Updates after Christmas

         We had a wonderful Christmas time.  This is my 3rd Christmas since diagnosis.  It seems a miracle to many people who look at me and this whole process.  It actually seems like a gift of continued life for me since when God is ready for me, He will take me just like that.  Of course I am praying that He will take me from this earth without more than I can take of pain and lingered suffering....that is my most important prayer request.  Meanwhile He, God, has brought me through each chemo treatment, CT scan, MRI, biopsy and endoscopy with the observation that others have done it so why can't I?   I have also made choices with His guidance not to have trial surgeries which have been suggested.
          So, with that in mind, we are still on Gemzar-Abraxane and another CT scan coming up in a few weeks to see how things are going on the inside.
           As I was told a few weeks ago, my chemo marker went from 400+ down to 57(?) and then up to 140+ within a few treatments which are spread every other week.
            I still have one more option as I understand it after/and if this stops working.  It is a pill called:  "Olaparib (AZD-2281, trade name Lynparza) is an FDA-approved targeted therapy for cancer, developed by scientists at the University of Cambridge, including Steve Jackson, KuDOS Pharmaceuticals, and later by AstraZeneca. ... In December 2014,olaparib was approved for use as a single agent by the EMA and the FDA.'  
            If you read any of these links you will see that it is mainly for ovarian cancer, but, according to researchers, as I understand it, this chemo is also used for used on the same DNA that is in my cancer cells found in my pancreas cancer tumor and the matasticized lung cancer nodules.
             My treatment and appointment with my doctor went well yesterday and we are dealing with the usual side effects.   She told me, even if I can only fit in one swimming time a week, that would really be good.  I have not been excercizing which takes its' toll on my because I really need it for the swollen ankles and over all good health quality of like.  So, I really want to try that again even if it is in an indoor YMCA pool and  bald head.  Well, I will just wear a swim hat like I do in the sun anyway:)
             I have gained more weight gradually and am over 200 lbs which I have never been.  That can be the chemo too and eating whatever I "like" and more carbs and no raw veggies, like salad.  Trying to curb diarrhea.  I still take Creon 3 times a day before a meal with a full glass of water.   
               Christmas was great.   Christmas Eve, we attended the Eve service at 5 PM at our church, this year with Lessons and Carols, communion, Christmas Carols and choral anthems and a sweet duet rendition of the famous Spanish in Spanish of  "A la Ninita Nana" by Debbie Burton and her daughter Victoria Grabeel.  
               After the service we left for Kathy's traditional Christmas Eve snacks/supper party with grandkids opening presents and the "Elves" delivering Christmas PJs for them and this year for the adults too!  That was hilarious and so "attractive" for some of us:):):)  Enclosed is a picture from facebook.  We also enjoyed our friend Juan Esteban visiting from Raleigh, NC.  
                  May all of you have a good week and looking forward to celebrating the end of 2018 into 2019.   HAPPY NEW YEAR!    

               Jeremiah 29:11  "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."