Donna's health situation probably all started last spring with some weight loss (which she thought was a good thing). Then around Thanksgiving 2007 she got sick with what seemed like a chest cold. The cold didn't seem to get better but she was in the middle of moving before Christmas and trying to take care of the cold with "over the counter" medicines. She started experiencing trouble breathing and having shortness of breath. Finally deciding that the medicines she was taking were not helping, she went to her doctor last week. The first thoughts the doctor had was pneumonia and proceeded with blood tests & X-rays. The X-rays came back clear. Next came lung and heart tests, which also came back clear. The blood tests started coming in and showed that she was severely anemic and was admitted to the hospital for a blood transfusion. Her low blood counts were the reason she was having trouble breathing. A CT scan was also done at this time which showed multiple masses on her liver which the doctor was 90% sure was cancerous. The surgeon said the masses did not start in the liver and we needed to perform a colonoscopy and an endoscopy to determine where the masses originated from. These tests were done today and unfortunately we did not get the results we were hoping for. A large mass was found in the cecum portion of her colon and biopsies were taken. We will have more confirmed results from the biopsies in 3-4 days, but the doctor says that he is certain that it is cancer. A surgery will be performed in about a week to remove this portion of her intestine and then they will start chemotherapy. This is where things stand for now and we will update as more information becomes available.
Now for some information on what Donna's needs are right now.
~~First of all, Dusty DOES KNOW that his mommy has a spot in her intestine and will have surgery to remove it soon. He also knows she will have treatments that will make her not feel well. He does NOT know that she has cancer yet. We are waiting to discuss this with him. We don't want to overload him right now with too much information.
~~Donna would like you to PLEASE be careful what you say in Dusty's presence, or to your own children that might talk with Dusty. This is VERY IMPORTANT to Donna. Please respect her wishes and we will let you know when he knows everything.
~~Donna is appreciating the phone calls, but is also going way over her cell phone minutes. She is requesting that you use her home phone number if you would like to reach her. If you don't have this number or her address, you can email Tina at tnt312@gmail.com to get that information. Donna does have Verizon cell phone service, so if you also have Verizon then your calls to her cell phone are free.
~~Donna is feeling very overwhelmed, emotional and tired right now and would appreciate a few days to rest and process everything that has just happened. Also for "out of town" friends & family that are wanting to see her, she wants to see you, but would appreciate it if you would just check with her before coming. She has a lot to deal with right now.
~~Last, but not least, Donna needs your prayers! This is comforting to her to know that there are so many people out there praying for her! She appreciates ALL the prayers so far and knows that God is watching over her. She does have a wonderful support from her local church family in Texas, but also is comforted by all the prayers from around the country.
~~Please continue to pray for her! ~~
16 comments:
Donna,
We are so very sorry to hear this news. Please know that you are in our daily prayers. We will be praying for Dusty too.
With Christian Love,
Bro. Jeff and Debbie
We are praying for all of you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Donna ~ You are one of my DEAREST friends...I remember the first day I met you in the balcony at church.. I remember you taking the time to talk to me..... you skipped class!!! (Sunday School Class-that is!!!) I felt like I made a very good friend that day... I had no idea how close we would become. I am thankful God sat you right down in front of me that day... because, my life is SO much richer and fuller with you in it!! We have shared SO much with each other... about our lives, and our pasts and our hopes and our dreams; and we love each other ANY WAY!!! haha! That is what TRUE, BESTEST friends do.... they love you no matter what........thank you, for that. Thank you for being my very good and dear friend....I will always be here for you, through thick and thin.... good and bad...... that is what friends are for. I LOVE YOU, and your son and your psychotic dog, and all the other critters. You guys DO have family here... and Ilove you. No matter what.... I will always be here for you and your son..... always. I love you. Keep your faith in God, He can do SO much for you. I know you know that... God is the answer, even if we don't know why we have to travel the valleys... He will put you right back on that mountain.... with the sun beaming in your face, as He smiles right down on you, his precious child, that He loves SO much. Always know how very much I love you!! I am SOOOO happy you live across the street.... I LOVE YOU.
Phil 4:13 ~ don't forget this.
You are such a blessing to me, my friend. I am always praying for you ~ Love, Kim Sandling
Donna & Tina anything i can do please e-mail or call me.
You all are in my PRAYERS
Tamela Sackett
Donna,
You and Dusty are in our prayers! We wish you all the luck in beating this awful disease. Just let us know of anything that you need, and we will be there for you both!!!!!!!
We love you,
Jamie and Jacob Dulworth
I love you Aunt Donna and even though it wasn't the happiest of times I'm glad I was able to be there with you. See you soon.
Love you.
Punkerdoodle
Donna, Dana and I will be praying for you. We will also get our church to pray for you. Keep your faith in God. Let Him be your strength. Let us know if we can help you in any way. We are there for you.
Barry Maners
Donna,
I was totally shocked when I read the email from your sister tonight. I know we don't keep in touch very much, but please know that you and Dusty are thought of often. J.T. and I have very fond memories of times that we have spent with you two.
Don't give a second thought or an ounce of hesitation if you need anything...call on me. I know there isn't a lot that I can do at this point in time except offer my love, friendship and prayers for you, your health and your family as you deal with this news.
We are here if you need us for anything.
With our love,
The Costlows
Larry, Shelina, J.T. and Lauren
Hi Donna
It Mary M from NY, when I saw your e-mail from you sister I was in shock. If there is ANYTHING you need even someone to just talk to I am here day or night. You are one of the sweetest people I have come to know. You are in my and my families prayers always. My husband remembers you from the summer outings as one of the sweetest and gentliest people he has meet. Please keep posted as you know things and know that I am always thinking about you.
Just relax and remember we are all here for you.
Love,
Mary, Matt and Tyler
Donna, just to let you know I am here if you need me, I am getting everyone I know to pray for you and your family. I will wait to here from you on what I can do at any time for you or your family.
I Love You
Becky
Donna,
Please know that we are praying for you and Dusty. You are very special to our Lord and He has his eyes of love on you and His arms of peace and comfort around you during this time in your lives. We love you!
Bob and Renee Minnick
G'day Donna,
Know that now you have prayers coming from half way around the world! I imagine you are still in shock over the diagnosis, but you are strong and God is stronger!
Love, Bonnie in Australia
Hi Donna,
I've been trying to post a blog I feel like my mom when she learned how to use the VCR. For some reason they aren't coming thru. Anyhow, you know how much I love you and think and pray for you always.
Love Lisa Lily and Jeff
"I Said a Prayer for You Today"
I said a prayer for you today
and I know God must have heard
I felt the answer in my heart
although He spoke no word.
I didn't ask for wealth or fame
(I knew you wouldn't mind)
I asked Him to send treasures of
a far more lasting kind.
I asked that He'd be near you at
the start of each new day
To grant you heath and blessings
and friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you
in all things great and small
But it was for His loving care for YOU
I prayed the most of all.
Love you!!!
Lisa Ann Hood Blanchard :)
Hey, Donna. We've been separated by years and by distance but your gentle soul and beautiful attitude about life has been with me constantly and a regular inspiration to me so many years older. I know in my heart that those special divine gifts which have been given to you will guide you through this difficulty and when you add on the wishes and love from so many others, you are well-prepared for what lies ahead and the strength which will be given. Give my best to Skunky! I love you, ed
Donna,
Get rid of those nasty cells!
My prayers to Our Lady of Guadalupe are with you!
Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, that in your apparitions on Mount Tepeyac you promised to show pity and compassion to all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help and protection.
Accordingly, listen now to our supplications and grant us consolation and relief. We are full of hope that, relying on your help, nothing can trouble or affect us. As you have remained with us through your admirable image, so now obtain for us the graces we need. Amen.
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