Hello friends and prayer warriors! Early this week marks the halfway point in chemo and radiation treatments, with 3 of 6 chemo and 14 of 28 radiation sessions completed. We feel the radiation is working; making the tumor shrink as I can eat almost normally, albeit still supplemented 24/7 with the feeding tube. I have even gained a few well-needed pounds. We've been very fortunate that we have not encountered many of the side effects of chemo that we hear about with so many people. So far no nausea, extremity numbness, hair loss (no comments ), infections, etc., although I am very fatigued and sleeping more than our dog. The doctor says the fatigue is normal, but I'm sure looking forward to getting my strength and energy back.  Overall, I feel I am doing better than expected, and staying strong & confident that we will beat this thing!

 

While we may be at the edge of the forest, the doctor warns we are not out of the woods. We ask for continued thoughts and prayers for a 100% disappearance of the tumor, that no surgery is required, and that there is no later reoccurrence.  The doctors think that the no-surgery scenario is a stretch, as in 95% of the cases, surgery is required to remove what is left of the tumor, as well as any affected lymph nodes.  We'll do what we can do, and rest in confidence that the rest is in God's hands and the hands of the amazing medical team.

 

Sincere gratitude and love to the many, many friends, and family who regularly reach out and check on me. And while I can't hear from everyone; I know there are large groups of people at my work, the fire department, my church (and friends and family's churches) that keep me lifted up with prayers and positive energy. Please know that these actions have healed and sustained me since this craziness started and I KNOW I would not be this far along without your efforts. Again, and from the bottom of my heart - thank you!