We're off to the specialist...

Matt & I have made an appointment to visit a testicular cancer specialist at Indiana University in Indianapolis. We're going June 8th, 1:50 pm. Prayers for safety, clarity and continued wisdom are always welcomed. We've already had Matt's records and pathology slides sent down; we'll be taking the radiology films with us. We've already told them about David's wedding on the 16th (we are NOT missing New York!!), so we will be planning around that :) More to come later!!

UPDATE: Test results

Well, it wasn't exactly what we wanted to hear. It's pretty certain that the growth they've been monitoring on Matt's lymph node is a tumor. His AFP count is up. Reminder: alpha feta protein is a growth hormone that appears when something is growing in your body; pregnant women have an increased count, but we're pretty sure that doesn't apply to Matt. A normal AFP is 6.0 or less. Matt's was at 3-4 for a while and then increased in February. It is currently at about 52 (FYI: when he had the tumor last year it was at 79).

It was pretty hard news to take. The biggest challenge has actually been a question: have we been hearing from God wrongly? It's easy to be tempted to think so. Satan will really attack a person with lies, trying to make you believe that its all your fault and you can't even trust yourself. However, we know our God, and we know we hear from Him. We spent a little more time in prayer and have the next course lined up.

As Matt was driving to church Friday night after work, he was talking with God about this. I was already at church and was having a similiar conversation. When we got together we both had peace about contacting Indiana University and going to see a specialist there about an operation to remove the tumorous lymph node. We're going to call on Tuesday; hopefully we'll be down there soon!!!

I hope none of you ever have to say this, but this is honestly how I felt Friday: each time we hear that Matt has a tumor, its gotten easier. Most of our family and friends think we're crazy, some are even angry with us for not choosing the chemo route. However, we are listening to our God. This is what He's asking of us, so this is what we're going to do :) I can't explain it to those who aren't willing to listen or receive it, but a life of loving obedience to God is more wonderful than anything else. Even if it means a prolonged run against cancer.

In the meantime, we're enjoying a FABULOUS Memorial Day weekend! The weather's great, we've been outside and getting caught up on all kinds of things :) We even made it to see Pirates 3 (quite enjoyable) and are going to try to squeeze one more movie into the weekend :)

Thanks for your continued prayer! As always, we are asking for God's continued guidance and wisdom for each new step of the journey. Blessings of peace to you all!!!

The Wonder Juice - I'm not kidding!!

Hey folks!!

I am SOOO excited to tell you about an AMAZING product God has introduced to me and Matt. In our continuing endeavour to find the BEST supplements for our bodies we stumbled upon a product called AgelessXtra, produced by Univera Life Sciences. (Thank you Megan!!!) We were originally looking for more antioxidants...but we got TONS more!

Allow me to give you an overview: AgelessXtra is what can be classified as a superfood. While it is a type of nutritional supplement, it is also an energy drink, brain maximizer and joint lubricator with ZERO pharmaceutical side-effects. This is an all-natural product, derived from assorted plants (fruits, veggies) so there are no harmful side-effects (NOTE: Because it does have natural energy from B12 and other great naturally-occurring energy boosters it MAY cause you to be up late...especially if you take it too late in the day!!!) The scientists at Univera have studied all sorts of vegetation (it all started with a gift of aloe) at the DNA level so that they can give you the best parts of each plant. They have a card catalog of THOUSANDS of plants that tells what everything does, from the root to the stem, to the petals!!! This knowledge has allowed them to use the best of everything :)

What are the results?? Well, most people experience:
-Increased energy
-Improved joint comfort and flexibility
-Mental clarity
-Stress relief

Is that it? Well, those are the typical results. However, each person has their own story to tell. Some other non-typical results are:
-Weight loss (40 lbs in 5 months!!)
-20 year smoker quit in 7 days
-Parkinsons disease symptoms GONE
-High blood pressure leveled out

For Matt and I personally we both have more energy than EVER before!! I've been losing weight without trying. Matt is able to focus on a task until completion (that's HUGE for any of you who know him!!). Both of us are experiencing quicker recovery after vigorous physical activity (Matt at work, me at the gym). It's been amazing!!

If interested in reading more, please visit www.univeralifesciences.com. If you have questions - contact me!! We're ready to help anyone learn more about bringing the best of science and nature to mankind!!!