Chemo Meals

Dear Friends-Four days after Christmas, Amy has to go through another round of chemo. Please be praying for her Tuesday, December 29th and the days that follow as her body adjusts.

If you are able to provide a meal, here are the dates that they would be appreciated (on or before these dates):

Mon, Dec 28
Wed, Dec 30-- L. Hammack
Fri, Jan 1--H. Groff
Sun, Jan 3--M. Kmiec
Tues, Jan 5-- D. Glass
Thurs, Jan 7-- A. Lawler
Sat, Jan 9 -- J. Tobolski
Mon, Jan 11-- R.Bakes

Please comment below or email laurel.greer@gmail.com. Thank you!

Dear Family and Friends,

I am so sorry that it has been such a long time since I have posted from my heart on here. Writing is just not a strong point for me.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, love and support! The Strands of Support Event on November 8th was such a blessing to me and I will never forget that day! There were probably between 350-400 people that came out that day and almost 75 of whom got their hair cut or buzzed. There were 15 women and 2 girls who buzzed their hair for me. I just can't express the gratitude for all that was done for me that day. Many people donated their time and services that day to bless me and raise money for any costs from the cancer.

On November 11th I had my 2nd PET scan between my 3rd and 4th treatment. Dr. Gottlieb gave me the results from the scan on November 16th, telling me that tumors are responding very well to the chemotherapy and that he is very pleased! He said the mass in my stomach had shrunk almost 60% already. So in early January I will have another PET scan done and after he gets the results he will see if he wants to add 2 more treatments or not.

For Thanksgiving this year our family had MUCH to be thankful for!! I have been feeling really good lately, even though after the last treatment I wasn't feeling the best I am so blessed that through this journey so far I have felt wonderful.

I can't believe that Christmas is only a few days away, and I hope we all remember the true reason we celebrate!! Merry Christmas to all of you!!! Thanks again to all you DEAR, SWEET ones and I am TRULY blessed to have you in my life!!

Love,
Amy

Amy's Feeling Well

Post chemo on Tuesday, Amy is doing well. She feels nauseous in the mornings until about lunch, then the nausea lifts. Please keep praying for her strength and time with her kids. She said that childcare isn't needed right now, the kids seem to really be delighting (of course!) in time with Mommy. :)

Side note: The night before chemo (which was early in the morning Tues morning), dear Amy came out to our 4-more event to raise money for a water purification system at a Rwandan orphanage. She was one of the last to leave. So typical of Amy to show her support and love for friends despite the fact that her body could have used the extra sleep before a long and taxing day. Thank you Amy!

Thank you all for the meals you are providing!

Meals for the next Round of Chemo

Amy's next round of chemo is Tuesday, the 8th. (was supposed to be Monday, but changed today to Tuesday).

If you would like to deliver a meal in disposable containers for the Beachy family, (no food restrictions) these are the dates that meals would be appreciated:

Sun, 6th M. Heller
Mon, 7th A.McLennan
Wed, 9th S. Huber
Fri, 11th D. Glass
Sat, 12th L. Greer
Mon, 14th Melissa K
Wed, 16th A. Martin
Fri, 18th Jessica W.
Sun, 20st Marni V.

Please comment below, or email laurel.greer@gmail.com

Loved

She is loved.

PET Scan Results!!!

Amy found out that her tumor in her stomach has reduced by 60%!!!!!!!

Encouraged

Today is Amy's 4th round of chemo. Please be praying for her, and for the results of the PET scan that she hopes to receive today.

This came through from someone who doesn't know Amy and thought it should be posted...

------------

Amy, my name is Marilou and I love JESUS. My daughter has shared with me the past few months about your story and blogs. We have been praying for you and your family. Recently, however, she shared how your perspective on suffering has given you a greater platform for sharing your loving faithful creator's goodness and glory as never before...etc. This has spurned a message I shared at church today! The HOLY SPIRIT has used you to get my "ears attention" to His words and it was such a blessing and needed reminder to me and us all! We read tons of passages on suffering, enduring, fiery trials, faith, purifying, refining, persevering.......you know.....all those verses we soooo long to skip over most days! Those words, that so many think make JESUS a bad guy rather than a loving GOD, are hard to embrace and swallow, but you have! Thanks for your inspiration to our small church plant family! We also read about how our great GOD suffered for us and how HE loves to lavish His mercy and compassions upon us!
Simply, Amy and family, thanks to you for your "right" attitude in your situation! We, our church family and my biological family alike, have been stimulated, challenged, encouraged and stretched by your faithfullness and love of life in JESUS. You, Amy, are reaching and causing growth in fellow believers-not just the lost. Your honesty and vulnerabilities in this journey have helped us to be willing to take up our own crosses and identify more closely with JESUS's death and suffering...NOT JUST HIS BLESSINGS in good and easy things. Well done good and faithful servant-well done!
Amy-we will pray for you and your family. Amy-you keep inspiring and stretching our faith and reminding us that GOD is good regardless of "how" life is dealt to us here before Heaven. Thanks, thanks, thank you! Your fellow sister in our LORD

4th Round of Chemo-Meals

Amy's 4th Round of Chemo is this coming Monday, the 16th.

The Beachy family could use meals:

Mon 16 M. Troop
Wed 18 A. Hann
Fri 20 D. Strohecker
Sun 22 M. Heller
Tues 24 J. Miller
Wed 25 W. Shonk
Thurs-Thanksgiving!
Sat 28

Please comment below, email laurel.greer@gmail.com, or text 823.0544 if you are interested in providing one!
Also-if you would like to provide breakfast foods, you can also let me know (in addition to or separate from the provided dates).

More Pictures from Strands of Support

Pics from Strands of Support

PET scan Wednesday

Amy had an incredible weekend-spending time with friends and loved ones! Yesterday, Strands of Support was a HUGE success--for more, click here.

Please keep Amy in your prayers this week, she has a PET scan on Wednesday.

Otherwise, she is feeling GREAT!

This Sunday!

A Reminder: Strands of Support

When: Sunday, November 8, 2009 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Studio TML in Lancaster, PA 800 Estelle Dr, Centerville, PA
For more info email ReneeMLH@yahoo.com or call her at 717-989-7008

Much Better

I saw Amy today and her color was back!!!

Bacterial Infection

Amy is beginning treatment for a bacterial infection (not the flu). Please pray for her as she's dealing with the fever, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Thanks to those of you who have offered to help with the kids!

She is beginning to feel much better!

Blood Test

Amy has a fever of 102 and is heading in this afternoon to get her blood checked. She'll meet with the doctor afterwards to see what's going on in her body. Please be praying for her.

Amy's not feeling well

Please be praying for Amy today. She's feeling kind of feverish and tired.

Amy with her sister (on right) and another girl who are planning on shaving their heads at "Strands of Support"-an event on Nov 8th that Renee Heller is organizing to raise both prayer and financial support for the Beachy family. See post from an earlier date for more details.

Happy Amy

Amy called around 2pm and told me she was out of chemo and on to some errands before picking the kids up! She sounded GREAT. Please keep praying for Amy and her body as it responds to the chemo. Ultimately, please pray that the family would have strength and keep their focus on Him as they continue this journey.

Pray for Amy Today

Today Amy has her 3rd round of chemo. Please be praying for her!

Amy's Hope Fund

In an effort to support the Beachy family with the extra expenses that are coming their way, a fund has been started.

Checks can be written out to: Amy's Hope
Mail checks to:
Laurel Greer
112 Park View Dr.
Landisville, PA 17538

Thank you!

Meals for the 3rd Round of Chemo

Amy will go in Monday, October 26 for her 3rd round of chemo. We would like to provide meals for the Beachys every-other-day. Amy would like to see how she feels before planning childcare this time.

To sign up for a meal: Please comment below or email Laurel at laurel.greer@gmail.com or text/call at 717.823.0544 Please provide meals in disposable dishes.


Mon Oct 26: B. Hager (earlier in the day)
Wed Oct 28: K. Strohecker
Fri Oct 30: J. Arnold
Sun Nov 1: H. Trovinger
Tue Nov 3: K. Huber
Thur Nov 5: S. Lang
Sat Nov 7: A. Mendenhall (earlier in the day)

Strands of Support

Please come!!!!!
When: Sunday, November 8, 2009 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Studio TML in Lancaster, PA (or the salon of your choice if you're out of town) 800 Estelle Dr, Centerville, PA
To RSVP: click HERE or email ReneeMLH@yahoo.com or call her at 717-989-7008

In Amy's honor, friends of hers are hosting "Strands of Support". Please show your support by shaving/buzzing/chopping off your hair! Studio TML on Estelle Dr. is opening their doors to us. There will be food, wine, music, prizes, and much more! We hope to raise monetary and emotional support for the Beachys as they courageously endure this journey! After you RSVP, write on the wall what time you'd like to come - let's sign up for half hour appts to start with... there'll be more than one stylist working, so that actually gives each person an hour with a stylist. Starting at 12pm, and we'll go as long as people are willing to donate their time and hair! Feel free to raise sponsors ($1 per inch you cut off, or flat donations), and we'll set the cost of the haircut at a very reasonable rate that will also be donated! This event is open to men and women.

Since a woman buzzing her hair makes a super bold statement, if we can get 12 women to commit to that, we'll be making a professional calendar to sell and raise more money! Please, invite all your friends, if we run out of room at TML, we'll enlist more salons to help! There'll be a professional photographer to document the event as well! This is such an amazing gift that we can give to such an amazing person! Please consider it!

Also, if you'd like to participate but aren't in Lancaster, feel free to go to a salon of your choice and send your monetary donation and pictures of your haircut to us. But we'd love to see as many people doing it here in Lancaster as possible... it'll send such a wonderful message of love to Amy!

There will be a fund set up so that you can feel secure with your donations!

Gift of Love sent in Disguise

This morning Amy shared about her journey in front of a large group of the pastoral team at Calvary Church for half an hour. She stood with grace and poise and her face radiated with His peace as she shared what God has been teaching her through this journey with cancer. Through tears at times she spoke about His goodness to her in this time of suffering. It was incredibly moving and such an encouragement for all to hear.

Some of the things she shared:

While I only found out a couple months ago that I had cancer, I know God began preparing me for cancer a while back. I have always prayed that I would be more of a light and lead others to Christ and now I have more of a platform to shine for Him and be His witness to many.

From the very beginning I have prayed for God's will to be done in all of this, not for immediate healing because I consider a privilege that I can suffer for Christ and use this trial to be a light to others. I want others to see the peace I have and know they can have the same peace that only He can give.


















Of course I would love to be healed of this cancer so I can spend many more wonderful years with my amazing husband Ben of 12 1/2 years and be able to love my dear, sweet children Kaitlyn, 5 and Daniel, almost 3...and watch them grow up and mature into what God wants them to be. My husband Ben has been a huge support to me through all of this and it has made us grow even closer together. He is also at complete peace with everything going on in our lives right now and we spend more time with God in prayer then ever before. So I am believing that I will be healed of this cancer, but I am also at peace with death and spending eternity with my Heavenly Father. I want whatever God's will is for my life.

Yesterday, my grandma sent me a poem that I wanted to share with you:
"God, Widen my vision so I may see
the afflictions You have sent to me-
Not as a cross too heavy to bear
that weighs me down in gloomy despair
Not as something to hate and despise
but as a gift of love sent in disguise
Something to draw me closer to You
to teach me patience and forbearance too
Something to show me more clearly the way
to serve You and love You more every day
Something priceless and precious and rare
That will keep me forever safe in Thy care.
Aware of the spiritual strength that is mine
if my selfish, small will is lost in Thine!

Amy shared 13 verses that have been an encouragement to her--some are found at the bottom side and bottom her blog now.

I am looking forward to seeing all the amazing things God is going to do through my cancer and praying to see many come to Him!

Another Wonderful Week

Here I am again and it has been too long since I have updated all of you dear friends and family with how I have been doing. I just can't tell you how much you all mean to me with the love, support and prayers you have given! I feel immensely blessed beyond any words can describe.

As Laurel updated you with this week, my treatment did go very well on Monday with it only being a little over 4 hours versus the almost 9 hour treatment the first time. I had no allergic reactions and felt great the whole time. This whole week I have felt just wonderful and have had more energy then I did even the first treatment. My appetite came back for this treatment which gave me a lot more energy to get through my days.

All week I had you dear friends and family who cared for the kids for me during the day and allowed me to get some rest or to get things done around the house. Kaitlyn and Daniel will remember all of these precious times with you who cared for them and loved them during this whole process. I just can't thank you enough!

I want you all to know that my husband, Ben, is so amazing, loving and supportive and I am blessed beyond measure that God brought him into my life. He has always been the most encouraging husband and still is till this day, 12 years later. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with the family He has and I want to strive to be the wife and mother that He wants me to be! My children, really melt my heart too, and I just love them more and more each day! I am human, and have my moments when I just want to scream because I feel like I just can't handle them anymore, but then I take a step back and ask them for forgiveness for the way I handled the situation. They are always so quick to forgive me and tell me they love me too even when I am mean to them. :) How precious!

Tomorrow starts a fun weekend and I am loving everyday that I am blessed with to spend with all of my amazing family and friends and look forward to whatever God's plan holds for the rest of my life!

Love you all,

Amy

Portrait of Hope

Thursday

Amy is feeling good. Tuesday, the morning after her chemo treatment, she felt so good she ran down her road!

Finished!

This round of chemo went MUCH faster! Only about 4 hours and Amy's on her way home. She's feeling great. Please keep praying for her strength during this time. Her white blood count was down a bit-so they are going to check that out again tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone who is doing this round of meals and child care!

Today

Please be praying for Amy as she's getting her second round of chemo. Feel free to text her! 717.824.0522

Meals and Child Care for Round 2 of Chemo

We would like to start up meals for the Beachy family again. Amy is having her second round of chemotherapy on Monday, October 5. We hope to provide every-other-day meals. Once again, if you would like to provide a meal on one of these dates, please comment below, call or text Laurel at 823.0544, or email laurel.greer@gmail.com

Meals:

Monday, Oct 5- Melissa Heller
Tuesday, Oct 6- Melaina Wiker
Wed, Oct 7- Missy Jeanes
Fri, Oct 9- Patti Beachy
Sun, Oct 11- Aggie Lawler
Tues, Oct 13- Deb Strohecker
Thurs, Oct 15- Andrea Weaver
Sat, Oct 17-Freda Beachy

Child Care: Amy may not need an entire day, or may not need childcare at ALL--but we thought we'd schedule it anyway... Amy or I will let you know what the needs will be after the treatment. Thank you for your flexibility! Also, transportation can be provided, just let us know. Same as above, call or text Laurel at 823.0544, or email laurel.greer@gmail.com

Mon, Oct 5- Laurel Greer
Tues, Oct 6-Freda Beachy
Wed, Oct 7- Karen
Thurs, Oct 8- Alison McLennan
Fri, Oct 9- morning: Michelle Troop afternoon: Lauren

Turn off Blog Music First!

Meals for the Beachys

At this point, Amy is doing great for meals. When the next round of chemo begins, (Oct 5), we will begin an every-other-day meal schedule for a few weeks.

If you have any questions about dropping off food, please call or text Laurel at 823.0544

Wed Sept 16: Becky Hager
Thur Sept 17: Karen
Fri Sept 18: Joyous Derner
Sat Sept 19: Susanna
Sun Sept 20: Jen Fisher
Mon Sept 21: Marni Van Grouw
Tues Sept 22: Bobbi Jo Martin
Wed Sept 23: Tiffany Porter
Thur Sept 24: Laurel Greer
Fri Sept 25: Anna Fillgrove
Sat Sept 26: Christina Kyllonen
Sun Sept 27: Becca Hansen
Mon Sept 28: Marissa Kmiec
Tues Sept 29: Wendy Shonk
Wed Sept 30: Lauren Hammack
Thurs Oct 1: (anonym?)
Frid Oct 2: Ann Schiler

Campbell's gift of hair for Amy

From Campbell's mom, Renee:

"I'm so proud of Campbell! She cut off nearly 10 inches of her hair and donated it to a place that makes wigs for Cancer patients! We did this in honor of our friend, Amy Beachy, who just started Chemo on Wednesday... Amy this is for you! We love you and we're praying for you!"

Update

First off, I want to thank all of you who have been bringing me all these delicious and amazing meals each day since my chemo treatment. What a blessing they have been!

I want to apologize that it has been awhile since I have updated you on how I have been doing. On Thursday, the day after my first chemo treatment, my dear friend, Alison, watched the kids for me all day so that I could just relax in case I wasn't feeling the best. Thankfully, I felt pretty good all day, so later that morning my friend, Stephanie, picked me up and we went out to a late breakfast and afterward, walked around the mall. A fun-filled day!

On Friday morning I felt up to going to the gym in the morning and getting a small workout in and seeing friends I had missed for a couple of weeks. My wonderful husband was able to be home on Friday, just in case I wasn't feeling well, to be able to help out with anything. It was great having him around to spend time with.

Saturday morning I cleaned the whole house really well and it felt good to even be able to do that. The beautiful weather that morning gave me the energy I needed to zoom through the house and get everything done. Later that afternoon I had a fun time shopping with my sister for scarves and hats.

On Sunday, Ben had free tickets to a football game with friends, so my sister came over to spend time with me and the kiddos and we had a relaxing day at home.

Yesterday morning I woke up and had it in my mind that I was going to run a few errands and go pick out a wig at the American Cancer Society. My precious kids were having a rough morning and I felt like there was no way I was going to accomplish my goals for the day. I checked with my dad to see if they could come down and play at their house for a little bit while I went and ran a few errands and he was more than happy to have them for a little. He and my mom took them to the park and they had a terrific time. I am so blessed to have my parents living right near us.

I was able to stop at the American Cancer Society and look at all the wigs they had available. They told me that I could have one wig to keep and take home with me at no cost and also two hats or scarfs. I picked out a wig I liked that was a honey pecan color with 100% human hair that felt even nicer than my own hair. I also brought home two new hats.

When I got back from all my errands, and the kids were back from the park, I let Kaitlyn try on the wig with me and she took some pictures of me with my new hair because she was so fascinated and excited about it.

I also received a very special surprise in the mail! It was a book compiled of many letters, pictures, scriptures and notes of encouragement from many of you. I read through it with tears in my eyes from the many sweet words from all of you. What a wonderful day!

So all in all I have been feeling pretty good everyday since my first chemo treatment. Some afternoons I have felt a little out of it, but I have been listening to my body and I rest when I need to and get to bed at a good time most nights.

Thanks for all your prayers and love!

Love,

Amy

from Laurel

So sorry-I was out of town the entire week and missed several calls on our home phone about meals. Please call my cell (not home) if you have questions 717.823.0544

Amy's First Chemo

Today

Thank you all so much for your prayers today...I felt them!! I just can't tell you all how much your thoughts and prayers mean to me!!!

I only slept from 11pm to 2am this morning because my mysterious rash was still bothering me and I just could not sleep. This morning my sister and I got to the hospital at 7:45 am and I filled out the necessary paperwork and then they started my treatment at 8am. They started the treatment with rotuxin, which is the one drug that they have to monitor you closely for because it can cause allergic reactions and/or side effects that they need to treat right away. Everything started off great and I felt good aside from being very tired and out of it. They start the dose low and every 15 minutes bumped it up after they check your vital signs to make sure they can go on. I went through 3 different doses and then my throat started to feel a little scratchy and then all of a sudden it felt like it was starting to close up. So they immediately stopped and gave me Benadryl and one other medicine to stop the reaction and we waited till I felt better then they started back up again at a low dose. From that point on though I felt really good and didn't have any other problems. I tried to get good naps in too but I just couldn't seem to sleep for very long at a time because of all the noises. I did manage to catch a 10-15 minute cat nap which gave me enough energy for the rest of my day. I finished up with the chemo treatment at 4:50pm and have felt great since. I am so thankful to God that He is allowing me to feel this good right now!

My sister was a wonderful support to me all day and I loved having her by my side through my first treatment! I also had some other dear friends stop by to visit and show their love for me. I truly felt at peace all day because I know that God was right there beside me holding my hand and all of you dear ones were praying for me!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Love,
Amy

9 Hour Day

Amy is home and feeling good, despite a long (8am-5pm)first day of chemo. She is so thankful to be feeling as good as she is!

First Round of Chemo

Please pray for Amy as she spends today getting her first round of chemo. She'll begin at 8am and it could go 5-8 hours. Please pray for her body as it receives this powerful drug. Please pray for her mind and heart as she continues to focus on God above and in all of these hard things.

Dear Family and Friends,

Our family had a relaxing time at the beach last week, even though the weather wasn't the best. The night before we left I did catch a cold and haven't been feeling the best. Then Sunday morning I woke up and had a rash all over my body. I'm not quite sure what I am allergic too and neither was the Dr. this morning. Last night I was up most of the night because I was so itchy.

This morning, Ben, my mom and I met with Dr. Gottlieb and he went over all my results. My MUGA heart test looked great, and the biopsy of my lymph node did show that it was low-grade. Dr. Gottlieb said that low-grade non-hodgkin lymphoma tends to come back quicker over time, so over the years they will keep an eye on my body and continue to do scans to make sure that it is under control. The bone marrow biopsies did show a small amount of lymphoma in the bones. Overall he was very encouraged by all the results as well as the blood work looking pretty good.

This Wednesday morning, September 16th, I will be starting my first chemo treatment at LGH at 8am. They said it will probably be five to eight hours long. My mom will take me in to the hospital and my dad will stay here with the kids. Then my sister is going to meet us in there and stay with me all day and my mom will come back and watch Kaitlyn and Daniel the rest of the time. I am so blessed to have an amazing family who is so loving, supportive and encouraging, and all of you dear friends who have meant so much to me! Thank you all so much for your prayers!!

I was really ministered to by a song we sang in church yesterday, In Christ Alone, and wanted to share it with you:


In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

To God be the Glory!!

Love,
Amy


Amy could use meals starting Wednesday for the next 2 weeks. If you are able to provide meals, please comment below and list which day you will be able to drop one by. Thank you so much.

Also, as Amy will most likely be fatigued during this time, we'll be posting when childcare would be needed/helpful.

Thankful

We had two really special days with Kaitlyn and Daniel this week. Here are 3 cute pictures of them- Kaitlyn making peanut butter playdough and then two pictures of the kids wearing pirate blow-up hats while playing in the "pirate pool" at our neighbor's house. They are such happy children who love life so thoroughly. Kaitlyn at one point was telling me in her 4 year old language, "I'm fankful for..." She encouraged me with her thankful attitude! Thanks for allowing us to play with your precious kids Amy and Ben!

I am so thankful that all my tests, surgery and bone marrow biopsies are done for this week. Yesterday, the bone marrow biopsy was definitely my least favorite procedure yet.
Dr. Gottlieb decided that he wanted to biopsy two different locations on my lower back.
It is very difficult to describe the uncomfortable feeling and pain that it was. Yes, I had some Novocain shots but they didn't seem to cover up all the feeling. :)
I can definitely say that the beach is going to be the highlight of my week!!! I truly can't wait and am so thankful for the opportunity to get away and relax!
I want to thank all of you again so much for all your kind, encouraging words of inspiration, your prayers, watching the kids for me, and bringing me meals!!
-Amy

1pm Bone Marrow Biopsy

Please pray for Amy today as she'll have her bone marrow biopsy.

Thank you so much for the meals that have been provided (and are being provided) this week, they have been such a blessing as Amy's energy has been down.

Home

Amy's home and said things went well today. Her surgery was about an hour long and uneventful. She is home and resting. Thanks for your prayers!

More Appointments & Tests

This morning at 8:15 Ben, my mom, and I met with Dr. Robert Gottlieb at the Health Campus Hematology/Oncology Medical Specialists. After leaving there we all felt like he was the one we should stay with for the treatments. He spoke to the pathologist who performed my PET scan and was told that the tumor in my abdomen is about 6 inches by 2 inches.

I will be getting a MOGA (heart test) done tomorrow morning at 7:30am at LGH, then at 1:30pm Dr. Heinle will perform the surgery to remove the lymph node under my left armpit.

On Thursday at 1pm Dr. Gottlieb will be doing a bone marrow biopsy from my hip bone.

But the best part of this week is that on Friday afternoon Ben and I and the kids and my sister will be leaving for a week vacation at Ocean City, MD. We are all looking forward to that time away!

When I get home all the results should be back in from my tests and Dr. Gottlieb will be meeting with Ben and I at 8am Moday, September 14th to go over all the test results. He would then like to start the chemotherapy with Rotuxin (CHOP plus R), which he will do once every 3 weeks soon after that.

Thanks again for all your encouragement, cards, prayers, and meals!!! You touch my heart and I am so thankful for all of you!!

Love,
Amy

Tomorrow's Surgery

Please be praying for Amy and her surgery tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1:30pm.

Dear precious family and friends,

I want to thank you all so much for the encouraging and uplifting comments that I have been reading on here over the past few days because they have blessed my heart immensely! I am grateful for every one of you and your prayers that you have been saying on my behalf!

Love,
Amy

From Amy's sister Julie...

In the midst of all of our surprise at the realization that Amy's cancer was far more advanced than any of us thought, my sister has never ceased to amaze me. I remember the day after we were told that her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was in stage four and very aggressive; she was neither anxious nor upset, but rather completely at peace and full of joy. Not that this has not been hard for her, but her eyes are not focused on the temporary things which we cannot control, but rather on the LORD and on those things which are of eternal value.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says it best.

"16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

It was last Friday that she received the call from the doctor with the news, and the following Saturday morning of her birthday we had been discussing the results and I was trying my best to be strong for her and not cry. I was not so successful in my attempts, and I remember her looking at me and saying there is no need to cry; that she sees all the positive things in this. "First of all", she says, "I have been wanting to lose a few pounds, and I'm pretty sure that with all of the treatments, that that will probably happen." (Amy can always find a bright side to any situation). "Secondly, if I lose my hair during chemo, I can get some wigs and change up my hair-do whenever I want. And, to be honest, I just see all the wonderful things that God is going to do through this. I'm really not worried." Leave it to Amy to be the one comforting me when it should be the other way around. She is always encouraging, always positive, and always trusting in the LORD, knowing that our lives are not our own, but all for God's glory!

-Julie

Amy Wrote...

Hi Laurel,
We are going to meet with Dr. Robert Gottlieb from the office of Hematology/Oncology Medical Associates in Lancaster on Monday morning, August 31st at 8:15am. Hershey Medical also called me today to let me know that the oncologists at Hershey just really wanted to wait to meet w/ me till they had the results from the larger biopsy on Tuesday. So as soon as they get the faxed results and look over them they will meet w/ me. They will also match me up with the best oncologist for my specific cancer to treat me. So I will meet w/ both oncologists then and ask questions and see who we feel would be best for treating my cancer.

I also wanted to share a great verse that I was reading in Romans 11:33-36 that I enjoyed.

"Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
For who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen."

Surgery Tuesday, the 1st

Amy has surgery scheduled (to remove part of the lymph node) on Tuesday, September 1st at 1:30. It's outpatient surgery.

If you are able to drop a meal off Monday or Tuesday, please let Amy or Ben know by commenting below. Childcare is taken care of.

Consult Today

This morning Amy is meeting with a surgeon at the LG's Health Campus for a consult. They will be setting up an appointment to remove part of the lymph node that she originally found under her arm.

Once again Amy said, "I just know God is going to use this."

Please feel free to post comments on this blog-Amy will be checking it!

Dear Family and Friends,

I am so sorry that I haven't got an update out in the last week. I was waiting till I knew a little more.

Last Friday I got a call from the Dr. and he let me know that I had B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some of the cells showed low-grade and some showed more aggressive. I was hoping to be able to update you when I knew more as far as treatment and such. But just yesterday morning I had a PET scan done, and the Dr. called me tonight with the results.
He said, "The scan didn't look good. It shows that it is in your arm pit, abdomen, pelvis, one spot in the bones, right arm and some in the chest." He said it is Stage 4. He did tell me though that the more aggressive the cancer the faster the chemo takes to it.

I still feel at total peace with everything and know that God is going to do Amazing things with this! I can't wait to watch all these wonderful things happen because of Him!

A week ago when the Dr. told me that I had a form of lymphoma I told him that I wasn't worried and know that God is in control. And then again tonight I was calm on the phone with him and said, "Thanks for calling, Have a great weekend!" I don't know if he believes in God w/ all of his heart, but I would love to see that happen.

So Hershey Medical should be calling me soon and then we will go from there. I will let you know as soon as I know, but I thank you all for your prayers and love!!

The times I get emotional is when I get sweet emails, and calls from all of you dear ones and that is when I cry. I feel so blessed that God has given me you as my family and friends!!! Tomorrow is my birthday, but the reason I tell you is because I know that God is going to give me the BEST birthday ever because He is going to do some AMAZING things this year!! To Him be the Glory!!

Love,
Amy