Rejoice!

Friends and family,

This afternoon I am sitting in awe and humility, proclaiming the words given in Deuteronomy 26:11: "Rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given you and your household!" 

I am now standing solidly on the other side of a journey I never pictured myself being on .... and am continuing to praise Him who has carried me so tenderly through major surgery, recovery, and radiation with tender mercies at work day by day.  Today I visited with my radiation oncologist to hear the good news that my treatment has done exactly what it intended to do -- radiating and working to kill the small amount of residual thyroid tissue left in the central cavity of my neck.  The hope and expectation is that the radiation will continue to work over the next week to kill those few remaining cancer cells. I can testify that it is a wonderful thing to exit the cancer center without needing to make a follow-up appointment!! :-)

I now begin work with an endocrinologist to make sure that my thyroid levels are such to keep me strong and healthy as well as being able to continue fighting off any further cancer growth.  While I understand that this is a bit of a process, I am already thankful as I have been fully able to care for my family for the majority of my recovery and treatment; and I anticipate that this will continue in the weeks and months to come as my levels stabilize.  My future will continue to hold regular doctor appointments, various scans, and potentially more radiation in time .... but all most likely at a decreased rater over the year(s) to follow.

I am so appreciative of all the many kindnesses shown to me and my family.  My solitary confinement during radiation was eased by the continued check-ins by many, either by phone or email, and even a few from the top of the stairs :-)   As I had prayed, God used that time to teach and grow me in Him.  He continues to answer prayer as I see my children rising up and growing in maturity and Christ-likeness throughout this process.  He has met our every need --- many before we have even felt them!  We are so filled with thanksgiving.  The season upon us will hold even more meaning for our family this year.  I have been immensely blessed by the prayers spoken on my behalf .... particularly from some of my littlest friends.  Thank you.  You are a treasure and a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ at work.

Onward .......

3-2-1 Blastoff!

Well -- after 12 days of living on a low/no-iodine diet (look that one up -- it's harder than you might think!), and two consecutive days of receiving Thyrogen injections .... this morning I will drive to the Nuclear Medicine department of a nearby hospital and ingest approximately 50 milli-curies of radioactive iodine.  The thought is that any remaining thyroid cancer which might be left in my body will then, after being starved of the iodine which it seeks out, will attach itself to the iodine radiation and be killed off.  
During this time, (approximately 3 days), I will be highly radioactive and will need to stay 6 feet away from any living thing.  For some, this means a 3 day hospital stay .... but I've chosen to live alone in my basement for 3 days instead (it's FAR cheaper and the accommodations are ever so much nicer!).  My stack of movies and table full of projects is ready!! My sweet daughter will have to deliver my meals to the top of the stairs (she's already written out menus for me) and call down when they are ready.  I will miss her hugs but am anxious to get through this next hurdle and begin life anew.... as a cancer survivor.
Thank you for your prayers!  God is abundantly ABLE to do immeasurably more than we could ever think to ask .... I am trusting in Him today and for all my days ahead.