The biopsy...

May 29^th

Today was the day! I had a biopsy scheduled for today. I wake up in a good mood. At this point, I am not sure whether God has covered me or I am in complete denial. But I am happy. My appointment was scheduled for 10 a.m. I woke up like normal, got the kids ready for camp, and was on my merry way. Theo woke up early; he had to be at work to finish some last minute stuff but agreed to be there. My mom and my sister-in-law meet me, and we all carpooled together. The conversion was great. Once we got there, I signed in and everything went from there. Theo got there to walk me up to the procedure room. Everyone was really friendly and made me feel comfortable. Theo said the warmest prayer and I was on my way back. The anesthesiologist asked me to count to three but I barely made it to two. Before I knew it, the biopsy was complete. At first, there was a lot of blood. But it finally clotted. The neonatal care lady came up to check the baby’s heartbeat, it was at 162. The team felt the procedure went very well and sent me on the way. Now, I have to wait for results. This time frame seemed to take forever but the call came after a few days. It was not what I wanted to hear! It was finally truly confirmed that I ‘Donita Terry’ have cancer. Or like my husband would say, “A blood disorder.” Ok, so now that I know I have cancer, let me tell you more about it. I was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. A chronic condition is a human health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects. The term chronic is usually applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. Chronic myelogenous leukemia is cancer that starts inside bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. CML is the rapid growth of immature cells that make a certain type of white blood cell. Such cells are found in the bone marrow, blood, and other body tissues. The chronic phase can last for months or years. The disease may have few or no symptoms during this time. Most people are diagnosed during this stage, when they are having blood tests done for other reasons. CML most often occurs in middle-aged adults and in children.

What did I walk in on?

May 27^th

This was not your normal Sunday. I got up and was ready to leave with my husband. Theo helps out with the transport on the equipment from church so he leaves a bit earlier to setup. But this Sunday, I needed him so I rode. Everything went as planned until I was asked to teach the children’s ministry. I am not real proud of saying this but teaching other people’s children is my least favorite thing to do. But since no one else was there, I decided that it wasn’t all about me. Things didn’t go that bad; we actually had a great time. Meanwhile, my pastor was telling the entire church my struggle. As the children and I were wrapping up, I was asked to come back into the church. I was thinking it’s time to close. When I walked in, everyone was looking at me with this blank stare. I knew then the pastor had spilled the beans. I love my church! We cried, prayed, and lifted God’s name that day. I felt as if he was right there with me, carrying me!

GOD, I REALLY NEED YOU RIGHT NOW!

May 21^st

After my doctor called on Thursday, he setup an appointment with a Hematologist. But the appointment wasn't until Monday. At this point, I have had all weekend to think about the news I just received. Did I have CANCER? Will I survive? What will my family do without me? GOD, I REALLY NEED YOU RIGHT NOW! I work in a business casual environment so I got up and got dressed for work. I had a pretty dress and some nice sandals to match. I normally don’t wear dresses but today I wanted to be dressed-up to get the good news. I knew he was going to tell me that it was a mistake. “We switched your blood for someone else’s!” And after the good news, I would go into work feeling blessed that Jesus had healed my body. Well, we got to the doctor’s office, why did the sign read “Midwest Cancer Center”, my nerves were bad now. I thought I had an appointment with a Hematologist. But, I went in anyway. I sat there trying to fight the emotion that was building up. I wanted to cry so badly. But I couldn’t let fear get me down. Shortly after, out of nowhere my husband just hugged me. I needed that so badly. It was my turn. As my mother sat in the waiting room, Theo and I entered the back of the office. They took my weight and got me situated in a patient room. Oh, that nurse was so nice. She was pregnant too. She, Theo, and I sat and talked while she was getting my blood pressure. She was telling us that she hadn’t found out the sex of any of her babies. Theo and I looked at each other and decided at that point, we would NOT find out the sex of our baby, as well. We needed a BIG happy surprise in our lives. The nurse left the room, and the doctor entered. He asked how I was doing and then it started. Well, based off the test results, you have CML. (Chronic myelogenous leukemia) But you're pregnant, so you are going to have to decide rather or not you want to keep the baby. We need to start treatment right away and the treatment can cause birth defects and miscarriages. We need a bone marrow biopsy to confirm. Thinking to myself…Who does he think he is? He doesn’t even know me like that!!! The first thing he says is give up my baby!! Then out of nowhere I blurred out..”Make him stop talking, Theo”! He apologized that he came off so harsh. He wanted me to understand how serious this condition could be. I agreed to the bone marrow biopsy.

What a day!

May 17^th

For some reason, I needed someone. I asked the same friend out for lunch. She said her money was funny and couldn’t make it. I didn’t like that one bit. So we met up at the elevator and I offered to pay for lunch if she just went with me. We had lunch at Unforked. And was having a good time, and then I received the call that would change my life. Right after we were comfortable at the table, my phone rang.  It was my doctor. (I truly have the utmost respect for this guy) He explained that there was a problem with the blood that was drawn on my last visit. He told me that my white blood cell count was high.  At the time, I didn’t know what that meant. So I asked more.. “Ok, so what does that mean? Why are you telling me this? He says” Donita, the worst case scenario is Leukemia.” WHAT?? I have cancer!! Did you call the wrong person? Not me! Did you check this twice before you called me? Those were all the things going on in my mind. I sat there and cried! I needed her to be there. But more I knew that I needed Jesus more than ever. She started praying, rebuking Satan, and gave me comforting words. Nothing helped. Once I returned to work, I had to call my husband. How would he take this? It was like he already knew. God had prepared him to comfort me. He said all the right things. I had to leave work and didn’t return for a few days. The boys were in summer camp and Theo was gone to work, I couldn’t stay in this house and have a pity party. So I return back to work, I needed something to keep my mind focused. And plus I like my job.

Overjoyed!

May 14^th

This was a pretty exciting day.  I had a doctor’s appointment. We looked for a heartbeat that wasn’t there. My doctor told me that the baby could be still behind my pelvic bone, so we did an ultra sound.  When we took a peek in, this baby was turning flips. I was truly overjoyed. They drew more blood. I left with a smile.

I could've crashed and burned!!

Feb. 2^nd

My husband and I have been debating to extend the family for quite a while. Well, this was the day we decided that it was time. I was going in for surgery; I could either replace my IUD or remove it. Well, you know what I decided at this point.  Everything went very well! We had already started trying. For the first time, I was reading up on ovulation and my normal body cycle.  I knew the best opportunity to become pregnant was the week of 3/9 through 3/12. We made it work!! A few weeks later I could feel my body changing. It was like I knew from day one. A friend of mine just knew I was off my rocker. I took pregnancy test after pregnancy test and nothing. I knew deep down it was not time. One day, I knew the time was right. I went to the dollar tree, picked up a test, and took it when I got back to work.  There it was a very slight pink line.  The same friend asked “Have you ever heard of a false positive?” I asked “Do you have faith, I just know!”  I had a lot of spotting this time, but my sister-in-law assured me it was ok. One day, the spotting was bright red. My doctor sent me to LabOne to have blood drawn to test my levels. The test confirmed that everything was just fine

One Foot In front of the other....

I was born Donita M. Gill 32 years ago. I had a normal life. I experienced nothing that wouldn't make me stronger. I moved to Arkansas in 1989. This was during the time the gangs in Kansas City were heavy. I know due to my brother's involvement. I was very excited about church and was baptised at the age 10. I did well in school and had lots of friends. After middle school, it was time to move back home. I started Wyandotte High School in 1994 and graduated in 1998. Go Bulldogs!! Shortly after high school, I met my soul mate Theo Terry. We met on Westport, hanging out in the streets. I remember that night so clearly! Before I had left the house that night, My mom said "Why are you wearing that do-me outfit? All the men will get the wrong impression." Well, I wouldn't take it back! I married Theo 4 years later in 2003 and we now have 2  children. My son Theo II was born in 2004 right after my husband completed Full Sail. My son Caleb was born shortly after in 2006. I couldn't ask for anything more. My life was GREAT! But I could feel that something was missing. We weren't in church and only living day to day. Well, my sister-in-law and friend invited us to church to see my nephew dedicated to God. After that, we were hooked. And also had a great benefit, the pastor was my husband's brother. Everything was going great, my husband joined the choir and we were more involved. I could really see his growth, strength, and I knew our family was chosen. But for me, I was at a stand-still. As I reflect back, I understand the events that took place. But at the time, I had no clue and was quite upset about the situation. I am not sure what caused this but my husband and sister-in-law, knew something more was coming. "She doesn't know pain which only Jesus can bring you through! Was she raped as a child?" What!!! What kind of person would say that? Oh, I was very pissed. How could she? What kind of people have I surrounded myself with? Why were they wishing evil in my life? Can't God show me his love, mercy, and grace without me suffering?