Journal entry by Rachel Welk —
If you hadn't heard it being screamed from the mountain top, my latest scans brought great results. My primary tumor (the cecal mass) is not detectable, and all my tumors are continuing to shrink! We are so thankful to be able to celebrate this victory!
Many have asked what this means going forward. At this point, we are still pushing ahead with the current chemo regime in hopes to shrink the rest of the tumors. Dr DeGreen did turn the one drug (oxaliplatin) back a notch this round to hopefully give me a bit of relief from the nausea, which I think did help. We also discussed a goal of getting to the point that a maintenance regime would keep everything at bay. When you're in the "chemo for life" category, a maintenance regime sounds like a win! Of course my people are still praying for, and anticipating continued miracles of healing. I'm just here for whatever God has in store for my life ❤️ my oncologist's office has also sent my bloodwork to a company that will take a deeper look into my genetics and DNA to see if there are any other things that could be done to treat my cancer.
The past few weeks have brought highs and lows, but my God has remained the same. My solid rock, my refuge and my help.
Attached is a hymn I've come to love.
"I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless. Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting?Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me."
*Annnnd we celebrated some big birthdays last week (Landon 16 and Leona 10) so I attached some pictures from my walk down memory lane ☺️