Hi Friends-
We haven't updated the blog due to busyness and not knowing what to say. We are still in remission. My last bone marrow biopsy was clear of Leukemia. The chromosome abnormality from our last bone marrow biopsy was not detected. They did find scar tissue in the bone marrow which is a first. The Dr. said this could be Mylowfybrosis which is similar to Leukemia except its not cellular like Leukemia. They don't know why this happens and the Dr. said there isn't a cure except to enhance the bone marrow production. The scar tissue crowds out the bone marrow like leukemia.
We are not concerned and will continue to monitor it. We have the confidence that the Lord has healed me and promised me long life. We want to give Him praise and glory for this and not live in the fear of "what if." It's a faith journey for sure. We are continuing with diet and supplemental support for my body and I feel as normal as before being sick.
We are going through a spiritual journey of faith and deliverance with Dr. Espana. I am realizing the effects of the spiritual warfare and brokenness of the world that has been affecting me. I don't understand a lot of it, but in faith am walking with God in uncharted waters. I see God at work around me and even through me, but my heart has barriers that I,at present, am not able to break through. Dr. Espana has been taking us through some deliverance through prayer, confession and repentance. Areas and things I haven't consciously been aware of that are hindering my spiritual freedom. My reality of God doesn't fully line up with the truth of scripture. I struggle with this and I want more of God, but the more I want to experience His resurrection power, the less I "feel" Him. I know God is faithful and I will continue to seek Him. I need to be willing to wait on the Lord and not try to figure out why and fix it. This is hard for me.
Gabriela and I are praying about the depression meds that I have been on for 6 years. We are wondering if these meds are emotionally closing me down. I tried to go over one of them earlier this year and it was emotionally revealing. I began to spiral into a depressive state and just couldn't endure it. As soon as I started back on the med I sensed a dumbing of my emotions. I'm doing well, but we are wondering if the meds might have a spiritual ramification. Mind altering drugs could allow spiritual strongholds. We know this is the case with illegal drugs, but we have begun to question if this might apply to other legal drugs. There is a verse in the O.T. that implies that witchcraft and drug use are from the same word "pharmakia" (spelling off)where we get the word pharmacy. I don't know if this applies to us. Be praying with us and if you have insight on this, I would be open to listen.
Kids are doing well. We still are waiting on the possible home purchase. The bank hasn't come to a decision to accept our offer. It's been two months, so hopefully within the next month we will know. Gabriela and I are also praying about home schooling the kids next year. Having Sarah and Andrew in public school has been good in many ways, but at the same time we haven't liked many of the things they have been exposed to and bring home. We have seen the system actually harm our kid's self-image and place demands on them that we question are appropriate for their age and development. We have a good charter school option and church co-ops in the area we are considering.
That gives you an idea of what we are dealing with and I appreciate your continued interest and prayers. I would love to know how you are doing and how I can remember you in prayer. Our email is kngplus4@sbcglobal.net if that is an easier way to communicate with us.
I hope you know God's smile today and are walking in the fullness of His love for you. It's His love that transforms us.
His blessings,
Kelly and family
Friday, May 15, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Praise God with us!
Hello dear family and friends,
We saw Kelly's Oncologist today and got the bone-marrow results back and they were cancer FREE! This July will make it 2 years in remission! There was a new abnormality and an old one not present. The chromosome 13 abnormality did not show up this time and the new news is that there was scare tissue in the bone-marrow. Doctor said that they do not know why and want to do a scan of Kelly's spleen and liver to check for enlargement which might indicate Mylophibrosia (sp?) Don't know much about that yet.
Anyway....We are looking forward to several days at the coast over Spring Break. Our dear friends, the Shamshioan's are lending us their beach house again. (Boy, do I feel spoiled!)
I praise God for how He is bringing conviction in both of our lives and we feel a call to purify ourselves, (a painful process and oh so sweet as well).
If the Lord lays us on your hearts to pray, we would love prayer regarding our awareness of the Enemies attacks on our hearts and minds.
On a side note, please pray that the Lord would open the door to our buying a home that we have made an offer on but ONLY if He wants us there. (I love this house!) The owners have accepted our offer but it is a short sale and we are waiting for the Lender to approve our offer. This might take months to find out.
Thank you loved ones and may you know God's passionate love for you and His delight over you.
love, Gabriela
We saw Kelly's Oncologist today and got the bone-marrow results back and they were cancer FREE! This July will make it 2 years in remission! There was a new abnormality and an old one not present. The chromosome 13 abnormality did not show up this time and the new news is that there was scare tissue in the bone-marrow. Doctor said that they do not know why and want to do a scan of Kelly's spleen and liver to check for enlargement which might indicate Mylophibrosia (sp?) Don't know much about that yet.
Anyway....We are looking forward to several days at the coast over Spring Break. Our dear friends, the Shamshioan's are lending us their beach house again. (Boy, do I feel spoiled!)
I praise God for how He is bringing conviction in both of our lives and we feel a call to purify ourselves, (a painful process and oh so sweet as well).
If the Lord lays us on your hearts to pray, we would love prayer regarding our awareness of the Enemies attacks on our hearts and minds.
On a side note, please pray that the Lord would open the door to our buying a home that we have made an offer on but ONLY if He wants us there. (I love this house!) The owners have accepted our offer but it is a short sale and we are waiting for the Lender to approve our offer. This might take months to find out.
Thank you loved ones and may you know God's passionate love for you and His delight over you.
love, Gabriela
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Hello dear family and friends,
Kelly is feeling well and is working hard. He had a bone-marrow biopsy March 6th and just yesterday heard from the doctor's office. He was told that there were some abnormalities found in his results, but nothing that needed immediate attention and that the doctor wanted to go over the results with him. So he will be seeing the doctor soon to get the scoop.
We also went yesterday and spoke with our Naturalpathic Doctor. We are continuing the "soul healing" process and are now asking God to prepare us for what He will be doing in our hearts. Kelly is feeling somewhat overwhelmed in this process but regardless, we keep calling out to our heavenly Father asking Him to lead, guide and heal us from the inside-out.
Our family is doing very well. The kids are especially excited about their Papa's birthday today and joyously celebrating his life. This weekend was special as we were so proud to see Andrew earn his yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do. The girls are also busy with Wi Fit, ballet and gymnastic classes. It is a joy to see our kids enjoying life and each other. We thank God for the scholarships to do all of this and for the constant joy that our kids bring to us.
God is continuing to do His good work in me and teaching me to trust Him more and to understand His love for me more and more. I keep thinking of the song,
I want more of Jesus, more and more and more...
This is my hearts cry! I am excited and confident about the work that He is doing in us.
Please pray that we would not be ignorant of the enemies schemes, that we would be strengthened for the journey and that God would sustain us with willing spirits.
thank you dear loved ones! Gabriela
Kelly is feeling well and is working hard. He had a bone-marrow biopsy March 6th and just yesterday heard from the doctor's office. He was told that there were some abnormalities found in his results, but nothing that needed immediate attention and that the doctor wanted to go over the results with him. So he will be seeing the doctor soon to get the scoop.
We also went yesterday and spoke with our Naturalpathic Doctor. We are continuing the "soul healing" process and are now asking God to prepare us for what He will be doing in our hearts. Kelly is feeling somewhat overwhelmed in this process but regardless, we keep calling out to our heavenly Father asking Him to lead, guide and heal us from the inside-out.
Our family is doing very well. The kids are especially excited about their Papa's birthday today and joyously celebrating his life. This weekend was special as we were so proud to see Andrew earn his yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do. The girls are also busy with Wi Fit, ballet and gymnastic classes. It is a joy to see our kids enjoying life and each other. We thank God for the scholarships to do all of this and for the constant joy that our kids bring to us.
God is continuing to do His good work in me and teaching me to trust Him more and to understand His love for me more and more. I keep thinking of the song,
I want more of Jesus, more and more and more...
This is my hearts cry! I am excited and confident about the work that He is doing in us.
Please pray that we would not be ignorant of the enemies schemes, that we would be strengthened for the journey and that God would sustain us with willing spirits.
thank you dear loved ones! Gabriela
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hello Dear Family and Friends,
Since our last blog Kelly has told our oncologist that he will not be continuing chemo. Our doctor agreed to monitor Kelly on a monthly basis. We are very grateful for this. We continue to work with our Naturalpathic doc. here in Fresno. He is also a pastor and has been talking to us about pursuing the healing of our souls.
He explained that we are all born body and soul and our spirit comes alive when we become Christ followers. These three part of a person effect the other parts. Every emotion causes a chemical reaction in the body and every experience is stored in the soul weather memories are explicit or implicit.
In my soul I have memories, both good and bad, and likes, dislikes, preferences etc.. Some of this stored information is good and some of it is not. For example, why do I want to eat a piece of chocolate when I feel stressed out rather than turning to God for help. I know that there is a physical reaction to chocolate, serotonin levels and all that but... I cognitively know that the better help in times of stress is God.
The work of the Holy Spirit in us and show us the beliefs that do not line up with what our spirit might already know. Have you ever had the thought, "I know that God loves me and will always do what is best but some how it doesn't reach my heart? And I still worry." This is what I am talking about.
The Holy Spirit goes into the soul and helps us "work out our salvation" or simply the process of sanctification. As Beth Moore said in a recent study I took, "I want my theology to match my reality."
I feel like I am rambling a bit, sorry. Anyway, I am just starting to grasp this whole thing and so is Kelly but we both feel a confidence that God is leading us and preparing us for a work that He has prepared for us and we are both excited about it.
We are still prayerful as to the direction we are taking with regards to treatment and remain open if the Lord leads to chemo but for now, we believe that He has us here and is giving us an opportunity to take an inward look and work on living in the freedom that He has already provided us.
We covet your prays during this process because we are not ignorant of the enemy and his desire to steal, kill, and destroy the work and image of God in and through us.
Thanks, Gabriela
Since our last blog Kelly has told our oncologist that he will not be continuing chemo. Our doctor agreed to monitor Kelly on a monthly basis. We are very grateful for this. We continue to work with our Naturalpathic doc. here in Fresno. He is also a pastor and has been talking to us about pursuing the healing of our souls.
He explained that we are all born body and soul and our spirit comes alive when we become Christ followers. These three part of a person effect the other parts. Every emotion causes a chemical reaction in the body and every experience is stored in the soul weather memories are explicit or implicit.
In my soul I have memories, both good and bad, and likes, dislikes, preferences etc.. Some of this stored information is good and some of it is not. For example, why do I want to eat a piece of chocolate when I feel stressed out rather than turning to God for help. I know that there is a physical reaction to chocolate, serotonin levels and all that but... I cognitively know that the better help in times of stress is God.
The work of the Holy Spirit in us and show us the beliefs that do not line up with what our spirit might already know. Have you ever had the thought, "I know that God loves me and will always do what is best but some how it doesn't reach my heart? And I still worry." This is what I am talking about.
The Holy Spirit goes into the soul and helps us "work out our salvation" or simply the process of sanctification. As Beth Moore said in a recent study I took, "I want my theology to match my reality."
I feel like I am rambling a bit, sorry. Anyway, I am just starting to grasp this whole thing and so is Kelly but we both feel a confidence that God is leading us and preparing us for a work that He has prepared for us and we are both excited about it.
We are still prayerful as to the direction we are taking with regards to treatment and remain open if the Lord leads to chemo but for now, we believe that He has us here and is giving us an opportunity to take an inward look and work on living in the freedom that He has already provided us.
We covet your prays during this process because we are not ignorant of the enemy and his desire to steal, kill, and destroy the work and image of God in and through us.
Thanks, Gabriela
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year...2008 has been good!
Hi Friends,
It's New Year's Eve and we just finished a great turkey torita soup without the toritas. We will spend a quiet evening playing a game or watching a movie with the kids and end the year thanking God for 2008. We have been so blessed this year. I am healthy and back to ministry full time. The kids are doing great in school and we are growing together. Gabriela seems happy and spiritual focused - connecting with women here. We have a huge support system of friends praying for us, investing time in our kids, and have hope in the next steps of prevention.
The Stanford Doc called and spoke with Gabriela last week. After our visit he contacted the lab that did my chromosome testing and then met with the oncology staff discussing my case. Their findings where inconclusive. They couldn't tell why my chromosome 15 was missing on some of my cells. They did not think it was connected to the leukemia or an indication of a pending relapse. They denied that any previous treatment could have caused it and recommended that I continue chemo where I left off. I don't know what to think about this, but prayerful that they are right about it not being an indication of a relapse - even though this chromosome has been linked to acute leukemia. I finish up my naturopathic treatment this week and will be tested next week to see if the frequency treatments show an improvement in my immune system. It's really an amazing science. I can also test some other alternative medicines using this frequency treatment to see if they would have a beneficial effect on my immune system. This way I am not using products that don't specifically work in my body. The way it works is that every disease, medication, and substance as a frequency. So by creating a substance's frequency and directing it into your body, it as if you are taking that substance. We found seven substances out of 30 that are used for leukemia, that responded positive in my system. So bi-weekly I have been receiving these frequencies. The goal is to see if these substances will keep my immune system at peak fighting force. The body was designed to fight cancers, so the hope is that my immune system will detect the cancerous cells and kill them before they can multiple. What I am not clear about is because Leukemia is a white blood cell, can healthy white cells detect that it's cancer and kill it - and can they do it fast enough to prevent the Leukemia to over take the blood system. I'm still trying to get a clear answer, but no doctor has been able to affirm this either way. If you know anything about this, please let me know.
As a dear friend Monica wrote,"Our trust is in God" and everyday He gives each of us life, whether we have cancer or not. I know that He is good and I can trust Him regardless of what awaits my family in 2009. He has loved us well through many of you in 2008. Thank you and His blessing to you and your families. Kelly
It's New Year's Eve and we just finished a great turkey torita soup without the toritas. We will spend a quiet evening playing a game or watching a movie with the kids and end the year thanking God for 2008. We have been so blessed this year. I am healthy and back to ministry full time. The kids are doing great in school and we are growing together. Gabriela seems happy and spiritual focused - connecting with women here. We have a huge support system of friends praying for us, investing time in our kids, and have hope in the next steps of prevention.
The Stanford Doc called and spoke with Gabriela last week. After our visit he contacted the lab that did my chromosome testing and then met with the oncology staff discussing my case. Their findings where inconclusive. They couldn't tell why my chromosome 15 was missing on some of my cells. They did not think it was connected to the leukemia or an indication of a pending relapse. They denied that any previous treatment could have caused it and recommended that I continue chemo where I left off. I don't know what to think about this, but prayerful that they are right about it not being an indication of a relapse - even though this chromosome has been linked to acute leukemia. I finish up my naturopathic treatment this week and will be tested next week to see if the frequency treatments show an improvement in my immune system. It's really an amazing science. I can also test some other alternative medicines using this frequency treatment to see if they would have a beneficial effect on my immune system. This way I am not using products that don't specifically work in my body. The way it works is that every disease, medication, and substance as a frequency. So by creating a substance's frequency and directing it into your body, it as if you are taking that substance. We found seven substances out of 30 that are used for leukemia, that responded positive in my system. So bi-weekly I have been receiving these frequencies. The goal is to see if these substances will keep my immune system at peak fighting force. The body was designed to fight cancers, so the hope is that my immune system will detect the cancerous cells and kill them before they can multiple. What I am not clear about is because Leukemia is a white blood cell, can healthy white cells detect that it's cancer and kill it - and can they do it fast enough to prevent the Leukemia to over take the blood system. I'm still trying to get a clear answer, but no doctor has been able to affirm this either way. If you know anything about this, please let me know.
As a dear friend Monica wrote,"Our trust is in God" and everyday He gives each of us life, whether we have cancer or not. I know that He is good and I can trust Him regardless of what awaits my family in 2009. He has loved us well through many of you in 2008. Thank you and His blessing to you and your families. Kelly
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Stanford was a flop...
Hello
Gabriela and I headed to Stanford on Tuesday as recommended by our Oncologist. The question was if our chromosome 15 issue was an indication of a pending relapse and if Stanford would recommend a Bone Marrow Transplant at this time. My question was more about understanding the chromosome 15 issue. To make this short, the doctor said it wasn't an indication of a relapse and he would not recommend a transplant at this time with my history of Mucor.
The reason the visit was a flop in my option is that the doctor didn't have my test results and after I gave them to his medical assistant, he still hadn't read it. I had to point out information that led him to need to do a further investigation and get back to us. Gabriela asked about alternative protocols and trials. Specifically we ask about the German study using Methadone on ALL. He never heard of that study. Our local news station highlighted the story. Why didn't this doctor - an expert on Leukemia not know something that is huge in possible future treatments? I wasn't impressed and at that point felt we were talking to another narrow focused doctor that treats only with chemo and radiation with no real knowledge of other protocols. It's sad that doctors aren't more rounded. They are directing people's lives. The psalmist warns us not to trust in men, but that our trust must only be in the Lord God.
Our next step is a geneticist to address the chromosome issue. I really want to understand this before we take any action. Please continue to pray for us. It's hard to have a "specialist" tell us we need to return to chemo. We don't believe that is the right step presently, but there is always that sense that we may be wrong. We are at peace regardless, but always questioning. I know less than the doctors and they know less than I need them to know. Anyway, thank you.
We are considering a home purchase and working with a great Realtor. The market is right with the housing bottom pretty close. Interest rates are very low. It's been nice to be free from a mortgage, but having a home would be great for our family to really settle down.
Would love to hear from you. We are not having anyone commenting to the blog, so I don't know who is out there. Would love to know how to pray for you.
His blessings,
Kelly
Gabriela and I headed to Stanford on Tuesday as recommended by our Oncologist. The question was if our chromosome 15 issue was an indication of a pending relapse and if Stanford would recommend a Bone Marrow Transplant at this time. My question was more about understanding the chromosome 15 issue. To make this short, the doctor said it wasn't an indication of a relapse and he would not recommend a transplant at this time with my history of Mucor.
The reason the visit was a flop in my option is that the doctor didn't have my test results and after I gave them to his medical assistant, he still hadn't read it. I had to point out information that led him to need to do a further investigation and get back to us. Gabriela asked about alternative protocols and trials. Specifically we ask about the German study using Methadone on ALL. He never heard of that study. Our local news station highlighted the story. Why didn't this doctor - an expert on Leukemia not know something that is huge in possible future treatments? I wasn't impressed and at that point felt we were talking to another narrow focused doctor that treats only with chemo and radiation with no real knowledge of other protocols. It's sad that doctors aren't more rounded. They are directing people's lives. The psalmist warns us not to trust in men, but that our trust must only be in the Lord God.
Our next step is a geneticist to address the chromosome issue. I really want to understand this before we take any action. Please continue to pray for us. It's hard to have a "specialist" tell us we need to return to chemo. We don't believe that is the right step presently, but there is always that sense that we may be wrong. We are at peace regardless, but always questioning. I know less than the doctors and they know less than I need them to know. Anyway, thank you.
We are considering a home purchase and working with a great Realtor. The market is right with the housing bottom pretty close. Interest rates are very low. It's been nice to be free from a mortgage, but having a home would be great for our family to really settle down.
Would love to hear from you. We are not having anyone commenting to the blog, so I don't know who is out there. Would love to know how to pray for you.
His blessings,
Kelly
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Something Unexpected...
Hi Friends,
I met with Dr. Pascuzzo to find out the results of my biopsy last Monday. I had fully expected to be in remission and I am, but there was something unexpected. The biopsy testing includes a chromosome analysis. In the past this always was clear. My Leukemia was a T-cell type, not chromozonal. Well, some of my cells had abnormal chromosomes. Chromosome 15 was deleted in 8 out of 20 cells. This particular chromosome has been linked to leukemia. The Doctor wasn't sure why this has occurred but suggested that it could be an indication that a relapse was ahead. The report emphasizes that this deletion of Chromosome 15 is not an indictation of a relapse, but that it should be monitored.
My doctor recommended visiting Stanford again to get their opinion on this and if they would recommend a bone marrow transplant at this time while I am in remission. You can't be transplanted if you have active cancer. So I have an appointment this Tuesday to get their thoughts on this new development. After reading the report, I sense the analysis to be more positive - that my bone marrow is in excellent shape and that the chromosome issue is just something to watch. I do think that my doctor knows that we have loss confidence in Western Oncology and are researching other treatment protocols. I think that might be the reason to recommend a second option from Stanford.
Brianna turned 6 years old today and has lost her two upper front teeth. We had 15 girls over today and Brianna had a great time. They grow up so quickly. The rest of the family is doing well and getting ready for Christmas.
From the Rosenthal Family, we wish you His best and that you will know His love in deeper ways through the holidays. Merry Christmas!!
Kelly and the Rosenthals
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