Hello Sweet Blog Angels
I finished the standard treatment for lung cancer this past Monday. Actually I’ve had more as Doctor gave me 35 instead of 33 radiation treatments and 7 instead of 6 Chemo treatments. From now on I am saying I’ve HAD cancer. By the grace of God I am healed and I am claiming that healing, I’m owning it, it’s MINE. I’m a survivor.
It will be six weeks before I go for a CAT scan to see if the tumor has shrunk. I’m told they wait because the tumor can continue to shrink for up to two months after the last treatment. I will return for a CAT scan every three months there after to be sure the tumor doesn’t being to grow again. I will also have lab work done to look for cancer markers. In reality I don’t know for sure that my cancer is gone but I continue to be positive and will claim that I am healed until I‘m told differently.
As a result of my treatments I am exhausted. I’ve never felt so tired in all my life, I have no energy whatsoever. My skin is 'sunburned' due to the extra radiation. Small price to pay.
If you’ve been following me along this journey you know I’ve not been happy with my oncologist. At my last visit with him he said I would need two more months of Chemo. I asked if this would be weekly or daily. His response was he would inform me at the right time. WHAT??? His nurse then gave me a schedule stating I was to start Chemo in two weeks. REALLY!!! I don’t know how he determined I need more Chemo as he has not communicated with my radiologist, nor have CAT scans or lab work been done yet. I now have a new oncologist, I am very, Very happy with him. Although he says my treatments up to this point are the same he would have ordered he will wait till all my tests are done before determining if I need more treatment and if I do what kind of treatment that will be. Keep praying please.
Jim and I are delighted that we will have (at the very least) a seven week brake before anything, if anything, more will happen. My tank is empty. I need to get some rest, to build up my strength and put on some weight before I stress my body anymore. Thankfully my appetite is improving and I have gained 5 pounds in the last two weeks.
Jim is exhausted as well. Bless him, he has driven me to every appointment. He has done all the shopping, banking, cooking and laundry; all the things I once did. He is my rock.
Hopefully it wont be long before I regain my strength and energy. Jim says he’ll know I’m my old self when he sees me in my craft closet again. Gosh I wonder if I still know how to make a card.
Be Well.
Blessings
Bernie
It's so good to hear the news I am so glad things are going well for you and will be keeping my fingers crossed that it stays this way
ReplyDeleteJacki xx
Bernie, I've been checking for updates and glad to see you here today. Thank goodness you are through with those standard treatments. Your attitude is very strong about this and that is very important. I know you're weak and need rest, though. Please take care and my prayers are both you and your husband. And, I know you haven't forgotten how to make a card. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Bernie, Oh its so lovely to see your blog popping up l know l mentioned this last time but it really is lovely to hear all of your news and this is amazing news that your sharing with us all now, l'm crossing everything too and hope it stays good news for you l'll tune in again in the mean time take care xx
ReplyDeleteAhh Bernie! So happy to read your news. Hope things go well and it sounds like you're being hugely positive, keep it up girl!! Sorry to hear you are so tired, make sure you rest lots now and just take time for you. You won't have forgotten how to make a card, it's like riding a bike ;)Keep positive, praying for you.
ReplyDeleteLaura xx
Bernie I'n so pleased you have got through your course of treatment and remain so positive. Now it's time to take things easy and get your strength back. Here's hoping you won't need a round two.....Keep thinking positive thoughts. Hugs Carol x
ReplyDeleteHi Bernie, I'm delighted to hear you being so positive and that you now have an oncologist that you are happy with too - it makes such a difference when you trust the people that are looking after you. You Jim is an angel - with his help you are sure to get the rest you need and I hope you regain your former energy soon. In the meantime, I wish you both a very happy Easter. Elizabeth xx
ReplyDeleteWonderful news, thank God! I can't imagine how hard these weeks of chemo have been for you, I'm not surprised you're exhausted. I'm certain that your positive attitude, as well as prayer, have got you to this happier place. Take care of yourself, have lots of rest, and be assured that my prayers are still with you.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Easter!
with love, Mags B xxx
Oh Bernie, good news indeed. Time for both you and Jim to rest, relax and just enjoy each day while your strength builds up over the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteSending love from Len and myself, hugs, Di xxo
So good to hear you being so positive - keep it up. The tiredness will soon pass just take it easy. Such a relief not having all the journeys to the hospital for the treatments. Waiting to hear the "official" good news after the scan - in the meantime I will continue to say a prayer for you as I do every night. A very Happy Easter to you both.
ReplyDeleteThat's good positive news Bernie and I will continue to send good vibes over the blog waves. Have a good Easter break and lots of rest.
ReplyDeleteHugs Mrs A.
Aunt Bernie,
ReplyDeleteSo very glad to hear all the good news and that you are remaining positive. I look forward to seeing the message that says the doctors have confirmed your declaration of healing!!
Luv You and Uncle!!!
Lisa Marie
What a wonderful blog title to see on my blog roll, Bernie! Isn't it wonderful to join the ranks of so many who have HAD cancer?! That's right, girl, you have the right attitude! It's going to be such a relief to both of you just not having to make all those trips for treatment! It's no wonder you are both exhausted.
ReplyDeleteTake care, both of you. With rest and food and water, you will regain your energy (and you won't forget how to make a card!!). I'm so delighted you have a new oncologist and I am keeping you both in my prayers. It's a blessing to know our prayers are being answered. Happy Easter and thank you for the update!! Love, Darnell
Bernie, you've been in my thoughts and that's where you will stay. Please know you have an army of us out here thinking of you, praying and wishing you well. Hang in there girl! Now....get the rest you need to heal. Love from northern California.
ReplyDeleteThis is the most fantastic news Bernie,I am so pleased for you and your family and will keep you in my prayers and thoughts that the future news is as good as this....Please take care,rest and build yourself back up....Big hugs to both you and your Hubby...
ReplyDeleteMandy x
Love this post title Bernie, fabulous to hear you & Jim can have a break from it all at the moment!! Eat lots, rest, love & laugh... Dear Bernie I am so happy to hear this wonderful news... Happy Easter to you both!! Hugs May x x x
ReplyDeletewhat wonderful news, rest as much as possible, still thinking and praying for you both, Happy Easter
ReplyDeleteTilly x
PTL...you are more than a conqueror..Praising GOd with you friend...And as always in our every prayer...! Thanks for update..God Bless you and Jim! MWAH, Diane
ReplyDeleteBernie, wuz just thinking 'bout you & on a visit to Darnell, saw you had commented! Oh I hope you are getting your strength & vigor back just a bit! Will email, but today is stamp group, and I'm wasting time on the pc, instead of getting me ready to go. Many hugs & prayers still goin' your way, My Friend. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are still with you Bernie. I am happy that you are done with treatments and I pray that the CAT scan shows that the tumor has shrunk and dying!! Now rest that tired body of yours, get your appetite back and gain some more weight. We will do the prayer part. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSorry i missed this update...Prayers for your continued return to good health!
ReplyDeleteContinuing prayers for you and Jim, Bernie. This is really good news and you'll be in that craft closet very soon. God bless!
ReplyDelete