I have to admit that I am a little disappointed in the results of the scan from Tuesday. The results were no real change. You could see slight growth depending on how you measure it but never-the-less no turn around. We decided to give it another six weeks as sometimes these drugs need sufficient time to build up to the right level. But in the meantime I feel beat up.
There was also a glitch in the numbers for my kidney function and I am getting a week off while they double check. So, my nerves are somewhat jangled at the moment. I was hoping for some significant dismantling of those tumors equal with the work I have been putting into it the last sixteen months.
Ah, so it goes. Yesterday I saw some of my favorite nurses. I miss those guys since I don’t go in as often with this latest drug that I take orally. Anyway they are very supportive. And one of their own is on the Camino right now, ten days into it and blogging. And another is also a pastor at a local church and wants me to come and show the documentary to his congregation. That’s all good.
Off to the prayer service at noon and will be offering my prayer for the sick and infirmed. I worked hard on the crafting of it and will be glad to read it here soon.
Off I go. Lots of moving parts here today, have to get started. “sick and infirmed” loves, Felipé.
I’m sorry for the disappointing news.
I’ll be at the prayer service to cheer you on.
I’m going to start a Novena to Mary the Undoer of Knots on your behalf.
Stay Strong O Captain my Captain!
Jessika ~ No one has support like I do. Gracias amiga! Felipé.x
Dear Phil,
I am not particularly religious, at least I don’t think I am. I’m not unreligious either. I just try hard to be good, to appreciate everything, hot and cold running water, a roof, food, my children, my wife, friends, the vast and incredible beauty of nature, the cosmos. Nevertheless I want to say, “It’s got to be hard” and “Bless you my friend”.
Aho’i
Aho’i ~ You are a bright light buddy. So happy to know you. Your new cherry cabinet is gorgeous by the way. Felipé.
Felipe, I am sorry to hear the results weren’t showing the direction you were hoping for. All the best for your prayer and the prayer time today. Sending you light, love, and prayers from California.
Rho
Thank you Rho. Yea, we have been working extremely hard for sixteen months trying to turn this thing around. At the same time I feel extremely lucky that it is growing so slowly. Talk to you soon. Felipé.x
Continuing to hold you in prayer my friend. Michelle
Michelle ~ thank you so much. I am honored. Felipé.x
Thank you for sharing your journey so vulnerably with us. I will be praying for you today at noon.
Henriette ~ Yes, thank you. We are working away at it all, aren’t we? Felipé.x
Hello Felipé,
I’ve been following you daily and had to speak up today day. Thinking of you and your “beat up” self. Prayers and hugs for you today. I’m going to walk my daughters neighborhood lakes for you and me this evening.
Bonnie ~ thanks to you for keeping in touch. This whole journey is extremely challenging but having you along is a joy. Best wishes in your new home. Felipé.x
Dear boss,
So sorry to hear there was no change on this scan, but if there is one thing we know about those tumors is that they are lazy… so who knows if this no change is not also “they just being themselves”… I am glad the protocol allows for another cycle, maybe that is what they need.
As for the kidneys, please take these lines as a side comment, as for sure I don’t know what is going on, but when you are in a clinical trial, there is a protocol to follow… and any abnormal lab or change in the labs require to be reported and most of the time the protocol also says what has to be done (like discontinue the drug) Maybe you had a similar reaction to other drugs in the past, but because there was no protocol to follow or things to report, you went on with the treatment… so, hang in there, maybe there is another perspective too look at this situation (I see this daily at work).
In any case, I am sending lots and lots of scientific thoughts and lots and lots of prayers your way. Hugs are int the package too.
Caring Love,
Cris
Thank you Cris ~ It has been hard work grinding away at this. We hope for a reduction but the laziness of it is a blessing too. Yes, the protocols. I am being watched very closely. There was a slight glitch in my numbers so got this weeklong vacation while they double check. Yea, so we walk on, right? PFJ is coming by here later this month with some of his buddies who are on a tour. I will have him bless the corn. Jim is coming on the 8th and we are planting on the 9th. My mind is on corn. Can’t wait till you get here. Felipé.x
I am SO SUPER Looking forward to August and be there too. Please ring me when Jim and Gloria are there, and when PFJ is there too. I miss our calls lots.
Love you all and miss you all… Can we design any machine to get tele-transported there? <3
Cris
Cris ~ what time of day should we call you? I forget the time difference situation. We will do our best to make this happen. Jim and Gloria are here the 8th through the 12th. John is here on the 19th I think, a Sunday. Your neighbor, Felipé.x
Good Morning, Felipe!
Sending you lots of angels to help you through! You continue to inspire and encourage all of us in “your road to Emmaus. We are meditating on Luke 24: 13-25 this week in our St. Ignatius prayer process. I happened to google it & found an incredible interpretation written by Dr. Calvin Wittman. If you have a moment… I wrote down some of his major reflections:
This story is about trust:
*They were sad & discouraged; things had not turned out like they thought; preconceived notions; misplaced hope & trust
* God always has a plan; when things don’t turn out like we expect; instead of giving up & admitting defeat, try to see things differently to see what God is up to.
*the supernatural working of God is outside of His disciples’ paradigm
* knowing ABOUT Him & KNOWING Him are 2 different things
*After the resurrection, many appearances of Jesus are associated with “table fellowship”
*in the intimacy of fellowship he reveals himself to us. His working in our lives becomes clearer & His provision & protection comes into focus.
* When they recognized Him, He disappeared. Fellowship with Him was not going to depend on their ability to see Him, but rather upon taking Him at His words & responding… sharing the Good News!
I absolutely saw the parallels to your Camino… Keep on trucking, Felipe! Fellowship & faith are such blessings!
One last quote I heard from one of our leaders, whose wife’s life had been challenged in a terrible car accident… as she was struggling with re-hab, he saw she had put a sticky note on the bathroom mirror: CHOOSE! When he asked what that was about, her reply was: Even though I may be winter on the outside, I choose to be spring on the inside!”
Springtime Loves, Maureen❤️🙏😊🐣🌷🌸