Hey Connie,
Yes I have had CT scans and biopsy but not a biopsy of the lymphnode. Yet! But they are 99 percent sure the lymph is involved. Stage 3 only because it has moved into the lymph.
Staying posative,
Jennifer

Well Brian,
If I can't say God is good on this forum than perhaps this isn't the forum for me. I was recomended to come on here for support not discrimination. It seems and I'm sure everyone will disagree, but it seems everyone wants me crying in a corner somewhere just waiting for the roof to fall in. But I am just not that person. I am however getting my body super strong , my mind super posative, and my soul at peace. And even though I am ready for a tough fight(probably tougher than I know) I may lose the battle. But at least I will know in my heart I gave it everything I had and maybe just maybe this combo of traditional and holistic will work and I can help others! If not well then no more anoying Jennifer:)
Oh and since this may be my last post, I have one favor to ask?
Please everyone save a rescue dog!!!! Talk about lifting your spirits! It's amazing!!!
Love

Jennifer,

I try to stay off of these topics myself but it must be the season compelling me to share...I don't know.

You remind me of a story about the Believer that was stuck on a rooftop during a massive flood. The Believer cried out to God to be saved. Just then a man on a plank paddled up and said, "Jump on we can paddle to safety!" "No, God will save me!" the Believer cried and the man paddled away.

The Believer cried out to God again..."Save me God for I believe!" ..just then a couple in a row boat came floating by and they yelled for the Believer to swim out. Again the Believer said "No, God will save me!"...and the couple rowed on.

The Believer cried a third time for God to save him with the faith that could only come from desperation as the waters became higher and faster. Just then a helicopter dropped a rope latter and the rescuers yelled for the Believer to climb up. Again the Believer cried "No! GOD WILL SAVE ME!" Just then the waters overtook the Believer and he drowned in the raging waters.

The Believer then found himself before God and cried "God why did you not save me for my faith in you was unwavering!" God answered..."Child, I sent you a plank, a rowboat and a helicopter..." This was as close to the original story as I could remember...but I hope you get the point.

You are just starting down this path with cancer, it's a path you've never been on before. We've been where you are now, we know the road as only those who've been on the road could know it yet you seem not to want to listen the wisdom being shared with you. It seems to me you are more interested in rescuing dogs then you are yourself.

I like to study scripture and occasionally share it when I feel it's appropriate. Matthew 7:6 is one I think you should familiarize yourself with...and then realize that this forum, the knowledge and experience of the "survivors" on these forums are pearls.


Eric

Jennifer,
This is your topic so if you wish to bring God into it that's well within the rules. I have carefully read the responses to your posts and I truly believe that the posters have responded out of love for you. No one wants to see another die from this horrific disease. We have certainly had our fill of death here.

I too am a Christian, have been in my church's worship team for over 20 years. I believe that Jesus empowered the Apostles to heal the sick and to pass that on to the disciples (so why not doctors). I also believe that God works through the doctors and it doesn't matter whether they are believers or not as God can use any person or circumstance for his glory. See Acts 12:5-16 NIV

Many elements of alternative medicine are either based on New Age or witchcraft. Please - speak with your pastor about this! See 2 Cor. 11:13-16

Just for the record, I lived in China for 3 weeks while assisting a medical device manufacturer there with regulatory affairs issues. I was able to tour several hospitals and Western medicine is quite routine in China. Even the most run down hospitals had mammography, MRI, PET scanners, RT, etc. Acupuncture and herbal medicines were offered as an adjunctive treatment.
There is no easy way out. My own cancer experience was a time of great communion with God and a life changing experience. Was the road difficult - absolutely, but God had a plan for this and that was very simply to serve others. He equipped me long before I had cancer - Billy Graham Crusade counselor, 9 months of formal Lay Christian Counseling Training (LCT), 15 years in AA, and 8 years here. Not to mention that my father, sister, (my mother had melenoma, a radical mastectomy and cervical cancer but died of a heart attack) stepmother, 3 dogs and many friends have all died from cancer. I have been a caregiver as well as a patient. See 2 Cor. 12: 7-10

I was given a 26% chance of 5 year survival.

There are no bullies here - only people who are passionate about serving others - sometimes a little tough love is in order. We just would like to see you remain on this side of the grass so that God can use you for his good purpose.

Here is a great resource for alternative medicine
http://www.quackwatch.com/00AboutQuackwatch/altseek.html

Jen,
Nobody wants you off "crying in a corner somewhere" but the wonderful, compassionate people here have been where you are. They know what they are talking about. We are not asking you to give up your faith - my faith helped me cope the past year and a half. I am so thankful that I found OCF. There is so much more emphasis on other cancers, that I feel blessed that I have a place where I can come to people who have been through just what I have, and more!

P.S. I agree that shelter dogs rock! My son has four! (plus 2 cats)

I think Gary's post (4 up from this one) is beyond insightful and hopefully you will find it provides you with some comfort and assistance.

No one here wants to restrain you - our only goal is to help. I wish you peace and acceptance in 2011.

Donna