One week ago today
December 19th
I had my 6 month followup consultation with my doctor in Texas
As I mentioned before
It was over the phone
As I was not up to traveling to Austin, Texas
To meet with her.
It was a good consultation
Bringing both some encouragement and another reminder of the long process I'm involved in
Battling this enemy within my body.
The consult can be summarized in three ways:
1. This is a marathon...not a sprint! Her exact words...
In other words, I need to be in this for the long haul
Which can be tough because of #2
2. Feeling bad is good!
This is a hard one...
But it shows that the pancreatic enzymes are working attacking the cancer cells
Producing waste that then needs to be eliminated from my body
Thus the regular detoxing
And the feeling that there is a battle going on inside of me
Which there is!
The "feeling bad" gets worse as I get closer to the end of each 20 day cycle
Before taking a 5 day break to give my body a rest.
Which not only affects me physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually
But the good news is...
3. Testing showed that there is progress!
That the cancer seems to be slowly decreasing...
Good News!!
Though with a long ways to go still
Thus the marathon.
So, thank you again for your incredible support, prayer and encouragement
As I am on this cancer journey.
I'm just finishing another 20 day cycle so the past several days have been tough
Feeling nasty much of the time
But I begin my 5 day break tomorrow!
Yay:)
This process has also made me much more aware of the incredible suffering that many of you
Or your family and friends are also experiencing
As we do this life journey together.
I pray that you find the same peace and hope and joy in Jesus that I seek and long for myself each day
Blessings,
Dave
So thankful to hear that there is a decrease, even if it is small. We love you so much Dave and are still praying fiercely for you!
ReplyDeleteAmen brother and many more prayers
ReplyDeleteThank-you for your detailed battle account. Definitely helps me focus prayer. Shalom & love in Messiah Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWhat encouraging news! We know the daily struggle is overwhelming many times, but keeping focus on Jesus will give you an endurance you never dreamed you had! We love you and your honesty about the sickness, the pain, the soul-searching. We will not stop praying for daily strength, encouragement, miracles!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ru and Steve
You are loved. J & J
ReplyDeletePraying for you! Love you
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly encouraging. Thanks for keeping us up to date.
ReplyDeleteGreat news Dave! May your spirits be lifted, prayers to you,
ReplyDeleteKevin and Julie.
So thankful to hear that through all your suffering there is a ray of encouragement!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear there is progress and that even in pain you know that it means that your body is reacting as it should. I am thankful for that and it will continue to pray on your behalf daily. God is so good!
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ReplyDeleteHallelujah!!!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to hear that the cancer is shrinking!
Based on #2, I'm praying that you feel genuinely awful. 😁
Praise God so glad to hear that!
ReplyDeleteHey Dave and Cindy, so glad to hear there is progress. We are reminded by a sort of cliche saying in our support group program (for parents of struggling drug addicts; or is it struggling parents of drug addicts - it kind of works both ways I guess) that we can only look for "Progress, not perfection". This is usually measured by very small increments, and usually only by pain. We will continue to pray for you.
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