Good morning

In past blogs I've written about John Piper's great little book, Don't Waste Your Cancer.  Piper points out in Chapter 5 that we waste our cancer if we refuse to think about death.  Maybe I'm supposed to be thinking about death today since today's prayer in my Valley of Vision collection of Puritan prayers and devotions (and thank you, Joe, for the millionth time, for the gift of that book) pretty much lays out my wishes for the time when God calls me home.
The writer of this prayer prays, "Prepare me for death, that I may not die after long affliction or suddenly, but after short illness, with no confusion or disorder, and a quiet discharge in peace, with adieu to brethren.  Let not my days end like lumber in a house, but give me a silent removing from one world to another."
What a way to go!
And, by the way, I'm feeling great this morning :)  Thank you all for your steady, faithful prayers.

More small bites

Today's inspiration comes from David W. Fuller, Editor of the highly intellectual publication, The Costco Connection :)  Every few years Mr. Fuller selects some of his favorite quotations from his collection and shares them with his readers.  A few of them rang true in this unique season of my life and they inspired me to go to my Bible to see if I could find verses that expressed the truths contained in the quotations.  Here's what I found:

Quote:  "Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy."-Anne Frank
Scripture:  "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness."-Psalm 30:11 (NKJV)

Quote:  "Always be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle."-Plato
Scripture:  "Thus says the Lord of hosts:  'Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion, everyone to his brother.' "-Zechariah 7:9 (NKJV)

Quote:  "Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats."-Voltaire
Scripture:  "For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock.  And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy.  I will sing and make melody to The Lord."-Psalm 27:5,6 (ESV)

This week's chemo is starting to take its toll on my energy level.  Please pray that I have enough energy to make myself useful.

As time goes by....

Like many others I find myself reviewing the events of the year that is about to find its way into history and thinking ahead to the brand new, fresh one that is about to appear.  Before tackling the new year head on I want to share some thoughts and verses that have been given to me since the onset of our journey.  They may seem random to the reader but each jewel has taken its place in the beautiful piece of jewelry I wear next to my heart.  You would all stop reading this blog if I included every one at this time so you'll get them in segments as time goes by.
My friend, Mary, who has gone through her share of suffering, wrote in one of her emails, "At least one of the redemptive pieces to suffering/trials is unusual clarity.  A hefty price tag, but still worth noting as a 'good thing' to come out of such soil."  How very true, Mary.
My sister, Janet, whose husband is also on this uninvited cancer journey, wrote in her beautiful Christmas letter, "With Barb's diagnosis I have realized how precious they are who have shared their whole life with us.  Along with Dale (Janet's husband), my siblings provide the glue that holds me together.  Facing the threats to Barb's and Dale's lives I realize how fragile and breakable are the links that join us and how easily those links can be dissolved.  I know as well how powerless we are to hold at bay the loss and death of our loved ones."
I am, along with Jan, treasuring my family, immediate and extended.  Please don't wait for a challenge before appreciating yours.
Proverbs 17:17-"A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity." (NKJV)

Health report:  Thankfully, no unexpected reactions to chemo so far today.  God is good!

Thanks again, John Piper

I woke up this morning being drawn again to John Piper's small book Don't Waste Your Cancer.  Chapter 4 focuses on our natural bent as humans to be driven to odds, statistics.  A time or two I have found myself instinctively tempted to Google the odds of survival for Cholangiocarcinoma but just as quickly chuckled and realized that as a Christian I know that the number of my days has already been written (Psalm 139:16) regardless of what Wikipedia might tell me.
My (our) cancer is not a curse but rather it is a way that God has chosen for me to lessen my natural tendency to rely on myself and to increase my dependency on Him, and for that I am so grateful.
The apostle, Paul, writes in his letter to the Corinthians, "Indeed we felt that the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God Who raises the dead". (2 Corinthians:1:9-NEV)

On the health front, I am experiencing the usual "first day after chemo" flushed face but no temperature so no worries :)
Thank you, Lord, for life, and thank you, family and friends, for your faithful prayers.

Second installment

Great news....I will have another cycle of Gemzar, my current infusion chemo med, before starting radiation and oral chemotherapy!  (Never in my wildest dreams did I envision getting excited about chemo treatment.)  Another cycle of Gemzar equals one week off at the end of the cycle equals the possibility of getting out of town for a short while before starting my next phase.  I am a happy woman!
Dr. Polowy was very encouraging today.  I was actually praised for gaining weight...never thought I'd see the day!  My blood numbers have risen where they needed to rise and dropped where they needed to drop as a result of my week off last week.  My liver enzymes are normal and there appears to be no reason to suspect abnormal activity within.  Dr. Polowy discussed the physical and psychological benefits of exercise and when I attempted to explain my serious allergy to any form of exercise he didn't buy it, unfortunately.  All in all we think he was very pleased with how I am reacting to my regimen.
Again and again I thank God for His continuing goodness to me.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your prayers.
"But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation."  (Psalm 13:5)

"Fear not....."

Today is our appointment with my medical oncologist, during which I will discover what my everyday life might look like for the next few months.  I love words and this morning I find myself searching for the one that describes my state of mind at this early hour.  I think that word is 'anxious', but it is an anxiety due to my inability to look into the unknown rather than an anxiety born of fear.
Throughout this journey I have asked myself the question, "Am I afraid?" and I thankfully continue to be able to answer that question with a firm, "No!"  Isaiah 41:10 states the reason for that answer: "Fear not, for I am with you.  Be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  My forever friend, Pat, led me to that verse as I faced major surgery and I found myself silently quoting it as the dreaded mask came over my face that time and several times since.  The Bible is filled with this admonition, "Do not fear...", and that's all the reassurance I need for today, tomorrow and always.
Stay tuned...more to follow.

Prayer

"Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God's gift of Himself."  (Mother Teresa)
I am both uplifted and humbled by the outpouring of prayers on my behalf by my family and friends.  Consider this blog entry my personal thanks to each one of you.  You can't possibly know how precious they are to me.
As previously mentioned, some time ago a good friend gave me a book entitled The Tremendous Power of Prayer.  Contained within this book are short quotations by people from all walks of life, some names familiar, some not.  These little jewels are worth sharing and today you will get a few of them:
"Pray your way through the day.  You can't see around the turning of life's corners but God can.  When the alarm goes off, don't say 'Good Lord-morning!', say 'Good morning, Lord!' "  (Robert A. Cook)
And here's another good one:  "Prayer should be the key of the morning and the lock of the night."  (Owen Felltham)
And finally: "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"  (Corrie Ten Boom)
Sometimes the small bites are the tastiest.

Please keep praying.  Tomorrow I meet with my medical oncologist and will learn if I am to receive another cycle of Gemzar or head straight to radiation and oral chemotherapy.  I will admit that I am not looking forward to this next phase of my plan, but God has been and will continue to be faithful to meet my needs, even if not in the ways I would choose.  Please be specific in your prayers.  I personally pray for complete healing and would be honored if you would join me in this prayer.  If, however, my  healing will not occur in this present life, then please join me in praying for a peaceful, accepting spirit as my treatment advances.

It's going to be a great day!

Chris, Alyssa and their four-legged kids arrived from Oklahoma yesterday, the distant grandkids begin to arrive in a few days and for us the Christmas Season has begun.  Cancer has officially been relegated to the back burner!
For those of you who are inclined, read Psalm 8 today.  It will bless you as it always does me.  And to make it even more special to us, it was our son, David's, favorite psalm when he was a kid.
"Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!"

Enter Dr. Ambrad

Yesterday we met with the newest addition to the cast of characters in our journey through cancer.
Dr. Aaron Ambrad, MD, Radiation Oncologist, came highly recommended by our Medical Oncologist, Dr. Polowy, and we felt confident that he is our man for this time.  His open and straightforward approach instilled confidence and we are trusting him to make the best decisions for this stage of our journey.
Dr. Ambrad used his computer to give us our first visual exposure to my PET scan.  He took us through my entire body on his screen and showed us exactly where the trouble spots are and more importantly, where they aren't.  We were again gratified to learn that the affected lymph nodes have not traveled far, at least not at the time of the scan.
Dr. Ambrad proceeded to talk to us about the proposed plan for his part in the great sandwich analogy used by Dr. Polowy when he first talked to us about my cancer treatment.
The top slice of my sandwich is Gemzar, my current infusion chemotherapy administered through a port in my chest.  As mentioned earlier, Gemzar attacks the rogue lymph nodes.  The filling portion of the sandwich consists of radiation and oral chemotherapy, occurring concurrently. The radiation/oral chemo attacks the stubborn and potentially lethal cells that are clustered around the original site of my cancer.  The bottom slice is a return to Gemzar, administered by infusion. 
Dr. Ambrad described the technology he will use in the filling portion of the sandwich.  I will receive 32 radiation/oral chemo treatments, one each day for five days of the week, with weekends off.  My side effects may consist of burning in the area of the radiation and a buffet of "itises", as he put it...colitis, gastritis, etc.  He said that some of his patients have side effects almost immediately and some have minimal side effects throughout the treatment.  (I opted for the latter.)
Dr. Ambrad will ink small tattoos in the targeted areas to facilitate accuracy in the radiation.  When I told him that one of my secret wishes was to get a tattoo in an inconspicuous place before I leave this earth, he offered to tattoo "Party Animal" across my back, tastefully, of course.  I declined.
I am gratefully enjoying my week off from Gemzar and the question of the hour is whether I will embark on a second cycle of Gemzar before starting radiation or whether we will get right to the radiation/chemo phase.  We should know that decision soon.
Although the prophet, Jeremiah, wrote the following words in a different place, for a different time, I have always claimed his words for my life.   "For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  (Jeremiah 29:11) ESV
Thank You, Lord, for life.

PS...

I have heard from both friends and family that there has been a problem with leaving comments at the end of the blogs.  I have made some setting adjustments and I hope that the problem is solved.

The roller coaster ride continues

A friend who has traveled this cancer journey aptly likens it to a roller coaster ride.  Before you can clear your head from one phase of the ride, you are thrown into another.  Some of the curves are exhilarating, some are just plain yucky.  Yesterday morning's piece of the ride was yucky.
My digestive system decided to rebel and after a quick shower, it was right back to bed.  My daughter, who thought she had the day off, was summoned and responded with a heavenly forehead massage and shared tears.  We took a few stabs at correcting the discomfort ourselves and finally called the oncology nurse to see if my side effects were a normal response to chemotherapy, which of course they were.  By afternoon the discomfort had lessened considerably and the rest of the afternoon was spent in front of a lovely fire in the fireplace.  Thank You, Lord, that You bless me with both comfort and discomfort.  As much as I would like to be comfortable at all times, I realize that Your goodness would not be appreciated fully if it were to be my continual state.
I feel the nudge to share the following prayer from my constant companion book of Puritan prayers and devotions, The Valley of Vision:
"God of the passing hour, another week has gone and I have been preserved in my going out, in my coming in.
Thine has been the vigilance that has turned threatened evils aside; Thine the supplies that have nourished me; Thine the comforts that have indulged me; Thine the relations and friends that have delighted me; Thine the means of grace which have edified me; Thine the Book, which amidst all my enjoyments, has told me that this is not my rest, that in all successes one thing alone is needful, to love my Saviour.
Nothing can equal the number of Thy mercies but my imperfections and sins.
These, O God, I will neither conceal nor palliate, but confess with a broken heart.
In what condition would secret reviews of my life leave me were it not for the assurance that with Thee there is plenteous redemption, that Thou art a forgiving God, that Thou mayest be feared!
While I hope for pardon through the blood of the cross, I pray to be clothed with humility, to be quickened in Thy way, to be more devoted to Thee, to keep the end of my life in view, to be cured of the folly of delay and indecision, to know how frail I am, to number my days and apply my heart unto wisdom."
Those Puritans really knew how to pray!

More musings...

No news of any importance on the health scene this morning so I'm taking this opportunity to share some great truths that were enclosed in a card from my friend, Joyce, recently.  These thoughts will especially ring true for anyone who has in any way been touched by cancer.
                                                          What Cancer Cannot Do
                                                             Cancer is so limited.....
                                                            It cannot cripple Love
                                                            It cannot shatter Hope
                                                            It cannot corrode Faith
                                                            It cannot destroy Peace
                                                            It cannot kill Friendship
                                                            It cannot suppress Memories
                                                            It cannot silence Courage
                                                            It cannot invade the Soul
                                                            It cannot steal Eternal Life
                                                            It cannot conquer the Spirit
                                                                   (Anonymous)

I, for one, am choosing to believe these truths.

Much Better Day

December 14, 2012:  I'm happy to report that aside from my now-normal fatigue, the discomfort of yesterday has passed and with a couple of short naps along the way I look forward to a good day!
"This is the day The Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  (Psalm 118:24)

Mixed Day

December 13, 2012:  Chemotherapy day today.  I continue to be impressed by the cheerfulness of the nurses in this room.  They appear to be completely unfazed by the enormous responsibility that has been entrusted to them.  They move around the room, calling the veteran patients by name and making us feel comfortable. I am guessing that when they start calling me by name I will have officially reached the end of my initiation into this club.  (Another good thing about this room is that they stock the snack basket with Cool Ranch Doritos!)
I am now hooked up to my anti-nausea medicine.  I am dizzier than usual and my tongue feels thick.  To my own ears I sound as if I am slurring slightly but I must be making sense because my nurse doesn't seem to notice anything unusual.  I have been told that my Gemzar is doing a number on my blood so that could be the reason for my discomfort.  I asked about my blood work, was given a full lab report and I hope to corral a nurse before I'm finished long enough to have her walk me through it. 
The nurse was able to interpret my results before we left and I learned that both red and white cell counts as well as my platelet count are low and at the minimum for continuing on my original regimen.  I am heading toward my week off from chemo so our hope is that there will be an improvement in my numbers before the 27th, my next treatment date.  If not, they will suspend my chemo temporarily and will give me a blood transfusion.  The oncology nurse assures me that what is happening is not unusual for patients receiving chemotherapy and that I need not be overly concerned.
I have chosen to be thankful that my blood tests are indicating activity so to my tiny mind that means that the diseased cells are getting hit as well as the healthy ones.  In the meantime I plan to indulge my fatigue and to spend some quality time with my blanket and comfy sofa.
"My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance."  (James 1:2,3)

Thank you, John Piper

December 10, 2012:  "My light shines on you continually, whether you are aware of it or not.  During the wee hours of the night, your thoughts are often distorted-even catastrophic.  Although you are enveloped in darkness, remember that darkness and light are alike to Me.  I am with you, and My love for you never fails..." (Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)
A few days ago our son, Pat, suggested that I read a small book, actually more of a meditation, called Don't Waste Your Cancer by John Piper.  Piper's insights into the "up" side of cancer (and yes, there are many "up" sides of cancer!) resulted from his cancer diagnosis some five years or more ago.  The above quote from Sarah Young draws me to Piper's short chapter titled 'We waste our cancer if we refuse to think about death'. My cancer diagnosis has led me to think about death often and to be honest, there are many days when I am sad when I think of leaving this life I love so much.  If I had my way I'd stick around long enough to meet our grandchildren who are yet to be born and to see at least a few of our grandchildren get married, but that will not be my call.  Each of our days are numbered before we are born (Psalm 139:16).  So...I plan to wake up each morning with thanks and a grateful heart, knowing that my life on earth is precious and that the life that is waiting for me in Heaven will be even better!
"Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy.  Remember that you have an eternity of trouble-free living awaiting you in heaven."  (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)
"Teach us to number our days that we get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:13)
Thank You, Lord, for life!

1 Corinthians 1:4

December 7, 2012:  I woke up this morning with the almost overwhelming awareness of the comfort  I am experiencing thanks to the unending support of my family.  This is not "my" cancer, it is "our" cancer.  Not for one second have I felt that I am alone in this battle.  My incredible husband starts my day with coffee and quiet time materials delivered bedside.  My daughter provides care that I could not have imagined.  My nearby daughters-in-law are ready to support whenever needed and my distant daughter-in-law would do the same if she could.  My sons call at wonderfully unexpected times with expressions of love and concern. My son-in-law quietly keeps me in mind as he goes through his day.  What a blessing!  Yesterday's doctor appointment was almost comical.  The oncologist's office was so crowded with family members that when the doctor came in, he had a problem finding a place to sit!
Tami has been our faithful transcriber and her invaluable (and often entertaining!) reports bring into focus what we all heard but have mostly forgotten.  Lee Ann is a constant support with Bible verses and devotions that made her think of me and, as aforementioned, Jody's anticipation and carrying out of my every need, including things I could easily be doing for myself, is beyond measure.  My brother, Dave, (previously mentioned), whose Physicians' Assistant skills have been tested and tried so many times I have lost count, is still speaking to and loving me through all the times I've leaned on him and for that I am so grateful.  My sister, Janet, keeps me encouraged and entertained by her perfect words that arrive at just the right times, despite the fact (or perhaps because of it) that she and her husband have preceded me into the challenges of this cancer journey.  And thanks, brother Hap, for your unfailing sense of when to send funny emails that keep things light when they could be discouraging.  I cannot adequately express my love and appreciation for you all.
1 Corinthians 1:4:  "I give thanks to my God for all of you..."

Good Day Today!

December 6, 2012.  We had a good visit with my oncologist this morning.  He went over the results of my PET scan and we were encouraged to hear that my affected lymph nodes were fairly concentrated in a few areas with no apparent invasion of other organs...Praise God!  This revelation resulted in Dr. Polowy suggesting that a consultation with a Radiation Oncologist was in order with an eye to starting the radiation portion of my regimen sooner than originally scheduled.  We took this as an encouraging sign, that he is willing to leave the lymph nodes alone long enough to attack the defined, troublesome areas that will require radiation and oral chemotherapy, to be done concurrently.  Infusion chemotherapy will be resumed after the radiation segment is completed and I look forward to great results. And to add to the positive events of the day, my Gemzar was increased by five minutes with no apparent side effects.
My excellent care, much of which goes on without my awareness, resulted in a call from the office of our chosen Radiation Oncologist within three hours of returning home and we will consult with Dr. Aaron Ambrad on December 18.  I have pronounced this a good day!
Psalm 27:13,14: "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of The Lord in the land of the living!  Wait for The Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for THE LORD!"

Musings

December 5, 2012.  Genesis 28:11-16:  Even when Jacob was in the middle of nowhere, sleeping with a rock for a pillow, God spoke to him and revealed His plan for him.  Jacob's reaction was, "Surely God is in this place!"  I must remember that regardless of my circumstances and my comfort level, God is surely in this place.  (Jesus Calling)
I have my weekly blood draw this morning, followed by a "vanity day" (hair and nails) with people who are praying for me.  As a matter of fact, God is steadily chipping away at my vanity these days.  Thanks to chemotherapy and the need to monitor skin and nail changes, today I will have my acrylic nails removed.  I have enjoyed 15 years of lovely, artificial nails.  This is going to be tough!  And to make matters worse, I can no longer have my hair colored....the ultimate insult!  I must admit, I have wondered for a while what my real hair color is.  I guess I'll find out. ("Vanity, thy name is woman!")
Thank You, Lord, for whatever this day will bring.

Not a Great Day

December 4, 2012.  This morning was an unexpected foreshadowing of what I may be facing.  I have been spoiled by my non-reaction to the chemo and must have unconsciously expected that non-reaction to continue.  My energy was drained by 9:00 a.m. and I had to cancel a coffee date that I was really looking forward to.  I popped the first of my anti-nausea pills, wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket and dozed on and off until nearly noon.  Happily, things improved after my vegetative morning and I actually got a few things accomplished.  And tomorrow is another day!
"Make it my chiefest joy to study Thee, meditate on Thee, gaze on Thee, sit like Mary at Thy feet, lean like John on Thy breast, appeal like Peter to Thy love, count like Paul all things dung."  (Valley of Vision)

One chemo down, many to go

November 30, 2012.  Today, my first day after chemo, brings a flushed face and a slight fever. I'm feeling very privileged when I think of what I could be experiencing compared to others with this disease.  Note to self: Just in case I get a bit cocky, remember that problems are a part of life.  My job is to make getting to know God better my priority, not to try to fix the problem.
Psalm 27:13,14-"Wait for the Lord.  Be strong and let your heart take courage."

December 1, 2012.  My days have been pretty consistently beginning with two cups of coffee, served bedside by my attentive husband, and great times in the Word.  Two visitors are coming today so it will be a good day!
Scripture takeaway:  Jeremiah 31:3-"I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued My faithfulness in you."
Jeremiah 33:3-"Call to Me and I will answer you..."-"God's telephone number, 24/7, with no busy signal or voice mail!" (The Tremendous Power of Prayer.)

Fast forward again...

November 29, 2012.  Today was my first day of chemotherapy.  I was apprehensive but not fearful.  I met Annie (not her real name) in the waiting area....young (30), completely bald and frail but so helpful in answering my "first-timer" questions.  She has had a double mastectomy and is facing a long recovery.  She preceded me into the chemo room and while I was there I overheard her telling her nurse that she was feeling terrible.  The nurse reviewed her numbers and discovered that Annie was in bad enough shape that her treatment would need to be postponed for a week and there was a question of her being hospitalized.  She told the nurse that she would be at home alone that night.  I am so blessed as I compare my journey to Annie's.
At this point please bear with me as I phase into present tense, since my blog is based on the journaling I did on the actual date of my experiences.
I am in a comfortable recliner preparing to be infused with medicine fed through  tubes inserted into my port. I feel as if I am being initiated into a club that I didn't ask to join and that I am going to be experiencing the membership benefits of that club whether I choose to or not!  First came 20 minutes of anti-nausea medication, followed by 30 minutes of Gemzar, my chemo chemical du jour.  I'm feeling slightly dizzy but ok.  My nurse, Sue, is kind, helpful and knowledgeable.  She informs me that I should expect nausea for a day or two and a prescription was called in to be picked up on our way home.  I am still feeling fine.
The chemo room is surprisingly pleasant and upbeat even though there are patients at varying stages of their diseases all around me.  The nurses keep the mood light and the veteran patients sleep or attend to their business without complaint.  I am not sure what I expected but this place is not scary.
God is so faithful.  I pray that He gives me the opportunity to praise Him to others around me at some point in my journey.
"I Myself go before you, opening up the way.  I will never leave you or forsake you. Therefore, you need not be afraid or discouraged." (From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)

Welcome

Welcome to my blog, which I am writing for my own sake as much as for my family and friends who have been so faithful and constant in their love and support.  I am constantly reminded of God's faithfulness through His Word and through the loving outreach of those in my life.
Our U-turn began in late July of 2012 when I began to experience unusual discomfort in my abdominal area.  I can only liken it to morning sickness, which is not forgotten with age, unfortunately.  The symptoms increased, necessitating a visit to a gastroenterologist who correctly diagnosed the need for gall bladder removal, preceded by a procedure called an ERCP, during which he would remove what appeared to be debris in my bile duct.  The ERCP revealed that the problem was not debris but was, in fact, a thickening of the tissue in the wall of my bile duct.  The gall bladder was removed the day after the ERCP, thankfully revealing no problems, but further examination of the bile duct was required.  Fast forward to an endoscopic ultrasound, the revelation of the need for surgical removal of the diseased tissue and the hitting of the fast track to my current situation.
We were blessed to be transferred into the capable hands of Dr. Lawrence Koep who was honest in telling us that he would not know what we were dealing with until he got to my innermost parts.  Best case scenario, removal of diseased tissue with a pathology report of benign.  Second scenario, removal of tissue with a pathology report of malignant but having clear borders within the bile duct.  Worst case scenario, diseased malignant tissue but with the necessity of invading surrounding organs in order to get clear borders, requiring what is called a Whipple Procedure.  (Google it...it isn't pretty!)  Surgery revealed the need for a Whipple, I was officially diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma and the adventure began in earnest.  We were thrust into the previously unknown world of cancer.
Along the way we have been blessed beyond blessed by the indescribable, quiet, freely given guidance of a local physician friend who came into our lives some years ago through dove hunting at our dairy.  His counsel has rendered words useless.  His recommendations of professionals in the field have resulted in the best possible care, from oncologist to PET scan interpretation, to port placement.  My brother, Dave, A Physicians' Assistant in Tucson,  has been pummeled with questions from us and never fails to give wise counsel when he has the immediate answers and when he is unsure of the specifics of our questions he consults his professional peers and never fails to get the needed information to us, clearly translated into layman's terms.  (You will read more about Dave later.)  And to make our journey even more blessed outside our local area, a long time precious friend, an oncologist in California, has been available 24/7 to answer any questions we could possible have.  What a testimony to an Awesome God Who is quietly leading the way and opening doors for us before we even knew they needed opening, giving credence to the beautiful truth in Philippians 4:6,7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
And off we go!