It's the Final Countdown

(Eleven Treatments are DONE!)

To God be the glory- eleven chemotherapy treatments are completed!! That means I have just one more treatment left. It is surreal to think we are finally at this point of my cancer journey.

My eleventh treatment was rather uneventful for the most part, thankfully. I am so glad there is modern medicine that helps with nausea! My blood pressure dropped drastically as we were about to leave the cancer center (a side effect of one of the chemo drugs), but my immensely capable nurses quickly helped me get comfortable and gave me more iv fluids to stabilize my blood pressure. It returned to normal and I was able to go home and spend the rest of Monday in bed.

The heat this week is horrible for everyone, but it completely saps my energy in just a few minutes outside, so I will be mostly indoors as this heat wave progresses. I did venture out this weekend to attend a wedding of two college students (see proof of life picture below). Nathan and I have noticed my energy levels and brain fog are very present now, so we try to carefully balance ‘outings’ with rest time.

In two weeks, I will receive my last chemo infusion! It is strange to think that this ‘thing’ that has become a part of our lives will be ending, and honestly, I do not know what the future holds beyond that. Some side effects may disappear, but others may linger. I am so thankful that though I don’t know the future, I know the One who holds my future in His hands. God’s plans are good, and we are trusting Him for guidance each step of the way.

Praises:

• My white blood cell and neutrophil counts are within normal range, which allowed me to receive chemotherapy treatment.

• ELEVEN treatments are complete! ONE more to go, Lord willing.

• Adding additional medication seems to help my nausea stay under control.

• The somewhat slower summer pace (that’s funny, because it’s still busy) has given me plenty of time for rest and breaks when my energy is low.

• My CT Scan is scheduled, as is my post-scan appointment with the oncologist. Both will be the last week in July, which means we can go on vacation without those appointments hanging over our heads. It also means we should have definitive news about the efficacy of my chemotherapy treatment by the end of the month.

Prayer Requests:

• Continued ‘normal’ WBC and neutrophil numbers throughout the rest of my treatment

• Pray for me to be able to endure —for ONE LAST TIME— any side effects from the chemotherapy infusion.

• Date of the final infusion treatment: July 13.

• Date for removal of the pump (which would be the last portion of my chemo treatment): July 15.

• Date for CT Scan and doctor’s appointment: July 28 and 30

• Pray for there to be no evidence of disease when all of the test results come in!

• We have planned a trip in early August to our favorite beach spot. Pray that it will be a time of rest, recovery and sweet family ‘togetherness’ before the fall semester starts.

• We have no idea what life looks like on the other side of cancer treatments, and how to adjust back to normal (what is normal anymore?). Pray for us to have wisdom as we shift back to life without chemo treatments. Pray that I will give myself, my family and my friends grace as we navigate new things together.

We are so appreciative of your love and prayers! Please check out my GoFundMe fundraiser and MealTrain calendar, so if you feel so led. We are thankful for the support of many!!