Feeling hopeful and energized for healing
Hi There,
I've felt kind of badly ever since the last post. I was in a very down place for a few days. But a new breeze is blowing. I've gone through the grueling task of getting set up with yet another doctor - the one in the Chicago area, Keith Block. I've moved the appointment up to April 8. Andy will go with me, of course. What would I do without my Drewbud?
This could change once we meet, but I suspect Dr. Block will suggest we start CHOEP chemo. I have no idea if he'll advise the clinical trial, adding Optivo. He uses chemo differently, with Chronomodulation, that makes it safer. You can google it if you want to know more. I don't fully understand it yet. I'm sure he also has his patients fast before, during, and after chemo with the studies showing that fasting metabolically protects healthy cells while making the chemo more effective against cancer cells. He also puts all the other integrative stuff in place. We will probably fly in to Chicago every 2 - 3 weeks for 5 days there for treatment (yes, more time off work is probable).
I am so grateful for the way God has set me up for all of this. Andy and I have a free companion pass so I fly free wherever he flies on Southwest for the rest of this year. My mother also gave me her Shaklee business when she passed away. What a story that is but it is such a sweet story - I was a sick baby who got my mom into Shaklee food supplements. I had a quick growing business when my kids were young but didn't love the job of it so I pretty much quit the business when I became a counselor. My experience with the business made me qualified to take it over when she passed away in 2015. I was diagnosed the beginning of 2017. We spent well over $100K in 2017 and more than $75K in 2018 on medical costs (that does not include our lost wages as Andy stopped doing motorcycle trips as a guide and I have taken 1/2 pay whenever I take time off.
I can't imagine where we would be if my mom had not built an amazing business in the 60s and 70s, only to live off the proceeds the 80s, 90, and until her death. Then, she was able to pass it on to me. What a story. What a blessing. I thank my mom and God every single month I receive the bonus check.
An underlying goal I have for this journey is to figure out how people can capitalize on alternatives when they are not in such a unique financial position. I've met dear people selling their homes to pay for treatment. Many of us, including me, tap into life insurance early to help pay for treatment. One of my friends flatly states that her husband will need her life insurance to get out of debt so she can't quit her job, to which her life insurance is attached.
Anyhow, I'm out of the dark place and wanted to share that. Life looks bright again. Thank you, Lord.
A dear friend sent me a song from Hillsong United today. The lyrics mean a lot to me. I'm actually reading the book of Daniel right now and I think about how much I let fear control me-and I've never really experienced persecution for my faith or had to stand up for Jesus to my peril at all.
There is another in the fire
Standing next to me
There is another in the water
Holding back the seas
And should I ever need reminding
What power set me free
There is a grave that holds no body
And now that power lives in me.
Thank you, Steve. Thank you for the prayers and the friendship and the leadership at work. You make a huge difference wherever you go. Thank you to the rest of my prayer warriors too. You have buoyed me through this two years and give me peace about what is to come.
I've felt kind of badly ever since the last post. I was in a very down place for a few days. But a new breeze is blowing. I've gone through the grueling task of getting set up with yet another doctor - the one in the Chicago area, Keith Block. I've moved the appointment up to April 8. Andy will go with me, of course. What would I do without my Drewbud?
This could change once we meet, but I suspect Dr. Block will suggest we start CHOEP chemo. I have no idea if he'll advise the clinical trial, adding Optivo. He uses chemo differently, with Chronomodulation, that makes it safer. You can google it if you want to know more. I don't fully understand it yet. I'm sure he also has his patients fast before, during, and after chemo with the studies showing that fasting metabolically protects healthy cells while making the chemo more effective against cancer cells. He also puts all the other integrative stuff in place. We will probably fly in to Chicago every 2 - 3 weeks for 5 days there for treatment (yes, more time off work is probable).
I am so grateful for the way God has set me up for all of this. Andy and I have a free companion pass so I fly free wherever he flies on Southwest for the rest of this year. My mother also gave me her Shaklee business when she passed away. What a story that is but it is such a sweet story - I was a sick baby who got my mom into Shaklee food supplements. I had a quick growing business when my kids were young but didn't love the job of it so I pretty much quit the business when I became a counselor. My experience with the business made me qualified to take it over when she passed away in 2015. I was diagnosed the beginning of 2017. We spent well over $100K in 2017 and more than $75K in 2018 on medical costs (that does not include our lost wages as Andy stopped doing motorcycle trips as a guide and I have taken 1/2 pay whenever I take time off.
I can't imagine where we would be if my mom had not built an amazing business in the 60s and 70s, only to live off the proceeds the 80s, 90, and until her death. Then, she was able to pass it on to me. What a story. What a blessing. I thank my mom and God every single month I receive the bonus check.
An underlying goal I have for this journey is to figure out how people can capitalize on alternatives when they are not in such a unique financial position. I've met dear people selling their homes to pay for treatment. Many of us, including me, tap into life insurance early to help pay for treatment. One of my friends flatly states that her husband will need her life insurance to get out of debt so she can't quit her job, to which her life insurance is attached.
Anyhow, I'm out of the dark place and wanted to share that. Life looks bright again. Thank you, Lord.
A dear friend sent me a song from Hillsong United today. The lyrics mean a lot to me. I'm actually reading the book of Daniel right now and I think about how much I let fear control me-and I've never really experienced persecution for my faith or had to stand up for Jesus to my peril at all.
There is another in the fire
Standing next to me
There is another in the water
Holding back the seas
And should I ever need reminding
What power set me free
There is a grave that holds no body
And now that power lives in me.
Thank you, Steve. Thank you for the prayers and the friendship and the leadership at work. You make a huge difference wherever you go. Thank you to the rest of my prayer warriors too. You have buoyed me through this two years and give me peace about what is to come.
❤️
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