Wednesday, and A Visit From the Doctor

Hi everyone! I know I am not updating daily, and for that I apologize. There just isn't THAT much going on. I know everyone wants to know how I'm doing, so please assume that if I don't update it is because things are the same, not worse. Progress is just so slow at this point. The treatment may be working, but only time will tell and we haven't been on the treatments even a week yet. I did have a visit from the doctor today with some positive things to say, but as far as how I feel...that's more or less the same as when most of you saw me last.

What the doctor had to say today concerned the CT that was run after we arrived. The good news is this: all of the disease is contained in the abdominal area, primarily the pelvis, and NONE of the pertinent internal organs are being affected by the cancer. After a four-year battle, I had honestly expected worse. There is no visible damage to the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs. The doctor sees what he thinks are cysts (benign) in some of those areas, but not tumors. That would explain why previous chemo didn't do any good. There is some pressure from a tumor on one of the tubes from one kidney to my bladder, and this is causing the kidney not to drain properly. He would like us to have that checked out so that we can regain use of that kidney, since it has always worked before, and he'd like me to get a stint put in the clear side to protect the well-functioning one. He doesn't see this as serious or urgent, merely something we need to look into when we get home.

Now, what most of you are probably wondering is, what's the prognosis? Is the treatment helping? Can this be fixed? Well, what the doctor said is that now only time will tell. They started me on the standard treatment, to which most patients respond. In a month they will want to see clinical results: evidence of shrinkage on the CT and tumor markers that are declining. If we don't see the results, we will change what we are doing and add some other things to my treatment. At this point, there is no way to know where we are headed. But we know that the damage is not irreversible, so there is definitely hope. They put a lot of store in faith around here. Please keep praying that the doctors here are given wisdom and healing abilities. I know that we were given the opportunity to come here by God's grace, so that is where I am looking for my help. I can never have too many prayers.

Treatments continue daily, and they aren't so bad. I generally sleep through them, then try to move around some afterward. The food is slowly boring me to death (just kidding) but I understand that my dietary lifestyle simply cannot continue the way of the rest of America. The food I eat here is what we should all be eating: fresh, wholesome, natural organic food. It certainly isn't very exciting, but if it keeps me here, then it's worth it. And I suppose I can cheat a little now and then. Besides taking treaments, eating, and updating my blog, I'm not doing anything else. So I guess there isn't much else to tell you all.

I miss everyone, especially my kids. I'm so proud of them, holding up so well. I've been wanting to do some writing, but I'm too interrupted with all the nurses in and out and so on. I guess that will keep until I get back. I have a wonderfully comfortable bed at home that I miss too. And somebody please remind me to bring my coffee and sweetener substitute when I come again-they won't give me anything that resembles coffee. I also need to bring a digital clock! Not knowing the time is driving me bonkers! Well, guess I'd better sign off. I love you all, and for those of you who contributed to the fund that sent us here, thank you, thank you, thank you. I know this is where I need to be. God has this all under control--and I will praise Him. Blessings to you all!