Happy Easter!
So much has been going on, and much of it has been answers to prayer…
My friend’s message
I’d like to share something special. My dear friend shared her own medical journey on Good Friday. I identified so much with what she was saying. I appreciated her honesty. She has been a personal encouragement and commiserator for me. I appreciated her humility, boldness, and transparency.
Similar to her feelings about her own diagnosis, I also believe this is the path God has laid out for me.
While I personally feel a sense of purpose in my life, even in the midst of this diagnosis, I don’t believe cancer defines my existence on this planet, whether it’s to offer hope or to lend a shoulder. It’s simply a part of my life, and I’m at peace with it.
Before my diagnosis, did I think I’d live longer? Yes. Did I think I’d be married with kids by now? Absolutely, decades ago. I could imagine a thousand different paths my life could have taken. And even though I wouldn’t have chosen this particular path, I’m okay (enough) with it.
I don’t view my life as a movie with a dramatic climax centered around my diagnosis. It’s just a continuation. I’ve even looked back at my life as if all these little things led up to this big event… but the truth is, there have been many things leading up to this, and this is just another part of my life.
I’m still me. I still grapple with faith and loss. I’m grateful when my treatments go well and sad when my cancer marker numbers increase. And as much as dealing with cancer is a big part of my schedule and life, it’s not all of me. I have family and friends to spend time with, dogs to pet, and meals to cook. I still have to go to Costco and wonder if I really need that much toilet paper.
Answered prayers?
Thanks to prayers, my (CA-19) marker numbers may have decreased, but it’s a little hard to gauge the numbers because they’ve been run out of different labs, and I need to compare the numbers out of the same labs. Still, it may be a good indicator that this new chemo treatment might be working. We’ll see after a few more treatments. The (new) radiation treatment & reduction in marker numbers give me some hope.
My Prayers
I’m learning to pray or ask for prayer, instead of later wishing I had taken advantage of the opportunity because the prayer could have helped, or my faith would have grown if I had just offered it, regardless of the outcome.
My support team of four integral people encouraged me to ask for prayers in the last update. There were many moving parts and a potentially complicated schedule.
I can attribute some credit to prayer because, after the last update, my schedule was rearranged into a very full, but good sequence.
What’s coming up
On April 23rd, I go in for my EUS procedure to get another sample of my tumor for supplemental genetic testing and to have a pain inhibitor placed to help with my abdominal pain.
On April 28th, I begin five consecutive days of radiation treatment. My radiation oncologist believes that five consecutive days of treatment are as effective as five days spread out with a rest day between each. I don’t like that during the time of my radiation treatment, I’ll not be receiving chemo, but I’ll be back in the chemo chair pretty soon after the radiation treatment ends, and the treatment is just a week.
Prayer requests
- A safe and productive EUS procedure
- A productive and effective radiation treatment on the week of April 28th
- This line of chemotherapy to be effective in battling my cancer
- Comfort for the families experiencing difficulties, fears, or losses to this disease
- Encouragement and strength for the PanCAN walk. I’m honored to be walking for those struggling with this disease, as well as those who contributed to further PanCAN’s efforts
Happy Easter to you and your family.
I hope you’ve been able to celebrate Easter well and take the time to cherish family and friends, as those moments are far more important than any accomplishments. I’ve lost too many friends to this disease and am reminded that time spent with loved ones is precious.
I thank you for taking the time to follow along.
P
