2nd chance!

Hey guys! I know many of you ordered from the Thirty-One fundraiser for Leanne a few weeks ago. THANK YOU!!!!!

But, I know some of you didn't get the chance to order. Well, you get a second chance! Check out the link here 2nd Chance Party. When you get to Heather's page click on My Parties and you will see the 2nd chance party for Leanne.

If you are at a loss of what to order, I highly recommend:

• The Large Utility Tote
• The Retro Metro Bag
• Any of their thermal bags

Thanks for supporting the Miller's in this way!!

Chemo #6

Before chemo Leanne had an appointment with Dr. Bloom's Nurse Practitioner. She said things were looking good. Her tumor markers in her blood were going down, but they are still in the normal range. They were also in the normal range when Leanne was diagnosed the 2nd time, so those numbers don't really mean much. However, lower numbers is still good!

While at her appointment, she ran in to her friend Ann. I know Leanne is thankful to have friends to walk this journey with her who are experiencing the same thing. God has been so faithful in that way!

   

We also got to Face Time with Leanne during chemo :) Mollie was keeping Auntie Leanne busy with her stories from the zoo.

   

My mom went to chemo with Leanne today, but they didn't get a picture. And thanks to Karen for spending the afternoon with Leo!

 Leanne has some specific prayer requests for you guys this week:

• She has been having some numbness in her fingers (a side effect from chemo) and her prayer is that it does not spread any more into her hands or feet throughout her remaining treatment.
• Stamina for Leanne to keep fighting as the fatigue wears on her
• Strength for Leanne, Ryan, Leo, and their families
• Peace as we trust in God's plan for Leanne's life

Box Out Breast Cancer

Not sure if many of you know this, but Leanne (and our sister, Aimee) are coaching an 8th grade girls basketball team. The girls played in a tournament this weekend benefiting the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition. Click here to read more about it.

The girls showed up for the games wearing pink socks ...

   

 And with TEAM CHIN written across their knuckles.

   

 I think they love their coach!

   

 And if that support wasn't enough, they won their bracket in the tournament!

   

 Way to go girls!

No chemo week!

Leanne has the week off from chemo! She is enjoying some extra time with Leo without feeling yucky after chemo :)

Since there is no chemo this week, I wanted to remind you of the 31 fundraiser going on this week! Check out the blog post here for more info about the fundraiser. The catalog closes online on the 13th so order before then!

31 Fundraiser

A former co-worker and a former student's mom are organizing a fundraiser to benefit Leanne & Ryan. Here is the info:

When: Friday, May 10, 2013
Where: 602 5th Ave. E Alexandria, MN 56308
Open house 4:30 - 7:00 PM

Join Heather Kapphahn and I for a big reveal of the New Thirty-One catalog and help fight cancer at the same time. We have all been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the warm sunshine. And I know you have all been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the New Summer catalog from thirty-one. Come for an evening of shopping as you look through our new catalog and help a worthy cause. Our close friend, Leanne Miller, has been battling breast cancer. All commission from this event will go directly to Leanne, Ryan, and Leo as they fight this battle.

Can't make it? Find the event at www.mythirtyone.com/amykorynta (and click on My Parties in the left margin) or at Heather's website at www.mythirtyone.com/188399 (and click on My Parties in the left margin) and shop online. Your items can be shipped directly to you.

If you live in the Alexandria area, please attend this event if you can! If not, order online before May 13th.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment!

Chemo #5

Thankfully Leanne had high counts again today so Leanne was able to have chemo. Aimee went to chemo with Leanne today!

 

Grammie got to hang out with Leo this afternoon :)

Please keep praying for:

• Peace for Leanne, Ryan, and their families
• Quick recover from the side effects of chemo
• Leo to get back on his night sleeping & napping schedule

Check back tomorrow for info about a fundraiser for Leanne & Ryan!!!!

Chemo #4 (finally!!!!)

Leanne was able to have chemo today!!!!!!!!!!!! Karen was supposed to watch Leo while my mom went to chemo with Leanne, but Leo had other plans in mind :) He had quite an unhappy morning, so Grammie Fran stayed with Leo this afternoon while Karen went to chemo with Leanne.

 

Please keep praying for:

• Strength and endurance for Leanne as she continues to fight her cancer battle
• Quick recovery from the fatigue and other side effects from chemo
• Peace for Leanne, Ryan, Leo, and their families 

And a HUGE thank you to all who are bringing meals, cleaning, running errands, calling Leanne and Ryan, doing laundry, watching Leo, visiting with Leanne, praying, supporting financially, and sending numerous texts, emails, care packages, Facebook messages, and encouraging cards. You are WONDERFUL!  Your help and support is appreciated more than you could ever know. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

"I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Philippians 1:3-5

Chris Tomlin

Last Sunday, Leanne & Ryan went to a Chris Tomlin concert with Leanne's parents and some friends of theirs, Ben and Jennifer. Jennifer was the one who gave Leanne and Ryan the sweet tickets and backstage passes to the BranDisa concert a few weeks ago.

   

   

It was a super encouraging and fun night!

   

In other news, Leanne's counts were high enough this morning that she didn't need a shot to boost her counts! They will be high enough for her to receive chemo tomorrow. Please pray for Leanne as she has chemo tomorrow. Check back tomorrow for an update!

Not Chemo #4

Leanne met with Dr. Bloom this morning. He had some great news for her; the spot on one of the lymph nodes on her chest has shrunk in size. Based on that shrinkage, he is confident that the other spots are shrinking too! What awesome news!

However when they did blood work before chemo, her counts weren't high enough today to get chemo. She was able to get one of her meds that cuts off the blood supply to the cancerous spots. She will have to go in next Monday to have her counts checked before chemo on Tuesday. The chemo she missed today will be added on to her treatment schedule in June.

On the upside, she had two cute visitors at what was supposed to be chemo :)

   

 I also got to go! Don't you like our matching half zips?!

 

Please keep Leanne in your prayers over the next few days. Pray for:

• High counts next Monday & Tuesday
• Peace for Leanne, Ryan, and Leo
• Continued effectiveness of the chemo
• Good sleep for Leanne, Ryan, and Leo

Thanks!

To whoever dropped these off today ...

   

Thank you! We appreciate your generosity!

Bye, Bye, Bye

It was time to shave her head.

Again.

I don't think it would ever be easy for a woman to do this, but Leanne was as ready as she could be. Her hair was falling out like crazy and really bugging her.

Leanne took the first snip with the scissors.

   

Then her stylist, Ryan, took over. Doesn't she look confident?!

   

First, Ryan created a mullet. Bret was happy :)

   

 Next, was the shaved/bowl cut combo.

   

 Finally, we had to even it out.

   

 A picture of true beauty.

   

Hat twins!!

 

I know I can speak for many when I say that I am continually amazed at the strength of this woman. If you can, take a minute to tell Leanne how beautiful she is and how encouraged you are by her. We are thankful for you support!

1 Peter 3:3-4 "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

Chemo #3

Thanks so much for praying for Leanne's counts to be up. God head our prayers today and answered them just as we asked for! Leanne's counts needed to be at a 1.3 and that is exactly where they were!

Mary (my parent's next door neighbor and a mentor of Leanne's (and me too!)) went to chemo with her today.

   

Leo got to spend another afternoon with Grandma!!

Leanne has a week of from chemo next week. In the mean time, please be praying for:

• Continued effectiveness of the chemo
• Peace and stamina for Leanne, Ryan, Leo, and their families
• Minimal side effects from the chemo

Thanks!!

Mayo Visit: Results

Leanne, Ryan, Chris, & Fran spent the majority of the day here:

 

 Oh, they did leave for a trip to Hobby Lobby and to get some lunch :) Leo got to spend his day with Grandma! I am not sure who enjoyed their day more, Leo or Deb.  Grandma time is the best!

Leanne had some blood work and a chest x-ray done this morning so the Dr. could look over those in addition to all of the paper work, scans, tissue samples, and biopsy results Leanne brought with her. After the testing, Leanne had a break in between appointments (which is where the trip to Hobby Lobby fit in!) so everyone had some iPad time.

 

They met with the Dr. at 1:30.

   

Here is a recap of what the Dr. said:

• The goal: To shrink the cancer as much as possible and hold it at bay forever. Her cancer probably won't be completely eradicated, but they can keep it from growing.
• I think the biggest praise from today was that this Dr. (a world renowned breast cancer specialist) is in agreement with the current treatment plan Leanne is receiving. What a relief and a HUGE answer to prayer that was!!!
• He confirmed that this is a very small amount of cancer. Leanne's original tumor measured 4 inches across. The spots Leanne has now are about 1/3 of an inch in size.
• Praise! Leanne is at a healthy weight and in good health which makes treating this a little easier.
• Praise! Leanne has a great support system! We have you guys to thank for that!!!!!!
• Her cancer is highly estrogen positive which is a good thing because we know it will respond to the meds she is getting now because it responded well to them in the past.
• He agrees with taking out her ovaries. One of the medicines she is taking right now stops about 85% of the estrogen production in her body. By removing her ovaries, it will reduce the amount of estrogen remaining in her body by about 90%, thus starving her cancer of its food source.
• Leanne will most likely have PET scans every 90 days.
• There are LOTS and LOTS of new treatments coming out for whatever the future holds.

While there was anxiety with what today would hold, God brought relief and some hope to Leanne, Ryan, and their families. We are not out of the woods by any means, but there are options ahead of us and we are very thankful for that. We are grateful for medicine and what it offers, but we hold unswervingly to the hope we have in Christ and His power to heal.

Please keep us in your prayers:

• Pray for Leanne's counts to be high enough for her to receive chemo tomorrow (April 3rd)
• Pray for peace and stamina for Leanne, Ryan, and Leo
• Pray for a miraculous healing of Leanne
• Pray against discouragement and fear

Thanks for partnering with us! We are so grateful for the encouragement and love each of you provide. You are a blessing to us!

Mayo Visit: Prayer Requests

As you know, Leanne has her visit to Mayo Clinic tomorrow. Here are some specific prayer requests:

• Clarity for the Dr. Leanne will meet with tomorrow. That the treatment plan this Dr. recommends would be made clear to him and to Leanne and Ryan as they make any necessary decisions.
• Emotional stamina as she has a long day of tests, scans, and appointments ahead of them tomorrow.

"The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29:11

Chemo #2

My mom accompanied Leanne to chemo today.

   

Thanks Karen for spending time with Leo this afternoon!

   

Leanne has her visit to Mayo Clinic next Tuesday and we are asking that you would pray for her appointment. Please pray for:

• Clear results from the tests run by the Dr.'s at Mayo
• Clear communication between Leanne and the Dr.'s & nurses at Mayo
• Peace for Leanne, Ryan, & their families
• Chemo to be as effective as possible
• Minimal side effects from chemo
• Strength for Ryan & Leo as they support Leanne
• Restful sleep for Leanne, Ryan, and Leo

Thanks for praying!

BranDisa

A family friend gave Leanne & Ryan tickets to a Brandon Heath and Mandisa (also known as BranDisa) concert for this past Saturday night. They went with their friends and had such a great time!

Our friend called Leanne and let her know that Mandisa wanted to meet her! If you don't know who Mandisa is, check out this clip of her singing to Robin Roberts when she returned to Good Morning America after undergoing treatment for a rare blood disorder. Leanne and Ryan both got to go back stage and meet Mandisa and Brandon Heath. How cool?!?!

   

On a side note, Mandisa shared with Leanne that she has a friend who is battling cancer while pregnant and is receiving chemo. Leanne was able to show Mandisa a pic of sweet Leo as a testimony of God's goodness that can come out of even the most seemingly dismal circumstances!

So thankful that God is using celebrities, concerts, & friends to encourage Leanne. And using her story to continue to encourage others too!

Care Calendar

Want to help?

There is this amazing website called Care Calendar and it is a way to organize help for a loved one who needs it. So here is the link to the calendar we have set up for Leanne, Ryan, and Leo:

http://carecalendar.org/logon/98734

When you get to the site, please use the following information to log in to their calendar:

    CALENDAR ID:   98734
    SECURITY CODE :   8797

On this website there are a few ways you can help: 

1. Bring meals (dinner or lunch)
2. Run errands (Target, grocery shopping, etc)
3. Housework

 When you get to the calendar, you can click on a particular need you would like to help meet. Then you will be asked to fill in some information. After entering your information, please scroll down and click Sign Up. Then, your name will show up on the calendar to let others know this need has been filled. You will also receive an email as a reminder that you signed up to help.

If you live far away, but would like to help here are some suggestions:

• Gift cards to Target to purchase groceries, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Gift cards to grocery stores in the area: Cub Foods, Wal Mart, and Rainbow Foods
• Continue to pray!

A plan ...

After a Google+ hangout session (We are SOOOOOO thankful for technology!!!!!!) tonight, we decided that the best way for you to pray with us is if you know all the facts.

So, in no particular order, here is a recap of what Leanne, Ryan, and Leanne's parents learned at the Dr today:

Leanne's breast cancer has returned. She has one spot on a bone in her pelvis and 2 lymph nodes in her chest that are next to her trachea and breast bone that are cancerous. They are not tumors. They are teeny, tiny microscopic groups of cells that are almost undetectable.

The cells are the same kind of cancer as before. These cells are estrogen positive so it has been decided that sometime after Leanne finishes her 90 days of chemo and when her counts are high enough, she will have her ovaries removed.

For the next 90 days she will have chemo for 3 weeks and then have a break for a week. She will have two different types of chemo. One kind she has had before (and was effective) and one new kind. During this time she will also have blood work done to show the marker levels of cancer in Leanne's system. There is no talk of radiation or surgery (other than to remove her ovaries) at this time.

After 90 days, Leanne will have another PET scan.

Leanne has a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN scheduled on April 2nd. She will be meeting with a leading, world renowned Oncologist specializing in breast cancer. This visit is for peace of mind and with the hopes that a 2nd opinion will either bring to light new treatment options or reaffirm that what is already being done to treat Leanne is the best option.

Leanne will have genetic testing done to see if she, or any one in our family, carries the "breast cancer" gene and if any family history can be determined.

Dr. Bloom is "cautiously optimistic" as he put it in his own words. He did share that there is a constant stream of new research, treatment options, and techniques coming out at any given time so the options in the future are ever growing and changing.

Since her cancer came back a second time, the chances of her being completely cured are remote. The cells are so microscopically small and they move so quickly that it makes tracking them almost impossible. Dr. Bloom said that this will be treated like a chronic disease from here on out. Leanne will have more frequent scans and aggressive treatment in the future.

Enough info for you? I am sure you all have LOTS of questions right now. I will post more information on here when I know it. Know that we want to answer questions, but we are still processing through most of this as well. We appreciate your respect in that it might take us longer than usual to respond to calls, messages, and texts.

More than your questions and suggestions, we are coveting your prayers right now. Here is a list to get you started :)

• Peace for Leanne, Ryan, and everyone else affected by this
• The chemo to be as effective as possible
• Leanne's blood counts to stay up and good health for her so she can continue to have the chemo she needs
• Wisdom for Dr. Bloom and the Dr. Leanne will meet with at the Mayo Clinic as they make treatment decisions for Leanne
• Protection from discouragement for those close to the situation
• Ability to resist the temptation to look ahead at things God hasn't called us to face yet
• Strength for Ryan and Leo as they support Leanne
• Good, restful sleep for Leanne, Ryan, Leo, and their families

God knew that this was going to be the news we heard today. He is not the least bit worried about what will happen in the next few days, weeks, months, and years. He has a plan for Leanne and it is better than anything we could ever imagine. We are going to trust God's promise in this verse:

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

And last but not least, a chemo pic for you

Prayer for Tomorrow

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

We are asking that you will join us in covering Leanne in prayer tomorrow. God has been faithful in hearing our prayers thus far and we know He will remain faithful in hearing them from here on out.

Please pray for us tomorrow in the following ways:

• Peace for Leanne as she begins chemo and meets with Dr. Bloom tomorrow
• Wisdom for Dr. Bloom as he meets with Leanne, Ryan, and their family tomorrow to answer questions
• Peace for Ryan and the Miller & White families as they love and support Leanne through the next part of her journey
• Good sleep and rest for Leanne as her body adjusts to the new medicines she is on
• The side effects of chemo to be minimal
• Leo to have peace as he is cared for by new people over the next few weeks

Thanks for all the texts, messages, phone calls, letters, & packages you have sent Leanne and Ryan over the past two weeks. Your encouragement and support are much needed! Keep them coming!

Port

Since Leanne will be having chemo once a week, the decision has been made to have a port put in so Leanne does not have to have an IV put in every week. The port will be placed on her chest and will have to be put in surgically.

Please pray for:

• Skilled hands for the surgeon as Leanne's port is put in on Friday
• Peace and rest for Leanne
• Wisdom for Dr. Bloom as he determines the treatment plan

Thanks to all who prayed for Leanne, Ryan, and Leo's time away last week! They all arrived safely in Iowa (who doesn't want to visit Iowa in March?!?!) and had a wonderful visit with family. All the cousins were together and the adults loved every single minute of it! 7pm bedtimes were a welcomed relief at the end of busy, fun days :)

Enjoy some pics from the week!