Zach had surgery on Friday (Sept 24th). The surgery was scheduled to take 3 1/2 hours, but took 5 hours instead because of some problems with the stapler they were using to put everything back together. Thankfully Zach wasn't awake for this, but it was very frustrating for the medical team working on him. A nurse gave mom, Carmon, and I updates every 1 1/2 hours so we knew what was going on. The doctors feel that they were able to get Zach's colon hooked back together correctly after removing over a foot of it. We are waiting for Zach's system to start functioning again. A test of patience for Zach since he thought he might get to go home Tuesday or Wednesday. His doctors and nurses have assured us that it just takes time. We have been walking the halls a lot and are getting good at moving around nurses, computers, and other patients. We are hoping he will get to go home Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
Zach and I enjoyed visits from our kids, my mom, Zach's parents, Brad/Sonya, and Ryan/Jessica on Saturday and Sunday. Austin and Rachel visited Monday night. Matt Pfister just stopped by and Mike (Zach's dad), Brad/Sonya, and Ryan/Jessica are coming up tonight.
Things I am thankful for: medical care in the U.S. (so many people around the world aren't able to access treatment for cancer), Zach getting through his surgery, family members to visit and take care of our kids, a church family that prays for us, a comfortable safe hotel, God's grace and strength each day.
Zach is thankful for the opportunity to work on his patience. He committed to work on his patience at a Bible Study a couple of weeks ago and this is definitely giving him a great opportunity to work on it. It should be interesting to see what he reports back to the other brothers in the Study.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Praising Our God in This Storm
Praise You in This Storm
Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
CHORUS
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
CHORUS
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
(repeat)
CHORUS
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
Parts of this song have went through my head many times over the past few months and then a card that plays the chorus arrived in the mail today. I wasn't sure of all the words of the song or even the group that sings it, so I looked them up and wanted to share the words.
It is our desire to Praise God through this battle with cancer. As Zach faces surgery on Friday I am forced to continuously give my fears to God, knowing that I am helpless to determine the outcome of the surgery. I continue to believe that God can work a miracle and provide healing from this cancer that has no cure. He can make a way for the surgery to to be successful. He can give us strength, grace, and peace as we face whatever He decides is best for us. I Praise God that He is with us always and that He can use this cancer for His glory.
It's not about me. It's about You. If it pleases You, it pleases me. All that matters is that You are glorified. (Nancy DeMoss)
Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
CHORUS
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
CHORUS
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
(repeat)
CHORUS
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
Parts of this song have went through my head many times over the past few months and then a card that plays the chorus arrived in the mail today. I wasn't sure of all the words of the song or even the group that sings it, so I looked them up and wanted to share the words.
It is our desire to Praise God through this battle with cancer. As Zach faces surgery on Friday I am forced to continuously give my fears to God, knowing that I am helpless to determine the outcome of the surgery. I continue to believe that God can work a miracle and provide healing from this cancer that has no cure. He can make a way for the surgery to to be successful. He can give us strength, grace, and peace as we face whatever He decides is best for us. I Praise God that He is with us always and that He can use this cancer for His glory.
It's not about me. It's about You. If it pleases You, it pleases me. All that matters is that You are glorified. (Nancy DeMoss)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Cancer Update
Zach had his fifth chemo treatment yesterday along with a CAT Scan to see if the treatment has been effective. The doctors found that the cancer spots in his liver and lungs have shrunk around 50%. They told us that this happens in 20% of patients or less. Normally they expect the first four treatments to stop the cancer growth and maybe shrink it a little bit. This is definitely a wonderful answer to the many prayers that have been said for him. We are so thankful.
The tumor in Zach's colon has continued to cause some concerns and the doctors have decided that since the cancer has responded so well to the chemo that now is the time to remove the tumor and hopefully get rid of some of the symptoms he has been having. They also want to remove it before other more serious problems happen requiring a more emergency surgery (or a surgery that does not come at a good time for the rest of his treatment). Another benefit of surgery now is that once Zach has recovered they can give him an additional type of chemotherapy (they have not been giving this one so far because it can cause complications if he needed to have surgery).
With every surgery there are of course risks. The surgeon hopes to use a Laparoscopic surgery method that will mean smaller openings in Zach's skin. He plans to remove the tumor and the part of the colon that the tumor is attached to and then attach the colon back together. There is always a risk of infection from the surgery itself and also the risk of the colon not healing properly and causing future complications. Zach has one more chemo treatment scheduled for September 14th and then his surgery is scheduled for the morning of September 24th. The doctors anticipate him spending five days in the hospital to recover. If all goes well Zach should be able to start chemo again 4-6 weeks after his surgery.
Several people have asked for specific things they can pray for, so here they are.
-Praise God that the Chemo is working.
-Pray that the cancer can continue to shrink and that the tumor will get smaller before surgery so that there will be less to remove.
-Pray that Dr. Helft will be given wisdom as he directs Zach's treatment.
-Pray for Dr. Nakeeb as he performs the surgery.
-Pray that Zach and I can glorify God and walk in peace through this storm.
-Pray for our children, Zion and Moriah, and our extended family members and friends as they are going through this with us.
Thanks for your prayers, cards, gifts, and support. We have been blessed by so many and hope God can use us bless others even as we have been blessed.
The tumor in Zach's colon has continued to cause some concerns and the doctors have decided that since the cancer has responded so well to the chemo that now is the time to remove the tumor and hopefully get rid of some of the symptoms he has been having. They also want to remove it before other more serious problems happen requiring a more emergency surgery (or a surgery that does not come at a good time for the rest of his treatment). Another benefit of surgery now is that once Zach has recovered they can give him an additional type of chemotherapy (they have not been giving this one so far because it can cause complications if he needed to have surgery).
With every surgery there are of course risks. The surgeon hopes to use a Laparoscopic surgery method that will mean smaller openings in Zach's skin. He plans to remove the tumor and the part of the colon that the tumor is attached to and then attach the colon back together. There is always a risk of infection from the surgery itself and also the risk of the colon not healing properly and causing future complications. Zach has one more chemo treatment scheduled for September 14th and then his surgery is scheduled for the morning of September 24th. The doctors anticipate him spending five days in the hospital to recover. If all goes well Zach should be able to start chemo again 4-6 weeks after his surgery.
Several people have asked for specific things they can pray for, so here they are.
-Praise God that the Chemo is working.
-Pray that the cancer can continue to shrink and that the tumor will get smaller before surgery so that there will be less to remove.
-Pray that Dr. Helft will be given wisdom as he directs Zach's treatment.
-Pray for Dr. Nakeeb as he performs the surgery.
-Pray that Zach and I can glorify God and walk in peace through this storm.
-Pray for our children, Zion and Moriah, and our extended family members and friends as they are going through this with us.
Thanks for your prayers, cards, gifts, and support. We have been blessed by so many and hope God can use us bless others even as we have been blessed.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Back 40 Junction
A full tummy from a yummy buffet, lots of rocks, old trains, and attention from Uncle Jordan, Aunt Joy, Daddy, Mommy, and Zion. What more could a little girl want?
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Cancer Update
Zach started Chemo on June 29th and has had two more treatments since then. He is scheduled for his fourth treatment on Monday along with a colonoscopy to see if the tumor in his colon is shrinking and to determine the condition of the rest of his colon. We are thankful that the anti-nausea medications seem to work well other then causing some annoying hiccups, so Zach has been able to go to work the day after his chemo. He is on medication through his port for 46 hours after chemo and a nurse has been coming to our house to unhook the needle. She taught me how to unhook it the last time she was out, so I am hoping to be able to unhook him myself after this treatment.
People often ask us how Zach is feeling. Over all he feels pretty good, but he does get tired more easily and is learning to stay home and relax more often. We continue to be thankful for God's help in our weakness.
People often ask us how Zach is feeling. Over all he feels pretty good, but he does get tired more easily and is learning to stay home and relax more often. We continue to be thankful for God's help in our weakness.
A Great Surprise
When we arrive home this afternoon Zach and I looked out our back door to find an amazing transformation in our backyard. While we were gone someone worked hard to give us a backyard that we will enjoy spend time in. Zion and Moriah have a great big sandbox (to replace the one that was falling apart and needed new sand) and a cute chair and table set. I am thrilled with the new stone and plants around the back of the house and the potted plants on the patio. Our mystery guests also cleaned and sealed the inside of our fence (it looks much nicer), painted our front porch posts, mowed our lawn, and provided us with a steal fire pit. Such a wonderful surprise.
We are so humbled by all that people have done for us since Zach was diagnosed with cancer. We know that there is no way for us to repay all the people who have blessed our family over the past weeks, but we trust that God will bless each one greatly in eternity.
Bertsch Family Vacation
We just returned from a week at Lake Webster. What fun!!! Zion loved the sand, water, jet ski, and boat. Moriah enjoyed walking around and playing with her cousins. Zach and I played a lot of games and enjoyed a few books.
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