The Hope for Remission Continues

On Friday, February 14th Valentine's Day of all days, my gift to Sherrie was a trip to the hospital for a bone marrow biopsy. This biopsy was to determine if the first round of Chemo had put my body into remission, meaning I would no longer have any cancer cells in my body. Unfortunately, it was not so in my case. The test came back that a minute number of cells still lingered around. These tricky little cells though few can become many if not treated. When this happens more aggressive treatment options are considered. But in my case, because there were so few we will continue on the same path for one more cycle and then decide what to do next if they are still around. We are confident we can eliminate them and hope we move through the path already laid out. If not we will cross that bridge if we come to it. 

Now more about the hospital journey. One part of the stay each time is to get a Lumbar Puncture where they put a needle deep in the spin into the spinal fluid to get some samples and insert some chemo. It was a pleasant experience. I've had two of these before and they were terrible so I was not looking forward to this one and no wonder it was the worst. Basically, you lay on your side bend into the fetal position as tight as you can, and stay still for as long as it takes. They then use tons of lidocaine injections that get deeper and deeper into the skin and muscle to number the area. This process is one of the worst parts. I kid with them and tell them that is one big bee because they call it a bee sting. Anyhow, they then insert the needle you would think at this point the pain would be over but far from. As they poke around trying to get by the bones and into the space that leads to the spinal column you get nerve zingers as they touch nerves that sound the area. I can handle a few but they started to add up.

After about 30 min the doctor finally stopped trying and handed it over to another doctor who tried unsuccessfully for another 15 min. Then they stopped and said we will have to send you to the guided x-ray team. When I went to bend out of the position my hip was on fire and lasted for several hours and still was a little sore and then I also had to look forward to more pain with the next one, But oh what a blessing the guided team is. There were similar pains but they were able to keep the search in a very small area so there was only one bee, they got the needle right in and it only took 15min and I was comfortably on my tummy. I will never do bedside again!!! I will require the guide team after all I have to do as I have approx 5 more that will be performed. 

I am reminded again of Joseph Smith's experience when he was in prison and the Lord taught him a valuable lesson in D & C:7-8 "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." It also takes a lot of patience, endurance, and Faith in God but this attitude has always been a blessing to me.

I have a friend who has launched a Fundraiser for our family. Click the link and read the story. You can share it, donate, and/or join the team. https://www.gofundme.com/f/jasons-fight-faith-family-and-the-will-to-beat-cancer