9/6/16 Round 4
Hello, Fabulous Family & Friends!
Quick update. The second attempt at the clinical trial drug, Regorafenib, was a major FAIL. Stopped it after a week. Too many side effects. Been trying to recover.
I start Round 4 of chemo tomorrow using FolFOX with Avastin. This is what I used the first time. It worked pretty well, then, but the side effects were tough. And the cancer seemed to return pretty fast. However, it stopped the cancer. And that’s what I really need right now.
My last tumor marker was up to 739, which is higher than when I found out I had cancer. So there’s that. And the CT scan showed the tumors in the liver growing, the one in the lung increased from 4mm to 6mm (still not huge—but the fact that it’s growing is bad) and now I have a few enlarged lymph nodes in another area. So it’s spreading. Not good.
Thank you, as always, for your prayers and encouraging notes/cards. I believe in God and that He has a master plan. Sometimes, it’s rough to accept the path that I’m on, but I also know that He’s doing what’s best. Can’t say I can even begin to understand it. But I’m trying.
So, I don’t know what else to tell you. It’s been a rough three months and I’m not really looking forward to the coming side effects. Guess I’ll just have to smile and wave my jazz hands. Hugs!
Comments (22)
Keep up the grand fight and please remember we are all here for you, and know that prayers are sent daily for you and the entire family. Thanks for keeping us posted and make sure you keep rested.
I'm sorry to read that the numbers are up, the tumors growing, and back on the first chemo. I would be quite discouraged to get that news. I pray for you often, but I will burn even more incense on your behalf. I know it's hard to have faith. I guess if we understood the plan, it wouldn't be faith. Hugs from Kit and me.
Dearest Sarah, Sending you Lots of Love, Hugs and Prayers!
We appreciate the updates so we can pray more fervently and specifically. Wish that you didn't have to do another round of chemo with all of its horrible side effects. Hang in there and please know that we care and love you! Hugs.
I'm sorry Sarah. You are always in my prayers. Stay at peace, --TC
I don't know how long it took Job to be restored, but it was not in God's plan to do it quickly. And Job's example illustrates intercessory prayer (Job 16:19, AMP), which points to Christ being Job's advocate. And Christ, with so many of us joining Him, continue to cry out on your behalf. Maybe endurance is what is designed to be the focal point of this most difficult trial. May we all continue to pray, and to give thanks, for the bits of joy that I hope are dotted throughout this struggle (puppy, Nutella, stylish handwear, comfort food, family, et al.) We love you, and think you are an awesome example of a sister in Christ!
Dear Sarah, Our prayers, hearts and love go out for you Thank you for keeping us updated. Praying for less side effects, encouragement and peace. Love from all of us. Polly
I wish I could just hug you right now. But until then, I'll continue to pray for God's mercy, healing and encouragement. Love you!
I love you, Sarah. I want you to beat this so much it hurts, and I know my hurt is NOTHING compared to yours, Scott's and the girls'. But I know that regardless of the outcome, we will get to spend eternity bumping into each other, doing the God-family version of girlfriend dates that we've never had a chance to do in this lifetime. And for that I am thankful. Hang in there, dear friend. You are loved by so many and lifted up in prayer always. Hugs.
P.S. The hair is FABULOUS!
Love You Sarah
Praying for healing, strength, encouragement for you Sarah. We love you.
Always in your corner praying Sarah...my prayers are that God will reward your faith and positive attitude with a true miracle for all the world to see. I won't quit on this. Texas sized hug for you and your family.
Hi Sarah, You are beautiful, inside and out! Continuing our prayers on your behalf. Thank you for the update. Much love, Paul and Darla :)
Thank you so much for the update. You and your whole family are loved more than you will ever know!
Stay strong Aunt Sarah. We love you and will continue our prayers. Love and miss you tons! ~Jamie
Thanks for the update Sarah, We are praying for you still and wishing things were better. You and Scott are an inspiration to many. Hugs from the Frick family
Sending you lots of love and prayers my friend. You are truly the amazing and fabulous friend. Lucky me to be inspired by your strength and bravery. I believe in you 💗- Love Brenda Anderson
Well, to say this news was like a "punch in the nose" would be an understatement. It was not so much the details, but how you wrote the message. I thought "clearly, this can't be good" and certainly it has hit you hard, as it would anyone in your shoes. I know all of us wish we could take a day or two or ten of your suffering upon us, to at least give you a break. So, that is what I will pray for -- that God gives you a pause, with wide-open fields, still waters and sunrise over Mt. Rainier. You deserve it.
Dear Sarah.....Our prayers are with you almost daily!! We will continue to ask God for your complete healing. He is our loving Father and he knows how strong you have been and how you are needed. Along with God your humor has given you a spark to get through these dark days. Thank you for keeping us updated! Hugs and Love, Kathy
Dear Sarah, It's been a month since you posted the not-so-good news. No one wanted to hear that your condition had worsened, least of all you and your family. SO much has been said, I don't want to just repeat it all. Your strength and determination inspire me. I can't imagine what this has been like for all of you, and I don't believe I would deal with it as well as you have. Stay strong in your beliefs and know God IS taking care of you. Ultimately, you will be healed and I hope this Feast season will give you renewed hope and determination. Have faith, and I pray God will give you relief from pain and strength to get through whatever is next. Hugs!!!
Hi Sarah! Just checking in to let you know that you & your family remain in John & my daily thoughts & prayers!! Your strength & sense of humor in the midst of all this is a true inspiration! We are praying that this Fall Feast season brings you all much encouragement & joy. Keep on keeping on -- one day (or even one minute!) at a time!! With God at your side, you've got this!!! Sending love, hugs, and continued prayers for strength, comfort, healing, encouragement & peace of mind. --Wendy & John Kovalchick