Round 2 of Chemo Begins

Dixie begins her second round of chemotherapy Tuesday, Nov. 4Th. Please keep her in your prayers this week! Her 1st treatment knocked her of her feet for about a week. She felt very weak and tired, along with flu like symptoms. It was not fun and she is not looking forward to round 2. But through the grace of God she will make it through again. Let's agree in prayer that the second round will be easier on her and that the treatment will accomplish all that it is meant to do!

Dixie expressed some concern regarding the care of her mother. Since Dixie's illness, she has been unable to get to her mothers home and help her with small things around her house like getting the trash cans out for pick up, watering her yard, and other small things that are difficult for a frail 82 year old women. If you would be willing to pay Dixie's mom a visit sometime, give Dixie a call and she will arrange it with her mother.

If you recycle aluminum cans, Dixie would like it if you would consider placing them in a separate bag and give them to her. She collects aluminum cans and cashes them in for $'s.

With Christmas coming up, Dixie thought it a good time to put a few items that she doesn't need anymore up for sale.

The items are:

1.) 1982 Chevy 1 Ton Dually, extra long bed, hitch, overhead work racks, side boxes, mounted Job Box. The bed holds two whole pallets of block. It has a clear title. The engine needs a fuel pump.

$2000.00

2.) Little Tykes Play House - Blue roof, orange shutters, red brick fireplace, little yellow 1/2 door, yellow folding table & phone.

Make an offer.

3.) 1 piece plastic picnic table with benches. (Primary colors)

Make an offer

4.) Step II Artist Easel- Black board and clip for painting or drawing paper with little red plastic chair.

Make an offer

5.) Toddler swing set - 2 swings, glider sets 4, swing bar, and slide.

Make an offer.

6.) Bicycles- Men's Cannon Dale road bike, several other road and trail bikes, 1 girls bike

Make an offer.

**** NEW FEATURE - You will see a small envelope pictured next to the "comments" this envelope icon will allow you to e-mail the blog post to a friend.***

Thank you for all your love and support.

Chemo Treatment Begins

For the past couple of weeks Dixie has been laying low trying to follow Doctors orders.   She is recovering from surgery well.  Just not fast enough for Dixie's liking.  She is anxious to get her clearance from the doctor and get back to work.  This probably won't be until around the 1st week of November.

Tuesday, October 14Th Dixie will start her first round of Chemotherapy.  She is going to cut all her hair off  before she goes to her first treatment.  This is going to be emotionally tough for her, but she is happy to know that her hair will be going to Locks of Love.

Please pray that the side effects of the Chemo treatment will be minimal and that Dixie will rebound quickly.  Also, pray that Chemo will do the job that it was sent to do.  The Lord has worked miraculously in Dixie already.  Let's continue to pray  for a victorious outcome. 

 To God Be The Glory!

For the next few months, until the completion of her chemotherapy treatments, Dixie will still need our support.  There continues to be a financial burden she carries do to the fact she is self employed and unable to work.  If you feel lead to make a financial contribution, I believe you can make a tax- deductible donation (not 100% certain, please call to verify) to Desert Christian Schools and/or Calvary Chapel to a Dixie Moore benevolence fund.

Stay posted for further updates.  I know Dixie would like me to post some items she would like to sell, like a work truck, a Little Tykes Play House, and other items.  She should be giving me a list soon, maybe there will be something available for Christmas gifts.

Dixie continues to be so thankful to everyone who has blessed her life in so many ways.  

THANK YOU!

Test Results

Today Dixie meet with Dr. Buscema and received the results of the pathology reports. Tests were done on multiple lymph nodes, all her female organs, the omentum, a small part of the abdominal wall, washings of the abdominal cavity, and the two tumors.

I am pleased to pass on the report how awesome our God is! With the exception of the two tumors, everything else that was tested came back clear of any cancer! Praise God!!

The test results on the tumors came back stating the tumors were "highly aggressive" . The tumors were diagnosed at stage 3. Her ovaries were in bad shape, they had no normal cells left at all. The first tumor weighed over a 1,000 grams and measured about 15 centimeters in width. The second tumor weighed over 200 grams and measured 9 centimeters. Having said this, it appears that all the cancerous cells remained contained. That is an amazing report given the size and aggressive stage of these tumors.

The diagnosis is Epithilial Ovarian Cancer. Although the tumors were at stage 3, given that everything that was removed was clear, the doctors have diagnosed her in stage 1b. The "b" is because there were two tumors.

Since the tumors were diagnosed as highly aggressive and there is no way to be sure that cells haven't entered the blood stream, Dixie will still receive chemotherapy treatment as a precaution. Or as the doctor said, "treatment for cure". She will receive the same chemo treatment as other patients in advanced stages, but she will only need 3 to 4 treatments instead of 8 to 10. Thank you Lord for that blessing! The chemotherapy agents that will be used are Taxol and Carboplatin. Dixie will lose her hair. She is looking into cutting her long hair and donating it to Locks of Love. Downstairs from Dr. Buscema's office is the Sunstone Foundation, which has wigs that patients can borrow, so Dixie has already picked hers out.

The nurse was adamant with Dixie about not listening to other people's chemotherapy experiences. She reminded her that every person has their own personal journey and often listening to other stories can be very stressful. So let's be mindful to speak positive and to save the stories until after she has finished her treatments.

Dixie will start treatments in about three weeks and then continue to have treatments about three weeks apart. She is going to need some help during her chemo cycles. We will keep you posted as needs arise. If you have questions as to how you can help, you can call Loretta Meersman 444-8686.

Since Dixie is self employed and will still be unable to work to full capacity there continues to be a financial need. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, one can be made to Dixie through Calvary Chapel or Desert Christian Schools. For questions, call Kimm Cray.

God bless each and everyone of you! Thank you for your prayers. I believe we have witnessed a mighty work of God.

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. (Psalm 103 2:5)

Healing and Continued Prayer

Dixie continues to gain strength and mobility as her wounds heal, and she can now feel the effects as she stretches. Last week (Sept 11) she went to Dr Buscema's office to have the surgical staples removed -> 30 STAPLES & 3 STITCHES! Regardless of her impressive recovery thus far, doctor's orders are, "don't even think about getting up on a horse!"

This week Dixie is expecting the long-awaited pathology report of her lymph nodes which were biopsied after surgery. Please be in prayer that no cancer cells are found and her recovery can continue unimpeded.

May the good Lord bless each and everyone one of you for your faithful support in this experience.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”- Philippians 2:1-2

Happy To Be Home

Dixie is very happy to be home. Of course, that is not a big surprise to anyone who has had to stay in the hospital for any amount of time! She is resting and enjoying visitors. Feel free to stop by or give her a call. She could use the fellowship to help her pass the time.

Thanks to all who have volunteered to provide a dinner. We have plenty meals to get through the surgery recovery. You may also help with bills while she is unable to work with a tax-deductible gift to the benevolence fund at school or Calvary Chapel in Dixie's name if you are so led.

I would like to express to all of you, for Dixie, how grateful she is for all the love that has been demonstrated to her. Through your prayers, and the voluntary efforts of friends and people she has not had the pleasure of meeting yet, she has been truly blessed and comforted. Thank you, again!

Please pray for Dixie's up coming doctor appointment, which is this Thursday. I think (not sure about this) the doctor will let her know what the next step will be. Let's all pray that the pathology reports come back all clear!


He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
(Psalm 91:1-2)



Have a great Day!

Released from the Hospital!

At 4:45pm today, Dixie was able to go home. Thanks be to God for Dixie's great progress! She is in great spirits, as usual. Debbie McManus will be spending the night with her tonight and Lori Tucker will be there in the morning.

If you would like to help out and are familiar with horses, we could use some people to exercise two of them (walking). Please call Erin Barker at 886-7999 to volunteer.

Thanks to everyone who visited Dixie in the hospital and brought gifts and flowers. Thank you for taking the time to follow Dixie's progress here and please join with us in praising the Lord for bringing Dixie to this point.

Michelle (for Debbie)

"I know that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me."

Psalm 16:8

Quick Update

This morning Dixie was removed from all of the external tubes that kept her from moving around freely. She is rebounding from this surgery very well. Her doctor is very pleased. She took another very long walk last night, from her room to the front of the hospital by labor and delivery. That is a long walk, especially when you consider she also had to walk back to her room.

Way to go Dixie!!!

Please pray for her GI tract to return to it normal functions. This needs to normalize before they can consider releasing her.

Thanks you so much for your prayers!

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1Corinthians 15:57)

A Good Day

Just a brief update to let everyone know things are progressing well for Dixie. She was able to get a good night sleep last night. Feeling more rested today, she was able to take a very nice long walk. I'm sure she was happy to get out of bed a little bit. She was able to take a shower, too. No doubt that made her feel much better. The nausea is over and she is taking her clear foods much better. I haven't heard any update as to when she will be released, since she is doing so well it could be before Monday.

God has truly been answering our prayers. Please continue to pray for a quick and full recovery. And pray for her doctors, that they will be wise in their recommendations for what treatments may come next.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer. (Ps.91:15)

Looking Good!

This afternoon I was able to stop by TMC to visit Dixie. She looked really good. She had that rosie color in her checks and a very happy, warm smile. She was battling some nausea shortly after trying to eat her clear foods diet. The nurse came in and gave her some medication to calm her stomach. I hope it worked. Dixie's spirits were really up today. She was really enjoying the company of friends and family that stopped by. Dixie expressed how touched she is by all the prayers, love and support. She really appreciates all the encouraging words and prayers, especially from all the people that don't even know her personally. What an example of God's love and provision!

I would like to pass on a couple of prayer requests:

1.) Dixie's blood pressure has been real low today. Pray that her blood pressure would stabilize in the normal range.
2.) That the nausea would go away.
3.) That the pathology reports will come back stating that the lymph nodes are completely cancer free.
4.) A good night sleep and the ability to rest in general.

As of now the doctors are saying Dixie should be going home on Monday. I know Dixie would like to go home as soon as possible. She misses getting outside. But she is going to have to be a little patient. She loves having company, so stop by for a brief visit and say "hi" if you can. But, the family is asking for NO VISITORS between 2-4 p.m., so she can try and get some rest in the afternoon.

If you would like to leave Dixie a little note, just click "comments" on the bottom of this post, that will take you to a screen that will allow you to leave a message.

Helping with meals - Judy Woodworth 290-0266 or jwoodworth9@cox.net
Helping with legal assistance - Loretta Meersman 444-8686 or lorretta.meersman@tmcaz.com
Helping with the horses - Erin Barker 886-7999 or medgni6@cox.net
Helping with financial needs - Kimm Cray

There are various other needs that were listed in the first blog post, if you want to go back and look those over. If you can help in any way or have questions you can e-mail dixiesfriends@gmail.com.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support. Please keep praying. Prayer changes things!!

I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. (Ps.116:1-2)

Debbie

Surgery was a Success!

After three-and-a-half hours of surgery, the doctors were very pleased with the outcome. All of the technical aspects of the surgery went well. The tumors were completely removed and the doctors found everything in the abdominal area and colon clear. None of the lymph nodes appeared to be enlarged and there was minimal bleeding.

Please pray that the pathology reports on the lymph nodes come back clear. Pray that Dixie will have minimal pain and a speedy recovery. Also, pray the doctors will have wisdom as they move forward in determining what comes next in her treatment.

Dixie is resting well now. She has seen her daughter this afternoon and will have a friend staying with her at the hospital tonight. I hear she is happy that her room has a view of trees out the window. God is so good at taking care of little details as well as the big ones.

Thank you for all your prayers. I thank you, Lord, for answering our prayers for a successful surgery.

In Surgery

Dixie went into surgery today at 10:30. Surgery is expected to last approximately three hours. She should be in post op around 1:30. She will be in the post op recovery room about an hour and a half. If all goes on schedule, she should be in her room around 3:00. We will give you an update later this evening.

Thank you for your prayers.

Night Before Surgery

Welcome to Dixie's blog. We thank you for your support and prayers. We hope you will check this site often to stay updated on Dixie's condition, prayer requests, and praise reports. We will update this page as often as we have new information. If you wish to send Dixie a quick message of encouragement you can click on comments and send her a message that way.

For those who are not completely aware of Dixie's situation, she has been a dear part of the Desert Christian Community for many years. Dixie has a daughter, Brianna, who is now in the 9th grade. Dixie is a single mother and the sole provider for her household. She has been recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, Wed. 9/3. She is to check in at TMC at 7:30a.m. and will have surgery sometime in the morning. She is expected to be in the hospital for about 3 days, in unit 900 at TMC. Please raise her up in your prayers for a successful outcome.

Dixie lives 10 miles south of the school off of Old Spanish Trail near Rocking K Ranch, so though not easy, we are trying to coordinate the many chores needed to keep things running smoothly so Dixie doesn't need to worry about them. Lori Tucker is mom who has children at the Elementary school and is a nurse. She has volunteered to stay with Dixie all day, for several days, while Dixie recovers from Surgery. Brianna will be home with her mom in the evenings, but if their is anyone who would be able to stay a night, it would be a blessing.

This is a list of other areas she will need help in:

1. Meals
2. Help with her three horses 2x's per week - cleaning stales and exercising.
3. Grocery shopping
4. In town errands
5. Garbage hauling
6. Supplemental treatments - anyone who is a distributor or has connections for providing essential oils and immune-boosting supplements for the treatment of side effects, pain management, and improving bodily functions in recovering surgery patients.

If you can help in any of these areas please e-mail me at dixiesfriends@gmail.com.

Those of you who know Dixie have witnessed the light of Christ in her life and know that all is well with her soul. We stand with her in trusting that God works all things for the good who love the Lord.

Kimm & Lorretta

Thank you for all your prayers!