Hey Family and Friends,
It's been a while since I've posted. I hope you are doing well and this year has been great. The last time I shared that since September 13, 2021, I have been on a new chemotherapy treatment. Please see my last blog for more information: https://www.melissasjourneyhome.com/post/the-journey-is-getting-harder
I continue to have many of the side effects that I shared in my last post. However, my oncologist has been able to formulate a series of premeds that I take before chemo to help reduce some of those reactions. I still struggle with fatigue, dehydration, low potassium, and nausea to name some. Since my last post, my bloodwork shows that my liver functions are high. The doctor is definitely watching this trend. Stopping this chemo is not an option for me because if treatment is halted, cancer will grow quickly to major organs.
As long as this chemo is working to help shrink or stabilize cancer, I will be taking it. Yes; my doctor does talk about me being on this chemo drug the rest of my life. My pet scan last month showed no new cancer. That's great news! I'm still stage 4 and terminal, hence the treatment continues. I want to be honest with you always. I am so grateful and excited that this chemo is working in my body!! At the same time, it is very hard to imagine being on this drug however long I live because it causes me to be so sick. It effects my quality of life.
However, I take this life a day (sometimes an hour) at a time. A friend said recently to me, "This is not the life you hoped and dreamed for." Correct; however, I know everyone struggles with something. Plus, I have accepted that no matter what the daily suffering or how the journey unfolds, the Lord wants to continue to use me for His glory. He has used these last five and a half years to teach me so much.
To let you know about my schedule...every Monday (except for 1 a month) I have chemotherapy. Two weeks on, one week off. On Wednesdays, I go for fluids which helps me as I usually am dehydrated. Then, I will either have labs or a shot (to help my white blood cell count.) Three days a week, Mama and I are at the hospital (with the exception of one week a month). We do keep busy!
I am eternally grateful for your continued prayers for me and my family. Thank you for reading this blog and sharing.
Grace & Peace,
Melissa
Thank you for sharing your journey with great authenticity. I'm glad this chemo is keeping the cancer at bay, but I completely understand how you can't imagine taking this for the rest of your life. I think you've found the secret and are living it...one day (or hour) at a time in His sufficient grace. I love you, Melissa, and your life IS a bright God-light in the world.
Continued prayers and celebration that you have been walking in faith through this all. What a blessing to know the grace and presence of God is such a powerfully personal way.