Courage ... Patience .... Perseverance

The beauty and warmth of summer is all around and I have been very much enjoying pulling weeds out of my garden.  Even if it is just one weed at a time. :) 

It has taken some thoughtful consideration but I have accepted that I have weeks of chemo before me.  This Wednesday will be the start of week 15 and the start of round 2 of this cycle.  I have come to the conclusion that God is teaching me patience. The good news is that I should be done in time for Christmas. 

"But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, ...

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; 

and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: 

when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

Isaiah 43: 1 and 2

I have nothing to fear.  God has called my name and I am his.  Even though I am going through chemo (or walking through fire), I shall not be burned.

Everywhere I go people are telling me how amazing I look.  All I can say is that my healthy glow is God's doing.  My hair is starting to return and I jokingly tell others that I am becoming a 'regular hippy'! :) 

I continue working with my very sweet homeopath who is helping to minimize the chemo side effects. I continue to do my best in trying to eat the best quality food that I can. I continue to take my doctors advice. And I continue to pray.  

All is well.  God is in control! :) 

Icing on the Cake ....

God is LOVE! and the director of my life! Love trumps anything evil.  He is in charge of my life journey.  I have accepted that he has plans for me... plans to give me a future and hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I am so HAPPY to have the use of my left arm back.  I missed it while it was healing.  Not being able to type was hard on me.  The good news is that it is healing wonderfully and I already have a huge range of motion.  God is AMAZING! :)

Yesterday, my husband and I met with my medical oncologist to find out what my new treatment plan entails.

1.  PET scan from June is CLEAN!!!
2. Chemo continues for 18 weeks.
3.  Radiation therapy will follow the chemo
4.  Another PET scan will happen in probably 3 months

The pathology report from the second surgery on July 4 indicates that there is still 'minimal' cancer remaining in my left arm.  Apparently, chemo and then radiation are the best options for now. And his plan is to kill it.  I like that ... kill the cancer!!

I am not getting off easy.  18 weeks ... or 4.5 months ...  or 6 rounds .... no matter how I say it ... it is sounding like a long time. Right now, I am feeling pretty good so entering the realm of chemo side effects is not something that I really want to do.   Handing my trepidation over the God is the only way that I am going to get through this.  Someday I am sure that I will be able to look back on this next stage as 'icing' on the cancer experience.

This chemo is different that the chemo that I had in 2011.  The worst of the side effect are blisters on my feet because I love to go walking.  Blisters do not allow me to do that ... so I am following all the precautions and praying that I will be able to continue my walks. And I will have to remember to remind myself to eat and drink.  All will be good.   I am in God's hands.  He will get me through this next stage of my life's journey.

Anyone want to go for a walk? :)

God bless you all!