Barbara Colwell Little

It's amazing how God maps out our lives! I went for a routine checkup with my FPA one day in late 2021. Megan didn't like my lab results and that led to the journey we are now on. She referred me to Dr. J, the kidney specialist who didn't like what she saw either and explained that I was at stage 3 of kidney disease. She gave me advice, meds, and more tests. Finally, on the next appointment, she said she thought I needed to see a hematologist for further review. Blissfully, we went on our way and waited for someone to call us. Even when Dr. J's nurse called about my appointment with Dr. T and told me that a hematologist was an oncologist, I was calm and collected and said, "Okay." I mean, after all, who immediately thinks the worse? Not us!  

On March 3, we went to Hope Cancer Center in Tyler for our first appointment with my hematologist. We were extremely impressed with Dr. T and the way he explained the procedures (tests) he was going to have me go through. First was 100 pints of blood (slight exaggeration), a 24-hour urine test (I've never enjoyed such a draining experience! lol), and finally a complete body x-ray (that was certainly a prolonged developing experience (28 of those suckers!)!  Finally, after all this, we returned for our second visit with Dr. T on the 24th of March at which time he mentioned the C word for the first time. However, he felt that a bone marrow biopsy was necessary to confirm his suspicion that, like my grandmother, I was facing Multiple Myeloma. 

On April 4th, we went to UTHealth East Texas at the crack of dawn (literally), for the bone marrow biopsy. What can I say about that? Nothing! They sent me to twilight zone, and I awoke refreshed and optimistic. 

On April 7th, by the time we left Hope Cancer Center, Dr. T. was no longer my hematologist. He had become my oncologist.  

Jim and I are completely at peace knowing that God is in the Driver's Seat and we're just along for the ride. We appreciate you riding with us. 

Much love! Barbara and Jim