" But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I will praise you forever, because you have done it; And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on your name, for it is good."  Psalm 52: 8-9

A little slow to post this blog but it was a bit of a rough week. Don't get me wrong, it was a week full of mercy, I just did not have the energy to write about it. My body is weak but it is well with my soul. So much good news to share. I went to Fox Chase not knowing if my blood counts would allow treatment but they were all good. There was no problem with the port as on the previous week when I was probably a bit dehydrated. The doctor then told me my C124 cancer marker was down to 800. It was 1600 when they tested at St. Mary's in early November and it was down to 1200 when I began treatment at Fox Chase which means it actually fell 400 points before I even started Chemo. That and the fact that I was told today that my stomach was soft and the doctor said he did not feel the mass is all mercy. And then they decided to just skip that lost week and continue on schedule so I am not behind after all. That is why it was a little rough this week because I had both drugs but from what I have heard my side effects are minimal compared to what some people go through and I am really happy that I am back on schedule. One more treatment and I get a break from chemo. The plan now is to get a CT scan to see if the cancer has shrunk and then I meet with the doctor to discuss surgery. He has told me it will have to be at least three weeks after stopping the chemo. 

Thanks for prayers...please don't stop now. God is good.

Bit of a Setback or My Agenda vs. God's Agenda

Was planning on getting the last treatment of the second round of chemo today. It would have been number 6 out of 9. Could not have it because my white blood cells are too low. I am immune compromised right now. One of the nurses said it was my body telling me I need a break from chemo. No kidding! So I was a little shaken because I just want to get this over with. I did get to ask the doctor about surgery and what the plan is. He said we would do a CT scan when the first round of chemo is finished and then meet to talk about it and schedule surgery but it would be at least three weeks after chemo ends. Oh. So I have had to do a little expectation adjustment. 

There were a few bright spots in all of this. One is that Bette Jo was with me and since we did not have to spend the afternoon in the infusion room she took me out to lunch at an organic restaurant. Then she took me to Trader Joe's which was so helpful. I needed supplies but did not want to drive myself. Thanks Bette Jo and Chris for joining us. It was much more fun that spending the afternoon in the infusion room.

Another is that after getting examined for the umteenth time I asked the doctor what he could actually feel and what he was looking for. He said what he did NOT feel was a mass. I am holding onto the hope that it is shrinking.

As we were leaving Fox Chase Bette spied a woman that looked familiar and approached her. She was a neighbor. Talking to her we found out she had the same diagnosis as me two years ago and wants to keep in touch to see how I get on. It was no chance encounter. The timing was too like a "Divine Appointment" so we will try to keep in contact and see where it goes. 

So I have to employ my chosen word for 2016 ... TRUST ... "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6  His agenda is always better than mine.