September 2013
Note: If you’d like a little more information on how all of this unfolded in the first place, click on “Background” on the upper left.
I began my chemotherapy on November 7th. It was a challenging day – I think it finally hit me that we had a clear diagnosis, and walking into a room of patients receiving chemotherapy (and knowing I was joining them) was very emotional. I am very grateful that I had a wonderful, supportive nurse and Jonathan by my side all day long.
As far as side effects, the infusion went smoothly both days and I didn’t have the fairly common reactions that many have to the Rituxan. I’ve only had one experience with nausea and I treated that easily with Zofran. My biggest side effect has been moderate fatigue, but it is doable. I’m so grateful that the two drugs I’m being given (Rituxan and Bendamustine) are anticipated to be highly effective, but mild on side effects (probably no hair loss either).
As a family, we have felt extremely supported and loved since the beginning of all the doctors’ appointments and testing. We are so appreciative of the prayers being lifted up, the supportive words, encouraging cards, meals, etc. Experiencing the love of our family, friends, friends of family, family of friends . . . has been a big blessing and we thank God for that. We feel God is showing us His love in tangible ways through His people.
I’ll try to post an update now and then. My next treatment is on December 5th and 6th. Until then, I will have weekly blood draws to check my blood count for clotting, immunity, etc. These results will determine how much I can go out in public – you never know when someone will sneeze. . . Please continue to pray for eradication of this cancer, my doctors’ wisdom, and our family’s strength, peace and trust in God.
April, SOOO glad to hear the latest report and I know that your oncologist gave you the best Christmas present EVER!! Sue and Larry
Thinking about you and your family over the holidays. I will continue to pray for your complete healing and strength to continue treatments!
I have been praying for you and your family, April! I am so sorry that you all are going through this, but I love reading about your how faith is sustaining you. I am confident that the Lord will use this for good in your lives! Let me know if I can help you in any way!
Can’t imagine how you are doing it all – well, yes I can, the Grace of God and your remarkable family and friends! This is a great way to keep the many people who love and pray for you updated – we’re cheering you on from the sidelines to a full and speedy recovery. No doubt, out of this test will come a huge testimony to God’s faithfulness! Love, Len
April, wanted you to know you and your family are on my mind and I am lifting you up in prayer to the Lord. May His strength be with you.
Hello April and Jonathan,
Thank for the wonderful message on your blog. It is my hope and prayer for you that your treatment will become a thing of the past that you had to deal with. You know Jenise had a similar situation with her thyroid cancer but now it has been over ten years.
We think about all of you often and have you in our prayers.
We love you,
Uncle William
Thank you for the Blog. I think of you all several times a day. Praying this all goes quickly. You all are so Loved.
I’ve been checking my email often to see if you had sent an update and somehow overlooked your last message! I’m so glad you’re doing okay and will continue to check in and pray for you daily. Sending lots of love and positive thoughts your way.
So glad you have created a blog so we can keep up with what is going on. Praying everyday!
Great site, very informative! Your comment about being in the waiting room reminded me of that weird feeling “…but I’m not one of these people”. Well, we still pray nightly for you that you won’t be in that group much longer. Y’all let us know what we can do for you. No reply needed.
Steve n Robyn