There are times when it seems that I have lived with George forever but it has only been 16 months and 6 days! Last week we all learned that the last chemo available to me was not working and that I have new tumors on my left tibia. This week I went to radiation for pre-treatment assessment and will get my first treatment Thursday and also learn how many treatments will follow. I have also been going for physical therapy which I continue at home and find very helpful. Last night was rough, I had an extreme amount of pain in my upper back and shoulders which I suspect is coming from tension and stress. No matter how hard I try and trust the facts still invade my thoughts and my attempts at sleep. After learning all that I could last week I decided to try Cancer Treatment Centers of America and learned much from them. As things stand right now I will be flying out to Chicago at the end of April for the care team there to do their own tests and design a plan of care tailored to me and my specific type tumor. This is exciting for me because my tumors have never been tested to see what causes them to divide and grow, by finding this out they will be able to create a drug specific to those markers! I have never had this done before so I am optimistic. Once a month I will fly back out and receive treatment but the plan is to make it possible for my doctor here to follow that plan of treatment so that I will no longer need to travel (this is my hope because I am basically a big baby and get homesick rather quickly!!) Also exciting to me is the fact that they include nutrition, physical therapy, and eastern medicine (acupuncture, etc) in their treatment plan and while I’m there I will also have access to spiritual counseling which is very important to me. I have always said that “I have cancer, cancer doesn’t have me.” Until God decides it is time for me to be called home I will fight against this disease and show the world what God can do!
Psalm 107: 25-30
“For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They mount up to heaven, and go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits end.
Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.”
God never allows a trial without offering his help. Do we ask or do we complain?
Robyn, Always praying for you and following your blog. Happy to see you’re going to the cancer treatment center!! I researched quiet a bit on them when I was going through my battle and told my family I would definitely consider going there if I ever have a recurrence. There is a great book by a lady named Vickid Girard called “There’s no place like Hope” about her battle and treatment at the cancer treatment centers. I pray they can offer you encouragement in your battle!! Your blogs always bless me and I thank you for sharing so much of your journey with us. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers, I find so much comfort from you and others that are praying. I will look for the book and I’m sure it will be both encouraging and enlightening.
Love and prayers to you and yours also,
Robyn