After another cold and a kidney infection I finally feel like I am
coming out of the worst after my 3rd treatment. It wasn't any harder except for the kidney thing which probably means I am just not able to fight as well, and OK maybe it was harder!!! LOL I don't know how common kidney infections are but the Dr. wasn't surprised. I was a little because I am drinking alot! Also, at my last visit my tumor was undetectable!!!! I then asked what my chances are of getting clear margins at surgery and he said "excellent!!" Just to give perspective, there are 3 categories I could have fallen in. 1- 40% who have it shrink and be undectable (upon examination), 2- 40% who have shrinkage, 3- 20% have no change. I was really hoping to have atleast some shrinkage but have somehow been blessed and have fallen into the category I was afraid to hope for! It is undetectable. I can't describe the emotion of all of that. We spend time at chemo with so many who are not having a good outcome and I cry many times for them. I have been so blessed! I am having one of those experiences that I just can't describe yet because it's not over. But if I could tell you about each and every little blessing it would really amount to something amazing! My friend, Debbie Black, said this would be my greatest gift. (I love her but initially I thought she was "nuts!") Even though it is so hard and awful and will be for a long time, I have already learned she is right! Every day is a gift for me. I have not given deep thought to people actually facing life or death with their health (for a long time anyway) and to say they live differently is an understatement. So far, I am thankful for the chance to live a more meaningful life.
Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and best wishes, keep sending them! My next treatment is Dec. 18.

Much Love-Shauna