In June of this year, I had my annual check up with my primary care physician and all of my bloodwork came back normal. By October, I was beginning to have a slight pain in my stomach. I thought that maybe I needed a stronger anti-acid for reflux. My doctor had me do an ultrasound first and also drew blood for testing. The ultrasound revealed a spot in my pancreas which the doctor felt required further examination by a gastroenterologist. My blood work was anything but normal, which is highly unusual for me. My blood sugar was up, my sodium was low, my liver enzymes up, and my thyroid numbers skewed.
The gastroenterologist sent me for a high powered MRI MRCP that would show the entire area of my stomach. Right before Thanksgiving, the results came back which showed that everything was clear and the liver and pancreas were fine. I had dodged a bullet. However, my stomach was still hurting, especially after I ate. So we scheduled an endoscopy for later in December. Our Thanksgiving was wonderful with the family and we celebrated as usual. On December 6th, I had planned to go Christmas shopping with my daughter when I began to have intense pain down my right arm and shoulder, as well as on the right side of my abdominal area. I met my daughter at a free standing ER in the area to make sure I was not having a heart attack. I told her I was not going into a waiting room full of sick people because I didn’t want to catch anything 😂. Not a soul was there. They took me straight back and found that my heart was fine. I told them that my stomach and right side had been hurting as well so the doctor suggested we perform a CT scan. I argued that I knew my stomach was fine because I had already had an MRI and told everything was clear. He persisted that a CT scan looks differently at those things and might give us more information. Fortunately, my husband had arrived to be with me when the doctor came back with the results. The tests revealed an adenocarinoma mass in my pancreas. Not only that, but there also appeared to be multiple smaller lesions in my liver which looked to be the same thing. Frankly, I had a very hard time believing this could be true. How could two tests be so different? He continued explaining that he found my sodium levels to be extremely low and feared I might have a seizure if I did not go by ambulance straight to the hospital. That will leave your head spinning! So off we were to begin a journey we had never planned.
Meeting with the surgeon the following morning, our worst fears were confirmed. He agreed with the CT results and felt that we should quickly have an endoscopic procedure done to get a pathology report. He lined that up for the following Wednesday (Dec 11th), and once the procedure was performed, the diagnosis was confirmed. This has now been less than a week since I went to the ER. We met with with the oncologist the next morning and he recommended beginning chemotherapy the following Monday the 16th. The speed at which at this was unfolding was hard to comprehend. We jumped on board and lined up having surgery for the chemo portal placement on Monday morning with the therapy to begin that same day.
Up to this point, I had felt really fine. The intense pain even went away at the ER on that Friday we were there. I am convinced that God orchestrated it all to get me in for the correct diagnosis. I had such positive expectations for the chemo treatment. The weekend before it began was wonderful. We were able to have the grandchildren over to spend the night, make Christmas cookies, watch a Christmas movie, and enjoy a wonderful memory maker together. I thank God so much for that special weekend.
I highly underestimated the possible side effects of chemotherapy. By Monday evening, I was beginning to get sick. For the next 14 hours, I was far more sick than I have ever been in my life with no relief in sight. The next day, I was so weak from fluid loss that we were instructed to go in for an IV. On Wednesday afternoon (Dec 18th), the therapy was finished and I was able to get the tubes taken out. This did result in the symptoms slowly starting to subside over the following hours and days. On Friday, I had to get more fluids for strength because I had eaten nothing all week because of the nausea. Although I still don’t feel normal, I am starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. All of this happened within 2 weeks of my initial ER visit which was mind boggling to me because I was still trying to come to grips with the diagnosis itself.
The plan is for another round of chemo treatment starting December 30th (which will continue every 2 weeks). Pray I don’t run away where they can’t find me by then! Who wants to sign up for a stomach virus every two weeks 😅.
Actually, we are told that the side effects from treatment should get better as I move through this process. Some people have no nausea from treatment, however, God had spoken to me through His word that this would not be an easy or short journey. He has already experienced all of the pain and suffering on earth at the cross. He understands completely my cry to the Father and He himself as my high priest lifts my name before Almighty God. This fills me with such comfort.
I will be trying to update this site with the help of others. That might be easier said than done. Please know, my friends, that with all my heart, I have never felt such comfort of my soul and spirit as I have felt from you as I begin this journey. It has been unspeakable joy for me as I watch the Body of Christ perform as our Lord Jesus meant it to function, each person using his or her gift of the Spirit. My prayer has been that God will be glorified through this. I know for me, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” I am in a win/win situation. However, there are bonds on earth with the people we love which keep us clinging to our earthly existence. The love of my life, who I celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage with in May, is a treasure that would be hard to release. But my dear husband has pointed me to the love of God more than any person on earth. My children are such a blessing in my heart and always have been. My grandchildren are the apple of my eye today and I yearn to see them grow up through each stage of life.
My loving Father knows all of this. He loves me beyond anything I could ever comprehend because He is love. He proved His love for me in that “while I was yet a sinner…(spitting in his face and at my worst,) Christ died for me,” the death I deserved. How can I doubt Him now?
Praying sweet Nancy for this journey you have begun. Our God is so loving annd good and in full control.
Reading December 27, Morning and Evening daily devotional I immediately thought of you, Nancy, as “they that attend Him out of love.” It reads, “he who follows Christ for His bag is a Judas; they who follow Christ for loaves and fishes are children of the devil; but they who attend Him out of love to Himself are His own beloved ones.” You are a shining light, one of His own beloved ones.
My heart is heavy with this news but know that our amazing Lord is wrapping you in His loving arms. You are amazing and I love you. You are always on my mind and in my heart as we all come before the Lord asking for a miracle. Love you. ❤️🙏🏼
Praying for you continually! For you to experience a deep, deep supernatural peace and strength for each moment of the battle. I love you, Nancy!
Nancy, I just want you to know that Frank & I have been praying for you (and Al ) since we heard your news. We love you and will continue to hold you before the Lord for His will to be done. Love, Frances & Frank
I am praying for you Nancy.
Nancy, This was beautifully written and deeply heartfelt! Barry and I pray for you every day! I love you!
My precious, incredible, amazing, wonderful friend- dearest Nancy!! You are deeply loved and prayed for daily! Please continue to send updates! Everyone loves you and Al so very ❤️ very much!🌟❤️🌟
Nancy, you and Al are in our hearts and minds. We will check this site and continue to lift you up as you direct. Even in these circumstances, you are an encouragement! Much love to you. May God’s peace surround your heart as you take each necessary step. ❤️
Nancy – we are praying for you and your family. The Lord is so good. Praying specifically for:
Physical healing
Perfect peace
Clear direction
Love you Nancy! We are praying for healing, strength, and perfect peace. God is already being glorified in your journey:)
Nancy,
Thank you for your on-going testimony to the Faithfulness of our God and the truth of His Word & Promises!
Love you dearly & covering you in prayer!
Nancy I will be praying for peace within. I know the journey well, praying sickness subsides and the treatments get easier. Keep your strength up as much as possible. May God comfort and continue to walk with you carrying you when He needs to. God Bless you and prays willl be abundant!❤️🍾
Nancy I am so sorry to hear about you. Our God’s grace is sufficient. I pray for His peace and His comfort and His healing That you feel His presence continually. I will be in constant prayer for you and for Al and your family.
Love, Frances Stanford
Dear Sweet Sister (in-law), Nancy! We’ve all known for years, we hit the jackpot when you entered our family! How beautifully you have proclaimed Him for so long to so many, loved as He loves, cared as He cares. And now, as you step onto your most challenging platform, we pray God uses your journey to glorify Him like never before. While we entrust you to Him, we cry out for complete healing so you can proclaim him more fiercely and love more deeply than ever before! We love you, Nancy!
Dear Nancy and Al and family, I have visible reminders to pray for you every day. Your faith and desire to see God glorified are beautiful testimonies to his goodness and mercy which pursue you momently. We know he is for you , he hems you in, and no weapon formed against you shall stand. May he be your strength as he supplies every need in Christ Jesus. May his felt presence and living Word be your joy in the journey. You know where we are and are happy to do anything you need.
Oh Nancy!!! So standing and praying as you and your family journey this path! Praying the lord continues to strengthen and reveals His faithfulness in all things. You are one of His strong soldiers ! Praying for you ,as you fight the good fight of faith! love you, friend!
Nancy, Praying for God’s peace and strength to surround you and His healing hands to be upon you. God has used you as a testament of His Love and Glory and will do so in and through this very difficult time. Thank you for sharing your journey and allowing me to pray specifically for you and your family.
Nancy, please know that my prayers are with you and continue throughout this difficult journey.
Precious Nancy!!!! All I know is I love you so much and just like you are everybody’s favorite you are also one of my favorite ever people who has ALWAYS pointed me to Jesus!!!! We are fervently praying for you , Al , your children and all of your family!!!!!!! You are a hero to me!!!!! Libby and Jimmy.
Precious Nancy!!!! All I know is I love you so much and just like you are everybody’s favorite you are also one of my favorite ever people who has ALWAYS pointed me to Jesus!!!! We are fervently praying for you , Al , your children and all of your family!!!!!!! You are a hero to me!!!!! Libby and Jimmy.
Nancy- Alicia and I keeping you (and Al) wrapped in prayer as you go through this journey. We love ya’ll!
Kirk and Alicia Cuevas
Nancy, praying for you! Olan
Ohhhh, Nancy! I hate what Cancer tries to do to knock us down & out. But you, Girlfriend, keep looking up to find Christ’s strength & glory in the battle! I’m praying for Jesus to comfort you day & night; for good response to labs & meds with healing; for courage in you, Al,& family to walk held by Jesus’ hand & directed by Him in each day.
May Grace & Mercy guard & keep you🎶✝️. Love, Sally
Hey Nancy! Goodness I was so sad to hear the news of your health! But these words that you have so boldly written leave us all on our knees asking the Lord God Almighty for your healing! Thank you for sharing this journey ! Praying for you often! Leigh Anne Reese
Sweet Nancy, our hearts are heavy as we read of this journey that you , Al, and your family have set before you, and we long for you to feel the comforting presence of our Lord and all of us that love you as you walk this road. You are not alone, and you have beautifully shared that confidence you have in that truth. We will continue to fervently pray for healing by God’s divine hand and through the means that He appoints here on earth. We love you, Karen and Todd Carlisle
Precious Nancy, this is so hard to hear. But your strong faith is already bringing much glory to our amazing Father God, our Healer Jesus Christ. Reading Psalm 23 today, because today is December 23, our Shepherd assures you that he LEADS you (vs.2), He is WITH you (vs.4), and He FOLLOWS you (vs.6) ALL the days of your life. You have already shared how amazingly He has been leading you, and He will continue to do so.
Much love, and continued prayers for you, Al, and family,
Precious Nancy there has not been a time when I am with you that I don’t see Jesus shinning through you! You are such a blessing to me! As for this journey for you and Al and your family we surely will walk with you in prayer and lift you up daily! I love you dearly my friend! Joshua 1:9
Nancy u r in our prayers slong with so many. Love mary ann and kent graeve
Dearest Nancy, since our days walking the halls of HHS to living down the Hall at Bama – you have been a shining star – showing us all what a beautiful Godly woman looks like. And now, even during this difficult journey, you are still shining and leading us to our Savior and Lord through your desire to only glorify Him. All of your friends and family are HERE for you, standing firm in the gap praying for God’s powerful healing hand over you, and strength and peace for AL and your entire precious family. I LOVE you dear friend (and don’t forget – tennis partner/tourney winner😂). Keep winning Champ🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Nancy, Dottie & I were heart broken when we heard about this! Please know we love you! We are praying for you and Al. Love, Terry & Dottie
As you so often remind me, “God is in control!”
I’m so blessed to know you and be a witness to the light and joy that you spread everywhere! May the Lord strengthen you for each day that he holds. “As your day so shall your strength be.”Deut33:25
Sweet Nancy and Al, Praying the Lord holds you in his arms and fights this battle for you, covering you with his love and surrounding you with angels. Lord, hold Nancy’s hand every step of the way, give her your mighty strength and grace abundant.
Emily, CA, Austin and I love you Nancy!!! We are all praying for your healing!!! Austin and I pray together for you!!! We know our loving Lord is with you!!! “Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that works in us “Eph 3:20
Nancy, a longer note is being mailed to you but, in the meantime, I wanted you to know that Rodney and I are faithfully praying for you, Al, and your precious family. I echo much of what your friends have already said over the last few days. You truly are glorifying Him in sharing your heart and the truth of God’s Word. Especially praying for tomorrow as you begin another treatment.
Denise Tubbs
Nancy,
My eyes are moist reading the words of deep love spoken over you by the many hearts you have touched.
Be encouraged precious
Woman of God.
“He is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; rejoicing over you with gladness”
Zeph. 3:17
Nancy, every time I pass your neighborhood (many times daily) I am lifting you and Al up in prayer. I am praying for you to be overwhelmed with God’s peace and comfort. He is carrying you through this difficulty. Do not lose hope in Him.
We love y’all both!
Nancy, as you rest in God’s loving arms may He give you
His comfort and His peace for this “journey “ each new day.
Love, Ruth