I’m Ready!

10/30/2007 Estreitta 0 Comments



Switchfoot – "Learning To Breathe"
 
Hello, good morning, how you do?
What makes your rising sun so new?
I could use a fresh beginning too
All of my regrets are nothing new
So this is the way that I say I need You
This is the way
This is the way that I'm

..:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />


CHORUS:
Learning to breathe
I'm learning to crawl
I'm finding that You and You alone can break my fall
I'm living again, awake and alive
I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies

Hello, good morning, how you been?
Yesterday left my head kicked in
I never, never thought that
I would fall like that
Never knew that I could hurt this bad



BRIDGE:
So this is the way that I say I need You
This is the way that I say I love You
This is the way that I say I'm Yours
This is the way, this is the way
I think the "Learning to Breathe Song" really puts things into perspective for me right now, about taking one day at a time.  Almost like "stopping and smelling the roses" or standing back to see the bigger picture and reveling and focus on the fact in that God's got my health and any thing else in my body that shouldn't be there all under His control. He is so good to me!




Hebrews 13:20-21 (Amplified Bible)

Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation


20Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament),(A)
 21Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).



LATEST UPDATE:


I am doing good.  I've have been busy with work projects.  it has been very fun and yet a VERY involved process.   Erik and I have been visiting several Churches over the past few months to get connected with other young married couples.  Please pray God gives us direction to where we can plant ourselves.  Erik Celebrated his 3rd anniversary with his company on October 4th and Maeze is excited that winter is coming because the mosquitos will start to die off.





After speaking with Dr. Perry about us deciding she is the Doctor we liked, she said the next step would be to meet with a Plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction surgery.  So about two weeks ago,  Erik and I visited with the Plastic Surgeon Dr. Perry recommended Dr. Christine Stiles:  


Dr. Christine Carman Stiles, Frisco Plastic Surgery


Education


-Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY, Bachelor of Science, 1988



- State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, Doctorate of Medicine, 1992

Residency Training


- Pediatric Medicine - The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, 1992-1995



- Integrated General Surgery / Plastic Surgery: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania / University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 1995-2001


Affiliations



- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Active Member 2005


- American Academy of Pediatrics, Fellow
- American Medical Association 



- Texas Medical Association


Dr. Stiles was very nice and took the time to explain the different procedures.  Due to the fact that I will have radiation therapy, I will have to wait 6 months after the treatments are completed to have the reconstruction surgery, probably some time next summer




On Tuesday I called Dr. Perry's Office and spoke with Patty, (who is a believer and VERY Helpful), to ask about when my surgery would be scheduled.  We talked about a few dates and finally settled for Monday, October 29.  I will have to do a "lymph node drip" procedure @ ..:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 />7:30 am. Then at 8:30 am I will have to go to the Day Surgery Center at Denton Regional Hospital to have the lumpectomy.  Dr. Perry will be performing the surgery.


Lumpectomy - Breast-conserving surgery
Any form of surgery that removes only part of the breast is considered "breast-conserving" or "breast preservation" surgery. You may hear your surgeon use any one of several names: biopsy, lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, re-excision, quadrantectomy, wedge resection. Technically, a lumpectomy is a partial mastectomy, because part of the breast is removed.  For more information on the surgery click here

Prior to the surgery they will test my lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.   She will be removing the "suspicious" area. The duct and any other areas they noticed on the MRI reports and the direction of the Pathologist.   Once the area is removed they will study it closer and give us the results of the lumpectomy.


If it is anything like my gallbladder surgery, I will probably be heading home around 7 or 8 pm that same night.   It was nice to sleep in my own bed!  My mom and Erik will be with me to take care of me.  I want to stay in a hotel the night before since it is about an hour away from our house. Then I can get the most sleep and not have to wake up at 4:30 in the Morning!!!


I will be recovering the rest of the week. And will be working from home the following week.  My Company & my Boss have been extremely supportive.  I am so grateful!   I am hoping that in December Erik and I can go somewhere nice for a vacation.  We haven't had a "true" vacation since before we moved to Texas in 2004.  It will be nice to get away.

thanks for your continued prayers.  We are all beleiving for complete healing and restoration to my body.  i'll keep you posted on how everything goes or have Erik Post something here for me to let you all know!


Living life to the Fullest!
Estreitta

0 comments :

I’m More than Fine

10/16/2007 Estreitta 1 Comments

Artist: SWITCHFOOT
Song: More Than Fine
Album: The Beautiful Letdown (2003)
When I wake in the morning,
I want to blow into pieces.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.
When Im up with the sunrise
I want more than just blue skies.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.

Im not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.
Im not giving up, giving up, not backing down.

More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.

When Im wet with the sunshine.
I want more than just a good time.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.

Im not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.
Im not giving up, giving up, not selling out.

More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.

More than oceans away from the dawn.
More than oceans away from the dawn.
More than oceans away from who we are
More than oceans, more than oceans, yeah.

More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
and this week I am definitely more than fine.  God is Good and he continues to bring me overwhelming peace.  Alot has happend since my last update.  After meeting with the first surgeon, Erik and I decided that I would go and find another Doctor, as this doctor was stressed out and very negative and abrupt personallity. 
So The investigation began,  Both Erik and i looked online for a surgeon then would go and check to see if my insurance would cover it.  Specifically I was looking for a female Surgeon and one that i would connect with.
So Monday I also had my MRI scheduled.  It was an interesting experience.  they had me lay on my stomach on a table.  I was on an incline.  and they told me that i would be in the same position for about an hour.  well as the time passed it got hotter and hotter and my back was aching and my stomach was getting a little queezey.  It was really loud in t here, thankfully they gave me ear plugs cause my ear would have been ringing for sure.  They took over 1000 scans of both my left and right side.  they want to check to see if the calcifications have spread more than the mamagrams showed.  it will take a couple days until we know any more.  the little amount of discomfort i had in the MRI will help us in making the best decision on how to proceed next.
So after the MRI I had to go about 45 miles north from downtown fort worth to Denton, Texas (minneapolis terms like going to St. Cloud from the cities) to go see Dr. Kerri Lyn Perry.
..

Kerri L. Perry, MD FACS

Diplomate American Board of Surgery, General, Breast and Laparoscopic Surgery 
I have to say she is the fresh perspective i needed.  She is boisterous and very forward-thinking. She took the time to answer any questions we had.  She also felt that a lumpectomy is possible rather than a mastectomy.  She also submitted my blood for genetic testing to see if i am "predispositioned" genetically because of my aunt and grandmother. 

It will take a few weeks before we get the results. Although, I am believing that it will come back negative. Once we know what we are dealing with, we will then make the decision on what type of surgery i will be having and it will be happening in the next few weeks.
All you, my dear friends and family, have been very supportive.  your kind words, prayers and encouragement have been such a great source of strength for me.  words really cannot express how blessed i have been to have each and every one in my life.  God continues to be so good to me!< DIV>
Living life to the Fullest,
Estreitta

Psalm 23:6 (Amplified Bible)

Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.


1 comments :

A Presidential Candidate I can relate with.

10/05/2007 Estreitta 0 Comments




my hubby and I have had very little excitement over most of the republican candidates so far. We typically vote republican mostly because of their stance on Marriage and Right to life. (unfortunately even some of the "frontrunners" like Guliani is more of a liberal republican and has also been married 3 times, McCain more center conservative but married 2 times, same for Fred Thompson) I truly think people do make mistakes, but it just doesn't sit right with me & erik that several of these candidates have an issue with commitment to their marriages.
i do also have to mention, that there are some aspects of the democrats that i appreciate (taking care of the poor, education, and healthcare - Which incedently is supposted to be taken care of by the body of Christ, but I wont go there today) Unfortaunately many of Dem platforms do not align with my core beliefs. 
so I can't in good conscience vote for a democrat or repuplican for that matter that doesn't exude moral values. i digress...
So anyway, on Saturday Erik and I talked about all the candidates and he mentioned Mike Huckabee being a bass player and he liked that about him.  I told him we should "look him up" and this is what we found Michael Dale "Mike" Huckabee (born August 24, 1955) is a former governor of the U.S. state of Arkansas, having served from 1996 to 2007. He was the third Republican governor of the state since Reconstruction. He officially announced his candidacy for the 2008 United States presidential election on January 28, 2007, and has been running a national campaign since then...
Huckabee is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and considered a strong social conservative. He is well known for losing 110 pounds and advocating a healthy lifestyle. [1] While his campaign has not raised nearly as much money as other top-tier candidates, Huckabee placed second in the Iowa Straw Poll on August 11, 2007, garnering 18.1% of the vote to third place finisher Sam Brownback (15.3%) and first place finisher Mitt Romney
How did they meet and get engaged? It was young love for Mike and Janet, who met during junior high school. The two started dating their senior year of high school. Before Mike proposed, he asked permission from Janet's mother and stepfather. "I didn't have money for a ring yet, so I used a pull-tab from a soda can and proposed to her in her living room," Mike says.
Early life
Huckabee was born in Hope, Arkansas, to Mae Elder and Dorsey W. Huckabee. He was elected Governor of Arkansas Boys State in 1972 and is a Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Alumnus. He graduated magna cum laude from Ouachita Baptist University, completing his bachelors degree in 2½ years before attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas[2]
Prior to his political career, Huckabee was pastor of several Southern Baptist churches in Arkadelphia, Texarkana, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He served as president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention from 1989 to 1991 and as president of a religion-oriented television station.
Political positions
Main article: Political positions of Mike Huckabee
·         Huckabee is pro-life, and opposes same-sex marriages, and civil unions
·         Huckabee is against gun control and is an avid hunter.
·         Huckabee supports the death penalty
·         Huckabee has expressed support for allowing Creationism and Intelligent Design in school science classes along with Evolution.
·         Huckabee supports the War in Iraq, the troop surge and the continued operation of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.[1]
·         Huckabee endorsed the use of foreign workers from ..:Canada and Mexico for agricultural labor[52], opposed McCain/Kennedy immigration bill[53] and believes the United States' number one priority should be to secure America's borders.[54]. He said of the border, "Police it, absolutely. Militarize it, no." [55] In an interview with CBS news Huckabee said that his intends to reach out to minorities, unions and other traditional Democratic groups. "If Republicans don't win minority votes and votes that we traditionally don't get, Hillary Clinton's the next president," Huckabee said in a teleconference with reporters while campaigning in Iowa. [56]
·         Huckabee supports the FairTax as a replacement for the current tax system.[57]
·         The FairTax (H.R.25/S.1025) is a bill in the United States Congress for changing tax laws to replace the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and all federal income taxes (including Alternative Minimum Tax), payroll taxes (including Social Security and Medicare taxes), corporate taxes, capital gains taxes, gift taxes, and estate taxes with a national retail sales tax, to be levied once at the point of purchase on all new goods and services. The proposal also calls for a monthly payment to households of citizens and legal resident aliens (based on family size) as an advance rebate of tax on purchases up to the poverty level for the following month.[2] The sales tax rate, as defined in the legislation, is 23% of the total register price (23¢ of every $1—
·         Calculated the same way as income taxes), which is comparable to a 30% traditional state sales tax (30¢ on top of every $1).[3] Because the U.S. tax system has a hidden effect on prices,[4] it is expected that moving to the FairTax would decrease production costs from the removal of business taxes and compliance costs, which is predicted to offset a portion of the FairTax effect on prices. [5]    
There are a few articles that have been written about him here are a few interesting ones i came across today:

http://www.crelectiontracker.com/?p=1280 
http://www.charismamag.com/display.php?id=15934

0 comments :

I’m Never Alone

10/04/2007 Estreitta 1 Comments

Well lots has happened since I Last wrote.  And in the midst of this i am realizing everyday that I am not alone... God has truly been with me every step of the way, and so has my wonderful hubby, Erik.  I can't say this enough but everyone's prayers, emails, cards, phonecalls have been so encouraging.  This too reminds me that I am not alone.
Well, on Friday, September 21, I spoke with Dr. Perry my surgeon.  She told me that the results came back from the BRACA test and it came back negative for the "cancer gene"  PRAISE GOD!!!
I was confident that the results would be negative.  God is so good.
As for the MRI Results, because of my biopsy the area was a little difficult to see, but she said it gives her and idea of the area to do the surgery. but the Right side is free of any suspicious areas. PRAISE GOD!!!!
Dr. Perry  also believes because of the results of the BRACA test,  that a lumpectomy will suffice.  PRAISE GOD!!!
We are looking at doing the surgery at the end of October, early November.
So as you can see I have had some good news recently.  But i am still believing for complete healing. 
However with the lumpectomy i will have to undergo radiation therapy for 5 days a week for 6 weeks. and then take this medicine for 5 years called Tamoxaphen.  the bad part is that Erik and I should not get pregnant while i am taking this medicine.  This is hard news to hear, but i am still confident that My God is Bigger and so much can still happen between now and the time i'm supposed to have surgery.


Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

 5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
   don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
   he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
   Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
   your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
   give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
   your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
   don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
   a father's delight is behind all this.

1 comments :