Back to Chemo...Post-op...Chemo #6

I saw the surgeon Monday, July 23rd and she approved the continuation of chemo. Although she wants me to have 6 sessions instead of the 3 that the oncologist suggested. The 2 doctors will discuss my case and come to a conclusion of what is best. Also we will just have to see how my body responds after each treatment. If the neuropathy (numbness in my feet) increases then we may have to seek other treatment options.

I have been in Physical Therapy for two weeks to help build my stomach and back muscles. I am grateful that I can participate in PT. I feel my stomach is stronger already. I can breath a little deeper without pain. And I can lift David now without any problems. Although I prefer to give him piggy-back rides! I finally got to cut the grass the other day, but I could only manage the front yard -- due to backyard limitations (the baby pool water was dumped and the grass was wet!).

Yesterday (Friday July 27) was my first chemo treatment after surgery. I cried a lot on Thursday. I just figured, "Hey I have had 5 treatments and radical surgery isn't that enough? Can we be done?" I guess I could choose not to have any chemo, but I don't sense God telling me one way or another. So I continue to walk through this cancer stuff under the doctors' directives.

Since the tumors are virtually gone I wonder how I will respond to the drugs flowing through my body. Although the surgeon was able to remove the tumors, there are still cancer cells floating through my blood stream. The oncologist reminded me that I will have to deal with this cancer the rest of my life. In hindsight I should have reminded her, "That is up to God" but I was trying to swallow the information she had given me.

God has allowed the treatments to be productive and shrink the tumors and He allowed the tumor(s) to release from the bowel so that my bowel did not have to be re-sectioned. He knows that I would like to be the one to raise David and live a long happy life with the husband He brought to me after 42 years!! He is in charge and I trust His will for my life.

He has brought so many wonderful people into my life before this disease appeared and so many more after news of this disease. I am grateful for each and every person who says a prayer here and there, those who pray daily, those who send cards, those who text and call, those who drive me to appointments, those who care for David, those who bring meals, those who are part of our Small Group bible study, those who come visit and care for us and of course for family members!!

My mom and niece were here for 5 weeks. Blessings to them for putting up with me!! They left on the 24th and are sorely missed. My brother and his family stopped in for 4 whole days while Mom and Holly were here. The time flew by too quickly. I miss being around everyone like that.

My next chemo is scheduled for August 17th - the 1st day of our Women's Retreat. I WILL be attending the retreat!!

We continue to covet your prayers that God's Will will persevere in our daily lives. That people may come to know the mercy and grace of our Lord through this dis-ease. The road is long and we are grateful for your continued care, love, and prayers. Many kisses and hugs to you!