Staying in Today

The PET scan results were favorable - no evidence of disease in the bones, liver and lungs, but some lymph nodes in the chest remain "hot". I will begin chemotherapy on Oct. 30th at Mt. Carmel in Pittsburg. The rotation for chemo will be every week for three weeks, then one week off. The medications include Avastin, cisplatin and gemzar. After two rotations, I will get another PET scan to see how the drugs are working. I am hopeful that the chemo will decrease the cancer, as it did the first time. These three drugs are different from the drugs used after I was first diagnosed, often the cancer cells become resistant to drugs, so the protocol is to change the drugs and "surprise" the tumor cells.
I am feeling more hopeful this week. I am back to work in Topeka, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week during chemo. I am thankful for the miracle of computers and internet, as I am connected with my work, even when I am far away.
I am cherishing time with my family and friends and enjoying the fall colors. Today is a great day.
Please keep me and my family in your prayers.
Therefore, I will not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Matthew 6:34

Blessings to you -
Love to you!
Ellen

In the Valley

I have been traveling "the valley" this week, a little blue and discouraged. Physically, I feel well - the incision has healed and I have no remaining discomfort from the surgery. I saw Dr. Mathew, oncologist from Pittsburg, on Thursday. He has ordered another PET scan for this Thursday and discussed chemotherapy with me and Marlin. Depending on the results of the scan, I may start chemo October 30. The routine will be weekly treatments for three weeks, then one week off.
I return to work this week in Topeka, I'll be there only three days.
I was happy to have Lindsay home this weekend and our family spent some time together - always a good thing.
In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11
Blessings to you.
Love -
Ellen

Contemplation

Marlin and I traveled to St. Louis on Tuesday for follow up with my surgeon. She was pleased with my healing and removed the 2 drains. I had nearly immediate relief from discomfort. Dr. M. shared with me the pathology report - 33 lymph nodes removed and 12 had cancer, the tumors are ER/PR and HER2neu negative, a bit different than last time. This cancer is termed "triple negative" and is considered aggressive. Treatment plans were discussed by the team in St. Louis and the oncologist will discuss the team's recommendations with my oncologist in Pittsburg. I see him next week.
I am praying and thinking about future treatments. I am less in a rush to begin this next round. I hate that cancer "takes over" your life. I am refusing to let it be the center of mine. I will lean on Jesus to help me through the next few months.
I appreciate my pastor's "thought for the day" that I'll share.
When you've exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven't.
Robert H. Schuller
Blessings to you -
Love,
Ellen

Every Season

I am feeling much better since the pleurisy diagnosis on Monday. Yesterday I seemed to be more sore, but today I feel much better and able to breath without pain.

I wanted to share a few of the beautiful fall bouquets I received after my surgery. I have really enjoyed the color and fragrance they lend to our home. I spent today doing alot of "self-care". I got my hair cut real short and colored (red, again), called to make appointments with the dentist, the optometrist, etc. I have been so focused on cancer doctors, that I have postponed other essential health services.

Today is St. Theresa's day (my Catholic friend tells me) and my sister (non-Catholic, but an on-fire Christian) sent me St. Theresa's prayer. St. Theresa was knowns for doing small things to show God's love. Take some time today to show God's love.

I will get a report from the tumor board in St. Louis tomorrow and I see Dr. Mathew, my Pittsburg oncologist, on October 15. I'm sure between the team at Barnes and Dr. Mathew, a new plan will be implemented. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the cards, calls- DELICIOUS food - and mostly your fervent prayers on my behalf.

There is a time for everything and everything on earth its special season. Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Blessings-

Love to you!

Ellen