We were thrown into an unfamiliar world of treatments, research and statistics and we felt pretty overwhelmed. People close to us gave us good advice. St. Mary's where I got the initial diagnosis wanted me to move ahead quickly with treatment but we were urged to get a second opinion. I never ever wanted to do chemotherapy because it is so toxic but since the cancer is so advanced we had to investigate the options. One "natural" therapy place in Arizona looked promising but was $6000.-$8000. per week for 6-8 weeks. I also did not want to be away from my husband and the majority of my support for that long. Another possibility was a doctor in Houston who is developing an alternative therapy. I am still interested in him but again we would have had to pay $14,000 up front and it required 3 weeks in Houston with follow up visits. Since we live so close to Philly there are many options for treatment. We checked out University of Pennsylvania and Fox Chase. We got an appointment with Fox Chase first and were assigned to a doctor who worked at U Penn. He is the chief of gynecological oncology. We immediately had confidence in him and his plan for treatment. We had the port (this is a device planted under my right collarbone to enable blood samples to be taken and drugs to be administered) placed Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Wednesday the 2nd I had to have more fluid removed as I was having difficulty breathing. We are relying on the Lord to help and heal us. There are no guarantees with any therapy natural or otherwise. However, our research uncovered loads of helpful information about eating healthy and foods that help combat cancer. It is s battle and we are using whatever tools we can.
to be continued...
Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. I don't know if you have read any Octavious Winslow. I was given this when I was at FBC and copied it into my Bible. It has been a great source of comfort to me over the years. I pray it is a comfort to you. I am still praying. Pam Johnson
ReplyDeleteIt would help If I included it, “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain you.” Psalm 55:22 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)]
ReplyDeleteIt is by an act of simple, prayerful faith we transfer our cares and anxieties, our sorrows and needs, to the Lord. Jesus invites you come and lean upon Him, and to lean with all your might upon that arm that balances the universe, and upon that bosom that bled for you upon the soldier’s spear! But you doubtingly ask, “Is the Lord able to do this thing for me ?” And thus, while you are debating a matter about which there is not the shadow of a shade of doubt, the burden is crushing your gentle spirit to the dust. And all the while Jesus stands at your side and lovingly says:
“Cast your burden upon Me and I will sustain you. I am God Almighty. I bore the load of your sin and condemnation up the steep of Calvary, and the same power of omnipotence, and the same strength of love that bore it all for you then, is prepared to bear your need and sorrow now. Roll it all upon Me! Child of My love! Lean hard! Let Me feel the pressure of your care. I know your burden, child! I shaped it—I poised it in My own hand and made no proportion of its weight to your unaided strength. For even as I laid it on, I said I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, this burden shall be Mine, not hers. So shall I keep My child within the encircling arms of My own love. Here lay it down! Do not fear to impose it on a shoulder which upholds the government of worlds! Yet closer come! You are not near enough! I would embrace your burden, so I might feel My child reposing on My breast. You love Me! I know it. Doubt not, then. But, loving me, lean hard!”
Octavius Winslow, Christ’s Sympathy to Weary Pilgrims, (1808 – 1878)
Praying for you daily! Keto diets have been known to fight cancer and of course you should talk to Scott B. Love, Toni <3
ReplyDeleteContinuing to keep you in prayer. Today it was during shower time :) We are familiar with that port, David is on his second one. Makes the meds so much easier. My sis, Cathy, had great response with special healthy diet and mild exercise when she went through Chemo. She remained healthier than others. So I encourage you in that. Big Hugs.
ReplyDeletePraying as you walk through this chapter
ReplyDeleteWow, so glad you felt like writing because I was thinking about you all day yesterday and I am so happy to have an update. You're a good writer. So cool that you were given the chief of gyn. oncology. That's a praise. Let me know if you have any specific prayer requests.
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