New Hair Cut Day...and scheduled testing update.

Today is new haircut day!  I'll post some before and after photos.  Looks like I might have this new style for 3 to 4 weeks; but we're still awaiting final data in making treatment decisions.  For right now, we're looking towards chemo first to shrink the mass, then surgery.  Everything is scheduled.  Tomorrow, Friday, I'll have some regular lab work done.  Then, I get to drink some goop on an empty stomach, slowly take a ride on a table through a big donut for my PET/CT study.  Though I'm limiting my intake of sugar, I may treat myself to a real donut afterwards.  The MRI is scheduled for Tuesday.  Wednesday we meet with the oncologist to look at the gathered data and make a chemotherapy plan.  Hopefully we'll meet back with the surgeon on Thursday, and get any other opinions Thursday and Friday.  We hope to start something early next week.

I wanted to thank everyone who has written such kind notes of support, and offered prayers in my behalf.  I am doing GREAT.  I want all of you to know that your prayers are felt.  I've never been the focus of so many prayers and offers of support.  It is very touching to feel the outpouring of love and concern.  Your prayers, through the enabling power of the atonement of Jesus, are so strongly felt.  I learn about the rigorous road ahead, and yet I feel total peace and a miraculous sense of energy and enthusiasm.  I could not experience this on my own.  I know it is from my loving Savior and through your prayers of faith.  It's wonderful!  I'm also reading through the New Testament again, of course with a completely different perspective on life as I read about his numerous healings.  Each healing was done in a different way, individually for what was best for each person's needs.  I know He is there for all of us, to help heal what ever ailments exist in our lives.  Matthew 4:16 especially stood out to me.  I'll put it here in case it helps any of you.  I know I'm not in the shadow of death--my prognosis is very positive, but from what I hear, some of the chemo can feel like you're in the region of death, so this gave great comfort.  "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."  I know that Christ is the light.  We can all feel that light in our lives.  Your prayers have been instrumental to me in feeling that light so strongly.  His sacrifice for us gives that hope that is so needed to get us through tough times.  Thank you again for your love and support.

So, just a reminder, there's so much more to my life and yours than cancer.  It's now a piece of my life, but only an added piece and peace.  Prom decorating happens next week.  It's a prom for teenagers 16-18 who live in the state of Indiana or near by.  It provides a wholesome option for school prom, and it's free.  We're expecting over 300 teenagers from all over the state.  I'll post some pictures when the decorating is complete.  Sorry for rambling on for so long.  I don't intend to write so much every time.

With much love and gratitude,

Kathy