Meredith was scheduled to have her final infusion of Cycle Two today. However, after meeting with her doctor, he thought it would be best to wait a couple of weeks due to the continued numbness in her toes. She met with a neurologist today who wasn't overly concerned, but because the medicine is still so new, they just don't know how it will affect her nervous system. She will carefully monitor the numbness for the next two weeks to be sure it doesn't spread or worsen. If it stays as is or lessens, the concern level will remain low.
She had more bloodwork today (shocker!) so please continue to pray for her veins as they are being pushed to the limit!! She will undergo some sensory neuro tests in the next few weeks to rule out different things and see if they can pinpoint the cause of the numbness. The good news is that she will still have her scan next week, so we will find out soon how effective this round of treatment has been!!
Meredith and Vic were able to get on a standby flight out of Boston a few minutes ago, one of the last flights out of there as severe winter weather is setting in up north. They are exhausted but thankful they were able to get a flight this evening as their original flight was canceled due to the weather!!
I know she appreciates all of the calls and texts so much, so thank you for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. It encourages her to hear from you! Please don't be concerned if you don't hear back from her right away, especially when she is in Boston as these trips are a whirlwind of racing to and from airports and doctor appointments and treatments. The travel alone is so physically exhausting without throwing in the emotional exhaustion on top of that. But she is getting your messages and appreciates them so much!
This is the latest news, and I will post here again when we get scan results next week, probably Tuesday or Wednesday. Praying for more great news!!!
Monday, January 26, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
New prayer request
Most of you already know that Meredith has been experiencing some numbness in her toes. She had an MRI last week that came back all clear, thankfully! She is in Boston this morning for her next infusion, but her doctors are still concerned about the continued numbness. They deemed her fit for treatment today, but they want her back in Boston next week to see a neurologist.
If the numbness spreads to her feet or up at all, this will be considered an emergency and treatment would stop. Also, they would have to give her another kind of medication that would counteract the immunotherapy drugs that have been combating the cancer.
Please pray that the numbness would subside and not spread! We also want to get a good report from the neurologist next week. After today, Meredith has one more treatment (on Jan 26) before her next scan (probably Feb 2). We are always praying for good results from that!
If the numbness spreads to her feet or up at all, this will be considered an emergency and treatment would stop. Also, they would have to give her another kind of medication that would counteract the immunotherapy drugs that have been combating the cancer.
Please pray that the numbness would subside and not spread! We also want to get a good report from the neurologist next week. After today, Meredith has one more treatment (on Jan 26) before her next scan (probably Feb 2). We are always praying for good results from that!
Monday, January 5, 2015
The Latest
Y’all! I have waited too long to update the blog (6 family Christmases later… I have a BIG family), so I’ll spare you a novel and just give you the quick rundown. We’ve had a few hiccups the past few weeks and a few new prayer requests, but overall things are still looking very positive! I am still so very excited and grateful that the treatment is working. It makes all the inconvenience of travel, the pain of the infusion and the side effects SO MUCH EASIER to endure. I’m just so very, very thankful.
Here’s the latest…
MRI This Week:
I’ll be getting an MRI of my spine this week to see if there is any possible nerve damage. I’ve had an issue with my toes going numb, and it’s become more frequent over the past week. Dr. Sullivan wants to rule out any issues with my spinal cord so we are starting there and will find out this week. This is a phase 1 trial, and has only been going on for 6 months, so side effects and long-term issues due to the treatment is still relatively unknown. When out-of-the-ordinary side effects surface, like numb toes, we just have to go through the process of elimination to determine the source.
What’s Going on with Treatment:
I’m two rounds into cycle two and only two more infusions to go before I complete cycle 2 and get my next scan. Yay! My infusions are still going well. I did have a mild allergic reaction during my December 15th infusion, but a few benadryls later and I was good as new. I do have a new prayer request related to my infusions though– my veins are not being cooperative, and my nurse is having trouble finding a vein where he can advance a catheter enough to give me the infusion. Trying to find a good vein is fairly unpleasant. It means multiple needle sticks and some working with the catheter in my arm, which causes some intense burning.
Because I get frequent bloodwork and an infusion every other week, my veins have developed scar tissue that blocks the catheter. I am not a candidate for a port, because melanoma patients are at high risk for blood clots, so we have no other options than to whip my veins into shape and beat them into submission! Would y’all please pray my veins will hold up?
Next Scans and Next Steps:
Dr. Sullivan was so excited about my December scans, as were the nurses and nurse practitioners. Good news travels fast, and I have had so many people come up to me in the hospital with a congratulatory hug or a high five. Let me digress for a moment to say how incredibly grateful we are for Mass General and their amazing staff. The level of care I have received is nothing short of spectacular, and it feels like my doctors and nurses are family now. Y'all I just LOVE THEM. They are an answer to prayer.
Anyway, I asked Dr. S what would happen if my tumors completely disappear after another cycle or two. The treatment schedule for this trial is for 24 months, so technically I have 46 treatments to go. BUT, he said that if I’m a complete responder, he is going to talk to the trial sponsor about letting me leave the trial early. YAY! There is no protocol for complete responders yet, but Lord willing, I plan to be the first of many. ;) How amazing would that be?!
How I’m Feeling:
Not great, but not bedridden, so that's a win! As treatment has progressed, my fatigue has increased, and I just feel crummy overall. Nausea sneaks up on me off and on every day, but it's totally manageable.
I’m learning my limits and coming to terms with the fact that I just cannot do everything I used to do. There is simply not enough energy in my reserve. But. I have no complaints. These are all VERY minor discomforts and it could be so much worse.
I remind myself daily that this is just a season. I won’t always be in treatment, and I believe there is a day coming when I will feel so much better, dare I say NORMAL again!
But for now, it’s time for battle. I am so grateful for you, my prayer warriors and friends, for fighting with me. Thank you for continuing to hold me up in prayer, encourage me with your words, cards, and messages, and for finding ways to love us.
I’ll close with a passage that really spoke to me over the course of a rough past week. I hope it will encourage you too!
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened[c]—
burnt offerings and sin offerings[d] you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.[e]
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, Lord;
come quickly, Lord, to help me.
14 May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.
Here’s the latest…
MRI This Week:
I’ll be getting an MRI of my spine this week to see if there is any possible nerve damage. I’ve had an issue with my toes going numb, and it’s become more frequent over the past week. Dr. Sullivan wants to rule out any issues with my spinal cord so we are starting there and will find out this week. This is a phase 1 trial, and has only been going on for 6 months, so side effects and long-term issues due to the treatment is still relatively unknown. When out-of-the-ordinary side effects surface, like numb toes, we just have to go through the process of elimination to determine the source.
What’s Going on with Treatment:
I’m two rounds into cycle two and only two more infusions to go before I complete cycle 2 and get my next scan. Yay! My infusions are still going well. I did have a mild allergic reaction during my December 15th infusion, but a few benadryls later and I was good as new. I do have a new prayer request related to my infusions though– my veins are not being cooperative, and my nurse is having trouble finding a vein where he can advance a catheter enough to give me the infusion. Trying to find a good vein is fairly unpleasant. It means multiple needle sticks and some working with the catheter in my arm, which causes some intense burning.
Because I get frequent bloodwork and an infusion every other week, my veins have developed scar tissue that blocks the catheter. I am not a candidate for a port, because melanoma patients are at high risk for blood clots, so we have no other options than to whip my veins into shape and beat them into submission! Would y’all please pray my veins will hold up?
Next Scans and Next Steps:
Dr. Sullivan was so excited about my December scans, as were the nurses and nurse practitioners. Good news travels fast, and I have had so many people come up to me in the hospital with a congratulatory hug or a high five. Let me digress for a moment to say how incredibly grateful we are for Mass General and their amazing staff. The level of care I have received is nothing short of spectacular, and it feels like my doctors and nurses are family now. Y'all I just LOVE THEM. They are an answer to prayer.
Anyway, I asked Dr. S what would happen if my tumors completely disappear after another cycle or two. The treatment schedule for this trial is for 24 months, so technically I have 46 treatments to go. BUT, he said that if I’m a complete responder, he is going to talk to the trial sponsor about letting me leave the trial early. YAY! There is no protocol for complete responders yet, but Lord willing, I plan to be the first of many. ;) How amazing would that be?!
How I’m Feeling:
Not great, but not bedridden, so that's a win! As treatment has progressed, my fatigue has increased, and I just feel crummy overall. Nausea sneaks up on me off and on every day, but it's totally manageable.
I’m learning my limits and coming to terms with the fact that I just cannot do everything I used to do. There is simply not enough energy in my reserve. But. I have no complaints. These are all VERY minor discomforts and it could be so much worse.
I remind myself daily that this is just a season. I won’t always be in treatment, and I believe there is a day coming when I will feel so much better, dare I say NORMAL again!
But for now, it’s time for battle. I am so grateful for you, my prayer warriors and friends, for fighting with me. Thank you for continuing to hold me up in prayer, encourage me with your words, cards, and messages, and for finding ways to love us.
I’ll close with a passage that really spoke to me over the course of a rough past week. I hope it will encourage you too!
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened[c]—
burnt offerings and sin offerings[d] you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.[e]
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, Lord;
come quickly, Lord, to help me.
14 May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Y'all....Did that really just happen?! The final report...
Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! (insert the dancing lady in the red dress emoji)
I have to be honest. I'm still squealing over here in Mississippi. There was no way to prepare myself for these scan results, and I will NEVER forget Tuesday, December 9 as long as God gives me air to breath!
That morning, the radiologist called us in (Vic's parents were with us) maybe 10 minutes after my scans. The first thing he said was, "Well. I have good news. I don't even know what to say, so I'll just show you," and he pulled up the images for us to see as we sat down in front of his computer. The difference was incredible. I couldn't even see the two smaller spots, and the largest spot looked like a speck on the screen. My inlaws were jumping and celebrating behind us, and I just sat there speechless with my jaw on the floor. The radiologist incredulously demanded to know what medicine they were giving me and said, "Do you even know how lucky you are?" After about 5 minutes of just staring at everyone in the room with my mouth agape, there were fist bumps, high fives and lots of hugging, screaming and fist pumping. Needless to say, we threw a big party that night, and we are still celebrating and thanking God.
We received the actual written report from the doctor the day after, and the results are nothing short of miraculous. I had 3 measurable tumors in my lungs: a 10 mm tumor, a 6.4 mm tumor and a 4.2 mm tumor. After 1 cycle of treatment over 8 weeks, the 10 mm tumor is now 3 mm; the 6.4 mm tumor is GONE; and the 4.2 mm tumor is almost 2 mm now (we initially thought this one was completely gone too).
The fact that, in the words of the radiologist, the tumors appear to be "melting away" is unheard of. A metastatic melanoma diagnosis doesn't give you the "luxury" of hoping for remission. It gives you a death sentence. That sounds awful and harsh, but, barring a miracle, that is reality. So you can imagine our great rejoicing over this VERY promising news!! I am overwhelmed at the goodness of our God.
I leave for treatment this weekend and start cycle 2 on Monday. I have approximately 8 million questions for my oncologist regarding what my scan results mean for me long term. What happens if after another cycle or 2 of treatment my tumors disappear completely? Will I keep taking treatments? Will I be considered in remission? Could these results be durable? As in, forever??
I hope to have an answer to these questions so that I can give a more formal update when I return from Boston next week. Regardless, we are so thrilled and SO THANKFUL for this renewed hope. We are so grateful that Jesus led us to EXACTLY the treatment I needed, and then proceeded to open up a spot for me in a trial that was already full. He has shown us incredible mercy and grace throughout this journey. Let me say it again, as loudly as possible, thank you Lord!
I love you all so much and SO APPRECIATE you walking through this with me. You will never, ever know how grateful I am to you all. One day, when this is all over, we are having a HUGE party. You are all invited. I insist! (Just don't mention it to Vic until alllll the tumors are gone.)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -Eph 3:20-21
Love,
Meredith
I have to be honest. I'm still squealing over here in Mississippi. There was no way to prepare myself for these scan results, and I will NEVER forget Tuesday, December 9 as long as God gives me air to breath!
That morning, the radiologist called us in (Vic's parents were with us) maybe 10 minutes after my scans. The first thing he said was, "Well. I have good news. I don't even know what to say, so I'll just show you," and he pulled up the images for us to see as we sat down in front of his computer. The difference was incredible. I couldn't even see the two smaller spots, and the largest spot looked like a speck on the screen. My inlaws were jumping and celebrating behind us, and I just sat there speechless with my jaw on the floor. The radiologist incredulously demanded to know what medicine they were giving me and said, "Do you even know how lucky you are?" After about 5 minutes of just staring at everyone in the room with my mouth agape, there were fist bumps, high fives and lots of hugging, screaming and fist pumping. Needless to say, we threw a big party that night, and we are still celebrating and thanking God.
We received the actual written report from the doctor the day after, and the results are nothing short of miraculous. I had 3 measurable tumors in my lungs: a 10 mm tumor, a 6.4 mm tumor and a 4.2 mm tumor. After 1 cycle of treatment over 8 weeks, the 10 mm tumor is now 3 mm; the 6.4 mm tumor is GONE; and the 4.2 mm tumor is almost 2 mm now (we initially thought this one was completely gone too).
The fact that, in the words of the radiologist, the tumors appear to be "melting away" is unheard of. A metastatic melanoma diagnosis doesn't give you the "luxury" of hoping for remission. It gives you a death sentence. That sounds awful and harsh, but, barring a miracle, that is reality. So you can imagine our great rejoicing over this VERY promising news!! I am overwhelmed at the goodness of our God.
I leave for treatment this weekend and start cycle 2 on Monday. I have approximately 8 million questions for my oncologist regarding what my scan results mean for me long term. What happens if after another cycle or 2 of treatment my tumors disappear completely? Will I keep taking treatments? Will I be considered in remission? Could these results be durable? As in, forever??
I hope to have an answer to these questions so that I can give a more formal update when I return from Boston next week. Regardless, we are so thrilled and SO THANKFUL for this renewed hope. We are so grateful that Jesus led us to EXACTLY the treatment I needed, and then proceeded to open up a spot for me in a trial that was already full. He has shown us incredible mercy and grace throughout this journey. Let me say it again, as loudly as possible, thank you Lord!
I love you all so much and SO APPRECIATE you walking through this with me. You will never, ever know how grateful I am to you all. One day, when this is all over, we are having a HUGE party. You are all invited. I insist! (Just don't mention it to Vic until alllll the tumors are gone.)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -Eph 3:20-21
Love,
Meredith
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Glory to God in the HIGHEST
and on earth, PEACE.
I'm struggling to type as I'm swimming in a pool of tears. Tears of joy, thanksgiving and ECSTASY. The two small spots that were on Meredith's lungs have disappeared, and the large tumor that was previously 10 mm is now 1-2 mm. Meredith's doctors described the results of her scan by saying the cancer had "melted away." Her doctor is amazed, but I think he is in the minority in that respect. For most people, stage 4 melanoma is a certain death sentence. Today, our God has said, "not for Meredith."
I'm so overwhelmed right now and feel the need to just let this sink in as we praise the Lord and celebrate together. I"m certain that Meredith will want to post here later, but I know so many of you were praying and waiting for news so I at least wanted to post here right away.
THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See the comparison below. The original scan is on the right; the tumor is on the upper left corner. The new scan is on the left!!
I'm struggling to type as I'm swimming in a pool of tears. Tears of joy, thanksgiving and ECSTASY. The two small spots that were on Meredith's lungs have disappeared, and the large tumor that was previously 10 mm is now 1-2 mm. Meredith's doctors described the results of her scan by saying the cancer had "melted away." Her doctor is amazed, but I think he is in the minority in that respect. For most people, stage 4 melanoma is a certain death sentence. Today, our God has said, "not for Meredith."
I'm so overwhelmed right now and feel the need to just let this sink in as we praise the Lord and celebrate together. I"m certain that Meredith will want to post here later, but I know so many of you were praying and waiting for news so I at least wanted to post here right away.
THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See the comparison below. The original scan is on the right; the tumor is on the upper left corner. The new scan is on the left!!
Monday, December 8, 2014
Scan Me Already!!
Ready or not, here we go! And let me say I am READY. Tomorrow is everything that we’ve been working towards. Cycle 1 of treatment is complete and tomorrow’s scans will reveal whether or not my body is responding to treatment. I’m so excited for this important step and hopeful we will receive good news. My sister is planning a celebratory dumping of a Gatorade ice bath over my head in the parking lot of the imaging center after good results. #winning (I told her I’d rather get tickets to the Orange Bowl instead. Dan Mullen are you reading this? I’m available to sit on the bench with the team for moral support, FYI).
But really, I fluctuate from extreme anxiety and excitement over these scans tomorrow. They are scheduled for 9:00 a.m., and we will have results same day. Emily will be posting results here tomorrow! Thank you, thank you THANK YOU for praying for us!!! It gives me great peace and hope knowing so many of you are lifting us up in your prayers. It’s such an important milestone for us, and I just can’t help but believe we will get good news after the miraculous way we were accepted into this trial. I can’t know what the future holds for us, but I am believing this treatment will provide the pathway to my wellness. Whatever the outcome, I am confident that Jesus loves me and He has a plan for my good and His glory.
Huge strides are being made in melanoma research right now, and they feel they are on the precipice of a treatment with a durable cure rate. (This trial I’m enrolled in may even prove to be the answer!) Time will tell. Metastatic melanoma can appear slow growing for a several months, or in some cases even a few years, but eventually “blows up” and spreads rapidly and takes over the entire body. This is why it’s considered a huge victory if treatment is able to halt growth, even if there is no tumor shrinkage. So basically, if tomorrow’s scans show no new tumors and no growth of existing tumors, the treatment will be deemed effective.
If the scans show new growth, they will likely try one more 8 week cycle before I’d have to look for other options. Either way, I’ll start cycle 2 December 15.
So we are done with cycle 1. We have made it through relatively unscathed in terms of side effects, and we are so thankful for that. Besides being extremely fatigued, I’m feeling well. Treatment has not hindered me from any of my day to day activities of being a wife and mom to my two babies, and that is a tremendous blessing!
The most difficult aspect of the journey is not so much the physical, but the mental and emotional struggle. Every day I have to choose. Will I allow my diagnosis to determine my mood? Will I live in fear of dying from cancer or will I chose to trust that my life is in His hands? Will I retreat into my room and throw a pity party or will I get up and find a way to serve my family and friends? Will I let worry paralyze so that I merely go through the motions of my day, or will I choose to be truly present and enjoy my relationships? Will I fret over the bad news or will I choose to be thankful in all things no matter what my circumstances look like?
Most days are good days. Great days, even! But the better news is that even on those really bad days, when I’m so sad or really frustrated and have a bad attitude, Jesus finds a way to let me know He’s still there, and He cares. He has used so many of you to get that message across. Through your notes, words, hugs, meals, fundraisers, prayers, kindness and generosity. All of you have been a very real part of this journey with us – an HUGE part. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for each and every one of you.
Funny story - my wallet was stolen in Boston a few days ago while we were eating dinner after my last treatment. It was a huge hassle – filing police reports, getting through airport securing with absolutely no ID (tons of fun), canceling credit cards. Really?? I'm barely 30 minutes out of my cancer treatment and my wallet gets stolen? So frustrating. (Plus I really did love that wallet!) Anyway, we made it home after barely escaping airport security with my dignity, and waiting in the mail for us were 4 different cards from friends, all with checks.... It more than quadrupled what I lost in my wallet. I was so completely blown away I just had to sit down and cry for a few minutes. God has been SO good and faithful to us. We are at a loss for words at the outpouring of love and support. We have a MILLION things to be thankful for, and losing a silly wallet is not even worth a second thought.
Again, we thank you for taking the time and energy to pray for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
With so much love,
Meredith
But really, I fluctuate from extreme anxiety and excitement over these scans tomorrow. They are scheduled for 9:00 a.m., and we will have results same day. Emily will be posting results here tomorrow! Thank you, thank you THANK YOU for praying for us!!! It gives me great peace and hope knowing so many of you are lifting us up in your prayers. It’s such an important milestone for us, and I just can’t help but believe we will get good news after the miraculous way we were accepted into this trial. I can’t know what the future holds for us, but I am believing this treatment will provide the pathway to my wellness. Whatever the outcome, I am confident that Jesus loves me and He has a plan for my good and His glory.
Huge strides are being made in melanoma research right now, and they feel they are on the precipice of a treatment with a durable cure rate. (This trial I’m enrolled in may even prove to be the answer!) Time will tell. Metastatic melanoma can appear slow growing for a several months, or in some cases even a few years, but eventually “blows up” and spreads rapidly and takes over the entire body. This is why it’s considered a huge victory if treatment is able to halt growth, even if there is no tumor shrinkage. So basically, if tomorrow’s scans show no new tumors and no growth of existing tumors, the treatment will be deemed effective.
If the scans show new growth, they will likely try one more 8 week cycle before I’d have to look for other options. Either way, I’ll start cycle 2 December 15.
So we are done with cycle 1. We have made it through relatively unscathed in terms of side effects, and we are so thankful for that. Besides being extremely fatigued, I’m feeling well. Treatment has not hindered me from any of my day to day activities of being a wife and mom to my two babies, and that is a tremendous blessing!
The most difficult aspect of the journey is not so much the physical, but the mental and emotional struggle. Every day I have to choose. Will I allow my diagnosis to determine my mood? Will I live in fear of dying from cancer or will I chose to trust that my life is in His hands? Will I retreat into my room and throw a pity party or will I get up and find a way to serve my family and friends? Will I let worry paralyze so that I merely go through the motions of my day, or will I choose to be truly present and enjoy my relationships? Will I fret over the bad news or will I choose to be thankful in all things no matter what my circumstances look like?
Most days are good days. Great days, even! But the better news is that even on those really bad days, when I’m so sad or really frustrated and have a bad attitude, Jesus finds a way to let me know He’s still there, and He cares. He has used so many of you to get that message across. Through your notes, words, hugs, meals, fundraisers, prayers, kindness and generosity. All of you have been a very real part of this journey with us – an HUGE part. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for each and every one of you.
Funny story - my wallet was stolen in Boston a few days ago while we were eating dinner after my last treatment. It was a huge hassle – filing police reports, getting through airport securing with absolutely no ID (tons of fun), canceling credit cards. Really?? I'm barely 30 minutes out of my cancer treatment and my wallet gets stolen? So frustrating. (Plus I really did love that wallet!) Anyway, we made it home after barely escaping airport security with my dignity, and waiting in the mail for us were 4 different cards from friends, all with checks.... It more than quadrupled what I lost in my wallet. I was so completely blown away I just had to sit down and cry for a few minutes. God has been SO good and faithful to us. We are at a loss for words at the outpouring of love and support. We have a MILLION things to be thankful for, and losing a silly wallet is not even worth a second thought.
Again, we thank you for taking the time and energy to pray for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
With so much love,
Meredith
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Cycle One Complete!
Meredith has finished Cycle One of treatment! The first four infusions went well, her organ function is still good, and the side effects have been minimal. God is so good! We are now looking to Tuesday, December 9. That is when she will have her next scan to check her prognosis. According to her oncologist, no change is considered positive. If no new tumors have developed, and her existing tumors have not grown, the treatment will be considered a success. Hopefully, we will see tumor shrinkage! Regardless of the scan results, she will continue with Cycle Two later in December.
Please continue to pray with December 9 in mind. We hope to get results same day, but regardless of how long it takes, I will post here as soon as we get news!
Please continue to pray with December 9 in mind. We hope to get results same day, but regardless of how long it takes, I will post here as soon as we get news!
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