"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" ~ 2 Cor. 9:15
The end of the year is always a reflective, pensive time. A time of looking backwards to celebrate the triumphs and challenges of the past twelve months and a time for looking forward to the unknown events of the new year.
I know that I have much for which to be thankful! God's indescribable gift of his son Jesus Christ calls for ongoing thankfulness every year of my life and this Christmas was a time to renew that spirit of thankfulness. More specifically to this year, I was blessed with the opportunity to return to school and begin a Master's program at the University of Toronto. In 2012, I will graduate with an MA in the area of History and Philosophy of Science. I've been challenged much by the program, but am thankful for the critical thinking skills being developed and the chance to delve into my passion - the history of chemistry. I'm fascinated by past chemists and their laboratories, their theories and their rivalries. At times, I've had to ask myself how these studies are furthering the kingdom of God, but then I am reminded that all things we do can be committed to the Lord and in him lies all wisdom. I believe that God has a purpose for me to study the history of science even though I can't see what it is leading to right now.
My health is also an ongoing topic of thankfulness. I've been blessed to have a doctor here in Toronto who is doing follow-up with me every four months to make sure I'm still in remission. So far, so good! Going through cancer treatments has taught me a lot about the priorities in life and that none of us are guaranteed any amount of time in our lives, except the time that God grants us each day. It has also given me a sense of empathy for those who are newly diagnosed with cancer - I hope that God will continue to show me how I can use my experiences of these past two years for his ultimate glory!
I realize that challenges can be a cause for thankfulness as well, for they drive us even closer to the Savior. We long to hide in the shadow of his wings and find new strength to tackle insurmountable difficulties. Moving to Toronto has not been easy for Sigi's job situation. He's been working so hard at volunteering during the past four months, but has now been given a substitute position with the Hamilton board starting in the new year. We are so thankful for this "in", as the teaching system is very closed these days to new teachers trying to find jobs. The move to Toronto was definitely a step of faith and faith is still needed as we wait for Sigi to employ more stable employment.
This New Year's I praise God for his faithfulness in these joys and challenges. My prayer is that this new year will be a time of growth in his Word and a heart that seeks after his will in all areas of my life!
- Thoughts as a New Year Approaches
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kristenschranz- December 29th, 2011
- In Toronto!
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- kristenschranz
- August 13th, 2011
One year ago I was finishing up the last of my 17 radiation treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Before going into the treatments, the doctors had informed me that the cancer was no longer in my body, but that the radiation was to be taken as a precaution against a relapse.
I can confidently and thankfully say that a year after my treatments were completed I am still cancer-free! I thank God for the strength he gave through the difficult journey and for his healing hand. It may not always be in his plan to heal to his children, but I take my health as a gift for the moment and a sign that I am meant to be living on the earth right now.
Last fall I began work as an administrative assistant at Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, SK. Getting back into the world of post-secondary education again sparked my interest to pursue graduate studies of my own. Ever since I got my BEd in 2007, I've been wanting to return to school to complete a Masters and Ph.D. It wasn't possible while overseas or during cancer treatments, but last fall the possibility seemed more of a reality.
With the support of my amazing husband, Sigi, I began to apply to various Canadian universities for entrance to an MA program in History. My preferred option was a combined MA/PhD at the University of Toronto (the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology - IHPST). The program was exactly what I wanted - combining my love for history and chemistry into one area of study.
With the aid of a previous professor at the University of Saskatchewan, I was able to make contact with a potential supervisor at the U of T. I met up personally with this professor when he passed through Saskatoon in March 2011 and he agreed to take me on as one of his students, even though he is officially retired.
Blessed with SHRCC funding and a TA position at U of T, Sigi and I drove out of Caronport about a month ago with all our belongings in a U-Haul and moved out to Toronto. We originally didn't have a permanent place to live or a job for Sigi, but we felt this was the time to go and step out in faith.
Since we arrived in Toronto a few weeks ago, we've been provided with an apartment right near campus and Sigi has begun to apply for substitute teaching jobs. We know it won't be easy for him to find work, but we are confident that this is where we are meant to be over the next few years.
Our biggest prayer right now is that we will be light to those we encounter in our apartment and at the university. Filled with God's Spirit we can make a bigger influence in His kingdom than we could with our own minute human strength.
As look at the challenges ahead to asjusting to a new province and town, we confidently know that where God guides he also provides! In September I will begin my MA studies in the History of Chemistry...
- A November Reflection
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- kristenschranz
- November 13th, 2010
As the days are growing shorter, so has my hair grown a bit shorter...
While I was blessed to keep much of my hair during chemo and radiation, the end result of the treatments was a scraggly tuft of hair on my head. A wonderful woman on campus helped me remedy the situation with a nice little pixie cut. It took Sigi a little while to adjust to having a wife looking just like him (mostly joking!), but I'm finding that I rather like the new 'do and it's so easy to keep! At first, we were a little concerned that my new hair growth might have a totally different texture, but it's mostly the same as before. You can check out my facebook profile picture for a little snapshot of it. Sigi and I had lots of fun figuring our costumes for the Harvest Party at Caronport High School!
I have to admit that since the summer, I sometimes forget that I just went through intense cancer treatments. "Life goes on" as we say and things start to speed up the more we get involved. There are two things I'm trying to remember in this post-cancer life. First of all, I need to remember to slow down and take time to rest. Even when we're "well," our bodies need rest and rejuvenate to function properly. I recently read the book, "The Rest of God" by Mark Buchanan and it really helped me see how important it is to follow God's original command to rest on the Sabbath day. It was a day created FOR US, because God knew we would need it, whatever century we would live in! Secondly, I don't want to forget all that God has done in my life during this amazing time of healing. I need to keep his faithfulness and grace at the forefront of my thoughts. He has brought my family and I through an incredible journey and I never want to forget that! I pray that he will use this experience in my life to be a blessing to people I may meet who are going through a similar journey.
The other day I was in Regina having a CT scan done and it was great to be able to speak with other patients in the waiting room who were going through treatments. We have similar stories and I want to be able to encourage them, just as I have been encouraged by so many! We receieved the results of the scan and are thankful to report that they confirmed that the tumours are no longer present = no cancer at the moment! We still need to very careful though and follow-up appointments will be the norm for the next few years and beyond.
I am so thankful for the hundreds of people who have been praying for us and supporting us in so many different ways throughout this year. I will never look at 2010 without remembering what God has brought us through in his faithfulness. God is so good!
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." ~ John 14:27
- Radiation completed...
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- kristenschranz
- August 29th, 2010
January 27, 2010 still seems like a dream to me. I had just finished teaching my Gr. 7 classes for the day and I waiting for a phone call from Singapore to find out the results of my recent surgery. My phone started ringing right when the clinic had said they would call and I had to sit down when I first heard the news. "You have Lymphoma," I can still remember the doctor saying to me. Cancer. I couldn't believe it had happened to me, but I guess that's how everybody feels when something bad happens to them.
Even though it's only been a little over half a year, I feel like these past few months have been lifetimes. The whirlwind trip of having to leave our jobs in Indonesia to relocate to Canada passed in a flash, but the bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments and daily radiation appointments in July and August seemed to last forever. Now that it's completed I have better perspective on the whole experience.
Seventeen consecutive weekday appointments was the extent of my radiation treatment. Most days, Sigi and I would drive into Regina to Pasqua hospital (same place where I had my chemotherapy). I would wait until it was my turn to be called by the nurse, then I would be led into the treatment room. On my very first appointment, I had a plastic mask molded to the shape of my face and during each appointment I would be "bolted" to the table wearing that mask. It was to make sure that I remained in the same position each day and didn't move throughout the treatment process (total of 3-5 minutes). Radiation rooms have 6-foot thick concrete walls so none of the radiation will affect those administering the treatment. Each treatment day consisted of a machine rotating around my body that paused at four different locations to send out the "radiation". I didn't feel a thing during the actual treatment, but after about four weeks, I started to develop what looked like a sunburn on my neck and in my armpits. At the moment, I'm still recovering from those burns.
Aside from the burns and a little fatigure, I am thankful to report that I am feeling very well these days. The doctors have assured me that the cancerous tumours are no longer present and that's a reason to celebrate!
Currently, I am working a part-time job at Briercrest College and Seminary as an administrative assistant to the Registrar. I am thoroughly enjoying my co-workers and my daily tasks. I am also applying to substitute teach in the Prairie South board. Then I can still have my "foot in the door" of the classroom.
Sigi has already started his teaching job at Caronport High School and he is enjoying getting to know the staff and students there better. He's in the basement right now planning for another week of teaching. We are so thankful for these jobs we can have this year!
Our long-term plans are still unknown (beyond July 2011 that is), but we are confident that God has good plans for our lives - in sickness and in health!
I'm not sure how often I will continue to write on this blog, but I will be sure to update you about my subsequent tests as they come in the next few months. Thank you all for your faithful letters, emails, phone calls, messages and prayers! We are privileged to be blessed in so many ways. Sigi and I wish we could repay you all your kindness to us, but instead we will seek to pass it on to others we meet.
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." ~ Romans 8:28
Blessings on your day!
- Answered Prayer!!!
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- kristenschranz
- July 26th, 2010
Quick, Exciting News!!!
Just had my first radiation appointment today - not too much to report there, but it was a successful treatment when the machine finally started working again.
BUT!!!...talked with one of the nurses who discussed that my PET scan in Winnipeg came back negative, meaning there were no tumours seen!!! This means the original cancer sites are no longer visible! What an answer to prayer. Thank you all for your amazing support through this trying time in our lives.
We will still continue on with the radiation treatment to make sure the tumour sites are sufficiently blasted though...more to come later...
Solo Deo Gloria!!!
- Showers of Blessings!!!
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- kristenschranz
- July 24th, 2010
Dear family and friends,
My heart is just bursting with thankfulness and I have much to share about this past month!
First of all, my chemotherapy treatments have been completed now for over a month :-) I am grateful to report that I feel in excellent health at the moment - the general fatigue and sickness resulting from the chemo have subsided. Though I am still losing quite a bit of my hair, I'm hoping the loss will slow down soon! Might be able to make it without shaving my head yet!
A few days after my chemo finished, I was able to have two CT scan appointments. The first was to see the state of my previous tumours, which at this point seem to be of no concern. A real answer to prayer! I wasn't able to see a visual on the CT results, but the tumours seem to have severely shrunk in size and/or are no longer visible. The second scan was preparation for radiation. I had a "mask" molded in the shape of my face and four tiny dots tattooed on my skin to line me up with the machine each time I come for my daily appointment.
After meeting with my oncologist, Dr. Salim, Sigi and I headed off for a 3 week vacation to Ontario. We were thankful that the doctor's report was positive, ensuring that we could indeed start our trek to the east. We had a wonderful time catching up with friends and family as we are grateful for the memories made on this trip. It was a little rushed at times, but we were able to fit in quite a few destinations. Some of the highlights of the trip included a Wiarton cottage weekend, visiting the ROM and a Blue Jays game in Toronto, and catching up with those we love in scattered locations across Ontario.
We had asked in my previous journal entry that we needed prayer for a specific date for a PET scan in Winnipeg. We were able to have the scan on Tuesday, July 20! This date and location worked perfectly for us as it was on our way back to SK! Thank you for your prayers in this regard. Although we do not have the results of the test, we are amazed at how God worked the scan out with such perfect timing. I will update you all as to the findings when I become privy to them.
Coming back to Saskatchewan, we are equally thankful for the exciting news about employment for both of us. Sigi has been blessed with an almost full-time teaching position at Caronport High School! He'll be teaching a wide variety of subjects and grade levels, so he's busily preparing for the start of the school year at the end of August. We are incredibly thankful for this position and opportunity! I have also been able to secure employment at the Bible College here in Caronport (Briercrest College and Seminary). I will be working part-time as an Administrative Assistant for Academic Services. This is the perfect fit for me, especially as the part-time has already started. It will allow me to have radiation treatments and still be able to work half days as I'm able. We have a wonderful support system here and are excited for the tangible kindness of our employers and fellow colleagues already. So we will be sticking around Caronport for this next year...waiting to see where the Lord will have us go from here (or maybe we'll stay if that seems His will!)
Radiation begins this Monday, July 26th and will last until mid-August. We would appreciate your prayers and support as Sigi and I will go into Regina every weekday for 3 weeks for this treatment. I am aware of some of the uncomfortable side effects (burnt skin, bone pain, fatigue, etc.), so we'll see how it affects me personally over the next few weeks.
All in all, we know that God is good, in both the easy and difficult times. May all of you have a great rest of your summer!!!
- New Happenings...
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- kristenschranz
- June 17th, 2010
Praise the Lord! Sigi got a job for a few weeks, working for a highway crew that is paving our road outside of Caronport. It's nice to have a little extra cash and it's a chance for Sigi to get out of the house more and back into the work force! The first few days were a little rough with long hours and sunburned skin, but he's hanging in there so far (rain and shine)!
Praise the Lord! We feel like radiation is the clear path now after chemotherapy is finished. Mom and I went into Regina today to talk with Dr. Sadikov, my radiologist. It is now confirmed that we will begin radiation some time during the week of July 25th. It has also been determined that the duration will most likely be for 17 days (Monday-Friday), so approximately 3 1/2 weeks of radiation (15-20 minutes per appointment each day). Both Dr. Sadikov and his nurse were very helpful in answering our questions and giving us a clear picture of the possible short and long-term effects of the treatment. The radiation will be directed at the original cancerous tumor sites in my armpits and chest. There is a possibility of different types of cancer being present down the road because of the radiation, but the radiologist said the risk is too high for recurrent Lymphoma should I not choose to take this route. We have been praying about this decision to proceed with this treatment and it seems like this is the best option right now. Thank you for your prayers!
Praise the Lord! Tomorrow (Friday, June 18th) is my LAST CHEMO TREATMENT! This is the 8/8 for me and I'm thankful to be completing this leg of the journey. I'm amazed how much God has protected my body from the harmful effects of the chemo - my hair is thinning, but still there; I have experienced limited nausea throughout the treatment; my white blood cells have managed to keep me quite healthy throughout the last 3 months. All reasons to be thankful to God!
One specific prayer request in relation to the radiation is that I will be able to get a PET scan for the week of July 18 in Winnipeg. This is the nearest location for the scan and it will be difficult to get the test on such a short notice. However, we will be traveling through Winnipeg that week and are praying that God can make an opening for us!
Our other prayer request is for wisdom for next year. We are praying that God will direct our path as to jobs and living arrangements. He knows exactly where he wants us to be and we pray that he will provide for us according to his greater plan for our lives!
Rejoicing in the many gifts we receive every day from our Savior,
Kristen
- Better late than never!
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- kristenschranz
- June 3rd, 2010
Apologies for the very late update - I can't believe how fast time is flying by. I'm reminded daily that each day is precious and slowing down to enjoy the gifts of each day is such a refreshing experience!
Sigi and I just got back from a splendid evening walk around Caronport. We spent time smelling lilacs, watching the clouds drift by, and petting the neighbourhood cats. How important it is to notice the simple things in life and appreciate the "hidden treasures" of each moment. We've recently been listening to C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters on CD and something that struck me today was the fact that the devil often uses noise and confusion to keep us distracted from the things in life that really matter. Silence is despised by Satan because it means we might take that time to reflect on and worship our Creator. More and more I'm recognizing the value of silence and prayer woven throughout the day - I'm thankful that I have this slower time in my life to practice this art of silence and meditation. I would recommend that every single person should read Screwtape Letters. It's a series of fictional letters written from an experienced demon/temptor to a younger, inexperienced demon. The correspondence gives us humans a window into how Satan wants to tempt us and reveals how certain areas of our lives may be under attack by the evil one without us even realizing it. I thank my dear friend Catherine for giving us this book on CD - it's been a real learning experience to see our lives from a different perspective...that our souls are being fought for in the spiritual realms. If you have a list of books you plan on reading in the future, add this one to it!
Well, I wanted to quickly let you all where we stand right now. This morning, Sigi and I drove into Regina to meet with our oncologist. We were thankful to find out that my neutrophils are at a 2.2 this week, which means chemo is a go for tomorrow (these cells have to be at least 1.5 to have the treatment). We confirmed with him that I will meet with my radiologist on June 14th to discuss radiation and that my CT scan will be on June 24th. The CT scan will be performed to see if the main tumors have decreased in size, to basically see if the chemo was successful. We had initially been quite concerned about whether radiation was actually needed and if might be more harmful on my body, but it seems now that it is the best course of action. My oncologist mentioned that with my type of cancer, it is best to have the radiation about a month after chemo ends. This is to ensure that the "work" of the chemo is not undone. So this is an answer to prayer, in that we feel like this is the best course to take now.
The only thing we are concerned about now is that we would like to visit Ontario for a few weeks in July, so we hope that the radiation will not start until we have enough time to visit in Ontario! The positive part of starting earlier with the radiation is that I will hopefully be finished mid-late August. We will definitely update our blog after the radiologist chat, on June 14th, if anything new develops.
At the moment, Sigi is in the midst of applying for teaching jobs for this fall. We would greatly appreciate your prayers in this process! We want to end up wherever God wants us at this time. We are praying for something to maybe open here in Caronport or Saskatoon. Depending on how I'm feeling in the fall, I would like to look for some part-time work. So we pray that God can provide some work for me as well if I'm feeling up to it.
Another prayer request would me for my health immediately following each of the last two treatments (June 4 & June 18). I am really struggling with stomach aches and heart burn for the 4-5 days following the chemo. My oncologist has recommended some medication that I can take, so we will try that our for the last two treatments.
Finally, and this shouldn't really be last, we want to PRAISE GOD for the love that so many people have poured out into our lives. God has used so many different people from all around the world to encourage us, pray for us, and speak words of TRUTH into our lives during this difficult time. I know we will always look back on this journey and thank God that he took us through this valley to show us more of himself and the love of the people around us!
Thanks for reading, for praying, for supporting us! Until we write again...
<>< Kristen & Sigi
- almost 3/4 done!
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- kristenschranz
- May 20th, 2010
Sigi here, writing on my wonderful wife's blog site at her request :)
So here we are. We arrived back in Canada February 18th and 3 months later we are almost 3/4 done the chemo treatments. A lot has happened this last while, though not too much has happened. We still diligently go to have Kristen's blood taken once a week and chemo every 2nd Friday, but the rest of the time we are mostly playing the waiting game.
For Kristen, the waiting game is almost worse than the cancer, since she is that type A personality who can't really slow down. As for me, the waiting game is largely related to my job applications. I found out yesterday there is a very slim chance I will be able to get any substitution days in before the end of this school year. *shakes fist* The conundrum: Regina teachers' services takes 3 months minimum to process an application. With this knowledge I started it in march but they took until end of April to tell me I was missing documents, primarily a letter sent directly from Indonesia (snail mail) to their office. They will fast track the accreditation if I get offered a job (substitute teaching for example). This is all required before I can be licensed to teach in this wonderful prairie paradise. On the other hand, the local school board won't hire me as a sub until I get approved by the province... Its all enough to get a headache, but thats the waiting game I'm playing. It was easier when I was helping out with badminton at the school, but I was not so ready to help out with track and field. Enough about me...
Back to Kristen :) So when I said not much has happened I meant it only on some fronts... thankfully her hair is still firmly in place, attributable to the voodoo tea she is taking 3 times a day no doubt. We are still questioning whether or not to do radiation... because of the potential harmful side-effects in the long-term. My worst nightmare is Kristen coming down with leukemia or breast cancer 20 years down the road :( If she doesn't have the radiation done maybe the bone will still be harbouring some cancer cells. God knows!
On a different note, Kristen feels ill just stepping into hospitals these days as the smell of antiseptic reminds her of chemo and the nauseating feelings she will have in the week thereafter. She does delight in creating cards and sending them to people. She has created hundreds of cards since our arrival back home. We are almost 6/8 through chemo, which is actually quite thrilling. At this point in time its hard to imagine a life without cancer, though I know it is just around the corner.
If you've made it this far, thank you for reading and God bless :)
Sigi for Kristen
- 'Twas the night before chemo...
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- kristenschranz
- May 6th, 2010
....when all through my blood the white blood cells were stirring...
On the eve of this 5th chemo appointment I do want to say a HUGE thanks again for the many prayers and notes of encouragement that we've received throughout this journey. So many people have been the "hands and feet" of Jesus in our lives and we're soooo thankful!!!
Sigi and I went into the Cancer Clinic today and had the chance to talk with a different oncologist than usual, but this appointment was very helpful and informative. I'll briefly share the results with you so you can see where we are at with this process so far.
We've had a bit of a rearrangement in test dates, but this should be the best way to gauge how much cancer may be still in my body. After all eight treatments are completed (probably late June), I will have a CT scan. Probably in August/September I will be able to begin radiation. This radiation process will probably last for a month or so (with the radiation taking place every weekday for that full month). About two months after the radiation (into the fall?) I will most likely have a PET scan that will determine if all the areas of cancer have been taken care of. At this point we are still questioning whether radiation is the best route, so we hope to meet with the radiologist in early June to discuss this option. We are a little concerned with the possible long-term side-effects of being blasted with radiation so frequently and need discernment!
One more helpful point is that my oncologist will also be helping me control the stomach cramps and heart burn I've been experiencing immediately after the chemo treatment. At the moment, I take anti-nausea for up to 3-5 days after the treatment, but it is good to be able to get these other symptoms under control too.
PRAISE!
> For a very successful and informative oncologist appointment
> For relatively good health these past two weeks (halfway through chemo!)
PRAYER!
> For a quick recovery time after this next chemo treatment
> For clear direction on the question of radiation
> For an ever-increasing desire to be reading my Bible and praying
> For wisdom for next year (Sigi is sending out quite a teaching applications and we want to be where God wants us!)
Thanks!!!
