BEWARE *YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ A VERY LONG BUT MUCH NEEDED UPDATE*
Yep thats right...this week has been one big hurricane. Lets back up a bit. Last week I talked to a friend of mine who has also battled Thyroid cancer. She directed me to the mayo Clinic in Minnesota. My friend has been down the same road Ive been down and was scared and looking for a better option for treatment. Her husband stumbled across this new form of treatment called " Alcohol Ablation" They supposedly inject any tumors found in the neck or chest thats reachable with this alcohol injection and its been known to kill of the cancer cells and land you straight into remission. And it did just that for my friend.
After talking to her I jumped online, did a little research, and then called for an appointment. You dont need a doctor's referral you can just refer yourself. So I did. I was overwhelmed with the amount of hope that filled my soul after making that appointment. Now here I was this past week trying to arrange airplane tickets, room and board, rental cars, approvals with insurance, and trying to juggle the needs of three little boys, meals, laundry, and paying the bills. Wow I just felt overwhelmed. My mom would come over everyday and help me with the kids and help me deal with the weight of the world. Thanks for all your help mom.
I had just been feeling really unsettled, panicky, and doubtful about going but tried to continue planning and fighting for the future possibilities. My poor kids took the grunt of all my daily stress and it really wore our whole family out. It was a pretty nasty storm we were all enduring.
Then one day I received an email from some good friends. In this email they were really abatement about listening to my Doctor. I wondered what they meant by that, but I held it close to my heart that day as I ponder my worries. I also received a call from my bishop that night and we talked about my doubt and my struggles I had been going through and he left me with a spiritual note. " The spirit will talk to you in the present, dont make reason of the future or what the past was trying to say...search the spirit for guidance today. Not for the future or answers to the past" Than just hit me that I need to speak with the actual doctor at the Mayo Clinic before booking these airline tickets.
I had a wonderful talk with my doctor over there at the Mayo. I caught him up to speed on where im at with this cancer and where Ive been. He was very pleased that we were able to talk on the phone before coming all this way. he had told me its too soon for him to evaluate an accurate reading on an ultra sound with it being only 2 months post opp. He would like to wait until June to see me and then he could go further with treatments and ultra sounds to get a clear reading on where we stand and what options we have to fight this cancer and bring it down. he agreed that radiation just isnt an option for me and that it would be his last choice for treatment. He did feel thats its urgent to proceed with a full body scan and Ct scan within this next week so that I can jump back on my Synthroid (Thyroid Medicine) and start suppressing and holding this cancer down till we meet. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort as I hung up the phone with him. I felt like I had answers, I felt like I had a path to walk down. I felt like there was a well thought out organized plan. I wanted so bad to be done with this cancer and put it to rest that I made all these decisions on my own without allowing the spirit to guide and direct me. And through the doctors advice I felt like I was on the right path. I have to realize this may not be the Lords time for remission. I have to remain patient and hopeful and put this to rest till summer. And "listen to my doctor" Thanks Brian.
Even though this storm may not be over yet I do know ive reached the "Eye of the storm" and now is the time to sit back and enjoy the brake. Im really looking forward to moving forward and focusing more on my sweet children and husband.
Ive got so many things to conquer while we are in the "eye of the storm". Ive got a busy, imaginative, lovable, playful 4 year old.Who is passionate about his new favorite sport "swimming". 
Ive got a 22 month old that is determined and waiting for me to help him succeed at potty training. he wants so badly to sleep in his big boy bed all night and grow up big like his brother. 
And then we have sweet baby Spencer who is 9 months old and on the verge of walking and taking toys away from his brothers. 
Along with all this Perry and I are trying to repaint and design our bathroom into a froggy thyme for the boys. I am really looking forward to moving on and enjoying all these new and exciting adventures each of our kids are diving into, and the excitement of fixing up our home. Welcome to the "eye of the storm" were you leave all your worries behind and enjoy the peace. Love you all and thanks for all your love and support. I will keep you posted along this journey.
Now onto bigger and better things. "MY FAMILY"
Thursday, January 29, 2009
In The Eye Of The Storm
Posted by Keri at 7:49 PM
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8 Little Monkeys:
I am amazed at your courage. Keep fighting, I have had a couple of good days, but I know that we just have to keep pushing. Thank you for inspiring me and touching my life. You remain in my prayers
That sounds amazing with the cancer treatment. I am glad that there is another option out there that could bring happiness to you. We love you guys, and are very grateful for your strength and example. As always, we'll keep praying for you. :)
I think it's totally amazing that you were able to talk to a doctor at the Mayo Clinic! That's a pretty prestigious place. I'm so glad that you (and the doctor) were able to come up with a plan that YOU are comfortable with.
Good luck these next few months. Oh, and I LOVE the rug in the picture with Spencer and Trevor. Fabulous.
Keri, you are so couragous and strong!! I'm very glad to hear that there are other options out there for you because I know how much you do not want to do the radiation. Things happen for a reason and you were able to talk to your doctor on the phone and get a plan....that's awesome!!
Enjoy your family!!! Give my sweet nephews a kiss! Candy and family
That is a crazy whirlwind. Thank goodness for inspired friends and bishops and prayer and the scriptures. Way to keep the faith, Keri! That is awesome that you found a new idea for treatment. We will pray that that is a successful method for you as well. That is great that you have your house to put many energies in at this time (well, maybe you don't feel that way) and also your boys to keep you busy, and distracted from your worries. How great that Tyler loves swimming so much. Keep him at it. My kids can't wait to take swim lessons again this summer.
I love you Keri! Keep your head up!
You are such an inspiration of courage and faith. Thanks for all you do! I am glad you were able to make a plan with a doctor that created some hope and peace. Dave's new job is only about 5 mins from where we live so we'll be here in Utah for a while. You remain in my fasts, thoughts, and prayers!
My sister Kristin is living in Rochester right now while her husband finishes his residency at Mayo. If you need any help, she's a good one to contact.
Here's a ribbit for the frog bathroom--too cute.
Awe Keri, I'm so sorry about all your stress! What a trial. You are amazingly strong. We'll be here until the first of June, hopefully we'll see you before we leave. I'd love to hear who your dr is out here, and help in anyways. We've got a good network here that could really help you out, when you do come with a place to stay for you and your family if you need it. Email me at my last name (wallace) first name (kristin) at yahoo.com and we'll talk.
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