August 25, 2010 – I Choose Life (Update)
I’ve had a lot of people inquire about how I’m doing now that I’m over 2 years beyond my diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer, so I’ll bring ya’ll up to speed.
First of all, I’m still chuggin’ along. I’ve been on virtually nonstop chemotherapy for the past year and a half, and wonder-of-wonders!, the latest chemo doesn’t make me bald!!! It’s been absolutely freeing to take off the wig that has served me so well, and go out into the world with my own hair again. Even if it did turn white!
My white hair has caused quite a buzz and everyone (me included!) is still 
getting used to it. When people ask about it, I giggle and tell them that I’m like Moses – I’ve been spending time in God’s presence. Which isn’t altogether a joke – He’s continued to walk closely with me all along the way. From the very first moment in April ’08 when John and I heard the diagnosis, God entered the situation and has carried us on the power of His deep love. I could never explain it any other way. Though I get tired and weary of this journey sometimes, I never fail to see how He’s sustained us, surrounded us with the MOST loving people, and taught us the importance of keeping an attitude that He’d be pleased with.
My bloodwork these days isn’t too impressive. My platelets are very low and not responding super-well to the new chemo treatment called Xeloda (I 
really hope the treatments aren’t issued in alphabetical order!) However, they are inch-worming their way in the right direction. The last number we received was 39 (normal starts at 140) so I have some of that not-too-attractive petechiae rash that accompanies low platelets. However, this isn’t something that bothers me too much because the Xeloda has given me the best tan I’ve had in my life! Just one of the side effects that happen to be wonderful since my Scandinavian heritage has always left me bereft of any summer color regardless of my many efforts to change that fact in my youth (slathering in baby oil and baking in the sun for hours only left me crying and looking like a very unhappy lobster!)
I went to a doctor at MDAnderson who thought he may be able to help through a bone marrow transplant study that he oversees. After more examination of my case, he dropped me from the study because I’m not doing well enough on this chemo to be considered. I noted a tone of relief in my oncologist’s voice when she gave me the news. She never seemed happy with this option, but she let me explore it. Her thoughts are that I’ve done relatively well, haven’t been hospitalized in more than a year, still have a good quality of life with lots of family and friends, and a church that I love, so why not just concentrate on those things? Considering I have no options before me now, I think she’s right. As the scripture says:
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)
Still, I’m a fighter by nature – I’ve always known how to push past obstacles. And now I’m a warrior in this battle. So, I can’t guarantee that I won’t try other options if they present themselves.
As from the first of this battle – I choose life!
Lori, wonderful to get this good report:) God is great and sooo faithful! Your platelets are rising s-l-o-w-l-y… but praise God!!!
Lori, I rejoice with you! God is so awesomely faithful!! Hold your head high… I love my white hair.. I call it platinum!! Would love to see you..