dwin·dle /ˈdwindl/
verb diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength.
This word can describe so much in my life right now...
Fall reminds us all of change. The trees change colors and lose their leaves. The grass slows its growth and needs less tending. The temperature varies from chilly and brisk to warm and sunny. A new season is upon us and preparations must be made to weather it well.
My last post was a month ago as I was heading up to Portland to see my breast cancer specialist at OHSU. I went armed with notes from my both of oncologists here in southern Oregon. I had questions and concerns. He addressed each one. Since I know some of you will ask, here's a quick recap:
- My current dose of oral chemo has been reduced by 1/3 to hopefully lessen my plethora of side effects. While this drug has had a positive effect on my cancerous activity, we're hopeful it will work at the smaller dose and give me back my life. I am having labwork done every 2 weeks to make sure my tumor cells don't start multiplying again. I'll also have another petscan in December (instead of waiting 6 months) for the same reason. 3 weeks into this change and I'm noticing some improvement. More on that in a bit...
- I am scheduled to go in next week for
to destroy the 2 liver tumors that stubbonly have not responded to treatment. I will have a short hospital stay followed by some time off of work.
- Goals were set in place to help me get moving again. Going with the "energy begets energy" theory, we're hopeful that these baby steps will help with my extreme fatigue. So far, I'm having difficulty staying on course, but my energy is improved slightly. If you would like to join me for short gentle walks, please reach out. Maybe the accountability will help too?
With the dose reduction I mentioned above, I have noticed my nausea and digestive issues have dwindled. I have concerns for new ones...it seems that several other issues have surfaced that were likely there all along, but were overshadowed by these.
Please pray for next week's procedure. The thought of burning something inside my body is a little unnerving! The doctor tells me that this is less invasive than having them surgically removed, but there are still risk factors that I can't ignore. Please pray all goes well and healing is quick. It was difficult to agree to do this right now, going into my busy season at work. More on that later too...
I need to go in to see my integrative oncologist. It's been months since I've seen her and a lot of that time was spent getting my other doctor to listen to me. The problem? My medical funds have dwindled. Her rates went up earlier this year and I no longer qualify for her reduced rate for maintenance since I'm back in active treatment. With my reduced teaching schedule and now missing time next week for this procedure, I'll need help if I'm to have her customized care. Please pray that I will not allow the stress of this to overwhelm me right now. I need to focus on preparing for next week and my regular responsibilities.
He must increase, but I must decrease." - John 3:30
Lord, help ME to dwindle, let this all be less about me and more about you.
I just want to say THANK YOU to those of you who continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. Several of you have reminded me of this these last few weeks and I truly appreciate it. This road is exhausting but full of love and joy! xoxo
EDITED TO ADD:
For those that would like to help, here is the link for donations .
And my friend set up a mealtrain for next week while I'm recovering.
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