April overall has been a tough month for me (and my loved ones) - physically and mentally.
As you all know April 7 we heard that my treatment wasn't working, and April 14 I started a new treatment called ENHERTU which is an IV chemo-monoclonal antibody by infusion every 21 days. Also since beginning of April my bone Mets in my back (especially thoracic spine) continue to hurt more daily. This has caused me to have to stop doing things I love such as going for walks and working out, and it has become hard to pick and hold Lyla which breaks my heart.
Through my new chemo med and the bone pain I have been blessed to continue to work. I have so much passion for my job, and while continuing to work sounds like a burden to many - for me it is an outlet for cancer related stress. I have an AMAZING pharmacy team (and hospital family) whom I love leading dearly.
What are the next steps?
We continue to pray that ENHERTU is working magic and killing cancer cells all over my body. I have tolerated the med pretty well compared to all the things that COULD happen while on the med. It is definitely not a walk in the park though, and I am learning how to take this all in and realize it's my new normal every 21 days and what that looks like while still living normal life at 32!
I start radiation to my thoracic spine Monday in Gainesville. It is for pain management - so it is not with intent to cure like last time I did 33 radiation sessions to my breast. The radiation oncologist has high hopes that after 5 sessions I will have a lot of pain relief and it often continues to offer pain relief forever in that specific spot. I am asking for prayers that it works for me so I can get back to being physical active and more able to live normally.
Over the last two weeks I have been studying Romans 8. If you have never read it - it's probably the most moving chapter of the Bible I have ever studied. I am reading it and studying it with a Bible study called "In View of Gods Mercies". I feel so moved by what I learned within the chapter from my study that I would love to share and encourage you to take time to read it as well. Thank you to Courtney Doctor for creating this awesome Bible study so I could connect all these dots.
Some big ideas all wrapped into this chapter are the following - 🩷
There are 4 guarantees we are given in Romans 8:
Eternal Life (v.11)
Forever adoption (v.15)
Beautiful Inheritance (v.17)
Unimaginable Glory (v.18)
In Romans 8:26-30 We learn that the spirit intercedes for us and can use wordless groans as prayer. The spirit intercedes in accordance with the will of God. In all things God works for the good of those that love him and are called according to his purpose. Basically, constantly conforming us to Jesus!
In Romans 8:35-36 We learn many examples of trials we may face that can not separate us from the love of Jesus. These include: trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword.
And finally if it could get any better it ends on a HIGH note. In Romans 8:37 reminding us that the love of Jesus holds us, strengthens us, and makes us overcome. He makes us "more than conquerors".
So while we wait to hear if my cancer is shrinking, and we pray that my bone pain gets better. I'm holding onto Gods promises and not taking anything for granted. I can't wait to share the kind of physical miracle I know he can do with everyone.
Also if you haven't yet and want a super cute cancer T shirt - all proceeds are going to Metavivor (stage IV breast cancer research - new treatment lines mean more options for me!!)
My sister is going to have a lot of stuff going on for Metavivor this year in my honor that I will be helping with. I love you Mandi thank you for taking action
💚🩵🩷
Until next time,
Sami