Hi Blogger,
It's been a few weeks since my last blog. This was taken during one of my recent treatments. I am doing well because I have been blessed by so many loving friends and family who come and hang out with me during the stay. I'm also doing well because today is my first day of summer vacation from school! YEA! I was busy today doing house work, going for my weekly blood draw and having lunch with my girl friend. I haven't gotten my blood work back yet but I'm sure it's fine. It was good last week so it'll be good this week So I will have treatment on Monday and give back the pump on Wednesday. It will be interesting to see how well I do when I can rest and not have to get up early every day and go to work. This past treatment I was able to work through the bad times. It was the week before finals and I had too much going on at work to take off. This next treatment, number 6, will have to last for 4 weeks. I have to postpone my treatment in July for my family reunion. Hopefully it'll be OK. I have been feeling good and I still have some hair! God knew ahead that I'd need lots of hair so even though my hair has thinned out, no one would notice. He thinks of everything!!! I still take lots of vitamins and drink the blueberry monster drink from Odwalla that is full of B vitamins. I believe it is helping to keep my counts up and give me energy. After the 8Th treatment I will have another scan to see if the treatment is working. I am in a good place mentally because I know that God is in charge of my life. I don't worry about tomorrow because I am here enjoying today. I try to stay focused on His path and keep going forward. I still walk 3-4 miles a day and will increase the mileage now that I have more time. Thank you to all that have contributed to Relay for Life. I am truly blessed by so many loving and generous people in my life. I pray God continues to bless each and every one of you and that you see the blessing that He brings to you each day. As it says in James 4:8 "Come near to God and He will come near to you". If you look for Him, He will show you the way, the truth and the light.
There is exciting new research on the horizon for colon cancer patients. It's called personalized treatment. Treatment is tailored to an individual based on their genetic makeup. We have a gene called K-ras which is a regualtor of cell growth. If that gene has a mutated form, then it pretty much assures the patient won't respond to Erbitux. (Erbitux is a newer drug that has some not such nice side effects but is good for some patients with colon cancer. My Dr said I may have to go on it in the future.) Basicly a patient won't have to endure a drug that won't work for them. This in very important because no one wants to go on a chemo regimin only to find out it's not working a few months later. This is why research is so important. And why I am doing the relay. Everying penny donated is one step closer to finding a cure.