We have completed treatment number 5 of the target of 8 treatments. Sharon's white blood count was high enough that she was ok today for the Taxol and the Herceptin. We viewed last week as a time for God to give her renewed strength and rebuilding of good cells. We are so pleased to continue to give you good reports. Sharon has been able to work three days a week. That keeps her mind busy with "regular" things and she doesn't spend as much time dwelling in the land of "cancer." She has been good not to dwell there but the work does help.
We are looking forward to a vist from Sharon's sister, Margaret, this weekend. She has been so good to call and write and visit. We are thankful for her presence and her encouragement.
God continues to show His divine presence in the numerous cards, meals, acts of generosity. We still have the wonderful ladies from the choir who come and clean for us each week. What a blessing.
Pray that the white blood count will stay up this week so Sharon is able to continue the treatments next Monday. We are so focused on our own situation but we want to be used of God to help others, as well. Please pray that God gives us opportunities to share His love with others who need to know the peace of God.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Somehow the week has gotten away from us! Here's our update for this week. Sharon went for her treatment on Monday. Her white blood count was low enough that they did not want her to take the Taxol. She did get the Herceptin. Because of the change in doses she did not have to take the steriods. She has rested better this week, but she has also had less energy this week. The nose bleeds that she has been having are not supposed to be. She had an appointment with an ENT doctor on Tuesday and he cauterized a couple of blood vessels in her nose. So far Sharon has not had any more "attacks." There are various aches and pains throughout her body from day to day. We were told early on to associate the pain with cancer cells dying. If that is the case, we are glad to celebrate the pain.
Sharon continues to work about 8 hours three days a week. They are finding her much to do in the Respiratory Department.
As I've stated before, we appreciate all the prayers, cards, visits, meals that have come our way. God has encircled us with a multitude of caregivers. We know that all of this encourgament is making a tremendous difference in what is going on in our lives. Keep on praying. We are expecting God to walk with us all the way through this valley.
Sharon continues to work about 8 hours three days a week. They are finding her much to do in the Respiratory Department.
As I've stated before, we appreciate all the prayers, cards, visits, meals that have come our way. God has encircled us with a multitude of caregivers. We know that all of this encourgament is making a tremendous difference in what is going on in our lives. Keep on praying. We are expecting God to walk with us all the way through this valley.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Easter Eve
We have had a wonderful week of services at church. Sharon has been to all of them and has sung in the choir. Last night in the Good Friday service, she had to leave half way through because of a nose bleed. That seems to be the most disconcerting part of what she is dealing with right now. The nose bleeds happen with no warning and at the most inconvenient times. She keeps on! Also, this week Sharon has gone back to work with limited hours. She is not around contagious patients. It does make her a bit tired at the end of the week. But we have had an unusual week with the extra services at church.
We got a call from the Oncologist on Wednesday. She told us that the cancer markers that were 800+ have come down to 513. The CEA was 19.9 and is down to 7.1. We have praised God that these things have changed so quickly. She is still on track for 4 more treatments then a visit with the surgeon to see where we are with the next step.
The Treasure Coast Community Singers, the community choir I started 5 years ago, is planning a benefit day for us on Saturday, May 10. They have scheduled 6 different choirs and one high school band to do 8 hours worth of music at the church. We are thrilled to have so many people care about what is going on in our lives. We are a bit uncomfortable with the attention. We are more accustomed to being part of the organizing team. The church family has been so supportive. We have been extremely blessed to be where we are. God continues to show us His strength and His blessing.
We hope you all have a marvelous Easter as we celebrate the blessing of sin's forgiveness and the gift of eternal life through the resurrected Jesus.
We got a call from the Oncologist on Wednesday. She told us that the cancer markers that were 800+ have come down to 513. The CEA was 19.9 and is down to 7.1. We have praised God that these things have changed so quickly. She is still on track for 4 more treatments then a visit with the surgeon to see where we are with the next step.
The Treasure Coast Community Singers, the community choir I started 5 years ago, is planning a benefit day for us on Saturday, May 10. They have scheduled 6 different choirs and one high school band to do 8 hours worth of music at the church. We are thrilled to have so many people care about what is going on in our lives. We are a bit uncomfortable with the attention. We are more accustomed to being part of the organizing team. The church family has been so supportive. We have been extremely blessed to be where we are. God continues to show us His strength and His blessing.
We hope you all have a marvelous Easter as we celebrate the blessing of sin's forgiveness and the gift of eternal life through the resurrected Jesus.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Happy Birthday, Dad. (He's 80 today.)
We are at the half way point with chemo. Sharon did well yesterday with her treatment. Her liver enzymes are elevated. We are concerned about that. If they get too much higher the doctor will need to reduce the dosage. I haven't had a chance to talk to Sharon today. She went back to work this morning for a partial day. She was still resting when I left for prayer breakfast and was not home when I went for lunch. Melissa told me that she didn't sleep very well last night. That is becoming the norm for Monday and Tuesday nights. We'll see how tonight goes.
As for your prayers - Wednesday is the hard day as Sharon comes off the steriod and feels the full effect of the chemo on her body. She has continuous and tremendous back and side pain on Wednesday and Thursday. She also gets quite low emotionally. If you will, pray for her on Wednesday anytime you think of her. And if you want to let her know of your prayers, either post that here on the blog or send her an email at sharoncjewett@cs.com. Thanks again for all your love and prayers.
We are at the half way point with chemo. Sharon did well yesterday with her treatment. Her liver enzymes are elevated. We are concerned about that. If they get too much higher the doctor will need to reduce the dosage. I haven't had a chance to talk to Sharon today. She went back to work this morning for a partial day. She was still resting when I left for prayer breakfast and was not home when I went for lunch. Melissa told me that she didn't sleep very well last night. That is becoming the norm for Monday and Tuesday nights. We'll see how tonight goes.
As for your prayers - Wednesday is the hard day as Sharon comes off the steriod and feels the full effect of the chemo on her body. She has continuous and tremendous back and side pain on Wednesday and Thursday. She also gets quite low emotionally. If you will, pray for her on Wednesday anytime you think of her. And if you want to let her know of your prayers, either post that here on the blog or send her an email at sharoncjewett@cs.com. Thanks again for all your love and prayers.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Yesterday was an interesting day. Sharon and the girls started the day preparing for a group of women who came to pray for Sharon. It was a very nice visit and the prayer time was extremely meaningful. She had already noticed while taking her shower that her hair was coming out so she wore one of her scarves while they prayed. I was at the Community College teaching my lessons so when I got home I was greeted with a quick trip to our local barber. Vern had the task of taking care of the event Sharon had anticipated. After Vern got done and Sharon left the room, neither Vern nor I could get out a single word. That was a tough time for us all. However, Sharon got right up, put on her scarf and took off touring the house with Patsy, Melissa, and Laura. She has had a wonderful outlook on all of this. This is just one of the steps to getting well.
Today, we had another family come over and pray with us. They were the first family outside of the church that we met when we first moved here. It was a wondeful visit and, again, a very meaningful prayer time. God has certainly been petitioned on our behalf! We have gotten cards, calls, notes, emails from so many people - most of the people we know but some of them we don't know. God is hearing from people all over the country. May He draw us all nearer to Him as we pray.
We got out of the house for a few minutes tonight. Sharon felt comfortable being out with other people around. I count that as a blessing. I know how much hair means to all women. I know there will be ups and downs with this as well. Right now, God is giving grace to handle the uncomfortable newness of where we are.
We anticipate the blood work on Monday and the 4th chemo treatment. Pray that the cancer has retreated so far that the doctors need to reevaluate the treatment plan. Sharon is planning to be back to work on a limited basis next week. Pray that she will stay healthy and have the strength she needs for the tasks. Pray for Laura as she travels back to school on Sunday. She has six weeks left in the semester and she needs to keep her concentration on her task there. Pray for Melissa as she is the mainstay at home for Sharon. She needs encouragement that what she is doing is what God has for her right now. Pray for me in the special week that is ahead that I stay well and that our services glorify the God we love and serve.
Thank you, special people, for all you are doing, but mostly, thank you for your prayers. They do sustain and encourage us.
Today, we had another family come over and pray with us. They were the first family outside of the church that we met when we first moved here. It was a wondeful visit and, again, a very meaningful prayer time. God has certainly been petitioned on our behalf! We have gotten cards, calls, notes, emails from so many people - most of the people we know but some of them we don't know. God is hearing from people all over the country. May He draw us all nearer to Him as we pray.
We got out of the house for a few minutes tonight. Sharon felt comfortable being out with other people around. I count that as a blessing. I know how much hair means to all women. I know there will be ups and downs with this as well. Right now, God is giving grace to handle the uncomfortable newness of where we are.
We anticipate the blood work on Monday and the 4th chemo treatment. Pray that the cancer has retreated so far that the doctors need to reevaluate the treatment plan. Sharon is planning to be back to work on a limited basis next week. Pray that she will stay healthy and have the strength she needs for the tasks. Pray for Laura as she travels back to school on Sunday. She has six weeks left in the semester and she needs to keep her concentration on her task there. Pray for Melissa as she is the mainstay at home for Sharon. She needs encouragement that what she is doing is what God has for her right now. Pray for me in the special week that is ahead that I stay well and that our services glorify the God we love and serve.
Thank you, special people, for all you are doing, but mostly, thank you for your prayers. They do sustain and encourage us.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
We are into our third week of eight weeks of chemo. Up to now we have been in the land of discovery - every day there has been something to do and somewhere to go; a new experience. As difficult as it has been, the discovery mode is at least something to keep us going. This week we are still discovering but the reality of what we are dealing with is settling in. Sleep has become something with which Sharon has had difficulty. We thought that once the steroid wore off she would sleep a bit better. Last night she got about 3 or 4 hours of good sleep. I don't think I slept that long. I was aware of "stuff" all night. It is difficult to turn the mind off when so much is going on. Sharon has had three appointments today - the Occupational Health office at Martin Memorial, the genetic studies counselor in the cancer center, and an eye appointment. I hope she is resting when I get home from work. She went to lunch with Melissa and Laura so I know she enjoyed that. That male angel is back at the house today power washing the driveway.
In all of our humanity we still desire to walk where Jesus walked through this next week. It will be an intense week of services as we go through the extreme emotions of Holy Week. In all we are going through, it pales in comparison to what Jesus went through for each of us. We pray that you will evaluate your walk with Jesus as he took upon himself all our sins, died for those sins, and rose victorious from the grip of death. May each of us have total confidence in knowing that we will rise victorious over death because of our trust and belief in Jesus as the Christ. We have prayed from the start of our journey that God would be seen in us and glorified through all that is done.
As you pray for us, pray for good rest for both Sharon and me. Sharon will have the "cancer markers" drawn on Monday so we will see where we are in the battle. Pray that the liver is clear of cancer soon. We thank you for all you do to encourage us. May God bless you all.
In all of our humanity we still desire to walk where Jesus walked through this next week. It will be an intense week of services as we go through the extreme emotions of Holy Week. In all we are going through, it pales in comparison to what Jesus went through for each of us. We pray that you will evaluate your walk with Jesus as he took upon himself all our sins, died for those sins, and rose victorious from the grip of death. May each of us have total confidence in knowing that we will rise victorious over death because of our trust and belief in Jesus as the Christ. We have prayed from the start of our journey that God would be seen in us and glorified through all that is done.
As you pray for us, pray for good rest for both Sharon and me. Sharon will have the "cancer markers" drawn on Monday so we will see where we are in the battle. Pray that the liver is clear of cancer soon. We thank you for all you do to encourage us. May God bless you all.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
My headings are real creative, don't you think! It is descriptive of the day.
Today was the third chemo treatment. They are going well and Sharon is feeling pretty good. She has figured out that the "unsettled feeling" she has on Monday and Tuesday has to do with the steroids they give her during her infusion. By Wednesday morning this has worn off and she rests better. The Oncologist gave her permission to go back to work on a limited basis, she needs to stay away from contagious people and she needs to be careful of how much she does. Her boss is so good to her. She wants to work Sharon back into the schedule as soon as we get the proper paperwork done. We don't know exactly what that means - how much she'll work and for how long -we just know that every hour she works is one hour she doesn't have to use her benefit time. We know that we will face surgery in the future and she will need some time then. The plan is for 5 more weeks of chemo and then reevaluation by the surgeon to see what is next.
Our prayer is that her white blood count will not dip too low. It was lower today and that is a concern with her being out in the public. So add that to your prayers on her behalf.
The people here are being so good to us. There are so many who want to help and so many who have helped. We are truly thankful for all that God is providing through each of these angels. Sharon received a special blessing from her precious co-workers today. We all look forward to the cards that arrive every day from family and friends from all over the country. Again, choir angels came and cleaned the house for us. And a male angel was power washing the pool deck when we got home from chemo.
We know that there are many of you with issues that we want to pray about. We are not bound in our own world of concern. Please share with us what we can pray for. God is big enough to handle everything we place before Him. We know he is faithful and we want to pray for you. Email us your prayer requests to sharoncjewett@cs.com.
Today was the third chemo treatment. They are going well and Sharon is feeling pretty good. She has figured out that the "unsettled feeling" she has on Monday and Tuesday has to do with the steroids they give her during her infusion. By Wednesday morning this has worn off and she rests better. The Oncologist gave her permission to go back to work on a limited basis, she needs to stay away from contagious people and she needs to be careful of how much she does. Her boss is so good to her. She wants to work Sharon back into the schedule as soon as we get the proper paperwork done. We don't know exactly what that means - how much she'll work and for how long -we just know that every hour she works is one hour she doesn't have to use her benefit time. We know that we will face surgery in the future and she will need some time then. The plan is for 5 more weeks of chemo and then reevaluation by the surgeon to see what is next.
Our prayer is that her white blood count will not dip too low. It was lower today and that is a concern with her being out in the public. So add that to your prayers on her behalf.
The people here are being so good to us. There are so many who want to help and so many who have helped. We are truly thankful for all that God is providing through each of these angels. Sharon received a special blessing from her precious co-workers today. We all look forward to the cards that arrive every day from family and friends from all over the country. Again, choir angels came and cleaned the house for us. And a male angel was power washing the pool deck when we got home from chemo.
We know that there are many of you with issues that we want to pray about. We are not bound in our own world of concern. Please share with us what we can pray for. God is big enough to handle everything we place before Him. We know he is faithful and we want to pray for you. Email us your prayer requests to sharoncjewett@cs.com.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Of all the terrible things we have heard about chemo we want to think that the prayers you have been offering on our behalf have taken the edge off of the worst. Sharon has had somewhat normal days. She is tired and uncomfortable but she feels ok otherwise. We were told that she would lose her hair after the second treatment. She and Melissa went to get the wigs styled yesterday but so far she hasn't started losing hair. Of course, we all keep watching for that moment when it will all let loose at once! The only nuisance that Sharon is dealing with is a nose bleed. It seems to bleed a little almost continually. Sometimes it will bleed a lot. This and the expectancy of the hair loss keep us on edge. Isn't it interesting that in our human form "uncertainty" is what causes us most anxiety. So I'm reminded of Psalm 55:22 - Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. So we claim another promise and hope that you will claim it, too, in your life as uncertainties creep in.
Again, thank you for all your prayers and thoughtful concern. May we all find strength in our faith in a loving God.
Again, thank you for all your prayers and thoughtful concern. May we all find strength in our faith in a loving God.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sharon is at home today doing a few little chores. She didn't rest very well last night and has been a little unsettled today. Remember that last week she cleaned house all day on Tuesday. I'm wondering if she will have this surge of energy every Tuesday. So far, the hair is still hanging on. She said that there is not much feeling when she tugs on a strand of hair. So we expect it to let loose anytime. Also, food doesn't taste quite the same. She is eating, though. All in all, she is doing quite well considering the chemo that is going into her body. Her Oncologist was very encouraging yesterday. We expect to get to the other side of this cancer looking back at how God has used this and us to show His power.
We have had so many meals, cards, kind emails, encouraging notes. Thank you all. We look forward to hearing from each of you as you have time.
I wake most mornings with a song in my head. Today was "Whiter than Snow." Lord Jesus I long to be perfectly whole. That is our prayer for Sharon. Keep praying with me.
We have had so many meals, cards, kind emails, encouraging notes. Thank you all. We look forward to hearing from each of you as you have time.
I wake most mornings with a song in my head. Today was "Whiter than Snow." Lord Jesus I long to be perfectly whole. That is our prayer for Sharon. Keep praying with me.
Monday, March 3, 2008
March 3, 2008
Today was Sharon's second chemo treatment. It took about 3 hours. I got there in time for the last 6 minutes! I had dropped her off at 8:30 for a visit with the Oncologist. She is home now and resting. If she feels up to it tonight she will come to Community Choir rehearsal. I'll let you know tomorrow how she is handling this new onslaught of chemo.
We did make it to Miami to see our nephew, Mason, and hear the Catawaba College choir rehearse. It was very nice to see him invovled in this choir. We had a good visit. Mason rode the TriRail train up from Miami to West Palm on Sunday evening. Dale (my brother) and I picked him up at 7:45. We stopped at Dale's so Mason could see his cousins and then back to our house to spend the night. It was great having him around. I took him to the beach for breakfast this morning after I dropped Sharon off at the Cancer Center. Kim helped me get him to meet the bus out at the Interstate at 10:45. We just don't have enough time for family visits! It was a nice change of focus for us.
When we got home from the chemo today, two of the ladies from the church choir had been to the house to clean for us. It was wonderful to walk in and know the house was clean. They are real angels! Thank you, all, for your prayers, love, cards, comments. We feel God's presence in each day as we are encouraged continually by you. I'll post again tomorrow to let you know how the new day is going.
We did make it to Miami to see our nephew, Mason, and hear the Catawaba College choir rehearse. It was very nice to see him invovled in this choir. We had a good visit. Mason rode the TriRail train up from Miami to West Palm on Sunday evening. Dale (my brother) and I picked him up at 7:45. We stopped at Dale's so Mason could see his cousins and then back to our house to spend the night. It was great having him around. I took him to the beach for breakfast this morning after I dropped Sharon off at the Cancer Center. Kim helped me get him to meet the bus out at the Interstate at 10:45. We just don't have enough time for family visits! It was a nice change of focus for us.
When we got home from the chemo today, two of the ladies from the church choir had been to the house to clean for us. It was wonderful to walk in and know the house was clean. They are real angels! Thank you, all, for your prayers, love, cards, comments. We feel God's presence in each day as we are encouraged continually by you. I'll post again tomorrow to let you know how the new day is going.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Saturday March 1
Hello,
This post is from Kim Jewett . . I am known as Aunt Kim to many. I am one of the fortunate ones who gets to live only a few miles from Doug and Sharon and will be able to physically pass on the hugs and well wishes you all send. When I suggested this blog as a way to communicate updates I anticipated a time when I would need to post in Doug's place. Today is one of those days but only because their schedule is so very busy this weekend. The "hits" on this blog sometimes average over 100 a day!! That says a lot and we want to keep everyone updated as frequently as possible.
According to Doug, Sharon has done well with her first week of Chemo. She has been a bit tired but is able to go to a bridal shower today and will drive down to Miami with Doug this afternoon to visit our nephew, Mason, who is in town for a concert. She will have a second chemo treatment on Monday and has gotten a couple wigs and head coverings as they anticipate the hair fallout will happen soon. Please pray for her as she settles into this "new normal".
For those who have requested their home address, please feel free to email me directly at kim.jewett@comcast.net as it is a bit dangerous to post direct addresses and phone numbers in Cyberspace. I would be happy to forward it to you.
Keep the replies coming as they are really uplifting to everyone.
This post is from Kim Jewett . . I am known as Aunt Kim to many. I am one of the fortunate ones who gets to live only a few miles from Doug and Sharon and will be able to physically pass on the hugs and well wishes you all send. When I suggested this blog as a way to communicate updates I anticipated a time when I would need to post in Doug's place. Today is one of those days but only because their schedule is so very busy this weekend. The "hits" on this blog sometimes average over 100 a day!! That says a lot and we want to keep everyone updated as frequently as possible.
According to Doug, Sharon has done well with her first week of Chemo. She has been a bit tired but is able to go to a bridal shower today and will drive down to Miami with Doug this afternoon to visit our nephew, Mason, who is in town for a concert. She will have a second chemo treatment on Monday and has gotten a couple wigs and head coverings as they anticipate the hair fallout will happen soon. Please pray for her as she settles into this "new normal".
For those who have requested their home address, please feel free to email me directly at kim.jewett@comcast.net as it is a bit dangerous to post direct addresses and phone numbers in Cyberspace. I would be happy to forward it to you.
Keep the replies coming as they are really uplifting to everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
