She was just the right person immediately. She asked if I wanted to start chemo right then, which makes her my kind of "let's get this going" lady. She was totally open to how I'm eating, some wacky supplements I'm taking and she actually said, "We both need to be looking out for new things. There are so many great advancements. We need to try all we can" (paraphrase, since she sounds more like an actual doctor). She repeated a lot of what the oncologist said on Tuesday, but how she phrased it just worked for me. Everyone said it would be like that when I met the right oncologist and I was incredibly scared that it never would...so I asked God for a sign and He gave it to me (it's personal).
I've never had to choose someone who would have my life in his or her hands before.
But now I have, and chemotherapy will definitely begin Tuesday morning, July 23rd. I'll have it every two weeks (on Thursdays after this first one-off Tuesday). I'll have 4 cycles of chemo (until September, basically) and then repeat all my scans and tests and see where we go from there (a lot of options).
My prayer is that the chemo basically 'washes' it all away. Literally, all of the cancer. It's a journey and we're walking it...so I'll just stop there since that's the only part of the road I can see right now. When I try to guess the road ahead, I just get spooked...so I am disciplining myself to face only what I can see. Because God is always in the present moment. So we'll stay together.
The rest of the post is pictures. I have received SO much from everyone. So much prayer, so much love...even presents at just the right time. I am really humbled and grateful and I'll just keep saying that until there is a better word ;)
My Aunt Mary's statue (she passed away when we were kids). I was talking to her (aunt Mary) and asking for her prayers right before my surgery, and then my cousin (her daughter) texted this picture!!
There is a ladies' quilting group at my Church that makes quilts for the sick. The quilts are laid out for the entire parish and there are tiny strings that people tie and say a prayer and then sign the card. This is my quilt. So blessed to receive this!!
One of my new besties saying Mass for me in our back yard.
One of my college besties saying Mass for me at a college reunion of our male friends (in New York)
Our boys attend a summer camp here (Frassati - actually a few camps - each for a different sport) and at the camp, the campers are encouraged to write the name of a person on their wrist. The camper offers up their hard work and discipline as a prayer for that person. This is the son of a friend of mine, who offered up his camp (and his cross country practice afterward!) for me. Tears...seriously.
The head of the camps chose another guy (who also can use the prayers :) Many of the kids' friends (and the boys themselves) have been sporting our family's names all summer. When you see a 7 year old with your name on her wrist, it's really too much.
A dear friend went to pray for us on her vacation in 🇲🇽 Mexico
Sent from the aforementioned Tom, who is just too funny.
Close family friends are in the Holy Land and have been lighting candles every where.
A sister of a friend (who is also a friend, but so surprised to receive this!!) sent love from California
Jule...I forgot to add the very first flowers ;)
My aunt sent me some of my favorite things to read during chemo (you know me too well...)
Even Shawn's company sent me the worlds' most comfy blanket and a bag to carry things to chemo.
More tomorrow even though we're heading to the cabin for the weekend (no internet or cel phones...so don't be offended!)
Jesus, I trust in You
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