The Bronchoscopy Biopsy and my first infusion are both behind me.  Admittedly, I will not be sorry to never, ever have to do another bronchoscopy my entire life.  Probably my least favorite of any medical procedure...ever.  However, my God is good, and I made it through, again thankful for the Huntsman professionals who took great care of me and my incredible husband who escorted me and made sure I had everything I needed after coming home.  

The biopsy results confirmed that the lymph nodes lighting up in my chest area are indeed melanoma. I know it sounds strange, but I'm not even a little surprised and actually very thankful it's not another type of cancer.  This result doesn't change anything about my treatment plan.  As I said, I had my first "Pembro" (the nickname for my immunotherapy drug) infusion on 11/24 and it went smoothly.  My wonderful daughter braved the early hours of the day (she isn't a morning person) to be my chauffeur to that 7:30 AM appointment, since I wasn't permitted to drive yet (after the biopsy sedation the day prior).  Everything went great, praise God.  No side effects from that infusion so far.

I did have a bit of a rough week since then.  The bronchoscopy left me with a very annoying cough (not the best time in history to have a cough, right?)  It typically goes away within a few days, but I'm not very typical, so I am still bothered by it.  I also developed an infection (which is currently being taken care of with antibiotics-praise God) and am experiencing some pain from the lymph nodes occasionally.  Finally, my hemoglobin levels are low, so I am tired all.  day.  long.  Those of you who know me are aware I don't "do" resting and laying low very well, so this has been pretty discouraging for me.  

Despite the frustrations with my health, I have so much to thank God for, so I'm trying to focus on those blessings.  

Praise God for:

• The biopsy and first infusion treatment completed successfully.
• I was able to keep my IV in after the biopsy (my incredibly smart husband's idea), so we didn't have to deal with dehydration and difficulty starting the IV at the infusion.
• My patient, encouraging and wonderful husband and children who are carrying me through the rough spots.

Pray for:

• The cough and lymph node pain to go away and for my energy to return.
• God's continued peace and strength and my patient endurance.
• If it's God's will, that He would eradicate every cancer cell.
• That God would be glorified in everything that is going on.

I don't typically spend a lot of time reading the book of Lamentations in the Bible.  I have always equated that book with "sad and depressing", so it hasn't always been a go-to book when I'm down. However, a book I'm reading suggested I go there this week and I'm so glad to be reminded of these verses!  I'll leave you with the beautiful upside to the "sad and depressing" in life that we all need to remember when life is rough.

The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently For the salvation of the Lord.

~Lamentations 3:22-26 (New American Standard Bible 1995)

Thanks for journeying with us!

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