Folks -
We have changed TJ's blog to: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tjkim
Please take a look at it and email TJ with encouraging messages.
God Bless,
Kwang
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
TJ medical update with additional prayer requests
Recently, our doctor has informed us that TJ’s lung had accumulated fluids again, thus, she needs a procedure to extract them. It will be her third time in four months, as this is scheduled for today (7/28/09) at 2pm.
Since our doctor switched it to a new and stronger chemo regiment last month, TJ had a second round of chemo last week. Also, TJ will be getting full CT and PET scans in three weeks to verify the effectiveness of this treatment. We trust our Lord that this chemo regiment will be very effective and pray that all good things will come according to His Will.
For the past month, we have searched and continually searching across the country for clinical trial sites. Although we have made numerous calls to various places, we’re having difficulty in finding the “right” trials for TJ. For the past decades or so, the pharmaceutical companies had been focusing on finding medications for the 80% of the breast cancer patients. Hence, the quality of chemo and its deliveries have a long and effective track record. Unfortunately, TJ’s breast cancer does not fit into that category. Her characteristics are known as a triple negative breast cancer. The quality of its findings is still in a rudimentary stage, though a number of companies are now working on researches that could bring positive results soon. Nonetheless, companies are putting forth more resources into it today than ever before. Maybe this is the reason why these clinical trial sites have a long waiting list.
Another challenge we’ve been facing with is that these qualified trial sites have a stringent requirement that leaves TJ and the others wanting to but not being able to participate. I recently discovered these requirements are so specific to their targeted patients that if there’s a one minor difference - one more treatment, one less treatment, etc…. - the patients are not being considered at all. This makes even more difficult for TJ who has been on this road for three years, receiving various types of chemotherapies.
Although we will continually search for the “right” trial sites, I feel we are now fighting ourselves against time. Time is of the essence! The longer we wait without finding a “right” chemo treatment; I believe it’ll put TJ in a difficult health condition. We are coming grips with this thought as we are asking God’s mercy on her. We are asking for your prayers. We pray that:
1. TJ will continually submit to our Lord who knows His children’s needs, and that, she finds peace & comfort only in Him as He is the sole provider for her well- being.
2. Today’s procedure to remove fluids would proceed well at Mayo. An experienced doctor would remove most, if not all the fluids without incurring any additional pain for TJ.
3. The “right” clinical trial sites would be available for TJ, not only to qualify, but also, obtain positive results from it.
4. Lord will protect and comfort our children – Matthew and Hannah as they have been questioning more and more about their mom’s health.
I am in awe with your continued encouragements and support for TJ. Please know that we are fighting this fight every day because of your endless prayers for her.
God Bless,
Kwang
Since our doctor switched it to a new and stronger chemo regiment last month, TJ had a second round of chemo last week. Also, TJ will be getting full CT and PET scans in three weeks to verify the effectiveness of this treatment. We trust our Lord that this chemo regiment will be very effective and pray that all good things will come according to His Will.
For the past month, we have searched and continually searching across the country for clinical trial sites. Although we have made numerous calls to various places, we’re having difficulty in finding the “right” trials for TJ. For the past decades or so, the pharmaceutical companies had been focusing on finding medications for the 80% of the breast cancer patients. Hence, the quality of chemo and its deliveries have a long and effective track record. Unfortunately, TJ’s breast cancer does not fit into that category. Her characteristics are known as a triple negative breast cancer. The quality of its findings is still in a rudimentary stage, though a number of companies are now working on researches that could bring positive results soon. Nonetheless, companies are putting forth more resources into it today than ever before. Maybe this is the reason why these clinical trial sites have a long waiting list.
Another challenge we’ve been facing with is that these qualified trial sites have a stringent requirement that leaves TJ and the others wanting to but not being able to participate. I recently discovered these requirements are so specific to their targeted patients that if there’s a one minor difference - one more treatment, one less treatment, etc…. - the patients are not being considered at all. This makes even more difficult for TJ who has been on this road for three years, receiving various types of chemotherapies.
Although we will continually search for the “right” trial sites, I feel we are now fighting ourselves against time. Time is of the essence! The longer we wait without finding a “right” chemo treatment; I believe it’ll put TJ in a difficult health condition. We are coming grips with this thought as we are asking God’s mercy on her. We are asking for your prayers. We pray that:
1. TJ will continually submit to our Lord who knows His children’s needs, and that, she finds peace & comfort only in Him as He is the sole provider for her well- being.
2. Today’s procedure to remove fluids would proceed well at Mayo. An experienced doctor would remove most, if not all the fluids without incurring any additional pain for TJ.
3. The “right” clinical trial sites would be available for TJ, not only to qualify, but also, obtain positive results from it.
4. Lord will protect and comfort our children – Matthew and Hannah as they have been questioning more and more about their mom’s health.
I am in awe with your continued encouragements and support for TJ. Please know that we are fighting this fight every day because of your endless prayers for her.
God Bless,
Kwang
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Trip to Atlanta, Georgia
We thank God for allowing us to visit Atlanta, GA last week. Although TJ had a treatment ten days ago, she really wanted to go and see our family and friends who have been tirelessly praying for her.
Our trip did not start well, unfortunately, as our Honda transmission broke down about 100 miles from the Kris’ (my sister) house. Fortunately, we’re able to transfer TJ and the children quickly to my sister's house, so that they could get much needed rest while I towed the vehicle to our friend-mechanic’s shop. We later discovered that there were innate transmission problems with our mini-van. As always, God was in control throughout this ordeal, taking care of ALL our needs.
We got to spend some quality time with my parents and my sisters – Wendy and Kris & James (my brother-in-law). My parents were eager to see TJ, wanting to better understand her health status and discussing about her medical care needs. My parents felt helpless, not being able to relief any of TJ’s pain; they, like the rest of us, want the pains to go away.... They encouraged us to never give up but fight it every step of the way.
It has been a while since I spent time with my dad. We had poignant discussions, mostly focusing on TJ’s health and her treatment needs. The discussions led us to overcome our Korean father-son traditions and kept our focus on the important matters such as, TJ's health, the children and family needs. I am so thankful that my dad (& mom) loves TJ as if she is one of their own. I often suggested that my parents love TJ more than me; I now believe that to be true. As we talked through the wee hours, we asked our Lord to be merciful and to deliver her from this disease. Our hearts were heavy, but my dad encouraged me to stay strong and positive for both TJ and the kids. In return, I asked him to continually pray for TJ, as we are bound to face a difficult and challenging road ahead of us.
As always, my sister/brother-in-law and their children (Andrew & Rachel) were gracious in welcoming us with lots of hugs and kisses. They wanted TJ to relax and enjoy during our stay at their house. TJ rested most of the day, while Matthew and Hannah spent all of their waking moments with Andrew and Rachel, like two peas in a pod! In spite of her physical weakness, TJ was in good spirit and had strengths to enjoy certain activities with me, including a July 4th gathering with my sister’s friends. We appreciate their unconditional love and support....
Both Matthew and Hannah couldn’t wait for the camp at Lake Lanier with Wendy; this has become an annual event for them. For the past month, the kids were talking about sleeping in the tent, eating s’mores, playing with the fire work, etc. During the camp, TJ stayed at my parents’ house while the kids, Wendy, and I spent a few cold nights at Lake Lanier. In spite of her difficulties, TJ visited the camp site to enjoy the scenery and to watch the kids playing in the lake. Matthew and Hannah had a delightful time with Wendy as she had everything ready for them. I barely survived and finally accepted the fact that I'm NOT the "Nature's" best friend!
This blog wouldn’t be complete without thanking our brothers and sisters in Christ at Open Door Community Church (ODCC). As always, TJ enjoys, savors, and cherishes moments spent with the ladies at ODCC; ODCC is our former church in GA. It was great seeing them, and as always, they welcomed us (especially TJ) with open arms. The sisters love TJ with so much passion that I feel it just standing next to TJ (like a 2nd-hand smoker). TJ often says whenever the sisters look at her, she sees their love “oozing” out of them. I fully concur! These sisters are amazing! They truly care and pray unceasingly for one of theirs. During the lunch I can't remember the last time TJ laughed so much that the tears of joy were evident in her eyes. It was a change of venue that I so long wished for: Thank you ladies!!! Reverend and Mrs. Sweet made our visit even more “Sweeter” because they consider TJ to be one of their own daughters. We are so grateful to have the Sweet’s as our fellow brother/sister in Christ, but more importantly, as our spiritual advisors. I often call Reverend Sweet my “Spiritual Dad!”
Although the trip was a bit tiring for TJ, we were so thankful that our Lord was lifted and His name was glorified. TJ had such a wonderful time that she is counting days to visit GA again. Please pray that that time will come soon. Thank you for being who you are…, a servant to our all good and all powerful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God Bless You All.
Kwang
Our trip did not start well, unfortunately, as our Honda transmission broke down about 100 miles from the Kris’ (my sister) house. Fortunately, we’re able to transfer TJ and the children quickly to my sister's house, so that they could get much needed rest while I towed the vehicle to our friend-mechanic’s shop. We later discovered that there were innate transmission problems with our mini-van. As always, God was in control throughout this ordeal, taking care of ALL our needs.
We got to spend some quality time with my parents and my sisters – Wendy and Kris & James (my brother-in-law). My parents were eager to see TJ, wanting to better understand her health status and discussing about her medical care needs. My parents felt helpless, not being able to relief any of TJ’s pain; they, like the rest of us, want the pains to go away.... They encouraged us to never give up but fight it every step of the way.
It has been a while since I spent time with my dad. We had poignant discussions, mostly focusing on TJ’s health and her treatment needs. The discussions led us to overcome our Korean father-son traditions and kept our focus on the important matters such as, TJ's health, the children and family needs. I am so thankful that my dad (& mom) loves TJ as if she is one of their own. I often suggested that my parents love TJ more than me; I now believe that to be true. As we talked through the wee hours, we asked our Lord to be merciful and to deliver her from this disease. Our hearts were heavy, but my dad encouraged me to stay strong and positive for both TJ and the kids. In return, I asked him to continually pray for TJ, as we are bound to face a difficult and challenging road ahead of us.
As always, my sister/brother-in-law and their children (Andrew & Rachel) were gracious in welcoming us with lots of hugs and kisses. They wanted TJ to relax and enjoy during our stay at their house. TJ rested most of the day, while Matthew and Hannah spent all of their waking moments with Andrew and Rachel, like two peas in a pod! In spite of her physical weakness, TJ was in good spirit and had strengths to enjoy certain activities with me, including a July 4th gathering with my sister’s friends. We appreciate their unconditional love and support....
Both Matthew and Hannah couldn’t wait for the camp at Lake Lanier with Wendy; this has become an annual event for them. For the past month, the kids were talking about sleeping in the tent, eating s’mores, playing with the fire work, etc. During the camp, TJ stayed at my parents’ house while the kids, Wendy, and I spent a few cold nights at Lake Lanier. In spite of her difficulties, TJ visited the camp site to enjoy the scenery and to watch the kids playing in the lake. Matthew and Hannah had a delightful time with Wendy as she had everything ready for them. I barely survived and finally accepted the fact that I'm NOT the "Nature's" best friend!
This blog wouldn’t be complete without thanking our brothers and sisters in Christ at Open Door Community Church (ODCC). As always, TJ enjoys, savors, and cherishes moments spent with the ladies at ODCC; ODCC is our former church in GA. It was great seeing them, and as always, they welcomed us (especially TJ) with open arms. The sisters love TJ with so much passion that I feel it just standing next to TJ (like a 2nd-hand smoker). TJ often says whenever the sisters look at her, she sees their love “oozing” out of them. I fully concur! These sisters are amazing! They truly care and pray unceasingly for one of theirs. During the lunch I can't remember the last time TJ laughed so much that the tears of joy were evident in her eyes. It was a change of venue that I so long wished for: Thank you ladies!!! Reverend and Mrs. Sweet made our visit even more “Sweeter” because they consider TJ to be one of their own daughters. We are so grateful to have the Sweet’s as our fellow brother/sister in Christ, but more importantly, as our spiritual advisors. I often call Reverend Sweet my “Spiritual Dad!”
Although the trip was a bit tiring for TJ, we were so thankful that our Lord was lifted and His name was glorified. TJ had such a wonderful time that she is counting days to visit GA again. Please pray that that time will come soon. Thank you for being who you are…, a servant to our all good and all powerful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God Bless You All.
Kwang
Sunday, July 5, 2009
TJ's treatment update
Dear all,
It’s been a while since I last updated the TJ’s blog. After extracting fluids from her lung, our doctor has changed her chemo again, believing the current treatments may not be as effective. He has now recommended a new chemo regiment that is stronger and potent to fight her cancer. This new chemo is given once every four weeks.
As you may be aware, each day requires great physical challenge for TJ with never-ceasing pain. She endures them all without complaining, but I know those pains have been overwhelming at times. Her endless desire to fight this fight gives us (especially me) strength, although it breaks my heart seeing her going through it on hourly basis. What’s amazing is that TJ comforts me while she tries dearest to avoid showing struggles to Matthew and Hannah; she desires the family to live a “normal” lifestyle. These days, however, TJ wrestles with simple activities that we take them for granted; such as, walking, standing, lifting, etc – her breathing and coughing become intense with these activities.
With God’s loving words, we should be content with what we know, what we have, and what we do. Also, trusting in Him leads us to be content in Him only! As the Apostle Paul says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil. 4:12). I sincerely believe TJ exemplifies these Christ-like characteristics but being in this fight for three years has slowly taken a toll in her spirit and has weaken her body. I watched, felt, and experienced her sufferings more than I had ever known since returning home two months ago. It’s very difficult seeing her bearing so much pain, while I am unable to remove or ease any of it....
Recently, my dad even stated that he would trade his life for TJ, if he could, after seeing first hand of her struggles with the cancer treatment. I appreciate him and the rest of my family for sacrificing so much for TJ, me, and the children. I am eternally grateful for them and continually pray for God’s mercy on all of us.
We would like you to know TJ and I are fighting this fight everyday because of your persistent, fervent prayers. Thank you for caring so much!
God Bless,
Kwang
It’s been a while since I last updated the TJ’s blog. After extracting fluids from her lung, our doctor has changed her chemo again, believing the current treatments may not be as effective. He has now recommended a new chemo regiment that is stronger and potent to fight her cancer. This new chemo is given once every four weeks.
As you may be aware, each day requires great physical challenge for TJ with never-ceasing pain. She endures them all without complaining, but I know those pains have been overwhelming at times. Her endless desire to fight this fight gives us (especially me) strength, although it breaks my heart seeing her going through it on hourly basis. What’s amazing is that TJ comforts me while she tries dearest to avoid showing struggles to Matthew and Hannah; she desires the family to live a “normal” lifestyle. These days, however, TJ wrestles with simple activities that we take them for granted; such as, walking, standing, lifting, etc – her breathing and coughing become intense with these activities.
With God’s loving words, we should be content with what we know, what we have, and what we do. Also, trusting in Him leads us to be content in Him only! As the Apostle Paul says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil. 4:12). I sincerely believe TJ exemplifies these Christ-like characteristics but being in this fight for three years has slowly taken a toll in her spirit and has weaken her body. I watched, felt, and experienced her sufferings more than I had ever known since returning home two months ago. It’s very difficult seeing her bearing so much pain, while I am unable to remove or ease any of it....
Recently, my dad even stated that he would trade his life for TJ, if he could, after seeing first hand of her struggles with the cancer treatment. I appreciate him and the rest of my family for sacrificing so much for TJ, me, and the children. I am eternally grateful for them and continually pray for God’s mercy on all of us.
We would like you to know TJ and I are fighting this fight everyday because of your persistent, fervent prayers. Thank you for caring so much!
God Bless,
Kwang
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)