Sunday, February 14, 2010

Sunday February 14th – Domingo 14 de febrero

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El viernes pasado Adriana tuvo su primera sesión de quimoterapia. Como ustedes ya saben la biopsia de su espalda salió cancer positivo y la mando de cancer nivel II a nivel IV que es decir de más mucho más grave. Los estudios dicen que las posibilidades de sobrevivir disminuyen a un 20% pero sabemos que nuestra vida esta solamente en las manos de Dios, asi que rogamos que nos tengan en sus oraciones. En este momento Adriana ha pasado básicamente en reposo y durmiendo muchas horas debido a los medicamentos para controlar las nauseas que son uno de los efectos más graves de la quimoterapia, sabemos que los proximos días pueden ser mucho más complicados a medida que los medicamentos comiensen a trabajar en su cuerpo, por esto les pedimos que aparte de sanidad oren para que Dios la conforte.

Durante las última semanas Adriana no ha podido asistir muchas veces a la iglesia y hemos pasados varios domingo teniendo devocionales familiares y orando. Pero no hemos estado solos, muchas personas –de distintas iglesias- han venido a nuestra casa a visitarnos y orar por nosotros; por esta razón cuando Adriana se ha sentido mejor hemos podido visitar las iglesia de esas personas y alabar Dios con ellos. Les podemos decir que esta experiecia ha revolucionado nuestra idea de Juan 17:20-23, "ruego …para que sean perfectos en unidad, para que el mundo crea que me enviaste…" Cristo ora esta oración cerca del final de su ministerio –y su vida terrenal. ¿Por que? Porque es lo esencial. Jesus sabe que sin paz y harmonia en nuestras relaciones no podemos ser efectivos en ninguna area de nuestra vida especialmente en la esfera espiritual. Hermanos y hermanas de distintas congregaciones cuidandose y orando unos por otros como si fueran famila (porque los somos), matrimonios saludables que son ejemplos de tolerancia y entrega y padres dandoles a sus hijos el tiempo y cariño que necesitan son la demostración del Espíriu Santo en nuestras vidas y es lo que va a impactar a un mundo hambriento rde esperanza y propósito. Por lo que es Adriana, Emma y yo trataremos, apesar de nuestras imperfeciones, de vivir el resto de nuestras vidas en unida y armonia rogando a Dios por esa paz sobrenatural que solamante El da.

English

Last Friday Adrienne had her first chemotherapy session. As you already know the biopsy from her back came back positive which means her cancer is now stage IV instead of II. Needless to say this is much more serious . Some studies show this stage with 20% probability for survival, but we know our life is only in God's hands, so we ask you to keep us in your prayers. At this time Adrienne has spent most of her time resting and sleeping as result of the medications to prevent nausea, which is one of the most undesirable side effects of chemo. We know the next few days could be more difficult as the medications start working throughout her body. We ask that you pray now not only for her healing but that God comfort her during the coming days.

During the last weeks Adrienne hasn't been able to attend church on a weekly basis and we have spent many Sundays having devotional and prayer time. However we haven't been alone. Many people from different churches have come to visit us and pray for us. Because of this, when Adrienne has felt better we as well have visited their churches and worshiped together. This experience has transformed completely our concept of John 17:20-23, "I pray … may they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me." Christ prayed this near the end of His ministry –and His life. Why? Because it is essential. Jesus knows that without peace and harmony in our relationships we cannot be effective in any area of our life, especially in the spiritual. When the world sees a Christian brother and sister of different churches caring and praying for each other as a family (because we are one!) or healthy marriages that exemplified tolerance and unselfish love or parents giving their children the time and dedication they need, they are witnessing the expression of the Holy Spirit in our lives. That is what will impact a world that is hungry for hope and purpose. I don't about you but as for Adrienne, Emma and me we will try to live, regardless of our flaws, the rest of our lives in harmony and unity praying for the supernatural peace only God can give.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Quick Changes



 

Everything I felt comfortable with was changed yesterday when my insurance denied my treatment at Moffitt. All the books I have read on treatments says you should feel 100% confident with where you get your treatment. I haven't even had time to wrap my head around the denial. With God's help I have accepted this decision and I begin with education tomorrow at the Rockledge Space Coast Cancer Center with Dr. Sprawls. The biopsy has come back positive as a metastatic lession from the original breast cancer. That also means I am in Stage IV. The information I have looked up shows this stage with a 20% probability of living through it. I want to beat those odds and with your prayers I know I will. I am still asking for God's will to be done but the Bible tells us to "ask and ye SHALL receive." I'm asking God for my life by faith. I know this is complicated but I do feel peace.

Friday I start chemo so remember to log on and check my status. I'd love it even more if you called or come by the house for the "Celebration of Life" party at 6:30 pm.

I love you all and thank you for your prayers,
Adrienne

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Crying Out to God in the Wilderness

I liked the doctor (Dr. R. Sprawls @ Space Coast Cancer Center) today and while in the office my insurance advocate (as if that is a real position) informed me she took my case to the medical director and they have denied my cancer treatment at Moffitt. I would love to scream and poor Pablo is holding back tears that just keep falling down his cheeks. Oh God, we are crying out. Please hear our prayers.

Monday, February 08, 2010

New news, but not really?

Well exactly 19 days have passed since my last posting. There have been a lot of things done and yet there is no report of when any of my treatment will begin. Here's what I do know:

  1. I saw my radiation oncologist, Dr. Eleanor Harris- Section Chief, Breast Gynecologic Clinical & Research Divisions, Clinical Director, Radiation Oncology and Residency Program Director, Radiation Oncology. Yeah that's right-
    God chose the best for me!
  2. There is a lesion on my back that is 99.9% a metastasis from the breast cancer. Biopsy results are pending but Dr. Harris feels like it will be something we treat after chemo is administrated.
  3. I will spend 6 weeks in Tampa at the end of my chemo to receive 6 ½ weeks of radiation.
  4. I'm looking for people to spend one week with me during radiation. So far I have Mom, Pablo, Patti, Beverly, and hey maybe you. Let me know.
  5. I have my port for chemo placed. The tegaderm patch they used to cover it for the first 2 days has caused a severe allergic reaction. OUCH! ITCHY!
  6. I am applying for gas money from cancercare.org .
  7. I am applying for disability tomorrow. I have my interview with my case manager tomorrow 2/9 @ 10:30 am.
  8. I have been able to reach a goal of $362 for a human hair wig. YEAH! Thanks to everyone who participated.
  9. I'm applying for assistance with my co-pays until I reach my deductible of $2,500. If you know of a site let me know.
  10. I'm also applying with the Jack and Jill Foundation. Look it up.
  11. Waiting, Waiting, Waiting.

I really didn't like the oncologist here in Melbourne so I am now scheduled with one in Rockledge. I see him tomorrow. Please pray for wisdom in choosing someone local to care for me in emergency situations. I love you all, the posts, cards, visits, and phone calls have been a constant reminder I'm not in this alone. God is with me each step of the way and you are His human face of encouragement.

Thanks,

Adrienne

"Celebration of Life"

About the author: Adrienne Conde

It has been a dream of mine to write a book but today that seems so limiting with blogging available. So this is where this little project of mine has lead me to a blog on my favorite book of the Bible: Proverbs. Feel free to leave comments, lessons learned, life experiences that validate, encouragement, etc. Join me on my quest for wisdom and my greatest burden- imparting this wisdom to Emma, my life project.

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