Brooke’s Cancer Journey Post from 10/8/18

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The last medical update I shared was on August 24, 2018- the day before my husband suddenly and unexpectedly went to be with the Lord. Justin died after being struck by a car while cycling on Saturday, August 25. It has been six weeks and my children and I are still deeply grieving, but grieving with hope as we know Justin is enjoying perfect communion with our Lord.
Fighting cancer without Justin here to support me is very difficult and we are being sustained by your prayers. We are well loved by family and friends.
I continue to be treated with Ixempra chemo every 3 weeks for stage IV cancer. I’ve had four treatments so far- most recently last Wednesday. The side effects this round have been more difficult than the past- extreme fatigue, lack of appetite and body pain are the worst of it. The cold capping treatment to reduce hair loss is working so far, although my hair is thinning in some spots. (Success is considered losing no more than 50% of your hair). I’m so thankful that I pursued this because it would be so hard on the children for me to lose my hair during this time.

I have a PET scan 10/17 with results 10/19. My medical team agreed for me to have this scan in Columbia so I would not have to travel to Houston. I will go to MD Anderson if I need to, depending on the results of the scan but I’m praying not until early next year.

Please join me in praying for amazing, miraculous results for the PET scan next week! Please pray for peace for me between now and then (the week before scans is emotionally difficult). Please pray for us as we adjust to life without Justin here. We miss him so much.

Please know how much I appreciate every prayer and message , even as I’m not able to respond to each one- each word matters deeply and encourages my heart.

Trusting in the goodness and faithfulness of our great God, even through the hard…this is our hope which does not disappoint, no matter what earthly circumstances are.

“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children” Psalm 103:17