My Story...so far! After being sick for months, in June 2023 my doctor discovered I had dramatically elevated levels in my blood. I ended up in the ER and within a few hours they narrowed down that I have blood cancer. I was then hospitalized for a couple of days while the medical teams worked to get me stabilized enough to be able to have a lymph node biopsy. From that they have been able to determine I have chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. CLL/SLL is a type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Leukocytosis refers to an elevated white blood cell count, which is a common characteristic of CLL/SLL. This condition can impact the immune system's ability to function properly, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other health issues. This type of cancer is treatable but not curable. In the summer of 2023, 94% of my bone marrow had cancer, my lymph nodes were huge…some as big as golf balls, my spleen was so oversized it smushed everything around it, and my cancer was stage 4. My white blood cell count was over 500,000, when the normal range is between 4,800 and 10,500. I was very sick and weak. At the end of April 2024, I was hospitalized because of my ongoing brain issues and the doctors ran more tests to discover how to give me some relief. God intervened and something happened on April 30, 2024. They discovered my cancer had become inactive and there is an entry on my medical chart that day that says “No evidence at all of recurrence or progression of disease.” . It’s now a year later, my spleen and lymph nodes are normal size and my blood work is “perfect” still. Ten months and two days after my cancer diagnosis, my stage 4 cancer had gone inactive. It’s not cured but it’s stopped causing problems and is “treated.” During the preparation for treatment, I had been told to expect my treatment to last 5-7 years….between the three different rounds, my treatment lasted 8 months. Medically my case is called a “complex” and “complicated.” However I look at the complex situation as making it clear Who gets the glory for the miracles that happen. To God be the glory, great things He has done! I love looking at these stats because God's handiwork is everywhere. What was a horrible scary situation is space for God to move in undeniable ways. Those numbers could be scary but I’ve claimed them as a place of celebration. Look at how my Abba Father used a piece of my story and gave me a miracle. Days after Christmas 2023, I had a stroke: lacunar infarct in the left pons aka a small shrimp-shaped spot of affected tissue in my brain. Overnight my greatest fear came true and I lost control of my own brain; writing, talking, even walking became an issue. Many affected things have recovered but still there are simple acts that require a reminder or help. Even worse brain fluid began building in my brain, it put insane amounts of pressure affecting not just my brain, but my eyes and my ability to function. The most basic tasks like eating or drinking would come back to haunt me quickly with vomiting. I lost 70 pounds in months. I was sooo sick and weak and miserable. We struggled through long months to find a specialist to help the overpowering headache and vice like pressure in my head. I’m grateful beyond words for my parents for the hours they spent on the phone tracking down experts and my siblings for not giving up on getting medical assistance. Initially they put a VP Shunt in my brain but after complications and two more surgeries, in January 2025 something was still wrong with my brain. It turns out I have a type of fungal infection (Cryptococcosis or Cryptococcal Meningitis) which can hibernate and then pop up…as evidenced by the last two years. This infection will be with me forever. They took the shunt out of my brain and replaced it with an Ommaya Reservoir. This reservoir allows them to access brain fluid via a relatively painless procedure to run tests and check my brain pressure. The wonderful thing is this has not had to be used since my January hospitalization, but it’s available when needed. My infectious disease doctor said that it is a complicated situation that requires monitoring. Most likely I will stay on medicine for the rest of my life. It’s a sneaky infection and hard to treat but I’ve responded so well so far! A little over a year ago, we heard “there’s something else hidden in her brain” from doctors, we have an answer! I have a fungal infection dormant in my brain. I am not healed, and may never be, but I have many more good days than bad. Both of my main diagnoses (cancer and fungal infection) are treatable but not curable. By keeping my eyes on Him and not using my own knowledge or abilities, I trust He will pluck my feet out of the net according to His good plans. It is a beautiful place to live. It is not about what I can do because some days I literally cannot do anything. It is about what He is doing in me and my journey. The days (and nights) are still hard, the pain is heavy, and the tears are plentiful, but the Joy of the Lord is my strength.

 I hope you will join us at a Benefit Concert with the Three Strands Trio and Loose Ends Band and Dessert Auction featuring gourmet pies and cakes on June 20 at 6 pm at LifeSource Lindale 1601 South Main, Lindale. Doors open at 6 pm and the concert/auction will start at 6:30pm. This is a Free Concert • Donations Appreciated! 

 This evening will benefit me as I continue my health journey with blood cancer, brain infection, and a stroke. Gifts can be made at: https://gofund.me/58db7425 or Venmo: $KeriHendon 

 Concert and Auction Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QiRkaMVTP/

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Good news- my cancer is still in remission!

The not so good- After my recent shunt surgery, I’ve been facing ongoing challenges with severe nausea, random bouts of crying, and an inability to eat. These symptoms have left me feeling constantly unwell and emotionally drained. The costs of managing these complications, coupled with the strain on my ability to work and maintain daily responsibilities, have become overwhelming. I’m reaching out for support to help cover these expenses and alleviate some of the financial pressure during this difficult period. Your help would make a significant difference in my recovery process, allowing me to focus on regaining my health. Thank you for your generosity and understanding.

God is still in control! Remember that it’s ok to not be ok!