I was scheduled to begin a clinical trial with MD Anderson Monday, Feb 16th. Scheduled. A normal, scheduled appointment to sign the consent forms for the trial and a post-radiation ultrasound changed those plans. I have struggled for the last few days if I wanted to share this news. I don’t think that every detail needs to be shared, especially before anything is confirmed, but I also know many of you are constantly lifting me up. And if you don’t have the opportunity to pray over the situation, you certainly miss out on the joy of seeing God’s work.
This is my friend, Vikki. I have many who support me, but she was the winner of this trip to Houston last week. She was by my side to keep me laughing. It started with an ultrasound, but what was found was fluid in my right lung. I was headed to my oncologist next, so we discussed the findings with him. The bottom line is to find why the fluid was there. The first step was a chest x-ray. By 5:15pm I was in the scheduler’s office waiting with a kind-hearted employee who was pulling all the strings to get Humana to approve a CT scan. She stayed til past 5:30, when she was off at 4:30, waiting for the email that let her schedule my scan. I was scanned and we were out of MDA pretty quick considering all that we had done that day. My oncologist called shortly after. He was walking through the airport on his way to Mexico and he took a look at my scan results. These people go above and beyond, don’t they?
Dr V said that there was significant fluid in my lung, on my lung… something. He compared it to a scan I had done in December that also showed fluid and there is definitely more now. I have been coughing for a few weeks and have found myself short of breath, so all this is concerning to us. I am waiting for an appointment to be set for this week where they will drain the fluid and test it for any signs of cancer or any other reason that fluid may be accumulating.
There are of course many reason why there may be fluid, but the reason that scares us most is a real possibility. Please continue to pray over us. Pray that the findings from this test are clear and accurate and give us the information we need to move forward. Pray that there is no cancer found. Our minds are scared, but our hearts are secure in the one we trust.
Julie and Ethan,
I don’t know a family that has a stronger faith and commitment than you all thru your witnessing. I send my prayers of love and strength to each of you today and tomorrow and thereafter. Love Janet Graham
I continue to be inspired by your time of sharing with our Women’s Retreat at Sugar Grove a couple of years ago. As friends of your parents, Gary & I have prayed with you through this last series of treatments, as well.
Hearing news like this is not what any of us wanted. Our prayer is that the fluid is related to something innocuous & that you can soon be assured of continuing on your recovery path. Thank you for making us aware of this new “wrinkle” so that we have the privilege of praying fervently for a good result.
May God bless you, Ethan, & your girls in every way.
I stand in awe of all you are & I stand inspired to renew my faith & trust in God by your life. Praying, Julie, dear.
As I read your story this morning, I can’t help but think about you yesterday, Sunday, in large group at Sunday School laughing and dancing! Julie, you are such an inspiration to me and to everyone around you!! You, Ethan, and the girls will continue to be in my prayers
Dear Julie, I don’t know you, but I will pray for you. I am familiar with the inner fear you must be feeling. I have been there six years ago when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I made it and so can you. Pray, fight and then pray some more. You will come out stronger. Resist all negative thoughts. Don’t go to that dark place. It is obvious that you are a special person, because so many people love and care about you. You will be in my prayers. Jutta
praying for you and that the results are negative and you may continue treatment as planned. You are in the right place for treatment!
Father in heaven we come before you asking first for peace to this family and second for complete healing! Touch Julie’s body and give her the healing only you can give. We pray together that this fluid is not cancer and she can continue with her treatment as scheduled. Sweet Jesus be with her family as well. You are our Hope!
Julie,
Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. I’ll be praying for God’s power, peace and love to flood your body and your family. That His peace will reign over fear and His presence will comfort and strengthen. That His healing power will touch and restore your body and that you will live to testify of His greatness and power. I’m also praying for God to raise up prayer warriors for you to stand with you believing and trusting the One who loves us.
We are praying. Every night. Every day. Every time we think of you. Thank you for sharing, even though you probably didn’t want to. But you are right… we all want to see God’s work in your life! Love you!
Julie,
I am sickened to read this news. I know you are holding fast but please know I will be lifting you up and praying for comfort, peace, and HEALING. much love to you and your sweet family. Hang on…
What a constant inspiration you are to all of us, Julie. Your deep faith, your trusting attitude, and your strength are all amazing. As hard as this trial is for you and your family, you all continue to glorify God on this difficult journey. That’s a Big Thing! So many of us are praying you on towards a successful finish line and we won’t be stopping til you get there! No one has to tell you to keep holding on to God through this roller coaster ride of life. You are already doing that and shining for Him. Bless you, bless you, as you continue. Your band of support will always be here. But sometimes I thing you’re OUR support as you bravely walk with God one step at a time and prove to be our hero!
Julie I for one am also going through this Cancer route and want you to know that I am thinking and praying for you often. Your sister and Ryan are amazing pillars of strength and I am so blessed to call them family. We serve an amazing God and he will see us through to the finish line. Stay strong and when you feel weak, reach out for His hand…it will be there in the darkness waiting to rise you up. In prayer and support from Albany, New York 🙂
Hi there old friend, just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you and your beautiful family. You have been through so much … I pray you get the positive news you so deserve. Love you.
Julie, as I lay in bed tonight I will be praying hard for you before I go to sleep. I also pray that your faith is an inspiration to others as it is to me. God bless you and your family.