Last Monday, I met with my oncologist to discuss the next step in my treatment plan and to restart treatment. 

I went into the appointment hoping to have all the information I needed, especially my CEA number that I had drawn early to face this decision with as many facts as I could. Since it had climbed in just two weeks I felt it was the one thing that could give me some insight. Unfortunately, those results didn’t come back in time, so I had to make my decision based on what I knew and what felt right in my gut. I know things happen for a reason so when it did come back at 11.9 this was God’s way of letting me know that I am not quite ready for the next drug.

My oncologist understood my hesitation about adding a second chemotherapy drug at this point. After talking it through, she agreed to let me continue with four more cycles of the same treatment I’ve been on 5 FU and then we’ll do a scan in mid-November to see where things stand.

I’m hopeful since last time, this treatment worked well for me, and I want to give my body the best chance to fight. It’s never easy to know if I’ve made the “right” decision, but I feel peace in moving forward this way for now. I also really do want to emphasize that to have a full quality of life is important to me. I want more than to just to go thru the motions sick. I try to enjoy each day and give care to my body the best that I can. 

So with that said, treatment 1 of our next round is done and I am doing ok with some of the same side effects as before but I at least know what to expect.  I am focusing on today and fighting one battle at a time.

As always, I am deeply grateful for all of your prayers, encouragement, and love. I continue to focus on everything I can do to support my healing. I am also taking the time to process and posting a little slower than in the past to give myself time to digest. I will keep walking forward with hope, joy and faith. 

peace, love, gratitude, and hope Michelle