I'm excited to be FINALLY doing my bracelet giveaway! And I owe you all an apology and an explanation for disappearing for five weeks. As for the reason:
Right about the time of my last post we received some unexpected news. My husband went to the doctor for a check up and the doctor discovered a lump near his collarbone. Well, Joe knew it was there and had ignored it, thinking it was nothing. The doctor sent us to another doctor.
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Joe and me. Isn't he handsome! |
Two days later we are sitting in the surgeon's office and he is telling us it is in the wrong spot to be a lymph node. He thinks it is a benign fatty tumor, come back on Friday and he will remove it. So we returned on Friday. Half way through the surgery he says, I'm beginning to think this is a lymph node. Several minutes later he reaches the lump and confirms it is a node. He sends it off and tells us it isn't big and he isn't real concerned that it is cancer.
A week passes while we wait and pray. We return to the office to find out Joe has a rare form of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma called Mantle Cell. Suddenly our lives are turned upside down!
Next week we are in the Oncologists office scared to death. He's telling us how we will put this into remission with some very tough chemo and then a stem cell transplant, but it isn't curable. It will come back, the question is when. Wow!!! These things happen to other people right?
After several more tests we were to start the next week. However our daughter who is a PA and a dear friend who is a NP talked us into going to MD Anderson and getting a second opinion. Three weeks later we are in Houston at MD Anderson and they are telling us about a clinical trial they'd like to see Joe in. They ran more tests and repeated some that had already been done. What they discovered in the CT scan was that in a month Joe's lymph nodes that were swollen throughout his body hadn't grown. And though there are a lot of them, they aren't large like a lot of Mantle Cell (MCL) patients.
God is so good! Had Joe taken just one treatment of Chemo he wouldn't have qualified for the clinical trial which will eliminate the stem cell transplant! Dr. Wang at MD Anderson is the top MCL doctor in the nation. He said since Joe's nodes hadn't grown they would take the 'watch and wait' approach. We will return every 3 months for another CT scan to see if anything is changing.
The 3 month reprieve is an answer to prayer. We are now juicing and eating fresh fruit and vegetables trying to get Joe's immune system up along with lots of vitamins! Everything we read tells us that building his immune system is the key to beating this 'so-called' incurable disease.
But I know God is bigger than MCL and I truly believe God is going to heal Joe. Now whether it is through divine healing, healthy eating, or the wisdom God has given doctors, I don't know. But I do know Joe will beat this!
Have you or a loved one had to battle cancer? Did you do it naturally? I'd love to hear your stories!
Leave a comment and your email address to be entered in the drawing. You can choose between a bracelet made from an antique spoon (and you get to choose your own charms) or a copy of SWORD OF FORGIVENESS (your choice of paperback or ebook). And don't forget to let me know if you are a follower for an extra entry. AND if you share a tweet and/or FB about this post let me know for another entry!!
If you are the winner, here are your choices of charms from your suggestions that remind you of Sword of Forgiveness.
When her father died, she had promised herself no man would own her again, yet who could defy an edict of the king?
After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father's estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn't enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin's wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.
Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was about eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.
I pray for a healing of your husband Joe! God is an awesome God :)
ReplyDeleteMy mother & father-in-law both lost their battle with cancer. By the time they were diagnosed it was too late for treatment. My father-in-law did go to juicing and natural and I think he felt better doing it.
May God Bless you! I love that bracelet and I loved reviewing your book.. I do follow your blog :)
Thanks for coming by, Deanna. I'm so sorry about your parents. I'm thankful Joe's is slower than many MCL patients because we know he has had his cancer for years. He knew he had swollen lymph nodes but never paid them any attention. And he would have ignored the one on his neck if it hadn't been for the doctor. Thank you, so much for reviewing my book. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteHello Debbie Lynne! I am continuing to stand in agreement with you for Joe's complete healing. We know cancer must bow it's knee to the name of Jesus! I hope to be able to see you next time you are in Houston. The bracelet is so perfectly themed! :)
ReplyDeleteI follow via email.
Thank you, Caryl! Yes! By His stripes we are healed! I hope we can meet too! We are coming to Houston in August but I'm not sure how much extra time we will have. We haven't scheduled our flight out yet. I'm glad I nailed Sword of Forgiveness with the charms! Yay!!!
DeleteOh Debbie, thanks for letting us know. I really was wondering what happened to you! I love the bracelet, and you KNOW I loved the book, but I'm really just so happy that you found some good news.
ReplyDeleteAwe, thank you, Connie. It's just been so crazy since we found out. So many appointments and then after those my mother in law had a stroke and can't speak or eat so they had to put a feeding tube in. We drove 15 hours to go see her and then trying to figure out the healthy way to cure cancer, I've haven't had time to do the things I love to do. But I'm trying to get back to blogging and writing in this new 'normal' we have.
Deleteoh and I am a follower :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Debbie!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your husband didn't have to start chemo, and am praying for his healing. I have some understanding of what you are going through as I'm playing the waiting game also. There are so many possibilities when it comes to a health diagnosis, and as you have found out - doctors don't always agree, nor do they always know what treatment to pursue without experimentation. With such indecision, it is often hard for a patient to know what course to follow, there are times when I have followed what I felt God was telling me to do rather than the doctors.
I have had cancer twice - my kidney was removed in 2000 and no further treatment was needed. May of 2013 - I had a breast cancer mastectomy, 2 weeks after the surgery- I found a lump in the lymph gland in my neck. I had an ultrasound - the radiologist advised a CT scan and biopsy. I am opposed to chemo or more radiation (I've had numerous radiation tests since the diagnosis of my first cancer) because of the harm it does. I didn't proceed with further testing until the latter part of April 2015 - when I noticed that the lump had grown (prior to that - I opted for a healthier lifestyle, as your husband is doing. Some days I was successful with it, others I wasn't - I have other health issues also). Since the end of April - I have had a CT scan, PET scan, mammogram, biopsy, and blood work (several times). My mammogram was clear and my blood work perfect - however, the other tests showed spine lesions, lung nodules, and an abdominal mass. My doctors were concerned I had metastatic breast cancer, however, the neck biopsy proved it to be a non-malignant neural sheath tumor (tumor on a nerve) called a schwannoma. I have chosen not to have it removed unless it becomes more painful, is restrictive, or continues to grow - as there is a chance of nerve damage and/or paralysis with the surgery. Since the neck biopsy wasn't malignant, my oncologist chose to wait until July to pursue further treatment for the abdominal mass, via another PET scan. If it is cancer, there will be changes - if not, they may be able to assume the previous test findings are each a result of previous health issues/injuries, rather than cancer.
I understand how hard it is when more than one person in the family is ill, also. My father has been in stage 4 prostate cancer for over 2 years - he had 2 rounds of radiation, gets a monthly infusion, and has had transfusions and other testings also. I'm not sure he would choose the same route, if given the choice again. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last Aug., and I also help care for an invalid aunt. Only God knows the outcome for any of our physical problems, I trust His leading and know He will work everything out to my good.
Sorry these comments are so long, I couldn't seem to find a short answer to your questions re: my situation. Praying for you and your mother-in-law, also - Debbie!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a follower, and have shared this post.
Oh my goodness, Bonnie, I am so sorry you are going through all this. I'm so glad your tests came back non cancerous. Let's pray that the rest of these problems do too! We certainly go through many tests here on this earth. I am so thankful we have a loving God who is with us each step of the way!!
DeleteSo am I, Debbie - as with you, God and the prayers of friends are what have given me the strength to get through those tests as easily as I have. Couldn't do it without Him!! Blessings and continued prayers for you, hubby, and family!!
DeleteAmen! Bonnie I shall be lifting you up in prayer, also.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you! We are really praying it comes back clear after 3 months of juicing, eating healthy and taking vitamins! It is amazing how much time is taken up these days!
DeleteReading your recent journey here, what's coming to mind is the scripture of the steps of a good man or righteous that are ordered of the Lord - grateful! [infuse at live dot ca]
ReplyDeleteand every blessing of God's Light and Life poured out to both of you!
+ follower [infuse]
And he is such a good and godly man! That is a wonderful scripture to stand on! Thank you! Thank you for following my blog and stopping by!
DeleteFollower Faith Hope Cherrytea
ReplyDeletePinned HERE
Ps 43.3 Send out your light and your truth;
let them be my guide; let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the places where you live.
Praying this for you -
Sharon faithhopecherrytea [gmail.] com
Blessings <3
Such a beautiful Psalm! Thank you so much for praying that over us!!! God bless you!
DeleteOh my goodness, how Great is our God!!! So thankful to hear how things are going. Thank you for such a full update on how things have been and are going. What a difference to those of us who claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior. I will be posting on facebook and tweeting. I also subscribe to your blog. Prayers will continue as your path unfolds.
ReplyDeleteHey Robin, Thank you for sharing. We do serve an awesome and loving God. I just can't even imagine going through this without out Lord and Savior. I wouldn't even want to imagine it!
DeleteMy husband has been diagnosed with "Large B-Cell Lymphoma" in his stomach ~ we thought we were going to the surgeon for a scope test for gallbladder. Next week we go to the city, 85 miles West of us for him to have a port put in, with chemo starting the next week. Six sessions every three weeks. Our God is so gracious and good! We choose to live in the land of the living. Much love and remembrance in your care. Also, the hospital has extended overnight care for us in their hospitality rooms of what used to be the old hospital wing. So thankful. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House (Should I win a choice, I would like the bracelet with the flowers.)
ReplyDeletelanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
DeleteI am a follower, receive your e-mail posts ~ shared on my Facebook news page and on twitter ~ https://twitter.com/LaneHillHouse/status/609718503285755905
DeleteOh my goodness, Kathleen, I am so sorry! When did you find out he had lymphoma? Is he still in treatment? That is really nice that the hospital has overnight care for you. I understand that MD Anderson allows me to stay with Joe. I wouldn't want to leave him!
DeleteMy dad battled bladder cancer. He tried treatment, but eventually had have his bladder removed. It gave him two more years with us.
ReplyDeletemelissa(dot)snoopy(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for sharing, Melissa. I'm sorry you lost your dad, but I'm glad you were able to have a few more years with him. Life can be so hard sometimes.
DeleteThe bracelet is lovely, but I REALLY want to read and review Sword of Forgiveness! I am a follower and I tweeted this post! :)
ReplyDeleteSincerely, Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)
amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom
Awe, you are so sweet Amada! You've been trying to win for so long, I hope you do win one of these times! And thank you for being willing to review if you win!!
DeleteI'm tenacious [another word for stubborn ;) shhhhhhh] LOL! Thank you Debbie!
DeleteHugs, Amada
I had wondered why you were quiet! We will certainly be praying for healing and peace. I cannot imagine going through that. Thank you for letting us know so we can all pray.
ReplyDeleteLattebooks at hotmail dot com
Thank you, Susan. I just can not tell you enough how precious the prayers are to us. I know that the prayers of friends (online and local) and family are what have given us peace. God hears those prayers! And I know He will hear the prayers for a healing for Joe so we can grow old together and sit on our porch in rocking chairs!!
DeletePraying for you.
ReplyDeleteBoth my paternal grandparents died of cancer.
Email subscriber:
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Mary, it seems cancer is so prevalent anymore. My grandfather died of cancer. My mother had cancer last year and 15 years ago I had cancer. It seems just about everyone's lives is touched by it one way or another these days.
DeleteHey Deb, so sorry you and your hubby had to go through that...and you are so right, God's got this! As you may know, my hubby Jack recently had bladder cancer. It was localized in such a way that he didn't have to have his entire bladder removed and no chemo was needed... and as of now, no cancer! God is so amazing and I thank Him for all that He does. Cancer seems so common these days.....so sad. Jack, my hubby, has to go back every 3 months to see if his cancer has returned. He was diagnosed with high grade, aggressive bladder cancer, so it can return....unless of course God says NO. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love that bracelet! You had to add an extra tease, didn't you. LOL I still want to win the book, so put my name in, please.....I will be sharing to FB, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and don't forget my extra entry from the other blog. :) Hugs!
debsbunch777[at]gmail[dot]com
Hey Chappy! Have your hubby juice if you don't. If you can juice 3 times a day he will build his immune system and help reduce his chances of reoccurrence There are so many things out there naturally to help us it is unbelievable! B17 is another good maintenance we are reading. Joe is taking the b17 but in larger doses along with the juicing and other vitamins. I'm glad you like the bracelet!! Thanks for all the shares! AWESOME! And I won't forget the other blog entry. So sorry about that!
DeleteDebbie , I know it is hard not to worry , but try and place it in God's hands . Yes I have had Cancer 2 times now . Breast back in 1989 , went through surgery , chemo , and radiation . I had a strong husband to stand by me . I had Bladde cancer September will be 5 years ago .the Lord has been so good to me . I love your book and yes I would love to win your bracelet .. Thank you and hand in there with your husband , he will need all the support he can get ..
ReplyDeletelizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
So sorry, ELizabeth! to have to go through 2 cancers! I'm glad you are cancer free now! do you juice or do anything else to try and stay cancer free? I"m so glad you enjoyed by book!!! I never get tired of hearing that. :o)
DeleteThanks for the encouragement. I'm trying to stay strong and positive for him. But I have my moments of tears. However they are getting fewer and fewer. God is good!
I've had several minor scares myself... had to have a Basal Cell Carcinoma (skin cancer) removed when I was only 28. Also after several routine mammograms, I got called back for a follow up on something that looked suspicious, thankfully they determined at this time that it was nothing to worry about! Cancer is a scary thing, will be praying for you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteI follow via GFC.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
It is, Patty! Just the word is scary! I'm glad yours turned out okay. Thank you for the prayers for Joe. He and I both appreciate them! Thanks for following!
DeleteSo sorry to hear about all that you and your family are going through. My brother was diagnosed with non-hodgins lymphoma in his thirties. He is now cancer-free. With God we always have hope. Praying for strength and guidance for you!
ReplyDeleteI followed. karenskrayonsatgmaildotcom
Hey Karen! What kind of Non-hodgkins lymphoma did your brother have? It is always encouraging to hear people tell us someone beat cancer. How old is your brother now? Sorry for all the questions! Thank you for following and for the prayers!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, Joe is on our prayer list at home and at church. I will stand with you believing for his healing! We serve a God of miracles and I truly and firmly believe in supernatural healing.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and I will share on FB. I loved your book and look forward to another medieval from you. I'd love to have that bracelet!
Thank you so much for the prayers, Susan! I know that God is hearing the prayers of His people and he is going to heal Joe!
DeleteI'm working on the sequel now!
DeleteDebbie, I'd love to read/review your book! It looks interesting!
ReplyDeleteDo you know Sandi Rog? She's beaten her cancer into submission. She has a list of natural resources she can refer you to. :-)
Thank you, Krysti! I hope you win one of my giveaways! I'd love a review. :o) YES! Sandi and I are in close touch. She has guided us through all this. He is juicing and is on b17, and our shipment of vitamins and minerals just came today. All suggested by Sandi. She has been such a blessing to us!!! I don't know what we would have done without her. Thank you so much for sharing about her though! God bless! don't forget to leave your email address in case you win!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, my family & I may not know you personally, but we know God knows you intimately....so we're saying many prayers for you and your husband! Cling to His word in this hard trial and His many promises in them! I just read Psalm 121 this morning, I hope it's encouraging to you as well "I will lift my eyes up to the hills, from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord". I'm glad to read that there is progress and believing that there will continue to be! Blessings to you both!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
I'm a follower & shared on FB (Trixi Oberembt) and twitter (@sea_tea04)
Thank you, Trixi for the encouragement! What a blessing God's word is! He is our help! I will hold to that promise. Thank you for being a follower and for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLoved your book! It was so good, I could not put it down!
ReplyDelete18thcenturydreamer@gmail.com
DeleteThank you!! That is so encouraging to hear!! Thank you for coming by!
DeleteYay for prayer!!! I've been praying and will keep on praying. God is always good, no matter the outcome. :)
ReplyDeleteMy mom had cancer twice. The second time she didn't survive but it wasn't the cancer that caused her death. She contracted a nasty virus and the doctor wouldn't see her. She was diabetic and needed her insulin but was too sick to take it. She went into a diabetic coma and that was it. BUT, I do know that she ate healthy and the doctors said that helped her live longer. It was a good 13 years between the first cancer and the second, and they weren't the same type. It just runs in our family, I am sad to say.
I have the book but LOVE that bracelet.
I follow your blog, and FB'd the giveaway. :)
Looking forward to another lunch date! {{hugs}}
Anne, I'm sorry to hear that about your mom. That is terrible that they wouldn't see her! That makes it so much sadder because it was unnecessary. I was just thinking about that today! We need to do another lunch! So glad you enjoyed SWORD OF FORGIVENESS! Thank you for all the prayers. They are precious to us!
DeleteLooking forward to reading this book. Will keep him in prayer. God is so good He can remove it completely. Pray for a complete healing for him. Our God is the best physician there is. I love the bracelet. I am following your blog.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
He is! And I really believe He will heal my hubby. So many people have been praying for him and continue to pray for him. God hears the prayers of His people! Thanks for your prayers!!!
DeleteHugs & Prayers for you both. God will bring you both through it.
ReplyDeleteI pray that Joe has complete healing. May he also wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you.
Thank you, Cheryl. I just don't know how people get through things without our Lord! Your prayers are coveted!
DeleteCongratulations, Chappy!!! You won!
ReplyDeletePrayers to your husband. My husband was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma five years ago. He went through several infusions of chemo. After his bone marrow biopsy he was told that he was in remission!! He just had another bone marrow biopsy two months ago and it came back negative so praise the Lord!!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
Sorry - just noticed the deadline is past!
ReplyDelete