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)