Monday, July 6, 2009

Extolling the Virtue of Patience


This title isn't really descriptive of my post. To extoll means to lift up or laud the praises. Praising patience has never been a strong suit of mine, which is probably why God gave me ten children. Don't you love His sense of humor?

I have had spoken with my oncologist today. I just can't say enough good things about my medical team. My husband describes them as the "Dream Team of Medicine". I strongly agree. They are responsive, thorough, loving and kind. But most importantly they are praying for me and tell me this on a regular basis.

While of course leaving the final decision to the patient they are also not afraid to voice their opinions. I appreciate this beyond words. There are times when patients are simply torn on decisions, overwhelmed and need honest medical evaluation from the ones they trust - their doctor.

After our conversation, it is clear that my decision will be for the external beam radiation as opposed to the Gamma Knife. All of those who prayed that the direction would be clearly revealed, thank you - it was.

There is of course a substantial risk here in that my chemo will be at least temporaily suspended while I do the radiation treatments. I will be closely followed though by both the radiation doctor and my oncologist. Extreme fatique and toxicity are the main side effects of this type of treatment. As I have expressed determination to keep going and eak out as much time as possible, we are going to play this by ear to a degree. If I can tolerate the radiation well, they may be okay with giving some chemo in the interim. The likelihood of this happening isn't very high but it's great to have it in my back pocket anyway.

Evidently there isn't much data on concurrent radiation and chemo with CNS tumors. Maybe I can be a test case. I am however prepared for the likely reality that I'm not going to feel well for the next while.

Once the decision was finally made, I called the radiation oncologist to switch gears and tell them to go ahead and set up the external beam radiation. He's out - till next week! I forgot to tell him last week that he and his wife were not alllowed to have their baby until everything was taken care of for me. So I wait - again.

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:31

8 comments:

Tia said...

We will praying for you and the family. You truly inspire me with how courageous you are tackling everything. Please know that I am thinking of you and the family.

Kimmie said...

Hi Cindy;

Just wanted you to know that I will be praying for you. May God's healing touch flow through your every cell and may He fill you with His supernatural strength when you are feeling weak.

God is holding you tight. Praying for His perfect peace, a fresh touch of His Spirit, for Love poured out over you, as you enter this new phase of treatment and for His Word to speak to you as you cling to Him.

May God's healing touch be yours and may that cancer flee in His Presence. Standing with you and praising God for the dream team of doctors that He has blessed you with.

Praise, praise, praise...it is a mighty way at warfare.

big hug
Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted

tumbleintodreams said...

I was glad to read your recent post. Now you know the direction you will travel. I am praying for miracles along this path.

Anonymous said...

I have been praying for you since last Summer when you started praying for my daughter Nicole, (who had 2 kinds of cancer) & wrote encouraging comments in her Caringbridge journal. We too are waiting on the Lord! I am very encouraged by your strength & your faith & your words. I especially loved seeing your "in His peace" b4 your name- with all you are facing & you feel His peace- that is really inspiring!!!Isn't HE GREAT?!! May God bless you in everything! You are in my prayers, R R

Leigh said...

Cindy,
I pray that God will give you guidance and peaceful rest!!!
God Bless you and your Family.
Leigh

Barbara said...

I am awed by your strength and faith. You inspire me daily. I am praying for your healing, your family, and your "Dream Team" of doctors.

Teresa said...

Cindy,
I'm praying for you and the Dream Team. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand as you undertake this new plan.

Peace,
Teresa

Jackie Wilkerson said...

Hey Cindy,
I'm praying for you daily and I'm so glad that you
were able to talk to your doctors and get a good feeling about your future treatment. The Lord will certainly be with you during all of this and that's a very good thing to KNOW! Psalm 34:4 (NIV) Thanks for the updates. Love, Jackie

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