Graduations and More

Many wonderful events have taken place since the last time I posted.  Our Mary had her last choir concert, choir banquet, church graduation dinner and high school graduation.  All of them were special occasions celebrating her high school career. Then Jamie graduated last Saturday with a bachelor's degree from Harding. We are so proud of both of them for their hard work.  It really has been completely joyful to watch these two milestones of our youngest children.  Tom and I were teary eyed as we saw each of them (one week apart)  march across the stage.  I'm grateful to God that I was there to witness it.  (Thank You, O God!!!) One more big milestone left...the wedding! Only 2 weeks and 2 days till our Betsy's wedding day!  We're still in Wedding Central mode...but it has been wonderful!

Here is an update of my medical appointments.

April 1st - I went in for an appointment with my oncologist.  My blood counts were too low, specifically my white blood count, so I did not get chemo that day. She brought up whether I wanted to get scans and Tom and I said we'd rather wait till the summer, after the wedding.   My doctor did prescribe a bag of saline fluid, with the idea of just boosting my whole body with fluids. (Maybe they thought I was a little dehydrated, not sure.)

April 8th - Got lab work again, counts were up and I did get the chemo and Zometa. Yay.

April 22nd - Went in, saw doctor, got lab work.  My white blood count was too low again, so I did not get chemo but got a bag of fluid again.

April 29th - Tried again.  My counts had gone up. Got chemo and Zometa.

May 13th - Got lab work, but counts were down again.  Did not get chemo or fluids. 


The routine should be that I get the chemo every two weeks.  But what has been happening is that I go in and my white blood count is low.  I come back the next week and they are fine again.  I'm wondering if she will just go ahead and establish the treatments 3 weeks apart.  It seems as though my body just isn't bouncing back in two weeks.  It needs one more week to recuperate.  Some people have asked me "how many more treatments will I get?".  The answer is I just don't know.  I will probably have scans done in June or July.  When I get the scans, depending on what the results are, my doctor will decide what we'll do next...continue the chemo if it's been successful, stop the chemo if it has not.  For now, I'll continue this chemo until scans are done.

My physical response to the chemo has been very good overall.  Very little nausea (although, let me just say,  I will not be eating catfish for a VERY loooong time...probably forever).  My appetite has been better, minus the nausea, so I've gained back about 5+ pounds.  Fatigue really is the main issue I deal with on a daily basis.  I just try to pace my energy, take a nap on busy social days to save energy for "getting out", etc.  I'm thankful for so few side effects, really thankful.  God has taken care of me day by day.

I do have a new issue that I would love for you all to pray about for me.  There is some swelling in my right leg, more specifically, in my upper leg (thigh) that has slowly developed in the past week or two.  I showed it to the nurse on Monday and she said to let her know if it gets worse.  I don't think it's worse, but I'm wondering if it's any better.  It is not in pain really, but feels tender to the touch, like when you have a bruise.  Please pray for this swelling to go away, for any fluids to dissipate or whatever is going on to be healed.

Also, I woke up this morning with strong pain in my left arm.  Not sure what that is about...but will pay attention to it today.  I may need to go in and see about that.

I will go back this coming Monday, May 20th.  Please pray for the blood counts to be in the normal range.  And please pray for continued strength, especially for the upcoming wedding. There is SO much going on right now with our whole family.  Please pray for Tom and the children, that God would give our home increased peace and strength during the wonderful season of joy.

Father God,
It's a new day.  We come to you praising You for one more day of life.  The potential in this day is in Your hands...how it will proceed, how the hours will move forward.  I ask that You walk with us closely, all who read this Lord, walk with us so that we will not waste each precious hour, but that they will all be used carefully to bring glory to Your Name. 
I do ask for healing...again, O God.  Healing from my head to my toes.  No cancer. No pain. No swelling.  No wandering in my mind towards the future.  Let me live today fully.  Help me to trust You today completely with my heart, my body, my mind and my soul.  I give this day to You, the best I can in my humanness. I love You, God.  I cannot live this day without You.
Your daughter,   Lisa