I have started an update in my head many times and even started a few drafts here on my laptop. I realize I feel like I keep waiting for some big news for an update, but this update is more of a “I am still plugging along” kind of update.
Since my last update I have taken a number of tests and here is a basic summary of those tests.
1) Circulating Tumor Cells
This test was sent to a lab in Germany as it’s not one we do in the USA. The good news is that the results were normal. My ND says that my numbers were within range, but he likes to see them at the low end to bottom of the range, mine are low mid range. This test established a base line and I will retake it in a couple of months to see what trajectory is developing.
2) Glyphosate
My results came in with just below medium amount of glyphosate in my system. My ND said it’s good that it’s not in the high levels, but we still want to get those down. Looking at my lifestyle and food, I thought it could have been lower. I have a few things with my diet I can reign in to see how that goes. He also said that organic produce can still have glyphosate on from just being around other produce and so to be sure to be giving everything a good thorough washing. I also think upping my detox game could be beneficial.
3) Terrain Labs
These labs showed some mixed results, but nothing to be heavily concerned about, just some little movement and we will need a few more of these labs done to establish a trajectory. I will do these tests about every 6 weeks.
4) Genomic DNA
This was pretty foreign and interesting for me. What I am learning about this test is that the results indicate gene mutations that could be triggered and may have already been triggered. The way to manage these things is through lifestyle. I have more to learn about the results of this test. My ND went over a number of things and explained why we want to do this or that. I really need to revisit this and familiarize myself more. An interesting part of the test shows many RX products that I have medium and high risks for adverse reactions to. I think that’s good information to have. In addition, it reveals that I have both medium and high risks for the common chemo drugs given for my type of cancer. So, our prayers are to avoid those drugs for the sake of my quality of life.
5) MRI
The tumor has not grown at all and we are so thankful for that. In fact, the length of it has shrunk by 1 mm. I will take that as a win! It’s the depth that we need to see shrinkage next time around. I am encouraged by the testimony of a friend whose tumor didn’t go away for a full year after the cancer was gone. Through that testimony, I am reminded that things aren’t always as they seem and to stay encouraged.
So, with these results my ND says I am stable and beginning to move in the right direction. We added a couple more pills to the protocol and I will keep doing what I have been doing for the next couple of months.
So, that is my logistical update. Now, the “how I am doing” update.
I feel like I am staying pretty upbeat; mixed with some weariness that tries to creep in from time to time. My answer to that is more time with the Lord, pressing into Him. Staying as much in His presence as I know how to pushes away that weary feeling and gives me so much peace and joy. With that said, I am grateful that I love the crew at IVNV and that they take good care of me. Nonetheless, I will also be grateful when I can slow down or be done. Not having a timeframe on my treatment has its moments of overwhelm. One - because I wonder how much my poor little veins can take of this. Two - because the financial burden is very open ended and that is heavy.
I sure appreciate the special and wonderful people in the medical field that have the desire to help people. They are very special and wonderful people! We really need them! I really need them. On the other hand, I have never had any desire to be in the medical field and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. So that means that each time I pull out the medical supplies to give myself injections, I have to have a little talk with myself. The injections went well at first and I am finding that I have better days than other days when it’s time for another injection. I am not quite sure what I did this last time, but it didn’t go as well as in the past. I guess I will get my groove at some point in the journey.
My energy level has dropped lately, and I attribute that to the weather and daylight change on top of my body working hard to heal. It’s pretty normal for me at this time of year to be tired. This is when I crave hunkering down and hibernating, so to speak. I don’t really get to do that much this year with my full schedule of appointments. Taking care of me is turning into a bit of a time consumer.
In other news this last month, Tiana motivated us to go for a hike to Quartz Mountain near Mt. Spokane. I was feeling low energy but decided to push through and it was great exercise and what a great view. I am so glad for Tiana’s love of the outdoors that pushes me to get out and do things when I don’t feel up to it. Also, we have 6 new baby chicks and they get me outside and moving because I love to get out there and watch the things they do. I finished reading a book by John Bevere called “The Awe of God” and I HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you want to get your mind better wrapped around the wonderful holy fear of the Lord. I think that is a much misunderstood topic that is threaded throughout the Bible.
Thanks for reading through this. We continue to be so blessed and encouraged by so many touching bases to see how things are going, letting us know you are still praying and thinking of us, and also for those that have helped and continue to help us out with financial gifts through our Go Fund Me page or other ways. We feel so blessed and loved!
Comments
Post a Comment