#35 MEDICAL UPDATE FROM JULY 28TH, 2017:

July 25^th - Heading over for my last radiation treatment.

As is tradition at Moffitt when you finish your treatment you have the opportunity of “Ringing the Bell”. They also gave me a certificate, both of which signify the end of that particular treatment.

Of course, we couldn't end the day without a little celebration with my favorite treat, frozen yogurt.

Now I am home feeling pretty well, dealing with only a few mild side-effects so far, mostly just tired from the radiation. However, I'm thankful that this part of the journey at least is over and we can move on to other things. On August 28th, I will have a repeat MRI along with some other tests and then meet with the doctor to see how this radiation treatment has worked and how the chemotherapy that I'm currently taking is working and if any changes need to be made.

This has certainly been quite the roller coaster ride. and while I am a fan of roller coasters, I would have chosen a different type of roller coaster. However, I’m thankful that I’m not on this roller coaster ride alone.

I would like to share a blessing with you. For the past year, I have gone around in public with some kind of hat on my head to cover up either my lack of hair or to cover up incisions/scars. I realize that in many cultures and religions around the world it is more appropriate for a woman to be in a place of worship with her head covered. However, in my American culture and Independent Baptist Church it is more accepted for me not to cover my head. The picture below is the look that will probably be seen this Sunday as I attend church. Yesterday, a good friend of mine took me for a haircut, the first haircut I have had in quite some time. Now I realize that there are a few spots that are still likely to fall out due to the radiation from this past week. I also realize that some of the medication that I'm on can cause the rest of my hair to fall out at any time. However, I'm looking forward, if nothing changes between now and Sunday to my hair, that the look you see below (sorry it’s not a great picture - I’ll try to get a better one soon.) will be my hairstyle for the day, a nice change to not having to cover my head in this Florida heat. Now I realize in the full scheme of things, this is a very minor thing. However, sometimes you just need a moment to celebrate the small things, and I know God cares about even the small things.

Specific prayer requests:

I would also like to share specific prayer requests with you. I know that I like to have specifics when I'm praying for somebody. It helps me know how to pray more intelligently.

So here is the first one - Please pray with me that the intestinal issues that I have had before this cancer started would not flare up and cause any problems with the treatment that I'm currently receiving or cause any of their own problems.

The second prayer request is this - There is a new treatment option out there that my doctors are discussing with me. This is a big decision. I have been doing my research, and want to make sure that I'm making the right decision. Would you please pray with me that God will give me wisdom, that I would listen to HIS guidance, and make the right decision?