We went to see Rob's oncologist (Dr. B) this morning after having another CT done earlier this month.
Rob will be starting Cycle 5 of chemo treatments starting next week, for 4-6 months (3 weeks on chemo, 1 week off each month). On the off weeks, we will be checking in with Dr. B.
If you remember, his chemo was stopped abruptly in late Spring of 2015 because his liver was about to shut down. His liver numbers are much better now. So on we go.
Rob has had quite a nice chemo vacation since then, not having to constantly be poked and prodded and zapped and poisoned. Though the head pain, confusion, and personality changes have remained, at least he's been home and able to rest when he needed to. We are praying that he is strong enough to handle the chemo again for as long as he can. We are armed with the Sword and the Word and the Son and your prayers... we can do nothing more.
Dr. B's main concerns for wanting to start as soon as possible this time:
1. The cancer has "multiple increases" as she put it
2. There is now evidence of thickening (stranding).
3. Enlarged lymph nodes are causing pain when touched.
4. There is internal swelling.
5. There is "free fluid" in the abdomen.
Rob is handling the news well. Says he's up for the fight.
The war rages on...
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Not sure if I mentioned that I have had a cardiac monitor inside my chest since last November or not... blackouts, etc... but I'm having surgery to remove it in a week or so. I want it out, I want no more expenses from it. I am tired of doctors on all fronts. I think I just need a really long vacation. Really long, and really far away. One I may stay on. :)
A coworker and I were talking on Saturday, and I looked at her and said, "Have you ever felt like packing up your things and just leaving? Going somewhere new where you don't know anyone, and just starting over?" I was glad to know I wasn't alone in this daydream of mine. Guess I best get lost in my art. "My soul is fed, by needle and thread." :)
Well, I'm off to eat a quick and late dinner, and try to read a bit before going to bed early. Really trying to get more sleep and take better care of me. I read and watch old movies and listen to beautiful, mostly contemporary Christian music. Some days, at least for a little while, life seems normal.
One thing I want to share with you, though, is that through all that is going on, as busy and as crazy and as rushed as this life gets, I AM filled with a peace that is beyond understanding. Because God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and He uses all things for good. It's true! I read it in the Bible every day. Someday He will give me that really long vacation, and someday it will all make sense. Or maybe it won't. That's okay.
We learn best, and grow closest to God, when we're in our valleys, not while we teeter on the mountain tops. These valley years have brought me so much closer to God, and I am blessed and grateful beyond measure. Every single day.
I'm good with all He's got for me.
In Love and In Peace and Ever Thankful...
Cheri ♥
*All photos in today's blog are stock photos.
