January 11, 2023 – The Nine Month Milestone

Dearest friends and family, 

Today marks nine months since we received the news that has since altered our lives in ways I never could have imagined. One thing about a medical crisis (and perhaps any crisis) it really has the power to repeatedly remind you that life is both fragile and precious. It has the power to strip everything down to the core of life and meaning. If it weren’t for my relationship with Christ, I think I’d be in a constant existential crisis tornado storm. But, because of my near 20-year connection to Christ, I know he has walked the hardest road and will never leave me on mine. He is my peace. 

Even with this hope I feel very fragile. Emotionally. Mentally. Physically. Sometimes I feel like I’m playing a board game called “Cancer Land.” It’s had many detours and forward and backward moves. I’ve stopped at “Fever Forest” and “Obstruction Lane.” My least favorite has been “Chemo Carnival Rides” – I get so nauseous there. Now we march towards scans and hopefully surgery. There are two possible scenarios for me: 

Scenario A: 
I have scans in Houston and they show there is no spread of disease, aka the cancer has not grown. -THEN- I will have surgery that will: remove the primary tumor in my colon, any compromised lymph nodes, my ovaries (this is preventative and will then trigger menopause), and also, to my absolute delight, reverse my colostomy.  This surgery is scheduled to take place laparoscopically – amazing right? If this happens I will remain in Houston for ten days post-surgery and then finish recovering at home. 

Scenario B: 
I get scans in Houston and there are surprises and/or spread of disease. – THEN – I will get a repair surgery on my ostomy (it’s been about 5 times the size it’s supposed to be and prolapsed since the beginning of October) and that’s it surgery wise.  I am then eligible for a couple immunotherapy trials. I don’t know much beyond that.  

IMPORTANT DATES: 
Drive to Houston: January 17th
Scans: January 18th at 11:00 am 
Review Scans with Doctor: January 18th at 2pm 
Surgery: January 23rd early a.m. 
Tentative Return Date: February 2nd  

If you are a praying person, would you join me and my family in praying for Scenario A? 
Would you pray for Austin and the kids as they face their own hardship with the unknowns? 
Would you pray for the kids as we’re away from them? And for me? It’s really hard to leave them for so long.
Would you pray for courage and resiliency as I face the next leg of the journey?

I am continually humbled by the ongoing love and support of so many. Your love is a picture of God to me. Thank you for your kindness and care. 

With requited love, 
Amanda