Preparing

What an interesting range of emotions we have been through in the last 2 weeks.  The first Sunday of the month was fast Sunday and the family held a fast for me, with many friends joining in too.  I have never experienced people fasting for me before.  I now have a real testimony of the power of the fast joined with prayer.  That day I felt the Lord calming me and comforting me like I had never felt it before.  There is strength and power in that act.  Ken had also given me a priesthood blessing.  How grateful I am for the power of the priesthood!

The time in Colorado with Ken and no interruptions was so good for us.  We talked, made lists, and did some research. We also hiked, took pictures and Ken fished as I sat by the river.  There were times as I read through the chemo protocol and side effects that I just wanted to curl up into a ball and cry.  And then you just wipe the tears and say, "I can do this".

When we got home, it was time to start preparing.  We got our flu and pneumonia shots.  I started cooking some good healthy things to put in the freezer.  We visited with family in the area and had lots of phone calls and texts from people.   We went to the temple and had time to sit in the Celestial room and feel the peace that is there.  I also decided to chop off my hair.  I figured that the short hair would be enough of a shock, that when it falls out it won't be such a surprise.  And a lot less hair to worry about cleaning up.  So this is what it is for now (and it is super easy to take care of!)  Check again in about 3 weeks and you will see the new updated look.

I had a bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday the 16 and a PET/CT scan the next day.  Both of those tests were done to figure out the stage of the cancer and to see if it was anywhere else in the lymph system or bone marrow.  The results of the biopsy take awhile to get written up, but Dr. Wallentine talked to both of the places that did the tests and, based on what he heard, he is staging my cancer as Stage 1E.  That is wonderful news - Ken and I celebrated with happy tears and relieved laughter!  It means that the cancer is found only in 1 area of a single organ outside of the lymph system.  In other words, just the one tumor.

I have a friend that I am calling my "chemo coach".  She is a 2 time breast cancer survivor and a very determined lady.  She is my neighbor Jil and she has had 18 rounds of chemo in the same clinic that I am going to.  We have spent lots of time texting, talking, and hugging.  I have a page of notes with things she has told me.  She lent me all her scarves and hats, and to top all of that, she made me the coolest minky blanket ever!  Leopard print and bright orange.  She has given me lots of resources for chemo treatments and products.  I have the best coach ever!

As the time gets closer for the first treatment, the reality is setting in.  I was given another priesthood blessing by Ken and our neighbor, Andy Dabczynski.  What a comfort those blessings are.

I want to close my posts with things I am grateful for, that will keep me looking for the miracles and tender mercies that I receive.  So here goes:
- I am thankful that the doctors were able to find this cancer in the very early stages.
- I am thankful for modern medicine and all those who spend their lives trying to find the best way to treat cancer.
- I am thankful to be married to a worthy priesthood holder that can use that power to bless our lives.
- I am thankful for our kids and grandkids.  I have had some of the nicest texts and phone calls from them.
 - I am thankful for all my friends who have sent messages of encouragement and support, along with flowers, lotion, socks and books!

Thank you all.