Hey there team kelly...she had a much better day today! She is still so tired, but she got out of the house today! She got some fresh chilly air and even drove herself over to see one of her BFFs for a few minutes. She is still struggling with sleep, but her spirit is much better. We definitely feel you praying. Kelly almost feels guilty for sharing such raw emotions with you because today she feels stonger. No guilt would He want her to feel...just renewed spirit and restoration so she can fight! Thank you for lifting her up today through your texts, emails, facebook messages, visits, calls and prayers!
This verse has been reminding us of your continued support and our faithful undeniable HOPE!
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19
Prayer requests for tonight:
1. For sleep and her restlessness to subside!
2. For her appetite post gall bladder surgery...dietary changes etc.
3. For her spirit to keep building!
4. Thank Him for you, Team Kelly, who keeps her fighting!
5. For anxiety over her hair/eyelashes and upcoming treatment.
6. For jason, will, ben, sam and ella...always
Ps. We are working on a new TK shirt! Will let you know when they are available :)
Got Hope? Expecting Miracles with TEAM KELLY!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
text from kelly...
Some days are harder than others... I got this text in the night from Kelly and knew it was gonna be one of the harder days...
It's 1:30 in morning I can't sleep at all so I will write......
Here are my raw emotions right now.
I am tired. I am tired of hurting from the gall bladder and the surgery. I'm tired of nausea and throwing up. I'm tired of feeling foggy headed. Tired of not wanting anything to drink or eat. I am tired of worrying about my hair falling out again!!! I'm tired of worrying about my eyelashes! I'm tired of worrying about the stupid tumor. I'm tired of worrying about the blood clot and if I have taken my shots today. I am just so tired. It is a kind of tired that can't fight anymore. It's just too hard. My spirits are down and I don't feeling like I can keep doing this. Life will be so much better in heaven.
But then my very next thoughts are..... I have too many people fighting and praying for me to just give up. I have too many friends cheering me on. I have 4 kids that need their mom and a husband I want to grow old with. Life is precious and such a beautiful gift and I want to experience it to its fullest. I do not have time to be sick!!! I have too much to do, to teach, to learn, to see and to experience. I do not want to let any of you down.
Just writing this makes me feel better already. I am going to take this time in the wee early morning to do what I try to teach my kids.....if you can't sleep, pray for all those you know. Please know that I pray for you. Some are heavier on my heart tonight. I am heavy on my own heart. I'm praying for just today. I need to have a good day. For good news. To be a BOLD witness and a fighting spirit for all of us! Thank you God for my friends and my family. Thank you for today!!
And also God, thank you for the lady 30 years older than me at the chemo lounge. Thank you for allowing us to share the same birthday and that our paths crossed again. Thank you for healing her!
On the drive over to Kelly's, we reached out to some of our biggest prayer warriors...knowing it was going to be a heavy hard day. Once Kim and I got to her house this morning, we discovered Kelly hadn't slept since writing that text. She was mentally and physically and emotionally exhausted. We hugged each other tight. We cried and we prayed hard while holding onto that gold piece of yarn from Nana Gaines. We took deep breaths and found ways to laugh when we didn't think there would be anything to smile about today. Amongst all the tears...there were so many blessings our loving Father showed us today.
As we drove to the chemo lounge to get fluids, we read a blog post (a friend of a friend) who is going through chemo for the first time. She shared about shaving her head and how difficult it was for her to wear a wig for the first time. She wrote about how crazy it is that she can wear false eyelashes, colored contacts, tons of make-up, etc...then worry so much about a wig looking natural. Kelly is losing her hair again with this chemo and as she said above she is really worried about her eyelashes. Reading this blog after Kim had to give her a buzz cut this morning was no coincidence. God knew we needed some perspective, some empathy. In fact, so many things about Jill's blog spoke to us. Especially when she spoke about forgetting to pray when things are going good and how God orchestrates encounters with complete strangers that benefit both parties giving Him all the Glory! Thank you Camey for sharing Jill with us today.
Once we got to the chemo lounge, Tammy had saved our favorite spot...the back corner booth which is the largest with 2 chairs! (cuz kelly always has her entourage with her :)) So the next blessing unfolded quickly...Tammy has told us a couple times about Grace. She is a young mom battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer just like Kelly. She was diagnosed in February. Just as Kelly was a year ago. She is undergoing treatment with little ones at home. She wasn't feeling well today and it broke our hearts. Kelly could see in her eyes how she was feeling...she's been there many times. Kim and I could identify with her mom...that helpless feeling of just wanting to take it away from her loved one. Kelly shared with Grace about her experience with treatment and Dr. Savin in hopes to give Grace some hope today. Another perfectly orchestrated encounter...Grace must have needed that encouragement today and it felt good to give it to her. To let God's light shine through us and through Kelly's incredible fight.
Later today, Kelly was blessed with a surprise visit from Trisha...and later on Dawn...some much needed friend time. Tons of texts from a whole bunch of you loving TK prayer warriors...each one of them offering encouragement and laughter. They were so good for her soul! Even now, as she was settling into her bedtime routine, starting to worry about her night and craving sleep without restless tense muscles...Shannon sent her a text saying she was praying for her to get good sleep tonight! Thank you to Shannon and Marlena for ensuring a good restful night's sleep. God is taking care of our Kelly.
So her spirit is broken. It's time, Team Kelly, for us to build her up. Let's help her restore that beautiful spirit that warms all of our hearts every time we see Kelly. She has been there for all of us time and time again. How many times has she blessed you?...with her smile when you were having a good or bad day...with her tight hugs around your neck...with her prayers for you and your family...with her kisses on your babies...with her love-oozing doting compliments to your kids...with her over-exuberant hellos that have probably scared your children at some point!?! She misses doing these things and so much more. She wants to be enjoying life with her family and all of you. She wants to feel joy in her heart! Feeling sorrowful and defeated has taken its toll on her and it is time for us to do something! Our thoughts today in the chemo lounge were to circle her home while holding hands and lifting her tired worn out spirit to our Lord. Let's pray fiercely for her spirit to be restored!! We aren't sure of when we will do this...but very soon we will gather and pray and circle the Stewart home wearing our Team Kelly shirts!!
Thank you, Team Kelly, for your love and compassion and prayers...always!
It's 1:30 in morning I can't sleep at all so I will write......
Here are my raw emotions right now.
I am tired. I am tired of hurting from the gall bladder and the surgery. I'm tired of nausea and throwing up. I'm tired of feeling foggy headed. Tired of not wanting anything to drink or eat. I am tired of worrying about my hair falling out again!!! I'm tired of worrying about my eyelashes! I'm tired of worrying about the stupid tumor. I'm tired of worrying about the blood clot and if I have taken my shots today. I am just so tired. It is a kind of tired that can't fight anymore. It's just too hard. My spirits are down and I don't feeling like I can keep doing this. Life will be so much better in heaven.
But then my very next thoughts are..... I have too many people fighting and praying for me to just give up. I have too many friends cheering me on. I have 4 kids that need their mom and a husband I want to grow old with. Life is precious and such a beautiful gift and I want to experience it to its fullest. I do not have time to be sick!!! I have too much to do, to teach, to learn, to see and to experience. I do not want to let any of you down.
Just writing this makes me feel better already. I am going to take this time in the wee early morning to do what I try to teach my kids.....if you can't sleep, pray for all those you know. Please know that I pray for you. Some are heavier on my heart tonight. I am heavy on my own heart. I'm praying for just today. I need to have a good day. For good news. To be a BOLD witness and a fighting spirit for all of us! Thank you God for my friends and my family. Thank you for today!!
And also God, thank you for the lady 30 years older than me at the chemo lounge. Thank you for allowing us to share the same birthday and that our paths crossed again. Thank you for healing her!
On the drive over to Kelly's, we reached out to some of our biggest prayer warriors...knowing it was going to be a heavy hard day. Once Kim and I got to her house this morning, we discovered Kelly hadn't slept since writing that text. She was mentally and physically and emotionally exhausted. We hugged each other tight. We cried and we prayed hard while holding onto that gold piece of yarn from Nana Gaines. We took deep breaths and found ways to laugh when we didn't think there would be anything to smile about today. Amongst all the tears...there were so many blessings our loving Father showed us today.
As we drove to the chemo lounge to get fluids, we read a blog post (a friend of a friend) who is going through chemo for the first time. She shared about shaving her head and how difficult it was for her to wear a wig for the first time. She wrote about how crazy it is that she can wear false eyelashes, colored contacts, tons of make-up, etc...then worry so much about a wig looking natural. Kelly is losing her hair again with this chemo and as she said above she is really worried about her eyelashes. Reading this blog after Kim had to give her a buzz cut this morning was no coincidence. God knew we needed some perspective, some empathy. In fact, so many things about Jill's blog spoke to us. Especially when she spoke about forgetting to pray when things are going good and how God orchestrates encounters with complete strangers that benefit both parties giving Him all the Glory! Thank you Camey for sharing Jill with us today.
Once we got to the chemo lounge, Tammy had saved our favorite spot...the back corner booth which is the largest with 2 chairs! (cuz kelly always has her entourage with her :)) So the next blessing unfolded quickly...Tammy has told us a couple times about Grace. She is a young mom battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer just like Kelly. She was diagnosed in February. Just as Kelly was a year ago. She is undergoing treatment with little ones at home. She wasn't feeling well today and it broke our hearts. Kelly could see in her eyes how she was feeling...she's been there many times. Kim and I could identify with her mom...that helpless feeling of just wanting to take it away from her loved one. Kelly shared with Grace about her experience with treatment and Dr. Savin in hopes to give Grace some hope today. Another perfectly orchestrated encounter...Grace must have needed that encouragement today and it felt good to give it to her. To let God's light shine through us and through Kelly's incredible fight.
Later today, Kelly was blessed with a surprise visit from Trisha...and later on Dawn...some much needed friend time. Tons of texts from a whole bunch of you loving TK prayer warriors...each one of them offering encouragement and laughter. They were so good for her soul! Even now, as she was settling into her bedtime routine, starting to worry about her night and craving sleep without restless tense muscles...Shannon sent her a text saying she was praying for her to get good sleep tonight! Thank you to Shannon and Marlena for ensuring a good restful night's sleep. God is taking care of our Kelly.
So her spirit is broken. It's time, Team Kelly, for us to build her up. Let's help her restore that beautiful spirit that warms all of our hearts every time we see Kelly. She has been there for all of us time and time again. How many times has she blessed you?...with her smile when you were having a good or bad day...with her tight hugs around your neck...with her prayers for you and your family...with her kisses on your babies...with her love-oozing doting compliments to your kids...with her over-exuberant hellos that have probably scared your children at some point!?! She misses doing these things and so much more. She wants to be enjoying life with her family and all of you. She wants to feel joy in her heart! Feeling sorrowful and defeated has taken its toll on her and it is time for us to do something! Our thoughts today in the chemo lounge were to circle her home while holding hands and lifting her tired worn out spirit to our Lord. Let's pray fiercely for her spirit to be restored!! We aren't sure of when we will do this...but very soon we will gather and pray and circle the Stewart home wearing our Team Kelly shirts!!
Thank you, Team Kelly, for your love and compassion and prayers...always!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
answered prayers...
Hey there team kelly :) We are updating you from the chemo lounge...YES SHE IS GETTING CHEMO TODAY!! Her counts are great! Her platelets have doubled and her white blood cells are normal. Tumor marker has come down too since surgery and the last chemo 2 weeks ago. In other words, the chemo is working! After today's treatment, she will take a week off and begin another round May 2nd. Thank you for always praying and always encouraging Kelly and our entire family.
So many of you have reached out to Kelly and touched her in a way that only God can...thank you for allowing Him to use you in her fight. One person in particular, Amy (her sorority sister) sent her a Facebook message. Kelly has held onto Amy's story and this quote she gave her has really helped her this past week...
"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.
I believe in love, even when I do not feel it.
I believe in God, even when He is silent" - Author Unknown
We are never going to understand the workings of God on this side of heaven, but I know that He is watching over you and cries when you cry. Hold on tightly - you're doing an amazing job fighting! Love you,
Amy
The Otteson family has witnessed God's miracles first hand. We wanted to share it with you...
Gore's story on the Today Show
Amy and her husband Dave have written a book, Giving up Gore, on their experience. We are downloading our copy right now! Thank you Amy for reaching out to Kelly. God bless you and your family!
Some prayer requests for now:
1. To keep healing from last week's surgery.
2. Kelly's had some trouble with nausea and pain medicine...pray we can manage the right medicines to keep her feeling good so she can fight.
3. For the side effects to be minimal
4. For appetite and hydration
5. Thank Him for Tammy...our nurse, our advocate, and our friend. God created one very special lady.
Team Kelly...meet Tammy :)
So many of you have reached out to Kelly and touched her in a way that only God can...thank you for allowing Him to use you in her fight. One person in particular, Amy (her sorority sister) sent her a Facebook message. Kelly has held onto Amy's story and this quote she gave her has really helped her this past week...
"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.
I believe in love, even when I do not feel it.
I believe in God, even when He is silent" - Author Unknown
We are never going to understand the workings of God on this side of heaven, but I know that He is watching over you and cries when you cry. Hold on tightly - you're doing an amazing job fighting! Love you,
Amy
The Otteson family has witnessed God's miracles first hand. We wanted to share it with you...
Gore's story on the Today Show
Amy and her husband Dave have written a book, Giving up Gore, on their experience. We are downloading our copy right now! Thank you Amy for reaching out to Kelly. God bless you and your family!
Some prayer requests for now:
1. To keep healing from last week's surgery.
2. Kelly's had some trouble with nausea and pain medicine...pray we can manage the right medicines to keep her feeling good so she can fight.
3. For the side effects to be minimal
4. For appetite and hydration
5. Thank Him for Tammy...our nurse, our advocate, and our friend. God created one very special lady.
Team Kelly...meet Tammy :)
Friday, April 12, 2013
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!!
We are doing the victory dance cuz we needed a win today! And that is just what God gave us!
Kelly's surgeon was able to remove her gall bladder laparoscopically!! This is a huge blessing as the recovery will be much easier...she went in at 6am and was home by 10am!! The doctor said he drained about a liter of fluid from her tummy. The gall bladder was very enlarged and that coupled with the fluid was causing the distention and pain. With these gone, she is going to feel a whole lot better!
Way to go TEAM KELLY...our biggest cheer leaders!
Coming through the VICTORY line...
Kelly's surgeon was able to remove her gall bladder laparoscopically!! This is a huge blessing as the recovery will be much easier...she went in at 6am and was home by 10am!! The doctor said he drained about a liter of fluid from her tummy. The gall bladder was very enlarged and that coupled with the fluid was causing the distention and pain. With these gone, she is going to feel a whole lot better!
Way to go TEAM KELLY...our biggest cheer leaders!
Coming through the VICTORY line...
Thursday, April 11, 2013
somebody's prayin'...
Kelly was feeling great Tuesday and Wednesday, but woke up this morning very sick. She met with Dr. Savin today and he recommends removing her gall bladder. Surgery is set for 7:30am tomorrow morning.
Kelly prayed so hard last night for God to take away this pain in her tummy. Hopefully this is how He plans to answer those prayers.
Please pray that the surgery can be done laparoscopically. We want as few days at the hospital as possible.
We will keep everyone posted on how she's doing and are so thankful for the prayers and support Team Kelly sends us all everyday.
One of Kelly's friends shared a special song with her this last week. It brought her to tears as each lyric speaks right to her heart. She can genuinely feel all of your prayers.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Quick update...
Kelly is doing so good!!! She is halfway through the transfusion. She actually woke up today feeling so much better and hungry! God has answered our prayers once again.
Now for the really important stuff...I SCREWED UP KELLY'S PHONE!!!! Yep, lost every contact, text, picture etc! If she had ever in her life backed it up that might have helped. But nope, it's gone (sayin' this like duck dynasty dude:)). Soooo can you help me get my job back as Kelly's scribe cuz I'm fired til I get all your numbers and emails back in her phone! So if you would share your contact info via text to Kelly's phone. Thank you TEAM KELLY! We will keep you updated on the scan and treatment this week.
Now for the really important stuff...I SCREWED UP KELLY'S PHONE!!!! Yep, lost every contact, text, picture etc! If she had ever in her life backed it up that might have helped. But nope, it's gone (sayin' this like duck dynasty dude:)). Soooo can you help me get my job back as Kelly's scribe cuz I'm fired til I get all your numbers and emails back in her phone! So if you would share your contact info via text to Kelly's phone. Thank you TEAM KELLY! We will keep you updated on the scan and treatment this week.
team kelly gives Him the glory!
Hi there Team Kelly. We are so grateful for each one of you. All of you are so loving. So kind. So Christ-like. God's compassion oozes out of you with every text, call, email and visit. Please know you make our hearts warm and give us so much encouragement. She reads them all (more than just once) and they make her want to keep fighting!
Treatment last Thursday was really hard on her. She is still really groggy, nauseated and so very sleepy. A lot of this is all the drugs they are giving her (narcotic pain reliever, anti-nausea/anxiety etc.) But the chemo seems to be harder on her than what the typical side effects are on other patients. She received several bags of fluid over the weekend and today.
Kelly's white blood cells are good but her platelets are really low which may be causing some of the symptoms she's having. Today she will get a blood transfusion. This should help her feel a whole lot better and lift the fog. Please pray for this transfusion to give her the energy she needs to keep fighting! (transfusion is 4 hours 12:30pm-4:30pm)
Because Kelly has been feeling so nauseated, the CT scan has been postponed. We are hoping after the transfusion today, she will be able to get the scan Wednesday. Her doctor appointment and second treatment are scheduled for Thursday.
On all these restless nights, trust me when I say, she prays for all of you. What God has taught her in this experience is that spending time in prayer calms your heart and gives you peace. Ben had trouble falling asleep the other night so Kelly told him to pray. She told him when you think and pray for others, you take the focus off yourself and it return God eliminates the anxiety. She knows all of you pray for her and so by lifting each and everyone of you in prayer gives her joy and a sence of giving back.
Kim reminded her on a day that she was crying, that even on really hard days our ultimate goal is to glorify God in all that we do. When we do give God the glory, He shows us mercy and grace and joy in everything. Simple acts of kindness, listening to laughter, hugs from friends and complete strangers. We are all brothers and sisters in Him. Thank you for glorifying the Father! Here are some of the glories Team Kelly has blessed us with:
-remodeling the boys room
-kolby and cole's lemonade stand
-hugs from total strangers in the chemo lab...
-snapchatting with her neices and nephews (even got uncle blake chattin' :))
-ella and friends' lemonade stand this past Saturday (they only charged $3 a glass!)
-ella's picture on the fridge she made special for her mom
-the kids compassion keeps her fighting...they minister to her
-nurses named Tammy!!
-praying with her kids...asking for just our daily bread
-magnets reminding her to hope from Amy
-adorable cheetah hat from Sherri
-facebook messages on her wall
-texts texts texts!
-sunflowers
Treatment last Thursday was really hard on her. She is still really groggy, nauseated and so very sleepy. A lot of this is all the drugs they are giving her (narcotic pain reliever, anti-nausea/anxiety etc.) But the chemo seems to be harder on her than what the typical side effects are on other patients. She received several bags of fluid over the weekend and today.
Kelly's white blood cells are good but her platelets are really low which may be causing some of the symptoms she's having. Today she will get a blood transfusion. This should help her feel a whole lot better and lift the fog. Please pray for this transfusion to give her the energy she needs to keep fighting! (transfusion is 4 hours 12:30pm-4:30pm)
Because Kelly has been feeling so nauseated, the CT scan has been postponed. We are hoping after the transfusion today, she will be able to get the scan Wednesday. Her doctor appointment and second treatment are scheduled for Thursday.
On all these restless nights, trust me when I say, she prays for all of you. What God has taught her in this experience is that spending time in prayer calms your heart and gives you peace. Ben had trouble falling asleep the other night so Kelly told him to pray. She told him when you think and pray for others, you take the focus off yourself and it return God eliminates the anxiety. She knows all of you pray for her and so by lifting each and everyone of you in prayer gives her joy and a sence of giving back.
Kim reminded her on a day that she was crying, that even on really hard days our ultimate goal is to glorify God in all that we do. When we do give God the glory, He shows us mercy and grace and joy in everything. Simple acts of kindness, listening to laughter, hugs from friends and complete strangers. We are all brothers and sisters in Him. Thank you for glorifying the Father! Here are some of the glories Team Kelly has blessed us with:
-remodeling the boys room
-kolby and cole's lemonade stand
-hugs from total strangers in the chemo lab...
-snapchatting with her neices and nephews (even got uncle blake chattin' :))
-ella and friends' lemonade stand this past Saturday (they only charged $3 a glass!)
-ella's picture on the fridge she made special for her mom
-the kids compassion keeps her fighting...they minister to her
-nurses named Tammy!!
-praying with her kids...asking for just our daily bread
-magnets reminding her to hope from Amy
-adorable cheetah hat from Sherri
-facebook messages on her wall
-texts texts texts!
-sunflowers
From Jesus Today:
Sometimes My Sovereign Hand - My control over your life - places you in humbling circumstances. You feel held down, and powerless to change things. You long to break free and feel in control of your life once again. Although this is an uncomfortable position, it is actually a good place to be. Your discomfort awakens you from the slumber of routine and reminds you that I am in charge of your life. It also presents you with an important choice: You can lash out at your circumstances - resenting My ways with you - or you can draw closer to Me. When you are suffering, your need for me is greater than ever. The more you choose to come near Me, affirming your trust in Me, the more you can fine HOPE in My unfailing love. You can even learn to be joyful in HOPE while waiting in My Presence -- where Joy abounds. Persevere in trusting Me, and I will eventually lift you up. Meanwhile cast all your anxiety on Me, knowing that I care for you affectionatly and am watching over you continually.
Prayer requests for this week:
1. For the transfusion today to boost her platelets, energy and spirit
2. For the CT scan coming up
3. For the next chemo treatment to not be as hard on her
4. For this new regimine to be shrinking tumors
5. For rest and appetite
6. For us to always glorify God
7. For jason, will, ben, sam and ella...always
Sometimes My Sovereign Hand - My control over your life - places you in humbling circumstances. You feel held down, and powerless to change things. You long to break free and feel in control of your life once again. Although this is an uncomfortable position, it is actually a good place to be. Your discomfort awakens you from the slumber of routine and reminds you that I am in charge of your life. It also presents you with an important choice: You can lash out at your circumstances - resenting My ways with you - or you can draw closer to Me. When you are suffering, your need for me is greater than ever. The more you choose to come near Me, affirming your trust in Me, the more you can fine HOPE in My unfailing love. You can even learn to be joyful in HOPE while waiting in My Presence -- where Joy abounds. Persevere in trusting Me, and I will eventually lift you up. Meanwhile cast all your anxiety on Me, knowing that I care for you affectionatly and am watching over you continually.
Prayer requests for this week:
1. For the transfusion today to boost her platelets, energy and spirit
2. For the CT scan coming up
3. For the next chemo treatment to not be as hard on her
4. For this new regimine to be shrinking tumors
5. For rest and appetite
6. For us to always glorify God
7. For jason, will, ben, sam and ella...always
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