Monday, August 9, 2010

Cancer, the word we never expected to hear

The reason why I haven't blogged or been good at it lately is because back at the end of June we found out that Ty has cancer. He had been having some troubles with his stomach and a lot of bleeding, etc. He went in and did a few tests with the doctor and then they scheduled him for a Colonoscopy. After that we found out that they found Rectal Cancer. We didn't know the diagnosis or anything and we had to go see a Oncologist at Overlake to find out what stage, treatment, etc. Ty did PET and CT Scans and when we all went and sat down with the doctor(Doctor Wahl), she said that Ty had Stage 4 cancer and it had spread to his spine and liver. As you can expect it was a shock for us. We didn't expect this. Ty is so young. I couldn't eat or focus on anything for a while. I felt like I was going to loose my husband and thought the worst. I can't tell you how many uneasy thoughts I had go through my head. Ty was kind of in a stage of shock too. Basically what the doctor told us is that Ty wouldn't never be healed of this cancer but their hope is to help him live with it for a long time. The very next day Ty had surgery to put a port in. The next week after that he started Chemotherapy. He treatment for now is a 6 month one. He goes into the Overlake every other Wednesday and has a 3 hour Chemo treatment there at the hospital. They then send him home for 46 hours with a little pack that pumps another medicine into him. He has had 3 treatments and they seem to wipe him out pretty good for 5 to 6 days. We call it our off weeks and our on weeks. It is a adjustment to our new way of life is how we look at it. After 6 month there will check the overall tumor and their hope is that it will shrink by half it size. Then we will go from there on the next treatment.

I didn't know how I was going to function again so I went into my doctor and have been put on some medicine. My testimony of medicine has gone up greatly from this experience. My testimony in general has gone up. Our faith and strength has grown. We know that through our Heavenly Father all things are possible. It is his will and we know that he will protect and guide us through this challenging time. I am so blessed to be married to such a strong and amazing man. His faith, positive attitude and strength is such a great example to me. I knew I loved this man but sometimes it takes experiences like this to help me realize how much. I love Ty more then words can say. We are treasuring each day. Issy knows her daddy is sick but she prays every day for him. We have enjoyed our family time much more greatly. We are so blessed and grateful to our Heavenly Father for his plan. We know we are a eternal family!:)

6 comments:

Colleen said...

You, Ty, and Issy have been in our daily prayers since Alea told us of Ty's diagnosis in July. You two are such amazing people and a beautiful couple, truly made for each other. I am inspired by your faith and know you will be so blessed for your strength as you endure this together. Sending healing thoughts of health! We love you guys!

Unknown said...

I loved your blog. What a beautiful family you are! Your also in our prayers. May the Lord watch over, bless and protect your eternal family. We love you guys also!

lacey said...

good job Rach you did it! I love your candid words, your truth and hope. You and your family are a great example to me and all of us! I feel very fortunate to know you guys.

Oh and perfect picture of Ty...AKA some guy.

Darci said...

You are in our prayers. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. Strength, a positive attitude and faith will get you through it all for sure!

Mags said...

I just found out about your blog from facebook Rachel. I had no idea. I feel bad that this is happening to you guys. Zeke and I will be praying for you guys.

Simon Tribe -ooh ha haa said...

Wow Rach, did you get through typing this without crying? I doubt it. I couldn't get through reading it with dry eyes. I just have to tell you how impressed I've been with your family approach to this trial. You guys are so strong and full of faith! I'm so glad you are feeling better, thank goodness for medicine... we don't want to lose our happy, social Rach. Thank goodness for prayers and support. They are constantly coming your way. You are truly blessed and we are all greatly influenced by your example of how to respond to life's challenges. LOVE YOU Ty and Rach!