Thankfully, the changes I mention in my title do NOT include changes in my cancer status-I am still cancer-free according to all of my 2024 scans (most recently in November). It was great to see the phrase, "No changes identified" each time I read the reports. 

This is exciting because often patients on this targeted therapy find that their disease returns within 12-18 months of beginning the treatment. However, I am still cancer free after 2 1/2 years. We are in somewhat "uncharted territory" at this point because there isn't a lot of data about people in my situation. Unfortunately, that means I will need to continue to have scans every 3 months to make sure we catch any progression quickly if the treatment stops working and the melanoma sneaks back in. It's not my favorite idea because who likes being reminded every 3 months that cancer is part of their life?

We did receive answers about some of the concerns I mentioned in my last post in January. At that time, we were navigating insurance changes, doctor changes and also wondering who was going to cover my $13,000/month medication. Yikes! Well, as always, God was directing our path perfectly. I was able to transfer my care back to Huntsman Cancer Institute and it "just so happens" (in quotes because I firmly believe nothing is coincidental but arranged by a sovereign God) that my new oncologist is an expert on MY specific targeted therapy (the oncology community calls it "Enco Bini"). Dr. H is a delightful woman who is very knowledgeable and personable. I have appreciated the time she has already taken to answer all my questions. Additionally, when the insurance company threatened not to cover the Enco Bini and require me to switch to a generic treatment, her team got right on it and basically wrote to the insurance company saying, "don't mess with an effective treatment or you may risk a greater cost from the generic drug being ineffective." Insurance agreed, so I've been covered and not paying the $13,000/month for my therapy.

Two other wonderful changes include bringing two beautiful "daughters-in-love" into our family this year. It was a crazy year, but we loved celebrating the marriages of Daniel to Juliana in January and Josiah to Kiersten in June. My heart is full of gratitude to God for the gift of feeling healthy enough to enjoy our family events and together time.

Sometimes my cancer journey is tedious and time-consuming, but I continue to try to maintain an eternal perspective no matter what the future holds. My hope isn't in Enco Bini, Dr. H or a schedule free from scans, but the day when I will be in God's presence because of the BEST Christmas gift ever given-Jesus! These words from Job really resonate with me when I'm tempted to focus on the here and now.

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”

Job 19:25-27 New Living Translation

Praise God (all Glory to HIM!!) for:

• Continued cancer-free status.
• New oncology team.
• God's hand in changes.

Pray for:

• No side-effects from continuing on the targeted therapy long term.
• If it's God's will, that He would halt any cancer from returning or spreading.
• Acceptance of the every 3 month scan cycle.
• God to use my cancer journey and life experiences in whatever way He would like-that I might be able to encourage someone else going through a similar journey.