Upcoming Chemo

Dear Friends & Families!

Monday, we had a meeting with our oncologist, Dr. Moreno, who explained to us the details of the pathology report and re-iterated the importance of starting the chemotherapy as soon as possible: we thank God that TJ’s surgery went very well, and her recovery is proceeding quickly.

The doctor confirmed the newly discovered cancer cells to be originated from the initial breast cancer. The new chemotherapy regiment has shown successes on patients, like TJ, that have similar cancer characteristics. This treatment combination will require both intravenous and oral medications on a three-week cycle. TJ’s first chemotherapy treatment will start on March 3rd, 2009, and the doctor is planning to re-evaluate her after completing three cycles – about three months later. We all agreed that the first three-month period is crucial in determining how effective this chemo combination is for TJ. As the doctor reassured us, there are other chemotherapy options available for TJ further down the road, if necessary.

We are asking for your continued prayers:
- that God will deliver TJ from this cancer once and for all;
- that the treatment does not bring side-effects to TJ;
- that TJ will stay healthy until the treatment is completed;
- that the children will stay healthy and be comforted by the Lord during this period;
- that TJ will continually trust in our Lord.

I thank you so much for your fervent prayers. As stated previously, your support and encouragements have been carrying and lifting us everyday. Please do not hesitate to add comments for TJ at the end of each blog, because TJ is encouraged and be comforted by them. However, if you would like to send her a personal email, please send it to: tjsongkim@yahoo.com

God Bless,

Kwang

Pathology report

Dear Prayer Warriors:

God is faithful as He has guided TJ through this difficult and challenging time. Thus, during the past two plus years, TJ’s faith in the Lord has matured as she faced multiple trials and tribulations: we are thankful that our Lord continues to provide our every-day needs.

We met with our doctors this week to discuss the pathology report. After the surgery, our surgeons told us they have found additional nodules near and around the chest area. Today’s pathology report confirmed that these nodules the doctors removed are cancerous. Thankfully, these cells didn’t spread into the bones or the muscles; and, the margins they removed are cancer-free: Praise the Lord! Furthermore, as our surgeon unceasingly searched for additional abnormalities, she found two very small nodules on TJ’s right lung – they were approximately 1 or 2 millimeters. To our dismay, these nodules did come back cancerous. We were devastated when we first heard about it, but had hoped the pathology report would state otherwise.

Soon followed were the days of tears…. With ever-changing emotions that surely included fear, disillusion, and abandonment, God continually showed His faithfulness, sovereignty, and providence; He is all-powerful and He is good. As we were reviewing the pathology report in detail, it became obvious that God had His hands during the surgery. We realized it was the Lord who found these extremely small nodules in TJ’s body; it was the Lord who guided the surgeons to remove all abnormalities; and, it was the Lord who ensured all margins are cleared. As our doctors have stressed, the best means of eradicating cancer cells is by removing them from the body, because no modern scanners or equipment can detect these small cancer cells with perfect accuracy. Our surgeon told us she removed everything that remotely showed it to be abnormal during the surgery. I sincerely believe our merciful and loving God removed all cancer cells from TJ’s body.

In Monday, we have consultations with an Oncologist on TJ’s upcoming chemotherapy and radiation treatments. We ask you to keep TJ in your prayers so that:
- Her faith in the Lord will continually grow as we all pray for deliverance from this cancer;
- God will provide her with peace and comfort;
- God will prepare TJ, the doctors and nurses for the upcoming treatments;
- God will watch over the kids and others who are supporting TJ; and
- She will always seek God’s glory.

Once we determine next step in TJ’s treatment process, we will be able to share with you. TJ and I thank you for all your continued prayers.

In His name,

Kwang

TJ returned home

Dear Family and Friends in Christ:

TJ returned home early Friday afternoon from Nancy's, planning to surprise Matthew and Hannah; the kids are not expecting TJ to be at home. So TJ parents had the whole house cleaned and disinfected before her arrival. Also, at home, there were collections of get well cards, mails, and flowers form all of you – thank you! There were meals prepared for TJ by many of you that had filled the refrigerator. Thank you Dawn for coordinating the meals, and all of you for providing delicious, healthy and tasty cuisines.

These days, TJ is getting re-acclimated with simple physical tasks; such as, getting in and out of bed, sitting down at a table, reaching for a book, and most importantly, sleeping on her side. A simple daily task that we all do without even a thought is a major challenge for TJ. Her muscles need to be re-trained to take on new roles and responsibilities to compensate for the muscles that were removed during the surgery. Also, TJ is walking gingerly due to having tubes connected to her side and back. We look forward to removing these tubes early next week.

Overall, TJ is healing very well. She has become self-sufficient in many ways and started doing things by herself without needing my help. However, she still has much pain in the chest and shoulder areas, taking medications on a routine basis. We pray that the pain will go away soon.

We will be getting the final pathology report next week. We ask the Lord to comfort us and bring peace into our hearts.

In Christ,

Kwang

TJ was discharged from the hospital

Hi Everyone!

TJ was discharged on Monday afternoon and went straight to Nancy & Chris Gerlach’s house. Matthew and Hannah were sick during the past few days, so Nancy suggested TJ stay with her in case viruses/germs still lurking in our house; because, there is a chance TJ can get pneumonia from a strenuous thoracic surgery. Also, being at her house, Nancy can give TJ care by adjusting pain medications and providing immediate medical needs, if necessary.

We appreciate Nancy and Chris for their sacrifices during TJ’s surgery and recovery. We thank Nancy for accompanying us to the doctor’s meetings, Nancy and Chris staying and comforting me during TJ’s surgery, Nancy spending nights at the hospital so that I could return home to take care of the kids, Chris taking on additional duties while Nancy was at the hospital,….The words simply cannot express their true love and care for TJ. As a fellow brother in Christ, I am in awe of how God is working in our lives through the Gerlach’s faithfulness.

We would also like to thank Mike Euwema and his family. Matthew and Hannah got sick with viruses during this period. Neither TJ nor I were available to take them to a doctor. So Mike volunteered and visited my house multiple times to check on the kids during our absence. When TJ found out what Mike had done for our kids, she started crying…. We prayed and thank God for continually watching over our children. Within His providence and infinite wisdom, He provided a wonderful brother in Christ so that TJ can focus on her recovery. Both children are well now and we thank the Lord for the Euwema’s.

There are so many others who have provided much encouragement to our family: Prayer chain for TJ at Pinewood. We sincerely thank everyone - our families across the country and around the world, our church friends in PA and GA, and many other church friends in Christ that are praying for TJ. We have felt everyone’s prayers and praise the Lord for all your wonderful support. TJ and I could not have come this far without you.

In Christ,

Kwang

TJ is recovering well on her 4th day at Mayo Clinic. Since last night, numerous doctors and nurses have been checking her condition. Unfortunately, this keeps TJ from sleeping no more than 1 or 2 hours at a time, but it shows everyone’s keeping a close eye on her. All the doctors are commenting how well TJ is healing from the surgery.

As expected, we couldn’t participate in today’s Sunday service. But, that didn’t stop Pastor and Janice Findlay bringing the service to the hospital recovery room. We thank Pastor Findlay’s condensed sermon (real short) and Janice’s words of encouragement. We also thank everyone at Pinewood and other churches for continually praying for TJ’s quick recovery.

God Bless,

Kwang

TJ's recovery day 2

Dear Family and Friends in Christ:

It's been less than 24 hours since TJ's surgery started; TJ looks so good that she doesn't even look like she had a surgery :) Nancy reminds me that TJ heals amazingly well and recovers better than anyone else she knows of - this is coming from a former RN who has cared for many, many patients. We praise the Lord for TJ's quick healing genes.

We finally met with our surgeon, Dr. McLaughlin, who explained what they have discovered yesterday from the surgery. The surgeons knew the PET scan and MRI showed two areas that contained cancer tumors; The PET scan and the MRIs don't revealed anything smaller than 1cm. Once the doctors got in to remove two cancerous areas, they found additional cancer nodules growing near and around the original, pre-determined areas. This meant that the surgery area became larger than planned. They removed all visible abnormalities with good margins and believe they got clearance; the pathology report will follow next week. When these reports come back we will have a better idea of the plan for TJ's treatments. Treatment won't begin for 3-4 weeks to allow for TJ to fully recover.

TJ is feeling better and needs lots of hands on care.

In Him, Kwang (finished by Nancy)

TJ's recovery day 2

To all our "Prayer Warriors",

TJ is out of bed and is now sleeping in a lazy-boy sofa. The pain medicine is doing its job because she is relaxed and dozing off well. TJ's mind is sharp as ever and has been talkative since last night. I was really surprised last night when she turned and asked me, "Did you talk to Matthew about his Science test tomorrow?" This was right after 4-5 hours of surgery and 6 hours since I last saw her. I said, "Yes Maam!"

This morning Nancy, Chris, and I are patiently waiting and praying for TJ for her recovery. Also, we are waiting for our surgeon to visit us because we have a number questions we would like to discuss with the doctor.

We thank all of you for your continued prayers and support. God has been merciful, and we are so thankful for his everlasting love and care for TJ.

God Bless,

Kwang

TJ recovery begins

It has been several hours since the last blog and many of you have gone to sleep.  I am sitting at bedside as our sweet sister has gone to sleep for the night. Here is a recap of the day.  Surgery began at 3pm and finished just before 7pm.  The surgery was extensive more than we expected but the plastic surgery went  better than we expected.  I guess you could say today has been a roller coaster of prayer, emotion, concern and amazement.

 It is certain the God has been with us in the biggest and smallest ways.  From the biggest being TJ being wheeled into the room at just before 10pm, alert and giving orders to the smallest of me finally finding my cell phone charger after 20 minutes of searching and 2 minutes of praying(i am sure this is not a surprise to all who know me).  It is clearly evident that we have a long road ahead but that our sister is already showing amazing strength and courage in the face of struggle.  I continue to be blessed and encouraged by every moment I spend with her.  

For now, Cal and Chris have gone home to be with the children and i stand ready at my post as TJ's private nurse.  Thanks to each of you for your continual prayer for TJ and myself and our families.  

Goodnight,  Nancy

TJ's out of surgery

Nancy and Chris Gerlach and Kwang just met with the plastic surgeon who provided us with good news. The doctor said that he didn't have to use a graft and/or the stomach muscle for the resection - instead, he used the shoulder/back muscle as planned. By using the shoulder/back muscle, the surgery took only two hours instead of four. Plus, the recovery time in the hospital and at home will be reduced greatly. Most likely 3 day hospital stay and 3-4 week recovery at home. This will allow TJ to start preparing for chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Praise to the Lord for the amazing abilities of this teams of surgeons. She will be in recovery for a few more hours.

TJ's surgery update

TJ has done with the first part of the surgery and it went well.  The plastic surgeon is on now, and he should be done in two hours or so.  Please continue praying!

In Christ,

Kwang

Surgery Update

A nurse told us that TJ surgery got delayed a bit.  So her actual surgery starting time is just after 3pm.  Although TJ is sedated, we pray that she doesn't become anxious but be comforted by our Lord....  

In Christ,

Kwang

tj in surgery

TJ,s surgery began at aprox 2pm.  She was given sedation and meds for pain and went to surgery comfortable and peaceful in the prayers of so many.  She felt each of your prayers and as my son said in his bedtime prayer last night "we will keep praying and let You God do the work".  We remain strong in the faith that Our Lord and Savior is carrying our sweet sister in the operating room.  We may not know more for several hours but will update whenever possible.

tj mayo update

We continue to wait patiently for TJ to be called in.  She is scared and in pain and we are hoping for them to call her soon.  Please pray for comfort and peace and for quick relief.  We were told to be here at 10am for her to get an iv and pain relief.  They have had 2 emergencies and that has pushed her back.  We are having a devotion now Jer 10:10. and psalm 90:12 .  Watch for next update .  Surgery is still scheduled for 1:30pm.

to God be the Glory,  Nancy

care team for tj

To All Who Love Our Sister...

Here is the plan as we know currently.  We have set up several teams to provide help and care to the entire family.  Each team has a specific leader and contact person.  Please call the church office at 1-904-272-7177 to get specific phone numbers for team leaders.  They are as follows:

Text message update ...Lori Renaud   if you would like hourly updates please call Lori to be added to our list

Email update... Connie Suggs at Pinewood Presbyterian Church 1-904-272-7177  if you would like updates call Connie to be added to her list. 

Hospital Visits... Janice Findley   The family is asking for visits and prayer at Mayo Main Operating Room between 9:30a and 10:30a just before surgery.  They are also asking for no visitors after surgery including Thursday evening and Friday.  Watch for update on visits on this blog and call Janice if you desire to visit. 

Meals/child care...Dawn Thacker.  Meals for the Kims will begin on Monday following surgery.

Pinewood Christian Academy... Sara Barrs...

There are many others who are leading other groups that I am unable to confirm now so I will update later...

To all of you who have been so faithful and loving through prayer and deeds, I can't say enough.  Please continue to lift up our sweet sister, friend, co-worker, teacher,mother and wife and my best friend.  I ask you to please be in prayer also for myself and family and to all who continue to care for TJ and her family.  We believe in God's faithfulness and know that in this He is great and Mighty. 

In Him...  Nancy

mayo visit 2/3

We are currently at Mayo finalizing plans for TJ's surgery. Here is what we know at present...

Surgery is currently scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm on 2/5/09. She will be admitted to the main operating room area at 10am. The surgery will require three teams of surgeons including breast surgery, thoracic surgery and plastic surgery. The surgery will take approximately 6-8 hours once begun. I will update hourly as info comes in .. You may want to sign up for blog alert to notify you when there is an update.

I will send out specifics for prayer, meals, child care and visits later today including who to contact to be added to the list of needs. We will see the thoracic surgeon later today. After that appointment we will have more specifics.

In Him, Nancy

TJ's Health Update

Dear Family and Friends in Christ:

TJ and I would like to share how encouraging you all have been throughout this ordeal and all the special thoughts and prayers you’ve been pouring on to our family -- your prayers have touched us so much. Also, your support has been tremendous, knowing our loving God speaks specially through our fellow servants of the Lord. TJ and I are so blessed and in awe of your never-ceasing love and care.

Since the recent cancer recurrence, we have been spending every day for the past two weeks at Mayo Clinic, meeting with the doctors to prepare for a TJ’s upcoming major surgery: I thank God that I’m back in Jacksonville to be with my loved ones. Although Mayo Clinic is 45 minutes away from our house, driving there early in the morning and returning late in the afternoon can take a toll on our body. Maybe, that is one reason why TJ and the rest of us have been sick for awhile. TJ usually sleeps during our drive to and from Mayo but once she returns home, she is on the phone talking with Mayo to arrange next day’s visit. Because of our hectic schedule, we do, unfortunately, miss the kids’ in-school and after-school activities. It is this reason why TJ and I are eternally grateful for her parents, who have been with us for the past two years, taking care of Matthew and Hannah when either or both of us can’t participate. It disappoints TJ much for not being there for our children, but having her parents there for our kids brings some comfort, however.

TJ’s surgery date is set for Thursday, February 5^th 2009; the exact surgery time will be determined next week. The surgery is the first of three stages to her recovery process; radiation and chemotherapy treatments, being the other two, will follow the surgery. Three doctors will be performing the surgery simultaneously: Dr. Sarah McLaughlin (breast surgeon), Dr. John O’Dell (thoracic surgeon), and Dr. Gavin Perdikis (plastic surgeon). As discussed in my earlier emails, the tumor cells are near the ribs and cartilages, so there is a possibility of needing thoracic surgeon’s expertise. In addition, a plastic surgeon is needed if the removal of cancer tissues is substantial in which grafting of skin/tissue from another part of TJ’s body is required. Monday/Tuesday of next week, we’ll have our final consultations with the doctors at Mayo Clinic.

Please join us in prayer that God will prepare TJ both physically and spiritually for the surgery, lead the doctors and provide steady hands during the surgery, remove all the cancer cells from her body, and recover quickly from this arduous and demanding surgical procedure. This surgery will take approximately four to five hours, and the recovery period at the hospital will be from one to four nights, depending how much they find and remove tissues during the surgery. The whole recovery from the surgery would take three to four weeks before next stage of treatments commences. We pray that the surgery itself would be minimal, and that TJ will return home quickly to start the recovery process. Also, we asked that you’ll keep Matthew and Hannah in your prayers, as they will not be able to see their mom for a couple of nights. Although the kids will be home with TJ’s parents, we asked that God will bring much peace and comfort in their hearts through this perplexing period of their young lives.

God has been very faithful to TJ and me, as our faith in Him has not diminished but emboldened since discovering the cancer in 2006. We truly believe in the mighty power of our Lord and know that He is good. One of our brothers sent me this encouraging bible quotation that I would like to share it with you: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32

We thank you and may our loving God continually bless you and your family!!!

In His name,

TJ and Kwang