Good News!

Yesterday concluded my final chemo session of round 4, which is good news in itself. But even better than that--at my pre-chemo exam with the nurse practitioner, I was told that my cancer marker number had come down significantly. Specifically, the CEA (carcinogen emryonic antigen), which had been as high as 1050 is now down to 330 (normal is 5!). Elise was in the room with me and I think we both silently said a prayer of thanks at the same time. After that, I couldn't wait to get the line hooked up to my port and continue the fight! I spent the afternoon napping at home and then enjoyed a lovely dinner prepared by Elise (stir fried orange beef). That was a good choice on her part since my red blood cell count was down. Dan did the clean up, and I was left to my own devices. I love my family!!

Mom's humerus replacement surgery went well yesterday. I was only able to speak to her on the phone, and, as one would expect, she was somewhat rummy. I am not able to visit her in the hopsital or at the extended care facility until my blood count comes back up. so Dan and Elise will do the in-person visiting while I rely on the phone. I'm so relieved that her 2-week wait for surgery is over.

I just have to share something from Psalm 16:8 that I have been clinging to through all of this. "Because God is at my right hand, I will not be shaken". I've repeated that verse inside MRIs and CT scans, when I'm down, or when I think I'm just about to lose it! I also think of each one of you who is holding me in your thoughts and prayers. We will get through this together.

Love,
Linda