Hello family and friends,
It has been a while since I have posted. Thank you for your patience. Nevertheless, a lot has been going on the last couple of months. The last post I shared that my oncologist and MD Anderson have encouraged the next step of my treatment to be a six month cycle of chemo by mouth. I have since submitted to this process about a month and a half ago. This drug will hopefully help to keep active cancer cells from forming. I should have more scans this month, and we pray that the results continue to be void of any active cancer cells. The doctor is scanning me every 3 months because of the frequency my body has of developing new cancer. I am grateful for the aggressive care that my doctors are taking.
This chemo is not as severe as getting it through a port in my veins; however, it does come with its own side effects. I take it everyday: 2 weeks on, the third week off. The third week I have labs and see my oncologist. My labs have been good, and I am thankful for that. I started off by taking 3,000mg of chemo per day. My side effects have been very difficult: fatigue, nausea, confusion, exhaustion. In response, the oncologist has felt it necessary to cut my dosage back 500mg last week. As a result, the confusion is gone. I do still struggle with "chemo brain," fatigue, and exhaustion which is frustrating. By the Lord's grace, I wake up everyday and am pushing forward.
With Covid, I am not able to leave the house excect for doctors appointments. I know we are all dealing with this pandemic and the difficulty. My doctors tell me that in all probability it would be devastating to my body if I caught the virus (not just because of cancer but other pre-existing conditions). I know we are all struggling to keep healthy and stay safe.
Through all of this I have mentioned, Christ Jesus is my only hope. This hope I talk about is a sure thing. Not that He will do things my way, but that He is my Stronghold and my Anchor through it all. He does not disappoint. The Lord has never let me down. He alone is good. As I think about the year ahead, I hold to this wonderful quote (from Corrie Ten Boom.) "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” I sincerely thank you for your ongoing prayers. No gift in life is greater to me. Please pray for me to know the Lord's joy, His presence, His peace, and His love. Please pray that He will use my suffering for His glory and to encourage His people. Please pray for Him to work in and through me and for ultimate healing if it be His will.
I love you all and are thankful for your encouragement through praying, cards, phone calls, texts, and more.
Grace & Peace,
Melissa
Well here you go waiting again... what a godly attitude you have about waiting... God is so using this to mold and make you into His Warrior princess. Praying daily for you... cling to the Healer as I know you are. Much love to you and your mom.🥰❤️🥰
Love you so much. So proud of your faith and your love of GOD.
The joy of the Lord is all over you dear Melissa. What a special visit yesterday by phone. Love and continued daily prayers for His grace and healing power for you and grace for your precious momma. Love you both💜💜
Praying for you, precious. How was your Christmas? Hope is was merry. Tell my friend hello and y'all have a blessed, wonderful new year!
Loved hearing from you! Continuing to pray for you and your mom. You give me so much encouragement ❤️