In the beginning of December, I
several things that were going on or coming soon. It's time for an update.
My full body petscan showed that all but 2 tumors are responding to my current treatment. Those 2 active tumors are in my liver and continue to grow. I'm scheduled for radiofrequency ablation for them on Jan 6th but my insurance has continued to deny coverage despite multiple appeals. I have a hearing before a judge tomorrow to decide whether or not my insurance should pay. I have spent countless hours this week preparing my case and tonight I have to write a statement to present. Please pray I can think clearly and find the right words. I am representing myself at the hearing and my nerves are shot. I am not an attorney. Please be praying during the hearing too. Normally, it would take up to 30 days for the judge to give his orders but I'm hoping they'll take into consideration that I'm scheduled for the procedure in 6 days and I've already been waiting for this "urgent procedure" for over 2 and a half months.
Meanwhile, my liver is in distress and is causing me pain. I could go on and on about the laundry list of symptoms I'm experiencing daily but what's the point? The important stuff: My labs show my liver enzymes are elevated (showing increasing liver damage) and my white blood cell count and neutrophils are down (increasing my risk of infection). Please pray for healing and protection.
I saw the doctor in Seattle and I was disappointed. I was under the impression he had an alternative treatment plan to offer me. I was wrong. All he talked about was putting a port back in me and starting chemo. No thanks. He only modifies how it's administered, not the treatment itself. Nope, nope, nope. Been there, done that. And he wants to use the same chemo drugs my doctor pulled me off of due to issues.
My studio is now closed. After tomorrow's hearing, I'll have 5 days to pack it up, clear it out, and turn in my keys. Some eleventh hour options were presented to help keep me open but the reality is clear. I have to close. The break in working has helped with my back and foot pain, but I'm already missing my artbaby.😭
Friends, I have one last prayer request. Please keep my family in your prayers, not just for healing my physical body, but also for our mental and spiritual wellbeing. While I'm thankful to have the loving support of my husband, I'm seeing the effect on him. He's my main caregiver... but no one is taking care of him. If I'm stressed, he's stressed. If I'm in pain, he's stressed and helpless. I hesitate to share things with him because I see the burden he already carries *just being there for me*. He holds back too, not wanting to add to my load. There soooo much you all don't see or hear...the tears, the anger, the heartache, the brokenness. My faith falters and my strength weakens, yet this isn't over yet. God still has plans for me.
UPDATED 12/31/19 TO ADD:
Thank you all for praying. ❤
My hearing is over. I do not feel good about how it went. The judge has til 5 PM Monday to issue orders. (My procedure is scheduled for 11 AM Monday) Praying for a miracle.
I'm praying for you, Tika. For all of it.