Here We Go . . . Again

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Bright and early this morning we'll all be headed to Nashville for an appointment with Dr. W at 8:20, followed by chemo, then Dr. T for a follow-up at 11:30. Sounds like a really great time, right? I've put Brian to work running errands and grocery shopping with the kids. I figure he should have as much fun as I will be. ;) In fact, I can't say I'm not going to enjoy the couple of kid-free hours and adult conversation even if it is in a chemo room.

I would appreciate your prayers today. I've done a great job of taking one day at a time this summer and ignoring the upcoming chemo dates. Today, however, I'm struggling not to worry. I've even found myself wondering if there's a way I could NOT find out my new CA125 level because somehow not knowing seems easier.

I am blessed that the cancer has not grown in the past 15 months or so, but I've been dreading the thought of chemo mostly because I didn't have alot of faith that it could heal me. I'm still not sure about the healing part, but Becky did send me a recent study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital (where she had several major cancer-related surgeries), and they're having good success with the new chemo regime I will be on - the specific chemo has increased the amount of time between cancer growth in significant ways. Reading that report definitely gave me some new hope for increased time with my family.

In addition to prayers for calm for all of our family, I also need prayers that I won't feel the side effects. Granted, I realize that there are going to be side effects and that I am probably not going to feel great, but this chemo (while fewer side effects that I can feel) has some significant side effects that can be very serious such as poor liver function, seriously high blood pressure, and blood clots.

And since I've got you on call for prayer, how about a quick prayer for tomorrow? I go back to Dr. W for my Neulasta shot (the one that makes me feel like crud from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet) and then on to yet another doctor for my annual breast MRI.

Thanks in advance, my friends. I'll be back soon with as many vacation posts and pics as you can take.

Comments

one of nettie's girls said…
Praying and will continue throughout the day.
6:48 AM
Monica said…
Hugs and prayers
7:16 AM
Brenna said…
In my prayers today, friend. Big hugs coming your way.
9:45 AM
MyEbella aka Kim said…
Lots of hugs from Oregon and many many prayers!
2:24 PM
Judy Turnbough Bailey said…
Keeping you in my prayers, Melissa. We say, "GAMBATTE!" in Japanese, which means "Perservere" or "Hang Tough!"
5:15 PM
Joanna B said…
I will be praying! Hugs!
7:49 PM
Anonymous said…
I'll be praying for you Friday.
From Edmonton, Alberta in Canada.
I love your blog, your little family, your extended family, and your bright, positive spirit. I pray for you often.

Nancy Peacock
1:00 AM
everythingismeowsome said…
Melissa,
your attitude is always an encouragement to me!
8:31 AM
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