Hope Through Facing Adversity

I am reinventing this blog after a two-year hiatus.  I was sparked by a recent message received from a stranger who needed encouragement after facing adversity in his life, who came upon my blog after doing a search.  It made me realize what an inspiration I was, am, and continue to be to and for individuals.

Please allow me to bring you up to date within the last two years.  I finished radiation March 10, 2017.  I am 2+ years in remission. Following radiation, I participated in a year-long clinical trial for Everolimus.  Everolimus is an FDA-approved drug for Stage 4 cancer patients.  The purpose of the trial was to see if this drug would prevent cancer recurrence in patients with Stage 3 cancer from moving into Stage 4 cancer. I was not made aware if I were taking a placebo or the actual drug. I took two pills per day, later dropping to one pill per day due to side effects.  After the year-long study was completed, my oncologist felt I was on the actual drug.  I will be followed for 10 years under this clinical trial.  I am also taking anastrozole for 5-10 years, which is a non steroidal aromatase inhibitor used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. Fortunately, this has not caused side effects for me.  I am active in a local monthly breast cancer support group, providing support to newly diagnosed women with breast cancer.  Sacramento is also very blessed to have Triumph Cancer Foundation, which provides a 12-week exercise program to cancer patients who have completed their treatment. This program aids in regaining strength, flexibility, stamina, and confidence to patients following their treatment, and was very valuable to me.

In 2018, my husband David was diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma. This news took the legs out from both of us.  He required surgery, removing the mandibular bone, blood vessels and soft tissues on the left side of his mouth, as well as all the lymph nodes in his left neck. The mandible and left side of his mouth was reconstructed using the fibula bone, blood vessels and soft tissues of his left leg.  It was a 9-hour procedure.  The head and neck cancer surgeons at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA did an outstanding job with the surgery and reconstruction.  He is being followed very closely (every 3 months) to look for signs of cancer recurrence.  David did not opt for radiation as the cancer was contained and had not spread into the lymph nodes, leaving radiation in “the back pocket” if recurrence is noted.  Once you have radiation you cannot receive it a second time in the same area.  Without going into complete details, this has been very difficult for David and for me as a caregiver.

Our 2019 has been spent with numerous doctor appointments and medical follow up, and this will be a part of our ongoing lives.  We are both thankful that we are “cancer free” to date, and appreciate so much the outpouring of love, support and prayers from our family and friends.

We look forward to 2020 as a rebuilding year of good health, stamina, and courage.  God has been so very good to the both of us, and we give Him the glory.  I always choose a word for the year.  I chose “together” for 2020.  The corresponding Bible verse I selected was from Psalm 34:3, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” This goes along with the mission statement from our church, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, in Granite Bay, CA, which is “Experience God in Life Together”.  Wishing you a healthy, happy, prosperous new year.  “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” Be blessed.