Friday, February 23, 2007

Diagnosis: 2 months

We met with Dr. Westervelt this morning and he basically gave me two months to live, possibly three. I admit I was thinking it might be a little longer than that, but I also went into today knowing that AML is extremely aggressive and it probably wouldn't be a great prognosis. He did offer us one option, and referred to it as FLAG treatment with a "booster" of stem cells from my brother. They want to admit me on Monday. The drugs he mentioned were either ones I've had before or are similar in their structure to ones I've had before, and sounded very much to me like induction treatment, which you would do when a person first presents with the disease. One of the drugs works by targetting a specific molecule within the cancer cell that may not even apply to me. He said it has a very poor chance of putting me in remission, but it's a chance and could buy us some time. It also carries a pretty high mortality rate, and being familiar with the drugs (high dose Ara-C and idarubacin (I've had daunarubicin)) I am fully aware of what quality of life would look like for what would most likely become a six week stay in the hospital. I do not want to spend the next six weeks of my eight weeks of life going to hell and back once again, away from my family and especially my baby. I've pretty much concluded at this point that it's not an option I'm open to trying.

In the meantime, I also received a blood transfusion. My iron had dropped over a full point in the past week, regardless of the Aranesp shot. In retrospect, Aranesp should not be given to patients with active myeloid leukemia and from my understanding has just aided in feeding the cancer. The blood is always an energy boost. It's important to note that the 2-3 month outlook is with regular transfusions. It's not just going home and doing nothing. I expect things would progress much faster in that case.

My husband has been on the phone all day and we put a call into my primary oncologist, Dr. Perry. He is out of the office until Tuesday, but very graciously called us from his home tonight. He was not pleased with the information I was given today and asked if we had been informed of "Phase One." We aren't familiar yet with what this is, but he is researching this weekend for me and will call us on Monday. He sounded very hopeful. I am so thankful for my team of oncologists at MU, and trust their expertise, especially that of Dr. Perry and Dr. Doll, who both specialize in blood cancers. They just aren't the same as a tumor based cancer and I like knowing that their main focus is on what I have specifically. He's given us the ray of hope we so desperately needed today.

Another option we are considering is alternative treatment through a clinic in Scottsdale. At first this door was closed to us due to the fact that the treatments would most likely not be covered by insurance. We've had a few families contact us and basically tell us that they don't want money to be an issue. I have been amazed and incredibly blessed by their willingness to share what God has given them, and there really aren't words to express the amount of gratitude we feel. We mentioned one of the possible treatments to Dr. Perry and he said he was aware of them, so he could give us more information on that as well. I just wanted to leap for joy when I heard that, because I wanted so badly to talk to someone who knew more about it, and here is my oncologist aware of alternative procedures.

We are also looking into using Mannatech products to boost my immune system. We've heard a lot of good things, and trust that God can use those products for healing if He so chooses.

At this point we just ask for prayer that we will be able to make the correct decision. We don't have a lot of time, and I am anxious to hear from Dr. Perry on Monday. I trust his opinion greatly. Thank you for your e-mails and notes of encouragement. You've been a blessing.

108 comments:

Kim said...

I am praying,Amy! I really don't have any words to say except I am praying for a miracle!

Love you,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Amy, I have been reading your blog since pretty much the beginning and though I don't think I've commented yet, I have been praying for you. I just got back a few minutes ago from a Chris Tomlin concert and as we sang
"Blessed Be the Name", I just couldn't get you out of my mind. Though I sure don't know why, I know that the God who made the universe, holds you tenderly in the palm of His hand. I am praying for you, dear sister. In His Grace, Laurie

Anonymous said...

Amy, Brandon, and Family,

Thank you again for the post this night. You are on our minds and we are in prayer for you all often in the day.

We are thankful for the doctors and their knowledge and the guidence and comfort you have as the Lord leads you to these options. May the Lord continue to give you all, and the Doctors, special wisdom in these matters.

Hope you all can rest this night.

We Love You,
Don and Lilan

Andrea said...

I will pray as you make these decisions. Lean on God, just as you have always done. I am praying for a miracle too!

Jessica said...

You have been on my mind a lot today! What a blessing to have such a wonderful oncologist who is researching all of this for you! I will pray for you all to make good decisions but also for a miracle in your healing!

Kim said...

Amy, I'm still praying for you. I know it must be hard to face these decisions. Trust in God to lead you and Brandon in the right way. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Just know that you are being lifted up in prayers all over the country. I hope you can feel all the love being sent your way from so many different women.
In Christ,
Kim

gracie said...

Praising God for you, Amy, that you are here in this beautiful place of prayer, your smiling face surrounded by flowers, and allowing us to read your heart and your struggles. Praising God that he is already there tomorrow, and will lead any decision to be made, and will give you peace.

Megan said...

I, too, have been praying for you for much of the past couple of days. I am so sorry you have to go throug this. I will continue to pray for grace for you that you would make the best decisions for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Amy, I love you and will be praying that God pours out his wisdom and peace on you in abundance in the weeks to come.

Love,
Emily

Mishel said...

Amy, I am continuing to pray for a miracle too...and for the Lord to give you and Brandon wisdom and peace for the decisions that need to be made.

Heather said...

I AM PRAYING!! I am so happy you have some options out there..praise the Lord! May He choose to heal you and restore you!-Heather

Brenda said...

Continuing to pray for a miracle!

Anonymous said...

*More* hugs on the way over to ypu....

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for wisdom in all these decisions to be made and for all the doctors involved. I am especially praying that God will heal you.

Wendy in IA

Anonymous said...

I'm praying Amy!
Love you SO much!
~Emma

Me said...

A couple years ago I found a sense of peace when I pray not for what I want, but for the wisdom I need to make the decisions that affect me and my family.

I think it's a wonderful prayer now... wisdom. Wisdom to make the right decisions. Wisdom and Hope. Two very strong things.

Anonymous said...

This is my first visit here and I just wanted to say how moved I am by your courage. I wish you strength and peace.

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you Amy!
I love you!
~Lizzie

Kevin P. Larson said...

Amy,

We are praying hard for you here in Columbia. Please, please, please let us know if we can do anything to help-- with Gary, Brandon, anything.

Kevin

Anonymous said...

Amy,
We continue to pray for the Lord to direct in all the decisions ahead. We know the Lord will give you the grace and strength to endure. We look forward to the blessings He has for you and your family in the days to come.
We love you!
Kent,Susan, Emily & Garrett

Anonymous said...

Will continue praying...

Holly said...

Amy, I know your story since I'm on HSA. You don't know me, but I'm praying.

-Holly

AW said...

Amy,

I'm not sure how I ended up here. I'm a blog addict and have a tendency to surf links on blog until I don't know where I am. But here I am reading your story.

I've spent the last two hours reading your blog archives to yesterday's post. My heart is breaking for you and your family. I wish I could do something and yet I know that whatever I do would be SO inadequate in every aspect. I am so incredibly grateful that our Father is SO adequate in ALL He does for us and more!

But I really want to thank you for ministering to me. For always trusting your Father and being a light to those of us around you. Thank you for giving me, a little child of God, a wonderful example to follow.

I'm praying for you right now.

Andi

Dini said...

You are truly an inspiration. God bless you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Psalms 46:1-5
1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day."

I'm not sure what to add except that we love you guys and are praying for you.

6Pigtales and A Buzzcutboy said...

Amy, I have been praying for you and for your family since I started to read your blog. I know that God will watch over you..you have such a bright outlook on this and I feel that you are such a strong woman..and therefore this makes your baby and family strong as well. We are all praying.

Chrissy

Crystal said...

Continuing to pray for you, Amy -

Barbie @ Mamaology said...

Amy, I am and will continue to pray for you and your family. May God above all fill you with His love and peace as you face many decisions.

I also want to encourage you that my own Mom who had a cancerous brain tumor when I was 7, was given at the most 6 months to live. However, she ended up living another 7 years(most of which was spent being very healthy) This was something the Dr's just couldn't explain.

dillyweed said...

Amy,
Yesterday I happened upon your blog via another. At first I was excited to see that you live in Missouri, where we just moved from this time last year (and miss it so much). I continued to read and found myself crying, then prayed for you and your family. And today I woke up thinking of you and shared your blog with my husband. We both cried and talked about how each one of us has a limited time here on this fallen Earth. We ALL do. It's a hard thing to think about and it scares me, but it is part of living. And we talked about how each day truly is a gift from our Father in Heaven. I thank God for showing me here, to meet you and learn from your gentle and positive and faithful spirit. Often I feel so small and insignificant and anxious about the little things in life... But I'm determined to make changes and your comments to "hug your loved ones a little closer" and "don't get impatient about the little things" really impacted my heart. Thank you. God bless you and comfort and guide you and your family.
I know we have never met. But I already love you and your gentle spiritfilled soul. You are in our prayers.
xo,
Briana

JEN said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart is breaking for you. However, you have fought a valiant fight and are braver than 99% of the population. Please get as many professional opinions as you can. I work with BMT patients and I have seen infusions of stem cells work, but it seems like the GVHD is bad. Have you considered induction chemotherapy and then a Unrelated donor.
So many hard decisions, may God guide you in what is the best way.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy-

Thanks so much for taking the time to keep us updated on your condition. I will continue to pray for you and you family during this time. I can't imagine that many people would have your grace and maturity in a time like this. You are an inspiration! I pray that your doctor will be granted wisdom this weekend and that the "right decision" will be made in all of this.

Amber

Rachel said...

There are no words at a time like this. I will continue to pray for you as you go through this difficult time.

Christine said...

We are praying for a miracle for you! You are a beautiful daughter of the King.

Michelle said...

We're still praying for a miracle. hold your family close.thinking of you all..

Paulette said...

I will never give up praying. Rest in the arms of Jesus Amy, you are in the best hands. I am praying for that miracle for you because our God is in the miracle business IF he so chooses!
Love you all.

Tammy C said...

umMy prayers are with you.

Carey said...

Im praying for you today Amy, that God will help you and your family make the right choice.

Glo said...

Our prayers are with you and your family. Just put it in God's hands with him anything is possible. May just knowing him guide and comfort you. God bless.

Carrie said...

We love you, Amy, and are praying!

Anonymous said...

Amy,
One of my online friends posted a prayer request with a link to your blog. I just finished reading all of the archived posts.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I will certainly be praying that our all-powerful God will grant you strength and peace, as well as wisdom for your doctors.
-Miss Sarah

Psalms 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

ruth said...

My daughter Tammy wrote about you in her blog & I just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you. With God all things are possible & He has a purpose & plan for each one of our lives. God Bless you & your family & fill each one of you with His peace.

Anonymous said...

What a precious woman you are. I don't know you, but my heart is broken in reading your blog, and I am joining many others in crying out to God for your complete restoration and healing. He is so good and powerful, may He stretch out His hand and heal you.

Cecil said...

Amy, I have been hearing about you from my sister... her name is Diane( Diane's Place ) and we have had you on our prayer list for quite some time at church. We will continue to pray for you and for your family. You have touched my heart and I will be praying for healing.. Your faith will sustain you in ways that no one else can and I pray that your research will lead to to the right choices and that you will live a lot longer and amaze a lot of people who don't believe in the Great Physician! You are in our thoughts and prayers...

Grafted Branch said...

I'm glad you're looking into Mannatech. My godly Aunt has testimony of friends from Mexico who have and continue to be in remission with the help of this remedy.

Linds said...

I am praying too, Amy. You have touched so many of our lives, and your faith shines so bright.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Amy

I have happened upon your blog today and have read your archives. What a true inspiration you are to me. I will pray for you and your family.

With love in His name

Kelsey from England

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy,

I am Gina Dunn's cousin.

I am not sure if she told you about me or not, but my 6-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. Thankfully, he is currently cancer free.

Your news is heart-breaking and yet your courage and faith are awesome and inspiring. You are an incredible young woman.

Please know that I have my prayer warriors storming the heavens praying for God to grant you the miracle of an earthly healing.

Love and Hugs,

Rene' Losurdo




"Trust the Lord with all your heart... lean not on your own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy,

I am Gina Dunn's cousin.

I am not sure if she told you about me or not, but my 6-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. Thankfully, he is currently cancer free.

Your news is heart-breaking and yet your courage and faith are awesome and inspiring. You are an incredible young woman.

Please know that I have my prayer warriors storming the heavens praying for God to grant you the miracle of an earthly healing.

Love and Hugs,

Rene' Losurdo




"Trust the Lord with all your heart... lean not on your own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5

Dawn said...

I wanted to let you know that I was anointed for you for healing this morning in our Sunday school class. I brought your request to our class, and today our evangelist for this week was attending our class. His ministry for the last 7 years has been a healing one, and he anointed me and prayed. I felt God's spirit so near. I am believing for a miracle yet!

Anonymous said...

God is in the miracle business, Amy. Praying for you, for peace, for a miracle, and for your family. be strong!!!

Anonymous said...

Amy,
My church family and I are continuing to uphold you and your whole family in prayer.
God bless you,
Paula Marti

Anonymous said...

Praying earnestly for you, Amy!!

Anonymous said...

Amy~

This is the first time I have visited your blog. I read about your story via another blog. My heart goes out to you. You are such a strong and amazing woman and mother! Your posts of what you're going through has left an imprint on my heart forever. Please know that I am praying for you and your family. (((HUGS)))

Carrie said...

Amy,
I must admit that I am shocked, as I know you are. I fully expected God to raise you up. (And He still may!!!) His ways are far above our ways, and His thoughts above ours. I will be praying for you every day.
Love in Christ,
Carrie

Me said...

Amy,
My husband and I are praying for you. We wanted to share Psalms 103 with you. God has really spoken to us through that Psalm this week and we hope it gives you the strength it has given us.

God Bless you!
Leigh and Dallas

Anonymous said...

Amy,
It 12:45 AM on Monday morning and I cannot sleep because you are on my mind. I will pray for you, Brandon, and Gary now and daily and seek God's miracle and grace for you. I know He can heal you and for this I will petition Him everyday. God has blessed our family for giving you as our niece. May He grant you comfort this night and tomorrow.
Uncle Cliff

lightshines said...

Praying!!!

Anonymous said...

May God bless you and your family. May God grant you and those you love peace and strength. Please know that hundreds are prying for you all over the country. I do not know you, but by the bonds of Christ you are my sister and I am praying for you.

In Christ Alone,

Sage Acorn - Billings, MO

Anonymous said...

Psalm 145.

Mary W. said...

I found your blog from another.

May the Lord Bless you and keep you may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and may he hold you and youtr family in the hollow of his hand.

maresi said...

I am so glad that we are children of a God who can see and know much more than our minds can even conceive. If I could not rest in that truth, nothing that happens in this world would make sense. I am also praising Him for the fact that despite missing the next years with your husband and son, these years are but a moment when put into eternity's perspective. You'll have prepared a loving welcome in the kingdom for when they eventually join you. I pray that whatever you choose will be God's will and that He will raise you up in the remainder of your days to spend them pain free surrounded by those you love and who care for you. I pray that a throng of angels will envelop your husband and son so that they never feel a crushing weight of loss. Go with God, Amy.

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord for Hope:-). I am praying for you Amy. One of my dear friends (a mom of 7) is battling cancer of the pancreous (don't think I spelled that right) I think you would enjoy her blog. www.xanga.com/WatchingForHisWord

Anonymous said...

Amy, what a beautiful person you are...don't give up...just hold on...and never listen to anyone who claims to be able to predict the end of your life. Your life is a beautiful precious thing not to be dictated by the outcome of another person with a similar disease. As I was reading your post I was going to ask you if you had considered alternative medicine and at the bottom of the post you said you were considering it as an option. I'm really glad to hear that. I've seen amazing results using alternative medicine. I am praying for you right now and will continue to lift you up in prayer. You are truely a warrior. In Christ's Love, Amanda

Anonymous said...

Amy,

I am commenting to let you know you have had an impact on 2 of my friends, spiritually. They have been questioning their future and how God plays a part, and I thank you for your faith. It has been inspirational, but has also sparked interest in their hearts...

I thank you for opening this window of opportunity for the Lord to do his work....

Anonymous said...

Just want to say Hey and I love ya!

Anonymous said...

I linked here from another site a few days ago.

I've thought about you so many times since - about your baby and this disease, about your faith in G-d and the support of your husband, about about about...

And today, no words can describe the way I feel. I wish I could protect you and your family from all of this, wish I could somehow take it all away for you, or bare it in your stead. Two months, three months, neither is very long at all and even if it is G-d's plan for you, I cannot imagine how difficult it is for you and for those you love and who love you.

You are such an inspiration, Amy. I am praying for you and thinking of you and wishing you the best. I am praying for your husband and your little boy, praying that a miracle occurs, praying and praying and then praying some more. I wish I could say "take care of yourself" at the end of this and know that everything will be alright, but instead I'm going to say this:

Hold on tight to your family. We're all praying for you and so many of us care about you, even if we don't know you personally. So just hold on tight to them and I know G-d will take care of the rest.

Anonymous said...

I saw your blog and I prayed for you today, Amy. Take care.

Anonymous said...

I'm just dropping by from HSA to let you know that you are in my prayers. May the Lord bring you all His peace.

Deidre said...

Continuing to pray for you and your family, Amy.

Anonymous said...

Amy,
I just want you to know that I am praying for you. And I also want you to know that I think you are a VERY strong and amazing woman, I admire you greatly and I will NEVER forget you and your family as long as I live.

Kelsie Corcoran (Patrick's little sister)

Anonymous said...

Amy,

I was so sorry to hear about the relapse. Your faith during this has been so encouraging. I am praying for you along with everyone else who knows you, and some who don't know you. May God continue to bless every day that He has appointed for you.

Damon

Anonymous said...

God bless you, God bless you, God bless you. I am just reading the latest developments, as I have been away from the computer for quite some time. Please know that you are being prayed for! And if you decide to pursue the medical treatment in Scottsdale, I would like to help in some small way. I am praying, keeping the faith and believing all at the same time. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy, this is Aaron. You know I was diagnosed with CML. I'm getting rid of it with alternative/natural treatment. Don't believe what the medical doctors tell you. They really don't know much, they are paid incentives to get you to take certain drugs and certain treatments. The problem is the drugs and chemo kill you along with the cancer, and in your case it didn't even get the cancer. Why go through all that when you can do painless, cheaper, alternative treatment? You'd be surprised how much what you eat affects you. It's turned my life around. Try eating all raw/organic food, and see if you don't turn around. Read "How to fight cancer and win", it really helped me. There are a lot of natural supplements I'm taking that are known to cure cancer. I thought I should mention I stopped taking my chemo pill, and I feel amazing. I'm going to get my blood tested again soon. You can be completely cured, if you go in the right direction. I hope to see you get completely better. Hope to hear from you soon!

-Aaron

Anonymous said...

Amy, I am so encouraged by you and so amazed by you. You are so strong and wonderful. I can't stop thinking about you and your family since I started reading your blog last week. As a new mom myself, I can't even imagine what you are going through. My entire family and friends are praying for you. God is so much more powerful than this!

We will be on our knees again tonight praying for your family.

Please Jesus - let her be healed!!!!

Anonymous said...

Just want you to know....you're being lifted to Christ this very moment. He's listening to all of our prayers!!!!!!!!!!

Love in Him,
micala (HSA)

Anonymous said...

I have a friend who was diagnosed wth AML and was given 5 months to live.


That was about 6 years ago.
No remissons.
No cancer.

Just prayer.
Hang in there, you're beautiful and have blessed people in many ways.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy,
After reading your last 2 blog entries I just sat there and cried---not only because of your shocking diagnosis---but also the heart and spirit in your words are so incredibly touching---YOU are a daughter of God! When you said I get to die and be with my Saviour in glory, the reality of that is just so amazing and your spirit in that comment just reached to the clouds---I was so touched, but it was hard hearing that because it does not take away the painful loss of someone so sweet and so young......I know your mom must need a huge hug about now too. Bless your heart, Anita. Prayers go out to your family as well.

I am continuing to pray for you Amy because I know that God can completely heal you----that book Aaron mentioned about fighting cancer and winning totally changed his outlook and life. I know his cancer is not as aggressive as yours has been, but his blood counts have stayed in the normal range for the past few months---and I know his diet has played a significant role in that(as well as a lot of prayer from his church family).

Anyway, just wanted to send big cyber hugs to you ((((Amy)))) and let you know that you are such a precious girl and I truly hope that you can go to the clinic in Scottsdale and try some alternative measures, as well as actually see a major improvement over your present condition. Please don't give up, but keep pushing on to fight through this. Don't take the 2 month diagnosis to heart----just because that is the Doctor's diagnosis---IT IS NOT NECESSARILY GOD'S DIAGNOSIS!

Love,
Carol and Family

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know I am praying for strength for you and your family.
Hilary, from Pennsylvania

Jennifer said...

Praying that the Holy Spirit will interced where words fail me.

Leah said...

Hi Amy. You don't know me, and I don't know you, but I thought you may be interested in a possible cure that is quite different from conventional drugs.
If you are tired of the answers you are getting from doctors, you may want to persue alternative remedies. Here is the link: www.herbdoc.com.
He has a formula called "Incurables" It is pricy, but worth it. Many have been cured of their illnesses and diseases using this Dr.'s formula's.
Praying for grace, favor, mercy and healing.
Leah

Anonymous said...

Brandon & Amy,

Upon hearing the news for the first time today, I couldn't help but to well up with tears. The reason is not because I believe this is the end, but because I'm so sick and tired of our adversary gaining ground and attacking precious souls like you. GOOD NEWS! God has a plan. He's not scrambling around right now in Heaven having emergency meetings with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all the Angels...He's still on the throne.

I pray that the answer, the miracle, will come quickly and without delay. I pray that your messenger will no longer be held up like Daniel's (Dan 10:12) and that our faith and prayers coupled with God's ability will turn the tides of this battle even now. James 5:16 says the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

We're fasting and praying for your speedy recovery. You're an inspiration to us all on how to stand, despite the reports. Keep fighting and praise God....the answer is on it's way.

Jeff and Amy Duncan

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in my prayers.
Tanya from IL

Sis. Julie said...

Amy...I'm a pastor's wife from Georgia. I found out about you through someone's site that was requesting prayer for you. I wanted you and your family to know that we will be praying for you and your family. May God strengthen each of you during this difficult time. We love you and pray God's grace be with you all.

Anonymous said...

Amy, I don't know you at all, and I just read your blog, but I want you to know you will be in my prayers. My grandmother fought the fight with cancer, so I know a little of what you and your family are going through. Also, a word of encouragement on Mannatech. My parents were into Mannatech when my 80 year old Grandmother was diagnosed with late stage bladder cancer. The doctors gave her three months to live, and that was only if they started her on aggressive chemo and surgically removed her bladder. Being quite elderly, my grandmother didn't want to live out her remaining life that way. She and my parents decided to forego both the chemo and the surgery, and instead started her and large doses of Mannatech and shark cartilage. To make a long story short, the products did not cure my grandmother, but she did live comfortably at home for nearly a year. Basically, the Mannatech improved the cell to cell communication in her body enough for it to fight off the cancer for that much longer; nearly three times what the doctors told her. I don't know if Mannatech will help you, but I do want to encourage you to take it; take a LOT of it. The main product Ambertose, can't hurt you because there is no toxicity level to it, (in other words you could take the whole tub without it damaging your body) and it is perhaps something that might help your body understand that it has corrupted cells that need to be destroy. Anyway, I'm sure you know all this, but I thought I'd pass it on. Please also understand that I am not a sales person for these products (even though it might sound like it), I'm just someone who has seen it do some amazing things. You and your family will be in my prayers. I know what it's like to have a family member with cancer. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

Amy, I am glad that you are still here :) I was worried but no matter.

I am glad you are STAYING FIERCE! Have you seen how many responses you have gotten?!

I am not one who knows anything about what you are going through but I do know that sometimes doctors are wrong--case in point I was told I would never make it to 40 when I ws 35. I turn 44 this year.

My husband just told my daughter who was asking what kind of funeral I wanted?...that mom would probably be here forever...Honey your mom is ornery.

I won't even petend to advise you about the financials costs you must be having...But if everyone who has responded to your plight--85+160=245 sent you 10 bucks you would have $245,000.00

Where should I send my 10 bucks? I know this is not why you stated this but it is all I can think of that might help ease something.

Kep picturing health in your minds eye and two months could turn into 2 years or even 20 years.

Stay strong and fierce.

Sending prayful whispers out into the wind for you today :)
Pammyjean

Anonymous said...

"she opens her mouth with wisdom and her tongue is the law of kindness"

your sister in Christ,
Heather

parsley said...

may God bless you and keep you.. God will make a way i know.. take care always.. i'll link this to my blog.. we'll be praying for you.. just trust in the Lord.

TO BECOME said...

Amy, In Luke 18:27 it says, "And he said, the things which are impossible with man ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD." If it is God's will for you to be here, you will be here.My family and I are praying that God's will be done concerning you and your family. This is exactly what I pray for myself and my family. May God bless and keep you, Amy. Your friend in Christ, Connie from Texas.

Mississippi Girl said...

Praying for a miracle for you, Amy. Nothing is too hard for our God.
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

think about setting up a paypal account--- OR any of Amy's "in real life" friends here--- do it for her!!! Let us help.

Anonymous said...

Amy I am a preacher in Georgia. I was touched by your testimony and your strength as you go through this. I was having a bad day yesterday, but then I read your posts and the Lord convicted me. I am praying for you and your family as you go through this ordeal.
Bro Tim

Robin Green said...

Praying for you and yours. I am so sorry you are going through this.

Anonymous said...

FYI there is a post about the "Amy Wilhoit Medical Fund" in the October archives for those of you who were wondering.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy, I met you once, before you and Brandon got married, here in AZ. I'm a friend of Harla's. We've been following along with your news, and passing it on to others. You have a lot of people who care about you and your precious family. That is a wonderful thing. I have to say that I think you are a very brave and special person. By sharing your story, you have helped and touched countless familys. There are hundreds here within our group thinking and praying and worrying and rooting for you!! God Bless!! With love,TDA

Anonymous said...

Amy, I don't know you but I know your Saviour quite well :-) I am praying for God's grace during your time left here. If the Lord graciously heals you and allows you to remain and be with your family, all praise will be given Him. If He choses to call you to His heavenly home, you will have also been healed. :-) He provides that peace which passes all understanding. In the mean time, Amy, my prayers are with you and your husband as you seek a course of action. They are also with your doctors as they research for alternatives. I know that our Mighty God can work through them! God bless you my sister in Christ. Kate

Rita Loca said...

Hello from Venezuela. You are a true jewel. God is glowing through your testimony. May His grace be ever sufficient for you and your family. Am praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy, God has given you hope. How I praise Him for that. I have no words. He is THE Word. I pray that He will saturate you in His Spirit as you face each day. You will make the right decisions because He won't let you go astray. We are holding you up in prayer. Love, The Marrocco Family

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy & Family,

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Jeff, Susie, Hannah & Moon

Kim said...

Still praying,Amy.

Kim

Anonymous said...

I'll be praying for you Amy and I will ask my church to pray too. Many blessings to you.

Gone are the Days said...

Amy, you know I'm the skeptical cynic who thinks of you as a good friend I don't feel like loosing. But please take comments like the one that Aaron made about doctor's being paid incentives to give you pills for the grain of salt that it is. There 'may' be alternative treatments out there that really do work, but typically the persons promoting them are quacks. So please, please be very cynical about everything you read up on alternative treatments. Look for treatments that have good randomized double blind studies and still have good results. That means that the information 'probably' wasn't manipulated to make the product look better then it really was.

I'll catch you around.

Anonymous said...

Amy & Brandon,
I don't know if it would even be worth trying, but I keep seeing ads for Cancer Treatment Centers of America and wonder if maybe they might be able to help you. Whatever you decide, if you find something that might get you through this, I would be honored to help financially also, along with others who have offered. I hope you know something soon and can write again to let us know what the doctor found out for you. You are in the prayers of hundreds in my church and in my Sunday School class. Rest in the arms of God and trust Him to help you with the decisions you have to make. Hold Gary close always, and remember I love you.

Jackie Dennison

Anonymous said...

Amy, I'll send you Mannatech products at no charge if you will send me a snail mail address.

Lcgifford@aol.com

Linda Gifford

Anonymous said...

Amy I am praying for miricles for you. Your story breaks my heart. I lost my dad to cancer when I was 7 he was 30. If I could to tell you the one thing I treasure is the letters he wrote. They were to his father just speaking of the daily life with 4 kids in the house. If I could give you one gift it would be to tell you, take the time to sit and write your sweet little babe a letter. And with Gods will you will be able to read it together in the years to come. God be with you all

Lori said...

Praying for you Amy.

CindyMae said...

Amy, I just came accross your blog and story today through someones elses blog! My prayers and love are with you! I am amazed by your faith and pray for you to keep that faith in God.

With Love In Christ,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

By His stripes you are healed. Done, believe it is done.

Phyllis R. said...

Hi Amy~I found out about your blog from Barb at "A Chelsea Morning". I spent a couple of days going back and reading every single post. You are such a precious woman, and your faith and amazing grace have touched me, a stranger, more than you will ever know. I pray for you and your precious family daily.

Love, Phyllis in Texas