I thought I would be better at updating the blog but I have found myself sick or resting more than expected with each round of chemotherapy. The good news is that I only have one more round of chemotherapy! Below is a recap of the last few months but here is the update of next steps. My last round is scheduled for February 9^th. My platelets dropped a little bit this last round, but as of now everything is still on track to continue as scheduled for round 6. Tomorrow I have my pre-consultation with the surgeon, as surgery will be my next action in removing the cancer. From this appointment, I will get more information on what scans will be needed and a timeline between the end of chemotherapy and a surgery date. Scans after round 3 did show that the chemotherapy and immunotherapy were working well to shrink the tumor.

These last few months have by no means been easy for any of us. However, it has been in times of desperation and need that I see God’s greatness and my humility. I am continually grateful for neighbors, school families, and small group members providing meals for us on a regular basis. Each round, a friend from out of state as graciously left their family or work and given up their time to serve and care for my family. I could not have made it through many of my rounds without their help and the help of friends nearby packing a bag and staying with us overnight. Thank you for the constant upholding of our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Our current specific prayer requests are:

1. A solid finish to the chemotherapy,
2. A productive and clarifying appointment with the surgeon, and
3. Peace of mind and heart for my children and family as I have the surgery.

Round 5

Overview of the last few months:

After my bought with mucositis in my throat and intestines during Round 1, I contracted a stomach virus the following week. I continued with my second round of treatment November 17^th even though my body was not fully recovered from the mucositis and virus. Round 2 ended up being my worst round. I was in bed almost all the time for 12 days straight with severe side effects and abdominal pain. Over Thanksgiving break, the pain was severe enough that I was unable to drink water without intense pain and spent six hours in the local Emergency Department receiving fluids. All these events led to many discussions with my doctor about how best to manage my care. My pain management was modified, as well as, the chemotherapy drug doses reduced slightly. With these changes, I had a mild Round 3 in early December. I was able to enjoy all of Christmas break with the children. We had wonderful visits with grandparents and friends. Matthew was even able to enjoy his first musical, The Grinch, with Uncle Matt Moore and had a wonderful time. We were also able to go indoor sledding (because that is about the only way it can be done in North Texas)! Round 4 started off fairly calm but then all three of us came down with an upper respiratory virus. Although my intestinal side effects were minimal, I was unable to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and keep my blood pressure at a safe and normal level. Fortunately, I was already scheduled for daily hydration the following week. Also, my friend, Amy Reno, graciously gave of her time, energy, and resources to fly in from Washington, DC and be with us for the whole first week of chemotherapy. Recovery from Round 4 was a little slower but we are all relatively healthy (the kids) and on the mend from the chest cold and sinus infection. Round 5 was still a battle of hydration but the intestinal discomforts were more managed. I can feel the accumulation of toxicity and other side effects (e.g., bruising under the finger and toe nails along with numbness), but know the end is in sight!