Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Stage VI leaves me speechless

I can't sleep. My mind has landed on thoughts and prayers for various people and situations. It's been far too long since I last posted, but as they say, no news is good news. For the most part. 

I had scans in August that showed some growth on a few cancer spots in both lungs. The rate of growth is consistent with what it has been and grows fairly slow, thank goodness. There are over a dozen spots we are watching now. Because of all the various surgeries and treatments since 2010, I always have some pain & discomfort though I've had more pain lately.  As far as we can tell it is caused by scar tissue/past surgery and radiation damage that is flared up for some reason. I do have a bit of a cough that has lasted about 5 weeks now. I believe it's allergy related, but could use some prayer (and perhaps an inhaler) to get rid of it and be sure. I don't believe it's symptomatic of the cancer, but of course it concerns me at times. We are in a "wait & see" stage for treatment, but there could be an immunotherapy type clinical trial open locally in November. We are praying that this will happen if it's something necessary for me right now. God knows and I trust that. I'm grateful for sustained living! Not just the gift of being alive, but the ability to really live. To participate in so many things with family, friends, church, athletics! 

Please join me in praying my cough away, for clear direction on a clinical trial and for more sustained living! And give praise for another birthday! I started this cancer journey at 34 and now I'm 41! 

Pray for my friends who are on trials, leaving home & kids to temporarily live in another state for treatment. I know how that feels - January - April 2013 felt sooo long. Pray for those on trials here, some are running out of medical options. Pray for their families, there caregivers, their kids, their doctors. 

All cancer is terrible. Stage VI leaves me speechless at times. I'm thankful the Lord hears the groanings of the Spirit in prayer when we don't have the words. (Romans 8:26)

Friends....you know who you are...my heart is with you. 🙏🏻✝️👆🏻