Travels and Updates

Last week, the week before Easter, was a wonderful time at Topsail Island, NC,  with the whole family.   The water was cold so I did not venture forth as did the kids.  I stayed out of the sun because of the chemo but had a wonderful time in the lovely house right on the beach, watching and video-taping.  It took us about  4  hours to get there.  I felt "normal" again and was always preoccupied with my eventual trip to Baltimore the day after Easter for a CT scan and blood work on Monday and the physical and interviews on Tuesday at Johns Hopkins Hospital. We would be finding out what is available or not available for my situation so far.
Which brings us to the conferences yesterday with all very informative doctors.
In a "nut shell" as they say, I  do not qualify for any trials for my type of pancreas tumor.
I still have very tiny spots on my liver even though my tumor continues to shrink in the pancreas.  I did find out yesterday that the tumor is intertwined with blood vessels which makes it dangerous to do any kind of surgery, so that is out.
What is left?   If I can tolerate 5 more treatments of Folfirinox, I will have completed 12, the recommended standard.   After that, another MRI to see what is going on in the liver and tumor and whatever options may be out there at that point, like maybe a maintenance pill of some sort, a trial or even a vaccine if they "invent" one by then:)
Meanwhile, no cures, and recommendation is to keep up with the chemo for now.  To be honest, I thought I would never do chemo again😩
I spoke with several  research people who wanted me to sign my name saying they could notify me to use my history and medical info for research. They also wanted my permission to invite those family members to share blood samples for DNA and gene banks for comparisons if they seem to have similar issues.  (Think I got that right:)  I had to fill out a lot of paper work and history information to hand in the day I went, which was yesterday!
Meanwhile, each day is a day that I have to remember that God has given me.  I also need to remember that my attitude and my fortitude are important to continued good health.  I felt more "normal" on the vacation than I have in months, just getting out and being in "normal" situations with the families really helped me tremendously.  I love my family very much and they have consistently and lovingly supported  me through everything in this new journey I am on.
AT the beginning when I found out about the cancer,  back in November, I felt that my only option was hospice until I learned that my support group around me and my Lord and Savior had other plans and motivations for my continued health and strength.
I will make it  to Sarah's graduation in June.  I will make it to my sister's wedding in August and I may even make it to Colombia again or even the pool or beach in the near future😊

Proverbs 3:5-8  

 "Trust God from the bottom of your heart;  don't try to figure out everything on your own.   Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;  He's the one who will keep you on track.  Don't assume that you know it all, Run to God!   Run from evil!   Your body will glow with health, your bones will vibrate with life.  Honor God with everything you own;  give Him the first and the best."