Good news!!

A great big thank you to all of my mighty prayer warriors!! God allowed us to receive some refreshingly good news yesterday at MD Anderson.

 

 

It started off with a smile when we checked in at the receptionist's desk, she handed me these beautiful potted flowers. The receptionist's lips were sealed concerning who sent them but the card said "God is good." I have to admit I felt pretty special in the waiting room with such a thoughtful, anonymous gift by my side. I want to send a great big hug to the dear friend who took the time to surprise me on such a monumental day. Thank you for the reminder that, in good news or bad, God is still good. That was definitely my prayer all day - keep my eyes on Him and keep trusting in what He's doing.

And so, Dr. Benjamin and his PA came in to chat with us. According to the comparison of my baseline MRI of the tumor in my right forearm (done in June prior to my chemo) and my MRI of the same tumor (from Sunday), the tumor had decreased in size very, very, very minimally - we're talking maybe 1/10 of a cm. In fact, Dr. B talked very little about the insignificant decrease in size but what he did spend a bit of time talking about was the fact the tumor hadn't grown. . . and, that's a big deal! Apparently, from April 12 (the day of my biopsy) to the time of my pre-chemo MRI (June 9), my tumor had grown 30% (you can see the difference in the pics below).

 

My right forearm prior to the biopsy (April 12)

My right forearm prior to chemo (early June)

So, no growth of the tumor in the past six weeks including a possible minimal shrinkage was a huge answer to prayer. Dr. B said he didn't expect significant change in only six weeks but he was pleased it hadn't grown. He said it would take time for the tumor to decrease in size. Bottom line, Dr. B believes the chemo is doing its job (hindering the cancer growth and decreasing its size) and he wants to continue the regimen. I never thought I would be so excited to say, "I get to do more chemo!"

 

We asked about the six rounds he originally suggested (now that I am about to undergo #3), and he said there is no magic to the number six. As long as the cancer is responding to the chemo and my body can tolerate the toxicity, I will be on this chemo. When I asked about the next step beyond chemo, Dr. B just smiled and said, "One step at a time."

 

Once again, we are on the path of trusting God (like we always should) - one moment, one day, one treatment, one round out of time. Cancer is definitely an exercise in faith. We'll continue praying six rounds will do the trick, but we'll also ask God for His grace to face however many rounds it takes to heal my body.

 

Bottom line, I want the assurance the cancer is eradicated from my body, and I would be elated if they could fully remove the tumor from my right forearm, saving my arm/hand in the process. It truly would be a miracle as the tumor has literally embedded itself around my median nerve and flexor tendons. It's a gnarly mess. Even the PA said they would need "more help" to make that happen. I just smiled and said, "We serve a BIG God who is in the business of doing BIG things, and we have a lot of people praying for BIG things."

 

And so, we left MD Anderson so thankful the chemo is working, but ultimately, thanking the One who is making the chemo work. We are preparing to face more chemo in the hopes it continues to confuse, stifle and eradicate the ugly cancer in my body. And then . . . we will face that anticipated "next step" in the healing process.

 

Along with praying Psalm 86, a precious cancer survivor prayed Isaiah 41:10-13 over me, and it is my prayer of confidence in Him each day in this battle against cancer . . .

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced;

those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.

Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them.

Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.

For I am the Lord, your God,

who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,

Do not fear; I will help you."

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

 

- PRAISE!! We thank the ultimate Healer for good news and progress toward healing on this journey. He is doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.

 

- For my body to continue tolerating the toxicity of this chemo as long as it takes (hopefully six rounds but more if necessary) to rid my body of this cancer forever. Specifically for my primary tumor to respond and shrink (or totally) disappear so full resection is a reality. And that I could regain functionality of my right hand/arm again.

 

- Pray for the timing for my follow-up appt with Dr. Benjamin. We are trying to coordinate it with my three month follow-up with Dr. Brown regarding my stereotactic spine radiation on my C7 vertebrae. We are praying for good news there too - no more cancer!!

 

- Continued trust in Him on this journey and to use this as an opportunity to make His name & worth known.