Neva’s Story

Site created on January 20, 2021



Neva was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in  2020. 

It all started in April, when she spiked a fever for a day, at one point she shook uncontrollably for 30 minutes then the fever was gone. She had  mild postpartum depression in the spring and was just extra fatigued all summer long... In June she had another fever spike for two days at this point she also started with abdominal pain. In Sept her fevers and fatigue increased. She also had increased abdominal pain. She saw a dr who suggested she take anti acid meds. Neva felt something was wrong but couldn't figure out what it was. The dr was not much help. 
In October, she started feeling weak and then she found blood in her stool. At that point they found a new dr, within a very short period of time the Dr had ordered a CT scan. He found a growth in her colon to be the reason for the symptoms Neva was experiencing. He immediately ordered a colonoscopy and the biopsy showed the growth was cancerous. That Dr immediately scheduled a surgery to remove the growth. On Oct 28th they did a laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor.  Neva was in the hospital for two days following the surgery. Due to covid Marlin was unable to be with her. In the weeks following the surgery, the growth was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma, a very very rare cancer. 
The oncologist recommended that they travel to OSU to see a specialist who deals with these types of cancers. The specialists at OSU recommended chemo following the surgery. Due to the nature of the cancer, Neva did extensive testing to see if the cancer had spread elsewhere. At this point it was determined that it had not spread elsewhere. But the oncologists were recommending chemotherapy as a prevention. 
Dec 16, Neva had her first dose of chemo. An error was made and she received too large a dose of chemo and reacted badly to that along with reacting to steroids' and other meds. This was a very difficult time.
Dec 24,  Neva ended up in the ER with a fever, which gave her a week long stay in the hospital. Thankfully this time Marlin was allowed to be with her. Neva was put on strong antibiotics and neulasta to help combat the infection in her colon.
Jan 6 Neva was scheduled to receive her next dose of chemo but her counts were too low. So it had to be rescheduled. 
Jan 20 Neva received her second round of chemo with no problems.
continued updates...


 

Newest Update

October 6, 2023

Journal entry by Neva Yoder —

Hello there, 

Another 6 months have gone by and that means scan time. You would think it would be easier doing scans 6 months apart vs frequent scans with other dr appointments thrown in the mix. For me, it's frustrating because you're happily living your 'normal' life then scan time rolls around and it feels like your life stops briefly to see what your next 6 months will look like. Just some thoughts that have been rolling around in my head lately. BUT there are many positive things that come with less scans though. More time living a 'normal' life. More time spent with my family. More time serving my family.  Less money spent on scans. Less Dr appointments.  The positive outweighs the negative!! 

I've been holding off on sharing my results simply because I'm soaking in all the goodness of God. You know, when something is so good you want to keep it to yourself? But I do want to share because of what GOD has done!! On September 23rd Marlin and I drove to Chicago, IL to do our MRI scans. (he also did a scan because he has been on a healing journey himself)  Chicago is a beautiful city but I was reminded once again prefer country life. Give me some grass and dirt please! 

A brief refresher on what was found on my previous scans before I get into the most recent scan results so it makes sense. Approximately a year ago Sept 2022 there was a suspicious 6mm spot on my breast, and cysts on my ovaries. 6 months later March 2023 the spot on my breast was still there but no change in size. Which was great! The cysts on my ovaries increased in size but weren't too concerning to my oncologist. They also found bone marrow edema on my right tibia. This time I choose surveillance is best. I also discussed these findings with my Dr at the wellness center.

Here's the good part! :) On this scan Sept 2023 I have checked my prenuvo results multiple times to see if I'm reading right. Is this real?! They must've made a mistake. It says no adverse findings! The spot on my breast and my cysts are GONE!!  The bone marrow edema is still there but it is less prominent since the previous scan. I had a phone call with a nurse practitioner from prenuvo to go over the results and hearing her say there were no cysts found and nothing was found on my breasts was music to my ears! Hallelujah!!

As I mentioned, I discussed this with my Dr at the wellness center and he suggested poke root salve and DMSO for my cysts. And as I was applying it to my abdomen & breast I remember praying, I can apply this stuff but God, you're the healer. AND HEAL HE DID!!!  Our God still does miracles today!

I'm forever grateful to God for HIS healing and the things He provides for us! 

Thank you all for your prayers and support during this journey of life! 

Read More of the journal titled "October 6, 2023"
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