I know I haven’t posted as I should, and I’m sorry. There were days I’m not sure I could have put together complete sentences. It’s like my brain checked out. When I did start coming back, I tried to resume posting on Facebook and responding to comments. That was even challenging! I was in pretty rough shape. I seem to be improving daily, but it has been a struggle.

When my body is tired, my brain gets tired. My spirit gets tired. My faith gets tired.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  (Hebrews 11:1)

I was first diagnosed with colitis when I was hospitalized in February. I’ve been in and out of doctors’ offices and hospitals for months. (I’ve gotten to know some wonderful nurses and doctors!) There were procedures to address colon abscesses in July, and I’m still wearing a drain. Stitched to my body. With about two feet of tubing attached. It’s a lot of fun! We won’t talk about how long it’s been since I’ve had a bath or shower. (It’s amazing how many different “wipes” one can order online!) I’ve pondered standing in the yard and getting sprayed with a hose, but that would only give me wet clothes.

Throw in a few trips to the emergency room and a week in the hospital in July, and finally, it’s been treated. I’m pretty sure.

God’s Mercy.

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
(Psalm 86:5)
We also threw in a trip to California and Colorado over Memorial Day, and it was wonderful! It may have been more that I should have tried to do, but everything about it was a giant blessing. GIANT. But that’s a post for another day.

I haven’t done chemo since April. I had just started to add-in of the last part of my colorectal chemo protocol… and it was very hard on me. That may be because I was already worn down. I was super tired, with very low energy, and my mobility was extremely limited. It’s still extremely limited. And… my hair thinned out. But I’m not bald – only some of it fell out!

Here’s the GOOD news: Chemo worked! It reduced tumor size. Praise God!

While they’ve been treating the colitis, I’ve had many scans, x-rays, etc. Some show that although some tumors shrank, the lung cancer tumors are growing. Not good. And I can tell because I have a phlegm and cough and sound like I’ve been smoking since I was 5. I never smoked. Ever. So…

Once all these extra pieces and parts are removed and the colon issues are fully healed, I go back to chemo. This time, they will add chemo for lung cancer. And drop the colorectal one that gave me grief. So… overall, it’s a good change. I’ll only be in the treatment office for three hours, not eight, every other week. (I’ll still wear the treatment home for a few days.) There will be some new side effects, but some old ones will be gone. It sounds like a good trade.

God has been gracious through it all. My support team is huge, and my bonus family has been great! I’ve received many social media comments and cards of support. We’ve had many wonderful guests stay with us. Some have come to the library to visit with me. (Not my ideal, but I still get to be innkeeper!) Many now pray for me. Our reviews have been incredible, and that’s so encouraging!

I know that God is in control, and I really appreciate your prayers. I pray that my faith will be strong and that I won’t be a big complainer.

God is good.