Grace at the Door

Sept 8, 2018

I know it has been awhile since I have blogged and I am sorry for that – lots going on so let’s jump right into it. As of right now we continue to see my tumor markers drop – as of this week they are down again and now at 65 – remember they started at 670! My weight continues to be a struggle and we think it is lack of absorption – so back on the digestive enzyme pills.

My chemo treatments have been altered to one week on and then one week off. This has helped a bit with quality of life as well as my blood work and cell counts. As I sit here today I am a week and a half out of my last chemo and was strong enough to head to Jennifer and Doug’s vow renewal ceremony. My next chemo is on the 17th.

Our Arizona trip was very successful and we know what our plan is when we need to enact it. Which will be when we see that this chemo either stops working or I no longer can tolerate it. We learned that there are clinical trials all over the country that we will consider and could qualify for when the time comes and we have all the right doctors in place. I know you are thinking what is that timeframe; unfortunately none of us, except God, knows that answer so we will leave it in his capable hands and continue to follow his lead!

While Steve and I were in Arizona we had time to relax by the pool and enjoy each other’s company. We went out to dinner and I ate more then my usual ham sandwich! It was not only good physically but it was good for our soul as well. Our next adventure is JDRF Ride to Cure in Saratoga Springs, NY. We leave on Sept 12th and the ride is on the 15th. There are so many wonderful people that are part of the ride family who will be there and fill my soul with loads of love while fighting for a cure! I too continue to fight for a cure and plan to cross the starting line with many of my chapter riders, friends and family the morning of Sept 15th. If you are interested in donating to my ride please go to Kick Betes for Alex. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

Some more good news – to try and get to the bottom of my stomach pain, I had an endoscopic ultrasound yesterday, by the wonderful Dr Lewis, and he didn’t see anything that needed to be biopsied and no ulcer. He was able to do an ablation of the scar tissue around my pancreas in the hopes of taking away some of the pain – he usually sees positive results in 85% of the cases. So although my innerds are a bit sore we couldn’t ask for better news and are so happy that everything is moving in the right direction.

Oh yes you are wondering about the title of this blog – let me leave it at this. I was introduced recently to the works of an extraordinary group that provides spiritual support to those going through difficult times. If there is someone you know that needs some support and prayers please look up 12ordinarywomen.com. I experienced great joy through Grace on a Sunday morning in August.