Another Six Weeks

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a while since I posted. In the three months since my last post, I had a couple rounds of tests. As they were in July, the tumor markers in my blood continue to be within the normal range, which is a good sign that if there is active cancer somewhere in my body, it is moving pretty slowly at this point.

For that reason, my doctor and I have decided to wait another six weeks and see what my CT Scan in December shows us. That means I get another six weeks with any type of treatment.

I am very thankful to the Lord for this continued break from treatment, especially the 3 years I've been able to go without aggressive chemotherapy. Please pray that I will use this time to its fullest. I often feel like the weeks slip by and I don't get much accomplished. I really want to live with a sense of purpose these next six weeks. I have lots of work to do in my job as the trimester ends and grades are due soon. Also in my graduate work, my work on my dissertation has been suffering the last few weeks because of many tests and appointments. I also am looking forward to spending time with my family over Thanksgiving break. I hope that I will be able to really use this time and not let it slip away, because of fatigue or whatever else is getting in the way.

I also could use your continued prayers about my back and right leg. I have severe post-radiation neuropathy all down my right side, from the treatment area at my sacrum to my feet. It began with severe pain and then weakness in my leg. I've been in physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles in my right leg. That is improving, but in the mean time, I seem to have injured my foot. It is hard to diagnose, because my nerves don't send the correct messages, so the pain I feel isn't necessarily a reliable guide to the doctors. I did see a podiatrist and she got me a boot, which has help my foot a lot. I don't wear it all the time, because it unfortunately irritates other parts of my leg. There has been some improvement, though. At the same time, the radiation has caused issues with my right kidney that are making things difficult! It doesn't seem to end, sometimes!

Thanks for thinking of me and praying for me. It means a lot to have so many people looking out for me and supporting me. I trust the Lord to provide what I need over these next weeks and in the New Year, whatever challenges I may face . Thank you for being a part of that provision.