Sunday, June 28, 2020

Good news amid the chaos

Hello Everyone!  I hope this post finds you well and safe and with loved ones.  If not, I know that Heavenly Father will give you the peace you need to endure all the trials of your life.

Since the scan in March, I have been taking three chemotherapy drugs.  I have taken this same combination in the past, but I had some bowel obstructions while taking this combination, so we took out one of the drugs.  Unfortunately, I have tumor that had been getting a little bigger that last few scans - it was not going back and forth in size like the rest of the tumors.  The doctor suggested we add back in the drug we took out, because it was appearing effective on the tumors at the time.  So, with a commitment to eat more carefully, I started taking all three chemotherapy drugs again. 

Well, I am pleased to announce that ALL the TUMORS got a little SMALLER!!!!!!   Whoo! Hoo!!  We were so excited to hear this form the doctor.  We were not expecting all the tumors to have gotten smaller.  This was really good news that brought us hope and joy.  During this crazy year, with all of the uncertainty, it was really nice to have some good news.  We will take it!  

So, I will keep taking the same three chemotherapy drugs for another 3 months and then have another scan.  Unlike many other cancers, mine does not have a blood marker.  The only way to see the progress of the disease, is with a scan.  

I still have to be careful with my breathing.  Sleeping in the right side is working well, but I get winded easily.  I have to take frequent breaks when exerting myself.  A big THANK YOU to all who helped haul the wood chips to the back yard.  It was a huge pile and we were able to get it moved in an hour with 5 wheel barrows, 8 or more shovels,  and lots of helping hands.  It was amazing to see how fast we got it all done.  I think it will take us a few summers to get spread throughout the yard 😉  Thanks again to all who helped!

We were able to visit my parents last weekend.  They live in a small farming community that has had 0 cases of the virus, so we felt safe visiting.  We were more worried about bringing some sickness to them they were worried about giving something to us.  It was wonderful to see my parents, as we had not seem them since the stay safe, stay home directive.  It reminded me to never take for granted those that we love.  Our friends and family need to hear us from time to time and we need to show our love to them.  Never procrastinate a prompting you get to reach out connect with someone.  Heavenly Father knows each of us and wants us to help lift and comfort one another.

We were able to sing to some wonderful neighbors this morning  (outside and 10+ feet away).  We snag the first verse of I am a Child of God with the descant.  It was a wonderful morning.  We love those that we are able to live by and associate with.  We pray for your safety.  The Sabbath is truly a delight when you are sharing God's love and doing His work.

I love you all!  Thank you for your prayers and hope and love.  Our family is truly blessed because of your faith and devotion.  I know Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us.  He knows what we need to endure in order to progress eternally and become like him.  May we all stay on the straight and narrow path that leads to life external and eternal exaltation.

Love -Doug-