Update # 35

This week is filled with medical appointments and treatments for Jewel. Yesterday we were able to go the Cancer Clinic and meet with 2 specialists to discuss the radiation treatment following the completion of her chemotherapy. Once again we were very impressed by the diligence and sensitivity of the medical team. They gave a clear explanation of the treatment as well as any potential side effects. They thoroughly answered all our questions.

The course of action seems very clear. Jewel will begin radiation treatment four weeks after her last chemo (which should be this Thursday). There will be 25 sessions of radiation that will be given over a time period of five weeks, five days a week. So we anticipate the radiation treatments beginning the week after Christmas.

As we entered the Cancer Clinic yesterday the verse that was on Jewel’s mind and heart was …

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Jewel found this verse very encouraging as we continue the next step of this journey.

Jewel had another appointment today to deal with the pain in her leg. Tomorrow we go back to the Cancer Clinic for her pre-chemo treatment appointment. If the results her blood work is acceptable tomorrow, she will have her last chemo on Thursday.

As Jewel and I have talked about the time I was recently away she told me about one day was particularly challenging. On that very day, Jewel received a care gift in the mail from a wonderful Christian ministry for Cancer patients. http://www.cancercomfort.org/ The gift box filled with hats, scarves, creams, and testimonies of cancer survivors came just at the right time. It gave a great lift to Jewel’s Spirit.

One of the great quotes on The Cancer Comfort Ministry website is:

"Cancer is so limited! It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot eat away peace. It cannot destroy confidence. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot shut out memories. It cannot silence courage. It cannot invade the soul. It cannot reduce eternal life. It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection."

-Carol Morgan

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff