FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2006 01:59 PM, CDT

Well, I made it through the biopsy...not fun. Stef, thank you so much for taking me. I hope I wasn't too much of a baby. I think we both wanted to run out of the room screaming. I still think they should of let you sit behind me. :-)
Please pray that the lymph nodes are breast cancer related. I can't even allow myself to think I may have two primary cancers.
I go back to the oncologist on Tuesday morning. I'm praying for good results.
Teri, thanks for the laugh. If you need me to go shopping with you to get some more favorite jeans, just let me know.
Thanks for the sweet posts today. I hope everyone is having an AWESOME Friday. I'm ready to enjoy this weather and just spend some relaxing time with my family.
Blessings,
Kristina

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2006 09:58 PM, CDT

Well, we just got home from the game. They lost. :-( It was a lot of fun though. This is football weather. I love it!
Thanks for all the posts tonight. I really needed some encouragement. I'm dreading tomorrow so bad. I hate to be stuck. My brother asked me if you get used to it after awhile. I don't think you do or at least I haven't. Thanks Teri for praying for a nurse who can stick tenderly.
Jessica, of course I remember the sugar and corn. YUMMY. Can you believe we're still married after all of that? What good memories I have of us moving to Oklahoma not knowing anyone but our husbands. I loved hanging out with you. I hope you and Bryson are doing well.
Mom Wood, is your computer up and running? I loved seeing you back on my site. We missed you.
Thanks for all the prayers. I have really needed them this week.
I have the biopsy at 9:15 in the morning. Thank you Stef for taking me. Thank you Katie for watching the boys for her.
I'm off to bed. I will post as soon as I can tomorrow.
Keep posting! I can't wait to read them when I get home.
Blessings,
Kristina

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 09:31 PM, CDT

Today was a pretty good day. I had good energy for most of the day. My mom and I took the girls to the park. I love this weather. How is the weather in Houston Amy?
I'm just now taking in all of the news we received yesterday. I feel great about it on the one hand. I mean praise God that I have virtually no cancer in the areas that were and still are of the most concern. The lymph nodes, at least for now, are not as scary in the big picture but we definitely have to get on top of them before it becomes a very serious problem.
I just keep being reminded that I am not in control of this at all. About the time I'm ready to take control back, God makes sure I can't. I suppose that is part of what He's trying to teach me right now.
Jennifer Anderson nailed it today in my guestbook when she said that sometimes I don't want the job of being that amazing testimony and impact on people anymore. I know that may sound confusing or even selfish but I just want to be one of the normal people again. I simply want to be Emily and Abby's mom again.
It's such a hard balance for me. In a way I love that God has given me an opportunity to impact so many people and I do take that seriously. But in a way I just want things to be "normal" again...whatever that means. Stef, I miss the old times too.
Thank you Grace Baptist Youth Group for the sweet card you gave me. It was very humbling and uplifting.
Brenda Oaks...HELLO on the bread!! It is YUMMO!!! Also, Kae YUMMY bread you brought me on Sunday. Please think of me everytime you guys have a desire to bake!
It was great to be with my brothers and sisters in Christ tonight. I just can't keep telling you guys enough how much you mean to me.
I loved all the posts today. I really needed the encouragement.
I'm off to put two little girls to bed. Keep posting!
Blessings,
Kristina

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 02:52 PM, CDT

We got the results back today. I've attached the e-mail John sent to our church. I'll post later:
Kristina's PET scan confirmed the good news from the CT scan. The cancer in her lung is almost gone. The cancer in her liver is dramatically better. Also, after reviewing the earlier PET scan, Dr. Raefsky said there were a few spots on Kristina's bone--spine, hip and even a small spot on one of her ribs that were probably all cancer. So that means he is no longer overly-concerned about the bones. Apparently the other spots are now gone and what we see in her spine is simply where the cancer is healing.
The lymph nodes are clearly worse. The idea of it being an infection in the lymph nodes is remote. However, the idea of it being a separate, primary cancer are also remote. To be safe, Dr. Raefsy has ordered a biopsy of one of her affected lymph nodes for this Friday at 9:15am. The procedure will be done at Baptist in Dr. Whitworth's office--the individual with which this entire process began.
If it is in fact breast cancer in her lymph nodes (definitely what is expected), then Kristina is simply the most dramatic case of a "mixed reaction" to chemotherapy that Dr. Raefsky has ever seen. Mixed reactions are generally situations where the cancer is a little better in one area and a little worse in another area. Kristina's cancer is dramatically better in one area and clearly worse in another. So if this is a mixed reaction, they will simply change chemotherapies. Dr. Raefsky already has one in mind. It starts with a "z"...can't remember the name. The good news there is it is an oral chemotherapy. It has a few side effects--two of which are NOT hair loss or nausea!! Yes, that means that Kristina's hair should slowly start growing back! Her treatment would start on Wednesday of next week at the latest.
If this is two different types of cancer, likely lymphoma in this case, we would still be looking at a different type of chemo and it would still probably start on Wednesday of next week. There are apparently drugs that have a good track record with BOTH lymphoma and breast cancer. One of those would be administered. But I can't stress enough how rare both Dr. Raefsky and his nurse said this occurrence would be. He just wants to be 100% safe so that he can feel completely comfortable in prescribing the chemotherapy he has in mind--knowing that we're not giving her something that won't help with the lymph nodes.
I'll go ahead and tell you now since I'm sure some of you are wondering. The lymph nodes that are affected cannot be removed. PRAY that the doctors uncover a solution that will shrink the cancer in the lymph nodes. That is THE priority right now.
This is definitely starting to get overwhelming guys. This was a tough day for us. Kristina does not look forward to this biopsy. She doesn't like the fact that she still has a mysterious disease in her body that is acting so unpredictably. I hate it too. It is extremely challenging to see her suffer and to sit there so helplessly not being able to do anything about it.
We love all of you who are keeping up with this and praying so diligently for us. Kristina loves life more than anyone I know and she's going to fight this battle with everything she's got. I'm doing my best to add any sort of support I can but I often feel like one man against an army of soldiers. Praise God that all of you are there with us. God DEFINITELY performs miracles and is perfectly capable of taking care of this without breaking a sweat. We just pray that it is His will to do that for us.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2006 09:31 PM, CDT

Today went pretty well. My PET scan was not that bad. I'm not feeling well at all tonight. I don't know whether it's the stuff I had to drink or the lack of food or just overall exhaustion or what. But I'm really tired and nautious.
I met the sweetest lady today. Her name is Kathy. Please be praying for her mom Martha. She has stomach cancer. Kathy, I loved meeting you today. Please keep me posted on your mom's progress.
Thank you for taking me Keith. You are always there for me when I need you. I really appreciate that.
Thank you Mom and Kim for taking Emily to ballet. That was a huge blessing today. I love that they get to do everything they're used to doing because you're here to help. It means SO much to me!
Thank you Grandma Schlegel. Emily and Abby received their package today. The blankets are SO cute! They are dragging them all over the house.
I should hear results from my scan at 11:45 Wednesday. Please continue to pray for good results. It is yet another big day for us. The results of the test will have a huge impact on the rest of my treatment. Pray that they will find everything is on course and that I can just continue my Taxotere treatment.
Thank you all so much for all the sweet posts. It was just what I needed today.
Blessings,
Kristina

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2006 04:59 PM, CDT

I thought I would journal early today.
What another AWESOME day! I love when our church is full and I see new faces. Great job Pastor Alan on the message. What a blessing!
Daniel, thank you, thank you, thank you! That song was AMAZING! You did a GREAT job! I was telling myself the whole time, "Don't cry." I think Teri cried.:-) Okay what is the next song we want Daniel to sing?
Mel, thanks for your sweet post. My kidneys are fine though...hee hee. I HAD to point that out. You know I'm kidding! :-) Please update us on Sweet Paul. Hope he's getting better.
Tomorrow is another big day for us. The PET scan is not fun but I know it's necessary. One good thing about all of this is that I've been really forced to just rely upon God so much every day--for patience, physical strength, emotional strength, etc. There is still so much uncertainty. But our God is awesome and He has already answered so many of our prayers! Please continue to pray for smooth tests and great results. HE HEARS YOU!!!
We're getting ready for church so I need to run. Hope everyone had a wonderful Sunday. Keep posting!
Blessings,
Kristina

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2006 08:06 PM, CDT

What an AWESOME day start to finish! We had our pictures made this morning for the Cancer Walk T-shirts. Thank you Kae!
Then we went to the fiesta for Frankie! ¡Qué un gran tiempo! Okay, so I used a website to help me with this translation! Seriously, it was really fun. Happy Birthday Sweet Frankie!
I took a long nap after that with the girls. I still have times during the day where I get pretty tired. It was good timing though because it allowed John to watch most of the Oklahoma football game uninterrupted.
Claire, thank you so much for stopping by and hanging out with me today. John and I had a great time with you guys last night as well. Thanks for the burgers Kyle! I think Food Network needs to add a show called "Kyle Meets Grill." Your 60 "keith" went to good use! John and I are still in the dark on that word. You'll need to inform us so we don't come off stupid to our friends!
Way to go Reece Williams! For those of you who don't know, Reece scored his team's only goal today in a soccer game. WOO HOO!!
Mel, boy do you have some competition! Let's just say over $600! What a blessing this is for everyone! It's such a great cause. Thank you to everyone that helped my sister with the yard sale today.
Thank you Mel, Stef and Teri for encouraging me so much about the results of my scans today. It really boosted my spirits and helped me to put things in better perspective.
Tonight we went to eat Chinese with my mom and Jonathan. It was a lot of fun. Mom and I went to Target for a little while after that.
Tonight we're just going to relax and watch a movie. We've just had a very peaceful and fun day today.
I look forward to seeing my church family tomorrow.
Blessings,
Kristina

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2006 11:18 PM, CDT

Well, today went pretty well. I have mixed emotions about the results today. I praise God that the cancer in my lungs is gone and the cancer in my liver is a lot better. He has been so faithful. We were praying for the cancer to be gone or a lot better in these areas and it is.
I'm ready for the next step which includes more scans. I go on Monday at 4:00 for a PET scan. I'm going to be really hungry that day! I'm praying for good results.
Thank you Kim and mom for working on getting everything ready for the Making Strides yard sale. Mel, you've got some competition!
I'm getting excited about the walk. I hope I can walk 5 miles. Does anyone have a little red wagon I could possible be pulled in? :-) Just kidding. Keith or Stef have said they would give me a piggyback ride if necessary. I'll try to keep my weight down until then. hee hee
Thank you January for the flowers. What a nice surprise when I got home! Also, thank you to everyone for the cards, letters and sweet posts I continue to receive. What a blessing!
Stef that's it! Full frontal hugs from now on! :-) I'm so mushy now!
Who doesn't have to have chemo Monday.....I don't! I love having those few extra days of feeling GREAT. I am ready to get back on schedule though. Hopefully I will be able to have a treatment Wednesday.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Friday. I'm looking forward to the weekend with John and the girls.
Keep posting!
Blessings,
Kristina

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2006 02:17 PM, CDT

I'm attaching the e-mail John sent to our church. I'll post a little later:
Kristina's lung cancer is essentially gone. Her liver cancer is about 75 percent gone. PRAISE GOD!!!!

They did find a small spot that is at this point undefined in her spine (bone). They are not ready to call that cancer yet but it's possible. They have ordered a PET scan for Monday and a follow up visit for Wednesday. That's when we'll know for sure. Her lymph nodes in the middle of her chest and one in her neck are still quite swollen which again could be worrisome and it might not be. If
the PET scan shows that the bone spot is just scar tissue where she's healing (apparently pretty common) and that the lymph nodes aren't any worse, then we are in FANTASTIC shape. If the bone is cancer and/or the lymph nodes are worse, it becomes more complicated and worrisome. That doesn't mean her prognosis would necessarily be worse, it would just mean we'd probably have to change chemos and
maybe a few other things.

Chemo is obviously off for Monday. If we find that everything is good on Wednesday, they will try to start her chemo either that day or certainly by the end of next week.

PRAY for great results on that PET scan!!! That is a HUGE step for us.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement!

John

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2006 10:27 PM, CDT

Well, today went well. My brother drove me downtown to have the CT scans. I was in and out there. We were able to meet up with my mom and Abby for breakfast. Thanks for breakfast Keith. I did get a little sick from all that contrast I had to drink. Sorry I made you drive 100 mph mom to get me home. I then headed to Hermitage to have the MRI.
I came home and took a long nap. All those scans wore me out.
We went to Jonathan's football game tonight. It was a lot of fun. Thank you Deanna for taking pictures.
Tomorrow is a big day. I hope I'm able to sleep tonight. God has given me such a peace about tomorrow. I know He is already preparing me.
Stef, when are you going to hook me up with the instant messenger? Mel, why did you have to turn your microphone down?:-)
Stef, what are you talking about with your short comings? Where do I start with all of mine? I still love you.
I LOVED ALL THE POSTS! Thank you, thank you, thank you. It was just what I needed tonight.
Teri, I don't want any smack about my bowling ability. I know you want me or Mel on your team next time. Mel, we could be on the DD team. Well, maybe not.:-)
I will post as soon as I can tomorrow. Please be praying for good results.
Blessings,
Kristina

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2006 09:22 PM, CDT

Today was a great day! Prayer time with my sisters in Christ was amazing. Thank you all so much for your kind words and petitions to God on my behalf. I pray that it is within His will to answer our requests.
Thank you for joining us today Karen. I am so thankful that God brought you into our church family. You are so sweet. And what a great bowler you are! Do you want me on your team next time! ;-)
I was SO sad to see you go today Amy. I love you so much. Wish you could have just moved in with us. It was such a great time having you here. My whole family and all of my sisters enjoyed your visit so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Claire, it is so inspiring to see you shop! You could have an entire wardrobe purchased before lunch. Amazing! Loving the jeans!
I'm excited about spending the day with my brother tomorrow. He is going to be with me through all of these scans. I'm just ready to get them over with and see where we are. It is truly in God's hands. I am getting to the point where I'm able to rest in that more and more.
Check out the new pictures on kristinascalling.com. More to come!
My day starts early tomorrow so please keep me in your prayers as it crosses your mind. I love you all.
Blessings,
Kristina

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2006 07:39 AM, CDT

What an AWESOME night! This was just what the doctor ordered. You guys are CRAZY! I have pictures to prove it. Teri, I'm soooo getting you back for all the pictures you've taken. I have some good ones of you:-) Claire, you're split was amazing. Mel, I had no idea you could bowl so well.:-) Pictures coming soon! Amy and Karen, I hope we didn't scare you too bad.
Well, I went to the oncologist yesterday and he ordered an MRI of my head. I'm still having headaches and some vision problems. Pray it's just a side effect to chemo. I will have that Thursday after my scans.
The girls are a lot better. I took Em to the doctor yesterday and she has a sinus infection. We should all be at church tonight. I can't wait to see my church family.
Well, I'm off to get ready. My sisters in Christ are praying over me this morning. What would I do without all of you.
I'll post later.
Blessings,
Kristina

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2006 08:59 PM, CDT

We've had a pretty good day. We stayed around here part of the day The weather was wonderful. We did go to my sister's house this afternoon and had dinner. It was a lot of fun.
I haven't felt 100% today. I'm still having lung pain when I breathe and I'm really tired. I think Amy just cooked while I took a nap. I'm not sending her back Steve. I hope she isn't late for her flight on Wednesday. :-)
I'm going to call my oncologist tomorrow and tell him what has been going on.
I hope everyone had a good day off. I sure enjoyed having John home all day.
Thanks for the sweet posts today.
Blessings,
Kristina

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2006 11:38 PM, CDT

What a GREAT day. I was able to go to church and introduce Amy to everyone. She loved our church. It's a lot like her church in Houston. Her husband (who is in Houston) is listening to a sermon from Alan right now. I really enjoyed the message today Alan.
I'm having a great time with Amy. I know she is missing her sweet babies. She has been awesome with my girls though. She has been cooking with Emily and reading to Abby. Jonathan wants to keep Amy here forever. He likes having a live in cook. She's in the kitchen now preparing calzones for tomorrow...YUMMY!
The girls are feeling better. I think Emily is slowly getting over pink eye. I hope we don't get this again. Yuck.
Tina, when is the house warming party? I'm ready to see this house!
Karen, did you get all your beauty sleep? I know about the ER. I've spent a lot of time there with my girls and John. I feel right at home in the ER. Kristie Cantrell, no comments on that please:-)
I've felt pretty good today. I'm still having lung pain when I breathe which scares me. I pray it's nothing and it will just go away.
Thank you to everyone that will be coming to the church Wednesday morning to pray with me. Also, thank you to everyone that will be praying for me on Thursday. I have the scans Thursday morning at 8:50. My brother is taking me. I will meet with my oncologist on Friday at 11:00 to hear the results. Praying, Praying, Praying!
Kelly and Mel, we missed you guys today. I'm looking forward to you both meeting Amy. You're going to love her.
Lisa, I LOVED seeing you and Katelyn. She is beautiful. I sure miss you.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Sunday. I look forward to reading everyone's posts.
Blessings,
Kristina

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2006 09:36 PM, CDT

I've had a great day! Amy and I went shopping all day. There wasn't a sale that we didn't hit at Opry Mills. I loved spending time with Amy and catching up on old times. It's like she never left. Hey, ask Amy about the dressing room incident. Funny!
I have felt pretty good today. My lungs are hurting off and on, but it's not too bad.
I'm sitting here journaling while Amy is cooking up a storm. Teri, she cooks like Paula Deen....YUMMY! You guys have got to get together and share some recipes. I don't know what all she is doing in there, but it smells great!
Stef, your post had Amy and me laughing out loud! That's right, we like to eat and shop. What else is there to do?
David and Ana, thank you so much for the picture you left on our porch. The message in it is so encouraging! That was so thoughtful.
I'm so excited about seeing my church family tomorrow. I've missed you guys. Abby is feeling a lot better, but Emily still has pink eye. I don't think she's contagious, but we're not taking any chances. She looks pitiful. You will see them on Wednesday.
Alicia, I will definitely post all the names of all my precious sisters in Christ. I don't know how I could get through this without them. Have I mentioned I have the BEST church family. John and I are so blessed to have such a wonderful support of friends (old and new) and family. I hope you and Jeff are doing well. We miss you guys.
Pat, thank you for your post. I'm still praying for you. I know chemo is hard, but you can get through this. We're going to beat this! I loved meeting you and I can't wait until we're cancer free. Keep us posted on how you're doing. Stay strong.
Mitzi, be careful coming home and give your family a BIG hug from me.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday. I LOVE THIS WEATHER! This is good walking weather. Is everyone getting ready for our walk? I'm so excited! Stef, I've got to start walking. Does walking around the mall eating an Applebarn doughnut count?
Blessings,
Kristina

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2006 11:38 PM, CDT

I had a pretty good day today. I spent the day with my sister. Sorry we messed up your house Kim. I had to keep mine clean. :-)
I'm feeling a lot better. I hope the rest of the weekend and next week get better and better.
Amy is here! I'm so excited. I can't wait for everyone to meet her. Karie, I'm not sure Amy is coming back. I might keep her here.
Stef and Mel, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all you guys did to sell my MK inventory. You guys rock!
I hope everyone has an awesome weekend. Keep posting!
Blessings,
Kristina