Stories of GISTers

Celebrating Birthdays Again!

2007-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Rachel had wished Dana a Happy Birthday, and here is her reply...

Rachel, thank you so much for the birthday wish!

This birthday was sort of a milestone for me... not because I can celebrate long term survival of cancer since my diagnosis is only 4 months old. But this is my first birthday in 11 years that I actually WANTED to celebrate.

When I turned 50 I started disliking birthdays and from then on tried very hard to make it just another day of the year telling everyone my days of celebrating birthdays were over!! In the first hours today after I woke up and began my "birthday" it slowly started to sink into me what a beautiful gift a birthday is to anyone with a life-threatening illness, and how incredibly uncaring it is to say to people that a birthday is not something to celebrate.

My perspective on many things has changed a great deal since I became a "cancer patient." Today's celebration of my birthday is one more milestone in this journey. I now look foward to next year's birthday and sincerely hope that I can CELEBRATE many more birthdays....never to make light of it again but to celebrate with a heart full of love and gratitude for each and every day spent living this gift of life from one birthday to the next.

And happy birthday to my fellow scorpion....Brenda! We are said to be like a phoenix Brenda....we can rise from the ashes anew!

Dana in Connecticut

Table of Contents of Our Stories...

2006-09-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Mel's introduction to our stories Click to view

Janet Mitsuyuki's Story
Click to view

Tyler Higgs' Story Click to view

Martin Leigh's Story Click to view

Susan's Story Click to View

Kaye's Story Click to view

Janet Mitsuyuki

2006-09-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Janet's story is told here by her devoted daughter, Melody. The photo shows the Mitsuyuki family a few years ago. Although Janet's GIST story began back in 2003, this is the tale of her latest recurrence. Following is Melody's account...

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

I apologize in advance for this mini-novel. With the demands of work and family, the last four months feel like 12. And it took some time to catch up with over 2,100 posts. A month after we returned to Hawaii, Mom and dad bought a condo, and hubby and I helped them pack and move into their new home. With life finally settling down to the normal routine, I want to let all of you know how appreciative mom is for the emotional support and each personal experience we've learned from. We've learned so much from Mom's journey with GIST we wanted to share them with the group with hope that it may help someone in their personal journey. Here is how it all started for us at the end of May, 2006.

Janet Mitsuyuki, my 74 year old mom, and I first went to OHSU from Hawaii back in 2004 to consult with Dr. Charles Blanke. It had been a year after her primary GastroIntestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) tumor was removed in Hawaii. Mom lives in Honolulu, and I on Maui. Living on different islands is another difficult roadblock when dealing with cancer; so near yet so far.

What we thought was a fibroid turned out to be GIST. This past May (2006), Mom made an appointment with Dr. Blanke, but it wasn't for another 6 weeks. About this time I was on vacation in California when Mom called me to said she was flying to Portland to see Dr. Blanke, and that she needed the surgery to remove the tumor quickly. She found it hard to eat, poop, or breathe. It was now the size of a melon. Mom's oncologist and surgeon at home wouldn't do anything for her. I asked her if she could wait until I returned in a week so I could fly with her, but she told me if she didn't go now, she might not be able to fly to Portland in a week. She was determined to see Dr. Blanke. I reminded her she didn't have an appointment until the middle of June and may have to wait days, maybe weeks, but she didn't care. She said when Dr. Blanke saw her, he'd know her life threatening condition. So she flew from Honolulu and I went to Portland to meet her.

It was the day after Memorial Day. We arrived at Dr. Blanke's office with no appointment his first day back from vacation. After we announced our presence, we patiently waited in the waiting room and after the receptionist had informed Dr. Blanke of our unexpected appearance, she returned saying we could see him the next day. We were so happy. The next day I was extremely anxious; what if he says, "Sorry Janet, you're too far gone and there's nothing we can do for you." When he came into the room he was so compassionate and professional. He listened
attentively to mom as she told him of her medical history for the last 6 months. We explained mom's situation to him and he proceeded to examine her. That was the first time I saw her stomach; my 74 year old mom looked 8 months pregnant! After a long dialog between Dr. Blanke and Mom, he left the room. Anxiety set in. When he returned he told Mom that he was recommending her to meet with Dr. Kevin Billingsley, the GIST surgeon. We had an appointment with him in a couple of days. I was elated but still apprehensive.

A couple of days later we met with Dr. Billingsley and his nurse Mollie Kollas. Again, I was impressed with their professionalism and courtesy. Dr. Billingsley sat and listened with attention to every detail mom had to offer. After he examined mom he explained the surgical risks and benefits. He would debulk her tumor and hopefully remove 80% of it. I'll never for get his words, "It is reasonable to proceed with the surgery". Music to my ears! He sent her for a CT scan and we were to return the day before surgery for various pre-op requirements. I could breathe now. Mollie sat with us and explained the pre-surgical routines. Her compassion is to be commended. She was very patient, understanding and answered our every question.

My brother arrived in Portland to be with us the day before the surgery. According to the CT scan, the melon size tumor was now the size of a football. The surgery now came with more risks. But Mom, being very religious, was positive and knew she needed the surgery to live.

The morning of the surgery I was numb. Mom told me that she only slept about an hour. Silent and scared, we took a cab to OHSU to check in at 6 am. Our family in Hawaii, my brother and I were emotionally overwhelmed about the worst-case scenerio. What if she lost a kidney? What if a colostomy was needed? What if she didn't make it through the surgery? We left Mom in the pre-op room and my brother and I went to the waiting room. Every time the phone rang everyone's attention went to the volunteer answering to see if the call from surgery was for them. A few hours passes when Mollie arrived to give us a status. We were surprised to see her; she had taken a special interest in our case and her friendly face was so welcomed. She said the surgery was going well and the tumor was removed. We called it the "evil baby" because of its size. Her presence and words comforted us after hours of uncertainty. More hours passed when Dr. Billingsley arrived in the waiting room to speak to us. His presence alone was comforting, but his smile and words lifted the weight off our shoulders. He removed the entire tumor. He was able to peel it from her colon, rectum, and bladder and to remove her uterus, to which it was attached. He gave us an overview of the surgery in terms we could understand. His words were empathetic and reassuring, his knowledge and expertise impressive. I was so relieved, in my exuberance I hugged him and gave him a high five. Mom would be going to ICU shortly.

Mom was in the ward for 3.5 weeks. Dr. Billingsley's and his team's concern and sensitivity to Mom's daily condition was impressive. Mollie's almost daily visits played a key role in helping my brother and I find our way around OHSU. She took the time to orient us to OHSU properties and amenities that would interest us as we took turns staying with mom 24/7. Mom was in a lot of pain for a couple of weeks. She was refusing regular pain meds because "she was afraid that she would get addicted to it". After the pain management team finally got her to understand (1) a steady amount of pain meds in your system work better in reducing pain and keeping the pain level at a "3" than waiting til it was an unbearable "10" than waiting til it was a "10" and trying to reduce it and (2) it's difficult to get addicted if you're taking the prescribed doses.

Ascites set in a few days after the surgery. We watched her fluid increasing every day. Her legs looked like they would burst if squeezed. It made moving and walking more difficult. She was put on the "leg massaging pads" machine. Later she was put on the diuretic, Lasix.

It had been almost a month since I initially left for vacation so I went home for a couple of weeks and my brother stayed with Mom at OHSU. About the time I returned a couple of weeks later to relieve my brother, Mom seemed stronger and alert. However she got an infection in her colon that abcessed. They had hoped her body would take care of the infection in a normal way, but her temperature spiked over 100 degree
a few times so they decided to go in and drain it. And since she'll be there, they'd also drain the ascites in her abdominal area. The abcess in her colon was drained and the fluid removed from her abdomen measured 3 liters or 6+ lbs! Mom returned from the procedure in a lot of pain. I was running around the hallways looking for her nurse for pain meds, but she was waiting for the orders to appear on the computer. Mom finally got her pain meds and settled down. It was a rough night for the both of us. The next day was better. She got her pain meds on a regular schedule and got the OK to resume solid foods. She had a late breakfast, lunch and dinner. We walked more than before.

She was finally progressing, but seemed a little depressed and defeated. Next day, 5 AM (Boy, she wakes up early). I helped her shower and we went for an early morning walk around the hallways. After a few laps, she complained about being nauseous so we went back to the room (must be the anesthesia from yesterday). They gave her Fenagren (sp?) which knocked her out for 24 hrs! (Note to self, don't let her take Fenagren again). While she was asleep Dr. Billingsley arrived and spoke with me about her post-surgery homework. For a few days he wants her to simulate normal routines like geting in/out of bed without help, eating at a table, and going to bathroom herself. If she can do this, then he'll discharge her on Sunday and we could go back to the hotel. If all goes well at the hotel, he'll see her a few days after that. If she's comfortable and independent, he'll release her and we fly back on Friday!!! This is best case scenerio.

My body was still on Hawaii time because I couldn't get to sleep before midnight and mom would wake me up at 5am to help her get to the bathroom. The sun rises at 5am and sets at 9pm, so I napped when mom napped. Everyone wanted her to walk as much as possible. We took walks in the hallway, mom and her walker, me dragging behind at 1mph. After a boring day of this, I convinced mom to venture out for some sunshine. We found a little cove, glassed in, by the staff elevators which turned into a sun room after 5pm. We would sit there for a spell and talk about things with views of Mount St. Helen and the north side of the University with it's fountain. It's the first time in weeks mom saw grass and felt the sun.

Because she lost one day sleeping, our discharge date was changed to Monday, July 3rd. We expanded our walk and broke out of the ward. Mom walked from her room to the elevator, we got out at the Lobby and walked until she got tired. After that she rode in the wheelchair and I took her to the adjacent building, the newest addition, the Kohler building where we wheeled through a couple of gardens on the patio. Then we went to the Children's Hospital and sipped on a couple of decaf Cafe Mochas from a Starbucks in the lobby! I could see mom's spirits were starting to lift.

OK, now it's discharge day and Dr. Billingsley is pleased with her progress. Her leg swelling has finally starting to disappear. I can see wrinkles on her toes!!! Just a start. Oh oh... OHSU pharmacy doesn't accept mom's drug plan! Leaving mom in her hospital room, I catch the #8 bus downtown to Safeway's pharmacy. Yahoo, they'll fill it and back up the hill I go with a package full of Lasix, Spirolacone, stool softeners, nausea meds (Zofran) and oxycodone. I filled the Oxycodone "just in case". Mom ended up taking Tylenol whenever the pain came back. I "borrowed" a couple of hospital gowns and waterproof pads for the hotel bed, which I eventually returned. Finally discharged we check into the Riverplace Residence Inn. It felt strange going down the hill away from what was home for weeks.

The next day is the 4th of July. I catch the streetcar to Safeway and Walgreen for mom's supplies. In the afternoon, we took a short walk on the waterfront where the annual Blues Festival was happening. We sat on a bench overlooking the Willamette River listening to a bit of great blues until mom got tired. That night I convinced mom to come outside with me for the 10pm fireworks. I figured it would be a nice show and would lift her spirits. I wanted her to go so bad I even told her I'd use the hotel wheelchair to take her out. She said ok. The booms of the fireworks were so loud the sound waves were going right through our bodies. I figure we were less than a half a mile away from the fireworks barge which was parked just off the park hosting the Blues. It was spectacular! It's a different experience when you're that close. Man was it loud and we didn't care. We were so close that each firework seemed to explode right in front of our eyes. We could see every piece of explosive detail. I looked over at mom in her wheelchair and she had her face covered with a blanket, just her eyes peeking out big as could be, staring into the skies. And this went on for another 15 minutes! WOW. Mom talked about it for days.

The next day, I convinced mom to ride in the van for a trip to the Lloyd Center mall three miles away. She was worried about feeling pain climbing into the seat of the van, which didn't happen if she maneuvered slowly. At the mall she found good deals on nightgowns at Marshall's. Just browsing through the racks of clothes made her seem more like herself, someone she hadn't been in many weeks. She said I should wheelchair her since she forgot to put on her abdominal brace. Hmmmm.

The next day we went to OHSU for her final clinical with the Dr Billingsley. Mom's got her chicken legs back. She's didn't use the walker. I think she was trying to impress Dr. Billingsley. He saw no reason for us to stay in Portland any more. After the appointment we celebrated by going to the Rose Garden on the other side of town. Again dragging the wheelchair, mom would walk until tired. I'm starting to get some arms on me.... Now that she hasn't had any pain meds other than Tylenol for a few days, Mom keeps crying… tears of appreciation. She keeps saying she couldn't have made it without the help of my brother and I. She's so grateful for to everyone she's met at OHSU and Dr. Blanke, Dr. Billingsley, Mollie, all the wonderful nurses.

But we're ready to go home. Mom's cat is soooo happy. Miki was getting tired of meowing to mom over the phone. And she's had to put up with Dad for 6 weeks and he just doesn't spoil her like mom does. I stayed over in Honolulu for the weekend to teach dad what he needed to do for Mom.

We know mom isn't out of the woods. The mitotic rate says it all. We must remain vigilant. We can't make assumptions. We've learned a lot from everyone at OHSU hospital. But compared to four months ago, she's now got a second chance and considering the alternative, we gladly settle for that.

The one thing I forgot to mention is to thank everyone for their prayers during our frightening time. I can't emphasize enough about the power of prayer and how it helped us weather through the days of unknown.

Aloha,
Melody in Maui

PS I'll be sending some photos for the Gallery in the next few days.

History
11/03 dx 6 cm primary stomach GIST, mitotic rate, high grade: 15mf/10hpf. Resected tumor and small portion of the stomach with clear margins.
1/04 Gleevec Phase III Double-blind Study of Adjuvant Gleevec.
7/04 Removed from study because of computer error; was on placebo :o(
12/04 First visit with Dr. Blanke at OHSU
Exon Typing at OHSU: KIT Exon 11, positive for deletion/insertion type mutation
CT quarterly scans NED until Oct. '05
6/05 CT multiple masses in vicinity of uterus likely fibroid disease.
10/05 CT suspicious enlarged lymph node left of stomach and a "5.2 x 3.9 cm represent a fibroid but uterine malignancy cannot be excluded".
11/05 CT guided abdominal biopsy two recurring GIST tumors, one 1.6 cm near stomach, other 2.1 cm near colon/spleen region (related to lymph note left of stomach). OHSU later confirm exon 11.
11/05 PET results confirms just the two hot spots.
12/05 CT scan shows growth of two recurrent tumors now 2.7 cm and 4.0 cm. "Fibroid" now 8.8 x 5.7 cm.
12/05 Start Gleevec 400 mg.
3/06 two recurring GIST tumors now measure 1.4 cm and 2.1 cm (Gleevec working). "Fibroid" now 13 x 11 cm (Gleevec not working on it)
4/06 Two recurring GIST tumors both involuted to low-density masses. "Fibroid" now called metastatic implant measures 11.2 x 12.2 cm
5/06 PET 16 x 17 cm lesion in abdomen extending into pelvis.
5/06 Needle biopsy confirm GIST
6/06 OHSU Debulk of pelvic metastatic implant now measuring 30.6 x 21.9 x 11.1 cm (OHSU later confirm exon 11, mitotic rate 100/50 hpf).
7/06 Start Sutent
7/06 CT two recurrent tumors now 2.7 cm and 4.0 cm (since not on Gleevec for 2 months)

Mel's introduction

2005-04-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

Our GISTmates describe herein some of the trials and tribulations of their encounters with GIST. They are of particular value to us because they speak, among other things, to the post-traumatic residue of the emotional stress that we often carry unwittingly as survivors-in-jeopardy during our ongoing battles with GIST.

By actively re-visiting, re-telling and writing down our stories, in our own words, in our own terms, and in our own good time, we can often drain off some of the "undigested" emotional traumas to which we were exposed. This process of so called "abreaction" is a normal way of belatedly coping with post-traumatic anxieties that accumulate as sources of stress. Over a period of time, keeping and sharing our personal journals, and re-telling and sharing our stories, can often help us to get hold of ourselves and provide a healthier perspective and view of the road than might be achieved by booze or tranquilizing pills.

Mel

Martin Leigh's Story

2005-04-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

I thought I should add my tuppence worth, (or should that be two cents?), to the accounts of the various ways in which GIST can behave.

April 2002, June 2004, August 2004: GI bleeding, initially with fever. NOT diagnosed as GIST, but thought to be a stomach lesion due to aspirin (75mg/day).

September 2004: severe septicemia, which nearly carried me off. GIST found then, first by ultra-sound scan, then confirmed by CT and biopsy. I was then too weak to be operated on for several months. The septicemia was first thought to be due to diverticular disease, also found at that time. I was told the GIST was benign, and quite safe to leave for several months. It was 9.6cm.

By November, opinion was shifting to blame the GIST for the infections, which were continuing, and put me back in hospital in Oct, Dec., Jan, & Feb. A further CT scan was done to check on lesions in the liver which had showed up in Sept.They were found to have disappeared, showing them to be due to the septicemia, and not the GIST. GIST then 10cm x 8cm.

In December I was referred to the medical side of cancer treatment, and the use of Gleevec was discussed. Surgery was considered the preferred option, and it was referred to the surgeon. On Jan 5th I had an appointment to see the surgeon, and I assumed that he had seen the files and scans and had agreed to operate. We got there to find that he had just got back from holiday and had seen nothing except the referral letter. I was told that I would hear from his secretary within two weeks, but all I heard was an appointment made for me at the medical side, so we assumed that they had decided not to operate, and wondered why the appointment was 5 weeks off on Feb 17th. We got there to be told: "Why are you here. Have you not heard that they have decided to operate?" They checked up on the phone and, yes, the operation was going ahead, with a date to be fixed soon. We got home to find a letter from the surgeon in the letter box, saying just that. The operation went ahead on March 18th. Yes, we know that WAITING thing!

The operation took six hours. I was very glad to hear that it did not involve the stomach, spleen, pancreas, etc. I lost about 18 inches of small bowel in three sections, and the sigmoid (final) section of my colon, which was also heavily affected by the diverticular disease as well as being attached to the GIST. So I have a colostomy bag, which I am told can be put right again in something over three months. The surgeon seemed sure that he had got the GIST out cleanly. He said that the infection had been caused by the tumour leaking into the colon. I just hope that it was not leaking itself as well as the infection. Time will tell! The earlier bleeds must have been caused by the attachments to the small bowel, as the output was completely black. Even by the second day after the surgery, I could tell that I was free of the infection, and I have had no hint of it since.

I am told that the loss of anything less than about 3 feet of small bowel is no problem, and eventually the colon should be functionally normally. So far I seem to have got off very lightly. I am aware that after surgery, GIST returns in over 50% of cases. The surgeon said that it is most likely to return in the first year and after that the chance decreases. The Gist had grown considerably from the 10 x 8cm in Nov. to "A large mass, oh, about 20 cm" on March 18th. I knew it had been growing, because the holes in my leather belt told me so. We hope that neither the original biopsy (needle through the abdomen wall), nor the spread of infection, nor the growth , have resulted in spread of the GIST. Until proved wrong (by CT scan?), my wife, Pat, and I are daring to hope and believe that the Lord has given us several more years of active life to serve Him together (we are both 69, although next week Pat is a year older than me for six months!). We may have got it wrong, but this seems the right attitude for now. I hope Mel approves!

Because GIST is considered a new area of research, the NHS sends the tumour round three different path. labs before a report is issued. I imagine that this is partly so as to get a consensus of opinion, and partly to give as many lab technicians as possible a sight and experience of GIST. This sounds an excellent idea, but it means waiting two months for the report. The surgeon says he will discuss prognosis when he gets the report. Which will no doubt also reveal the actual size of the tumour.

The surgeon's "A large mass, oh, about 20cm" was accompanied by a gesture of the hands well known to fishermen! I am sure Ralph will understand! It is great to hear you are back, Ralph. I am about 10 days ahead of you in the surgery stakes. My view on recovery is that it progresses steadily, but that it is much slower and takes longer than you think it ought to. Apply much patience! I had a low day about 12 days post-op, when I slept all day and ate nothing. The appetite had to be slowly tempted back, and now after just over three weeks, the smell of food actually smells good. Incidentally this is nothing to do with Gleevec (I am not on it) , nor to surgery on the stomach (mine is intact), but is solely due to the operation. No doubt those other things add to it.

The NHS in UK does not fund adjuvant use of Gleevec (I am happy with that), but will put me on 400mg of Gleevec as soon as CT scans show a return. This will continue (for FREE!) for as long as it is seen to be at least halting progression.

I saw the surgeon on 21st April. He got called away, so I first saw another of the doctors who had been present at the operation. He gave us two encouraging bits of information: That the mitotic rate was 2/50 (in line with what I had been told in Sept 04). Also that the infection (forlast six months) was caused, not as I had previously understood by the GIST leaking into the Colon, but by the GIST having caused a leak in the colon, which was leaking its contents out into the abdominal space. This makes more sense, and removes the worry about what else the GIST was leaking. I have been completely free of the infection since the operation.(18th March)

Then, after a wait, the surgeon returned, and in his characteristic manner came right out with the fact that the really important thing in the path. report was the confirmation that the margins were narrow, and that therefore he expected the GIST to recur. (He got it out intact). He said that he could not get wider margins, as it was right up against the pelvis. If he had taken more, he was in danger of disabling the bladder, and things around it. He said that the reason that he did the
colostomy, instead of reconnecting the colon then, was that experience had taught him that, with recurrence likely, it was better to have the colon out of the way. All that seems to explain why the operation took six hours.

I see him again on July 21st, when he will arrange a CT scan for September (six months). The pathology report shows me to be KIT positive, and I will go on Gleevec as soon as evidence appears. If I am still clear at the next CT scan in March 2006, then he will consider restoring the colostomy. This at least means that I am not facing the restoring operation before then.

As I said before, this shows NHS policy being:- no adjuvant use of Gleevec: but its use from evidence till progression. It also seems to show that at least this part of the NHS has a policy of CT scans every six months initially. I am expecting a copy of the path. report in the mail, which should also show just how big the beast was.

Many thanks to all the posters on GSI, both high tech and low tech. You all supply much help and encouragement.

Martin in Northumberland, UK

Tyler's Story

2005-04-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

Tyler has his own website, so click the following link to read his story as posted there.
Surprise! You've got Cancer!

Susan's Story

2005-04-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my story. My journey into the "Cancer World" started July 14, 2003 when certain body functions began to tell me something was terribly wrong.

I would put in a full 8 hours at work on my feet all day as a department manager of cosmetics, lifting boxes, stocking etc; so when I got home exhausted I thought that was normal. My stomach however was another matter as I kept telling Rich, my fiancé‘, it felt like it was exploding and even with that I thought it was my ulcer acting up so I went happily about my life.

Then I started to get very dizzy at times. I felt constipated, my stools were tar but I eat a lot of prunes so dummy me thought that’s why my bowels are in an uproar. I was excited about losing weight and knew walking all day helped but we noticed I was losing my appetite completely and all I wanted to do was sleep. My complexion started to look chalky white so it was good timing that I was due for my 3 month blood pressure checkup at my doctor’s. I told him my symptoms and he drew blood and called me the next day to say get to the emergency room, you are extremely anemic and I said I was calling him because I just threw up blood!

My primary doctor called ahead to the hospital here in South Jersey and I was taken into the emergency room where it seemed doctors started coming out of the woodwork. One came into the room and was drop dead gorgeous, which helped me feel better, but then I thought are my legs/armpits shaved. You silly girl. He came in to give you a rectal exam and he doesn’t even care what you look like! Then the Gastrointestinal Doctor came in and took information and 5 hours later I was officially admitted .

An Endoscopic was performed and a mass was found. Then I had CT Scans done and a needle biopsy. I wasn’t told anything after the needle biopsy since this was a weekend and the doctor would not be in until Monday. However, one of his partners came into my room and said “Don’t worry, we find these masses all the time and they are usually benign.” Then another doctor came in and said I should get my life in order. I immediately called Rich and we couldn’t get any answers .

Monday arrived and we waited for the doctor until 4PM and I was dressed and ready to get out of there. “A mass, very aggressive, very aggressive, huge, behind my left kidney, Liposarcoma.

"Very sorry, I’m referring you to an oncologist. There isn’t anything we can do for you here." These words were difficult for the doctor to tell me but all I could see and hear was my sweet mother sobbing and saying "Oh no, not Susan." Rich & I stared at each other, tears starting to swell in his eyes. I was frozen, denying in my head what this person was saying. What the hell was he talking about? How could I have this inside me and not even know it? He must be talking about someone else or I’m in someone’s dream and I’ll wake up.

Official Diagnosis: High Grade Sarcoma with Extensive Necrosis. Morphologically, high grade Pleomorphic Liposarcoma or malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) are differential diagnoses and the former is favored. 15-cm mass on CT Scan.

The oncologist ordered chest, pelvic, abdomen CT Scans, a Muga (head exam) and thank god, the tumor hadn’t spread. He then made arrangements for me to see a doctor who he is affiliated with at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. This saved my life!

My appointment for a consultation with Chief of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Douglas L. Fraker, was scheduled for August 6, 2003. My sister Michele, Richard & I met with a very nice intern who took a lot of information and then wanted to do a “little feeling” examination before Dr. Fraker came in. He proceeded to press on my abdomen on the left side and with frustration shouted “Why can’t I feel this tumor”, I said that’s enough, you’re hurting me! Then Dr. Fraker appeared and I was instantly put at ease. He drew us a diagram and discussed what organs might have to come out with the tumor based on the x-rays, but he said he’d know better when he got inside. The left kidney possibly, the pancreas, which he said you can live without, and maybe the spleen and some of the would have to be removed.

The day of surgery arrived, August 21 and the night before I snuck downstairs and wrote each family member a note thanking them for being with me all the way and to know how much I loved them in case I didn’t make it. I can’t explain how I felt except I wanted to stay as calm as I could be but the waiting for the procedure started to get on my nerves. They called for me around 12:00PM since there was a backup and I kissed Rich & Michele goodbye thinking I might never see them again. I remember discussing what kind of anesthetic procedure to use and when the epidural was inserted the next thing I remember was waking up with a hose down my throat pointing to it. I felt like I was choking. The nurses were so nice and said that’s ok we’ll remove it in a second. The operation took over 7 ½ hours and Dr. Fraker tried to save my left kidney but made the best decision-why have to have it removed later, it wasn’t working anyway.

The kidney was removed with the tumor as a whole, my spleen, part of my pancreas, part of the stomach, and left adrenal gland. I had a wonderful private room which overlooked the old football field, Franklin Field.

The “mass” measured 22x19.5x2.5 cm with white, firm cut surface with approx 40% of the centrally located necrotic areas. Grossly, the tumor appears to push the gastric mucosa, left kidney, left adrenal and omentum. However, it does not invade the above mentioned organs. The tumor appears to invade into the pancreas and spleen and approximate to the soft tissue margins.

Microscopic Diagnosis: Malignant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, 22cm, involving gastric wall: retro peritoneum including periadrenal and perinephric spaces, pancreas and spleen; omentum; and one of four lymph nodes of the omentum (direct invasion) Extensive tumor necrosis present; the gastric and distal pancreatic margins free of tumor.

Post Operative Biopsy (Oct. 6th) The biopsy from the retro peritoneal mass shows an atypical peithelioid proliferation with extensive necrosis and moderate nuclear plemorphism. Immunohistochemical stains show the tumor to strongly and diffusely express CD34 and CKIT. The tumor is negative for cytokeratin (AE1/3 and CAM5.2) and smooth muscle marker (SMA,Desmin, HHF35 excluding a leiomyosarcoma as well as S100 excluding a liposarcoma).

My recovery was to take about 8 months, however the day after Labor Day I awoke at about 5:30am and the front of my pajamas were wet with this brown junk. I could see my scar directly under my breast bone where the incision started and brown puss was oozing out of it. I ended up back in a local hospital with an infection which now was to take about 3-4 months to heal.

How am I doing now? Pertty good! I started Gleevec per Dr. Fraker’s instructions and now have Dr. Margaret Von Mehren as my oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. If you’re dealing with your health you should go were the best care is.

I didn’t have much time to actually “Think” about all that was happening because everything had to be done with speed and I think that helped me. I still can’t believe this actually happened, but I try to stay positive and keep my mind busy but your mind can’t help wondering back . Never did I think this would happen, which is a normal reaction when told you have “Cancer”. I remember Rich telling me all the phone calls he got from friends and family and that always make you feel good. But I still can cry on a dime if I allow myself to but I fight it. For some reason whenever friends/family would call I would just get so emotional someone else had to speak for me. The sadness I felt was the fact I might not be around to enjoy retirement with Rich etc. and help each other put our teeth in a glass together! Also, never to be with my sisters, the girls, you really do realize how precious LIFE is and how silly material THINGS are.

Right now we are monitoring a small 1mm cyst on my liver which Dr. Von Mehren has determined is from the original tumor. Preoperative xrays revealed what appeared to be two spots on my liver. These were originally so small that they were believed to be cysts and could not be definitively identified. Further studies revealed one cyst is a metastasis. Obviously I don’t want this to further invade my liver, etc. so we are consulting a liver surgeon. The good news is that its right on the tip of my liver so the operation wont be so traumatic.

I’m feeling basically better ever day and think the Gleevec is keeping the “SWITCH” from turning itself on. Only time will tell. I don’t know what my future will bring but with other “gisters” sharing their individual story maybe a common denominator can be found.

Susan M. Colucci

Pennsauken, NJ

"My Journey" by Kaye Thompson

2005-04-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

I am a wife of 40 years to a wonderful husband, a mother of 3 handsome grown sons whom I am very proud of, a grandmother to 3 fantastic grandsons, who are the apple of my eye. I have the desire to live and watch them grow – I love every bone in their little bodies.

The spring of 2002, I had pneumonia. At that same time, I started having severe night sweats. Many nights I would have to get up 2:00 - 3:00 AM, take a shower and try to go back asleep. Then I started having an itch under the skin and I itched constantly, miserable, from July until March I had this horrible itch. I carried a broken plastic hairbrush with me and used it as a scratcher; I thought I was going to go crazy I itched so badly. The doctor thought it was due to antibiotics I had taken for pneumonia. However, the itch continued after the pneumonia was gone – no relief. My doctor just passed it off. I went to an allergist – had test and no answer for the itch. Prescription of Zyrtec, I tried creams etc. with no cure. The night sweats and this terrible itch continued. Now the medical doctor did not think I had anything serious so I went on suffering.

Then, in the summer of 2002, I decided I would like to give life to someone by giving blood. The Red Cross was going to be at the Methodist Church in Lithopolis, Ohio so I called for an appointment. My turn and they took a sample of blood and said I am sorry we cannot take your blood YOU are anemic. Therefore, I left thinking oh well many people are anemic and I thought that’s probably why I am feeling so tired lately. So I started taking one a day vitamins. As I look, back I felt extremely tired but just thought it was my age and I hated to think that.

Fall is here and my husband is listening to the radio on his way to work and he called me to tell me a Research Company in Columbus is looking for candidates for a new diabetes medicine, as I was not having much success in getting my sugar under control. Therefore, I called and made an appointment. They gave me a complete physical, blood work and EKG. They made an appointment for me to come back in a week. A few days later the Research Nurse “Vickie” called and said: are you a normal healthy person? I said well yes I think so. She said I must repeat the blood work as my results came back all wacky. A little alarmed but not over suspicious.

I went back for the second set of blood tests. Vickie called again and says something is wrong but do not get upset it could be nothing. I want you to see your family doctor as soon as possible. This is early November. (I feel this nurse saved my life.) She was an angel sent by God. I would have done nothing without Vickie’s encouragement.

My medical doctor sent me to a Lab for more intensive blood work – same results – so let us repeat it. Still the same results so the doctor decided maybe it is the Lab, let us try the hospital lab. Hospital lab did same tests with same results. White cells, platelets were not what they should be. The pain has been almost unbearable since right before Thanksgiving. So I pray for strength to get through the holidays. My family knows something is wrong but I do not want to upset anyone with my medical problems especially with the holidays so close, I don‘t give them all the details. I made it through the holidays with God’s help.

By this time I was thinking horrible things like this might be my last Thanksgiving, Christmas etc. As I decorate for the holidays with tears in my eyes I am praying for healing in my body. As I decorate our beautiful seven foot tall Christmas tree – I am thinking this is the last time, I will put ornaments on this tree. I am in excruciating pain and I can hardly clean house without resting and falling over on the couch with pain and extreme tiredness, totally exhausted. We were having out of town guests for a Special Christmas Dinner and I want to do this with everything in me (again thinking this might be my last). It is all I can do to prepare a meal for 18 guests but unbelievably I pull it off without any one knowing I am sick.

The doctors never get in a hurry and I am telling my husband I need help! It is hard to describe the pain. It was more like hurting all the time and suddenly a little relief. I could not lie on my right side – the pain was so severe.

Now I need to insert a brief statement here about me - I live a very stressful life and I am trying to overcome this area of my life. Worry is one of my enemies. My husband is a self-employed carpenter and we do not have health insurance so because of that I put off going to the doctor. I regret that I did not seek medical attention long before I did because I did have some warning signals in which I ignored.

January 15th my doctor decided to start eliminating what could be the problem. She scheduled a colonoscopy January 15, 2003. It came back all is well. Unbelievably I am having less pain after the colonoscopy. Then my doctor decided that I needed to see a hematologist/oncologist. Now this is the end of January. Now I am really getting upset – an oncologist? Therefore, I put on my brave face and continue. I talk to myself and I am convinced this is not anything to worry myself sicker. Find out what it is and get it out!

The oncologist decides to send me for CT scan, upper GI, lower GI and some other kind of test where you drink – they take pictures and you drink and they take more pictures (whatever this test is) at this time the technician sees a mass the size of a grapefruit and they say it is communicating with the intestines.

On the day the oncologist has me scheduled for a bone morrow test – he discovered the problem might just be this mass. I am lying on the table scared because I do not know anything about a bone morrow test but it sounds painful with NO anesthesia. Then the oncologist comes in the room where I am lying on the table waiting for this bone morrow test to start, he cancels the bone morrow test and he says surgery sooner rather then later. This must come out immediately. Great!

The oncologist said at this time we do not know what this is – we cannot rule out cancer. Cancer, not me – cancer, no way! By now, I am in so much pain in my lower stomach that surgery sounds like a wonderful idea just get this horrible pain out of me! By now, I feel so bad I can hardly walk. Behind the scenes, I cry out to God in severe pain.

Finally, on February 27, I went to a surgeon and he immediately sent me to Mount Carmel (East) Hospital. He scheduled surgery as soon as a room was available – February 28, 2003.. This was the most horrible day of my life. I was in surgery about 5 hours but in recovery 10-11 hours. My husband Terry, son Gerry, and a close precious friend of 27 years, Naomi Schneider, were waiting for me. The surgeon came out told my husband it was cancer but they thought they got it all. They had removed a grapefruit size tumor, six lymph nodes and about 8 inches small intestine.

Finally, after waiting many hours Naomi told my husband to find out what was going on. Many hours had gone by and no one told them anything. Therefore, the recovery nurse allowed my family to see me in recovery for a few minutes. I am so sick I could care less. They could not get me awake from the anesthesia. Something was wrong with my kidneys – they were not functioning properly. A coke like substance was coming out into the catheter bag.

Finally, I am moved to a room. When I eventually wake up – I have a tube everywhere, they could place a tube, a central line IV. A drain tube in the bottom of my stomach, a stomach pump down my nose, a catheter, oxygen in my nose and with all of this - believe me I am thankful just to be awake. First thing I want is water! No Water – just a few spoons of ice chips for 12 days. Needless to say I was eating ice like it was food. Well I could not think straight because of the anesthetic and drugs (something they describe as 2 levels above morphine). The pain was still very severe.

I thank God for Naomi being by my side because Terry was no help (I guess men are just that way). My forehead is Hot, I guess from fever, I was so miserable and very uncomfortable so Naomi put cold cloths on my head for hours and then finally a nurse brings an ice pack. What a blessing to have a friend to be so kind and sacrifice hours for me. I know she would have rather been doing something more productive but she stuck right by my side. God Bless YOU Naomi! She came to see me every day or evening I think mostly evenings because as I remember she was the only one that could make me comfortable in the hospital bed at bedtime.

When you are lying in a hospital bed – time means absolutely nothing - so I need to apologize for being so selfish. Terry, Naomi and Gerry came every day to see me and no one knows how much I loved that! I wanted visitors 24 - 7. Gerry brought Jacob on Friday evening (The best medicine is to see your precious grandchild). Ginny and Harold, Kelli and David came all the way from West Virginia to see me on Friday and Saturday, I am sure I was not the best company for any one but I sure was happy to see them. Terry Jr, Gianna, Tyler and Ryan came on Sunday (The best medicine is to see your precious grandchildren).

Naomi and Sharon came on Sunday. Gerry brought Gregg Burns with him on Sunday afternoon. I had to ask them to leave because Gregg had me in tears from laughing and I could not stop laughing. Now I just had surgery on Wednesday and I sure did not want those staples tearing out of my stomach. Norma Jean and Denise (Terry’s sister and niece from Somerset) came Tuesday and again on Thursday. Carol Greiner (Terry Jr.’s mother-in-law) brought Tyler and Ryan to see me on Wednesday.

On the third day, the nurse came in and she wanted me to walk. I tried – with my husband by my side I made it outside of my room and just about collapsed – well the nurse said that is good, just keep trying. Later in the evening, we tried again and by the next day, they sent a therapist to me with a push walker. Then the nurse told me I would get well quicker if I walk, walk, and walk!

On my sixth day, I am trotting down the hall up the hall around the hall and each day there after I keep increasing my walks. I do not have any idea how we managed all the tubes etc. and my cups of ice, but we walked. Every time Naomi came to visit, she would walk with me and at one point, we counted fifteen trips around the halls not the short halls the long way around the third floor of Mount Carmel East hospital.

Then comes the dreaded news I never thought I would hear. My husband said the surgeon said it is cancer but he got it all. We are going to do a biopsy. Well you are just thinking how thankful I am they got it all and I‘m on my road to recovery. Five days later the oncologist comes back in my room with the most devastating news of my life. He sat down by my side (I am all alone lying in the hospital bed) and he said we have the results of the biopsy you still have cancer and not just cancer it is a very rare cancer called Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumor and it was in one of six lymph nodes that were removed.

The oncologist went on to say; there is no cure for this cancer, and this type of cancer does not respond to Chemotherapy or Radiation treatment. However, there is a new drug out that is very expensive – $3,000.00 a month called Gleevec and IF you can get in a study; you should do so as soon as possible. The only thing comes to my mind as he tells me this: “I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalm 118:17. I will beat this thing and then immediately the thought – well, everyone thinks they will beat cancer. My mind is so cloudy. He asked to have a consultation with my family so on Wednesday he met with Terry my husband and Naomi my dear friend and on Thursday Terry Jr. and Gerry.

It is hard to explain how one feels when told they have cancer. First thought is I am too young to die. All kinds of emotions rise up on the inside. I felt my whole world was coming apart. However, I made a quick decision that day – I was not going to lay in that bed and waste away – I am going to fight back with every ounce of strength in me and get well. I am going to give it my best shot! I have too much living to do to just lay here and have a pity party. Therefore, I never talked to the nurses or anyone about cancer until weeks after I came home. I must admit I did come to tears when my grandchildren walked in my room right after the doctor walked out. Just to see those sweet innocent faces so small and young – I want to see them grow up. Therefore, I immediately regained my composure.

The day before I went home the surgeon came in and said how would you like to get rid of the stomach tube and about that time he pulls the tube out of my nose so fast I didn’t have time to think about it and I wondered how that ever went down into my stomach. Now I can eat! Then the Nurse came in and the drain tube in the lower part of my stomach came out then a little latter the catheter was removed and the last thing to be removed was the central IV line in which I hated. Now I start to feel like my old self. I can walk without all the tubes hooked up.

I am released from the hospital on March 14. My first night home is a nightmare. NO sleep – I had trouble breathing – coughed all night – just plain misery. So I called my MD and she is not on call (it is Saturday) so her assistant said he would call ahead and for me to go to the emergency room at Mount Carmel East. They are expecting me – we are there for six hours – they discover I am low on potassium hum I am in the hospital all that time (13 days) and now, I have to spend six hours hooked to an IV getting potassium. They also gave me three breathing treatments and a prescription for an antibiotic. By the time we leave, I am ready for a good nights sleep and finally I do have relief. Thank God.

Recuperating seems to be slow and I am so very weak. Seems like the only thing working is my mind and it is working overtime. Of course, all kinds of bad thoughts start pouring through my mind. Fear tries to grip me especially at night. Naomi calls me every evening to make sure I am progressing well. On one of our evening chats, she asked me if I was reading the Bible. Well no, not yet I can hardly pick it up. Well she sternly informs me that NOBODY can fight this battle for me that I have to do it all on my own. She said if you want to live, you had better get with it.

WOW! I thought she and others could stand in the gap for me at least until I got on my feet. I was in shock. I believed her and I did get busy and started reading my Bible and confessing all I knew to do. I wanted to LIVE. God Bless Naomi for stirring me. She told me later – she was in shock at the thought of all the things she heard the doctor say – words I do not even remember.

She apologized for being so stern, but in hindsight, it was probably the best advice she could give me at the time. Naomi told me to write my healing scriptures on a piece of paper and say them as many times a day as I possible could. Well I had nothing but time so I began trying to memorize words of the Bible but it was very difficult. My mind was a little fuzzy from all the drugs I was given in the hospital. However, that finally subsided.

My surgeon left the staples in for two weeks. Therefore, two weeks later we are in the surgeon’s office he is removing the staples and my husband starts asking questions about the rare tumor and at this time, I do not want to hear anything about cancer especially negative comments. I just want to get well and live. However, the doctor answers all his questions and yes this was a very aggressive type cancer. This is very upsetting to me and I ask him to stop asking questions.

I love springtime – a time to experience life and to observe life coming back and I would look out my kitchen windows and see life before my eyes. The grass looked greener then it ever looked before, the trees were leafing out, the flowers were peeking through the earth and life was taking on a far more important meaning. Enjoy what you have and be thankful for the dawning of a new day.

I have been home for seven days and my son and daughter-in-law (Larry and Julie) live in Albuquerque, New Mexico came home for a week. It was so good to have them home. So my friend Naomi brings Saturday afternoon dinner for everyone what a pleasant treat. God Bless her for that dinner, we all were so hungry. No one knows how much it means to have a home cooked meal brought to you when you cannot even lift a skillet. I hope I can do something just as special for you someday my friend.

Thanks again Naomi for all the unselfish acts of kindness you showed to my family and me. My husband refuses to cook anything except breakfast, so my son Gerry came the first week I was home and cooked lunch and dinner for me. That was very special. I guess I will never be able to re-pay my family and friends for all their acts of kindness. God Bless YOU all. While Larry and Julie were here, Julie told me about a judge, she worked with, and that his wife had GIST also and she was on a support group “The Life Raft” which is on the Internet. It took me six months to finally look it up and to join the group. It was while e-mailing others with GIST that I heard of the GSI group and joined it. More about this later.

Now I am home working on the healing process. I am a big believer in the Bible and before entering the hospital I had been reading all the healing scriptures and listening to healing tapes, with many encouraging words from my friend Naomi. I e-mailed asking for prayer from Kenneth Copeland, Novel Hayes, and Joyce Meyer. Joyce Meyer Ministry sent me 10 type- written pages front and back – healing scriptures. I made my own confessions and repeat them every day 2 or 3 times daily. I know no matter what or how Jesus is my Healer! With doctors or medicine, it is still the Almighty hand of God. I prayed for a miracle and I believe God answered my prayer. I am a miracle!

I have a very dear friend of 36 years living in West Virginia (Ginny Hamby) and she called every day. On one call, she asked if she could do anything for me. I was in tears as I told her I am mentally confused, thinking I can’t think straight and most of all I could not say cancer or even talk about it, so I told her I would like to call “The James Cancer Clinic” to get information about Gleevec. Bless her heart she said she would make the call for me. I was so upset I could not make that phone call nor could I even find the phone number. Just minutes later she called me back with all the details.

She will never know how much that meant to me because in one of my greatest moments of helplessness she was there to pick me up when no one else was around. When I needed a friend God sent me an angel – Thanks Ginny – I love you friend and I hope I can be as good a friend to you as you have been to me. I am so thankful to have Ginny in my life to help me through life’s challenges. She is always there for me – lending a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on – she knows the good, the bad and the ugly and she is still my friend.

March 24, it is a beautiful, sunny Sunday and about lunchtime, here came Ginny and Kelli with enough food for an army. Both of them had prepared home cooked dinners for a week. What delicious food! And dessert too. Now is that a friend? They ate lunch with us that day and cleaned my kitchen. We visited and they had to leave. I hated to see them go home. They certainly made my day!

April 4, 2003 my husband and I met with Dr Shah and the Gleevec Research nurse; Tammy Yanssen. (Say luck but I count it a blessing the Gleevec trial study was still open it was closed soon after.) Tammy is a very young nurse: specialty in Surgery Oncology. She is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. In the beginning of this study she helped me over some tough spots. Dr Shah is a very intelligent doctor. However, she told us so much that it was all so overwhelming. She is so kind, considerate, and passionate and makes you feel comfortable talking with some one as important as she is.

All my slides (from the tumor) were sent to The Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City to confirm I am C-kit positive for the trial drug. This is a special test to determine if you are approved for the study. I am approved for the Gleevec study and I started Gleevec April 14, 2003. This was just 10 days from my first visit with Dr. Shah, to me that was a miracle. I am sure my special nurse Tammy pushed this through as quickly as possible. I will be in this study the rest of my life.

Gleevec is considered the Magic Cancer Bullet – a book by the title and appropriately so. May 10, 2001 Gleevec won the quickest passage from the FDA ever for a cancer drug. Along with this drug came many side effects. And of course, you must read all of the side effects before signing the consent forms to get into the trial. The worst side effect being death. Now would that scare you? Well I feel this is an important step for me to take and I signed all the appropriate papers and I am on my way to be an experiment. However, to me it is an awesome feeling to know I am on the cutting edge of a discovery for the cure of this dreaded disease, cancer.

I pray and thank GOD, for the four Orange Pills I took daily. About two months went by and no side effects so I am thinking OK I am going to be an exception to the rules. Then the puffy eyes start. I am an early riser but at noon, I do not like looking as if I just climbed out of bed and that is the way I looked for the next ten months. At the same time diarrhea came to visit and then the itch returned. Therefore, I start taking Zyrtec and in a few weeks, the itch subsides. Thank God. Seems very trivial. Therefore, I am taking Gleevec for one year, CT scans and blood work every three months. I am now off Gleevec and I am having clear scans and good blood results – Thank the Almighty God! Dr Shah and my nurse Tammy are so very happy and amazed with my results. They share my excitement to live! They were amazed how well I did on Gleevec and each visit I would thank God for the great results.

This journey has not been easy but I cease to amaze myself as to being a strong person. I did not cry and boohoo, as I would imagine myself doing. I trust God much more then I ever thought I possible would. The doctor said live one day at a time and enjoy – that is all any of us can do. I love life and I want to live to be an old woman.

I have been told if you are going to have cancer be thankful it is GIST because it is getting a lot of attention and new drugs are being discovered to prolong life not cure, but PROLONG. That sounds pretty darn good. But many of us GISTers are praying for a cure and we believe we are on the cutting edge of that cure. I am proud to be part of finding the cure.

I have a new appreciation of life – I thank God everyday that I have life. I feel terrific! I will repeat what has become my favorite Bible verse: “I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalm 118:17.

October 10, 2004 GSI (Gist Support International) is supporting Tania and Robert Stutman’s “Walk for the Cure” in Congers New York. I am excited. My husband and I are traveling to participate. This is an opportunity to raise funds for GIST Cancer Research and to meet face to face others that also face GIST. GSI is a wonderful group of “GISTers” – we receive lots of important information from each other, sharing our experiences, we talk with people who understand where we have been and we encourage each other. I think this will be a very rewarding and lasting experience.

With the help of friends and relatives I have collected $1,000 (does not sound like much money but for me to do something like this is a miracle) and next year I hope to double that amount. All donations to this walk in Congers, NY go directly for GIST cancer research. We all hope and pray someday soon that this devastating cancer and all cancer is eradicated.

Now a brief history of my faith. I was brought up Evangelical United Brethren, which merged with the Methodist. About 1972 we became Full Gospel – meaning we believe the Word of God is for today. We believe in healing and the laying on of hands just like the Bible describes. We are attending a Faith, Bible believing Church. “Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever.” A good motto: Matthew 19:26 “With God all things are Possible.” Today God does heal and He is no respecter of persons. What He has done for others, He will do for you. The spoken word is very important – God’s words. Our words will put us over or under! Proverbs 4:20-23: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” We must speak positive to be an over comer. We must walk by Faith not by sight. Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him.”

A special thank you to my family, Ginny, Kelli, and Naomi – my three angels on this earth – words cannot express all I feel for you! Thank you seems so inadequate. Jesus is my Healer! Never, ever give up.

Kaye Thompson, Ohio, 2005