Leave it to Fleener--H&P #5

Can it really be that another three weeks has already flown by?  I don't know about anyone else, but my March has been crazy.  Between daylight savings time, spring break, Easter break, and Easter being one right after the other, I'm ready for a new month!  

I keep getting questions about how I'm doing.  It's hard to say.  I feel well, almost like nothing has ever been wrong.  My hair is growing back, and I get compliments each day about how well it's coming back.  

"It's growing back so well!"

"Your hair looks so good!"

"How is it growing so quickly?"

"It's not curly! My so-and-so's hair grew in SO curly after chemo!"

I don't really know what else to say, but that we are doing well.  I am tired, I still have pain, and I have a few minor reactions to my cancer-fighting drugs, but as long as they are still fighting-cancer, we plow forward.  Day by day, week by week, I get a little stronger and my hair gets a little longer.  (here's proof!)  

I recently read an article that perfectly described my new normal now.  It explained how having cancer puts a dark cloud over your head that never goes away.  That got me thinking: sure, it's not always stormy or pouring rain, but the cancer cloud is always there.  Something a person without q cancer cloud might find "normal" could be a red flag for someone standing under the cloud of cancer.  No sore muscle, sore throat, or other pain can be simply brushed aside anymore.  Being strong or tough or pushing through is not an option now.  I can't ever just forget about something anymore because that something that might easily be forgotten in someone else's mind could potentially be cancer rearing its ugly head again for me.  

However, just because this dark cloud is overhead, that doesn't mean the sun isn't shining.  The cloud is there, but not so close that that it clouds my view.   There are patches of blue skies and even rainbows now and then.   It's not raining now, even if the forecast tells of possible storms ahead. I'm carrying an umbrella, but have not needed to pull it out for weeks.  Perhaps those weeks will turn into months and years, but I'm prepared if they don't. That's my new normal now: living with the dark cloud of cancer hovering over my head, but trying to see beyond to sunny skies over the horizon and being thankful that it is simply overcast, not pouring rain.

Again, I am reminded of the "mists of darkness" described in the story of the Tree of Life (see 1 Ne 8 & 12).

And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost. (1 Ne 12: 17)

Cancer is not the only condition that bring along a permanent dark cloud. 

There are other terminal diseases that hang dark clouds overhead.    

Clouds of addiction linger long after the behavior has ceased.

Anxiety and depression can form together stormy skies.  

Broken hearts, betrayal, and great loss leave storms in their path.  

Each of us must overcome some dark clouds of life.  Some dispel quickly; others linger over a lifetime.  

Dark clouds in life do not always forecast a life full of darkness.    There is hope; there is help:  

...I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood...And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood....and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron...(see 1 Nephi 8:20-24, emphasis added).

As I was reading this last night with my children, it occurred to me that I had never before paid attention to what seems to be "normal" life for the majority of us.  We are pressing forward, trying JUST TO GET ON THE RIGHT PATH!! Enduring life's ups and downs and learning step-by-step are ways to be pressing forward, enduring, that we "might obtain the path," the correct path.  It seems once a person has found what's right, has made it to the truth, or "caught hold of the end of the rod," then BAM!, there arises "a mist of darkness."  

Most of life is filled with simply pressing forward, trying to blaze a trail through the dark clouds, hoping that the path is still the right path, praying that there is light beyond the fog.  All the while, those who have made it through are cheering us forward, hoping we will learn from their mistakes, that our time in the darkness might be easier than theirs.  We are promised that God loves us and His light is shining beyond the clouds, and we can feel the warmth of his love if we just hold on and press on.  But how do you know this is true if you can never see beyond the storms of life? Just how DO you develop that kind of faith????  How DOES one learn not to question God's love every time another door slams shut or another painful or frightening event comes your way?  

That is the great question of life; the one science is eager to prove, the one faith argues that the answer has already been given, and we must simply believe and keep moving forward.  Life presses on, the sun rises each day, even if all we can see is clouds.  How much better the view if we have the faith to see the light in spite of the storms.             

Any number of mists of darkness are constantly before us in mortality, and it might be difficult to overcome or to hope for the sun to ever shine again.  

However, the promise of the Easter season tells that even when it seems as if the sun refuses to shine, the SON will always be the light and the life that can overcome any clouds of darkness.  When storms hang low over the length of mortality, the hope of new day, a new life rises just over the horizon because of Him.  When our faith, our hope, and the reason for our love is placed in Christ, no dark cloud will ever dark enough to block all the light from life.  

Leave it to Fleener--H&P #4

Hawking Hope

When Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease) in 1963, he was only given about two years to live.  Today, At 74 years old, Dr. Hawking is not only living, but continues his work of attempting to understand and explain the universe.  How has this brilliant man continued to thrive, even after a bleak diagnosis at a young age and the deterioration of his physical abilities over time?  How has he not given up on life?
In his own words, he explains a small piece of his motivation:

"Before my condition was diagnosed, I had been very bored with life," he said. "There had not seemed to be anything worth doing."  

Fueled by the possibility of an early death, Stephen poured himself into research and into reaching his goals.  His diagnosis, it seems, actually led to him rising to higher grounds and becoming the acclaimed scientist he is today.  He quickly discovered his purpose and had hope that he would be able to accomplish his goals.

In addition to research, discovery, and professional goals, there were two major events that helped keep Stephen from the despair that could have easily taken over.  While spending time in the hospital before his original diagnosis, he shared a room with a leukemia patient.  Witnessing the hardships faced by this roommate caused Stephen to reflect on his own situation and to view it as more tolerable.  Additionally, at the time of diagnosis, Stephen was falling in love.  The resulting marriage and family gave Stephen him a purpose beyond himself, personal reasons to press forward.

I thought of Stephen's story as I was reading this week when I came across a definition of faith:

 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

With intelligence, Hawkings has sought to explain and understand the universe, but his hope is not based on faith in Christ.  Although he--at one point-- supported the theory that the universe has a Creator, he now seeks to use science to disprove his own work.  Hawking has faith and hope for things not seen, but does no center that faith on the true source of light and truth.

If only all the world could grasp the power of hope once you hold fast to faith in Christ!  Belief in the Savior of the world is one that can anchor souls and make it possible to stay "sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (see Ether 12:4).  Hawking's life is so close to this pattern!  The simple fact that he has endured the challenges he has been given is nothing short of miraculous.  Beyond simply existing, he amazingly continues to share his talents with others, seemingly with faith that someday he will be able to unlock mysteries of the universe.  In his search to explain the great unknown, however, he seeks to prove that God was not involved.  Even though he seems to be missing this most important piece, there must be a reason why Hawking has beaten the odds and defied the boundaries of his illness.  His life truly has been filled with miracles.

As I learned more of Dr. Hawking's story in the last few weeks, I could not help but see parallels in my own story.  I have also been given a death sentence of only a few years.  However, I continue to fight and to hope for a miracle.  Some days this hope seems lost, as the realist in me keeps waiting for cancer to return.  When this dread of falling out of remission consumes me, I have to remind myself that God is a God of miracles, and miracles have not ceased. (see Mormon 9: 11-19, Moroni 7:29).  Both large and small miracles can happen every day, and I will be more likely to recognize and reach for them through HOPE.  And what shall I hope for?

...Ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.  Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. (Mor 7:41-42).

Both hope and faith have been essential in my battle with cancer.  Hope provides energy to press on.  Hope brings peace to the soul.  I have been able to make the most of each day I have been given through hope.  This quality, along with faith in prayer, in God's plan for me, and in the belief that He can use me to show that miracles have not ceased have given me purpose.  I have already received the amazing miraculous gift of grace, and everyday I stay in remission is a bonus and a sign of His goodness and mercy.

What comes next after being blessed with miracles after the trials of my faith?  There is one quality that seems to come hand in hand with hope and faith in the scriptures: charity.  (see 1 Cor. 13:13, Moroni 10:20-21,  D&C 4:5, 6:19, 18:19).  Charity, the pure love of Christ, is the next step to becoming who God wants us to be.  I have been given a little more time on this earth, but all the time in the world would be of little value if I did not spend it in loving and serving others.  If I "have not charity, [I am] nothing."  (see Moroni 7:44).

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (Moroni 7: 45)

Though hope, faith, and charity, I can continue to seek for miracles, and in the meantime, endure all things that come my way.  Hawking's life story serves as an example of hope and a determination to never give up, despite challenges.  I can take that inspiration further by putting faith and trust in God, who continues to be a God of miracles and can bless me to use my talents to bring His light into the lives of others.

Leave it to Fleener--Herceptin & Perjeta #3

Lice.

I have never had to deal with lice on myself or with my children, and I'd like to keep it that way!  There have been informative letters about lice treatment and prevention sent home from school and texts about children in class with lice.  Everyday, I use a lice repellent spray on the kids' hair to give extra protection.  Just the thought of lice makes my head itch!

Seriously, though.

My head has been itching for weeks, and I've had Stephen check my scalp for critters more than once.  The lice talk only makes it worse!  And, then it hit me:  My head itches because my hair is growing back!  It was finally long enough to dye blond, but in the last few weeks, it has really been starting to grow.  Hundreds of dark roots are sprouting up and with them comes the annoyance of an itchy scalp.

I saw Dr. Fleener today.  She followed-up on my concerns from the last appointment--the rash/bumps from my drug reaction and my pain level.

She did not recommend sending me to a dermatologist for the rash because it would go something like this.  First, that doctor would want to take a biopsy to rule out infection.  The test would come back showing a drug reaction.  As annoying as this rash is, it's not enough to discontinue my chemo, and we would be right back where we started.  Since my youngest son already had a follow-up appointment with his dermatologist, I slipped in a question about my concern.  She looked at my skin and concurred that it was most likely a reaction to the drugs.  The next part was one of those tender mercies.  "I did my residency at MD Anderson," she explained.  (MD Anderson is a MAJOR mecca for cancer treatment in Houston, for those of you unfamiliar.)  She continued, "As difficult and uncomfortable as that is, we often saw reactions like yours as a positive sign.  It usually means things are working because your immune system is triggered."  I was reassured then to keep pressing forward, despite the uncomfortable and annoying reaction. 

As far as pain, she was pleased that I was seeing Dr. O, to keep pain under control.  The pain is bearable, but the mental anguish is debilitating.  I guess I thought that once the tumors were gone, the pain would go with them.  However, I still experience pain in my back, hips, shoulder, and legs, causing me to worry that cancer is looming.  I no longer know what is a "normal" level of pain and what is something to report to a medical professional.  When I simply thought I had "thrown my back out," last summer, I was actually growing tumors in my bones!  Both doctors have been reassuring.  Some of these pains are "normal" for a female who has given birth and joints never fully came back together and for someone who fell and fractured vertebrae.  Again, I was relieved and encouraged to keep pressing forward and get a little better day by day.   

Like the itchy scalp, these unpleasant and sometimes painful reactions are signs that treatment is working.  The pains that accompany growth and improvement can be difficult, but teach us humility and gratitude.  I'm grateful for an itchy scalp because my hair is growing back.  I'm grateful for the outward signs that chemo is continuing to be effective.  I am seeing how weak things can be made strong again.  (see Ether 12:27).

After my first battle with cancer, I wanted to write to Elder David A. Bednar to express my gratitude for a speech he made that became the theme of my journey: "That we Might not Shrink."  I put off these promptings and was suddenly no longer cancer-free.  When the prompting came again, this time I followed it and wrote a short thank you letter, feeling pleased and hopeful that he might one day read it.  Time went by and I became lost in the trenches of fighting cancer.

Then, on one particularly difficult day, when I was feeling weak and hopeless, I received a response:    

I was especially struck by the verse of scripture:

Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things (Jacob 4:7).

This was just what I needed to hear then, and it is reinforced today.  Our weakness (not weaknesses)--- our WEAKNESS---physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally---is part of mortality.  We are reminded over and over of how precious life is and how deeply we need grace to overcome our human weakness.  Trials, pain, sadness, despair, fear of lice.....He has felt all our weakness and asks only that we humble ourselves and allow Him to strengthen us with the "power to do these things." (see also Philippians 4:13).

Having been strengthened to make it this far, I will continue on and endure.  There is medicine that can help ease the discomforts of the journey.  Prayer, faith, and hope keeps me moving forward with the hope that, "the Lord [may] bless and strengthen [me] in the YEARS ahead."  (emphasis added.)  Only God knows exactly how many years, but I am trying to get the most out of every day.  

Kicking it to Cancer, one treatment at a time!

   

Leave it to Fleener--Herceptin & Perjeta #2

Since hearing the words "you're in remission," I've been in somewhat of a state of shock--a happy shock---but still shock.   I've gone from preparing myself that I might never hear those words, to disbelief, and then to joy and the desire to share my good news with anyone I can.  Most people have taken a part in my joy, having also hoped and prayed for this news.  Others, like a cashier from a few weeks ago, are a bit confused:

cashier: "How are you doing today?"

me: "Amazing.  I just found out I'm in remission for cancer."

cashier: "Oh, I'm so sorry! Cancer is terrible."  

me:  "No.  Remission is a GOOD thing.  It means my cancer is gone!"

cashier: "OOOOOOOOO-H.  I was wondering why you were smiling!"

Having a background in science and now a personal experience with remission, it was fascinating that someone wouldn't know the meaning of that word.  Remission is a good word.  The only better thing than never being diagnosed with cancer is to reach and remain in remission, which is a respite, a decrease in the seriousness or intensity of disease; a temporary recovery.  Remission is the best result for a cancer patient.  Interestingly, because the scientific aspect of remission was not new to me, I missed a poignant correlation which could help anyone remember the good news of remission.  

A friend reminded me of another common use of the word:  remission of sins, which is also a good thing.  It's actually the "good news" of this earthly life.  Each of us can receive a remission----a forgiveness, pardoning, or absolution---of our sins.  We all sin every day, but there is hope as we seek remission of sins through Christ.  When we receive and retain the gift of remission, our sins are remembered no more.  (see Hebrews 8:12 and 10:14-18)

Remission in the world of cancer is achieved with the help of an experienced physician and usually after at least one (and often several) kind of treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.  There is pain, inconvenience, suffering, and healing time involved, as well as the faith it takes to keep up with follow-ups and hope that cancer doesn't return.  Every few months, there is a check in through scans to confirm that cancer is still in remission.  Remission doesn't mean the work of surviving is over.  

The parallels are easy to see.  

A remission of sins is made possible by one who has experienced all and through a process of several steps.  First, comes faith, repentance, and baptism. Then, comes the remission of sins by fire and the Holy Ghost (see 2 Nephi 31:17) and enduring to the end.  Wilford W. Andersen said, "a mighty change of heart is not something we experience only once. Rather, it is a process we repeat over and over throughout our mortal lives, and thus our light grows ?brighter and brighter until the perfect day? (D&C 50:24)." ("Receiving and Retaining and Mighty Change," Ensign, 2012).  We must renew our covenants and repent often to retain the remission of sins in our lives.  Enduring to the end takes work.  

No one wishes for cancer to cross their path, but if it ever does, the next step is to reach remission.  Sadly, some cancer patients never make this goal, and remaining in remission after treatment is not a guarantee.  All the faith, prayers, or money poured into modern medicine can't always heal cancer.  Sometimes even the strongest survivors are forced to end their earthly battles. Cancer remission has no guarantee of lasting, but I need not fear.  My doctor has great hope in my case for staying in remission because of my great response to treatment.  Only time will tell, but there is a greater remission I am seeking to retain in the meantime, one that will never fail and one that will heal my soul and continue into everlasting life.  

Leave it to Fleener---2016

Stephen and I have gotten really good at "The Glad Game," an idea from Pollyanna, a 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter, later adapted to a 1960 Disney movie.  The game consists of finding something to be glad about in every situation.  The main character explains,  ?... there is something about everything that you can be glad about, if you keep hunting long enough to find it.?

 It is not always easy to seek out the good from difficult times.  It involves recognizing our challenges, while focusing on the blessings.  Language like "at least," "but," "however," and "thankfully," is used quite often.  For example, "I have to pay my entire $6,000 deductible and out-of-pocket maximum on the first appointment of the year, but at least it's met in the first week.  Thankfully, we've saved an emergency fund, so it's doable.  We didn't want to have to get stuck with a huge chunk all at once, but now we have the rest of the year to save up for next January!"  

This type of thinking can change outlooks on terrible events.  Looking for the good over and over, even when there seems to be nothing good, stretches our ability to endure the storms of life.  We can learn to have faith and hope, even when life gets dark.  That is the game: to be glad when being glad is the last thing you want to be.  

This game has inspired my motto for 2016:

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

Maya Angelou

Much like the classic, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade," this motto reminds me that sometimes the only thing we can change is our attitude, and it is better to make something good out of a bad situation than to become bitter.  The glad game doesn't erase hardships from our lives; it only changes us.  

In my case, there are things about cancer that I cannot change.  It's aggressive.  It will most likely come back.  I will have this burden for the rest of my life.  I will always feel like I am looking over my shoulder, waiting for cancer to sneak up on me.  HOWEVER....

I am strong.

I am a survivor.

I am young enough to be mostly healthy and able to tolerate chemo, even if I need another cycle.

Experiencing difficult times strengthens us and brings us closer to God.  

I only have to come in once every 3 weeks, unlike the 3 times per week I was coming before.

My treatments now do not make me ill.

My hair is growing back.

My boys are getting older and able to help me much more than they did in 2013...and 2014...and 2015.....

I love my doctor and nurses.

And----as of today, I AM IN REMISSION!!!  

I received my PET scan results today, and they are fantastic!  Dr. Fleener is EXTREMELY pleased with how I responded to chemo, and says that I am now in remission.  There is "no evidence of disease" and "a complete response to therapy."  {These are GREAT phrases!!!}  

I will be in maintenance indefinitely, which means I'll come here for infusions of cancer blocking drugs every 3 weeks.  There will be checkpoint scans and tests to watch for any evidence of cancer returning.  For now, I'll celebrate chemo that did its job and I can go back to my new "normal."

I can't change cancer, but I have have a good attitude about living with it.    

      

I kicked it to cancer!!!

So Long, 2015

2015 was not my favorite.  

It seems at the end of each year when I reflect on the previous 364 days, I can always find good and bad.  Some years, the good outweighs the bad.  In years like this, I am just ready to put it behind me and start fresh.  

I read a quote the other day about that half empty/half full glass and our outlook on it.  It said something like:

"Whether you think the glass is half empty or half full, you're missing the point.  The glass is refillable."  

 A new year gives us opportunities to refill our glasses.  We can assess our lives and make goals to improve.  We can start over----start fresh---change.  We can refill the glasses with what is important and see each day as an opportunity to do something to make our lives better.  When the glass is less than full, refill it!  

HOW?!?  

How can this be possible when what drains the glass is beyond our control?  How can I be full of good energy when bad things keep getting dumped my way?  How can I remember not to get down when my glass always seems to be less than full?  

There is only one answer:  Faith that someday all things will be made right, that every glass will be filled.  Our hope in that truth can help us refill the glass each day, even when the outlook is bleak.  We can be like the wise virgins and strive to always be filling our vessels, even if one drop at a time.  (see Matthew 25).   I have learned to not worry that my glass never seems to be completely full, for I am constantly being buoyed up---by recognizing blessings,  through the power of prayer, and with my faith in Christ.  

To close up the year of Sunday School, we opened a time capsule: answers we had written to our future selves, answering the question: "What think ye of Christ."  On Jaunary 4, 2015, I wrote this:

"I know our Savior knows each of us personally.  He is our advocate with the Father.  If we will yoke our lives with His, we will have the strength to make it through any trial."       

How interesting that this was my testimony early in the year---BEFORE the terrible news that cancer had returned sought to drain my glass.  I already had that foundation to understand that faith in Christ gives us strength to endure.  This faith also helps us refill our glasses because Jesus Christ is that living water that never runs dry.  This faith will not only fill our glasses in this life, but will "spring up into everlasting life."  (see John 4: 10, 14).  

For those still feeling like their glass is never full, that there are never enough blessings to outweigh the challenges, remember the source of living water--Jesus Christ.  Remember that there is more than just a glass to be filled.  Someday, we will see the fountains of living water, such that we will never thirst.  We will not have to worry about an empty or full glass because the fountains will never run dry, and all the tears will be wiped from our eyes.  (See Revelation 7:17).  Someday, it won't matter how empty or full our glasses were in 2015, but that we sought to never let them completely run dry, with help from the Living Water. 

 

RADIOACTIVE!!! (The After PET Scan)

Natassia had a PET Scan today.  This scan will hopefully show no evidence of disease. 



I was able to have my port accessed by my lovely nurses at the Cancer Clinic prior to checking in for the PET scan this time.  Even though we had to use 2 different needles and stick me 3 times, it was still MUCH better than an IV.  I was sent off to the PET scan with a bag of flushes and ready to become radioactive.  After the injection, I waited 45 minutes for full potency, emptied my bladder, and went in for the 20 minutes of scans. 

There were the familiar warnings: your heart and bladder are the most radioactive for the next two hours, so stay away from young children, and especially don't hug them, hold them, or let them sit in your lap.  {Basically, what you're telling me is I have 2 hours to myself????? SWEET!}  Lunch, errands---oil change and post office---with no children?  Practically a vacation. 

Now we wait.  I'm hoping for the best and preparing for anything less.  As Kyle predicted: "I bet it will be mostly gone, but not completely."  We shall see......