I haven't written for awhile because I've been traveling, and waiting for good news to share. The trips to Arizona with Heidi and to Nauvoo with my family, Nana and the Leishman's were great! Nauvoo and the other church history sites are so inspirational....I loved being there! The Spirit there is powerful, and it is so good to be reminded of the difficult challenges others have faced and triumphed over. It helps me to continually be reminded of how the Lord blesses those who exercise faith in Him, and how His vision is eternal and perfect. I consider it a tender mercy that I was able to be strengthened in that way before returning home to learn that my CA-125 #'s have gone up. This new chemo doesn't seem to be working, and the lump in my chest has not decreased, as it usually does when a drug is working. The doctor's don't like to discontinue a drug after just one round, but my CA-125 has been a pretty reliable indicator so far. Sooo....I did my second treatment in this second round today, and I will be meeting with a radiation oncologist this Friday to see if radiation of the lump is an option. Dr. Prystas may order some more imaging tests to see if anything can pinpoint just exactly where the cancer is besides my chest.
The big problem I'm facing is the fact that I've now run through all the drugs that treat ovarian/breast cancer. It's too soon to try and recycle chemo treatments, so I'm kind of up a creek without a paddle! There is another drug out there that works on kidney cancer, and shows promise of working well for ovarian, but it's not FDA approved yet to treat with ovarian. So, of course, my insurance has denied our request to use it and pay for it. It's not a cure....it just shows promise of buying more time for me. Because it's pretty expensive (I didn't even dare ask the price at this point), we are trying to see if the pharmaceutical company will somehow work with us on getting it, and doing it at a reasonable price. So, if anyone has energy for extra prayers--there's a specific one for you.
The hard part about all this is that we all figured that when I got to this point, I'd probably be ready to give up treatment because I'd be in pretty bad shape. Most of the time, I'm functioning pretty well, so this is kind of tough emotionally. My desire is to continue to be here awhile longer. I'm not sure yet exactly what Heavenly Father's plan is for me...I still feel like He's okay with that...so that's what I'm operating with until He tells me otherwise. Vern gave me a very sweet and tender Priesthood blessing yesterday, and we are all doing good.
I don't know how many, or who, are still reading this.....but I am continually humbled by your sweet thoughts, prayers and faith on my behalf. Jesus Christ is truly a God of miracles...I am a walking testament to that fact! I love Him, and my heart is full of love and gratitude for all of you!
Kim we will continue to pray for you daily and hope they can try this new drug or whatever will best help you!! We love you and care about you and are always on our knees praying for you. We are always here if you need anything :) Love you!
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Larry and Becky
Dear Kim, I just got caught up reading your posts for the last several months. Too often, I get wrapped up in my own life, trying to keep up with the boys, though I've thought about you so often, wondering how you're doing. It was so fun to read about all your traveling around the country - good for you for going!! And how great you were able to go to Nauvoo. I may have heard you had a son on a mission but didn't know the details until now. What a coincidence that we had sons in the MTC at the same time. Nick went in the end of November and is also Spanish speaking. He is serving in Mexico on the west coast -- and sweltering in the heat and humidity! No doubt it's been pretty hot in CA for your son, too, lately. It's an awesome thing to have a missionary serving. I hope to see you the end of the month at the family reunion if your family is able to make it. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWith love and hugs, Cousin Leanne
Kim you are an inspiration and I love you! Keep pressing forward!
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