But now, O Jacob{Jessica}, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Checking In...


Friends, 

Checking In - That was the purpose of my appointment on Friday with my oncologist Dr. V. Assikis.  I began a new chemotherapy after discovering that Votrient, my previous chemotherapy was no longer providing the results I needed. 
The past two weeks have been a challenge and after meeting with Dr. A, I realized that I was experiencing a crazy amount of side effects and he was concerned.  The greatest concern he had was the weight loss that occurred in a two week period.  (oh, all those times I wanted to lose weight and I couldn't and now I can't keep it on!) Additionally, there were other small concerns, like; mouth sores, chemotherapy mouth, and my ability to hold down my food (or lack there of!). So, the plan is to stop the chemo for 3-5 days to hopefully stop the side effects. Doing so will allow my body the ability to rest, recuperate, and gain some strength. Then I will start back with one chemotherapy pill dose a day as opposed to the 2 pill dose I was receiving. Ultimately, Dr. Assikis reminded Jason and I that with the new medication he wanted to be able to give me the highest dose possible. To see side effects allows him to make adjustments on the therapy so that it is helping me the most. The most exciting news from our visit was that my blood level was still up - 9.8 and my blood pressure was 125/80. Both good numbers!

But...the saga continues!...The diagnoses this time is an enflamed wisdom tooth! Secondly,Trismus (Sounds a lot like Christmas but it really is just a case of the lock jaw). Combine that with chemo mouth, and mouth sores and things have been a challenge. However, Good ole' Dr. B (and my sweet, sweet Aunt Lisa) have been addressing all of these issues and I am making positive steps in the right direction. We hope that soon my mouth is healthy and well and I will be eating lots! That's the prayer at least! 

And speaking of prayer --- prayers are needed: I need to gain healthy weight. I need to be able to hold down food. Mouth sores need to be completely gone. I would like to be able to open my jaw. I need to consistently consume at least one Ensure a day! And the new chemotherapy WILL be the next solution for this walk. To be honest I could use prayers for physical strength, emotional encouragement, and my family (none of this is easy on them.)

(Side Note) Know that I do not want only to be the recipient of prayers, let me pray for you. I know that prayer works so message me, text, call, comment and l would be honored to bring a prayer before God on YOUR behalf.  We all need prayer and we all need each other, "For God heard the cries of the people and he delivers them from their trouble." - Psalm 34:17

AND --- let me never fail to say: THANK YOU! Thank you for ALL you are each doing to walk with us, help us, and encourage us! We wouldn't make it without you! 

So, thanks for checking in on my Check-Ins and thank you for loving me and mine through the ups and downs. I love you! 

*** I need to leave you with a verse that both encouraged me and made me snicker just a little this week! ***
"Worship the Lord your God and His blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you."
Exodus 23:25 

Well, there you have it -- I am gonna worship the Lord my God and he is gonna bless my food and water and sickness will be taken away. (and they knew that truth back in Exodus!) Thanks be to God! 

2 comments:

  1. Praying for healing. Sending much love and God’s great blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Praying for you sweet lady, we love you

    ReplyDelete