The Beginning of the End and Becoming a Nun

Today I had the first treatment of my last round of chemo. I am scheduled for two more treatments, the last ending on Jan. 14th. I am beginning to experience the side effects again, which believe it or not, I had already actually forgotten about. I have had two weeks off and have been feeling so normal and healthy, that I forgot about how lousy I used to feel. It isn't that I forgot what the side effects were; it's that I forgot how they make me feel.

I guess this is a good thing because it means that once the treatments are finished I should be backing to feeling really good. I never thought I would forget what chemo feels like and yet here I am after just a short break from it, I have already forgotten. I don't know if it's because I have a really short memory or if it's because I have been focusing on the good things and not the negative. All through this cancer journey I have focused on the blessings in the midst of the trials. There have been so many blessings: answered prayer, God's faithfulness, support from so many loved ones including cards, meals, hugs, phone calls, emails, gifts, etc. , and strength for each day in the midst of weakness.

One more thing. . . I have wanted to inform you all that I am going to be a nun. Yes, it's true. I have been preparing for this for a while, but I haven't told many people yet. It is official now. I will be a nun in the community theater production of The Sound of Music. Did I get your attention on that one? I am so excited about being a part in the musical. The nuns sing all their songs in Latin and usually acapella. The music is beautiful and I have always loved the movie. If you are in Wilson during the first week of February, come and see me. I'll post more information on the play later. It is going to be great.

Thanks for keeping up with how I am doing. I have really appreciated so many of you reading this and encouraging me with your comments.

It Just Keeps on Getting Better

I finished my fifth round of chemo last Friday. Each round consists of three treatments. I learned that the doctor wants me to complete six rounds, so that means that after Christmas I will just have to have three more treatments. How great is that?! I was prepared for another couple of months of chemo, but this is really good news. If the clean CT scan was my Christmas present, the ending of the chemotherapy will be my birthday present.

There is even more good news. I signed up for classes for next semester and I learned I had more credits than I thought I had. As it turns out I may be able to graduate this May! I was shocked. I thought that I had fallen too far behind since I had lightened my course load this summer and fall. But if I work hard I can finish it up this Spring. I am so excited I almost can't stand it. All I can think of is the verse that says that God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Eph. 3:20)

Rejoicing,

Good News

Friday I got the results of my CT scan and it was really good news. The radiologist's opinion was that I was in full remission. My oncologist said he was a little more conservative and noted a little shaded area where the large tumor used to be and thought there still might be a remnant of the cancer left. Even still he stated that I was 90% healed and that this was "an impressive response." All of the little tumors that he called satellite tumors were all gone. There had been over a dozen.

We are all excited, relieved, thankful, and praising God. I just want to "go tell it on the mountain" but I guess that telephoning and blogging are the new ways to do that and that is what I am doing. I will still continue the chemo until the doctor is certain that all the cancer is gone. But just as a number of people have already stated, I have received my Christmas present early.

We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at this time because He bridged the gap between us and God. Because of this, God still answers prayer and is still in the healing business. I thank all of you who have prayed for my healing and above all I thank God.