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory.
Wow is all I can say. I started the day out asking for peace and the God of the universe heard my request. He sent me multiple messages that He is in control, that He has put the very best team together for my benefit and that He is still in the peace giving business. So again I say...what an awesome God I serve!
I'm ready for tomorrow, my bag is packed, my head is clear and my heart is at peace. Tobra is going to keep the blog updated. I am requesting the following prayer from you all...that God will use Dr. Greeff and his team as the instrument to remove all the cancer.
Because of Christ,
Julie
For anybody that knows me, you know that I am a planner. When ever there is a task before me I make a plan to accomplish it. Then, just in case, I have a back up plan. Then just to be safe, my back up plan has a back up plan. I know I'm a little crazy and a bit of a control freak! The thing that is bothering me most is that this surgery is deemed exploratory, meaning we don't know what all they are going to do, how long it is going to take or even how long I'll be in the hospital. All I know is show up ready on Thursday morning.
When I got to CTCA, I met with the anesthesiologist who explained all the procedures and then assured me that I was in good hands because I had the best surgeon. Then I met another patient and her husband that had worked with my surgeon and praised his work. My next appointment was with the respatory theraperist. She told me about the excellent care that I was going to receive and how lucky I was to have Dr. Greeff, that he is the best oncology surgeon. Back out at the waiting room, I met another patient of Dr. Greeff's that told me about their very positive experience. On to the pain management appointment...my other big fear was the epidural (a big freakin' needle in your spine). He explained how he does the procedure and that he will numb the area before inserting the needle...problem solved. After the doctor left I got to visit with Barbara, the nurse. She was so comforting and shared with me her devotion from that morning. Here it is:
Learn to live from your true center in Me. I reside in the deepest depths of your being, in eternal union with your spirit. It is at this deep level that My Peace reigns continually. You will not find lasting peace in the world around you, in circumstances, or in human relationships. The external world is always in flux - under the curse of death and decay. But there is a gold mine of Peace deep within you, waiting to be tapped. Take time to delve into the riches of My residing Presence. I want you to live increasingly from your real Center, where My Love has an eternal grip on you. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory.
Wow is all I can say. I started the day out asking for peace and the God of the universe heard my request. He sent me multiple messages that He is in control, that He has put the very best team together for my benefit and that He is still in the peace giving business. So again I say...what an awesome God I serve!
I'm ready for tomorrow, my bag is packed, my head is clear and my heart is at peace. Tobra is going to keep the blog updated. I am requesting the following prayer from you all...that God will use Dr. Greeff and his team as the instrument to remove all the cancer.
Because of Christ,
Julie
Friday, February 19, 2010
Surgery Date
Okay we are set for next Thursday (2/25) for surgery. Dr. Greef will go in a see what he can see. It is being deemed an exploritory surgery. He will look at everything and remove any cancer. They will send what cancer they remove to a lab, grow it and treat it with different chemos to see which one will finally kill it.
Once I have healed from the surgery (about 6-8 weeks) we will begin another chemo regime. I am a little scared on this one because we are not sure what he will find. But I know that God is in control and He is still greater than cancer! I will go in on Tuesday for all my pre-op stuff and home on Wednesday to do another colon cleanse to prepare for surgery on Thursday.
Please keep the doctor and his team in your prayers. We are asking that God will open his eyes and direct his hands to all the cancer and it be removed. I am asking for the strength to heal from this surgery as it will be the most evasive so far. Also peace for Gerald as he waits through it.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. You mean the world to us!
Because of Christ,
Julie
Once I have healed from the surgery (about 6-8 weeks) we will begin another chemo regime. I am a little scared on this one because we are not sure what he will find. But I know that God is in control and He is still greater than cancer! I will go in on Tuesday for all my pre-op stuff and home on Wednesday to do another colon cleanse to prepare for surgery on Thursday.
Please keep the doctor and his team in your prayers. We are asking that God will open his eyes and direct his hands to all the cancer and it be removed. I am asking for the strength to heal from this surgery as it will be the most evasive so far. Also peace for Gerald as he waits through it.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. You mean the world to us!
Because of Christ,
Julie
Monday, February 15, 2010
Testing & Scheduling
Just wanted to bring everybody up to date....I had the colonoscopy last week and the tumors are outside of the bowel. Not sure if this is good or not but will know better today. I meet with the surgeon at 3:30 to schedule the date and get results on the biopsy from last week.
Dr. Pollock did say that the tumors are only in the bowel and all the other organs are clear. Also saying this is good news. He explained this puts us back into the first category of being 75% curable. We will do the surgery and more chemo after that but for now that is all we know. So please keep me in your prayers for a successful surgery and wisdom for Dr. Pollock to know which chemo will be best.
I'll keep you all posted.
Because of Christ,
Julie
Dr. Pollock did say that the tumors are only in the bowel and all the other organs are clear. Also saying this is good news. He explained this puts us back into the first category of being 75% curable. We will do the surgery and more chemo after that but for now that is all we know. So please keep me in your prayers for a successful surgery and wisdom for Dr. Pollock to know which chemo will be best.
I'll keep you all posted.
Because of Christ,
Julie
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The battle wages on. The cancer is back.
Julie had a PET scan this week and the results were not what we had wanted. We are asking for prayers as we go forward with the news I'm sharing here.
There were 2 masses on the PET scan indicating the cancer has returned. They are in the same location as before. They are not showing on the CTscan, which means they are much smaller than the last 2 times she has battled this, those masses were very large and visible on the CT. The doctor said that there may be other smaller groups inside undetectable by the PETscan, and they will know more when they do surgery. She will meet with the surgeons next week to discuss the plan and to set a date for the surgery. Following her recovery they will begin another course of chemo. We are not sure if it will be the same kind of chemo as before because Dr. Pollock wants to see the pathology first to determine what type is needed. She will continue her treatment at CTCA for surgery, chemo, naturopathic, holistic, spiritual, and emotional support.
As most of you know, Julie stopped her second round of chemo right at the start of November. Her CT was clear and insurance wouldn't pay for a PET scan at that time. Doing the chemo was dangerous if her body was healthy and they felt the best course of action was not to damage her body without proof there were cancerous cells. 3 weeks ago we met with Dr Pollock and expressed our concerns that Julie was worried not knowing if she was truly cancer free. So Dr Pollock pushed for a PET scan and that is what happened this week. Because Julie had 2 clear CT scans, she was fully expecting a good report from the doctor and was blindsided by this unfortunate discovery. However, her spirit is till very much alive and fighting. Yesterday she did not say "if I" do chemo but "when I" do chemo. She is going to fight - again.
Now, these are my own thoughts - I'm not sure if I have ever met someone as strong as Julie. We all say that "so and so" is SO strong, they "made it through this", they "got through that." Many times there's a lot of talk to a lot of people who don't even understand the meaning of strength. I will sit here today and tell you that most of us have never met anyone as amazing and magnificent as Julie Herron. If you haven't had the privilege of knowing her (or knowing her well) then let me inform you that she has been through many struggles and difficulties. She has faced adversity more times than 10 people do in a lifetime. And EVERY time, she has stayed strong, fought, and made it through the stormy weather. She has also been blessed in her life. And while this cancer is no great gift, I feel her healing will be.
Strength is powerful - Grace is amazing. Julie embodies GRACE. Even in the face of a crisis, she has kept her resolve and remained committed to God, faithful to herself, strong for her husband, and a role model for the rest of us. I don't know what kind of person I would be if I were given this diagnosis. I highly doubt I could sing songs and go to lunch and talk to friends about God. I doubt I would be happy, or go to work, want to see or talk to people, or for that matter- even be able to get out of bed. The first time maybe, the second time, probably not, and the THIRD time? Who can imagine? But through all of this she has not faltered. Her character is impeccable. Her outlook optimistic. Her faith stronger than ever. I'm not going to say she's happy with this finding, but it will NOT crush her.
I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes as I type this because Julie means more to mean than words can express. I cannot explain to you the anger, pain, fear and frustration I am feeling right now as I watch one of my very best friends going through the painful ordeal for a third time. She was so happy 2 months ago. So relieved, so confident. And now, she has been hit with another major setback. However, because I know her character, her spirit, her drive - I am fully confident she will fight this battle with the same strength, motivation and grace that she has before. And, I know that in the end this will mean a solid victory OVER the cancer and she will be healthy once again.
Please, pray. If you have never prayed before. If you pray daily. If you only pray part of the time. It doesn't matter. Please tell God today, and everyday, that we want her healed. I am asking this as her friend. As her family. I am being selfish and greedy. I am asking you to please pray that this evil disgusting disease is removed from her body. I am asking you to pray that she keeps her strength. And please remember Gerald in your prayers. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to watch a spouse go through this, and so I know it is hard on him. He needs our prayers as well. Julie appreciates all of you. We have had so many conversations where she has expressed her gratitude for so many people who have supported her in prayer. I thank you all so very much. It's time to dig in our heels and do this again. We will be triumphant.
I will keep you posted.
- Tobra
There were 2 masses on the PET scan indicating the cancer has returned. They are in the same location as before. They are not showing on the CTscan, which means they are much smaller than the last 2 times she has battled this, those masses were very large and visible on the CT. The doctor said that there may be other smaller groups inside undetectable by the PETscan, and they will know more when they do surgery. She will meet with the surgeons next week to discuss the plan and to set a date for the surgery. Following her recovery they will begin another course of chemo. We are not sure if it will be the same kind of chemo as before because Dr. Pollock wants to see the pathology first to determine what type is needed. She will continue her treatment at CTCA for surgery, chemo, naturopathic, holistic, spiritual, and emotional support.
As most of you know, Julie stopped her second round of chemo right at the start of November. Her CT was clear and insurance wouldn't pay for a PET scan at that time. Doing the chemo was dangerous if her body was healthy and they felt the best course of action was not to damage her body without proof there were cancerous cells. 3 weeks ago we met with Dr Pollock and expressed our concerns that Julie was worried not knowing if she was truly cancer free. So Dr Pollock pushed for a PET scan and that is what happened this week. Because Julie had 2 clear CT scans, she was fully expecting a good report from the doctor and was blindsided by this unfortunate discovery. However, her spirit is till very much alive and fighting. Yesterday she did not say "if I" do chemo but "when I" do chemo. She is going to fight - again.
Now, these are my own thoughts - I'm not sure if I have ever met someone as strong as Julie. We all say that "so and so" is SO strong, they "made it through this", they "got through that." Many times there's a lot of talk to a lot of people who don't even understand the meaning of strength. I will sit here today and tell you that most of us have never met anyone as amazing and magnificent as Julie Herron. If you haven't had the privilege of knowing her (or knowing her well) then let me inform you that she has been through many struggles and difficulties. She has faced adversity more times than 10 people do in a lifetime. And EVERY time, she has stayed strong, fought, and made it through the stormy weather. She has also been blessed in her life. And while this cancer is no great gift, I feel her healing will be.
Strength is powerful - Grace is amazing. Julie embodies GRACE. Even in the face of a crisis, she has kept her resolve and remained committed to God, faithful to herself, strong for her husband, and a role model for the rest of us. I don't know what kind of person I would be if I were given this diagnosis. I highly doubt I could sing songs and go to lunch and talk to friends about God. I doubt I would be happy, or go to work, want to see or talk to people, or for that matter- even be able to get out of bed. The first time maybe, the second time, probably not, and the THIRD time? Who can imagine? But through all of this she has not faltered. Her character is impeccable. Her outlook optimistic. Her faith stronger than ever. I'm not going to say she's happy with this finding, but it will NOT crush her.
I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes as I type this because Julie means more to mean than words can express. I cannot explain to you the anger, pain, fear and frustration I am feeling right now as I watch one of my very best friends going through the painful ordeal for a third time. She was so happy 2 months ago. So relieved, so confident. And now, she has been hit with another major setback. However, because I know her character, her spirit, her drive - I am fully confident she will fight this battle with the same strength, motivation and grace that she has before. And, I know that in the end this will mean a solid victory OVER the cancer and she will be healthy once again.
Please, pray. If you have never prayed before. If you pray daily. If you only pray part of the time. It doesn't matter. Please tell God today, and everyday, that we want her healed. I am asking this as her friend. As her family. I am being selfish and greedy. I am asking you to please pray that this evil disgusting disease is removed from her body. I am asking you to pray that she keeps her strength. And please remember Gerald in your prayers. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to watch a spouse go through this, and so I know it is hard on him. He needs our prayers as well. Julie appreciates all of you. We have had so many conversations where she has expressed her gratitude for so many people who have supported her in prayer. I thank you all so very much. It's time to dig in our heels and do this again. We will be triumphant.
I will keep you posted.
- Tobra
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