This has been a month of healing from my cough and my fatigue, and I am so thankful to be on the other side of that challenge.  The iron infusions and the inhaler didn't work immediately, but they eventually took effect and over the next several weeks, I felt much better.  I'm kind of embarrassed to realize that I have had symptoms of asthma for many years, but it took the ongoing cough after my bronchoscopy to recognize that was an issue for me.  Thankfully, I don't struggle as much as many who deal with asthma, but I'm glad to know that was the cause of my cough and have what I need to address that symptom if it ever returns.  Thank you to all who prayed our whole family through those past few months.  It was difficult, but I can say we all felt those prayers and so appreciated them, along with the gifts, words of encouragement and meals that also came our way.  

I had my first set of scans on February 12.  Then, C. R. & I met with Dr. G today before my infusion to discuss the results.  The scans showed most of the groin lymph nodes had reduced in size.  Unfortunately, a separate lymph node in that area, along with others in my chest, increased in size.  This indicates progression.  However, as Dr. G worded it, there is Progression with a "capital P" and progression with a "lower case p"- perfect analogy for the teacher in me.  My situation is the latter, so he is not deeply concerned. I will continue with my immunotherapy infusions as planned.  

There is one lymph node under my left arm that seems to be the largest.  I will be having a biopsy on that lymph node to confirm that it is melanoma. I'm starting to feel like a pro with those, but this one is nothing like the bronchoscopy, so I won't complain.  If it is indeed melanoma, I will be receiving injections of TVEC directly into that lymph node, ideally until it's gone (as long as I respond well to the injections).  Here is my semi-medical explanation of that treatment.  TVEC is a form of immunotherapy that essentially injects a virus into the tumor to destroy it.  That process calls out the immune system to "check out the situation and heal". Essentially, we are kicking the immune system into higher gear to go learn more about the bad cancer cells, then they will be able to better identify the rest of the "little devils" in the other lymph nodes.  

TVEC is low in toxicity and has few side-effects.  It will work hand-in-hand with my Pembrolizumab immunotherapy treatment, to continue encouraging my body to do battle with the melanoma.  Even though we would have preferred a report of "everything looks great", I'm still at peace and seeing God in the process.  This additional treatment will mean more frequent visits to Salt Lake, but also more frequent interactions with hospital staff and others, for more opportunities to share my hope in the Great Healer.  So, "I consider it all joy encountering this trial." (James 1:2-4) 

I reached a point in my journey in early January when I was not yet experiencing the benefits of the inhaler and iron infusion. I was feeling pretty down and had to do some intense soul searching and praying.  God reminded me that suffering is actually for good (for me and others).  I realized that even if He never relieved the suffering I was experiencing, I still needed to be content.  That was a hard conversation. But it was also a huge spiritual milestone for me.  Out of His love for me, my God is purging the "let's just get it over and done with" out of me.  You would think after all the losses I've experienced in my life, I would have learned that lesson by now....I'm obviously a slow learner.  How thankful I am that He is patient and willing to teach me the same lesson over, and over, and over again until I get it.  My peace and contentment started small that day and continued to increase a little every day. I not only turned a corner spiritually, but also physically. Every day I started to experience a little more energy and a little less coughing.  Praise God for His healing hand!

I thank God for everyone He has sent our way to walk with us!

Praise God for:

• My amazing oncologist, and God guiding him to consider the best plan for treating my cancer.
• Returned energy, cough gone and decent sleep at night.
• Faith lessons along the journey.
• No side effects from treatment.
• God providing for us through kind hearts in our lives.

Pray for:

• Continued wisdom and insight for my oncologist and other specialists as they evaluate my condition and recommend treatment.
• God's continued peace and my contentment.
• Juggling the schedule of increased drives to Salt Lake.
• All my interactions with hospital staff and others as I spend more time in treatment.
• If it's God's will, that He would eradicate every cancer cell.
• That God would be glorified in everything that is going on.
• Also, my sister's husband is in the hospital on a ventilator due to a heart condition.  Please pray for healing and peace for my sister and family.