#28 – Medical Update from June 29:

Recovery from surgery has been a slow and tiring process.  There have been some issues with medication which caused a few bad days along the way. However, those issues are being dealt with and I am continuing along the process to gain more strength.

Thank you, Lord, for Your mercy and grace.  I am thankful every day that the result of this past surgery was not as devastating to my mobility as anticipated by the surgeon.

Today I was looking at the list of church members of Southside Baptist Church who signed up to pray for me during the surgery (around-the-clock).    It’s wonderful to be a part of such a compassionate group of believers.  I can see God honoring their faithfulness and continued prayers for me.

 I am headed back to Tampa next week (July 6) for another MRI, lab work and visit with two different doctors.  They have told me they want to do some kind of radiation, they just haven’t said what kind yet.  So, the first doctor visit will be with the radiation oncologist to discuss what he believes is the best way forward at this point.  That will be followed by a visit with the primary doctor running the program for my care at this time.  He will review the new MRI and where we stand as far as starting the new chemotherapy treatment. I’m still waiting to hear back from the pharmaceutical company on how they can help.  Thank you for your continued prayers.  God is great and has already done so much. I am amazed as I look back at how He has provided and worked in the big and small details.

#27 He’s still on the throne because He never left to start with

A very good missionary friend of mine from Kenya recently stated that this journey I am on has had an impact and changed the way he prays. “. . . Totally revitalized my personal prayer life.” Well, me too, kind sir.  Sometimes I’ve needed shaken a bit to remind me of Whose I am and Who made me and Who is still on the throne, since He never left to start with (I’m quoting another dear friend.). I have had such a wonderful opportunity for drawing closer into the loving, strong arms of God, in a way I have NEVER experienced before and taking time for conversing with Him, even at 3 and 4 am.  Thank You, medicine, that keeps me up or wakes me up early.

Thanks to modern technology, I have been able to view my church services online.  I had begun writing this post Sunday morning before church.  How God works in mysterious ways, having the message be about prayer from Daniel 10.

I have often said that I could not face this journey without the Lord holding and carrying me.  I have certainly been overwhelmed many times so far and He is certainly my Rock. 

I must tell Jesus all of my trials,

I CANNOT bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me,
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Refrain:
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

#26: CONFESSION TIME:

Some trust in Chariots . . .

I was recently introduced to a small booklet entitled “Don’t waste your cancer” written by John Piper.

I am not a stranger to research.  God gave me a gift a few years ago by allowing me to complete my PhD in Psychology and Christian counseling. With that came a lot of research not only for the classes but to complete my dissertation.  I still do a lot of research when something comes up that I want to know more information about.  I will quickly get on the Internet and start looking up more information about the topic.   That is exactly what I did as soon as I found out that I had a glioblastoma (GBM).  It would not take long after reading all of the statistics involved before I would have to stop and take a break as it would become a bit overwhelming. Today I read a section in John Piper’s booklet.  It was entitled we waste our cancer if we seek comfort from our odds rather than from God.

He goes on to discuss how the world “gets comfort from their odds”, or in my case stress from their odds. 

He goes on to say that “some count their chariots (percentages of survival) but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm20:7) . . .We felt that we had received the sentence of death.  That was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God. . ..”  The aim of God in our cancer (among a thousand other good things) is to knock props out from under our hearts so that we rely utterly on him.”

I must admit this is a tough lesson for me.  I can say for sure that this journey has helped renew my relationship with the Lord and teach me more about Him, drawing me closer as I see Him working in my life.

Another confession:  I want to help God sort out this medication issue.  I often do that, get in God’s way, offer Him all my expertise in dealing with the problem, instead of just casting all my care upon Him, because He cares for me.

#25- MEDICAL UPDATE FROM JUNE 20, 2017:

Today I went back to Moffitt for a post-op visit with my surgeon.  He was happy with the way things are continuing to heal.   They have used the same incision for all the surgeries, so there is concern that it might not heal well. however, so far everyone is impressed with the way it’s healing.  I was glad to have this visit today because for the last couple of days things have not been very good.  It started out with some pressure in my head and quickly grew to a headache than just was not controlled by the pain medication I was given at the hospital.   I called the doctor’s office, told them what was going on, they gave me a few things to try.  However, things just continued to get worse throughout the weekend.  I called the doctor’s office back again on Monday and told them what was happening.  They suggested a couple of other things to try. Another problem was that I could not keep the medication down.  That’s probably a couple of the most physically miserable days I’ve ever experienced.  It even hurt to rest my head on the pillow.  Now I’m done complaining.  Because after talking with the surgeon today he came to the conclusion that there’s some swelling due to the surgery on my brain and while that doesn’t sound good in most circumstances, in my circumstance that’s not so bad because this is to be expected and doesn’t indicate that there’s anything more serious going on in there.  It just needs time and a medication adjustment.

So, at this point we’re just waiting on approval from the insurance company for the new medication. They have already denied once. However, the doctor expects that they will come thru as Moffitt continues working through the appeal process.

My next appointment is July 6.  I will have another MRI and we are hoping to have the new medication approved so that I can get started with it at that time.

Over the weekend while I was having these issues one of the people I spoke to on the phone even went to the trouble of the tracking down one of the nurses with whom I needed to speak.  When we got to Moffitt yesterday she was the same person who checked me in for my appointment.  I remembered her because of her name.  Her name is “Imani”. That stuck out to me particularly because that is a Swahili word for faith.  I mentioned to her that she was the one who had talked to me on the phone and had gone to the trouble of tracking down the nurse, an extra effort to help me out in a time of need.  She asked me if I remembered her because of the sound of her voice.  I said no it was your name that caught my attention and I explained to her how that I had lived in Kenya and knew that name being Swahili. Interestingly enough, however, she was not born in Kenya but had been born in Ethiopia and had told her mom who had given her that name that it confused people because the name came from Kenya and yet she was born in Ethiopia. But her mom had liked the name anyway. So, we had an interesting conversation with her as my parents had been missionaries in Ethiopia for several years before later going to Kenya as missionaries, where I was raised.  So, they talked over some interesting facts about Ethiopia, places they had been. When she was done checking me in and came around to put on my normal hospital bracelet and my gold bracelet like always.  Imani hugged my parents and said it was like talking with her family. She seemed to be very appreciative of the conversation.  Imani, you may have appreciated the conversation however, I appreciate your sweet spirit and your willingness to go beyond your normal job description and help a patient in her time of need. In today’s society, we don’t find a lot of people willing to go above and beyond what they are expected to do.  But it’s nice to find those few gems here and there. 

Addendum: The insurance company has not only denied the original request for the medication. They have also now denied the appeals. I received a phone call today from Moffitt and was told the next step is to appeal to the pharmaceutical company to see if they can help me to get the medicine.  So, I’m putting this out there. I know God is able to do it any way He wants to.  Would you pray with me that someone would put this through so that we can move forward in the next step of my treatment?

My view coming home from Moffitt last Monday.

#24:PERSPECTIVE CHANGES EVERYTHING

I sit here and look back at the fact that just 8 months ago. I could ride 20 miles around the Sebring area and rode 5 miles and walked a mile just the day before my surgery in January.  Today, I look down at my legs and can hardly recognize them. The lack of exercise due to the loss of control has led to a lot of muscle loss. However, thank you  Lord I can still stand on my own legs and "walk" even if it takes 45,000 shakes of a lamb's tale to get from the front door to the car!

I am often reminded, probably because I forget all too often, don’t take anything for granted.  Every day, every breath is God's gift to me and you. 

# 23 ANOTHER JOURNEY NOT WRITTEN ABOUT, BUT LIVED

A few years ago, I embarked on another journey inspired by the need to deal with some other health issues. I had been having some digestive problems. So, I set out on the task of a better lifestyle. The result was a management of my health problems and what you can see in  the pictures below. The picture on the left was from 2011, the picture on the right was one year later and over 100 pounds lighter. Not to mention a healthier me and managed symptoms. All I can say about that is with God’s help we can do anything we set our minds to do. Just don’t give up.  

# 22 RECAP

I know this introductory part of this blog has been long, in an effort to catch you up on the details. Sorry. Here is a basic recap.

Here is a recap of the events of the past several months beginning the first week of August. I was diagnosed with a glioblastoma. My family was told that had I not had those symptoms and was brought into the hospital for tests and then surgery I probably would not have lived for another 2 weeks. I was then given all of the not-so-pleasant statistics about glioblastomas and came home to start digesting all the information I had received and start putting some affairs in order. Then in December I was told the tumor had returned and it needed surgery again. This time the surgery caused significant damage to the control of my left side.

In April, I had another MRI which showed no more progression of the cancer. I was told it was a clean scan and everything looked good. Within just a couple of weeks I started having some problems. Another MRI was done and it showed progression of the cancer and the need for surgery to relieve the symptoms. Prior to the surgery I was warned of all the risks and I was reminded again of the not-so-pleasant statistics of glioblastomas and the fact that this could be my last six months and certainly would be if I did not have surgery. Then after the surgery my family was told I probably had four to six months to live needless to say these last few months have been quite the roller coaster ride I do enjoy a good roller coaster although I can no longer ride them but this is not the type of roller coaster I particularly enjoy.Then I returned for a follow-up visit and get the information that I have posted about in the last post before this recap so besides trying to condense all the information I have given over the last several posts I also wanted to say this today I went over to my house together a few belongings and as I stood in my bedroom Where I Stood when this whole thing first started a flood of memories of that day pour through my brain and I said it's amazing how your life can change in just a moment so live every moment don't take any day for granted life is a precious gift from God. Live every moment.

# 21: ANOTHER TRIP TO MOFFITT TO WATCH GOD BAFFLE THE DOCTORS AND LEAVE THEM SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS AND REMIND ME HE’S NOT DONE

The head doctor said today(Monday) he did not understand or know what happened to my tumor but if you look at it as a speedometer - the normal speed that the cells in my type of cancer split is between 25 and 50 miles per hour.  However, for some unknown reason mine is going at 1 (one) mile per hour.

He said the early report of the DNA testing showed that my cancer had mutated to a cancer that matches the DNA in breast cancer.  With that being the case they can fight this cancer with the same medicine that they use for breast cancer.  It is expensive and the insurance company will fight it but he told us that eventually they will come thru and OK it.  However, that may take a month. 

He also said that almost all of the tumor they removed was dead.  Not completely but almost all of it.  He added that if they would have known that it was as dead as it was they would not have operated.  He told us they had checked and rechecked everything and there was no sign that it was dead.

He also said that after the new chemo they might be able to go into the new tumors and “spot weld” them - so it would seem that at this time another operation is not completely out of the question.

He made the statement several times that he did not know or understand why the above things happened but they did.

Glioblastoma is still a very aggressive cancer and I do not know what is ahead for me but praise God for HIS help and answer to so many prayers. When the surgery was over last week the surgeon said he thought he had gotten at least 80-85 percent of the tumor but that two other spots had been found.  He said that surgery for the new spots was out of the question.  They could not be operated on.  He did tell us that a DNA test had been performed.  My dad asked him what we should expect in the future and he said it was hard to determine what cancer would do and they were working on a lot of alternatives.  He asked about this cancer “historically” and the surgeon said I probably had 4-6 months.

The doctor on Monday also said that after the new chemo they might be able to go into the new tumors and “spot weld” them - so it would seem that at this time another operation is not completely out of the question in the future, if needed.

He made the statement several times that he did not know or understand why the above things happened but they did.
At an earlier appointment, we were talking about faith and he said that he was not a man of faith but a man of science.  We know how the above things can happen because we know the ONE that created us.  We know the ONE in charge.

# 20 WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU

This is the question I get asked the most.  My answer: just keep doing what you’ve always done.  Be that same friend who tells me about your rough day, or the funny thing that happened at Walmart.  One person sends me texts with pictures of her little girl being cute, or videos of her trying to get the stuffed horse in the church nursery to talk on the cell phone.  You know who you are.  Don’t change just because my life has.  Be you.  I don’t need people to come be eloquent.  Just be you.  Don’t back away.  I know I’m not easy to be around right now, under current circumstances.  However, your friendship is what I need.  You being you is what I need.

# 19 MEMORIES

Sometimes God will put little reminders in our brains just to remind us of good experiences we’ve had and to remind us that He still loves us and cares about the little things.  Sometimes we miss them because we get busy and they may not jump out and smack us on the head.  God did that for me just the other day during an MRI.  The technician asked me what kind of music I wanted to listen to. Those machines tend to be quite loud, anyway I told him contemporary Christian would be wonderful. During most of the test I couldn’t even hear the music for the noise of the machine. Just about the time the machine wound down and got quiet a song came on talking about Jesus’ name being power. It just happened to be the exact song, that was in the repertoire of a singing group from Baptist Bible College, with whom I traveled. The group was an all-girls group called “Commissioned”. We have a kind of inside joke about that song and still when we get together and talk about it someone will say, “remember the day when Debbie did . . .”  For those of you who do not know what I’m talking about.  Sorry, inside joke. However, for those on the group and for me during that moment in the MRI machine it was a wonderful memory of a wonderful life and time spent with great friends.  And the following Sunday, during church, we sang the chorus to “Praise You”.  Another song we had in our repertoire.  Another great memory.

# 18 FIGURING OUT THE NEW ME

Taken from Our Daily Bread on June12:

“In my third year battling discouragement and depression caused by limited mobility and chronic pain, I confided to a friend, “My body’s falling apart. I feel like I have nothing of value to offer God or anyone else.”

Her hand rested on mine. “Would you say it doesn’t make a difference when I greet you with a smile or listen to you? Would you tell me it’s worthless when I pray for you or offer a kind word?”

I settled into my recliner. “Of course not.”

She frowned. “Then why are you telling yourself those lies? You do all those things for me and for others.”

I thanked God for reminding me that nothing we do for Him is useless.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul assures us that our bodies may be weak now but they will be “raised in power” (v. 43). Because God promises we’ll be resurrected through Christ, we can trust Him to use every offering, every small effort done for Him, to make a difference in His kingdom (v. 58).

Even when we’re physically limited, a smile, a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a display of faith during our trial can be used to minister to the diverse and interdependent body of Christ. When we serve the Lord, no job or act of love is too menial to matter.

Jesus, thank You for valuing us and using us to build up others.

Do what you can with what you have and leave the results to God.

# 17 FLASH

Flash has become my new nickname.  During times like these you have to find the humor in things. At one doctor’s office where I have weekly lab work done, the entire staff knows how painfully slow I walk.  SO, they call me early to give extra time to get back there.  One of the nurses has given me the nickname, flash.
My parents also have brought in some humor. You never know what they’ll come up with next. So now we talk about doing something quickly, referring to our speed as doing so in ”two shakes of a lamb’s tale" or for me it’s 25,000 shakes of a lamb’s tale.  My advice, Find the humor in tough things. It’s OK to laugh at yourself. It beats crying any day.

#16 WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

My hope and prayer is that I can continue to post notes as things go along. In an effort to share this journey with you. I will not promise how often these posts will come out.  However, feel free to share them with others that you know if you feel as though it may be an encouragement to them. I believe I have caught you up on the last several months of my life.   If this doesn’t make sense or you have any questions please let me know.

# 15 BACK TO THE PRESENT

After just 1 night in ICU.  The surgeon released me to go home something that surprised everyone.  This is truly an answer to so many prayers. And I have gone home after surgery with no additional paralysis on my left side, another huge answer to prayer. I’m still weak from surgery but making progress every day. The surgeon did feel like he got all of the tumor presently. However, he found two more spots that must be dealt with. This will probably be done through radiation as he has told me that surgery again is likely not going to be an option.

# 14 ONCE AGAIN SOUTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH EXERCISES THEIR FAITH IN GOD AND CHRISTIAN LOVE TOWARD ME

I continue to be amazed and humbled at the love and support continually shown to me by the members of Southside Baptist Church.  The Individuals signed up for 15 minute intervals to pray for me and those attending to meet during the surgery beginning at 5:00 AM and continuing throughout most of the day; what a blessing and encouragement to me and a testimony to those I was able to tell during the day. 

# 13 CURRENT PLANS: SURGERY IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 5TH

The surgeon believes the best way forward is another surgery to remove the tumor.  However, he will NOT move forward unless I am willing to accept the likelihood of permanent paralysis on my left side.  I asked what the prognosis was without surgery.  He said I had 6 months or less - Really, no choice.  So forward with surgery and preparations for the expected outcome.

Surgery was planned and they told me I would be awake for part of it.  Wasn’t really sure how I felt about that.

# 12 PROGRESSION OF DISEASE CANCER RETURNS FOR A 3RD TIME

Now care has moved to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.   Here is an update on my trip to Moffitt today (May 18).  It was a really long day and the end result was not what we were hoping for, as the cancer has begun to grow again.  However, I know God is still in control.  While emotions may be a little bit raw this evening, God continues to give grace as needed.  I can honestly say there is peace in my heart.  I could not imagine this journey without HIM.  The doctors have not given up and neither have I.

1. They’re suggesting four different possible ways forward at this point.
2.   A change in the type of chemo I’m taking
3.    Another possible surgery-which the Dr. doesn’t suggest because of the risk of significant and permanent damage to the control of my left side, due to the position of the tumor.
4.   More radiation
5.    A new therapy called Optune, which is an FDA approved therapy that involves wearing a cap that looks like it came from a SCI Fi movie for about 18 hours a day.
6. Tomorrow they are going to discuss my case at what they call “tumor board” which consists of a meeting of several different specialists who will discuss my case and decide what they think is the best way forward.  Then I will probably go back to Moffitt one day next week and have an appointment with at least two of those doctors and we will discuss what they think is best.  The way forward may include a combination of these different options, possibly even all of them together, except for the surgery one which the Dr. doesn’t really recommend but he said the surgeons tomorrow at the meeting may see it differently.  He said let’s wait and see what they think.

I think this was my first EVER SELFIE FROM 2013

# 11 SAYING GOODBYE

During this journey, I’ve had to say to say goodbye to a lot of different things.

1. Playing the piano
2.  Living alone I’ve now moved in with my parents as I cannot currently live alone 
3.  Hopes of becoming a Foster parent - yes, I had been praying about this and looking into the details involved.
4. Driving a car
5.   Being independent –
6.  Typing on a computer - I am now using a voice recognition program, which doesn’t work very well and gets frustrating sometimes, but is better than one-handed typing, usually.
7.   My career as a teacher.

Just the other day I went over to the High school to gather a few of my personal belongings from my old room, since I will not be returning for the next school year.  As we were pulling out of the parking lot, I began to cry and said that this stupid thing keeps chipping away at my life.  I told one of my doctors the other day emotions may run a little wild in my head, but that my heart is at peace. Interestingly enough that same day I had several reminders about joy that only comes from the Lord and how it is really a “calm delight”. And I guess that’s what I would say is in my heart not because I consider myself a strong individual or one of great faith. I know that’s only because of the Lord, because of people praying and because I’m surrounded by loving and caring people who take time out for me to encourage me and remind me that I’m not walking this journey alone.

Cancer is ugly, but God’s grace is beautiful.

So, saying goodbye to some things has meant Hello to others, like grace as I have NEVER experienced before.

# 10 HERE’S MY SALES PITCH

The greatest therapists (apart from my parents) in Central Florida, work at the Therapy Center on the corner of Hwy 27 and Sun’n’Lake Blvd. in Sebring.  Therapy is not their job, but their calling.  They worked with me in so many ways to help me get back as much movement as possible.  We even had a few crying sessions as I would share my frustrations with them.  What a great bunch of people.

# 9 SURGERY #2 – PROGRESSION OF DISEASE CANCER RETURNS)

My surgeon has said that the radiation and chemo have done a good job and everything we are doing is working. However, there is a bit of the original tumor left that is causing some problems and needs to come out. She says that because I am strong and healthy, (thanks to so many people praying), now is a good time to do it. Significant damage to my left side is a serious and expected risk.

A LONG time ago

# 8 MY AMAZING SUPPORT GROUP

I cannot go any further without stopping for a few minutes to talk about the amazing people that surround me with such love and care. Of course, there is my family and my church Southside Baptist Church in Sebring. I will talk more about them later, though my support does not stop there. A multitude of friends around this entire planet who write, call, text, message or skype with me. All of them have told me that they are praying and I’m certain that they are. I am blessed and humbled by the fact that there are people in nearly every time zone around this world who are lifting my name in prayer at all hours of the day and night. Of course, I cannot leave out all my family, my brothers, Doug and David, and particularly my parents who have taken over a lot of my care seeing as at this point I need a lot of help. They’re not just caregivers. They are physical and occupational therapists, chauffeurs, shoulders to lean on and cry on from time to time, cheering squad. That list could go on and on. The important thing is that they have gone above and beyond any call of duty for a parent and they continue to show an enormous amount of strength. Love you mom, dad, Doug and David.

Doug and Donna Stamper

David and I in Alaska (2015)

# 7 SOPHIE JOINS THE THERAPY TEAM

I adopted a little black schnauzer the summer of 2016. When I brought her home, it was obvious she had serious trust issues and didn’t seem to know exactly how to just be a happy dog. I wasn’t real sure how or if we would get past it all, but we started trying. Her little world got turned upside down once again with my surgery and cancer. However, Sophie really stepped up. As I began my recovery and therapy, Sophie and I became therapy for each other. She was therapy for me by encouraging me to get up in the morning and go for a walk with her every morning. That exercise helped me recover faster and I helped her begin to understand that people can be trusted. It was that exercise and companionship that really pushed me on to get stronger; strength I needed to be ready for another surgery later. Now she continues to keep me company as I exercise at home, following me around the house as I walk as part of even more therapy. She naps with me and sits with me and stays close by. She has come a long way and learned so much, including how to sit and shake and even “count”. She knows she gets TWO cookies in the evening. And will stay close by until she gets that second treat.

# 6 RADIATION TREATMENTS ARE NOW DONE (NOV 2016)

Chemo will continue for a while but not on a daily basis as I’ve been doing. It will now be a little more spread out. Physical and occupational therapists have given me stuff to do at home to keep up with the recuperation. They have told me they expect a full recovery, but to be patient as it may take some time to get there. In the meantime, my left side has gotten much stronger. Unfortunately, this event has taken away my ability to play the piano, and anyone who knows me, knows how important playing the piano is to me. Hopefully therapy can get that back, even if not like it was before.
I am back to doing most things for myself now. I have just started back to work volunteering for just a couple of hours a day. I will work my way up from there. The doctor has told me it will take some time to get my strength back, so go slow. I am so thankful for a boss and work environment that is working with me on this issue.

My new hairdo, thanks to radiation.

# 5 THE FACULTY AND STAFF OF SEBRING HIGH SCHOOL REALLY STEPPED UP AND POURED OUT THEIR LOVE AND COMPASSION

With the school year just getting started it did not take long for me to run out of sick days. HOWEVER, I am amazed at how teachers continued to donate their own sick days to help me not have to worry about a paycheck with everything else going on.
Thank you again and again for your generosity, concern and just plain love for a fellow teacher.
God has been answering prayers. The doctors prepared me for a rough road, but God has paved the way and given me strength.

My new hairdo, thanks to radiation.

# 4 MY THOUGHTS

People keep asking how I’m doing with all of this. Here is my answer. While this caught me by surprise and I have thought a couple of times that I was dreaming all of this, it has NOT caught God by surprise. He knew all about it a long time ago and He knows what the future holds. He has been with me through this whole process and given me strength which can come only from Him and I know He will continue to do so.
We have a journey ahead but we have a great, loving and faithful God.
Consider this thought someone sent me:

# 3 LETTER TO MY STUDENTS AS ALL THIS HAPPENED TWO DAYS BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED

Dear students,
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Ms. Stamper and I am the one who was supposed to be standing here in front of you today. Some of you may know me from last year, some of you may have never met me. So, let me take a minute to tell you about myself. This is my 4th year at Sebring High School and I teach Intensive Reading and was starting a new class this year, AP Psychology. I am relatively new to Sebring. I moved here in 2012 from Africa. Yes, you heard that right. AFRICA. I actually grew up there. You may see a few pictures from there on the board at the front of my classroom. I graduated from high school in Africa and after I graduated from college (here in America), I went back to Africa and lived there for 12 years before moving to Sebring. So yes, I’ve been chased by elephants, charged my rhinos, had encounters with poisonous snakes. But we’ll save all that for later.
What I want to do now is tell you why you are not seeing me standing in front of you. I am a planner. I make lists of things to do and make plans well in advance of what I need to accomplish. I had planned to meet you during open house, for those who came. I had planned to be standing at the door the first day of school. However, that didn’t happen. Despite our best planning, sometimes life takes turns we aren’t expecting and we have a choice; get mad and quit or make adjustments and move forward.
On the Sunday before the first day of school. I went to the emergency room with some pretty serious problems. In fact, it was so serious that they quickly took me by ambulance to Tampa, started running tests and scheduled me for surgery right away. Now I’m not sure what all you’ve been told or rumors you may have heard, but I want you to hear the truth straight from me. I had a brain tumor and had surgery to remove it. The tumor has turned out to be cancer. I spent 8 days in the hospital in Tampa, some of that time being in ICU, but I’m back home in Sebring. Now I’m doing therapy to gain back my strength and am receiving daily radiation and chemo treatments to finish dealing with the cancer.
This was certainly not how I planned to start the year. However, like I said, sometimes life takes turns we don’t expect and we have to decide how we are going to handle those turns. I have chosen to move forward. That means a journey ahead that I’ve never experienced with challenges I’ve never faced. But that’s OK because I’m not a quitter and I will keep trying and keep moving forward – AND SO SHOULD YOU. I know you all face challenges too. Don’t quit. You’ve got this, whatever it is. Make the adjustment necessary and move forward.
So where does this leave us now? Well, my return to SHS depends on when the doctors finish the treatments and say I can go back to work. That may still be a little while. However, I am anxious to get back and meet all of you. In the meantime, do your best. I always expect that from my students.
Ms. Stamper

# 2 MY NEW JOURNEY BEGINS (AUGUST 2016)

Sometimes things in life catch us by surprise and remind us of God’s faithfulness.
For nearly a week I had noticed some weakness on my left side (hands, feet, etc.) and had been having headaches. I had talked with my chiropractor, thinking it might be a pinched nerve. He suggested that I instead see my primary care doctor, who I planned to see on the following Monday.
As I was getting ready for church that Sunday, my left side went numb and I really thought I was having a stroke. I went to the emergency room and they worked quickly and efficiently to figure out what was going on. Before long a doctor was in the room telling me that I had a mass on my brain and needed surgery by a specialist in Tampa. I have to admit, the ambulance ride there was a bit long.
Once I arrived in Tampa, things happened very quickly and soon a surgeon was in my room telling me I needed surgery soon. So, I was scheduled for surgery the following morning. After about 6 hours in surgery, I spent the day and night in ICU and another 6 days after that still in the hospital.
The mass turned out to be a very aggressive form of cancer called Glioblastoma (GBM). This is what you’ll hear when it’s explained: Glioblastoma tumors are highly malignant, or cancerous. These are grade 4 tumors, which means they can grow fast and spread quickly. Median survival is about 14.6 months and two-year survival is 30%. While my tumor was completely removed it did cause some damage as did the efforts to remove it. However, physical and occupational therapists worked with me three days a week and expected a full recovery. A lot of progress was made.

# 1 BACKSTORY

INTRODUCTION:
This is something quite new for me and a bit of a personal stretch. I’m not one to post a lot of things on any social media. However, I have been encouraged by several people that putting the story of my journey out there “Would be a positive thing.” I hope that it is. I am not looking for anyone’s pity. I merely want to transparently share the story of my life with you along with what God continues to do in my life on a daily basis.
Let me begin by introducing myself to those of you who do not know me. Sorry that this is going to be a bit long to get started. Hopefully, I can keep up after this initial post. My name is Debbie Stamper. I am first and foremost a child of the KING. I am also a former missionary to Kenya with the Baptist Bible Fellowship International. I spent 12 years there as a missionary after growing up in Kenya as a missionary kid (MK). I would not trade any of those experiences for anything in this world.
After some health problems, I resigned as a missionary and set up residence in Sebring, Florida. It’s funny how God works because I have said in the past I would NEVER live in Florida. I became a teacher with the school board of Highlands County and soon found myself working at Sebring High School, a job I know was orchestrated by God’s hands.
Speaking of God orchestrating I cannot go any further without sharing with you how God led me to a fantastic church family, Thank you, Southside Baptist Church for all of your love and support. I am truly blessed.