Wednesday, May 2, 2007

5:50pm-we feel like a weight has been lifted! The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center was great, the nurses were helpful, the resident was knowledgable, and Dr. Sweetenham (or Dr. Sweetie Pie as Carli affectionately calls him, just because she couldn't remember his real name) was calm and acted like he had all day to talk to us and answer questions.

She does have Hodgkins, and will need chemotherapy only for 6-8 months, every other week. Some people have more side effects than others, some lose their hair and some don't. This particular type has a 90% cure rate, which we are very greatful for.

She can receive these treatments in Wooster, and the nurse was going to call and get the ball rolling. They would like her to start in the next "few days to a week". The doctor felt the sooner the better, which is what we have been trying to get accomplished all along! Craig and Jane again facilitated getting all of the results to the clinic, which was an answer to prayer.

Carli is still trying to come to terms with the diagnosis of cancer, but is happy that she can still do some of the things that she wants to if she feels well enough. He really didn't say that there was much that she couldn't do, as long as she felt like it. He said that she should be able to tell how she is going to feel/react within the first couple of treatments. He said that she could go to Camp Friedenswald for a week between treatments if she felt good enough. THat made her happy!!

Thanks to Kathy Mast, I didn't have to cook when we came home. It is surprising how tired this day made all of us! But, Praise God that it is treatable, and that the outcomes are usually good. Thanks to all for your prayers....don't let up yet! I could tell that I had a sense of peace today...God is faithful, and so are our friends and family!!

14 comments:

Deb said...

Praise God!!! So glad u got good news & things will get rolling quickly!!

You are all such a blessing!!

love,
greg, deb & paige

Deb Fitzwater said...

Hot Dog! I have been praying for you guys ALL DAY! The main thing I was asking for was ... drum roll please ... PEACE ... that He would give you peace to sort out what the next step should be! It was no surprise that you said you had PEACE! God is certainly answering our prayers, isn't He? He is faithful! Been praying for clarity of mind for Tara, too, as she had exams. And of course, my prayers will continue!!
Love,
Deb

Jane and Craig said...

Whew....a relief that the healing will soon begin. Glad the team was so responsive in every way.

Craig wants to know if you have a nickname for him....but only if it is a fun one!!

Love you, Jane

Jennifer said...

Praise God that you have answers, and can now begin treatment. I read this verse the other day, and thought of you Carli. " I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."Psalm 16:8
We will continue to be prayer warriors, and I will update all of my prayer chains to continue the prayer as you begin treatment.
Glad to hear that you can still do some fun stuff this summer!
Love you all
Jen

Bill said...

We were really glad to get the good news about Carli. All of the prayers are being answered. We will continue praying for her to insure a great result. Also we well pray for all of you who are being affected by all that has happened. It was great to hear that she can get her treatments that close to home.

Love, Bill & Lucille Flowers

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad of what happened today at the appointment! I am at peace knowing that you guys are at peace and that everything went well. Keep your head up Carli. "I love you! I love you! :)

Jeffrey Sloe said...

Praise God! Let the healing begin! How awesome that things are moving along so quickly. We love you guys and will continue to pray for you.

Carli, we know you'll be in Africa someday again....

The Sloes and Nitzsches

Cindy said...

Oops, we didn't know Jeff's picture came up so now I opened my own Google account! No photos here. :)

shelly Mountjoy said...

Wow that is an answer to prayer! Peace in the midst of the storm and finally ... a plan! We prayed for Carli again tonight at WT practice. I'll let all of them know the update. Please let us know what to do and when.

Love,
Shelly

Dave & Gilda said...

I feel like singing the Hallelujah chorus. We are both so happy that the outcome looks promising and that the healing can get started so quickly.
Sounds like you have found some excellent doctors.
God does answer prayer. He certainly has been listening these last couple of weeks.
Take Care
Love
Dave & Gilda

AlyssaBrianne48 said...

wonderful! i have been praying for some good news...i'll be praying for some more of that energy now. still, let me know if you need anything.
alyssa

Besta1 said...

So glad yo hear that treatments can happen close to home and the prognosis is so positive. Hang in there, all you Gerbers.

Cresta

Lana said...

What beautiful girls!!! I am so glad that yesterday went well, that treatment will begin soon, that you can have the treatment in Wooster, and that you like the medical team you are working with!! Prayers are answered!! Your faith and your strength, along with your family and friends are blessings during this tough time!!! I will continue with prayer and positive thoughts!!!

Jim T said...

That is such good news!!! We're thinking of you guys, especially Carli, and lots of prayers headed your way.

Jim and Vicki