Happy Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Dear Family & Friends

February is the month of love, but there are so many types of love. The love I will be writing about is that which I have for you, my family and friends. I am so thankful for each and every one of you. You are a blessing in our lives.

 

I wanted to write this letter at Christmas time, but as the month sped by, it occurred to me how many other cards and letters you would receive and how busy you would be and the probability of you reading my letter were slim. So this idea of a Christmas, New Year, & Happy Valentine letter came to mind for me to share what wonderful things God has done in 2010.

 

As many of you know, 2010 had a rocky beginning with chemotherapy treatments, surgeries, radiation, more surgeries and in my mind a blur of practically everything that took place from January through July. It was a very rough time with chemo and the adverse reactions. I was not very sick but in a great deal of pain and from what I am now told, I had steroid rage and wasn't a nice person to be around most days. As a family we had our ups and downs but are grateful for this experience because it drew us closer as a whole family.

My mother in law, Nelly came from Chile and was with us for over 7 months helping me with my diet and making me much more health conscious. She gave me massages, foot rubs, and babied me through my most difficult moments. To her, I am forever indebted and thankful. My husband took off from work many days to take me to treatments, countless doctor appointments and has made a habit now of dropping me off at the door and picking me up at the door. Such chivalry has made me fall further in love with him. My mom and dad of course also played a huge part in our lives, helping with Emma, her schoolwork, and taking me to radiation treatments an hour away for 6 weeks straight.

Everyone that stuck to my side offered encouragement and lifted me up in prayer when I couldn't find the strength to do it myself, to you I am appreciative. Thank you is not sufficient. Even my family and friends in Chile would call, Facebook, and message me when they caught wind I was down. But the one who sustained me most was God and His words in the Bible written "just for me."

I read the book A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23 by Philip Keller, three times and each time found comfort with how much my Savior cares for me and goes to great length to protect me. This chapter in Psalms became so dear to me, my mom made a gorgeous cross stitch of it to hang over my bed. I have scriptures clipped to lampshades, taped to my television, written on construction paper and taped to the wall. Surrounding me and putting myself under the influence of God's word was part of my cancer treatment.

Our family took two vacations, one in summer and one before Christmas. The first trip was right after my chemo with Pablo, Emma, Nelly, and Sweetie (our pug) to Helen, GA. A dear friend of my mother, named Helen, offered us a cabin where I was able to recuperate, go tubing, and walk 1 mile straight up to Ruby Falls. I was so proud of myself for making it all the way to the top. This was something very challenging for me in my physical state but I MADE IT! We relaxed and swam in a nearby lake while Pablo tried to fish - with no luck I might add, read God's word as a family, and drew ever closer still.

Nelly had to go home to take care of her mother in September, who was being cared for by my best friend in Chile, Sussy. I know it wasn't easy for either of them but want to thank Abuela Abuela for lending me Nelly and thank Sussy for the hard work she put into caring for Abuela Abuela. Without the cooperation of the two, I wouldn't have had the blessing of Nelly's care. I miss her dearly, as she became not just my mother in law but my 2^nd mother, friend, and confidant.

Well this brings us to Christmas which we (My Mom & Dad, Pablo, Emma, Me, Sweetie & my parent's dog, Betty Boop) went back to Helen to enjoy Helen, GA's first White Christmas in 100 years. It was a blast watching Emma see her first snow, make a snowman and snow angel, and enjoy snowball fights. The day after Christmas we headed out in the snow storm to Pigeon Forge, TN where we were slammed with inclement weather. The trip should have taken 2 hours but instead took 6. Needless to say, there were terrible traffic jams and 5 wrecks along the way. Once we arrived we enjoyed our time at Dollywood, shopping in town and going to the outlet.

For New Year's Eve we got home and Pablo, Emma and I went to our friend's house for dinner, a little bit of celebrating, and talking by the fire pit until we rung in the New Year. It was great fun and we got to make even more new friends.

What I have left for last is probably the most amazing thing that happened in 2010, I am officially in remission. Now for a stage IV breast cancer patient that does not mean I am cured because the cancer will come back. What it means for me though is it's gone for right now, today and if there is anything I have learned through this journey it is to live every day to the maximum, share my faith with others and make God look good, a lesson recently learned from attending Calvary Chapel Melbourne. How good does He look right now with me in remission? I know this beast will come back but I know my God can keep it asleep for a very long time and that is my prayer.

To conclude, my dear family and friends - thank you for making 2010 a year where you remembered me in your prayers. They were answered, but continue to pray for me as I continue treatments to keep my cancer in remission. They are powerful drugs that I'm taking and the side effects include much pain and fatigue. I love you all and thank you for the love you have poured out on me and my family.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY,

Adrienne, Pablo & Emma

 

P.S. To follow, you will find a link to my American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team: Butterflies of Hope. It would honor me greatly if you went to my page and made a donation in my name or of that of a friend or family member that has won the battle, is still fighting or lost their battle to cancer. If you decide to mail a check, please send to my home address made out to "American Cancer Society." It is my dream and prayer that a cure would be found for this terrible disease. For more information on what the American Cancer Society does, please log onto my page http://main.acsevents.org/goto/aconde
where you will find a link, to copy and paste in your browser, that leads you to more specific information.

 

American Cancer Society:

Saving lives by helping people stay well,

get well, find cures, and fight back!

 

Keep in Touch

1423 Sorento Cir.; W. Melbourne, FL 32904 *  321-544-9361 Adrienne's Cell * 321-506-7991 Pablo's Cell *
adrienneconde@hotmail.com

Happy THANKSGIVING

It is so easy to praise God when things go your way but in the midst of your trials, illnesses, circumstances, do you praise God with the same gusto? This question popped into my mind as so many praises poured into my Facebook, e-mail, and phone. It’s hard to admit but I didn’t have the same reaction at hearing my test results on Friday, as I did when I heard that the chemotherapy had done nothing and that my cancer had actually grown during the treatment. I think that reaction is human.

I realized through with this good news, I need to learn to “praise Him in the storm” AND where I am today. I am so happy right now to be cancer free and give God the glory. My cancer is one that will come back in time, so continue to pray for me and that if and when it does come back, I can praise Him even then.

Thank you for you prayers and may this Thanksgiving be a time where you do not obsess about cooking the perfect turkey, getting to watch your favorite football team play in a bowl, stress over your in-laws, or anything else but that you would focus on being thankful for even the little things God is doing in your life.

Happy Fall

So much has happened in so little time. I guess that is why cancer can be so overwhelming but with God I haven't felt that way lately. I had to change the Arimidex I was taking. My doctor gave me two samples of other medications that do the same thing but may not cause the side effects. I'm to try them for two weeks each and then choose which one fits me best. I am praying one of them will be the "one". I also had blood drawn for the research study I'm participating in. If you haven't heard about this yet I found it through the "Army of Women" website I asked my girlfriends to join. I'm also going to participate in another study through Moffitt Cancer Center for patients taking Zometa. I take my first dose of this medicine next Friday, November 5^th. I'm going to get an MRI of my back as the area that was radiated has started to cause me pain again and a PET SCAN to see if my cancer has spread anywhere else, shrunk or whatever. I'm scheduled November 24^th, the day before Thanksgiving, for surgery to get my expander put in on my right breast and start stretching the skin so I can get my right booby by January or February 2011. LOL- YEAH!!! WOW was that enough info. For one posting or what?!?! Do me a favor- in this crazy world we're living in where Halloween gets more importance than Thanksgiving- STOP and take a moment to thank God with your family for all the many blessings we all have in our lives: A Savior, family, friends, a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, a church to worship God, vehicles to get us from point A to point B, food in abundance that fill our tables, you fill in the rest…

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Mi “Nuevo” Normal

No puedo creer que ha pasado tanto tiempo desde mi último posteo y por eso pido disculpas.  La radiación me pateó en el trasero más fuerte de lo que pensé que iba a ser.  Pero eso también ya pasó.  El 30 de Septiembre tuve una histerectomía radical para reducir los niveles de progesterona y estrógeno en mi cuerpo.  Me siento muy bien y me he recuperado increíblemente rápido.  El propósito de esta última operación es matar de hambre al cáncer, ya que estas hormonas son las que lo alimentan.  La esperanza es que esto erradique las lesiones y el cáncer restante.  ¡Esa es la idea!  También he comenzado a tomar un inhibidor aromatase llamado "Armidex".  Este medicamento, tomado a diario, es para eliminar las hormonas restantes.  Tendré que tomar este medicamento de por vida o hasta que se encuentre una cura.  Comencé a tomarlo anoche y me ha producido bastante nausea pero esto es normal los primeros días, y debiera pasar.
 
Bueno, ¿Qué más ha cambiado?  ¡BASTANTE!  Con la ayuda de Dios y las oraciones de una multitud de personas, más de las que puedo imaginar, cada día estoy más fuerte.  Por todas estas oraciones estoy muy agradecida.

Nelly
Mi suegra regresó a Chile el martes 12 de octubre.  Fue muy duro verla irse y lloré por lo menos una media hora de regreso a casa de Miami pero al mismo tiempo marca un nuevo comienzo.  Nunca volveré a ser la misma persona que era antes, soy una mejor versión emocionalmente y espiritualmente pero físicamente no volveré a estar a un 100%.  Prefiero esta versión de mí.  Nelly tiene una gran responsabilidad en los cambios que he hecho porque ella estuvo dispuesta a ser la vasija de Dios.
Me he convertido en una vegetariana y he cambiado mis hábitos alimenticios y de ejercicio radicalmente.  De repente como carne que ha sido criado libre de pesticidas etc., pero es increíble que ya no necesito mucho.  Los alimentos que estoy colocando dentro del templo del Espíritu Santo son aquellos que sé que me harán más fuerte y saludable y me siento muuuucho mejor por esto.  Sé que no es para todos, pero sí lo es para mí.  Cuando oro, pidiendo la bendición por mis alimentos, realmente lo digo de corazón.  Estoy agradecida por los alimentos que estoy consumiendo y le pido a Dios que los use para hacerme más fuerte.

He tenido que retomar las responsabilidades de cocinar, lavar, hacer el aseo, etc.  Todas esas tareas en las que he sido mimada durante estos últimos 7 meses.  Sé que Dios me dará la fortaleza para hacerlas y si no,  ¡Qué más da!  Ya hecho de menos la amistad y compañía de Nelly, pero en esta área también ya es tiempo de re-enganchar con mi mejor amigo, Pablo.  He echado de menos nuestras citas y románticos escapes de fines de semanas.  Este año ha sido pesado para los dos, asique, por favor estén orando por nosotros durante este tiempo de transición y de volver a conocernos.

Iglesia
Pablo y yo, después de mucha oración, por fin tomamos la decisión de dejar nuestra iglesia de los últimos 5 años.  Era el tiempo perfecto para nuestra familia, ya que tengo la suficiente fuerza para asistir todas las semanas.  Hubo muchas razones detrás de esta decisión, que prefiero no mencionar, y no se tomó sin primero orar mucho.  Hemos estado asistiendo a Capilla Calvario por las últimas seis semanas y ha sido un cambio tremendo, especialmente para esta Sra. Bautista.  Ha sido refrescante y las enseñanzas del Pastor Mark me han alimentado espiritualmente después de tantos meses de no asistir a ninguna iglesia regularmente.  ¡Es increíble para mí lo hambrienta que he estado!  Emma también está aprendiendo mucho en su clase del Mundo Pequeño.


Todavía no nos hemos unido a ningún grupo de cuidado pero sí estoy asistiendo al grupo de apoyo para cáncer mamario, "Mujeres de Esperanza", cada primer y tercer lunes del mes.  A través de este ministerio he conocido a una mujer recientemente diagnosticada, a la cual estoy ministrando, llevándole almuerzos.  Por fin estoy en una etapa donde puedo comenzar a devolver una porción de lo que me fue dado a mí, con tanto cariño, (nunca olvidaré a las mujeres de la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Eau Gallie quienes nos ministraron a mí y a mi familia).  El nombre de mi nueva amiga es Kirsten.  Tiene 38 años, está casada, y es madre de dos.  Una niñita de 8 meses y un niño de 2 años.  Por favor manténganla en sus oraciones, ya que recién está comenzando sus tratamientos.  En estos momentos necesita fuerza y la dirección del Espíritu Santo a medida que va creciendo en una relación más cercana con Dios.

Pechugas
La semana que viene me voy a juntar con el cirujano plástico para conversar acerca de cuándo voy a tener mi cirugía para colocar mi implante derecho.  No sé si va a requerir extender la piel o si aún tengo suficiente, después de la infección al principio de mi tratamiento de quimioterapia.  Les avisaré cuando va a ser esa cirugía.

Nuevo Normal

Como mencioné antes, nunca seré la misma, pero eso es algo positivo.  Como ha reiterado mi líder del grupo de apoyo, nunca volveré a ser igual, pero eso es algo positive, cada día me acercaré más y más a mi "nuevo" normal.  Le doy gracias a Jesús por los cambios que ha hecho en mí:

• Estar agradecida de corazón por cada día, sin dar nada por hecho.
  
• Servirle a Él.
  
• Obedecer Sus mandamientos.
  
• Aferrarme a Las promesas que me ha dado en Su Palabra.
  
• Testificar con denuedo a través de mi cáncer.
  
• Dar testimonio y la Gloria a Dios por donde estoy Hoy.
  
• Pensar positivo a pesar de mis condiciones diarias.
  
• Despertar con Jesús en mis pensamientos.
  
• Amar a mis seres queridos y hacer el amor como si no existiera un mañana.
  
• Valorar y atesorar mis amistades.
  
• Dejarle a mi hija un legado de una mujer a la quien ella pueda luchar por imitar, una que ¡Vive solamente para Dios!
  

Es MI oración por ti y por todos aquellos que oran por mí, que aprendan estas mismas lecciones sin tener que ser golpeados con algo tan fuerte como el cáncer.  Hasta la próxima…

Proverbios 3:5-6

"Fíate de Jehová de todo corazón y no te apoyes en tu propia prudencia.  Reconócelo en todos tus caminos y Él enderezará tus veredas".

The “New” Normal

I can't believe it has been so long since my last posting & for that I apologize. Radiation kicked me in the butt a lot harder than I thought it would. But that too is now over. On September 30^th I had a radical hysterectomy to reduce the levels of progesterone & estrogen in my body. I feel great and have healed incredibly fast. Because these are the foods my cancer feed on, making them starve will hopefully eradicate the lesions and cancer that are left. That is the idea! I have also started taking what is called an aromatase inhibitor called "Arimidex." This medication taken daily is to eliminate all other hormones left over. I will have to take this for life or until there is a cure. I started taking this last night and it's made me quite nauseas but this is expected the first few days and should subside.

So, what else has changed? PLENTY! I am getting stronger each day with God's help and as the result of a multitude beyond what I can imagine, that keep me in their prayers. For them, I am so very thankful.

Nelly

My mother-in-law returned to Chile on Tuesday. It was really hard to see her leave and I cried for a good half hour on our way home from Miami but at the same time it marks a new beginning. I will never be the same person I was before, I am a better version emotionally and spiritually yet physically I will never be 100%. I prefer this version of me. Nelly is greatly responsible for the changes I have made because she was willing to be God's vessel.

I have become a vegetarian and radically changed my eating habits and exercise. I do eat free-range meats occasionally but it's amazing how I no longer crave these. The foods I am putting into the Holy Spirit's temple are those things I know will make me stronger and healthier and I feel soooo much better for it. I know it's not for everyone but it is for me. When I say grace, I really mean it. I'm thankful for the foods I am consuming and I ask God to use them to make me stronger.

I have also had to resume cooking, washing, cleaning, etc. all things I have been spoiled with these past 7 months. I know the Lord will give me the stamina to do these things and if not, OH WELL! My OCD will have to "deal with it" and move on. I already miss Nelly's friendship and companionship but in this area too it is time for me to re-engage with my best friend, Pablo. I have missed our date nights and romantic weekend get-a-ways. This year has put a toll on us both, so please pray as we make this transition of getting to know each other again.

Church

Pablo & I finally decided to leave our church home of the past 5 years after much prayer. It was the perfect time for our family as I am now strong enough to attend each week. There were many reasons behind this decision, which I prefer to not discuss and it didn't come without much prayer. We have been attending Calvary Chapel for the past six weeks and it has been a huge change, especially for this Baptist girl. It has been refreshing and Pastor Mark's teachings have fed me spiritually after so many months of not attending any church regularly. It is amazing to me how hungry I have been! Emma is learning a lot in her Sunday school class too.

We have not yet joined a life group but I am attending the breast cancer support group "Women of Hope" every 1^st and 3^rd Mondays of the month. Through this ministry I have met a recently diagnosed woman I am now ministering to by taking meals. I am finally at a point where I can give back a portion of what has been so graciously given to me (I will never forget the ladies at Eau Gallie First Baptist Church who ministered to me and my family). My new friend's name is Kirsten. She is 38 years old, married, and a mother of 2, an 8 mo. old little girl and a 2 year old boy. Please keep her in your prayers as she is just starting her treatments. She needs strength right now and the Holy Spirit's guidance as she grows closer to a relationship with God.

Boobies

This coming week I meet with my plastic surgeon to discuss when I will have surgery to have my right implant placed. I don't know yet if I will require an extender or if I have enough skin left after my infection early on in my chemo treatments to make have the implant place immediately. I'll let you know that and when that surgery will be.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer & Relay for Life

October 23^rd is the BC walk. I have joined the Spice Rack for this event and would appreciate any donations made on my behalf. I can't wait to walk with my breast friends and family. LOL! As for my Relay for Life, which is also a part of the American Cancer Society, I have taken on new responsibilities for this year. I am leading my Butterflies of Hope, am the registration chair, and the ACS Can Chair, Pablo is the advertising & media chair and of course, Mom & Dad are right next to me supporting me in each area.

I am currently looking for new Butterflies to join me and for the return of my 2010 Butterflies. The kick-off for Relay season is Nov. 7^th and I have been chosen to give the survivor story testimony. I am amazed, grateful, and humbled by how God continues to bless me and use me to further His message of hope and healing both physically and spiritually.

New Normal

As I mentioned before, I will never be the same but this is a positive thing. As my support group leader has reiterated, I will get closer and closer each day to my "new" normal. I thank Jesus for the changes He has made in me:

• To be heart-felt thankful for each day- taking NOTHING for granted
  
• To serve Him
  
• To obey His commands
  
• To cling tightly to the promises He has given me in His Word
  
• To witness boldly through my cancer
  
• To testify & give God the glory for where I am today
  
• To think positively despite my daily condition
  
• To wake up with Jesus on my mind
  
• To love my loved ones and make love like there is no tomorrow
  
• To cherish my friendships
  
• To leave my daughter a legacy of a woman she strives to be like, one who lives for God and God alone!
  

It is MY prayer for you and all those who keep me in their prayers that you would learn these same lessons without having to be hit up-side the head with something as sobering as cancer is.  Until next time…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all you ways acknowledge Him and

He WILL direct your paths."

Prov. 3:5-6

 

 

Prayer requested & FUNDRAISER for a very close friend!!

LATEST UPDATE: Felipe is out of surgery and in the ICU for 24 hours due to length of the surgery. Please continue to pray for his continued healing and for the money they need to raise. If you'd like to participate, please let me know.

 

Paulo Serrano is Pablo's best friend from Chile who lives in Sarasota, FL. He write about his younger brother.  

 

FIRST BLOG:

Dear Family and Friends,

We are sending this letter on behalf of Felipe (“Pipe”), Paulo’s younger brother, who lives in Chile and is currently facing some serious medical challenges. Most of you know Pipe personally or have met him during his visits with us here in the States. You know Pipe’s huge heart, contagious joy, and steadfast faith.

As many of you know, Pipe has always had a medical condition known as Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas, which has caused him to have multiple surgeries to remove benign tumors since he was a young child. When we were visiting Chile this summer, it was determined that one of these tumors in Pipe’s left leg (which grew very large in a short amount of time) was, in fact, malignant. Further testing also found additional tumors in his lung and rib cage. After visiting his doctor and having numerous tests run, Pipe was given a 10% chance of keeping his left leg, due to the tumor’s size and compromised nerves, etc. In addition, he was told that the cancer had most likely metastasized to his lung (as this is common with this type of femoral tumor). Of course, this left Pipe and the entire family devastated and relying quickly on our hope in Christ Jesus. At this point, many of you were praying fervently for Pipe and his situation at hand.

Well, on July 9th, Pipe went to visit a new doctor who specializes in osteochondromas in order to get a second opinion. This physician looked at the test results and immediately determined that Pipe’s leg could, in fact, be saved and that he would be able to walk following removal of the tumor. In addition, he indicated that the tumors in Pipe’s chest were not malignant and most likely previous osteochondromas that he has had for some time. Praise the Lord!!

Pipe will be undergoing surgery to remove the tumor in his leg on Saturday, July 24th. Pipe and the family now face the challenge of finding the resources to pay for the cost of a titanium “proximal femur megaprosthesis” that will be implanted during the surgery to avoid amputation of his leg, as well as part of the surgery itself. The current estimate after the portion to be covered by insurance is about $6,000.00 US dollars. This is far less than previous figures and although it seems like an insurmountable amount (especially in Chile), we know that God has already begun to prove Himself in this situation and will work out these details, as well.

We are sending this letter to inform you of Pipe’s circumstance and hope you will all join us in praying for healing, grace, comfort, and peace for Pipe in the days ahead. If any of you feel you would like to contribute financially toward the cost of Pipe’s medical expenses, we are enclosing our address where you can send any donations and we will forward them on to Chile.

Thank you for the support and encouragement that so many of you have shown already. We love and appreciate each and everyone of you!!

With hope in Him,

Paulo and Carmen Serrano
213 San Luis St.
North Port, FL 34287

 

July 23 at 1:31pm

 

I would like to ask a great favor my dear friends—my brother Felipe, "Pipe", will be having a highly complex surgery, tomorrow, Saturday, July 24 at 9:30 AM at the Clínica Tabancura in Santiago, Chile. I ask that you´d be praying that our God can guide the hands of Dr. Luis Bahamonde and his team, and also that Pipe may have a fast recovery, both physically and emotionally.

Thank you so much,
Paulo

Les quiero pedir un favor muy grande amigos—mi hermano Felipe, “Pipe” va a ser sometido a una cirugía de una alta complejidad, mañana sábado, 24 de julio a las 9:30 AM en la Clínica Tabancura, Santiago, Chile. Les pido oración para que nuestro Dios guíe las manos de Dr. Luis Bahamonde y su equipo, y también para que Felipe pueda tener una recuperación rápida, tanto en lo físico, como en lo emocional.
 

Muchísimas gracias
Paulo

The New Scoop

After much deliberation between oncologists both here and at Moffitt Cancer Center it has been decided to do 25 radiation treatments on my left chest wall where my cancer originated. The side effects are minimal from what I am told and I should start to gain strength each day. This is good news because I feel like a Mac truck has run over me, then backed up and ran over me again. I'm a little scared of radiation and all the long term effects it will leave on my body, as I see what chemotherapy has done. OK, I'm more than a little scared, I'm a lot scared but I must imagine myself holding my Heavenly Father's hand like a little girl holds onto her daddy's hand when she's scared. The machine is so daunting and the "what if's" crawl into your brain.

At this point I don't really have many options. This too is something I struggle with. How much are the doctor's playing God? How much medicine is too much? For someone in my position, I think this is something we ask ourselves. At least I do. It's so hard making these life altering decisions on what treatments to do and only I can make the final decisions. Only I know how much is enough. Not that I'm quitting any time soon. It's just too much to think about most of the time. Do you understand even a little bit? I'm tired and think that's the biggest issue I'm facing right now. I think I may be a little depressed or down too. I just wish I felt up to doing everything I write down on my "to do" lists each evening for the next day. Writing this blog for example is something I've been wanting to do, but I just couldn't get my heart into it. I'm in a funk! Okay!

We had a wonderful time on vacation in Helen, Georgia. We stayed at a friend's cabin, went tubing twice down the Chatahoochee River (yes, I went tubing!), climbed/walked uphill 0.4 miles to Anna Ruby Falls, went swimming in a gorgeous lake, walked downtown almost every evening, saw a youth mission's group perform, talked, laughed, ate, and slept like a log. Pablo, of course, went fishing and perfected his fly fishing skills. He caught several trout and let them go on their merry way. I had wanted to visit some friends but was just way too exhausted. That's a lot of action for someone who just finished chemo but it was a blast! I know Emma will never forget it nor will I. Hopefully we'll go again soon but not too soon- 10 hours in the car is a bit much to do right away. (Thanks Helen for our time in Helen.)

So back to treatments, I do my 25 radiation treatments and then I'll begin hormone therapy. The doctors will know in about 3 to 6 mo. if this is working or not. I'll be having my ovaries removed sometime in between too and as far as reconstruction is concerned, who knows? I think that has moved to dead last on my list of priorities. Who cares if I have one fake boob and one flat chest! I'll get around to it but I think the doctors are concentrating on my cancer right now… me, too.

Okay friends so are you caught up? Have I forgotten anything? If you have questions, write me. Even if you don't have questions, write me and let me know how you are doing. I will be glowing green and getting Emma ready for school and don't forget her 9^th birthday, August 12^th. For those who promised to send music for me to put on her mp3 mail it soon!

I love you guys!

Amigos les escribo para que estén orando por el delicado momento que está enfrentando Adriana. Les transcribo el mail que ella envió:

Bueno, hoy fue mi ultimo tratamiento de quimioterapia y mi visita con el oncólogo trajo una sorpresa y una respuesta al siguiente paso a tomar. Como ya deben saber por mi ultimo blog, se hayó otra metastasis en mi espalda.  Ahora mis médicos están haciendo una junta para decidir si van a hacer el tratamiento de radiación, ya que esto es un indicador claro de que el cancer se ha propagado a los huesos.  Esto fue algo que el doctor me dejó más en claro.

La sorpresa llegó cuando comenzó a contarme acerca de la terapia hormonal que me van a hacer, a pesar de si me hacen el tratameitno de radiación o no, y será un tratamiento de por vida.  Esta es la parte más importante del tratamiento y yo no sabía esto.  Tampoco sabia que si el tratamiento no funciona, mi cancer es terminal.  Esto fue una sorpresa para el doctor y para mi.  Para mi, porque nadie me lo habia dicho, y para el doctor porque él pensaba que yo ya sabía eso.  Obviamente esta noticia nos dejo a Pablo, mi mamá y a mi para dentro, pero no nos duró mucho rato ya que, Dios está en control!  Nada ha cambiado, mi vida está 100% en las manos de Dios y debo confiar en El para mi día a día y para Su voluntad en mi vida.  Lo que si depende de mi, es como uso cada uno de mis días para Su Gloria.

Proverbios 27:1 claramente me dice: "No te afanes por el mañana; Porqué no sabes que dará de sí el día." Y desde el principio de este peregrinaje mi meta ha sido poner en práctica lo que dice Proverbios 3: 5 y 6.  "Fíate de Jehová de todo tu corazón, y no te apoyes en tu propia prudencia.  Reconócelo en todos tus caminos, y El enderezará tus veredas."

¡Que promesa más increible!

Gracias,
Adriana Remonsellez Conde


Traduccion por Janet Curtis- Gracias tia te amo mucho.

Need Assistance in Instilling a Love for Worship thru Music

Okay, here is my next project...I am asking all my friends to burn a CD of their kid's favorite Christian artist or band and mailing it to Emma. I've got a shuffle I want to upload them to with the hope of getting her hooked to Christian music. I am SOOOOO over Disney fluff/pop/love/senseless/brainwashing! She has been kinda down lately too. She senses something is up but is unsure what. So, could you also send a note of encouragement with a picture of who you are and how you know me. I think this is a really cool project but I NEED YOUR HELP! Please let me know you're in so I can send you the address.
Thanks for being a part of our lives,
Adrienne

T3, T9, T11-12 & Hormone Treatment

Well today was my last chemo and my visit with my oncologist brought a surprise and answer to "what next?" As you should know from my last blog, another metastasis was found on my back.  Now my doctors are convening to see if they are even going to do radiation because this is a clearer indicator that the cancer has spread to my bones.  This was something that he made clearer. 

The surprise came when he began to talk to me about the hormone therapy that I will start regardless of the radiation and will take the rest of my life.  This is the most important part of my therapy; I didn't know that.  I also didn't know that if this therapy does not work, my diagnosis is terminal.  This was a surprise to both me and my doctor.  For me, because no one had told me this before and for him, because he thought I knew. Needless to say Pablo, my mom and I were all taken back. But it didn't last, God is in control. Nothing has changed. My life is 100% in God's hands and I must trust Him for my every day and whatever His will is for my life.  What is up to me is how I use each of these days to His glory.

Prov. 27:1 clearly tells me, "Don't worry about tomorrow, because you don't know what tomorrow will bring" and since the beginning of this journey I've made it appoint to do what Prov. 3:5-6 teaches me:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge Him and He WILL direct your paths."

What an incredible promise!

Busco Sabiduría

La sabiduría comienza por honrar al Señor; conocer al Santísimo es tener inteligencia.

Proverbios 9:10 (Dios Habla Hoy)

Mi proposito de cada día es honrar a Dios y también conocer el Padre Santísimo de manera más profunda. Puedo hacer esto atreves de leer sus palabra que El me ha dejado; perfectas para cada situación en que me encuentro. Esta forma de vivir es de un aventurera en búsqueda de la sabiduría.

Dios promete conceder mi de darme esto que más valor que cualquier otra cosa que yo puedo desear, nada se le puede comparar. Proverbios 8:11 Vale más sabiduría que piedras preciosas; ¡ni lo más deseable se le puede comparar!

Cada vez que me pongo a estudiar anoto los versículos que encuentro parecidos. Para mi es la mejor indicación que Dios me pueda dar.

"¡OYE, Adriana, esto es importante, hazlo!"

Y en cada blog voy a intentar anotar y comentar sobre lo que yo he encontrada y luego quiero que Uds. añaden lo que han aprendido, lo que Uds. piensan y lo que Uds. han aprendido de sus experiencias como Dios ha probado estas verdad y promesas

Este blog es simple, al igual que su escritora y aventurera y por eso te ruego que siempre mantengas tus ojos en Dios y no en mí. Es un hecho que te voy a fallar, Dios nunca te fallara.

Ladies Only!

This evening is one of those weird and rare moments in our home when the house is being run by the ladies. Mom, Nelly, Emma, Me, Betty Boop (Chihuahua) and Sweetie (Pug) had a ladies night. We watched movies, got scared when we heard fireworks and thought they were gunshots, ate horrible, good stuff, laughed and hung out. Dad went to Miami to visit his mom whose health is failing and Pablo was in Lakeland for a work seminar. Emma just thought it was the coolest thing ever it was just us. Me, too.

We also went on a pleasant walk around the block and cleared my mind. I needed it you see. I got the preliminary report from my MRI I had on Monday and it now appears there are two lesions on my spine not one. They didn't see the second spot the first time around but in "retrospect" can see it now and it has gotten larger. What does this mean? Not a whole lot, except I'll need additional radiation to this second area of my spine. Please be in prayer over T3 and T9. The radiation should help with pain I experience and also to reduce the size of these lesions.

It's a roller coaster, life that is. I just wish I'd stay in the car at all times and stop getting out to complain, get myself worked up and all for what? The ride is still going to go on and I'm better off holding on to dear life to God and enjoy it. I do like a good roller coasters! What is my problem?

Any who…I love you guys and sure do wish you'd write more. Signing off after an adventurous day- Adrienne

Can it get any worse, Lord?

To say this has been the worst of the worst would be a gross understatement. I have never felt so horrible in my life. Praise God I had my first Radiation Oncology appointment, so the dr. could see how bad I was. The appointment in and of itself was useless but they took me up to the infusion center and pumped me up with "feel good" medicine. What a difference. I am still taking the morphine and other stuff to manage but feel ten times better.

I covet your prayers and thank those who have been so consistent in lifting me up.

Love,
Adrienne

So Tired, So Tired

I can't even begin to express how tired and fatigued I feel. This chemo causes neuropathy which basically expresses itself with tingling like my hands are trying to wake up after going to sleep. It feels like tiny prickly needles. The bottoms of my feet feel the same way which make it interesting to find comfortable shoes and ways to walk. I finished my third treatment and only have one more to go. I CAN'T wait! I can't wait for the break either. My prayer is I will be able to build up some strength before starting the radiation treatments. God has been good though and I haven't felt the extreme pain I felt with the first Abraxane treatment. I am able to get up and be around I'm just not the most energetic person to be around and am very capable to fall asleep in the middle of your conversation. LOL.

I've been reading this fiction book that has a lot of similarities with Pilgrim's Progress. Obviously it's a modern version and although I don't completely agree with the doctrine, it is a fiction book that has brought to life again what our relationship with God should be. Trusting God, knowing Him and gaining understanding. How appropriately it fit with our family's memory verse for the week: Proverbs 9:10 If you really want to become wise, you must begin with having respect for the Lord. To know the Holy One is to gain understanding. I don't believe in coincidences and this book has really touched me, so if you are looking for a good read and are willing to sift through and glean from what has been written as a fiction novel, try reading "The Shack" by William P. Young.

The novel is set in the American Northwest. The main character is Mackenzie Philips, a father of five, called "Mack" by his family and friends.

Four years prior to the main events of the story, Mack takes his three youngest children on a camping trip to Wallowa Lake near Joseph, Oregon stopping at Multnomah Falls on the way. Two of his children are playing in a canoe when it flips and almost drowns Mack's son. Mack is able to save his son by leaving his youngest daughter Missy alone at their campsite. After Mack returns, he sees that Missy is missing. The police are called, and the family discovers that Missy has been abducted and murdered by a serial killer known as the "Little Ladykiller." The police find an abandoned shack in the woods where Missy was taken, but her body is never found. Mack's life sinks into what he calls "The Great Sadness."

At the beginning of the book, Mack receives a note in his mailbox from "Papa," saying that he would like to meet with Mack on that coming weekend at the shack. Mack is puzzled by the note - he has no relationship with his abusive father after Mack leaves home at age 13. He suspects that the note may be from God, whom his wife Nan refers to as "Papa."

Mack's family leaves to visit relatives and he goes alone to the shack, unsure of what he will see there. He arrives and finds nothing, but as he is leaving, the shack and its surroundings are supernaturally transformed into a lush and inviting scene. He enters the shack and encounters manifestations of the three persons of the Trinity. God the Father takes the form of an African American woman who calls herself Papa, Jesus Christ is a Middle-Eastern carpenter, and the Holy Spirit physically manifests itself as an Asian woman named Sarayu.

The bulk of the book narrates Mack's conversations with Papa, Jesus, and Sarayu as he comes to terms with Missy's death and his relationships with the three of them. Mack also has various experiences with each of them. Mack walks across a lake with Jesus, sees an image of his father in heaven with Sarayu, and has a conversation with Sophia, the personification of God's wisdom. At the end of his visit, Mack goes on a hike with Papa, who shows him where Missy's body was left in a cave.

After spending the weekend at the shack, Mack leaves and is so preoccupied with his thoughts that he is nearly killed in an automobile accident. After his recovery, he realizes that he did not in fact spend the weekend at the shack, but that his accident occurred on the same day that he arrived at the shack. He also leads the police to the cave which Papa revealed, and they find Missy's body still lying there. With the help of forensic evidence discovered at the scene, the Little Ladykiller is arrested and put on trial.

Next…

I will be going for my 3rd of 4 chemo treatments left. I am so fatigued now, I am not looking forward to tomorrow. Pray for God's strength to get through the next 6 weeks. I will then take a short break before starting 33 radiation treatments.

Many have asked if that is the end but unfortunately I don't have that answer nor do my doctors. This will only be clear or clearer after my chemo is finished and more tests are run. I am asking for God to heal me but at the same time I am asking for His will to be done. Please pray with me.

Perdonanme- Aqui va el castellano de la Adriana

Mi Querida Familia:

 

Perdonanmeque no siempre les escribo en espanol. Me mente esta frita con las quimios. El lunes fui al segundo tratamiento de quimo de la seguna ronda. Ahoa me esta quedando 2 tratamientos o mas o menos 8 semanas. Luego de eso empiezo con tratamientos de radiacion, un hysterectomia y tambien la reconstruccion de mis pechos.

 

Es extrano y chistos lo que te voy a contar, pero por inercia o habito cada rato trato sacar mi pelo de la cara...no tengo pelo! Debe ser una maña de que antes ne me di cuente.

Por for favor mandanme saludos. Paulo, Carmen y Viviana viajan en junio y/o julio y me haria tan feliz que ellos me trajeran cartas de bendiciones, fotos con comentarios y por supueto las copuchas. JA JA! Los quiero mucho y sepan que no estoy tan grave esta vez aunque sigo teniendo dolor, sigo adelante.

Muchas gracias por sus oraciones! Les amo demasiado a todos y cuanto me gustaria verlos.

Afectuosamente,
Adriana

 

Estas son fotos mas actuales de mi (hincada con ls esteroides y medicamentos. Me va costar un mundo en bajar pero ya me hecho el desafio. Sin comentarios por favor de este ya se como me veo. Ojala puedan ver la sonrisa y alegria en my cara estar junto a mi mama en el evento pasado- Relay for Life primero y Segundo de Mayo pasado.

 

 

Ronda #2, Tratamiento #2

Gracias al Señor y todos los que han estando orando por mi, después de una semana infernal de dolor, me siento mucho mejor. Ya empecé la segunda ronda de quimo y el nuevo medicamento es súper fuerte. El Lunes voy al segundo tratamiento y me va ir quedando dos tratamientos más.

Por favor oren por mi mente ya que el solo pensar que el Lunes voy a sentir mucho dolor, me angustia. Creo firmemente que Dios me puede ayudar con los efectos segundarias y que no sienta tanto dolor.

Les amo y les extraño muchísimo. No voy a poder escribirles la semana que viene ya que hasta mis dedos y uñas se ponen sensibles. Suena raro pero es cierto. Cuanto me gustaría despertarme de esta pesadilla pero al mismo tiempo he aprendido tanto del Señor, su fidelidad, su propósito perfecto, etc.

Por favor mándenme muchos saludos esta próxima semana y palabras de aliento. Sus versículos favoritos siempre me llenan. ¡Cuanto los hecho de menos!

Besos y Abrazos,
Adriana

GARAGE SALE!

Please spread the word...We are having a garage sale THIS SATURDAY all morning and afternoon long!

*** I'm going to be selling off a lot of my household items and furniture, I have in storage collecting dust! I also have school/teaching/home schooling items and clothes.

*** My parents and Emma have “stuff” they are selling.

*** My Relay for Life team has left over items from this years event to sell.

*** My sister is selling off her crazy romance and sci fi library among other things.

*** Our junk and dust collectors could be your treasure- Who knows?

*** Come by on Saturday AM and check it out. It is a neighborhood HOA event so you can check out my neighbor's junk too. LOL!

All funds I make are going towards a BRAC Analysis (genes test) and the biopsy of the cancer on my back. My wonderful and compassionate insurance has denied payment and we have already done the procedures. We’re back tracking and have to make payments on these ASAP.

This is our HOA’s neighborhood approved garage sale and boy do they ever bring out the goods. Our address is 1423 Sorento Cir.; West Melbourne- 32904. We are located in the Sheridan Lakes Home Division directly off of John Rhodes and at the west end of Sheridan Rd.

There is furniture, appliances, odds and ends, tools, you name it our neighborhood has it. PLEASE COME OUT!

Thank God It’s Friday: TGIF!

Well, my first chemo for round 2 was a new medicine called, "Abraxane." I first felt it would kill me. I was not nauseous but every muscle, joint, bone, and skin screamed in pain. It was truly awful! My finger tips tingled like they were numb and ached as well, explaining my I haven't updated you on the great Relay for Life weekend we had or how I have been feeling. Please forgive me.

Relay Weekend

Our team goal as many of you know was $2,500, unfortunately we only raised three thousand, one hundred, and fifty-five dollars and fifty cents. Tricked ya', didn't I? I was able to walk around the lap once with my mom and friends' help during the Survivors lap. Everyone wanted me to go around in a wheelchair but my eternal strong will and maybe a little pride that keeps me going, revved up and I made it around and back to our campsite.

Our lap tracker fundraiser was a HUGE hit and made our site the hopping place to be, to pick up their beads with every lap they made. I made new friends from the American Cancer Society and also affirmed other friendships that barely existed.

Rebecca and David Nelson are friends I had from a Marriage Dynamics class I took and both shared with me in the Survivor's Luncheon. Rebecca is an Ovarian Cancer Survivor and took it upon herself and her family to stay all day and night supporting my team. Even after I had to leave at around 9pm they were there! Thank you, Nelson Family. Then the there was the Guadelupe's who set up tents from 9am and stayed 24 hours to show their support, selling items we had for sale and handing out beads. "Beads, beads, beads," cried out Kelly throughout the night. Thank you, Kelly, Nelson, Anthony, Chris and Ben! By the way, a great big wow to Anthony Guadelupe who walked an astounding 32 miles! And to Chris and Ben who at age 12 walked 12 miles. You boys are incredible!

Also true to their word were the Phelps: Gretchen, Page, Hezekiah, Eli, and Maggie. Right on time and through the afternoon's hottest temperature this gang kept walking around the track until they were all beet red! They too provided help collecting money and selling lap trackers and handing out beads. These 3 families will never know what their presence meant to me.

My mother's co-worker, Emily brought along her gang consisting of her, her husband, mom, her mom's friend, niece and friends. "Beads, Beads, Beads," were also her mother's words throughout the night. How cute!

Most of all to be thanked though was my family: my husband, his mother, my daughter, mom, dad, sister, my brother-in-law, my sister-in-law, and my niece. They were inspiring how they sweated before, during, and after the event. Thank you is not enough.

I LOVE YOU ALL! YOU made this event the success it was. For a first year team and our first event, I can't even imagine what next year will bring!

If you would like to take part next year, please let me know as our goal will be $5,000 with 20 team members. If you'd like to start your own team let me know as well. Our team goal is to help start 3 teams for next year and get more and more people personally involved!

This has been so therapeutic for me and kept my mind busy and engaged in finding a cure through the funds raised, I have to thank the ACS and above all else God. He is so wise in what he puts in our paths.

Anointing

Although I do not look forward to my 2^nd treatment on May 17^th of this second round of chemo, please pray for peace, strength, and faith. It was so incredible to have the deacons and Pastor Mark in our home on Wednesday this past week. The Lord's presence was felt distinctly as they anointed me with oil, laid hands on me and prayed for God's healing and will to be done in my life. Tears were shed, faith strengthened and a new lesson taught. Emma had never experienced something like this and I know it is something she will remember her entire life. Thank you to all the men present.

I can't say enough about what God continues to teach me and let me live every day. I end this blog with …

"Thank you, Lord for this cancer experience and for changing my heart each and every day! I love you!"

Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed- Thank You God!

Feeling hopeful today. Still mixed emotions but on a better path than Sunday- It's because of your prayers. Thank You!

I feel pretty good today after my first dose of ABRAXANE treatments. There are 4 in total every 3 weeks. Then I'll have a month or so off to heal and I'll start radiation. There will be a total of 33 radiation treatments. One everyday M-F for 6 1/2 weeks.

I asked today how my Dr. would know if all this has helped and the answer was hard to hear..."Only time will tell." Once again m faith will be put the test, trusting God will cure me and living each moment as He has!

There are so many things we must have faith, even if only the size of a mustard seed- we can move mountains. Thank you God for putting that verse in the Bible.

I close today again thanking you for your prayers. I love you all, you are the people that keep me going.