An Update on My Cancer Journey: A Strange Joy

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It’s been a while since my initial post on my cancer diagnosis earlier this year. I had hoped to post on a weekly basis when this all started but it’s been so quick and the days have been full…and long…and yet it seems at times as if time has flown. But I have felt the Lord’s presence through it all and have seen His goodness in SO many ways over these last few months.

Here’s a brief update on the last few months of my life:

  • I completed my 10 sessions of radiation and this helped with the pain of the fractured vertebrae in my lower back.
  • At the same time, I began chemo. Chemo and radiation together were tough.
  • I completed four rounds of chemo with a “super” combo designed to target my specific type of blood cancer—multiple myeloma.
  • My fracture is healing and my neurologist has released me. I’m weaning myself off the back brace, but still in need of the cane when walking most of the time.
  • My body reacted extremely well to the chemo and on April 25 my oncologist informed me that my numbers which were near 8000 were now in the NORMAL range at 12 (3-19 is normal). I am not considered to be in remission yet as another bone marrow biopsy will be needed to confirm. This will happen when they begin to prep me for the stem cell transplant. There is no cure for multiple myeloma but the goal is to get my numbers low and keep them there. After the stem cell transplant, I will continue to have monthly or quarterly chemo shots for the rest of my life. But it is very good news and evidence of the miracle-working power of my Jesus!
  • The next step is a stem cell transplant where they will use my stem cells. This was initially planned for this June however there is an issue with the contract between my insurance company and AU Health. So we are in the “waiting” phase and I’m being told they expect things to finalize “any day now.”
  • In the meantime the doctor who will perform the stem cell transplant wants me to continue chemo to keep things in “good shape.” So I am in round five of chemo.

I am grateful in ways that words cannot adequately express, but here goes…

  • for my oncologist, Dr. Squires, who is so dedicated, knowledgable, and smart! And for his team at Augusta Oncology who is extremely attentive and caring.
  • for my chemo which is all done by injection and oral pill instead of infusion.
  • for the healing of my body in such record time
  • for my husband, Chris, who has been my rock through it all. He knows me better than anyone and can anticipate my needs so well.
  • for my mother, Suella, who has been my primary caregiver and has lived with me during the week while Chris is on the road. I would not have made it through this without her. You are never too old to need your Mama, however, this is not how I would want my Mama to spend her golden years. But she is the best nurse and caregiver!
  • for my Dad “Papa” who has been there for whatever I have needed and has been doing life solo during the week while Mama stays with me.
  • for my children, Jennifer (Paul), Zachary (Megan), and Jacob who have called and texted, and come to stay with me. My children have been so strong and supportive through it all.
  • for the brief visits with my grandkids—they are always good for my heart and spirit. I have the BEST kids and grandkids!
  • for my sisters, Patty, Fran, and Catherine, who have stayed with me to give Mama a break every so often, sent me cards and gifts that have lifted my spirits, and spent the night with me in the ER and overnight in the hospital during a recent week-long hospital say for a bout with colitis.
  • for my brother Kevin and my brother-in-law Rick who have been my personal Uber drivers taking me to and from work on the days I’m in the office (so that Mama doesn’t have to drive all the time).
  • for dear friends who have texted, called, and come to visit, made meals, cleaned up my garden, planted new plants, made me laugh and cry, and helped things to feel somewhat normal in the midst of this journey.
  • for my sweet sisters and brothers in Christ who have prayed for me, texted, called, sent cards, meals, and gifts to cheer me, run errands, and even done my ironing.

Strange Joy

One brief story…there are so many I may have to write a book when this is all done. Back in February when I was diagnosed while in the hospital Dr. Squires, my oncologist, instructed me to come straight to his office upon discharge so we could get things going. He said he was taking a very aggressive approach to my treatment, which he has done and for which I’m very grateful. We spent the afternoon in his office and received lots of information to process. As we were leaving the office the waiting room was empty and Mom went to pull the car around. I was sitting in a wheelchair in the quiet, peaceful room and I took a deep breath and asked myself what was I feeling at that moment. The first word that came to mind was JOY. Then I began to argue with myself saying, “joy cannot be the right response in this moment.” But it was. It was a strange joy. Perhaps it was because we had some answers to my months of pain and a plan to attack the nasty toxins living in my body. Perhaps it was because I was headed home after a week-long hospital stay. I don’t have the exact answers, but I do know that joy was anchored deep in my soul and spirit because of my relationship with Jesus. Hebrews 6:19 tells us He is the sure and steadfast anchor for our souls. So I am able to stand firm and stand strong because Jesus is my anchor, my sustainer, my help in time of need, and my constant companion.

Prayer Requests:

  • insurance contract to be finalized between my insurance company and AU Health
  • the stem cell procedure (this will be about a two-week process and involves a heavy dose of chemo and a two-week hospital stay as chemo will wipe out my immune system and then time for stem cell transplant to begin working and get my blood cells to get back to a normal level)
  • my husband and family as they walk this journey with me
  • daily fatigue and stomach issues from chemo—some days the fatigue is so bad I spend most of the day sitting or sleeping
  • for the Lord to be glorified in all things

Prayer has been such a powerful weapon in this battle. I am so grateful for those who have been praying for me and have prayed over me. I covet your continued prayers in this journey.

There are SO many more things for which I am grateful and many ways in which I have seen the Lord’s goodness on this journey. The Lord has used so many people to be the hands and feet of Jesus to me. Even in the midst of hard and difficult days, the Lord is there and I always find ways in which His goodness is so very evident. So I will continue to stand firm and stand strong in Christ Jesus who carries me each and every day. I will continue to declare the goodness and glory of God in my life. None of this takes Him by surprise and He is sovereign over each and every day and moment of my life.

Rejoicing in Christ Jesus,

 

 

©2022, Susan Cady, susancady.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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