New Hope?

Yesterday, March 20, my husband and I went to the appointment to learn that my oncologist had a totally different plan.   I am to start another chemo regime in one week. After 3 rounds of chemo, I will be reassessed to see if the new cancer area is shrinking or not.  The hope is that the drugs will be able to shrink the cancer like it did during my last round of treatment.  I will be on a 21 day cycle with treatments on Day 1 and Day 8.

My oncologist, Dr. Paterson told us, "The drug you really need is Pertuzamab". This drug will increase my survival rate.  However, the issues with this is that it is not available in Canada until May 2013 (just over a month) and will cost $40,000 a treatment.  That is right ... $40,000 a treatment. He reassured us that he will fight to try and get it funded.  I think that I am going to write my MLA.

They also told us some things about my cancer. Things that made me cry. However, I am determined that I am not going to get discouraged about this because doctors have been wrong before.

I also am not going to worry about the funds for this drug.  I am going to be OK. God will help us through this.  Only he can see the future.  So far things have worked out.

Again I think of Jeremiah 29:11 ...  ^"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".


Like my friend Cheryl told me ... "No negative thoughts!"

I choose the live by faith not fear.

The light of God surrounds me;
    The love of God enfolds me;
        The power of God protects me;
The presence of God watches over me;
   Where I am, God is!

I am a child of God.  He reminds me of this constantly from people in the grocery store to songs on the radio.  I am so bless by all around me.  I truly do have amazing family and friends.  I am not alone. God will be with me and send me angels of hope as my life journey continues.

Now I need to get my thinking cap on and try to remember all my 'getting through chemo' supplies.  I need to make a list. God Bless you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers.

UPDATE:  First chemo has been postponed.  Chemo will now start on April 4, 2013. 

Speed Bump #2

"Your cancer is back."
"What?"
"Your biopsies came back positive for cancer."
"What now?"
"Surgery and radiation is the plan for now."
"Wow! I was not expecting that."
"Neither was I, this is a total surprise."
"Is this a new cancer?"
"No."

....

That is how I remember the conversation going on March 6, 2013.  "Your cancer is back" are not words that I have ever expected or wanted.  In my mind, I had closed the door on cancer and was moving forward with my life. I have had enough cancer education.  However, my 'life plan' obviously has something else in mind.

Right now, all I want to do, is to just continue on as if nothing has changed.   Life continues.

I had wondered why it seemed like every television pastor (Ok I admit it.  I have become a fan of Joel Osteen) this past week had been referring on the fact that with faith that God is in control and we have nothing to fear.  Now I know.  Someone was trying to remind me that God has a plan for each of us.  Sometimes it is hard to understand but it will all work out the way God wants it.  We just need faith to carry us through.

Isaiah 41:12
For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

I will  follow the treatment plan as outlined by my doctors and pray for the day when I will truly be able to say 'good-bye' to cancer.  

Thank you for your support and continued prayers.  Happy Sabbath.