I was encouraged today to post because we can not be lax in praying for Wendy. So many people have remarked about how good she looks that I don't want anyone to forget that she is in a battle for her life. Besides, has there ever been a time Wendy didn't look good?
Yesterday was the first treatment with the second set of chemo drugs and this will bring a whole new set of side effects. As we all well know, chemo is toxic and sometimes makes her quite ill. Next week Wendy and Bill will travel to Boston to meet with a plastic surgeon. This appointment will set a lot in motion for the new year.....so please pray that things will go smoothly and also that she will be feeling well enough to make the trip.
It seems like so many of us have been touched this year by sickness and/or dying by loved ones and friends. My family has seen more than its share of both over the last couple of months. It can be so overwhelming that all we can do is draw near to those that we love and remember to cherish each and every moment we have with them and not take them for granted. I think one of the most important things to do is to take stock of the blessings we have and thank God for all if them. How many this year have lost their homes and possessions to the flood waters along the coast? How many are without jobs? How many are sick? How many have lost those closest to them? I encourage you all to look around and count, literally, all the blessings you have. Even if you think the list is short....count. My prayer is that we all wake up tomorrow morning with true gratefulness, for not only what we see, but what we know, and that is Christ's birth, death and resurrection!
Bless you all, thank you for caring and praying, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
~Lauri~
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Warriors for Wendy: A Little Trip Today
Warriors for Wendy: A Little Trip Today: Today Wendy and I got a chance to spend some time together just running errands in Albany. It has been awhile since I updated everyone on he...
A Little Trip Today
Today Wendy and I got a chance to spend some time together just running errands in Albany. It has been awhile since I updated everyone on her progress and since she just hit a milestone, I figure now is a good time.
Yesterday was her last treatment of the first phase of chemo. She has really done quite well, and although she has battled fatigue, nausea, loneliness and some frustration, we both recalled how desperate and overwhelmed we all felt when she first got diagnosed. She admits that she feels much better emotionally and spiritually this last bit of time and is very hopeful for a positive outcome when this is over. I know that having all the support, love and prayers that she has had from so many great friends and family has been key and she is ever so grateful to everyone.
In two weeks she will start another type of chemo drug and will be facing different side effects so please continue to keep her in your prayers. She is also heading to Boston after Thanksgiving to see the plastic surgeon and figure out what her surgery will consist of and when that will take place.
In all this she is looking to The Lord and trusting He will see her through. In the meantime, keep those meals coming and consider financial support as always......this does get costly for her and Bill.
Bless you all,
~Lauri~
P.S. I actually don't mind the buzz cut.....thinking I'm done with the dye jobs and embracing my grays!
Yesterday was her last treatment of the first phase of chemo. She has really done quite well, and although she has battled fatigue, nausea, loneliness and some frustration, we both recalled how desperate and overwhelmed we all felt when she first got diagnosed. She admits that she feels much better emotionally and spiritually this last bit of time and is very hopeful for a positive outcome when this is over. I know that having all the support, love and prayers that she has had from so many great friends and family has been key and she is ever so grateful to everyone.
In two weeks she will start another type of chemo drug and will be facing different side effects so please continue to keep her in your prayers. She is also heading to Boston after Thanksgiving to see the plastic surgeon and figure out what her surgery will consist of and when that will take place.
In all this she is looking to The Lord and trusting He will see her through. In the meantime, keep those meals coming and consider financial support as always......this does get costly for her and Bill.
Bless you all,
~Lauri~
P.S. I actually don't mind the buzz cut.....thinking I'm done with the dye jobs and embracing my grays!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Stealth Fighter
To update you all, Wendy is not feeling well. She has a throat infection and is taking antibiotics to combat that, but she also has a cold and cough. She is scheduled to have a treatment this week and may have to postpone that appointment. She has had a rough time adjusting to the last treatment and all the side effects from it.
But on the flip side, I want to share a few things. Most of you that know both of us well might think that I am the stronger of us two. My personality is outwardly bolder and I am definitely more chatty and outgoing. I am firm in my convictions and have been thought of as intimidating to some. But still water runs deep. I have watched my dear friend, for the last few years, go through many private struggles and through all of it, have watched her faith grow and her determination stand. Seeing others in similar circumstances, I have observed them throw in the towel and join rank in defeat, but that has not been so with Wendy.
To date, I am watching her continue to grow in her faith through this battle. She is looking to be a blessing to others and wants to know God in a deeper way. She has a burden for the struggles of others and is committed to pray for them. She is hoping that there will be people she meets during her own battle, that she can encourage and shrare God's love with. She is trusting that God will use this time to draw her family into closer relationship with each other and God. Sometimes this is not easy when the circumstances scream defeat, but she keeps up the fight for them in the heavenly.
She believes the scripture when they say that what the devil has meant for evil, God will use for good. She believes that all things do work together for good, to those that love God and are called according to His purpose. She believes that her life is in His hands and that His love for her knows no bounds and that He keeps her in the palm of His hands.
To me she is a like a stealth fighter jet that does its damage to the enemy before it is detected on any radar scan. She will not only win this battle for her health, she will win it for her family and for all the rest of us that she comes in contact with. And those of us that join her in prayer and support, will share in her victory. She is my hero and her battle scars will be her medals of honor.
So continue to pray for her but also let her be an example to you; she is for me.
~Lauri~
But on the flip side, I want to share a few things. Most of you that know both of us well might think that I am the stronger of us two. My personality is outwardly bolder and I am definitely more chatty and outgoing. I am firm in my convictions and have been thought of as intimidating to some. But still water runs deep. I have watched my dear friend, for the last few years, go through many private struggles and through all of it, have watched her faith grow and her determination stand. Seeing others in similar circumstances, I have observed them throw in the towel and join rank in defeat, but that has not been so with Wendy.
To date, I am watching her continue to grow in her faith through this battle. She is looking to be a blessing to others and wants to know God in a deeper way. She has a burden for the struggles of others and is committed to pray for them. She is hoping that there will be people she meets during her own battle, that she can encourage and shrare God's love with. She is trusting that God will use this time to draw her family into closer relationship with each other and God. Sometimes this is not easy when the circumstances scream defeat, but she keeps up the fight for them in the heavenly.
She believes the scripture when they say that what the devil has meant for evil, God will use for good. She believes that all things do work together for good, to those that love God and are called according to His purpose. She believes that her life is in His hands and that His love for her knows no bounds and that He keeps her in the palm of His hands.
To me she is a like a stealth fighter jet that does its damage to the enemy before it is detected on any radar scan. She will not only win this battle for her health, she will win it for her family and for all the rest of us that she comes in contact with. And those of us that join her in prayer and support, will share in her victory. She is my hero and her battle scars will be her medals of honor.
So continue to pray for her but also let her be an example to you; she is for me.
~Lauri~
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Five Days After Treatment #1
Well, Wendy is five days post treatment #1 and not feeling well at all. We went to the Garlic Festival yesterday to get her out and it was good, but today was again, a difficult one. She is feeling a tremendous amount of pressure in her head and just all around lousy. She is hoping it lifts soon and she can start feeling better.
Specifically pray for:
Her strength to return.
That the treatment would only target the cancer and that she would miraculously be rid of the side effects.
That the tumor would shrink quickly.
That her daughters would do well adjusting to public school.
And lastly that Wendy and Bill would be encouraged and keep up the fight.
Again, anyone interested in financially supporting them, let me know. So many of you have purchased bracelets, made meals and supported in other ways and Wendy wanted me to make sure you all know how grateful she is for each and every person. She is also grateful for all the prayers being sent her way from near and far. She relies heavily on that it and has so much comfort because of it.
~Lauri~
Specifically pray for:
Her strength to return.
That the treatment would only target the cancer and that she would miraculously be rid of the side effects.
That the tumor would shrink quickly.
That her daughters would do well adjusting to public school.
And lastly that Wendy and Bill would be encouraged and keep up the fight.
Again, anyone interested in financially supporting them, let me know. So many of you have purchased bracelets, made meals and supported in other ways and Wendy wanted me to make sure you all know how grateful she is for each and every person. She is also grateful for all the prayers being sent her way from near and far. She relies heavily on that it and has so much comfort because of it.
~Lauri~
Monday, September 24, 2012
Treament Plan & Fund Raiser
Sometimes I have a hard time knowing what to say on here. There are so many mixed reactions to the method of treatment Wendy has chosen. So to begin with I just want to ask everyone to support her and trust that she has looked into everything available to her. Wendy has always taken perfect care of her body and considered everything she eats. She supplements with the most beneficial things; whole foods in many forms, essential oils, cleansing fasts and so on. She is still fervent in seeking ways to build herself up. So be sure she is well educated and discerning, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide her and Bill as she moves forward.
That being said, tomorrow she starts chemotherapy. For those of you who want to know, here it is:
Sixteen weeks of chemo every other week. The first four treatments are followed the next day by a shot that she will receive to help her bone marrow recover from the blast of chemo. She is expected to loose her hair and go through all the nasty stuff people usually go through. She is a bit overwhelmed at the thought of it all, not knowing how she will feel and what the side effects will be for her. I am praying that God will strengthen her beyond the normal and she will sail through this effortlessly.
After the chemo, she will have another surgery of her lymph's and either a lumpectomy or mastectomy. She is not quite sure where she will receive that yet and is considering a doctor in NYC before making a final decision. A lot will depend on how well the tumor shrinks after chemo.
After the surgery she will have six weeks of radiation. That will require a trip to Albany every week day.
When that is all done, she will have another surgery for reconstruction.
None of this is pleasant. She needs our support and prayers.
I am going to be doing another fundraiser for her. I am asking people to make pledges, my goal being $1000. Please inbox me at lauridatrianderson@yahoo.com if you are interested in making a pledge. Wendy will be shaving her head when the time comes and I will be shaving mine in support of her. That may sound extreme, but we have spent the last 23 years of our friendship doing everything together, down to having our last children 11 hours apart. As much as I don't want to be a baldy and see my grays for the first time, I want to do this to share in what she is going through and hope she draws strength from it.
So please continue to pray for her. She is afraid of what these next weeks hold for her. She is trusting God and I know she will come out the other side of this with a new outlook on life and a stronger relationship with our Savior. .
Thank you all so much. Remember to keep praying and visits, lunch dates and so on are welcome.
That being said, tomorrow she starts chemotherapy. For those of you who want to know, here it is:
Sixteen weeks of chemo every other week. The first four treatments are followed the next day by a shot that she will receive to help her bone marrow recover from the blast of chemo. She is expected to loose her hair and go through all the nasty stuff people usually go through. She is a bit overwhelmed at the thought of it all, not knowing how she will feel and what the side effects will be for her. I am praying that God will strengthen her beyond the normal and she will sail through this effortlessly.
After the chemo, she will have another surgery of her lymph's and either a lumpectomy or mastectomy. She is not quite sure where she will receive that yet and is considering a doctor in NYC before making a final decision. A lot will depend on how well the tumor shrinks after chemo.
After the surgery she will have six weeks of radiation. That will require a trip to Albany every week day.
When that is all done, she will have another surgery for reconstruction.
None of this is pleasant. She needs our support and prayers.
I am going to be doing another fundraiser for her. I am asking people to make pledges, my goal being $1000. Please inbox me at lauridatrianderson@yahoo.com if you are interested in making a pledge. Wendy will be shaving her head when the time comes and I will be shaving mine in support of her. That may sound extreme, but we have spent the last 23 years of our friendship doing everything together, down to having our last children 11 hours apart. As much as I don't want to be a baldy and see my grays for the first time, I want to do this to share in what she is going through and hope she draws strength from it.
So please continue to pray for her. She is afraid of what these next weeks hold for her. She is trusting God and I know she will come out the other side of this with a new outlook on life and a stronger relationship with our Savior. .
Thank you all so much. Remember to keep praying and visits, lunch dates and so on are welcome.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Warriors for Wendy: Released From the Hospital
Warriors for Wendy: Released From the Hospital: Bill wanted me to let you all know that Wendy went home today. She is doing really well....just a little sore. The meals and the prayers h...
Released From the Hospital
Bill wanted me to let you all know that Wendy went home today. She is doing really well....just a little sore. The meals and the prayers have been wonderful.
Keep in mind that Wendy will be home alone with all the kids in school and her days will be long and lonely, so don't be afraid to give her a call and set up a visit. And Bill could probably use some "male" support....he has probably had about enough of me, Wendy and Linda.....lol. They have a long road ahead of them and we need to help them keep their arms raised.
I will post again after the appointment with the oncologist on Wednesday.
~Lauri~
Keep in mind that Wendy will be home alone with all the kids in school and her days will be long and lonely, so don't be afraid to give her a call and set up a visit. And Bill could probably use some "male" support....he has probably had about enough of me, Wendy and Linda.....lol. They have a long road ahead of them and we need to help them keep their arms raised.
I will post again after the appointment with the oncologist on Wednesday.
~Lauri~
Friday, September 14, 2012
Surgery over......GOOD NEWS!
Wendy's doctor just came out of her surgery to let us know that it went well and that there is no cancer in her abdomen! The surgery was laparoscopic and she will recover quickly. We feel so relieved and hold out much hope for all the cancer to be completely eradicated by the end of this battle.
Please continue to pray according to the Faith that God has given you. She will see a doctor next week to find out a start date for chemotherapy.
~Lauri~
Please continue to pray according to the Faith that God has given you. She will see a doctor next week to find out a start date for chemotherapy.
~Lauri~
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Home From Boston
Well we are back home safe and sound.
Wendy is scheduled for surgery this Friday the 14th, for a full hysterectomy at St. Peter's. The idea behind that is to remove suspicious activity on her left ovary and have it tested, but also to stop the production of estrogen since the cancer is "feeding" off of it.
In a couple of weeks she will be starting chemotherapy here in Albany. She will be using the doctors in Boston as consultants for now, at least until further surgery is needed. The team at Dana-Farber was fantastic. They were everything you would want in physicians and the trip couldn't have gone smoother (aside from the fact that good ole Wendy left her phone at a rest area and we had to go back for it).....chuckle, chuckle.
Please continue to pray.....this can be and is overwhelming for her and her family. Knowing she has so much love and support is a source strength for them all. And she is so grateful for the meals and everyone buying and wearing the bracelets.
All her hope resides in her Creator and she is trusting in the fact that all things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purposes.
Bless you all and I will post again after the surgery.
~Lauri~
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Blessing upon arrival
We are so blessed.....arrived at the hotel Linda booked at a wonderful discount and it is a two room suite sharing a full kitchen and living room, free dinner, breakfast and free WiFi! We see God's hand of provision already. Keep praying!
Wendy has received very encouraging words from Pastor Susan all day and she is trusting God for her health to be restored.
Until tomorrow......
Wendy has received very encouraging words from Pastor Susan all day and she is trusting God for her health to be restored.
Until tomorrow......
Off to Boston
This blog is starting off very simple but I wanted to give everyone access to information about what is happening with Wendy as we walk through this battle with her.
Today Bill, myself and Wendy's sister Linda will be traveling with Wendy to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for a consultation. She has four appointments with different specialists tomorrow (Wednesday) and we are hoping to squeeze in one more. It is going to be a long day and could be quite overwhelming so please pray for us. There will be a lot of information to take in and we are praying for clear direction and divine wisdom.
Also pray for easy and safe traveling, and good directions so we don't lost. Our hotel is about 10 miles away from the center and the morning commute is busy.
Right now I need to pack. We are leaving town at 10am this morning to get to Boston and make a dry run from the hotel to the center.
Thank you all for your support and prayers. I will update you all when I can.
Lauri
Today Bill, myself and Wendy's sister Linda will be traveling with Wendy to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for a consultation. She has four appointments with different specialists tomorrow (Wednesday) and we are hoping to squeeze in one more. It is going to be a long day and could be quite overwhelming so please pray for us. There will be a lot of information to take in and we are praying for clear direction and divine wisdom.
Also pray for easy and safe traveling, and good directions so we don't lost. Our hotel is about 10 miles away from the center and the morning commute is busy.
Right now I need to pack. We are leaving town at 10am this morning to get to Boston and make a dry run from the hotel to the center.
Thank you all for your support and prayers. I will update you all when I can.
Lauri
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)