Flyin' High

Good afternoon! Thanks for checking back in after my long absence. After talking with a few friends, I realized that my last entry was a bit misleading. As you may remember, my doctors (here and in TX) got into a bit of a disagreement concerning my treatment. I remarked that our prayers were answered, and I was able to get treatment locally, and was very pleased, which is true. I didn't want to go into all the details, b/c there are many, many tremendous people working at the local cancer center, and I am very appreciative of their care. I don't want my words to sound disrespectful at all.

HOWEVER...basically, the last day I received treatment locally, my oncologist said I needed to choose...him or my doctor in TX. Well, I didn't ponder the choice very long. My local "across the board" oncologist, or my TX oncologist who is a 20 year specialist in my particular type of breast cancer. Hmmmm....yah, I'm goin' with TX!

The true answer to prayer is that because he drew such a line in the sand, so to speak, the decision was obvious, and there was an immediate peace about it. My brother, my husband, and I were talking about it, and we all agreed that in 10 years, I won't regret having gone to TX. However, I'd probably regret NOT going. So, there you go.

I am now traveling weekly to Houston for my chemotherapy. Sounds crazy, I know, but it is so worth it. I am examined weekly by my oncologist (something that hasn't happened locally since my Dec. 20th appt, and then he only examined my abdomen...still don't know what he was looking for!), and I just feel like I am being monitored much more closely.

My current prayer requests are:

1) My children. They are going without me for at least 2 and sometimes 7 days at a time, which they don't really seem to mind. But the "re-entry" period, when I return, is rather challenging. Literally! There are lots of discipline issues as they check and re-check to see if I'm still in charge. The answer is "Yessir...I am still the momma, and you will do as you are told...the first time...without arguing...or complaining...or stomping your foot...and with a pleasant attitude." It's better today, and I think once we get into the routine of "predictably unpredictable" we'll all be a lot happier! Maybe just pray for obedient spirits, cooperative attitudes, and...well, that'd cover it!

2) Protection from illnesses...for my family and me. I've been doing fine with low counts and all, but Jeff and Isaac have both come down with just a nasty cold, which I can usually skate by, but since my immune system is compromised, well, I'm concerned. We just all need to stay healthy.

3) Traveling mercies...I'm really logging a lot of air miles (not on a credit card, just in real life).

4) My doctor's appt. on FEBRUARY 11th. On this day, starting at 7 am, I will undergo two separate tests to see how the cancer is responding to the chemotherapy. I will also meet with my oncologist, my neurosurgeon, a radiologist, a surgeon, and possibly a member of the bone marrow transplant team to discuss where we go from here. Sounds like a party to me! Hopefully, I'll be reporting fantastic news! Pray for continued healing and for wisdom for those who are treating me.

5) Continued financial provision. New year, new deductible. Jeff's work has been steady lately, due to recent storms, but we would still appreciate your prayers for job security. We don't need any more ice storms or tornados, but a delicate hailstorm that damages some roofs already in need of repair would be nice! :o)

Thank you so much for everything you are doing for us. You have been, and continue to be, such a blessing! I appreciate all of your cards and blog posts. They are so encouraging, and I do read them...it's just that when I get ready to reply...there is usually a discipline issue that comes up. Umhmmm...imagine that with 3 little boys with cabin fever! Hopefully this week will be better.

Love,

Leslie