After a few days of rain, rain, rain…..the sun is out and its a BEAUTIFUL DAY!!  Although, when the clouds are low, moving through the hills as a quiet mist, it smells so crisp and clean and has a beauty all its own.  Each day brings its own beauty.  Sometimes we just have to look a little harder.

Well, I met my oncologist yesterday and it sounds like we’ll be having monthly dates for the next several years.  Not what I was hoping for, but it is what I was told to expect.  My surgeon seriously knows her zebras when she sees them!  (refer back to first blog if that comment makes absolutely no sense.)

We spent almost 3 hours at the Cancer Care Institute yesterday.  Got my own name tag and everything.  I will be starting an oral drug when I’m completely healed up from surgery – the oncologist wants me to start it no later than the end of July.  I will have to take the drug (called Imatinib or “Gleevec”)  daily for three years (it used to be for one year but they are finding that the results are better if taken for three years), plus CT scans every 3-6 months, plus the monthly date with the oncologist and monthly labs to stay on top of some of the potential side effects.  So, I guess this will be my new normal.

A GIST (Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumor) is a very specific type of tumor and the drug I will be taking is specifically targeted at blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals the cancer cells to multiply.  They have determined that the risk of recurrence in my situation is extremely high because of the larger size of the tumor and something called “mitotic rate”;  mine was over 10 and anything over 5 is considered high risk.  Basically, the drug is to prevent recurrence because all evidence shows that they got everything out during surgery and all tests show it hasn’t spread anywhere else.  I really can’t express enough how fortunate I am in this regards.  Also, I have not had any organs affected – this is also exceptionally fortunate and I count it as one of many blessings that have occurred since this all began.

I’ve had a bit of time on my hands, so I have spent many hours reading whatever I could find about gastrointestinal tumors and treatment options.  I am the queen of research.  I quite possibly have more information than is healthy for an idle mind to harbor. I prepared a very long list of questions so my oncologist would have something to talk about.  Turns out, he was extremely thorough and went over everything during the appointment, literally answering all of my questions without ever having to refer to my list.  Either he was warned about me in advance, or they treat every patient with this type of knowledge and respect.  He had everything at his fingertips – we looked at CT scans, surgical reports, pathology reports and the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) Risk Assessment Guidelines and post-operative treatment.  He explained exactly why he was pursuing this course of treatment.  He acknowledged that there are numerous possible side-effects but also said that it is normally well tolerated.  I then met with the “Patient Navigator” – she’s the one who handles ordering the prescriptions and the “go-to” person during treatment.  Then the PharmD came in and went over all the information regarding the drug, possible side effects, precautions, etc.  Very, very complete and detailed visit!  They monitor very closely for some of the more serious symptoms.  I am very aware that the location of my tumor was a best case scenario, outside of the organs and just pushing on them in the space between.  If there is a recurrence, I may not be as lucky next time.  That part was a wake-up call for me.  I spend a lot of time in conversation with the Lord.  I try real hard to listen.  I put my life and all of this in His very capable hands and trust that each step is guided by Him and He is working through everyone who is caring for me.  He shows me signs along the way that leave me smiling and saying, “Thank you, God”.  I know and trust beyond a shadow of a doubt that He’s got my back.

For those that are into specific prayer requests, mine would be that I tolerate the drug well; for no side effects and for the drug to work at blocking any further tumor growth.  And, for my family to release any anxiety that this may cause them and know that all is well.   I trust and believe that our awesome God transforms trials into blessings.  It’s what He does.

An update on the abscess:  It’s still “open” and my sweet husband has been packing it daily – it’s our new evening ritual.  Not at all romantic but definitely intimate!! I’ve learned not to crack jokes while he’s at work because laughing greatly impedes the process and kinda hurts!  We are down from 5 feet of gauze to 3 feet, so it’s closing slowly.  Certainly not fast enough in my opinion!!  My doctor assures me it should be closed up by the time I’m scheduled to go back to work.

I’m craving pizza.  I think that’s a good sign!