Round 6 will be Thursday, May 21. A great way to celebrate our last day of school, don't you think?! The hair continues to fall out, but WOW I had an extra blessing with a super full head of hair to begin with. Every morning Mark looks at me and says "Huh, this might be it" (time to shave it off). I will see my Oncologist next week and hopefully confirm what's next. The doctors have given us permission to make some summer plans - so we are excited about that!
The first several days after a treatment I am extremely lazy and no fun to be around. This Saturday, May 23, is our 23rd Wedding Anniversary. We have decided to postpone the celebration until a later date.
I have always loved Mark. But my guy has stepped up to support me, love me, listen to me whine and hug me when I'm down. He is going to meetings for me and drives the girls to activities that I normally do. He is my cheerleader. He is continually asking if I need anything and will deliver whatever I need without a complaint (even in the middle of the night). He is making trips to the grocery store and washing dishes. He does research and goes into the doctor's office with a list of questions. And most importantly, he leads our family in prayer. Twenty-three years ago we stood in my childhood church and pledged to love each other in good and bad, sickness and health. Our marriage is even stronger due to this disease.
1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Despite our challenges the last few months, Avery and Alyse, have finished the school year strong; we are extremely proud of them - straight A's all year. We are thankful for their small group leaders at church that have loved them, listened to them and prayed with and for them.
Thanks again for your love and support!
"Praise God from whom all blessing flow."
We got this!
I had a PET Scan last Friday, May 1. It is always a strange feeling when a nurse enters the room with what looks like a secret metal box and inserts a strange liquid into your IV. The nurse tells you that she will see you in one hour and then they close the door with the "Warning Radioactive" sign on it.
We met with my oncologist Tuesday, May 5, and received the great news that the cancer is responding to the chemo. My PET scan showed no cancer activity in the affected lymph nodes. This is very positive! Thank you for praying for the chemo to kill the cancer. Our prayers are being answered!
Mark and I had gotten our hopes up that chemo might be over. But, I will need to do a couple of more rounds of chemo; but still less than the original plan. We know that God has a plan and if more chemo is part of that plan, then we are ready. I might not be excited about it, but I am moving forward and closer to completion. Round #5 is schedule for tomorrow, Friday, May 8. I will then celebrate the last day of school with Round #6 on May 21.
Radiation Therapy was part of the original plan as well, but we are still uncertain based on the clear PET scan and discussions with the Oncologist if we will not do any or do a reduced dosage - we meet with the Radiation Oncologist Tuesday. Please pray for clarity, it may be a decision we make based on statistics and studies.
God gives us just what we need at just the right time and he uses friends and family as His tools. I am blessed to be able to continue to go to school many days. One morning last week there was a happy on my desk when I arrived. This Willow Tree™ Angel of Courage was on my desk - at the perfect time. I love her raised arms - raised in praise, victory, and determination.
I know we continue to say it, but THANK YOU for all of the prayers, kind words, meals, cards, support, and love.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
