After my PET scan on October 13th, I decided we should wait to see the oncologist for the results instead of looking at them on MyChart. Our appointment at the cancer clinic was 10 days out from the scan, which is a long time to wait if the report is concerning.
It was very freeing for the first eight days, knowing I could look any time at the report, but choosing not to. I felt good physically and enjoyed the beautiful autumn weather, taking walks down to the log deck to visit Bruce as he cut, split, and hauled firewood up to the wood shed. Some dear friends came over to help me make and can applesauce (pictured above). We laughed a lot while we peeled, sliced, stirred and mashed. One friend said it was reminiscent of days gone by when women would gather to help one another with their chores. I most certainly was grateful for these ladies coming to help me. I’m used to doing it all by myself, and I enjoyed it, but it took a lot out of me even before cancer. There’s no way I could have done it by myself now.
Two days before my appointment with my doc, I began feeling a little anxious. The time was looming when I would hear good news or bad news. The enemy gleefully rubbed his hands together as he planned his attacks. One after another, strange, out of the ordinary, events started happening that all pointed (to me, anyway) toward me not getting my normal treatment this month. Which meant (again, to me) that the scan had shown progression of the cancer. The day before my appointment, I called the clinic to talk to the scheduler but kept getting voicemail. What was going on?
It’s amazing how fast your thoughts can spin out of control if you let them. “Hold every thought captive” I told myself. I prayed, I worshipped, I kept busy with little tasks around the house. I had all my armor on and was battling like crazy.
My doctor’s office finally called me in the early afternoon. “The doctor wanted you to know that your scan came back showing no new disease, and your tumors are stable. We’ll see you tomorrow!”
My shoulders dropped in sweet relief. I immediately told Bruce and we started laughing and crying at the same time. “I guess we could have looked at MyChart last week!” he said.
“From now on,” I replied, “I’m going to request they schedule my PET scans for the same week as my doctor appointments. That way, we won’t have to try and decipher the medicalese and wonder what the next step is going to be.”
I went in for my regular treatment yesterday, got some additional medication to try and control my annoyingly persistent cough, and took a long nap when I got home.
We’re buying time. It makes us relish what we have now and praise the Lord for everything He has given, and will give, us. We know what He has planned for us in eternity is beyond our wildest imagination, yet we thank Him for keeping this cancer at bay and allowing us a little more time together here. Let’s give thanks to Him every day and use our time wisely.
It sure was an EPIC adventure!! I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! A sweet memory was made that day that I shall treasure! Love you, my brave sister!
The Joy of the Lord is clearly present when I look at the wonderful picture of you and your sisters in the Lord! Your heart and love of Him is so visible in you, your smile and it just shines from you through the joys and challenges in life. You are a beautiful creation of the Great Creator! Praying for you and sending you love and a Big Hug!
You are such a warrior and God is so gracious! Love you bunches!