answered prayers...

KELLY'S PET SCAN WAS CLEAR!!!!

did you hear me?? IT IS CLEAR!!!

God is so good.

The port placement went good without any complications. Tomorrow the battle begins. Chemo is at 9am. She will be on a 48 hour drip...a pouch she can wear around her waist. We are thankful she can get treatment at home even if it means sporting a fanny pack ;)

He answered prayers today. He held our hands. He is in control. He is so good.

Specific prayers for tomorrow:

1. Pray the side effects are minimal...and for whatever side effects she does have they can give her meds to minimize them.

2. Pray a big thank you for giving Kelly positive news today.

3. Pray that her anxiety lessens as she is just really scared of the unknown...this chemo is very harsh.

4. Pray another BIG thank you to our Father for watching over our family.

yesterday, today and tomorrow...

Yesterday...good day....lots of laughs with old friends. From one of her dearest (in reference to how many friends have resurfaced) --Kelly is like a Coke...she brings the world together :o)

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?” C.S. Lewis" Just love those BU college roomies.

Today...got the call to schedule a PET scan and port tomorrow!

1. Pray the scan is completely clear of any other tumors in her body. (6am)

2. Pray that Dr. Gogel places the port in Kelly with ease and no complications. (1pm)

3. This is day surgery, but also pray for it to be pain free for her.

4. Chemo starts Thursday...pray that her body accepts the treatment and begins to heal.

I keep making reference to our devotion...a dear friend of Kim's gave all us girls in the family this little book in case you want to know...it is "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

--If you try to carry tomorrow's burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat...It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present--

We are forever in debt to all of you for your continued prayers.

Houston...

Kelly and Jason made it to MD Anderson early yesterday morning to meet with Dr. Javle. He has some other treatment options that he is going to discuss with Dr. Savin (the oncologist here in Dallas). He wants Kelly to start treatment here and then come back to Houston for a CT scan in 3 months. I'm thanking God for a team of doctors collaborating on the very best treatment plans for Kelly. We are also grateful that treatment can be done here in Dallas. I know she is finding comfort in these answered prayers.

As scary as all this is, God is present. We feel Him all around our family through all your outpouring love and prayers. From yesterday's devotion --My loving Presence is sufficient to carry you through each day-- And that is what He did for Kelly and all of us yesterday. She got through a really scary day with His loving Presence....His arms wrapped tightly around our family...each one of us.

MD Anderson TOMORROW!

This is pure proof the PRAYER IS POWERFUL!
Kelly has an appointment at MD Anderson in Houston tomorrow morning, February 24th, at 10:00 am. She's not really sure what to expect, but they will be running plenty of tests. She's asking for lots of prayers for peace and understanding.
A Prayer For Peace:
     O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in return and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength.
     Isaiah 26:3, 30:15

Blessing and safe travels...
Gayla

kids...

thoughts and comments from the kids...

sam (9) --i wanna shave my head with you, mom.

will (13) --yeah good idea...let's do it!

ben (11) --yeah i'm in!

ella (7) --do i have to shave my head?....kel's reply...absolutely not!

cole (10) --a text to his friend...will you pray for my aunt kelly? we are all crying over here. and if you see me crying at school...please don't make fun of me...it's because my aunt kelly has cancer. his friend's reply...yes, i just prayed for kelly...and you can't cry, because if you cry, i'll cry.

cate (11) --mom is what aunt kelly has really serious?

dylan (4) --miss kelly, i hope you feel better. i miss you!

--look straight into your children's eyes and draw your strength from them. They are God's gift to us. --from Valerie

3 john 1:4 --I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in Truth.

Results

Kelly and Jason met with the doctor today at 3:00. He verified that she does have pancreatic cancer and it has spread to her liver. 


They felt confident with their doctor and he is very optimistic about treatment, although they will seek a second opinion at MD Anderson very soon.


Please continue to pray for peace, clarity, good doctors, and a successful treatment plan.


     The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
          - Deuteronomy 31:1


Sending lots of love,
Gayla

Big Plans

Your problems will pale when you view them in the light of My presence....a piece of our devotion from yesterday. Kelly has said many times that this is so much bigger than just us. God has something BIG planned to use Kelly in this way. There are so many people witnessing and experiencing this with us. Someone will be changed...I believe many actually will be changed, moved, brought to their knees...me being one of them. I pray God will use our family as a way of showing the lost and stumbling what He is capable of. He is in control. My sweet father-in-law preached just that last Sunday...in a commanding statement...like any good baptist preacher would say...BELIEVE IN GOD--HAVE FAITH IN HIM...with a loud preachy voice. I love that loud preachy voice that is kind of rare in his sermons. So right now, I leave my discouragement at the alter and walk away with Encouragement because I have Faith in Him to make this all ok.