woo hoo my dear readers!
Well maybe a little toot…
The Doctors modified my Chemo treatment and I was/am tolerating it pretty well….
But as with all “drugs”…there are side effects. ;(
I would list the side effects, but I can’t talk as fast as those ads on TV for drugs….where they reel off a litany of side effects that are longer than the ingredients of the pill itself.
In addition to that, my fingers don’t work fast (or slow) on the keyboard…as my fingers don’t always do what I tell them to do.
As chemo goes, it doesn’t know what it is supposed to do to an individual organ…so it just sorta sez, let’s mix it up….so my teeth are affected too.
However the steroids are what is helping with the nausea, so I say woo hoo to that.
That also means I would certainly flunk a drug test, so I can cross of the Tour de France bicycle trek from my bucket list.
Oh wait!…it was NEVER on my bucket list.
Hello Lance Armstrong….any tips on how to get through the surprise drug testing??? LOL
So that is the good news, now on to the not so good.
We went to Moffit on Wednesday for a check-in with all my cancer doctors there.
While my Doctor was happy with the 30 percent of the cancer removed with the chemo, she still wasn’t satisfied where the cancer is located…(on the main vein hub if you recall.)
So she looked me straight in the eye and said : “we may just remove your pancreas”.
I, in my layman knowledge said…”Cool, let’s do it right now.”
She then told me she needs more of the cancer removed with the chemo, followed by the 5 straight days of radiation, just as before.
Now comes the explanation.
Organ 101, and why you need your pancreas.
the pancreas secretes and works on breaking food down for passage into the other parts of your body…like the stomach and intestines.
And if you don’t have your pancreas….you become a full blown Diabetic.
Boom!
You then take more drugs with each meal And two to three insulin shots daily.
One of the drugs is $1500.00 a month.
It beats the alternative, but she also warned that if, the cancer comes back…most likely Hospice would be the next step as she didn’t think I would be able to go back to the chemo.
And as they say (whoever “they” are), the hits just keep on a-coming.
But I know my God can perform miracles and He is here with me going through all the steps…and carrying me when I am weak.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I also want to share a pic I took at the cancer center.
I wanted to cry at the beauty of this husband kneeling before his spouse as she was being given her drip.
She held a kleenix by her mouth as he held her other hand.
And my wonderful church family have been bringing me Hot chicken broth and deli chicken with all the fixin’s….thank you Celeste!
And vegetable soup and corn bread from Susie Q.
So thoughtful of them.
I also received three wonderful gifts and a lovely card.
The gifts are hand made little chemo pillow ports to put over my seat belt so the port doesn’t catch and it gives support.
And each one had a little note.
Thank you so much Kim Billings from the Tampa area.
How thoughtfull.
Hey Guys, I have been receiving so many cards and emails and messages that I am overwhelmed by the love that is coming through to me.
They mean everything to me.
I am truly Blessed.
The Captain gave me a throw that is so pretty and says “Be Still, And know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
And this pretty snowball church for my bedside table.
He is so thoughtful and at my beck and call constantly.
As I said, I am so Blessed.
Thank you all so very much for your encouragement.
With this modified chemo and all the drugs…I am confident that I will fight to the end and then fight some more.
I can’t do it by myself…you are all helping with your prayers….
And Exodus 15:2 says: The Lord is my strength and my song, He has given me victory.
Nehemiah 8:10 “Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength”
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Sweet Jesse James, our little bandit that stole our hearts, never leaves my side.
Blessings always,
Sweet Kari and your Captain, you 2 are so missed at FCC ! Prayer for you 2 are lifted at each service and beyond…. life is lived as it happens to us l weep over this horrific time in your life l have no words of cliche to add here only so grateful to read your testimony and know how to pray specifically for your needs. Words of encouragement l can give from Holy Scriptures… Psalm 3 spoke powerfully today concerning all the ills that befall us as we walk the Pilgrims path.. verses describe anguish and hope… Lord how they have increased who trouble me! .. But You O LORD are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts my head. I cried out to rue LORD with my voice and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept l awoke the LORD sustained me.( enemies are anything that hurts us ) … It is good that God hears and answers always… May you know Him as your King of glory and feel Him as your Prince of peace.. prayers and love sweet Sister in Christ. J.B.
Dear Kari, You always amaze me with your strength, courage and positive attitude. Keep up the good fight. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
y
Kari, I’ve been praying for you! Glad to see your post. I’d really like to put one of my books in your hands. I messaged you, but maybe it ended up in your spam? If I can send you a book, please message me through our blog at http://www.InstaEncouragements.com. I’d love to hear from you! Take care! —Patsy
patsy i ordered the book on amazon…reading it now
Repeat after me! I got this! I got this! I got this! It can’t hurt and seems to work for me! Stay positive! You got this!
Well, I haven’t been here for awhile as I’ve not been posting to link parties, but I was here to promote a #coffeeblogtour and giveaway– to find out this news! I’m so sorry to see that you’ve been going through this. I didn’t know that a person could live without their pancreas— a lady in my sister’s church is going through this but isn’t having treatments….
I saw your tea tag in a picture above– so what kind of tea do you like? I’d like to send you some— and how do I find your address?
Praying for you, and hoping you feel better soon.
Liberty @ B4andAfters.com
Praying, and praying more… The Lord does, indeed, have this all completed. What a comfort to know that HE has this all in HIS control! Praising God for the glory your are bringing Him! Hugs!
If you ever need me I am right next door. Please just ask. Our prayers are always with you and your captain. Love and hugs always.
Keep fighting Kari. Take strength knowing you are very much loved. Hugs from across the pond xx
Sending the luck of the Irish and my love and prayers Kari. One step at a time. As Philip says to me; ‘don’t get ahead of yourself’. X x x x x 😍😍😍😍
I pray for you each and every day. I am so glad the Captain is there for you.
And God has his loving arms wrapped around you.
Love you!
Dear Kari, while the thought of diabetes sounds like a molehill compared to what you’ve already endured, it won’t be any picnic either, but definitely DOABLE, so if that is God’s plan for healing, amen. Your gifts are truly thoughtful. Your sweet Jesse James is your little angel, and your Captain is…well, he’s your Co-Captain. Blessings for your continued strength. I’m glad the steroids are helping. Hair will grow and teeth can be implanted. Thank you for keeping us updated. XO
Kari, you are such a testimony of God’s amazing grace. You have a wonderful support group with your Captain leading the way. I am praying for you sweet friend. We know nothing is impossible with God. Sending love and hugs❤️
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs~ ❤️
Oh Kari, you are always in my heart and in my constant prayers…thank you for sharing your brave journey and I pray for your continued strength and courage, and so happy you are surrounded by love ❤️
Jenna
I am keeping you in my prayers each day.
🙏🙏🙏
Hang in there. God’s got you!
My Dear Kari
We continue to pray for you in church. I also pray for you eveynight. I know one of these next posts that you send out will bring good news. God loves you and he is by your side. I’m so glad to hear you are still upbeat. Jessie James is a darling. Know that you are loved by so many. We are all praying for you.
Love and hugs
Judy