Hey gang --
It's been a huge week of doctor appointments (5 in 10 days) and getting ready for the next phase of treatments, namely radiation. It's also been a big emotional week of change with the potential risks of my next treatments and all the changes that are happening this fall (Lucy and Chris started school this week).
I got the nod from my radiation oncologist and plastic surgeon that my six-week, every-day radiation schedule will begin on the 22nd. That doesn't mean that I am out the woods yet with the openings on my incision from my old June surgery, however. I am grateful that we will be able to begin somewhat on time but there is a chance that my holes will open up more during radiation. If my expander (put in when I had my mastectomy) starts to show through the holes during radiation I will have to go into surgery to have it taken out so my wound can heal properly. That would be quite a bummer. So one of my prayer requests is that these holes would hold up during radiation so that I can make it through the six weeks without surgery.
I am also trying to get into a 3-year bone trial that uses a group of osteoperosis drugs as a preventive measure against future recurrence (breast cancer most often recurs as bone cancer). It's a really positive, promising and exciting trial. I hope be a part of this trial but I have to have a thorough dental exam (Monday) so I can get in. I also am praying for the Lord's input on this one as there is a low risk but pretty awful side effect involving your jaw that comes with being in the trial. Since I seem have a lot of health issues for my age, I am starting to pay attention to these "low risk" health risks. It's scary at times.
We desire to drink deeply from Christ and not our own strength to get through these next few miles this fall (Chris also has a lot going on and currently is enrolled in two seminary classes). Although I have never run a marathon, I feel like we are are mile marker 20 physically, emotionally and spiritually. We have hit the end of our human strength and need to draw 100% from Christ's resources. He is the vine and we are the branches.
Thanks for your prayers and your on-going encouragement and support! We have needed you far more than we had expected at the beginning of this process!
Love, Sara
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