2017 Dec: Another step on the journey with Cancer

16 Dec 2017

Greeting all from Cold Shenyang...it's already been -3 deg F below 0...and it's only December!  It's going to be a cold one!  At the end of my last entry talking about all the awards etc, I mentioned that I had something even more important and that is an update on Rod's journey with Cancer. I wrote briefly about it in Feb of 2017, but this time, I will go back a little further to tell the story of the past 2 years by again taking excerpts from my personal diary.   Rod was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in Oct 2006 and treated it with radiation beam therapy when we lived in SC.  This seemed to be effective for about 7 years...then in 2014 while we lived here in China, the symptoms came back and this PSA number was rising, so he treated it again with Alternative medicine and a Chinese treatment in Beijing using a direct injection method called umipic in combination with a hormone therapy and even a Tibetan traditional therapy.  This seemed to be effective for about 2-3 years...then the old symptoms came back accompanied by some new ones.  So if you want to see the current situation, you can skip all the way to the end of this entry...and see that the cancer has spread, to 4 places and  he has taken radiation treatments here in Shenyang.  The Doc is optimistic and so are we,  but we won't know anything for a few months when he gets the PET scan. Cancer is not have to be a death sentence.  It is chronic and must be treated or it will be a death sentence.  There are no guarantees in life with or without cancer.  Today, I remain committed to not let cancer rule my life and so does Rod...some days we are better at that outlook than others.  I share this story not to seek sympathy, I do it to give hope to others who are also on this journey or who live with someone who is...and also to seek prayers from anyone who is reading this.  We are both Christians and we believe in the power of prayer.  If that offends you, I suggest you skip this entry because there are many written prayers  and many many more not written here in our  daily journey.

Here, there, everywhere...cancer roller coaster

Jan 2016

It’s been awhile…such a nice adventure Christmas vacation in Thailand and Myanmar. But…in that vacation, Rod had symptoms of increased urination urges again…and also some blood in his urine….not a good sign. He will get a PET scan tomorrow, and then when we get results, we’ll have some facts on which to make a decision for next steps. He has already decided he’s not going to Beijing with Dr Yu. He hopes that if there is cancer, surgery is an option. He had the results of his PSA…and its 9.5. That is significantly higher than it was. Maybe the lupron is the trick…tomorrow is the first step for more facts. He will keep the nutrition program. Such a roller coaster of emotions with cancer.

 

Looking for answers where there are none

31 Jan 2016

It’s not possible to predict how long any of us will live…yet, I find myself looking on the internet trying to find a prediction, trying to find comfort, trying to look for answers to a question that cannot be answered.
According to what the doc told him today, his prostate cancer is stage 3b from the charts on the American cancer society website:

T3a: The cancer extends outside the prostate but not to the seminal vesicles.
T3b: The cancer has spread to the seminal vesicles.
T4: The cancer has grown into tissues next to your prostate (other than the seminal vesicles), such as the urethral sphincter (muscle that helps control urination), the rectum, the bladder, and/or the wall of the pelvis.

How long will it take to go to stage 4 ?
In May 2014 I don’t think it was in the seminal vesicles…so it took 2 years to go from 3a to 3b, and that was with the Lupron shot, and Flutimide drugs, umipic direct injection chemo treatments with Dr Yu in Beijing and alternative medicine Dr Dong at Myrtle beach and completely changing his lifestyle. The doc told him today that his survival estimate could be 2 years, 3 years, 5 years…but he didn’t day longer (or at least Rod didn’t tell me any bigger number)
That is the unanswerable question…The only real thing to do now is take the hormones and keep the testosterone that is feeding the cancer low…and keep his immune system revved up to the max, eat as cleanly as possible and stay detoxed.
Damn this cancer anyway.

Happy birthday to Rod

12 Feb 2016

Back in 2006 when you first got diagnosed with the cancer, it has been a roller coaster of emotions for both of us. You have grown so much spiritually and helped countless people all over the world since the day I heard you say it was cancer and my heart sank. My heart sank because my life, all I held dear was threatened by that word cancer. You treated with all the best treatments we could and I don’t regret any of them…they have given me our days together. I knew the bell curve by heart and I knew the odds…and you beat the odds!! Then 2 years ago, our world got rocked again…cancer was back…another series of treatments and another roller coaster ride…surgery was not an option, and you invested in you to get healthy from the inside out and even though surgery was not an option, you kicked it back again! Now, here we are in 2016, yes, we know the cancer is back…I know that your health lifestyle and hormone treatment, and who knows what else we can throw at it with the chinese medicine to knock it back again!
I continued to be amazed at the man you are today…still crazy after all these years, and so much more.  I am so proud of you Rodney and so grateful to be the person you choose to share your life with.
I ask God to give you many more days on this earth with me and to bless you with health, happiness, joy and much love. I love you Rodney Miller…no one else I would rather be with than you.
Happy 69th birthday…and may we both have 31 more together!!
Love you eternally…still!
Sarah

Take that you damn prostate cancer…you ain’t got me nor him yet!

Victory over Cancer in my mind...big step

14 Feb2016

It’s Valentine’s Day…ever since the cancer news, seems like I always fear this will be our last day…last birthday, last Valentine’s Day, part Chinese New Year, ….so I want to capture all the emotions, photos etc. Why didn’t I do this before? Too busy with my own little things in life and too busy to see the real things.
Can the cancer be a blessing in disguise? A blessing to help us be even closer and live and love each day to the fullest? I choose to think so today.
Today, I will not let cancer define me or my love for my husband, or my life. Today, I will embrace him and let him know I love him more than ever and be forever grateful for our lives together!
 I ask for the courage to continue to live each day with my dear husband and I ask that you give me many more days on this earth and give me the strength to face today and the future with love, strength and grace…no matter what.
Amen.

The Thrill of Victory...the Agony of Defeat

20 Feb 2016

Sometimes I feel more victorious over cancer than others…each time he has a day when he says he doesn’t feel good, I can’t help but think the cancer is spreading and sucking the life out of him before my eyes. I want to plan our life, like I always have, even if I know that plans can change…but they have always changed with us together. For the first time, I am faced with the real possibility that I may be growing old without him. Of course with the 13 year age difference, statistically that has always been the odds…but when we were younger, it always seems so far away…now it’s here on me. I try to enjoy each day, each moment and share our joys.
I ask God to remain victorious over cancer and not let it define him nor me. I ask God to bless us real good today and every day and if it be His will, give us may days together on this earth and let us fully enjoy each other. I ask God to bless him specifically today and heal him from the inside out. He’s been my life mate and the thought of going solo in this journey just sickens me. I know it can be done…I see friends do it and they have survived…forever changed, but they have survived. I love you Rodney, stay strong and keep making healthy choices.

Good news when you can get it!

14 July 2016

Got some good news yesterday…Rod’s PSA was 0.125! His new Lupron shot is ordered and he should be in by end of July..right on schedule! I love it when the plan comes together!
Thank you Father for this good state of affaires…we take each day one day at a time…I am grateful and praise You for healing a good day today. I continue to ask for acceptance of Your Will…easy when I think it’s good news..not so easy when it’s bad. Bless him Father, he’s my rock and I love him so. Not much else to add…no need to add!

A little Lupron today

26 July 2016

Rod got his 3 Month Lupron shot today, and he is also getting referred to a local urologist so that if he needs something to ease the symptoms locally, he has someone close. I’m grateful that he feels good today and other than knowing he has cancer, he says he feels great. He actually said if he didn’t know it, he would not believe he had it. It is 2016 now…he was first diagnosed back in 2006. He has been 10 years on the infamous bell curve of odds.
Dear Lord, thank you for your healing hand. Your grace to give us more days together.

PSA On the rise...again

25 Oct 2016

Today Rod got his PSA results and it was 2.53 PSA…that’s up from 0.125 3 months ago…a big jump. He didn’t speak to the doctor. He gets this 3 month hormone shot this week. Is it the first signs that the hormone shots are no longer effective? Is it timing of the test vs hormone shot? Too many questions tonight..none can be answered.
He says he feels good and has decided not to go to Dr Yu Baofa for additional treatment right now…

2016 ends and 2017 begins

2 January 2017

This time a year ago, Rod was getting ready to go to Hong Kong and learn once again that his cancer was. It operable, no real treatment other than the Lupron and diet, and he would hear, it could be 2 years, could be 5. Makes me take a deep breath to read that just one year later. What will I write in Jan 2018? Better to stay focused on today.
Rod seems to be doing Ok, still peeing a lot, still having some unexplained pain. He mentioned on the long flight home that he wants to make it to 70 (which he will be in Feb 2017) and then he will make his goal 72. I continue to keep my head in the sand and believe he will live as long as I do.
Today, Father, I ask for the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
I ask that you continue to bless us and give us long days on this earth together and when it is our time, let us be the example you want us to be.

A wonderful Hawaiian Family Christmas Dec 2016

Creeping up

19 Jan 2017

Today Rod had his PSA test today. 3.22… creeping up from 2.53. It’s not as fast as I feared, yet it’s still going up. We have not had any discussions yet about these results, other than him saying “doubling”… the reference to the speed of the cancer growing.
I hate cancer..I just hate it.
Father, I ask that you grant Rodney many more days on this earth with me. Help me to accept Your plan. Help me to be supportive of Rodney and his mission here on earth. Help me to be positive and take maximum time with him while he’s here!

 

You made it to 70 Rod!  Happy birthday!  Let's keep it going!

 

Back aches makes my heart ache 

April 2017

Lately, Rod has been having back trouble…For prostate cancer the first place it goes after it leaves the prostate and seminal vésicales is the back. In his most recent scan there was nothing confirmed..so we were of course happy about that. Now, I worry anew. He said he feels like it’s a spasm..is it something that comes with being 70? Is it the cancer? Do we both have our head in the sand by not going to get a test? What good would a test do other than confirm or deny suspicions..there is no treatment other than nutrition, supplements and exercise…we’ve already confirmed that.
Father, I come to you thanking you for all you have provided for us and for our life together up until now. I ask for your healing hand to touch Rod and your healing breath to breath on him. I ask for many more days together here in earth if it be Your will.  I love you Rodney and we love You Father and we love and thank You Jesus.

Rod and Sarah's anniversary trip to SuZhou, China

Double trouble

11 July 2017

Today , as I write this, I have learned Rod’s latest PSA score of 7.96, up from 3.22 in January..that is doubling in 6 months. It’s not good news. I’m on vacation with My sister Patricia who is celebrating cancer free. Squeezed between 2 cancers. It is such a downer..I’m numb. I want to enjoy my vacation, but I can’t help thinking about Rod’s cancer. He said he felt bad earlier this year, he told me after the fact that he was passing blood and now we see this result of the PSA even with the lupron. Is this the end of the lupron effectiveness? Will he go to see Dr Yu? I just don’t know. He does not know either. I sent him a note to tell him I’m not going to let cancer rule my life and neither is he..easy to say, it so easy to do. I really don’t even know what that means today. I’m numb, just numb.

On the rise again

21Oct 17

I just got back from a business trip to Shanghai and all this week, I’ve been texting back and forth to Rod…he had the PSA test again and as I thought, it is higher again registering at 11.71, up from 7.96 in July…that almost doubling in 3 months, and tripling in 9 months…so the velocity is increasingly higher. This time, I think he is reconsidering going to Dr Baofa again in Beijing…now, talking to Dr’s here in Shenyang to get a full PET scan to see where it is, and assuming it is somewhere that has not had the direct inject method, (like on the outside of the prostate gland where it meets the neck of the bladder) then he can delay it spreading again. This time 3 years ago we were in Beijing doing exactly the same treatment.
Father, I come to you, praising you, asking once again that you let Rod stay here many more days, weeks, months, years with me here on earth. You know I will be lost without him.

Backbone flip

27 Oct 2017

As feared, the PET scan confirmed the cancer has returned and now it has metastasized on the backbone and pelvis. The doc here in Shenyang said the treatment is to change hormone brands and take radiation treatments (5/week x 6 weeks) starting immediately.
Rod has confirmed he will do this.
I can’t lie, it’s not good news.
The docs in Hongkong told him no other treatment options...here in Shenyang they are telling him since it's been so long since the last radiation treatment (>10 years), it's OK.  We are trusting the Shenyang doctor...what other choice do we have?  In Jan 2016 he had 2-5 years to live..so here we are almost 2 years since that date.
Father I ask that you give us many more years together.

Round 3: Life 3, Cancer 0

31 Oct 2017

Yesterday, Monday, Rod was tested, targeted and actually did his first radiation treatment 72 hours after getting the PET scan result. That is amazing. That would have never happened in this amount of time in the US! Rod paid 50,000 RMB up front on the account at the hospital and his friend the Chinese doctor David, head of oncology is making sure he gets the best treatment. They did a bladder scan today and said that a type of necrosis cancer (not a tumor, but another type) was eating through his bladder Wall, so he said he would treat it too with radiation. 4 different places : bladder, prostate, pelvis bone and tailbone. It’s scary to read that. He is sore tonight. They told him he would get sick about week 5…he says he’d already sick on day 2. It’s going to be tough on him.
I just pray that God’s will be done in our lives and if it be His will that he give us many more years together. I ask God to give me understanding of His will and to give us both strength.

2 down, 4 to go

11 Nov 2017

Two weeks ago Rod started the radiation treatment for the cancer. He has only been really sick one time, but he’s starting to get really tired. I can tell his hips and back are hurting him when he walks. He’s starting to get dark circles around his eyes. Most days he still has a good attitude, and he told me last night that he is noticing he doesn’t have to pee quite as often as he did before. I take that as good news, at least he doesn’t have to live next to the toilet all the time. I hope this radiation treatment lasts a long time…I have no illusions that this will cure the cancer. I’m just hoping to prolong his life with a good quality of life.
I love him so much and I wish I could help him. I thank God we are living this close to the hospital. He is able to walk there every day to get his treatment.
I ask God to bless him, give him strength and give us both peace of mind.
Love you Rod, may we have many more years together!

4 down, 2 weeks to go

25 Nov 2017

Rod has completed 4weeks of the treatment…his rear end is getting radiation burns and his hips hurt and his back hurts. I took off on Thanksgiving day to accompany him to his treatment. It hurts me to see him in pain and not able to help him.
I pray he can endure the coming two weeks and I also pray we get a reprieve for this cancer…kick it down the road again. I am so grateful for our time together, but I’m selfish and I want more. I look for all of the small pleasures to make me feel good, anything to ease my fears and doubts.
Father, I ask you to grant I’m many more long days on this earth to help even more people that only he can reach. I love you Rod, you can do it!

Rod walking on his way to get treatment at the hospital in Shenyang

Rod in front of the hospital at Shenyang...this is just one building...there are many!

Rod inside the radiation treatment waiting room...everyone gets a mold made, then this mold is put in a bag with a tag and all of the patients keep their bags on these racks..come in get your bag and wait.

Rod with Dr David in the radiation area treatment area.

The radiation room patient just before Rod still on the table..it's an assembly line of radiation treatments..that machine never stops (except when it breaks down...which it did on the day I went with him!).  The return on investment must be pretty quick on this machine as much as it gets used!

Rodney and I enjoying our Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel where we live.

Can't keep a good man down

8 Dec 2017

Today is a very special day. It’s the last day of Rod’s radiation treatment. I’m in Chengdu, Sichuan province with my team visiting a customer..but that is not why today is special..today, at 3:30, when I was visiting Qingcheng Shan mountain, a Daoist temple, I got the following message from Rod:
“Finished. Then took a CAT Scan Very good report. Thank You Lord… and Dr. David. And all who prayed for me”.
I just burst into tears. Tears of joy. I told some of the people on my team, I even hugged one of them…something that is not done in China! I couldn’t help it..I was just over come. I bought 2 candles and I lit them for Rodney and me and Thanked God, and I’m still thanking God！I wanted that moment to last..the joy that filled my soul was nothing like what I had experienced before..just so grateful.
Thank you Father for once again leading us to be in the right place at the right time and get the best treatment. Thank you Father for working through Rodney again and again. He is your trusted servant. Thank you for him and his never ending love for me and mine for him and for yet another lease on life! Bless him Father and All glory and honor and praise be given to You.
Amen

At the Taoist Shrine in Chengdu, China on the day Rod finished his treatments

Sarah lighting a candles for the Miller couple on the day Rod got is CT Scan and the Doctor saying the results looked good.  Taking picture is not allowed here...but when I told one of my team members the good news, I asked him to take some photos...and he did...I'm so grateful to have this moment recorded in time.  8 Dec 2017.

 So, there we are...Rod has kicked the can down the road again...for how long, we don't know.  I just thank God we are where we are today.  In Jan of 2017, I was wondering what I will write in Jan 2018...well, I don't know, but I have every hope and belief I will be writing about our nice cruise we have planned here in Asia.  We intend to have a wonderful relaxing vacation.  Rod still does not feel so good and we knew this would be the case...the radiation sickness is real and so is the pain from the cancer.  
Thank you Father for the time we have had and I ask that you bless us and give us many more years together.

Sarah & Rodney in Shenyang, China

Pet scans, Planting Trees, Pilgrimage home, Parade of Pride and Politics in China..just about wraps up the summer of 2015

5 September 2015
Greetings again from Northeast China,

Where did the summer go?  I looked at my last post and it was back in May...and as I write this it's 5 September...I can't remember where the time went or what all I did that either made me too busy to write or the events were not memorable enough to write about..probably a combination of all of the above. I've tried to catch up in this post..and perhaps I should have split it all up...but I didn't, and I'm not going to redo it so, this post is long!  If you are friends with  me on Facebook, you may have seen some of these photos..I can't remember what I've posted where sometimes!

Several friends have ended their expatriation and gone back to their home countries..bittersweet..so happy they are going back home, yet I miss them here in Shenyang.  When we first came here, we thought we would also be leaving this summer but thing changed..and we're OK with that...today!

My sister has completed a 2nd tour of cancer treatments in Beijing.  After the 1st round of treatements, the PET scan showed some  significant progress on the tumors, but that they were still active, so the Dr suggested she come back to China for a 2nd round.  Before we knew all of that, we planned a trip to the US so she was here while we were there.  Strange.  She finished that back in July and is continuing to follow her nutrition plan (no wheat, no sweet, no meat) and losing weight (she has lost over 100 pounds now!).  She needs to wait about another month before she gets the follow-up scan to see the results.  We pray for good restults!  She feels good, is working full time and is in the last year of a doctoral program...my sister... the over-achiever for life!  When she over-achieves on the stage 4 rectal cancer it will be the ultimate overachievement!  Go Trish!  Love all of my 5 siblings and hope that we don't have to repeat the cancer treatment with any of the other ones or loved ones!

Patricia with the nurses at the Baofa cancer hospital in Beijing..she brought them some gifts from the US and that was a big hit!

Sarah and Patricia do Beijing!  So happy she felt good enough to get out in the city a bit this time!

Sarah and Patricia on a walk at the hosptial...we affectionately call this place Pigshit alley...once you smell it, you'll know why!

Rod, Sarah and Patricia at the Baofa hospital just before Patricia left to go back to the US.

The Chinese Acrobat show in Beijing with Patricia..beautiful and amazing!

Another scene from the  Chinese Acrobat show in Beijing!

The cast from the Beijing acrobat show at the end...such a nice outing with my sister!

As I mentioned before, Rodney and I visited the US over the 4th of July (I think I've learned that it's better to visit and travel on non-holidays...neither in the US, neither in China...just 'normal days' are best to travel and visit!)  We had a wonderful whirlwind trip together (Rod was there longer and visited even more states!)...for me, it went from KY, OH to SC in 10 days!  Love seeing my family!

Granddaughter Olivia and Nana Sarah

Daughter in love Rachael with Sarah in Louisville, KY, our 6 year old Olivia took this picture!

Son Christopher, grand daughter Olivia, Rod and Sarah in Louisville, KY

Niece Moriah and her horse..she loves him rode in the OH State fair this year!  Very proud of her!

Brother Bill, me (Sarah), Sister Mary Nell,cousin Jenny and Aunt Freda at Mary Nell's house for the 4th of July..so very nice, Thanks sis!

Aunt Freda (My dad's sister)

2 of my nieces, Dawna (sister Becky's daughter) and Moriah (Mary Nell's daughter)

Sisters Becky, Mary Nell, (her husband Bob in the background photo-bombing!) me (Sarah) and brother Bill...only missing Patricia (who was in China at the time) and Martha (who couldn't come up from Florida) Precious time with family!  Thanks Mary Nell for hosting a wonderful 4th of July party at your house!

Aunt Freda and cousin Jenny at my sister Mary Nell's house in OH

Sarah and Rod together again in OH

Visiting my Aunt Anna (my father's sister) in the nursing home in Ohio..sadly she didn't know us.  She is a WWII vet as a nurse..very proud of her and so sad to see her living (if we can call it that) like this today.  Thanks to my Aunt Freda and my cousins in the area, she has the best of care.  Thanks Aunt Freda, Jeff, Martha and Jenny.

Cousin Jeff always the center of attention with the girls!

On to KY to see my Aunt Betty and Uncle John (my mothers brother) and their son John..my childhood idol and hero (and still is today!!) Love you Harm!

Sarah and John Harmon...Two peas in a pod!

Sarah and Rodney playing and picnicing by the creek in Bracken County, KY on a beautiful day, breathing fresh KY air!

The Walcot Covered bridge in KY, not far from my home...this is "my Kentucky"  Beautiful!

Visiting the Lavender fields of Ky outside of Brooksville, KY, not far from where I grew up.   A wonderful family farm that has transformed from tobacco to lavender..I loved it!  For more information on this place, see the link below!  Nice gift shop too!

 Lavender Fields of KY

After a quick trip to KY and OH, we ventured down to SC where we saw one of our dear friends in Greenville, then went to Myrtle Beach and visited the Alternative health clinic where we saw our friends and health practitioners to get a good detox and health booster before heading back to China.

Sarah, Glenda and Rodney at Glenda's home in SC

Rod and Sarah at Myrtle beach, SC

We came back to China together mid July and then it seems like it has been full blast ever since!

At the plant, we had several community involvement events including visiting an orphanage that we support.  This was an emotional day...such cute kids.  Instead of giving only money, this year we asked the orphange staff to get the wishes from the children and then we asked our employees to go shopping for the children to fulfill their wishes.  I was so proud of our employees when they fulfilled the children's wishes and more and we were able to give the gifts.  It was a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon!

The kids opening up some of the gifts at the orphanage

Legos are always a hit with kids!

Sarah with one of the little girls are the orphanage

One of the little boys at the orphanage...he was just too cute!

Another commuity event we did was to plant trees here in Shenyang.  This was the first time we had ever done this and it turns out, it was the first time many people in our plant had planted anything!  It was hot and the dirt was hard...but we did it (and improved our plan for next year when I've already scheduled this for Spring!)

Sarah digging a rock hard hole for a big tree in Shenyang!

With a few expat colleagues at a park where we planted trees in Shenyang.

This past week,  we had a special holiday (3 September, 2015) to commemorate the Victory over Japan in WWII (or the War of Japanese Agression as it is known here in China).  It was a big deal for China and all the stops were pulled out for a big military parade in Beijing..alot of sabor rattling to show our US allies  of Japan across the Sea of Japan that the Chinese are big and powerful.  They honored some US veterans from WWII who were pilots from the Flying Tigers who "flew the hump" over Burma (today's Myanmar) to China to deliver food.  It made the front page news here on the China Daily.  I was very touched by the sentiment and even several Chinese told me "Thank you for helping us win over Japan in WWII".  That was very special to me.  For more on the big day here in China you can visit the english speaking state owned news website..lots of interesting pictures and articles:
China Daily

Even though I don't like the politics of the communist party of China..at all..I do admire the sense of national pride that China has been able to instill.  I can't remember in my lifetime (almost 55 years!) any National military parade in Washington DC.  I remember one in New York when the 1st Gulf War was over, but not any in Washington DC.  We have had many different big marches and protests etc, but not a Government sponsored National display of pride.  I do have pride in being American and I am proud to have served in the US military myself.  I find it sad that our country seems to be losing our collective sense of Pride and patriotism and so focused on not offending anyone...the country that stands for nothing eventually does not stand at all.    The Chinese children learn the patriotic songs in school.  Do our US children still learn the US Patriotic songs like "This land is your land", "The Star Spangled banner", "The battle hymn of the Republic", "America the Beautiful" ?  I don't know...but my sense is they don't..I think it's a shame..but that's an entirely different story!

On the 2nd of September, the day before this big holiday, I had my first big political meeting as site manager in my new job.  I met with the head of the Teixi district in the morning.  A district is like a borough in New York City, then in the afternoon, I met with the Mayor of Shenyang (with 8-10 million people depending on who you ask, it's equivalent of meeting the Mayor of New York City!).  I wasn't alone..as I was with the head of Michelin China and some additional people and I was briefed before I met with these people that since I was not the senior person, I would not say anything in the official meetings..it was true.  It was really a learning experience.  I've never met with the Mayor of New York City, so I have no US reference...but I'll try to describe here my day:
It started with a ride to the head of the district office in a special van that had authorization to get through the gate and there I met the other members of the delegation.  We discussed our topics then we went in.  When promted, we went into a big cushy chair (think living room oversized apolstered chairs) filled room with a big round table (12 foot diameter minimum) and big dining room chairs around it. When the head of the district sat down, we sat down in specified places.  The most senior (in terms of position, not age) Director of the district sat at the chair directly facing the door, and his translator sat to his right and our translator sat to his right and our most senior person sat beside her.  I had met one of the government people before, and it was clear that that person had briefed the head honcho about me and my name was mentioned several times, so I smiled, laughed and made approving gestures.  It was all incredibly polite even though we talked through some touchy subjects...money is always touchy!  After we finished this meeting, we left and went to lunch with our team, and discussed the results of the 1st meeting and preparing for the one with the mayor to come in the afternoon.
We had a meeting scheduled at 2:00 and again, we arrived in our van that had been cleared to enter.  We arrived in lobby and were met by a special representative (slim-beautiful-impecably dressed in a nice business suit- high healed shoes wearing-english speaking- woman!) who escorted us into the 'waiting room".  Before entering the room, I noticed a big electronic board with a number and a time and was told that our meeting with the Mayor would be at 2:10...up to the minute scheduling!  (I think I might need one of those boards outside my office!) .  While there in the waiting room (a room similar to the one where we had the official meeting in the morning with big cushy chairs and a larger than life round table and same seating arrangements) , we met the communist party secretary for the district guy we visiting in the morning.  I've been here for 5 years and I still don't fully understand their system...but the simple explanation is that for most every 'leadership' role there is in parallel a communist party position ..and the communist  party position always out ranks the official position role!  I had met this guy before and he remembered me and we exchanged approving smiles and gestures.  From what I understand, this level person is my normal contact...I would not normally meet alone with the Mayor (that level is expected to be for my boss's boss)  but I am expected to meet alone with the district person (or communist party person) if the need arrises.  Before long, it was 2:05 and the beautiful lady from before came into the room and gestured it was time for us to meet the mayor.   We went into a room that I'll try by best to describe.  It was like a grand hall with a bright lights and probably 50 feet long x 30 feet wide with 2 cushy chairs to the left of the doors in one end and forming a U, some additional cushy chairs down each side (not against the wall, but in a straight line).  The 2 chairs at the end had a lamp table between then and had microphones for the speakers and two translator chairs behind them.  Each chair had large name plaques and it was obvious that these 2 chairs were for the speakers (our head guy and the mayor).  The mayor sat on the left and our guy sat on the right.  All of the mayors 'people' sat on the left line and all of us sat on the right side.  On each of our chairs there was a paper name card showing who was whom and their positions (in english) and I'm sure on their side they had the same info one all of us on their card.  I felt like I was sitting in a United Nations meeting with translators  and all of the pomp and circumstances.  No business cards were exchanged at the beginning...all of that was done at the end.  I was briefed on that, so I didn't make any faux pas of etiquette.  The guy who met us in the waiting room was also in the meeting and it was obvious that he had briefed everyone on the Mayor's side about the contents of the morning and meeting before the meeting contents.  Again, my name was mentioned and again I nodded and smiled and did not talk...I nodded and smiled when required!  At the end of the meeting, my boss invited the Mayor to visit the plant and of course I said with pleasure...so that will be an experience to organize that...at some point in the future!   We all got up, had the photo's taken by the Mayor's photographer (No I don't have this photo yet!) and exchanged business cards, shook hands and were wisked away by the beautiful lady into the elevator.  I was still blown away by the whole experience!  We discussed our next steps, I took my visitors to the airport and that was that!  I came home and tried to reflect on the entire day, and I'm writing about it now so as not to forget it!  It's a pity I couldn't take photos, but it wasn't allowed.   I've tried my best to recreate the experience in words, but it always seems to fall short.  I learned alot from the entire experience!

So, with that, I end this post here in China..wishing all of you in the US a wonderful labor day weekend and for my other friends around the world, a wonderful normal weekend!

Sarah & Rodney

2015 May..Sisterly love, a journey with Cancer

15 May 2015

Greeting all,
Alert...if you don't want to read through another medical update (on my sister's journey with Cancer), then skip this entry!

About 6 months ago, my sister Patricia (Trish)  was diagnosed with Anal cancer and as we are very close, I kept a private blog about her condition and my feelings at the time. It's very similar to the one I wrote during Rod's journey with Cancer, so it is quite personal.   As I write this update she has completed a series of treatments at the Alternative Medical Clinic in Myrtle Beach, SC (same one that Rodney did) and also here in China  (also same one Rod did) and is now back home in Florida.  This entry is similar to the one I did for Rodney, where I will go back in time and take excerpts from my other private blog and share it with you.  When I have them, I've added photos of her time here in China.

Does it run in the family?

29 Nov 2014

Rod’s been home for 2 weeks now, and cancer wise, feeling good.  It seems I go from frying pan to the fire in that I just got the news that my oldest sister Patricia has now been diagnosed with some sort of cancer…either lymphoma or colon cancer..not sure which one and what will be the treatment protocol. I’ve talked to her about going to see Dr Dong and also coming here to see Dr Yu. Not sure what she will do.
Of course all of this makes me think of my mother with pancreatic cancer..now my sister with some sort of cancer. What about me? Today, I try to keep eating healthy, taking nutritional supplements and exercising…all to keep my body and systems to not be a place where cancer thrives. It’s easier with Rod right here with me on the healthy regime. God bless my sister and God bless my Rodney.

Quiet Christmas 2014

28 December 2014

We stayed here in Shenyang this Christmas…partly because I had no vacation left, and partly because we didn’t want to travel from one winter to another winter. It was quiet and we both missed family. I worked every day which helped the time pass and I got several things done at work that have been a long time on my to do list. Now, we’re fast approaching a new Year 2015.

My sister Patricia has been diagnosed with cancer of the anal tract.   She has 3 tumors they know of…1 in her rectum, 1 in her anal canal and 1 somewhere in her groin. She is going to the Alternative medical clinic in Myrtle Beach, SC tomorrow and she says she has started changing her diet. She plans then to go through a very intensive Chemo and Radiation therapy. She told me yesterday that if they recommend surgery, she wants to come see what Dr Yu could do before she has surgery, assuming he could do something to help her. She will see the oncologist after she completes her week at the AMC.
Obviously, this disturbs me…my mind can go crazy…my mother died of pancreatic cancer, my oldest sister diagnosed with rectal cancer…both with type A blood type, both with cancer in the digestive tract…both with diets similar to mine before I changed…did I change in time?  Who knows?

My sister's cancer

29 December 2014:

Below is an update on my sister’s cancer, taken from a private message she wrote to our family members today:
..." I am writing this to update you on my health. I am writing to ask for your prayers.
I have been diagnosed with cancer of the anal tract. There are two masses, on in the anal tract and one in the rectum. (I really did not know there was a difference between those two!). There is also I inguinal lymph node involvement. So after much testing I have an intense several weeks ahead of me.
Today I am at the Natural Healing Center in Myrtle Beach that Rodney went to. I will be here for a week to look at nutritional and other wellness issues. When I get home I will see a radiation oncologist. I will then have a port placed Thursday and see the oncologist again on Friday. I think treatment will begin on the 12th. The treatment is a combo of both radiation and chemotherapy. The first week will be continuous chemo 24/7. Along with daily radiation. The next three weeks are radiation daily and the last week is both continuous chemo and radiation. So the next 5-6 weeks will be intense. I will need your prayers.
Thanks
Patricia"

Come on Trish, we’ll praying for you non stop and ask God to bless you and our family as you embark on this journey.

My sister is coming, my sister is coning

11 Jan 2015

My sister has finished up at the Alternative medicine clinic and she is determined to stay on the nutrition and supplements and in fact she made the decision to come to Dr Yu here in China first to get the cancer treatment before taking the chemo and radiation in the US. She cancelled her appointments at the cancer center in Florida and I will call her tomorrow to find out the date she is coming to China. Should be either late Feb or early March.  Rodney said he would stay with her for 3-4 days to get her set up and able to cook for herself and be self sufficient. I will go for a few days too to spend some time with her and keep her company.  Trish said she found the Alternative medical clinic to be a very caring and healing atmosphere and that even if there was a place closer she is not sure she would ever feel as comfortable anywhere else. We will take care of her logistically here on this side and Dr Yu and his staff will take care of her medically. I continue to pray that nutrition program shows it down, the chemo will stop it everywhere she has a tumor and the nutrition will keep it gone. She has already said she will go back to the clinic in 3-4 months to continue to get a treatment like a tuneup…and hopefully show good progress on her cancer, liver functioning, blood, circulation and diabetis. She is not well, and until the cancer diagnosis, she was in denial about the problems the weight was giving her. I ask God to bless her.
Otherwise, Rod and I are doing well. We got the results from Rod’s last PsA test and it was 0.04, so we were happy with that. All of his other lab. Numbers came back good too. 😊😊

Let the healing begin

25 Feb 2015

Rod left this morning to go to Beijing to help her get settled and guide her to the hospital from the airport .  There is no food service in Chinese hospitals and so one of the major things Rod will help her with is to get her able to find food and cook.  He took several kitchen appliances and tools with him and has now got his "mobile kitchen" set up. Below are some pics of his set-up in the hospital room

Rod's Mobile kitchen..veggie steamer, borrowed juicer, egg cooker and misc other items!

The fully stocked fridge in the hospital room

So begins her healing journey in China. I ask that God will bless her and heal her.  Rod will stay there for some period of time (duration to be determined, depending on her mobility) to make sure she can take care of herself for food and treatments. I will go to visit her on weekends as time allows.

Trish and Rod in the lobby of the Baofa hospital.  The banner welcomes Trisha on the 26th of Feb 2015!

Rod tending his mobile kitchen...doesn't he look great!?  This is in Trish's room

Happy Birthday Chinese style

28 Feb 2015

Trisha arrived safe and sound and 1 day later her luggage arrived. Rod is an absolute angel cooking for her and helping her adjust to her surroundings. Today is her birthday and she got flowers so that was just as it should be! They did the CT and drew fluid off of the tumor in her groin and I assume they will start treatment tomorrow once they get the results of these diagnostics. She is in good spirits and anxious to get it all started. God bless my sister Trisha and my dearest husband who has been a more than welcome host, helper, caregiver for her.  Love you Rodney!

 Happy 64th birthday Trisha! Let's pray this is the 1st day of your healthiest year ever!

Dr Yu with Trisha in her 64th birthday in his hospital.

A thousand mile journey starts with the first step

1March 2015

Yesterday was my sister’s 64th birthday. She spent it getting the first diagnostics for the cancer and hopefully the healing. They did the CT scan and also an ultrasound and also pulled some fluid off of the tumor in her groin. I don’t have the full results but so far it looks like the anal tract cancer has not spread, so that is at least good news. The fluid from the tumor in her groin was positive for cancer, so they will treat that too. No news yet about the place in her aorta. She has started in the IV’s and drinking the anti tumor tea, and we believe they will start with the direct inject Chemo today. The first day of the most healthy year of her life! Rod is cooking her her and also for another man (who is man from Switzerland, that is a spiritual guru of a chinese woman friend of Rod’s…a very connected world!)…so Rod's international food service support is up and running at Baofa hospital! This guru’s name is Stephan and his "followers" here in China put up the money to bring him here, but they didn’t know his dietary requirements, so consequently, Rod Said this guy was going down hill fast…on top of the cancer, they man was getting nothing to eat…so Rod started feeding him, and showing the chinese followers what to feed him and how to prepare it and so hopefully now, he will start to thrive. I’m amazed yet again at how great my husband is!
After her 1st treatment, she said she didn’t feel too bad. She was hungry but couldn’t eat yet. She said they went through her back to get to the tumors in her anal tract and went at the one in her groin from the front. She said when they went after the one on the front, it did hurt some. Afterwards, she said that she felt a little achy, but not too bad. I’m so glad Rod is there to cook for her and also provide moral support. He’s helping her in so many ways and for that I’m grateful.

Trisha shopping at one of the markets by the hospital in Beijing

Rod and Trisha walking in Beijing

Trish with Dr Ma at Beijing

The hopes and fears of all the years...

6 March 2015

I talked to my sister Trish this morning and she didn’t have a good night. Lots of rectal bleeding and didn’t feel well. Emotionally she is full of fear and thank God that Rod is there for her. He is talking over a lot of emotional and real feelings with her and he told me tonight that he thinks she has accepted that this lifestyle is what she is going to be on for the rest of her life. I hope that is true. She really needs Rod to cook for her right now and since being here she has lost 4.7kg…and that is 1 week. She says she’s not hungry..and is eating the right foods. Rod fixes her a cottage cheese/flax seed oil and fruit blend and a green drink for breakfast, a salad for lunch (if she wants) and brown beans for dinner or some variant. The doctor told her he could stop the cancer but the weight was going to kill her. He also told her that if she would have stayed on the U.S. Treatment protocol she would have died. Both of those news are very sobering. Rod told her that he was going to stay with her until she leaves to go back to the U.S. That was a relief to her. I will go down there next Friday 13th and stay the weekend to at least give Rod a break.
I write this small prayer:
God, I thank you for helping both Rod and me to lose the weight we did when we did and I ask that You help my sister Trisha stay on this lifestyle no matter what. I ask that you give her the strength she will need around her family to stay the course and know that her life depends on it. She is such a good woman and serves you and I ask that you bless her and heal this cancer and lose the weight so that she can live the rest of days serving you and helping others. Father I ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Come on Trish, you can do it! Hang in there Rod, so grateful for guy! Love you!

Palliative care...not what we are shooting for!

9 March 2015

Talked to my sister again yesterday and she seems to be doing better. She has had 2 treatments on the tumor on her groin and 1 on the tumors in her anal tract. Rodney and I put two and two together and have determine that she has stage 4 anal cancer that has metastasized into the lymph system and that is where the tumor on her groin is coming from. They are treating the tumor on her groin much more aggressively.  When she read the medical report herself and saw it say ” palliative chemo” she knew that it meant no cure. Of course we know there is no guarantee that this treatment will work, but we all believe it will. Who knows.. I just pray this Treatment works and that she has the courage and strength to be committed to the clean eating lifestyle when she gets back to the U.S.
Rod had told her that he will stay the entire time with her, helping her prepare meals and being a companion. I will go down this weekend to be with her and take some re-supplies for his mobile kitchen! He really is an amazing man and has helped me and my sister to no end. Thank you Father once again for putting and keeping us together. We really do share real love.
Keep that positive energy going Rod and Trish! Father, I ask that you continue to open my sister’s mind and give her strength to stay the course and lose the weight by eating the menu prescribed to her. We ask that you energize her body to heal itself once the doctors have the cancer stopped. We ask that you guide the hands and hearts of the doctors here to stabilize the cancer and give her many more years to be a messenger of Your word, power and salvation. Thank you Father for Rodney being willing to help her and stay with her. Amen

The storm before the calm...or so we hope

15 March 2015

It’s Sunday morning and I have seen my sister face to face during her cancer treatments here in the Baofa cancer hospital here in Beijing. It is clear, she is sick. She is alert, she is ambulatory, but she had no energy. She is over weight, and since I have been here she has no appetite. They are loading her up with the treatments… Once per week with the direct injection chemo on the anal rumors and once per week on the groin tumor, and every day with IV’s. She is getting a special IV at some frequency to treat the cancer around her aorta as they cannot treat that with the direct injection method. She feels good in the morning, and gets her treatments in the morning, then after some rest, we went for a walk on Friday and Saturday afternoon (1 mile) and she had to take breaks in the middle both times, and by the time she was back here at the hospital, she was really pooped. Last night she went to bed at 7:00pm. She gets nauseous with the direct injection anesthetic in the evening.  She is losing weight quickly here, as she is not eating much…is that the cancer?
So, I pray for her constantly, I ask God to heal her, to help her lose the weight, to give her peace of mind and courage to continue her lifestyle changes in the US.
Rodney is absolutely an incredible care giver. He fixes breakfast for her, the Guru and has been a gem to help her confront the issues with her weight and is encouraging here all along the way. Thank you father for helping her and helping my Rodney help her. He was tested here too, and so far he is doing well…good results and he is on no treatment here at all…a miracle man compared to this time last year! Thank you Father!
So, I hope and pray this is her low period and that the tumors can be stopped and that now new ones can’t form. I hope and pray that this is the storm before the calm.

First signs of "the calm"

16 Mar 2015

I went with Trish yesterday for her treatment. This was with ultrasound so it was one of the ones on her lymph system (they are treating 2 on her lymph system and one in her anus). I saw the one in her groin yesterday and it is quite large..looks like a sweet potato. The treatment was quick and she said not painful. She had an appetite yesterday, so that was really good news for me. When I left Beijing, she was taking more IV’s…not the “special brown bag” stuff, but IV’s.
After I got back from Beijing, my sister sent me a text to tell me that the Doc’s had said that one of the tumors (the one they zapped yesterday?) was shrinking and dissolving on the inside! This is really good news! Thank you Lord!
If one is dissolving, then maybe it’s happening for all 3 they are treating? Who knows, but we take the good news when we get it!

Calm comes in many forms

22 March 2015

After a particularly tough week at work, I came to Beijing to see my sister (and then take Chinese lessons!) and see how she was. Rod had told me during the week that he had had some tough treatments this past week. I was relieved to see that she was up and about and in good spirits. Trish and I spent the time just talking, and it was delightful. We talked about all kinds of things from her cancer treatments to diet and nutrition to memories growing up, Mom and Dad and grandparents, the importance of her friends and church group and students etc.
The doctors made their rounds and stopped in the room and discussed with us （ I was trying to translate, but I just didn’t know the words!). We found out that she will finish her treatment on the 26th of March (all 3 tumors would have been zapped 4 times each) and after that she should stay here in the hospital until she flies out in the 2nd of April and rest and let them monitor her. Rod said he will stay with her and take her to the airport, which made her very happy. The doctors think the treatment is going OK, but they won’t really know a lot until the do the blood test the day after their last treatment. To be determined if she needs to come back or not. After she goes back to the U.S., she will get a followup PET scan to see what the results are, then send the results to Dr Yu for him to determine if she needs to come back.

Sister time in Beijing

More Sister time in Beijing

Walking in the sunshine and plum blossoms in Beijing

selfies in Beijing

Supercharged calm!

22 March 2015

I got some good news today from my sister Trish! I have copied her exact note below:
"What a great day!! I felt so good even with doing the external lump. Rod and I did the same walk we did and we stopped at the end to wash my hair. Then Rod took me to dinner. It was very good and I ate like a pig!! All good stuff. We had steamed lettuce with sauce, lichens with egg, seaweed soup, and mushrooms with Chinese cabbage. It was all very good. It was so great to have an appetite and things tasted great today all day. I had two Budwigs and a bowl of watermelon and an apple earlier. Something happened on the night. I slept 9 hours. Longest since I have been here without waking up. I woke up and I knew something had changed. No nausea hungry and full of energy (relatively). God must have done something. Anyway a great day for me!"

How do you top that?? Thank you father for the healing you are making manifest in my sister. Thank you for her weight loss and giving her energy and an good appetite. Thank you for continuing to give Rodney a good attitude of service and helping her. You have blessed me beyond measure in letting me share my life with him.
Let’s go Trish, keep that great attitude and knowing of healing and stay in your new lifestyle of healthy eating. Let’s get the cancer gone and keep it gone!

Trisha eating out with Rod at one of the Chinese restaurants by the hospital

The last treatment (in this series) for Trisha

29 March 2015

Today Trish got her last direct injection treatment today. The doctors said the tumors are shrinking so that is good news! We really won’t know if these tumors are stopped until she gets a PET scan in the US. She has an appointment to see Dr Dong at the alternative medical clinic on the 9th of April.   She is really looking forward to going home, and I can’t say I blame her…those hospital beds are really hard! I hope she gets her appetite back and can continue the healthy lifestyle eating and menu! We are all convinced that is her best chance for survival long term and so far she seems willing to do it.
Rodney has been her rock and counselor through all of this. He has counseled her on her eating habits and tries to give her tips on things he has done to to change his lifestyle.
Thank you Father for a good job so that we could offer her this opportunity for healing. Thank you Father for giving her the strength and courage to take this big step. I ask you to bless her Father and heal her and if it be Your will, give her many more days in this earth sot hat she can bear witness unto others of Your power. Thank you Father for giving Rodney the right words to say and giving him patience to comfort her. Bless them both Father and thank you for Healing that we have experienced so far.

Parting shots at Bejing before Trish goes home

Now the real choices begin

4 April 2015

My sister is back on the ground in the US having made her flight yesterday from China. The last 5 weeks have been a very controlled environment with Drill Sgt.Rod doing all of the cooking, cleaning, exercise coaching and counseling! Now, she has had all her treatments and has been on a very regimented nutrition plan (when she had an appetite) and no opportunities to ‘cheat’. We hope and pray now she has the resolve to continue her healthy lifestyle and continue to lose the weight by making good choices with her food. Only time will tell. Time will also tell just how effective her treatments have been here in China. She has either 3 or 4 tumors …still not sure how many..I know they treated 3 main ones in China with the direct injection method. The small ‘micro tumors’ could be anywhere along her lymph system. So, we wait and pray for good decisions on her part!
Thank you Father for healing so far and we ask that you grant her the resolve and ability to continue eating well and we ask that you send your spirit to her and heal her body.

A tune up for the road

11 April 2015

Just heard from my sister Trisha and over the weekend while she was at the Alternative health clinic in Myrtle Beach, SC for a visit and 3 day session of treatments. Dr Dong said Trisha has made good progress  and she is treating her exterior tumor that is now open and draining.  Patricia said she has a little better appetite but still not back to normal. I pray there are no other tumors in other places that are causing this. Time will tell. She has decided not to return to her Doctoral studies until the Fall. I think that is wise so that she can focus on her own health.

Appetite restored and PET scan scheduled

29 April 2015

Talked to Trisha this morning and she happily reported that her appetite is back to normal and she is doing well with her eating plan.  She went to her family physician in FL and they were all pleased with her progress on weightloss.  She now has a PET scan schedule in May, so of course everyone is hoping that shows good progress.  Now we wait.  In any case, I was pleased to hear that her appetite is back and things taste right and that she is eating well.

The results are in

  15 May 2015

Talked to Trisha yesterday and she got the results of the PET scan.  The good news is, 2 out of the 3 tumors have shrunk and the 3rd one is stable (did not grow, did not shrink) and the micro tumors are not mentioned at all.  She sent those results to Dr Yu here in China and he wants her to come back for another 6 weeks of treatment in Beijing.   She is a little disappointed with this results and so am I.  But when we look at where she has come from, either stage 3b or stage4 rapidly growing and 'palliative care' being the treatment after heavy duty chemo and radiation and the prospective of feeling horrible to where she is feeling great and the belief and conviction of the Dr who says he can stop the cancer and still keep her feeling good...it's a big difference in her longterm outlook.
Father I ask that you keep my sister in your healing hands and bless the Doctors as she goes on the next leg of this journey.

So that's where we are now...preparing for the next leg of the journey and figuring out how we can help.  Thanks to keep my sister Patricia in your prayers.

Sarah & Rod