Today was my appointment with the oncologist. I have to tell you that I really like this man. That is important in the overall scheme of things for the next year or so. It seems that I will be spending a lot of time with him and his staff. The test results gave us confirmation of what we already knew--no major organ involvement and chemotherapy and radiation with hormone therapy will become my "new best friends". Chemo starts on Thursday, March 6 at 7:40 AM. [God has been preparing me for getting up early through my early walking for the last six months.] I have an appointment on March 12 to see another doctor about getting a port. That will make taking the chemo much easier since my veins were all used up the last time I went through this. [I met this really sweet gentleman in the doctor's office today who showed me his. He said there was nothing to it.] After two months of treatment the doctor will repeat the PET scan. Depending on the what he sees (or doesn't see!) will determine whether the treatment will be continued or changed. [Another God thing--I was going to ask for that and he brought it up before I mentioned it.] There is a new nausea medication (only approved 2 weeks ago) that I will get through the IV and in pill form that is not a steroid. [The doctor knows my fear of throwing up and gaining 30 pounds like last time.] Since we're approaching this with fierce aggression both the doctor and the nurse said I will be loosing my hair. I had enough hair for three people last time and did not loose it all. It has gotten thinner but I still have enough for maybe one and a half people if we divide it evenly! :) I have made the decision NOT to wear a wig (and no comb overs!). I will be the "Baseball Cap" queen.
I promised you an update and this is it. From this day forth I might or might not mention it. My plan is to live my life and for my family to live their lives as normally as possible. This is a bump in the road--an inconvenience--and we WILL get through it. God loves me and he has plans for me. There is still too much for me to do here-to share His love and be His hands and feet for others. Please pray for me and my family.
Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. Job 5:17-18