The worst news of my life was given me on August 1, 2022. “You have cancer,” the doctor said. No one ever wants to hear that kind of news from their doctor. I went in thinking I was having a gluten intolerance or food allergy, but found out differently.
The next few weeks were a blur for me and Jon. Realizing cancer had been causing my issues for some time the medical people got in fast gear. We made numerous trips for medical scans and tests in Little Rock trying to discover the extent of the disease. Finally last Friday, August 19 our fears were confirmed that the cancer had spread to my liver.
Ever since my initial diagnoses Jon had been researching cancer treatment centers, types of treatment, and clinical trial studies. In his search we discovered that cancer treatment centers have to follow a certain protocol for treating cancer patients. So, my oncologist told me I would be on 3 different heavy high powered chemo drugs every two weeks. I would loose my hair, probably have diarrhea, vomit, as well as other unpleasant things. That might not be so bad if I had an excellent chance of survival. But I don’t. The survival rate is 17% for stage 4 rectal cancer after 5 years.
During Jon’s research he found a place in Scottsdale, Arizona that approaches the treatment in a different way. They first detox the body, put you on a diet plan, correct my alkaline level, and I’m not sure what else. Then they treat the cancerous tumor directly with “targeted” chemo therapy, a treatment method that uses much smaller dosages of chemo and less dramatic effects. They have had excellent success with their methods. We will know more this week when we meet the team of doctors at Envita Cancer Center. The doctors are able to treat patients with these cutting edge treatments because they don’t have to follow insurance and FDA approved protocols. Why? Because they don’t take insurance. We feel that God has hand-picked this place for me. We feel at peace and very hopeful that this place is going to be our miracle.
So, Monday, August 22 we started on our adventure to Scottsdale. We started out with no place to stay, trusting that God would provide. This morning, I will be honest, I was about to loose hope that we were going to find anything at a reasonable price. Then God parted the waters when we received a phone call from a family that is a member of our sister church in Scottsdale. They are snowbirds and won’t be back to Arizona for the next 4 weeks. They have graciously opened their home to us as a place to stay until they return. When Jon got off the phone with them I shed a few tears and we immediately sent up prayers of gratitude for our miracle of the day!
I will be in treatment for at least 3 months. Jon will be with me for the first few weeks and will return home from time to time to keep the business going. My parents quickly stepped out of retirement to help keep things running smoothly at home. We are very thankful they are still spunky, kicking high, and in their right mind to boss and direct.
We will try to keep everyone informed regularly through this blog so you can know how things are going. Thank you for your continued prayers, love and support.
Clara Cavallaro says
Ohhhh dearest Tammy! I’m so very sorry to hear this. You will be in our continual prayers. We love you!
Paula says
Oh, Tammie, I’m so sorry to read this. I’m praying for you now and will continue. God promises to wrap His loving arms around us. I pray that He holds you close.
Klinda says
Love and prayers, Tammy, as you face this.
Stephanie F. says
Oh, Mrs. Tammy. So sorry to hear of this struggle. So glad you have peace and have found a treatment plan that works for you. Praying for you and your family in this hard time.
Stephanie F.
Scott Eakins says
We love you, Tammie! God’s got this, and you just hang tightly to Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Commit everything into His care, and do your best. We are asking for Him to heal you.
Donna Bolan says
Tammie, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis! Praying you have full recovery!!!
Anna says
Thank you, Tammie , for sharing this journey. It truly sounds like a faith walk! Praying for the healing you are seeking.
Tammy E. says
So sorry to hear this, but you are in God’s hands. Glad to hear that you have a place that can help. What a blessing.
Praying for you and your family. Prayers for peace and a strong faith to get you guys through this. Hugs🙏🏻
Beverly Waid says
My heart is hurting for you! You know you will be in my prayers! Jesus is with you holding your hand! We all know He has to be coming soon! The world is upside down and we only know we have Jesus! But that is enough!!❤️🌼🌸🌺🪷💖🙏🏽 Sending my love! Beverly Waid