Debbie gets a little stronger each day. She went to church last Wednesday evening and also on Sunday. (She teaches a discipleship class for young ladies age 12-18). We had friends and family over on Saturday. We went to a friend’s Ordination Service on Sunday evening. She drove the car for the first time last week. We are definitely making progress.
Please continue to pray for her digestive system to work normally. Pray for her back to be strengthened and for the pain to be removed. Continue to pray that she will gain weight and that her appetite will increase. Continue to pray for God’s wisdom as we decide on treatment. We meet with the Doctor again next Tuesday, November 7.
Pray for both Debbie and I to be alert to those that the Lord wants us to minister to through this trial.
We appreciate all of you that are standing with us at such a time as this.
If you would like to e-mail Debbie, you can do so at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. She is not able to respond to all the e-mails she receives but she reads them all.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Thirteen Days After Surgery
Today we received Debbie’s pathology report. We met with the Doctor to discuss his plan to treat her. It is now up to us to decide if we will subject ourselves to his plan.
The pathology report confirmed what our Doctor suspected. Debbie has Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. It has metastasized to both lungs and her large and small intestine.
The Doctor recommended treatment with the chemicals Carboplatin and Paclitaxel-which is also known as Taxol. He felt confident that this chemotherapy would cause the cancer to go into remission. But he also said that a cure is unlikely and that a reoccurrence of new tumors is common with this type of cancer and treatment.
He said that in 1990, Debbie would only have a few months to live. He said that this treatment could add years to her life and possibly years upon years as research continue
He also gave us the option of becoming a part of a clinical research. In a blind clinical research, a third drug is added to the treatment of two thirds of the patients. In a third of the patients, the drug is administered during five of the first six treatments. In a third of the patients, the drug is given during 28 treatments. In a third of the patients, the drug is not given at all. Neither the doctors nor the patients know which group they are in until the study is completed after 15 months.
The third drug is a biological agent that inhibits the development of new blood vessels in cancer cells. It is called Bevacizumab. It is marketed under the name Avastin.
The treatments could begin as early as two weeks or we could wait as long as after Thanksgiving.
Our current options for treatment are to have Debbie receive six treatments over a period of 18 weeks; enter the Clinical research trial in which Debbie would receive 28 treatment over a period of 15 months and possibly (a 33% chance) receive this new drug that is producing encouraging results in many patients already being treated at the OU Medical Center; or continue to treat Debbie only with nutritionally supplements and diet under the direction of Dr. Sandra Bailey. (Sandra has also agreed to continue to treat Debbie if we choose chemotherapy treatment).
We need wisdom and direction from the Lord. We would appreciate your prayers.
As we were driving to the Doctor’s office this morning, I asked Debbie to give us something to look forward too today after our appointment. While we were sitting in the Doctor’s office listening to these options, my phone rang at about 10:00am. My son Josh was taking his wife Jill to the hospital because she was in labor. We left the Doctor’s office after our meeting at about 11:00am and drove immediately to the Hospital to check on Jill. I pulled up at the front door and let Debbie off. She said that she would wait on me in the Lobby while I parked the car. I told her I wanted her to go on up to Jill’s room because I did not want her to miss the birth. When Debbie walked into the room, our grandson Caedmon was just being delivered from the his mother’s womb. When I arrived a few minutes later, I could hear him crying on the other side of the door. I joined him as I cried and thanked the Lord there in the hallway.
When I asked Debbie to give us something to look forward too today, the Lord gave both of us a gift that totally overshadowed the reality of what we had just faced at the Doctor’s office. God had something for us far greater than what our finite minds could imagine. The timing of Caedmon’s birth has given us a new assurance that our times are in the Lord’s hands. It has also given us a greater confidence that no matter what we face in the future, the Lord will meet us during our darkest hours in ways that we do not expect.
Caedmon is named after an ancient hymn writer in the church. The Lord certainly used him on this day to bring music to our needy souls.
The pathology report confirmed what our Doctor suspected. Debbie has Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. It has metastasized to both lungs and her large and small intestine.
The Doctor recommended treatment with the chemicals Carboplatin and Paclitaxel-which is also known as Taxol. He felt confident that this chemotherapy would cause the cancer to go into remission. But he also said that a cure is unlikely and that a reoccurrence of new tumors is common with this type of cancer and treatment.
He said that in 1990, Debbie would only have a few months to live. He said that this treatment could add years to her life and possibly years upon years as research continue
He also gave us the option of becoming a part of a clinical research. In a blind clinical research, a third drug is added to the treatment of two thirds of the patients. In a third of the patients, the drug is administered during five of the first six treatments. In a third of the patients, the drug is given during 28 treatments. In a third of the patients, the drug is not given at all. Neither the doctors nor the patients know which group they are in until the study is completed after 15 months.
The third drug is a biological agent that inhibits the development of new blood vessels in cancer cells. It is called Bevacizumab. It is marketed under the name Avastin.
The treatments could begin as early as two weeks or we could wait as long as after Thanksgiving.
Our current options for treatment are to have Debbie receive six treatments over a period of 18 weeks; enter the Clinical research trial in which Debbie would receive 28 treatment over a period of 15 months and possibly (a 33% chance) receive this new drug that is producing encouraging results in many patients already being treated at the OU Medical Center; or continue to treat Debbie only with nutritionally supplements and diet under the direction of Dr. Sandra Bailey. (Sandra has also agreed to continue to treat Debbie if we choose chemotherapy treatment).
We need wisdom and direction from the Lord. We would appreciate your prayers.
As we were driving to the Doctor’s office this morning, I asked Debbie to give us something to look forward too today after our appointment. While we were sitting in the Doctor’s office listening to these options, my phone rang at about 10:00am. My son Josh was taking his wife Jill to the hospital because she was in labor. We left the Doctor’s office after our meeting at about 11:00am and drove immediately to the Hospital to check on Jill. I pulled up at the front door and let Debbie off. She said that she would wait on me in the Lobby while I parked the car. I told her I wanted her to go on up to Jill’s room because I did not want her to miss the birth. When Debbie walked into the room, our grandson Caedmon was just being delivered from the his mother’s womb. When I arrived a few minutes later, I could hear him crying on the other side of the door. I joined him as I cried and thanked the Lord there in the hallway.
When I asked Debbie to give us something to look forward too today, the Lord gave both of us a gift that totally overshadowed the reality of what we had just faced at the Doctor’s office. God had something for us far greater than what our finite minds could imagine. The timing of Caedmon’s birth has given us a new assurance that our times are in the Lord’s hands. It has also given us a greater confidence that no matter what we face in the future, the Lord will meet us during our darkest hours in ways that we do not expect.
Caedmon is named after an ancient hymn writer in the church. The Lord certainly used him on this day to bring music to our needy souls.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Twelve Days After Surgery
Tomorrow we meet with our doctor at 8:30am to go over the pathology report and to hear his recommendations for treatment. The doctor will also give us a prognosis for Debbie's future based on probabilities and statistics. This could be very hard for both of us so we would appreciate your prayers. Pray that we will put our hope in God and trust in Him as we hear the report. Pray that the Lord will bring to our mind all of the questions that we need to ask so that we will be well informed.
Please pray for Debbie to gain weight. She weighed 114 dressed this morning. Her natural weight for years has been 131. Pray for the killer cells in Debbie's immune system to identify and destroy the cancer cells. Cancer cells disquise themselves as healthy cells while they destroy any organ that they invade. Pray for us to make wise decisions regarding further treatment.
Thank you for standing with us.
Please pray for Debbie to gain weight. She weighed 114 dressed this morning. Her natural weight for years has been 131. Pray for the killer cells in Debbie's immune system to identify and destroy the cancer cells. Cancer cells disquise themselves as healthy cells while they destroy any organ that they invade. Pray for us to make wise decisions regarding further treatment.
Thank you for standing with us.
Friday, October 20, 2006
The Ninth Day After Surgery
Debbie had a great day today. It makes all of us feel better just to see her feel better. Her digestive system has been working well and she has had a very good appetite. Her stitches were removed this morning and she felt like taking her first outing to Sams. We then had lunch together at a local restaurant and went to Lows. After a brief nap, she was up for the evening and feeling very good. Thank you for your prayers.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Seventh Day After Surgery
Debbie is having difficulty with her stomach which makes it difficult for her to eat and get stronger. Please pray for her stomach and digestive system to begin to function well.
Debbie has lost 20 pounds in the last six weeks. She is weak has a result.
Her Spirit is good. She is still at peace and resting in the Lord.
We will not receive a pathology report until we meet with the Doctor next Tuesday.
Thank you for your prayers.
Debbie has lost 20 pounds in the last six weeks. She is weak has a result.
Her Spirit is good. She is still at peace and resting in the Lord.
We will not receive a pathology report until we meet with the Doctor next Tuesday.
Thank you for your prayers.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
The Fourth Day After Surgery
Debbie was released from the hospital this morning and is resting at home. She has times that she feels good and other times that she feels very weak. Her system is still adjusting after all the trauma.
We are praying that her appetite will greatly increase and that her digestive system will quickly be able to handle solid foods and vitamins.
The evidence of God's goodness is all around us. We are especially grateful for the support of our family, friends, and our local church family. We are also amazed by the number of Christians that we do not even know who have taken up our cause in prayer. Thank you for spreading the word about Debbie's condition.
We are praying that her appetite will greatly increase and that her digestive system will quickly be able to handle solid foods and vitamins.
The evidence of God's goodness is all around us. We are especially grateful for the support of our family, friends, and our local church family. We are also amazed by the number of Christians that we do not even know who have taken up our cause in prayer. Thank you for spreading the word about Debbie's condition.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Second Day After Surgery
Debbie has had a good day. She is recovering well with no complications. The tubes have been removed. She is walking and sitting in a chair. She is still just having fluids for her meals. She is very weak but joyful and at peace.
We have not received the pathology report. Our doctor said it may be Monday.
Thank you for your most recent prayers. We keep being lifted up in our darkest hours.
Psalms 40:1-3
We have not received the pathology report. Our doctor said it may be Monday.
Thank you for your most recent prayers. We keep being lifted up in our darkest hours.
Psalms 40:1-3
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The Day After Surgery
Debbie is recovering well from the surgery. This morning they removed the draining tube from her nose to her stomach. She can drink liquids now. She is very peaceful and very strong in the Lord.
The surgeon did a complete hysterectomy, removed her omentum, and lymph nodes. What cancer remains is what is in her lungs and some spots on her bowel that are all very small. By next Monday, we will receive the results of the lab tests and know specifically the kind of cancer. The doctors will then develop a protocol to fight the disease. Different cancers respond differently to chemotherapy. We will meet with the doctors in two weeks to discuss their protocol.
Debbie is under the supervision of Dr. Sandra Bailey for her nutritional needs. Sandra’s plan includes a very specific diet to fight cancer and organic supplements that come from whole foods. Sandra calls Debbie a very good patient. Debbie is very disciplined and she has felt a great sense of well being sense she started receiving Sandra’s treatment.
The surgery lasted only two hours and fifteen minutes. We were anticipating four to five hours. When I asked the doctor why the surgery was so short, he said, “Because it went so well.” This was certainly an answer to our prayers for the “perfect surgery”.
We are now praying for the perfect treatment plan for Debbie. Please pray that the Lord will show us His perfect will for Debbie.
We are still asking the Lord for divine healing. But we consider all healing to be from the Lord. We are rejoicing that the surgery was such a success. It feels like we just won a battle in a war that is still raging. Please pray for God to strengthen our family as we continue the fight.
Jerry Wells
The surgeon did a complete hysterectomy, removed her omentum, and lymph nodes. What cancer remains is what is in her lungs and some spots on her bowel that are all very small. By next Monday, we will receive the results of the lab tests and know specifically the kind of cancer. The doctors will then develop a protocol to fight the disease. Different cancers respond differently to chemotherapy. We will meet with the doctors in two weeks to discuss their protocol.
Debbie is under the supervision of Dr. Sandra Bailey for her nutritional needs. Sandra’s plan includes a very specific diet to fight cancer and organic supplements that come from whole foods. Sandra calls Debbie a very good patient. Debbie is very disciplined and she has felt a great sense of well being sense she started receiving Sandra’s treatment.
The surgery lasted only two hours and fifteen minutes. We were anticipating four to five hours. When I asked the doctor why the surgery was so short, he said, “Because it went so well.” This was certainly an answer to our prayers for the “perfect surgery”.
We are now praying for the perfect treatment plan for Debbie. Please pray that the Lord will show us His perfect will for Debbie.
We are still asking the Lord for divine healing. But we consider all healing to be from the Lord. We are rejoicing that the surgery was such a success. It feels like we just won a battle in a war that is still raging. Please pray for God to strengthen our family as we continue the fight.
Jerry Wells
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Surgery Report
As of 3:30pm Debbie is out of surgery and will be in recovery for the next 2 hours. The surgeons were encouraged by the surgery and what they were able to accomplish. The surgeon said that everything went according to plan. It does not appear that the cancer has metastisized to her spine or the muscle tissue around her spine. The cancer did invade some lymph nodes along the spine that were removed.
The doctor was optimistic. Debbie will recover and we will meet with the doctors again in two weeks to discuss our options and the next steps to take. In order to allow Debbie time to rest and recover she will not be receiving any visitors until Friday. At that time please call our cell phones to set up a time to visit that would be best for Debbie. Thank you for all your love, prayers, and signs of support.
Jerry
The doctor was optimistic. Debbie will recover and we will meet with the doctors again in two weeks to discuss our options and the next steps to take. In order to allow Debbie time to rest and recover she will not be receiving any visitors until Friday. At that time please call our cell phones to set up a time to visit that would be best for Debbie. Thank you for all your love, prayers, and signs of support.
Jerry
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The results of Debbie’s PET scan were not what we wanted to hear. The diagnosis is that she has multiple malignant tumors in both of her lungs. They are in the form of small nodules, the largest being the size of a pea. They are inoperable.
Besides her ovaries, the cancer has also metastasized to some muscle tissue in her abdomen and to some bone in her back. The doctor said that they would not know the extent of the metastasis in the abdomen until they do the surgery. The doctor said that they would not know the true origins of the cancer or the kind of cancer until biopsies are taken. Those biopsies will be taken during the surgery, which is tomorrow at 12:30pm at the OU Medical Center in the Presbyterian Tower.
The doctor’s plan is to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and her uterus. They will also remove other tissues that have been invaded by the cancer.
Please pray for discernment for our surgeon as he makes decisions about what to remove and what to leave. Our doctor will want to address whatever cancer remains with chemotherapy.
It has been a difficult 24 hours. Debbie is still feeling very good physically with very little pain. Please pray for us to receive God’s abundant grace to deal with the bad reports and our own emotions. We have been shaken but we are not without hope. May the Lord’s peace surround us, as our family trusts in Him.
Jerry
Besides her ovaries, the cancer has also metastasized to some muscle tissue in her abdomen and to some bone in her back. The doctor said that they would not know the extent of the metastasis in the abdomen until they do the surgery. The doctor said that they would not know the true origins of the cancer or the kind of cancer until biopsies are taken. Those biopsies will be taken during the surgery, which is tomorrow at 12:30pm at the OU Medical Center in the Presbyterian Tower.
The doctor’s plan is to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and her uterus. They will also remove other tissues that have been invaded by the cancer.
Please pray for discernment for our surgeon as he makes decisions about what to remove and what to leave. Our doctor will want to address whatever cancer remains with chemotherapy.
It has been a difficult 24 hours. Debbie is still feeling very good physically with very little pain. Please pray for us to receive God’s abundant grace to deal with the bad reports and our own emotions. We have been shaken but we are not without hope. May the Lord’s peace surround us, as our family trusts in Him.
Jerry
Saturday, October 07, 2006
No New News
We have not received the report from the PET scan. Since we did not receive it yesterday, it will probably be Monday.
Debbie is still doing well emotionally and physically. She can feel the tumors in her abdomen at times. She says it is not a sharp pain but just uncomfortable.
She is rejoicing in the delay of the surgery. She was able to teach her bible class for young ladies age 12-18 last Wednesday evening. She will now be able to attend our daughter-in-law's baby shower on Monday evening. She has been able to spend more quality time with her sister who came for the surgery. She has more time to prepare her body for the surgery. She will be able to attend church tomorrow and receive more prayer from the church.
Your prayers keep lifting us up.
Debbie is still doing well emotionally and physically. She can feel the tumors in her abdomen at times. She says it is not a sharp pain but just uncomfortable.
She is rejoicing in the delay of the surgery. She was able to teach her bible class for young ladies age 12-18 last Wednesday evening. She will now be able to attend our daughter-in-law's baby shower on Monday evening. She has been able to spend more quality time with her sister who came for the surgery. She has more time to prepare her body for the surgery. She will be able to attend church tomorrow and receive more prayer from the church.
Your prayers keep lifting us up.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Debbie has multiple nodules in both her lungs. The Surgeon has indicated that the nature (malignant or non-malignant) of these nodules will determine the nature of the surgery.
He has requested that Debbie have a PET scan tomorrow morning at 9:00am.
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The subsequent images of the human body developed with this technique are used to evaluate a variety of diseases.
Basically it is a way to take better pictures and get a better diagnosis then a CAT scan or an X-ray. The PET scan will scan her body from mid-thigh to her neck.
The surgery has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 11, at 12:30pm, at the OU Med Center, Presbyterian Tower.
The doctors did not seem concerned about her lungs when we met with them last Tuesday. She had a new CAT scan and the results have elevated their concern. He does not want to proceed without knowing more about her lungs.
Yesterday, we were shaken emotionally by the news. After many tears we stood back up on the Rock.
Your prayers keep lifting us up.
Jerry
Ps. 40:1-3
He has requested that Debbie have a PET scan tomorrow morning at 9:00am.
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The subsequent images of the human body developed with this technique are used to evaluate a variety of diseases.
Basically it is a way to take better pictures and get a better diagnosis then a CAT scan or an X-ray. The PET scan will scan her body from mid-thigh to her neck.
The surgery has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 11, at 12:30pm, at the OU Med Center, Presbyterian Tower.
The doctors did not seem concerned about her lungs when we met with them last Tuesday. She had a new CAT scan and the results have elevated their concern. He does not want to proceed without knowing more about her lungs.
Yesterday, we were shaken emotionally by the news. After many tears we stood back up on the Rock.
Your prayers keep lifting us up.
Jerry
Ps. 40:1-3
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Debbie’s surgery has been postponed until Monday or Tuesday of next week. The surgeon called us this morning.
His reason is that Debbie has some spots on her lungs that need to be tested. He said that he wants to know more before he operates.
This was certainly a shock to Debbie and to all of us.
We will update you as we receive more information.
Jerry
His reason is that Debbie has some spots on her lungs that need to be tested. He said that he wants to know more before he operates.
This was certainly a shock to Debbie and to all of us.
We will update you as we receive more information.
Jerry
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