New Year’s Hope

Hello my dear Prayer Warriors

I know I havent updated in a while so here it goes.

I had a different Pet scan that scans for neuroendocrine cancer because that is the most probable type of cancer that they think is the origin. The Pet scan showed no new cancer in body. It did show regrowth of the cancer in my brain. It was difficult to hear that. We are praying that the radiation treatment kills the regrowth.

It was interesting because I saw 2 oncologists. One is a more general oncologist at City of Hope and 1 is more of a neuro oncologist at Hoag. The Hoag oncologist saw the regrowth of the brain cancer and seems more convinced that there was no other cancer in my body. The City of Hope oncologist did not say anything about the regrowth of brain cancer and was not convinced that there is no other cancer in my body. He ordered a lot more bloodwork (5 large viles and 4 small viles to be exact) and a 24 hour urine sample. He wanted me to do colonoscopy, endoscopy and swallow a camera to check small intestines, MRIs and all sorts of tests. While Im glad he wants to be thorough, it is so much.

I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy on the 30th. They did not find any cancer.

I had a women wellness check, mammogram. The mammogram came back normal! I had an MRI of my abdomen and pelvic area. I am awaiting the results of that. On Thursday I have a follow up with the City of Hope Oncologist to go over bloodwork and MRI results.

I still have not decided if I want to swallow the camera. I feel like it is over kill. They did 2 pet scans and then Friday’s MRI. If they dont find anything on the MRI,then I will talk to my oncologists about possibly or not doing that. Also, my mammogram came back normal but they want me to do a MRI of my breast. All these tests are so much radiation,contrast and medications, that Im afraid all these will cause cancer. Im praying all the tests I have done find no cancer.

This past week I have been feeling the effects of the radiation treatment. Im losing my hair in the treatment area on top of my head. I didnt think that I would lose so much and it does make me sad, it keeps falling out in chunks everyday. I can feel how thin it is. I just need to offer it up to Jesus. My left leg is weak and foot is numb. My head is super tender, itchy, and feels like it is on fire at times. Cali made a joke and said I am like Hades from Hercules movie with fire coming off my head. So true. I can feel the heat on my head sometimes. Im tired and have very little energy. Im hoping to feel better in the next couple weeks.

My mother in law is in the process of moving in but is almost done.

Damien and I have been praying the surrender novena on repeat. It has been so comforting and brought us peace. God will take care of everything. Thank you all for your continued prayers, meals, friendship and love. I love you all. Jesus we trust in you. There is hope that I will be cancer free, Lord willing.

God Bless,

Ashley