We have had – overall- a good week. A couple of really long days at the hospital and a couple of days to play as a family. I am exhausted!! We are packing up and getting ready to head back to Dallas. We need to swing by the hospital one more time and pick up my stack of prescriptions. The short summary is that I will be starting a chemotherapy specific to adrenal cancer (actually the only option currently available) called Mitotane. Because it attacks both the unhealthy adrenal cells and the healthy adrenal cells, I will also need to be on steroids to counteract the damage to the adrenal gland I do have. I will have blood work done monthly to monitor different levels in my system and will be returning to Houston in February for another series of CT Scans and to follow up with the doctor again.
The primary side effects are fatigue, nausea, and general GI upset. There is a long list of yucky things that are possible – my specific concern lies in the neurological issues that may arise – that would be a specific prayer request – that I can avoid those problems! (Eric’s blog has more medical detail if you want to check it out – emsdaddy.blogspot.com)
My pain from surgery is SO much better. I am getting around fairly well also. It will still be a couple of weeks before I can be caring for the kids on my own, but it is encouraging to see how much progress I have made in the last week!
Thank you again to all of you who have been praying for us, who gave support in our trip down here (Marriott points and donations), treats for the kids and us, and help with our medical expenses. All of it it SO appreciated and an amazing blessing. It has reduced our stress in this situation beyond anything measurable. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Triann
It’s so nice to “hear” you in good spirits. 🙂
Triann,
I had NO idea! I have been wondering for so long how you are doing and wondering how to reach you, but now, to get this email that says you have cancer?!!! How is that possible?! You have been through so much already…sometimes I do wonder why God thinks we can handle as much as he allows us to face…
I heard how you found out though, and it is a miracle that you got pounced on by your son! I hope and pray that because of that, it was found early enough to beat. Although, God can defeat anything…even stage 4. I will be praying for you daily as you go through treatment. I wish you were here so that I could come help you with your kids and stuff. It is hard enough taking care of a sick child, let alone being sick yourself. Give yourself a lot of grace. Rest often. The Lord is faithful and compassionate. He will be with you each moment of this journey…
Blessings,
Kim