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Pat’s Story

Site created on December 8, 2022

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While I enjoy playing tennis, this year has been a little trying. It seems as though I hurt myself during my first serve on the clay courts in Naples, Florida. Not to be done in by a little pain, I enjoyed a few weekly games of doubles with the gals in Satellite Beach during the month of February.

When we came back home to Wisconsin we had to wait until the snow melted in May before we were able to get on the courts again. While still experiencing back pain and spasms, kind friends recommended Physical Therapy and chiropractor. I stopped playing tennis in July and continued the PT and exercises with visits to the chiropractor in between. I’ve done ice packs and heat packs with temporary relief. Then we did dry needling with practically no improvement. I used a rife machine that is similar to a tens machine. Again, just temporary relief.

A dear friend from church suggested some herbs as a treatment for the back pain. She did some muscle testing and determined that there is an infection.

In August, I started getting stomach aches and abdominal cramps. I went to a different doctor and he recommended taking Pepcid and/or a stool softener. I just couldn’t convince them that this wasn’t that kind of ache. I explained that my friend said there was an infection, but he said I’d be in worse pain if that was so. I returned to my primary care and she ordered a group of other more complete blood tests. That was on November 17, 2022. That following Monday, November 21, the results came back with not so good results. Seems like I’m an overachiever on the numbers. The CA-125 normal range in less than 35, I was at 1586. The CEA normal range is less than 5, I’m at 101.24. These numbers suggest cancer.

The next day 22 November, I had a CT scan and an abdominal Ultrasound at the Hayward Hospital. When I went to pick up a copy of the disc from radiology, they met me in the hallway and said that I am quite the celebrity. Apparently, I was the talk of the department — not in a positive way.

We prayed. We asked that our Heavenly Father would guide the physicians and caregivers and give them wisdom. We prayed for strength and comfort and for us to be drawn closer to Him. We prayed that regardless of any outcome, His will would be done. We continue to remind ourselves that God is in control and that whatever happens would bring honor and glory to Him.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Pat Nelson — Apr 28, 2024

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

I am so grateful to have so many friends that are praying for me. Thank you. It seems like the last couple weeks I’ve not been doing so well in the mornings. The chemo treatments are seven days on and seven days off. It takes about four off days before I’m back up to speed again. It sure was nice to get outside on the sunny afternoons we had.

I am a blessed woman to have such a loving husband, Rhich. I’m also blessed to have family and friends who pray for me and care for me and encourage me. Thank you for keeping the faith. We will get through this.

Read More of the journal titled "April 28, 2024"

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