Happy Christmas!

Thanks for your encouraging messages, it is so good to know that I don't have to have more chemotherapy! I am still recovering from the last round, but looking forward to having a decent break from it all over Christmas.

I got a letter in the post telling me I am booked to have a CT Scan on Jan 5th 2009 at Frenchay Hosptial, so that will indicate what's next for me in terms of treatment. I will of course keep you updated in the New Year on how things progress and what the CT scan shows.

I just wanted to wish you all a very very Happy Christmas and thank you once again for all your wonderful support and prayers, it has been incredible.
Love, Mari

Chemo is over

Mari has finally finished 8 months of chemo which is a wonderful relief. Eventually they found a vein this morning after several attempts, Mari did react to one of the drugs with cold, shivering and increased temperature. She had to be given extra steroids to combat the reaction. She is now in bed recovering.

Mari will have to go back for a scan in the middle of January to determine whether more treatment is needed.It would be wonderful if she didn't need any. She has a month to get over the battering her body has had over the past months.

We will update again over the next few days. We want you all to know how grateful Mari is for the love, support, prayer and encouragement you have given in recent months.

Thanks again
With love
The Days and Phil

Chemo tomorrow - last one!

Chemo is going ahead tomorrow for Mari at 11 am in Southmead hospital. Number 16 - the last one!
Thanks for all your messages and for celebrating with us, we will let you know how tomorrow goes.
Love from us all.

A good week!

We went away to Cornwall for the week, which was lovely and thankfully I have felt pretty well generally.

I have my final chemo ( number 16) coming up this week on Thursday at 10 am and the usual injections/blood tests before. I am already SO excited about finishing chemo, but I will have to put the celebrations on hold as I have to go straight home to bed after chemo. It will be great to have a break from treatment over the Christmas holls.

I will be going back in to hospital for tests in January and then we will have more of an idea about how things are looking and whether or not I will need to have radiotherapy. I am really hoping I won't have to - but also trying to prepare myself in case I do.

I'll let you know when we have dates for that as well as how this coming week goes.
With love and thanks for your encouragement and for standing with me through this year, Mari x

Update.

Hya,
Chemo went smoothly yesterday! Thankfully they found a vein quickly and I slept for a large part of the time. The nurse says the chemo seems to go in easier when I sleep - something to do with me being more relaxed and my veins opening up!
So all up, it was quite quick - I can't believe I only have one more chemo to go. At one point, it felt like it would never end but finally the end is in sight - now that is a good feeling!
Thanks for continuing to check up on my progress and for all your care. I do love reading your messages, they always cheer me up!
Love Mari x

Chemo tomorrow - number 15

Hi,
Thanks for your messages.
Mari has chemo tomorrow at 10 am, this will be her second to last chemo! She has had her usual blood tests and injections this week, as well as a helpful session with the doctor, who was able to answer lots of her questions about life post chemo (and questions related to radiotherapy, incase Mari has to have it in the new year - though we are hoping not)!

We will let you know how tomorrow goes.
With love and thanks.

Much better!

Hi,
Thanks for you kind messages. I wanted to let you know that I am feeling a lot better now - and I have managed to keep fluids down, so no hospital for me, (whoop whoop)!

I have this week off before round 15 next Thursday.
Enjoy your week.
With love and thanks, Mari

A bad night!

Mari did not have a good night last night. She has picked up a tummy bug and so was up all night with d and v. She has to try to keep as much liquid down as possible otherwise she will have to go back into hospital which she would rather not have to do.

We dont know whether it is a bug that is going around at the moment or more specifically related to her treatment. Please pray that she will quickly get over it.

Many thanks

With love

The Days

Session 14 over

Thanks for your prayers and messages. Mari has just returned home from the hospital. The nurses had problems getting a vein and after several painful attempts and resorting to putting her arm in a bucket of hot water after 40 minutes they found a vein. When the chemo eventually started, it wasn't painful. The nurse told Mari that her veins are tortuous!

There was good news from the X ray, the area of concern after pneumonia was all clear. Although the Consultant said an X ray would not be as specific as a scan, she was encouraged that the mass on Mari's chest is shrinking so we are praying that in the final two chemo sessions, the mass will completely disappear.

Thanks again and we will update you again after the weekend,

God bless

With love

The Days

Round 14.

Hi,
Just updating you...
I have been feeling much better since I last wrote and I had a great weekend.
I had my injection at home today which was very convenient ( same again tomorrow). I do, however, have to go in to hospital tomorrow for an x-ray, they want to check things out post pneumonia.
I am back in hospital again on Wednesday for routine blood tests before round 14 of chemo on Thursday morning!

There is not much more to report right now but I will let you know how this week goes as well as x-ray results etc.
Thank you friends xx Mari

This week.

Just updating you... I have felt quite rough this week but this is just the usual post chemo feeling. Today I had to go in to the hospital as one of my veins is inflamed, it is very hard and sore. The Dr's have put me on a course of antibiotics just to ensure it doesn't turn nasty.

I am back in hospital again next week on Wednesday for tests and on Thursday for round 13 of chemo, (after having my injections at home for the first time)!
I hope you all have a lovely weekend, thanks for continuing to read this blog and post such lovely messages.
With Love, Mari x

Chemotherapy today.

Thanks for your prayers - today went well. The nurses found a vein quickly and it was a good vein - it didn't play up last the one did last week.

It's good to tick another round off, 3 more to go! The Dr told us that soon Mari is due to have another chest x-ray to find out how things are looking after the pneumonia. We will let you know when we have a date for this.

It is now possible for Mari to have some of the injections ( which she is having regularly now, to boost her white blood cells) at home. This means less hospital visits - horray!
The Dr also confirmed that after treatment number 16, (scheduled on December 11th), Mari will have a few weeks off before returning to hospital in January for CT scans/pet scans etc. They will then decide whether Mari needs some radiotherapy at the oncology hospital. We really hope the cancer will be all gone by then.

Mari is looking forward to having a few weeks off after the final chemotherapy round.

She is now in bed resting and recovering from today - grateful for your messages and prayers. Today went very smoothly and quickly which was a great relief. There is a nasty sickness bug going around ( warnings about it in the hospital) and 3 people in our house have been unwell with that, plus friends. It would be very complicated if Mari gets infected and she would have to go straight back in to hospital. Fortunately, so far she hasn't caught it which is amazing given the state of her immune system right now following treatments.

There are a few things to pray about, we are starting to look ahead now and longing for this to all be over. We are hoping for some good news in January but also preparing ourselves for the possibility of further treatment if necessary.

We will write more soon.
Love and thanks.

Hospital again this week

Hi,

I have enjoyed every minute of my needle-free week this week. I will be in and out of hospital over the next four days for the usual blood tests and injections. If all goes according to plan I will be having chemo ( number 13) on Thursday at 10 am.

I have noticed I am starting to feel more positive and I think that's because finally the end of treatment is in sight, with only 4 more to go! Then I will have a series of tests/CT scans/pet scan etc to assess the situation. The Dr's have always said I might need to have some radiotherapy when the chemo finishes so obviously I am hoping and praying this won't be the case.

Your messages have helped me to keep positive too of course so thanks a million, as always.
Love love love Mari x

End of Round 12

Mari is now 3/4s of the way through her chemo. Today started off well with the Nurse quickly finding a vein which was a relief, however parts of today were quite gruelling. She was not too well after the pneumonia and various injections from earlier this week and the chemo was fairly torrid today. It does seem to vary from session to session. Her temperature was starting to rise through the chemo so we have to watch that over the next couple of days. She has gone straight to bed on arriving home.

Please pray that her temperature will stabilise, otherwise it is straight back into hospital. Pray too that the chemo will do its work. She will have a scan before the final treatment to determine whether the cancer has gone. We would all love that to be the case.

Many thanks again for your love and concern.

God bless
With love
Dave, Rhi, Phil and Mari

This week.

Thanks for your lovely messages.
I was in hospital again today, having my usual tests and injection to boost my white blood cells. Back in tomorrow and Wednesday for more of the same. I will also be having a flu jab and pneumonia jab as I am considered "at risk"! So, lots of needles this week! Then round 12 of chemo on Thursday, if my tests show that I am well enough!
I am counting the treatments down now, and cannot wait to feel normal again!

We will keep updating you.
With much love and appreciation, Mari x

Update.

Mari is keeping pretty well post chemo. She is experiencing a few of the usual side effects which are unpleasant, but nothing major. She is going back in to hospital next week for injections on Monday and Tuesday, tests on Wednesday and then round 12 of chemo on Thursday ( if blood tests show she is well enough to have it), so she has this week to rest and recover from the last treatment. We will keep you updated.

Have a great week and thank you ~ x

Today.

Fortunately, Mari was able to proceed with chemo today ( 11 down,5 to go)! It was a long day, she was in hospital from 10.30 am through to gone 5 pm. Tomorrow, she is due to have an injection, which has some unpleasant side effects - but other than that, she will be resting up over the weekend in bed.
She is really grateful that you continue to read this blog and leave such wonderful messages.
Thank you. It is an encouragement to us all.

We will let you know how she gets on after the next few days ( she has to take 10 plus tablets the day after chemo, so she is fairly drugged up initially for a few days).

Have a great weekend.
Love from us xxxx

Chemo tomorrow, number 11.

Hi,

Thanks for your messages and continued support. I have had my two injections this week, as planned. Tomorrow morning I'm going in to hospital (in the morning) for blood tests.
If my white blood cells are up to it, I will have chemo,round 11, later on in the morning. I have to wait around for test results before we can proceed with treatment but hopefully the injections will have done the trick. I then need to have another injection on Friday, so my bod will be taking a bit of a hammering over the next couple of days.
Will let you know how I get on with it all. As unpleasant as the chemo is, it is always good to tick another one off.
With love and thank you again for continuing to read this and for posting such lovely messages, Mari xx

Doing well.

Thanks for your messages.
Mari is doing pretty well post chemo, so we just wanted to let you know.
She is going back in to hospital on Monday and Tuesday of next week for injections which hopefully will boost her white blood cells allowing her to have chemo ( round 11) the following Thursday. We will keep you updated.
With Love.

Update from today.

Mari finally had round ten of chemo today, after waiting around for a while, having tests. Her tests on Tuesday ( after injections) were still too low to have chemo, but fortunately blood tests today showed an increase in levels so chemo went ahead!

We finished in hospital around 6pm due to trouble with veins so it was a long day but we were relieved to get another round over with.
Also found out today, that Mari will now have to have injections before each round of chemo, because her white blood cells do not seem to be regenerating by themselves. She has all the usual drugs, which she can use to control nasty side effects again this time round.

Thanks for your faithful prayers, have a great weekend.
Good night from us xxx

Tomorrow.

Hi there,
I have been going in to hospital for injections, which will boost my white blood cells. The injections leave me feeling quite achey but hopefully they will have done the trick. I am going back in to hospital tomorrow morning for tests. If the test results show that I am well enough, I will have my tenth round of chemo tomorrow around midday. We will let you know what happens.
With thanks and all our love,
Mari

Chemo delayed

Mari had blood tests today (routine). However, the results showed that her white blood cells are too low to have chemo as planned tomorrow. Therefore she will have to go in to hospital today and tomorrow for injections which will hopefully boost her white blood cells. If this all works, then she will be having chemo on Thursday now instead!

It seems that her white blood cells are generally not bouncing back after treatment so if you could pray that this changes, we would be most grateful. Dr's say they do not know the long term effects of using this injection, so they only pull it out if they absolutely have to!

We will let you know how things go. Mari is a bit disheartened by this news. She is due her tenth round of chemo and is scheduled to have 16 rounds in total. Though the chemo is unpleasant, she is keen to get it over with a.s.a.p.

With Thanks.

Chemo - round 10!

Mari is going back in to hospital on Monday for usual tests. It will be interesting to see how her white blood cells are doing.
She then ( if well enough) will be back in hospital on Tuesday afternoon for round 10 of chemo!
We will let you know how things go.
Have a lovely weekend.

Doing well.

Hya,
Thanks a million for your messages while I was in hospital. I am so pleased to have put that behind me now and I'm still REALLY enjoying being at home, in my own bed ... free from drips, injections, hospital smells/sounds etc....
I am doing pretty well post chemo ( better than expected) and so I just wanted to let you know.

Thanks again for your amazing support. Mum and Dad would print off the blog messages and bring them in to hospital each morning for me to read. Your messages really did brighten up my days!

Have a good week.
Love Mari x

Home sweet home.

Mari got home last night at around 11pm, after her final IV.

She was so pleased to be home and free from injections, blood tests, wires up her nose ( to give her oxygen), hospital plastic sheets, constant interruptions in the night etc! ( That all said, the nurses and Dr's were really lovely and we're grateful for their care).

Mari particularly enjoyed not being attached to a drip for the night and having no line in her veins for the first time in 10 days. Her veins are still very sore. Dr's warned her this would happen, as a result of all the chemotherapy. Hopefully this will be a temporary thing, they need a good long holiday which isn't going to happen with chemo! Mari was also hugely grateful that she didn't have to have the very invasive procedure in her lungs, that was being threatened, so thanks for praying about that.

Mari had to be back in hospital for chemo (round 9) at 10 am this morning. To be honest Mari did not feel strong enough for this and it was somewhat overwhelming. She is now in bed recovering, sleeping, resting and drinking lots of fluids - under Dr's orders!

She has to wake up at 8 am, for three days after chemo, to take drugs which help control side effects.

Thank you for standing with us at this difficult time. We're all pretty tired so hoping for some good sleep now.
We will let you know how Mari responds to this next round of treatment.
With love xx

Coming Home.... Monday night

After being told by Drs this morning that she would have to stay in all week, Mari was told this afternoon that if she has two more lots of intravenous antibiotics she could have chemo tomorrow and either stay in over night and just go down the corridor for chemo or come home late tonight and go back in in the morning. Guess which Mari opted for! She wants a bath and good sleep.

The good news is that her blood count is up and the infection levelling out. The haematologist consultant told Mari that they are more concerned in the long run about her tumour than the infection. So they want to continue chemo. Tomorrow seems a bit soon but Mari understands the need for it.

Thank you for all your prayers. Please pray that Mari will cope with the chemo, the infection will completely go and that her white cells will build up more quickly after tomorrows treatment. She does not want to go through the last couple of weeks again!

God bless
With love
The Days and Phil

A better night

Mari wanted us to thank you for all the prayers and love shown to her. She had a better night last night and feels she has turned the corner. For the first night since February, she did not wake with drenching night sweats. Her blood and oxygen levels have increased which is encouraging too. She is still coughing badly but that too seems a bit easier than it has been.

She is hoping that if this continues she can come home in a day or two and have a few days in her own bed before the next Chemo session.

We as a family join with Mari in thanking you all again for your prayers.

With love

The Days

Friday Night

Mari has been in hospital for a week now and is anxious to come home. The Drs are still unsure of where the infection is and so are giving a wide range of drugs to try to cover all the bases. If the fever stops, they might let her out early next week, if it doesn't, they will do a more invasive investigation which Mari does not relish in the slightest. When she woke up this morning, her temperature was 39.6 which is still very high. Please pray that will level out. Her blood count is up which will help her fight infection.

We have mentioned before about the problem finding veins for the lines to be put into Mari. They have to be changed every few days to avoid infection. Today, they had to use Mari's feet as all the veins in her arms and hands are not suitable. Every time they try to put a line in it causes much discomfort.


Thanks again for all your love and support, it means so much to us all.

God bless
With love
The Days and Phil

Thursday morning

Just an update and request for more prayer please. The Drs are still not happy with Mari's fluctuating temperature and are trying to find out the causes. Mari will have a CT scan today as the Chest X Ray proved inconclusive. The Drs need to take a sample from Mari's lungs, there are two ways they can do this, one by giving her something to help her bring stuff up, if that doesn't work, they will have to do more something more invasive which Mari really does not want so please pray they can get something first time round!

As a possible cause of the temperature fluctuations could be DVT related, Mari will be given something to protect her from DVTs.

She has been booked in for chemo next Tuesday which seems a bit too soon for Mari.

Thanks again
Love from us all

Wednesday night

Thanks again for all the support, love and care being expressed. There has been some improvement today which is encouraging. Mari's white blood cell count has risen after the injection yesterday. She had another today and they will review how many injections she will need after blood tests tomorrow. The increased count will help fight the pneumonia as well as the antibiotics she is still on. Her temperature is being controlled well and her blood pressure is up a bit so that is good news.

Mari still is having trouble breathing without oxygen, especially when she has to move around. In order to prevent the threat of deep vein thrombosis, Mari has to try to move about a bit and do some light exercises but she finds that hard without oxygen and ends up coughing quite badly. Please pray for the pneumonia to ease!

She is finding sleep difficult, she sweats so much at night which keeps her awake, most nights her bed needs to be changed at least three times. Also there are many interruptions all through the night as the staff do their vital duties. Please pray for some more chance to sleep. Much as she loves seeing visitors, it can be tiring so please contact Dave or Rhi if you are wanting to visit.

Thanks again
With love

The Days and Phil

Tuesday night

Thanks again for all the messages. Mari does love reading them. Her temperature has generally been kept under control by paracetamol though her blood count is still low. Her neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell, are very low and have not risen over the past days. They currently measure at 0.4, normal is between 1.5 to 6 and they will not consider letting her home until they are at least 0.8. Consequently they are giving Mari daily injections for the next 14 days to try to build the cells up. We dont know at this stage whether she will have to stay in hospital all that time. Chemo, which should have been today, has been postponed.

The Drs seem to think that these symptoms are not suprising at this point of the chemotherapy. Mari is still needing oxygen as she is very short of breath.
Her veins are still a problem, the Dr had to have six attempts to get a line in today and each attempt was painful.

So, please keep praying for the cell count to increase, her lungs to clear up and her veins to become stronger. She needs grace and strength too to cope with all that is happening to her body.

Many thanks again for all you love and care.

The Days and Phil

Please keep praying

Mari is still very ill. The Drs think she has pneumonia and her oxygen count is very low. Hopefully the antbiotics she has been on will start to take effect soon and she is already been given oxygen. They are also talking about changing her chemo routine ( presumably giving different drugs) but Mari is reluctant for this. Please keep praying for her as she is very poorly. Tomorrow she will see the consultant haematolgist, being a Bank Holiday the hospital is a bit low on staff so we should know more tomorrow when there are more Drs and specialists around.

Many thanks
The Days and Phil

Monday Morning.. after a bad night

Thanks again for all the comments and prayers, as the NHS does not stretch to wireless connection, we have been able to print out all of the comments etc and take them in to Mari which is encourages her.

She did not have a good night last night, her blood pressure is very low, she drenches the bed with sweats and has had more rigors which are very unpleasant. Sleeping is never easy in hospital so with the rigors, frequent visits from staff to change drips etc she needs sleep so please pray that she will be able to get some sleep somehow.

Everytime her temperature rises above 38 C, the nurses have to take blood so it can be checked for infections. Chemo always has a detrimental affect on veins so it is becoming increasingly difficult for the staff to find a vein to get blood which makes it quite painful for Mari. Please pray too that the nurses will be able to locate veins more easily. Though up to this point, nothing has developed on the blood to show infection, she is so vulnerable to having one she has to be constantly tested.

Thanks again, we will continue to keep you posted

With love from the Days and Phil

Saturday Night

After numerous blood tests etc, the Drs are saying that Mari has neurophenia which is a serious lowering of the infection-fighting white blood cells in her body. Her white cell count is very low and this has been causing all of symptoms. Though it appears there is no infection, the symptoms are similar and she is particuarly vulnerable to any infections. Rhi, Phil and I( Dave) have to put on blue gloves and a plastic apron just to go into her room. Though they look fetching on me, I am not too sure about Phil and Rhi!

Mari's temperature is still fluctuating as her body tries to cope with the neuropenia but it is being controlled by the intravenous paracetamol.Please pray that her white cell count will build up which is needs to to combat the symptoms of neurophenia and also to be able to continue with the chemotherapy. They will not administer it if the white cell count is too low. Mari will continue the 5 day course of antibiotics.

Many thanks again

With love
The Days ( and Phil)

Update from hospital

Thanks for the comments and support. Mari did not have a good night in hospital, her temperature was very high and on a few occasions went into rigor ( strong uncontrollable shivering). This morning her temperature went up to 39.9 so the hospital have given her intravenous paracetamol to lower the temperature. They are unsure what is causing the infection so are also giving her intravenous anti-biotics too. This is a 5 day course so Mari will have to stay in unless there is a marked improvement, they can then give the last couple of days in tablet form so she can come home. Her blood pressure is quite low too.

One of the effects of chemo is damge to veins so the intravenous drips are quite painful. Her white cell count is low so her chemo on Tues will be postponed. Because she is in the Highly Infectious ward, she does have her on room with TV for which she is grateful. Rhi is sleeping in at the hospital with her.

We will keep you updated and thanks again for all the support.

God bless
With love
The Days

Back into hospital

Mari was able to have a few days away this week which was a nice change but her temperature has been inconsistent and a couple of time has very strong shivers and shakes. Her temperature went up to 38.8 today ( 102 F) and she is supposed to go back into hospital if it exceeds 38. We phoned the hospital who wanted her to go straight in so has just gone ( Friday early evening UK time) The consultant wants to look at her white blood cells. She will be in at least overnight or over the weekend, she is due to have the next round of chemo on Tuesday.

Thanks again for all your support and prayers.

With love
The Days

This week.

Thank you for all your wonderful messages!
I had a rough week last week. I was also unwell on the weekend ( my temperature kept creeping in to the "danger zone", so I had to keep a close eye on it)! The chemo is definitely getting tougher both mentally and physically. I have been a bit brighter this week and I've even been able to go away for a few days which has been lovely.
I am back in to hospital on Tuesday for blood tests and for my 9th round of chemo!
We will update after that and let you know how it goes.
Thank you for your amazing support and encouragement.
Lots of love, Mari

Some good and bad news.

Mari had chemotherapy today - her temperature has been really high over the past week and she reacted badly to one of the chemo drugs today. It left her shivering violently, so she was wrapped up in blankets and hot water bottles when we finally got to talk to the Doctor regarding the CT scan results.

The CT scan shows that the cancer is reducing, however it is still there! As a result they are going to extend Mari's treatment. She will have an additional 4 chemotherapy sessions! Mari feels really disheartened about this, especially because all the chemo side effects are getting progressively worse. This leaves another 8 treatments and it means Mari will (hopefully) have completed treatment by December 2008. The area of concern is the mass in her chest so please join with us in praying that this will go altogether and that after 8 more round of chemo, Mari will need no further treatment. The Doctor said she was not surprised it is still there because the "mass" was so large in the first place.

Mari is now at home recovering from her hospital visit, with another big bag of drugs ready to control all the unpleasant side effects. This phase of the journey is hard work and very tiring. Mari is still struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel most days.

Thanks for your prayers and faithful support.

The week ahead

Hi there,
Hope you're having a good weekend.

Mari is going back in to hospital on Monday for usual blood tests and then on Tuesday for chemotherapy ( round 8). Mari is quite nervous about this next round because she felt so unwell last week ( so would greatly appreciate your prayers - thanks once again).
We will let you know how it goes and what the results are from her CT scans as we should find out this coming week.

Thanks and God bless.

Scans today

Thanks for your messages and prayers for today. I had my scans this morning at Frenchay hospital and apparently it will take one week to take ten days before we get the results. We will let you know when we hear.

I have a week off treatment this week (phew) before my 8th round of chemotherapy on Tuesday next week and the usual hospital visit on Monday before.

Enjoy your week!
We will update soon.
Love from us all

Hospital tomorrow.

Mari has had a fairly rough week, the chemo knocked her pretty hard on Tuesday! Tomorrow she is going in to hospital at 11 am for CT scans. We will let you know how it goes and what the results are.
Thanks for your messages and thoughts.
With much Love.

Chemotherapy tomorrow.

Mari will be having round 7 of chemo tomorrow at 11 am, in Southmead hospital.
She had her blood checked today in hospital and so all looks fine to go ahead with tomorrow.
Hope you're having a good week.
Thanks for your messages.
God bless.

Dates

Thanks for your messages. I have had a good week and thankfully, I have kept well.
On Monday, 28th July I am going back in to Hospital for blood tests before another round of chemotherapy on Tuesday, 29th July, at 12 pm.

This morning, I found out I will be having a CT scan on Monday August 4th, in Frenchay hospital. The hospital sent me a bottle ( 20 mls) of Gastrogratin in the post. I have to drink this beforehand, apparently this will outline my stomach and bowel enabling them to be easily identified on the scan images!

This will be an interesting time, as it will indicate what effect the treatment is having. We will, of course, let you know the results.

Have a lovely weekend and thanks.
xx

Update post chemotherapy on Monday.

Hi,
Mari here, I just wanted to let you know that I am doing well and Mum is also better so thanks for praying for us!
Side effects are being well controlled again and I still haven't had any infections which is a relief!

I met with my specialist nurse when I was in hospital on Monday. He informed me that I will need to have check ups every three months in hospital for a two year period (initially), after I get the all clear. They also assured me that they won't forget to order in my drugs again so no more last minute cancellations. ( At least I had two extra days of feeling well, and more time for my white blood cells to bounce back before another blasting).

Have a great day. Your prayers are being answered - thank you.
Love Mari

Today in hospital...

Chemotherapy went smoothly today for Mari, she is now in bed recovering.
It looks like her chemotherapy sessions will take place on Tuesdays from now on, we will let you know dates soon - as well as how Mari is doing over the next few days.

Rhi has a nasty bug and has been very sick, so Mari will have to be extra careful not to catch anything from her as her immune system is at an all time low.

Dr's reminded Mari today that she will have CT scans soon, these tests will determine whether Mari will need more treatment after the six months scheduled.

Thanks for your wonderful care...bye for now.

Tomorrow.

Hya,
My next chemo session will now be tomorrow ( Monday) at 1pm in Southmead.

Will update you afterwards.
Thanks for the messages and words of encouragement.
Love Mari x

Postponed until Monday

Thanks for yours prayers and comments. Mari arrived at the hospital today to find that they had forgotten to order the drugs for today and so she has to go back in on Monday.
As you can imagine it is a bit frustrating as she gears herself up to face chemo days but at least she will feel brighter over the weekend.

Thanks again for all you concern

Love the Days

Today...

All went well today, Mari had two injections and got her bloods checked in hospital.
It looks like chemo will go ahead, as usual, tomorrow in Southmead hospital at 1pm. It usually takes around 6 hours all up. The staff in the hospital ward are really warm and helpful, which makes a big difference.
We will write more after round 6 of chemo.

The good news is that after tomorrow Mari will be half way through the treatment! At this stage, if all goes well, Mari will have 12 rounds of treatment in total. We're hoping and praying that she won't need any further chemotherapy or radiotherapy after that.
Have a great weekend, with love.

This week.

Hi,
The past few days have been really good. Sleeping is always difficult after chemo, other than that I have had more energy than usual which is great.
I am back in hospital for injections and blood tests on Thursday before round 6 of chemo this Friday, (at Southmead hospital, 1pm).
Your continued prayers and support amaze me.
Thank you -
Love Mari x

The hospital today!

We were in hospital for only 4 1/2 hours today - much shorter than usual! Mari was able to have some time with her consultant. They will be unable to let her know how the cancer is responding to treatment until they do CT scans etc in 2 months time.

Her consultant was impressed to see that Mari's neck lumps have gone, since treatment has started! Also, Maris breathing difficulties have improved - she is now able to lie down almost flat for the first time in months, after having to be propped up in bed due to shortage of breath -so these are encouraging signs. As we've said before, we believe the prayers and support you guys have shown us are every bit as effective as the medical treatment.

Mari is in bed, wiped out tonight post chemo, but she sends her love. We will update soon. Mari is usually in bed a lot over the first few days following chemo but she is starting to get used to some of the common side effects and patterns - such as a change of taste in mouth, sore mouth and ulcers, sore throat, some times a slight nausea, tiredness and drastic temperature changes, (one minute she will be shivering, then sweating the next ). All these symptoms are less intense by week 2 - we will keep you in the loop.
Good night and thank you from us once again xx

That time again

The routine blood tests went fine today at hospital, so it's looking like chemo will go ahead at 1pm tomorrow in Southmead hospital. This will be round 5!
Mari has been keeping well generally though not sleeping too well - with night sweats again keeping her awake and disturbing her sleep - the nurse informed us these symptons are a side effect of the B drug in her chemotherapy mix.

We will update the blog soon after the weekend to let you know how Mari is holding up post treatment.

Thanks and have a good weekend, bye for now. x

This week.

Mari is doing well this week. She was quite weak last week but she is definitely picking up now ready for another round of chemotherapy on Friday morning at Southmead hopsital, (and the usual blood tests again in hopsital on Thursday before). We will let you know how it all goes ...With love.

Back at home again...

....after only 5 hours in hospital, all went smoothly today and Mari is now tucked up in bed, wiped out, but feeling hungry due to all the steroids!
We will let you know how she gets on over the coming days.
We found out today that the Dr's will do tests on Mari in a couple of months time to see how her body, and more specifically the cancer, is responding to the treatment.
We will of course let you know when that happens.
Thanks, as ever, for your wonderful support - Love from us, x

Chemo tomorrow.

Mari had her blood checked today and a couple of injections. At this stage it looks like chemo will go ahead (as usual) tomorrow at 11 am in Southmead hospital.
Two rounds of the treatment make up one cycle so after tomorrow Mari will have done two cycles of treatment.
Hope you have a good weekend - we will update soon...
With Love from us all

The week ahead...

Hello,
Thanks for your encouraging messages. I am a bit under the weather today ( my white blood cells are at their lowest). My hair has started falling out which is quite distressing ( and annoying - gets quite messy and keeps falling in my eyes and mouth etc...) Some days it is hard to imagine life post cancer and post chemotherapy so I'd say one of the biggest challenges is the mental struggle.
Back in to hospital on Thursday ( for blood tests) and friday for more chemotherapy.
Thanks again for your continued prayers! Much love xx Mari

Update

Mari is doing well this week, low in energy - but side effects are being well controlled again thankfully. She is back in hospital on the 12th June for blood tests, before more chemotherapy on Friday 13th June. We will keep you in the loop.
Thanks for your prayers - much love.

A long day in the haemotology ward

Hiah,
It is late Friday afternoon and we have just got back from hospital. We were in hospital for over 7 hours today. One of the drugs was slightly more painful this time round for Mari, but nothing major ( her chemotherapy consists of 4 different drugs, it is known as ABVD). Since getting home she has gone straight to bed - feeling exhausted and wiped out ( she likens it to severe jet lag). We will let you know how she gets on over the following days. Thanks for praying again for minimal side effects.
Have a good weekend.
With Love from us.

Chemotherapy again on Friday!

Hello,

Thanks to you all for your lovely messages. I'm returning to Southmead hospital tomorrow morning for more chemotherapy (this will be my third round)! I'm starting to get used to the fact that I now live my life in slots of feeling well and unwell.
This past week I have felt so much better than last time. (Feeling normal feels amazing)! I am really hoping for a similar experience this time round.

The chemo does leave me feeling wiped out/tired and I spend a few days in bed following treatment, but I'm so grateful for no sickness and no infections thus far ( obviously I am vulnerable/prone to infections after treatment). I really feel this is down to your prayers.
The lovely nurse who usually looks after me in hospital is away on holiday this week. This makes me realise how safe I feel with her, so I'm looking forward to her returning soon.
It would be great if you could pray again that the side effects this time are minimal, also that there are no long term effects! Lastly, for my parents and Phil who look after me so well. I'm sure they need lots of grace at this time. It can't be easy for them, they have literally spent hours in hospital wards with me.

We will let you know how I get on after friday. We're usually in hospital for about 5/6 hours at a time and I'm on a drip for the majority of that time before coming home to bed!

Thanks friends for your amazing support and for reading this blog.
Love Mari

A good week!

Thankfully Mari is still doing well this week - side effects are being well controlled.
Also, Phil has arrived safe and sound! It's great to have him here.

We will write more later in the week as round 3 of chemo is coming up.
Love from all of us x

Better than expected.

We wanted to let you know that Mari is doing better than expected this week - thanks for your prayers! So far the side effects have been manageable and less stressful than last time!
This is such a relief and we are hoping this will continue.

She is due to have her next round of chemotherapy on Friday morning, 30th May.

(On another note, She still has her hair but Dr's say it will come out any day so she is checking her pillow each morning, but it hasn't started falling out yet)!

We will keep you updating you...
With our love.

Message from Mari

Thank you friends, for praying for me as I had my second round of chemotherapy yesterday. I have been tucked up in bed ever since, recovering.
The weekend after chemo is generally ok because I'm given steroids ( intravenously and in tablet form) to help boost me. These drugs wear off by Monday and it was then, that I became unwell last time. In light of this, I am a little nevous about Monday and the following days. It would be good to pray that I get no nasty surprises.
My digestive system is now being controlled by more drugs. I feel like a walking chemist counter and take a mountain of pills every morning.

I am thankful for the lovely medical team looking after me at Southmead hospital and for the enlightening conversations I have had with others in the hospital ward, who are also having chemotherapy. (I like to find at least one thing to be grateful for every day).

Thank you for your faithfulness to us in this journey. Your prayers and messages have kept me positive in the midst of this battle (which is in both the body and the mind). Your messages make me smile ( even on bad days).

Enjoy your weekend.
With Love, Mari x

Chemotherapy tomorrow

Mari will be having her next course of chemo tomorrow ( Friday 16th UK time) at Southmead Hospital at 9.30 am. She has been in twice this week for blood tests. The chemotherapy seems to have a delayed effect so Mari is a little nervous after last time.

On a brighter note, Phil's visa has been issued, this is a lot quicker than he was expecting so thanks for your prayers. He hopes to be here by next weekend. We will let you know how Mari gets on over the weekend.

With love

The Days

Hospital visit today

Hi Friends,
Mari visited the hopsital today, where she had her blood taken and was able to talk with the specialist doctor about some of the side effects of the chemo.

Her white blood cells have "dipped", however the doctor assured us this is to be expected, (especially at this particular point in time - post chemo). She has to go in to hospital again on Thursday for further tests, but at this stage it is looking likely that she will have round 2 of chemo on Friday. We would appreciate your prayers as her body recovers from another round of treatment.

The problems with her digestive system are being well controlled (by drugs and prayers), she is feeling much better.
Phils visa application is now in process. Immigration are taking Mari's situation into consideration as they process his application, which may speed things up.

We all send our love.
The Days

A New Week

Mari has survived the first week after chemo. She had a mixture of good and rough days and is trying to get used to the reactions of the chemotherapy on her body.
This week Mari has hospital visits on Tuesday and Thursday before next bout of chemo on Friday. These are to enable the Drs to see how Mari is coping and to do blood tests to ensure that she is well enough for the treatment on Friday.
Phil has his interview for his visa on Tuesday. It would be great if that could be dealt wth quickly
We will update after Tuesday's appointment.
Thanks again for standing with us
God bless
With love
The Days

Hi from Mari

Thanks for your messages. Today I feel a bit better after a good nights sleep. There are definitely good days and bad days - not so many "highs", but feeling normal is a huge relief and I get a little adrenilin rush from it! On bad days, my life feels like it consists of going in and out of hospital and trying to manage really unpleasant side effects. Yesterday was overwhelming, I was in a lot of discomfort and very conscious that this is just the start of the battle. I guess that's why they say you have to take one day at a time! Living in the present is easier said than done, but essential on this journey.

Some good things to pray about:
That the Dr's manage to control the unpleasant side effects.
That I don't get infections.
And of course, that the chemo has maximum effect on the cancer and minimum effect on my body.

Every day I am blown away by the support and love you have shown me. I know I have said it before but it really is a lifeline. I don't even know some of the people who leave me messages and pray for me - which amazes me and challenges me about the way I want to live my life.
Thank you.

With Love, Mari x

Another visit to the hospital

Thanks for the prayers and comments from the last blog. Mari went to the hospital again this afternoon as she was feeling so rough. They are checking for a further infection and have given her a lot more tablets. Please pray that if there is an infection, we have caught it very early. The Doctors have generally warned against infections and if her temperature rises above 38 the hospital need to be informed straight away and she will have to be hospitalised . It is 37.7 at the moment.

Although these side effects are very common for the chemo, they are still unpleasant and difficult to deal with. We do realise that it is going to be a long battle and value prayer support so much.


Many thanks

With love
The Days

A Bad Night

It's 4.30 in the morning and Mari is suffering with some unpleasant side effects over the past few hours so would appreciate your prayers. She has generally done well since Friday but the past 24 hours has been difficult. Please pray for her digestive system which has been reacting badly.

Thanks

With love

The Days.

The Weekend after

Hi Friends,

Thank you for your prayers this weekend. The prayers and anti-sickness tablets have worked wonders! I have had some unpleasant side effects but generally I have been able to keep positive and it has been better than I expected.

I am going back in to hospital for tests next week. In total, I will be in hospital for three days as a day patient.
(I bring the age bracket down significnatly in the hospital ward). I will have tests to see if my white blood cells have recovered for another round of chemotherapy. Dr's say that chemo has an accumulative effect - so gets worse, we are hoping and praying this won't be the case.

Dr's have also said that my hair will start to fall out after the next treatment, apparently it is quite distressing when it starts to fall out so I have been preparing myself and gradually cutting my hair shorter and shorter. When it starts to come out, I will shave it all off.

It is such a strange time for me but your love and support has kept me afloat.
Thank you and much love, Mari
_____________________________________________

Thanks for your prayers today

We are now home relieved after 6 hours in the hospital. The Consultant told us that their case conference came to the same conclusion as the NZ Doctors and are treating it as Stage 2 B . They are still unsure about the fluid around the heart but instead of doing invasive proceedures to examine, they are treating it as a reaction of the lymphoma.

Mari felt very calm during the day and is grateful for all the prayer. She had the drugs fed in for about four hours and coped very well with the treatment. This will continue for several sessions and then a scan will be done to assess the progress. The ward is a peaceful place and the staff very friendly.

Mari is now resting, she was told that she will be feel unwell for a time. Please pray that the drugs will have maximum affect on the cancer but minimum affect on Mari. She is on anti-nausea medicine which we hope will be effective.

She is so grateful for all the messages and she still checks them first thing every morning ( and many times during the day!)

Much love

The Days

Chemotherapy starts tomorrow

Mari starts her chemotherpy in Southmead Hospital tomorrow ( Friday) at 9.30 am. The Doctors are having a case conference today to compare their findings with the NZ Doctors. They wanted to look again at the fluid in Mari's lung and the nodes on her stomach. They want to determine the stage of the Hodgkins themselves even though the initial treatment will be the same.

Please pray that the chemo will be effective quickly. Please pray too that there will be no long term effects of the chemo and that the short term ones will be minimal. To be able to cope well with nausea ( or not have it at all !) would be good too.

Thank you for your continued care and prayers, Mari hopes you dont get compassion fatigue!!

We will update the blog over the weekend to let you know how Mari is doing.

Thanks again for all your love, support and comments . Phil is still waiting for his visa, the red tape is taking longer than expected, it would be soo good if he was able to come over as soon as possible.

Love from the Days

Today at the Hospital

Mari had her first visit at Southmead Hospital today which is where she will be having her chemotherapy. She will be starting that next Friday ( 2nd May) at 9.30 am. and will expect to be in the hospital for three hours. At this stage they are predicting a course of 12 treatments every fortnight. After the six months everything will be reassessed.

The Doctors are having a final case meeting on Thursday 1st to finalise their diagnosis etc. They are still questioning the nodes in her abdomen and the fluid around her heart. Please pray that they will agree with the Kiwi Doctors who thought the nodes were insignificant. The fluid around her heart could either be a by-product of the lymphoma or that the area is diseased. Obviously the first is preferable!

The Doctors have to spell out all the side effects and worse case scenarios so please pray that none of the worst case scenarios will occur. Mari was told that chemo can be a trigger for other cancers developing later on. They talked about the possibility of relapse, which though it is slight, it would be good to pray that never happens. Please pray too that other side effects like nausea will be controlled.

Mari has to do some wierd things in preparation for treatment including an appointment with the hospital wig lady on Monday. I ( Dave) am trying hard to hide my jealousy but it slips out at times.

Thank you for your continued support, love and prayers. We will keep the updates coming .

God bless

Much love
Dave, Rhi and Mari

Back in England.

Just wanted to let you know that we are now safely back in Bristol.
An enormous thank you to all in NZ who sent me off with so much love and support. I can't thank you enough. I am convinced that your on-going support is every bit as beneficial as any medical treatment.

I was encouraged before I left NZ, my GP spoke with us ( she is the one who made the initial diagnosis) and commented on the "significiant shift" in prognosis. Right from the start she was working on the assumption the cancer was stage 4 so she was pretty amazed at the latest news. I'm sure this "significant shift" is a result of your love and prayers.

I am meeting with Specialists this week ( Friday, 11.30 am)so I should get a treatment plan soon. They want to start me on chemotherapy a.s.a.p (and possibly radiotherapy at a later stage). The treatment sounds very unpleasant, it is a daunting prospect. We will keep updating this blog.

Again my love and thanks to you all for your messages, prayers and kindness. God bless,
Mari xx

Saying goodbye to Mari...

Mari is leaving our shores on Sunday. If you would like to say good'bye... her friends are farewelling her at the airport at 4pm. We'll be meeting at the cafe overlooking the carpark on the 2nd floor (Auckland International Airport).

See you there!
-Erin

More answers to prayer!

Today we met with the specialists and finally got the bone marrow results back. Thank God the cancer has not spread to the bone marrow which is fantastic news (especially as the Dr's had led us to believe this was likely to be the case all along). We really believe this is an answer to prayer.

A HUGE thank you for your prayers, we feel they have "turned the tide" and we have all been so deeply encouraged by them.

It is looking likely now that the cancer is stage 2 and Mari still needs to begin chemo a.s.a.p, she leaves NZ on sunday afternoon to begin treatment in England.

There is more good news and answer to prayers... We now have all the medical samples ready to bring back to the UK with us!Also, Immigration have waived the red tape and given Mari permanent residency which will enable her to return freely to NZ.

Thank you God and thank you friends for standing with us at this vulnerable time - we can't thank you enough. There is still a battle ahead so please keep standing with us in prayer until Mari gets the all clear!

Love Dave, Rhi, Phil and Mari x

Prayer requests

Mari is flying out with Dave and Rhi on Sunday night and will arrive in Bristol on Monday afternoon. Before she leaves there are some things that need to fall into place. We would appreciate your prayers.

We need to obtain all of the relevent medical reports and samples from the Drs here to take with us for the Drs in Bristol. This will save the procedures having to be repeated in the UK (we still need the results of the final bone marrow test.)

We will need clearance from the airlines to carry these with us as hand luggage.

We need good communication between NZ and the UK to ensure there is no delay in starting chemotherapy. Although the consultant here has made recommendations r.e the course of treatment, the team of specialists in the UK will have to come to their own decision after their discussions. Please pray that there will be no delays.
Timing is crucial and quite complex.

Also, in order for Mari to maintain her residency in New Zealand, she should remain here until 21st April. We fly out on 20th and are hoping that the Immigration Authorities will have grace to allow her residency to stand.

We can't begin to thank you all for the amazing love and support we have experienced each day. We have felt carried by your prayers.
Chemotherapy is a daunting prospect for Mari so please keep praying. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Dave, Rhi, Phil and Mari xx

Answers to prayer

Today was more encouraging than we thought. There were initially a couple of frustrations, the Drs had not had a case conference and the results from the main Bone Marrow biopsy were not through, however:
The mass in Mari's lung has shrunk due to the steroids ( and prayer) so she will able to fly home hopefully at the end of the week. Her blood levels are just below normal which is good for her condition and made the Drs think the cancer has not reached the marrow, they will know for certain on Thurs. The Dr was concerned last week that it had spread to Mari's stomach, today she ( and the consultant) said she felt it was insignificant.... The unanswered question concerns the fluid in Maris lung, it may be a result of the pressure due to the mass or it could be that the cancer has spread a bit, if it has spread, it would make it grade 4 if not, they are thinking it might only be grade 2, we had been lead to think all the way through that it was Grade 4

We will go back on Thurs and pick up all the results and information that we need for Bristol and look to fly out at the end of the week, it is school holidays so the flights are quite full so please pray we can get some seats.

Mari was relieved after the appointment, she knows she still has a battle but the Dr was positive and optimistic, even though he had to give worse case scenarios!!

Thanks so much for all your love , support and prayer, we will let you know when we have booked tickets etc...Once again the messages you have left for Mari on the blog give her renewed strength, she reads them first thing every morning and is so thankful for your prayers.

God bless
Lots of love

Dave, Rhi and Mari

Monday 14th

Today is an important day for Mari, she has to be at the Hospital for 2.00 pm for an X-Ray. This will determine whether the steroids have shrunk the mass on her lung which would be important for flying back. She then meets with a specialist at 3.00 to hear the findings of the case conference this morning. We hope that all the results from the Bone marrow biopsy will have been processed. This should clarify the extent and grage of the Hodgkins, the recommended course of treatment and we can make decisions about flying back to the UK. She is also seeing a specialist at 10.30 tomorrow morning ( Tues) for further discussions.

Mari is doing very well but the appointment this afternoon is looming large as it is so important.

She continues to be thrilled to get so many blog postings. She was up at 6.00 am this morning reading them. Thanks to all who have been in touch.

Rhi and I are so grateful to all those who are standing with Mari and supporting her at this time.

God bless
With love
Dave

Today's Procedures...

It's a huge relief to get today over. Mari had to have the procedures under sedation as it is still too risky for her to have a general anaesthetic. The first procedure wasn't too bad, but the other - removing bone marrow - was extremely painful and had to be done three times altogether. Eventually enough samples were obtained but it was an ordeal. She is home now recovering and feeling sore. Rhi was able to stay with her throughout.

The staff assured Mari she would sleep after and forget everything - but not so...she didn't sleep til later in the afternoon and can remember everything! One really good thing did happen tho...while in recovery Rhi was calling out to God to send help when two people entered the ward. Rhi told them that Mari was in a lot of pain. Mari had the curtains drawn around her bed and Rhi saw thro a gap the woman lifing her hands and praying in Mari's direction against the pain. Mari heard her praying and immediately felt some relief....Thanks to Gloria - if you're reading this for being there at that very moment and for reaching out to our Heavenly Father for Mari.

-Rhi

Biopsy Today

Today Mari is having two biopsies, which will help determine how advanced the cancer is and what grade it is etc.

Update from today's appointment...

Today Mari's appointment with specialists brought some sobering news. There are 4 grades of Hodgkin's Disease and Mari was warned that her condition is quite advanced... at least grade 3. On Thursday doctors will be doing two tests with the bone marrow biopsy which will clarify which grade she has.

Mari was also told today that they have found some small growths in her stomach. (this was very unexpected)

Doctors want to begin treatments asap -chemo & radiation. Tomorrow she will begin taking steroids to shrink the nodes in her chest.

There is a team of specialists that will be meeting on Monday morning and they are planning to discuss Mari's case. (This team is looking over a number of cases that morning. PLEASE PRAY that they have time to discuss Mari's case in depth). It is this team of specialists that will decide what form of chemo Mari will need to undergo.

Also on Monday Mari will be having x-rays of her chest - the outcome of this x-ray will help determine when she will be able to fly to the UK. And at 3pm on Monday she will receive the initial results of the bone marrow biopsy which will help to confirm what grade she has.

This is quite a lot of hard news for everyone to digest. Thank you for praying.

Meeting with Specialists...

Today Mari is meeting with specialists at the Haematology Clinic at 1:45 pm

Message from Mari...

This week ahead is an important week: a meeting with specialists tomorrow. Time to hear about treatment, details of it etc.... Also a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday which will give more info regarding how advanced the cancer is and what grade it is etc. I am a bit worried about the proceedure because it sounds yuck!

We should know more after these tests about when we can get back to England as well as treatment plans.

Thank you, thank you everyone for all your prayers - I am so grateful, it has given me so much strength to face each week, and to face a big battle ahead of me.

-Mari

Diagnosis

Mari's Diagnosis has been confirmed today as "Lymphoma - Hodgkin's Disease".

The next step is to determine what stage of Hodgkin's Disease she has so that she can begin treatment in England.

Mari's next doctor's appointments are next Tuesday 8th at the Haematology Clinic 1:45 pm and then Thursday 10th April 9am for a bone marrow biopsy.

Mari is relieved to have a diagnosis finally and to hear that it is Hodgkin's Disease and not something worse... it's the best of a bad bunch! Thank you God!

No big news...

Mari is out of the hospital - resting and waiting for news from the doctors. It could take a week to hear the results from the surgery.

Please pray that Mari will be able to sleep well. Night time is always the hardest time - and sleep can be difficult.

Good News! - Mari's dad, Dave, arrives in New Zealand on Sunday morning.

Surgery went well

Mari's surgery went well this morning. At the last minute they decided to give a local anaesthetic instead of a general... which was good news. Surgeons removed a node from the right side of her neck for testing. Doctors are hoping to be able to give Mari the results by tomorrow, but if there wasn't a clear indication it will take a week for a clear diagnosis. The presence of God in Mari's room has been really wonderful. She will look at the results of her CT scan with doctors today and then will leave the hospital sometime this afternoon.

7:25am

Mari is about to be wheeled down to surgery.

google accounts

We've changed the admin email address & password that some of you have been using to leave some comments. Sorry for the hassle, but you'll now need your own google account to leave comments. To get a google account click here

Strategy for Prayer...

There are times when God gives a specific strategy or way ahead for prayer that is, a way in which God wants us to pray...in that
situation He releases a word of faith...I believe that we were given that tonight.

We are to pray specifically towards REMINDING God about Mari and her destiny, particularly regarding her call here in the nation of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Like the widow beseeching the unjust judge (Luke 18) we are to be specific in our prayers beseeching God to allow her destiny to be fulfilled in our time. Remind Him day and night that her destiny has NOT yet been fulfilled, that the call He gave her in Rhi's womb has NOT yet fully come to pass

Luke 18.8 When the Son of Man comes will he find faith in the earth....

-Cindy Ruakere

Surgery in Morning...

Good news... Mari's surgery is booked for first thing in the morning.

Prayer idea...

Some of Mari's friends are printing off Mari's photo (from this site) and are putting it somewhere to remind them of her - so that each time they see her they pray for her. It's great to see her smiling face and to pray.

The Waiting Game...

Mari moved back into the hospital yesterday and is waiting for surgery. She is booked for surgery tomorrow, but hasn't been given a scheduled time yet. Nothing is guaranteed and doctors have told her to just keep her fingers crossed. After surgery it will take 6 days to get the results and then after that they will be doing further tests to determine the possible grade and stage of cancer she has.

The team of doctors that were working on Mari's case are now in Australia for a conference so she has a new team of doctors. There is still no confirmed diagnosis, but doctors are still saying everything points to Lymphoma.

The CT scan results were inconclusive, but were consistent with Lymphoma.

Mari has a nice room, but they found out today that she could be moved at anytime. Apparently she is in the room she has because of some unknown angel named "Ben" who was able to pull some strings. If anyone knows this Ben please bribe him with chocolates. :-)

Mari was a bit breathless yesterday for the first time and she was up last night with a lot of pain in her left shoulder. Doctors say her shoulder is swollen because of soft tissue that was destroyed during the biopsy and from some of the lumps she has which are putting pressure on arteries.

Phil (Mari's WONDERFUL boyfriend) is planning on moving to the UK to be with Mari. Please pray for a smooth transition for him. He needs to sell his car, move out of his flat and get a UK work visa.

Mari's blood pressure, temperature and oxygen levels have all been very good.

Prayer Points:
That the new team of doctors would be attentive to Mari's needs
For surgery to happen (and go smoothly) on Wednesday
That Mari would be able to stay in the room she's in
For speedy test results
For the swelling and pain in her left shoulder
That Phil would be able to get his UK work visa easily
That Mari's mind, heart and body would be filled with perfect peace

Back to the hospital...

Mari was able to have a nice break this weekend from hospital food, hospital gowns, hospital lighting, needles, etc... When I saw her yesterday she was looking relaxed and like she was having some sort of bizarre holiday. She wanted everyone to know how much she loves reading everyone's comments on the blog every morning... it really lifts her spirits.

She has to check back into the hospital today to stay in the system. They have moved her to a better room with a window and her own bathroom. She is spending her "waiting time" listening to music, playing scrabble with her mum and Phil and enjoying the flowers that everyone has sent. It's nice to know that she isn't spending her days alone in a room that looks like a medical closet.

She will hopefully get the results from her CT scan today. She is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. They will be removing one of the lumps in her throat.

This is a very unsettling time, with so many unknowns... the waiting can feel like torture. Please pray that the peace of God would surround our friend - that she would know His closeness and that fear would have no place to settle in her mind.

We are CONFIDENT that our GOOD God will have His way in Mari's LIFE.

-Erin

Still waiting for surgery...

Well... first for the bad news... the surgery still hasn't happened and Mari is feeling quite weak from not being able to eat or drink all day (in preparation for surgery)

In better news, the CT Scan happened (finally!) around 4pm

In even better news, Mari is leaving the hospital now and will be staying with her mum with family friends over the weekend. That will give her a couple of days to rest and recover before having to go back to the hospital on Monday (not sure if this should be in the "better news" category???)

Surgery is now scheduled for Wednesday (not sure if that is good or bad news)

Mari isn't taking phone calls at the moment, but you can communicate with her by text, email or by leaving a comment on this blog.

CT Scan & Surgery Today

Mari is hoping to read this blog this morning... soooo... "Good Morning Beautiful!"

Mari is being prepared for surgery today. She is scheduled for sometime this afternoon. She'll also be having a CT scan around lunch time.

Surgery Postponed...

Well... after a long day waiting for surgery... it never happened! Although, from the sounds of it Mari had a good game of scrabble. :-) The surgery will hopefully happen tomorrow. Please pray it does.

Surgery Today

Rhi just rang me to ask me to pass on some news to everyone...

Mari did well during her biopsy yesterday and they are still waiting for the results of that.

Rhi and Mari had a good sleep last night (thanks to everyone praying for rest!) Phil & Mari were able to get out for a coffee for a couple hours yesterday which was a nice break from the hospital room.

Mari had a look at this blog for the first time yesterday and was really encouraged by all the comments and prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you

This morning Mari is waiting for her surgeon to visit to confirm what will be happening today. She is expecting to have surgery some time today to remove one of the lumps from her neck. This will help the doctors have a clearer diagnosis. Pray that this goes well and that they will be able to remove enough for testing.

Tomorrow Mari will be having a CT scan at 12:20pm NZ time.

We are all hoping that Mari will be able to go home from the hospital this weekend. They are treating her as a priority, but it is mostly a waiting game at this point.

Mari doesn't have email access at present, but will check this blog when she can to read your comments. Please check with Rhi first via text before planning a visit.

Latest News

Hi, I dropped some stuff off to Mari & Rhi this morning. Two immediate specific requests would be that:

1) the 3pm Wed (NZT) biopsy provides sufficient matter to avoid any need for further invasive tests

2)they can get some rest (neither slept last night). Mari would love to get txt messages, doesn't have email access at present, best to chk first via txt b4 visting due to their need for rest.

Rhi thinks the diagnosis may take up to 2 wks, Mari expected to be in hospital for a few days, will update with any further news as rcvd.

-Marc Fountain.

Prayer Calendar.

Hey folks,

We have now managed to create a shared Google calendar for you to sign up for prayer slots to pray for Mari... prayer is the BEST way you can help right now.

You will have to sign up for a Google account yourself (or you may already have one) but you should be able to view this calendar. In order to add your name to it, you will have to email us your email addy (send to tina at tina@ywam.org.nz) and we'll invite you to share the calendar, once done, you can click 'add an event' to put your name down for some prayer... we think it may adjust the timezones for your region (it's currently in NZ time), hopefully it works, but the good news is that between NZ and England, we can cover around the clock!!

Let us know by posting a comment if there are any problems. If this is all too much, just email us your desired slot or leave a comment here, and we'll mark you in!

 

news.

Dear Friends of Mari, 

This blog has been created to fill you in on some recent news and request urgent prayer.

Over the last few weeks, Mari has been having some tests done on two lumps on her neck.  She hasn't been feeling well (sore throat, fevers, cough...) and when the lumps appeared she was concerned so she went to her doctor to have them tested.

Today, Mari's doctors told her that she is seriously ill with all of her symptoms pointing to "Lymphoma", also known as "Hodgkins Disease".  However, they have had a difficult time obtaining enough cells from the biopsy for a clear diagnosis.  They expect to have a firm diagnosis by the weekend.  Either way, Mari is quite ill and they would like to begin treatment urgently.

This news comes as a huge shock for everyone. Mari's mum, Rhi, arrived from England today to be with her.  Mari is trying to digest the news and prepare herself for a major change in her life.  She's expected to need two years of treatment. If her doctor says she is well enough to travel, she will be leaving for England to begin treatment there. 

Mari is being well looked after and is staying with family friends.  She would have very much liked to have emailed you all personally, but everything has happened so fast that contacting everyone directly just hasn't been possible.  As you can imagine, this is a lot of information for her to digest so suddenly and she would really appreciate your prayers. 

We have set up this blog so that you can leave messages for her.  In the wake of all that's happened this will be the best way for you to get your messages to her, rather than phone or email.

Prayer is the crucial next step.  We will begin around the clock, 24/7 prayer for Mari in NZ & England.  We hope to have a shared online calendar in the next few days for you to use to sign up for prayer slots.  In the meantime, you can email Erin on erinlucas@ywam.org.nz.

Leah will be organising ways for care packages to be delivered to Mari, so if you have a treat that you would like to send her to cheer her up please email: leahburson@gmail.com.

Thank you for your prayers, we know Mari and her family really appreciate it!!