One More Stepping Stone or Cog in the Cancer Proceedure

Yesterday, Thursday, February 17 was my scheduled Chemo treatment. So-- I go up early-headed to work to get a few things done there before heading off to the hospital for the chemo. Terry and I stopped at "Kneaders" one of my favorite sandwich and soup places for lunch. Yumm! We then headed into the Dr.'s Office. The doctor came in and I went through all my aches and pains. I told him that my feet were still numb. But, they felt like they were doing better. I told him that I had some pain in my breast... I mean ya know I do have Breast Cancer.... The right felt much more firm and not soft like it should be. And the left was hard in just certain places. He checked and suggested that we NOT do the Chemo today. I was shocked for a minute. I thought to myself, what could be going on now? The Dr. ordered a CT scan to be checked against the PET scan I had in December. So I left the Dr.'s office and hospital and headed to Imaging.
When Terry and I got to the Imaging department, yes more paperwork. I wished they would just talk to each other. It would save on time. Going over everything over and over and over again can be quite annoying.
The radiologist came and got me and the most embarrassing thing is when they find out how much I weigh (mostly over the phone) they think I am a "TEN TON TILLY". Which I am only a "Chunky Monkey". Anyway--The Radiologist gives me a gown that is a 5X or maybe even 6X. I mean this thing is HUGE, Tent like. I guess you need some fun to go with the not so fun. I got the gown on, I had to tie it up in the back before I put it on... I couldn't reach around that far, then I slipped it over my head. The back hung down open to the middle of my back. Oh the Joys.....
They accessed my port to put dye for the CT scan. The entire CT procedure took about 15 minutes. It was the prep and changing that took the time. Within 2 hours after the proceedure they had the results and notified the Dr. The Dr. call us about 5:45, Terry and I were home by then. The doctor said that there was some thickening in the right breast. That was a shock and concern to him. He said the Chemo should be making the breast supple and soft. Shrinking the cancerous tissue. He said based on the PET scan my cancer showed up at about 6 cm. in December. It has grown to about 7.5 cm. Okay the cancer shouldn't be growing. Positive note: The lymph nodes are getting smaller. But- there are two small nodules in the right lungs they are not sure about. They may be cancer or not... they are too small to biopsy. More JOY!
Sooooo- long story short- They are starting a new Chemo beginning today. This will be every two weeks. Hopefully the cancer will respond and decline instead of grow. Needless to say it was a very emotional night.
But then I got to thinking. Maybe, this Chemo is what is needed to get rid of the cancer. If I would have had the other Chemo it would have taken another three weeks before they knew that this was the way to go. Maybe, I need to remember that I am in the LORD'S hands and all will be well if it is HIS will. My job is to take care of myself, eat properly, get that needed exercise and keep the positive attitude coming in.
My daughters, Janell and Jenni, both said I need to stop taking care of everything by myself. I need to ask for help more often. I can't be in control all the time. So- they have asked a lot of people to join us in a family fast, this Sunday, in my behalf. I would love it if you could join in asking our Father in Heaven to help me and the Dr.'s to find a way this cancer can reduce in size. I already appreciate your love and support. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and asking for help. I have personally felt the effect of the previous fasting and prayer on my behalf. Prayer is a powerful thing. I will keep the faith! Thank you --May the Lord Bless You! Remember: Stepping stones or cogs it all in the attitude!!