Round 2!
Hello, Fabulous Family and Friends!
Happy Monday! (That’s what we call an oxymoron!) Thought you may like an update:
The laparoscopic right hemicolectomy went well. They took out my right colon (which includes the appendix) my hepatic flexure (the bendy part) and a portion of the transverse colon. So, waaay more than just 8 inches! “You have 5 feet of colon, so there’s plenty left to do what it’s supposed to do,” they said. However, it sounded more like, “Well, you’ve got 3 feet of leg, and we’ll only be taking 1 foot (no pun intended), so you’ll be ok, right?”
Anyway, surgery went well. I was in a lot more pain afterwards than I expected. After three C-sections, I thought this would be a breeze. Nope. When your insides are all cut up: It hurts. Who’d have thought?
Today is 5 weeks post-op. Feeling great, but after I eat, I start hurting some—but ibuprofen works, so I’m good. Oh, by the way, I know that some people were wondering...no, I didn’t have a colostomy bag. They took out the parts that had to come out, sewed the good parts back together, and then literally pushed it back inside. I only have a 3cm scar above my belly button and 3 other <1cm spots where the laparoscopic instruments were put in. Easy breezy.
Cancer was found in the removed tumor and in 1 of the 39 lymph nodes. I was hoping this meant that the cancer was now out and gone, but, unfortunately, that wasn’t so. The lab test on the 13th of this month, showed my tumor marker up again to 377, and an elevated liver test. The CT confirmed all of this. The lesions in my liver have all increased in size and number. Plus, the “spot” in my lung has increased in size.
So, with all that in mind, today I did my first infusion of my second round of chemo. This time, I’m doing FOLFIRI with Avastin (last time it was FOLFOX with Avastin). The difference being they swapped out Oxaliplatin with Irinotecan. The Oxaliplatin caused the cold sensitivity and the neuropathy. And since my neuropathy still hasn’t healed from the last chemo, they switched it up. I am very thankful. No throat closing up because of cold drinks; no hand cramping; no facial muscles contorting into parakeet beaks; and best of all, NO MORE JAZZ HANDS!!! The Irinotecan has its own issues—intestinal distress (that’s putting it mildly)—but there’s drugs for that. Whew! However, I still have to wear the fanny pack for 2-3 days. Bummer! Hate those things. Well, it’s no longer a fanny pack they give you. It’s a bag with a clip that you hang on a belt loop. It’s like walking with a full water bottle attached to your belt loop and we all know how great that works. Really, you should try it. Now run. Yep. It’s that good.
Anyway, this time it’ll only be 8-10 infusions (not 10-12) given every two weeks, with delays if my white blood cell count gets too low. And things have streamlined a bit. Two of the drugs I now get to take in pill form instead of infusion. That saves me an hour of infusion time. Yay!
So, this was not the outcome I had hoped for but I’m thankful to have an option to fight the cancer that’s still inside me. Cancer is bad. Cancer that makes it to your liver is really bad. Once it finds its way there, it’s everywhere. That’s why there’s no “cure”. The chemo kills as much as it can but cancer likes to mutate so it just quietly changes and hides and then reproduces like mad once the chemo stops. That’s “Sarah’s interpretation”. Well, mine has a lot more nastier descriptive words, but you get the point.
As always, I am VERY BLESSED. God has given me another year. I seem to tolerate chemo fairly well. I have a great family. I have the means to afford this mess. The sun comes out even when it’s cold. But greatest of all, there’s our AWESOME, AMAZING, WONDERFUL, FABULOUS, SUPER-FANTASTIC, RAD (if you don’t know what that means, you’re too young!), MIRACULOUS God!!! Even in the worst times, I can see His goodness. I am so very thankful that He has allowed me to know Him! To quote a friend whose husband is now fighting his own battle:
“We know God is on His Throne and know He hears your prayers and His love for us and our family is more than we can even grasp.”
Well put. God’s got a plan and a purpose. I just have to be patient and do my part and make sure I’m learning what I’m supposed to be learning. Rejoicing in the good and pleading for mercy and comfort through the rough spots. All will be well. Especially with such a fabulous group as you all to whine to. You’re incredible!
So, here we go again. Round 2.
Oh yeah, went wig shopping yesterday. Would love to say that it was so much fun and had a great time trying on different styles and colors. Nope. As soon as I asked how it worked and then started walking around to choose my wigs, I cried. All the wigs just reminded me of Carol Burnett Show skits. Thankfully, the employees jumped in and helped me. Found a wig that I think will work. Told them I’d call when I needed it—like when I start looking like a diseased feral cat. Hopefully, it’ll be a while. Last time, I didn’t really start losing my hair until the 4th or 5th infusion. But, I wasn’t supposed to lose my hair either. So maybe my hair really hates chemo and tomorrow I’ll wake up bald. Guess we’ll see!
Comments (30)
Dear Sarah, I'm so sorry you have to go through this again!! It is no doubt hard to keep your spirits up at this point. God is good and so very loving we don't even understand the level of love that He has for us. You are a good example for all of us Sarah! We are still praying for a total recovery and strength to go through this very hard trial for you and your family. Much love to you.....Kathy and Denny
Hey Sarah, Sorry to be receiving messages from posthope. We are so thankful to God for you and your AMAZING walk of hope and humble sharing in this trial. You do it so well. God is bigger than cancer and promises to heal us through Christs suffering. We pray that He will have compassion on you, confound your doctors with total remission, and bless you now with a full life of happiness. You are loved by all of us and much more by our loving Father. Shine on with your inspiring walk. Love you. Pete & Tracy
Sarah, I am so sorry about this tremendous trial you're in. Yet, you're so positive and with such humor! I was thinking of you just the other day as I was putting Faith's little bunny in her crib. (You gave it to her at the Feast). I am so glad to know you and want you to know that my prayers for you continue and even more so now after seeing this update. I pray that God will completely remove this cancer from you once and for all. With Love, Carole
You may get tired of people saying what a good and positive example of faith you are, but it's true. I assure you I did not respond so positively during my hospital stay. I don't know how you do it. Your faith and hope shine brightly.
Dearest Sarah, You are our amazing friend and sister! Thank you for updating us. We are in this all the way with you for Round 2. Praying for complete healing. Deepest love and respect for you and the family, Polly & JR
Dear Sarah, My heart hurts to think of you going through this again but I see how God has worked His miracle in you over the past year. It often takes these terrible trials to help us really see how much we need Him and how much we are loved by those around us. I told you at the beginning that it would change all of your relationships--first with God, then with your family and with the friends who surround you with love. You will never be the same person who started this journey, and that's a blessing in itself. You are always in my prayers and I love you dearly.
I hate to see you hurt. Aren't I supposed to protect my little sister? I'm so thankful you have God walking with you through this dark valley. I love you so much.
I love you, Sarah. You are so wonderful! It's o.k. to cry about the wigs. Sometimes I just look at my hair and feel like crying!! You will still be beautiful no matter which wig you choose to wear or not wear! We are praying for you... :)
Sarah. . .Fight, fight, fight and keep moving! We cancer addicts know there's a reason out there for this; and it just ain't the physical. I had a long phone call w/Bill Schnee on the phone the other day. We picked up where we left off Years ago!!! Eternal Friendship, it is! Pls keep being our Good Example! :) . . .
Sarah, I myself am battling cancer and have been following you. You have gone through much more than I have, so far at least. I pray for you and hope that it doesn't continue on any farther. You have the faith to carry you through.... that is very important! We have to put our faith and trust in God. The main thing is that we get to the Kingdom. Everyday is a new day for blessings from God. Prayers for you, Sandy Balkovec
Dear Sarah-You are such an amazing gift from God, your fight for life and love for him shines through in every post you make! You are an inspiration to all of us who know and love you as well as to other cancer victims who are in their journey or just starting their own. Continued prayers of support to you and your beautiful family!
Sending our love to you. Yes, when we are weakest, God brings in His mighty strength, comfort and love to hold us up. It is pretty amazing to experience. And it truly does teach us about how great His love is. Wishing you an amazing day.
God bless you and heal you Sarah. We pray for courage and strength for all of your family. Much love to you.
Thank you for keeping us up to date with your posts. I love your positive attitude and your complete trust in God. We know that God is with you every step of the way, and that he truly loves you more than we can ever comprehend. We are praying for your complete healing.
I have been thinking of you & Scott & family. Our family is praying God will remove the cancer & heal you. Though saddened by all you & others we are close to are going through, we are holding fast to God's promises and are reasured by his steadfast love. Hugs from the Frick family!
Dear Sarah, Thanks for the update. but I hated to hear that the cancer has returned like it has. You are so amazing in your sense of humor and positive approach and your faith. You are an inspiration to us. This update will help me focus my prayers for you, my friend.
Sarah, Praying for you fervently, as ever. Your strength and outlook are truly inspiring. Fight on mighty warrior!
Dearest Sarah, My heart is heavy when I read your post, but you are so amazing that as I read it was so positive! I love your spirit. What an example to so many of us. I am studying Job right now, and we know how it ends up with him. I pray that will be the out come for you, great heath, fully restored by our Glorious Heavenly Father! You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs
Sarah, this update is totally you - pulling the positive through the negative and counting your blessings. There's always something to be grateful for, even in the midst of the worst trials. While your friends are the ones who are supposed to be doing the encouraging, I can honestly say that I'm the one who walks away from your posts feeling greatly encouraged. You keep on fighting and we will all keep praying!! We serve an amazing God, and you are one of His very own. Remember Isaiah 49:15-16. Sending hugs and love! -Tammy Turci Drake
Thanks so much for your frank & detailed update (interspersed with your ever-incredible sense of humor! :-) ) Our prayers continue, Sarah, for you and your entire beautiful family!! Sending love & hugs from all the Kovalchicks.
Dear Sarah My prayers have been fervent through round 1 and continues into 2! I am so inspired by your faith, hope and your humor through a trial that I just can't understand why had to even happen. I wish I was closer and could give you a hug! Your smile lights a room😘 Tonya Matson and Family
Sarah, You are a very precious and special lady! I recognize God's priceless Holy Spirit in you, your words of deep and profound understanding, coupled with a depth of doing and living God's way of life is a Godly trait, that I greatly respect. Courageous, outgoing love, faithful, true, and unfailing hope. . . There is nothing in this world, nothing, that can match the spirit in you Lady Sarah,
I echo John Freeman's comments. <3 You are an amazing woman.
SIGH! Not the update I was expecting, I must say, and so I can only imagine the emotional roller coaster ride you and your family have felt through all of this. I am praying for you all, and think of you so many more times than you could possibly know throughout each day. For our Healer **this situation is a piece of cake**. And, you will NEVER EVER look like a feral diseased cat, dear one. It takes more than a lack of hair to extinguish both your inner and outer beauty and all that we love about you, Sarah. I am praying that you handle the treatments at a level that allows success and quality days with which to be able to enjoy life without feeling sick. Much love to you and consider yourself e-bearhugged. Thank you for taking the time to update us and please give Scott our love. xo
I can't picture "diseased feral cat" in any way describing you, but of what we all learn from you (faith, endurance, etc.), we also learn this: you write in a very entertaining way! Write a book, please, on your experiences with all of this, and how God is STILL at the forefront of your life when most people would hold Him responsible. I predict that many of us would wear out the pages of such a book, in the many re-reads we'd give it. With much love to you and your fabulous family....
We are here for you every step of the way my dear friend. We are surrounding you with love, support, strength, and prayers. Your positive spirit warms my heart. Be brave and stay strong. We love our Gjesvolds! Tom & Brenda Anderson
I love you Sarah and am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you and your family big hugs and prayers.
I just read your website or what ever you call it and you are in my prayers. I will pray for you immediately after I get off this internet. Best regards.
Sarah, Ardys keeps me updated on you and I'm so very sorry for this latest turn, but it's not over yet...God is bigger than this trial and He WILL NEVER leave you or forsake you!! You remain in our family's prayers daily and we all love you very much.
Sarah, Keep staying positive, I know some days are harder than others. You, Scott and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers often. Take care and if there is anything we can do for you or your family please let me now. Have a good Sabbath. Hugs.