Stability

This was the question written on my CT requisition. Stability? The question that brought fear and anxiety as I had the test on September 10th and even moreso in the waiting for results.

Even though I completely trust in God’s plan for my life, know how loved and valued I am as His child, fear and anxiety still creep in and take hold around moments like this.

And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,
1 Corinthians 2:3 ESV

After my two week break, which brought little relief, I started my reduced dose of Ibrance again. Each day brought increasing discomfort, pain and exhaustion. Pain meds were not working, the new lymphatic drainage treatment was not helping and the exhaustion was becoming overwhelming. Taking a shower or doing stairs were a major feat. Deep discouragement and frustration began to settle in. Is all that’s happening from cancer progression? Or drug side effects? Or??? Questions that constantly roll around in my mind.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 ESV

My September 15th oncology doctor appointment had me in tears, sharing my desperate need for relief.

A deep sigh of relief came with my CT results! Stability? YES! No progression, nothing new, everything holding! A small amount of inflammation in my lungs right where they did radiation (to be expected) was the only change.

Of course our hope and continued prayer will always be NED (no evidence of disease) but stability is a close second that we’ll gladly take! Thank you Jesus!

Next was to focus on a new plan to help me feel better! A pain med that is working right now, a complete one month break from Ibrance, a shorter break from Letrozole and adding some low dose steroids to help calm everything happening in my body will Lord willing, bring the relief I desperately need! If this doesn’t work, we will be back to the drawing board to try other things.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 ESV

Aside from feeling terrible these past few weeks we still camped Labour Day weekend with our beautiful family and friends! Celebrating Johannah’s 10th birthday (she wanted to wait for camping to have everyone around for her party!)🎂🥰

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We’ve been diligently working on teaching the kids skills/chores that have always been mom/big sis/friends helping jobs. Among them have been folding laundry, cleaning the bathroom & lots of cooking/baking skills (for those not already great at it) are the main ones.

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We also completed day 1 of our 22nd year of homeschooling this week! It looks a bit different this year. My teacher’s spot is in a comfy chair with my blanket but we got through everything and we are all looking forward to the more settled routine of school.

We attended our annual “not back to school” homeschool beach party last week! It was so wonderful to connect with and see so many familiar and new faces! Homeschool group is growing, so many new families! But I completely forgot to take one picture.🤦‍♀️

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Thank you friends for these perfects gifts this month!❤❤❤

If you are praying for our family! THANK YOU! Please do not cease! Please pray for:

* REAL relief from my symptoms.

* Proper pain management that works.

* That everything will remain stable or better yet, show regression to complete NED!

* That we would have a blessed, productive school year without any major disruptions!

* That we can continue learning how to navigate this new way of life for us with grace and patience and know when to ask for help.

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Hebrews 10:36 ESV