Expectations...
Wayne & Kelsey Ritscher
Last week, Mom/Kelsey had an MRI to check and see what is going on inside her head after several weeks of radiation and oral chemo. What they found was "what we would expect to see" at this time. For me, this raised many questions. Mainly, what am I supposed to be expecting?
In Hebrews 11:1 Paul (we think) writes about expectations...sort of...“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." It turns out, "expectations" and "expect" only come up around 26 times in the Bible (ESV). "Hope," however, comes up over 160 times. I think (though I am no theologian!), the thought of expectations actually leads us right back to hope. We should really hope more and expect less. And, in that faith-filled hope, we will find our joy, peace, comfort, and path forward. No matter what the future holds.
But, I digress...back to the MRI. There was no mention of locations of new growth, which is great news with glioblastoma. Some of the tumor that they could not get to in surgery may be slightly bigger, but it is difficult to tell because of the way the areas being targeted by radiation appear on the scan. The Radiologist and the Oncologist are happy with how things are going, and we will stay the course in terms of the current treatment plan.
After June 26th, Mom/Kelsey will have a 5-6 week break before she starts the second part of her treatment plan in early August. This will include a different kind of oral chemo - and no radiation. This will continue for about 6 months. There will be more scans and tests throughout that time to see how things are working and to see if the plan needs to be adjusted. We are also in communication with the care team about other clinical trial opportunities.
Because chemo and radiation builds up in the system, the effects of each are manifesting a bit more every day. These are mainly fatigue, changes in appetite, and nausea. Mom/Kelsey is also starting to lose her hair. She and Dad/Wayne continue to navigate all of this together, and they/we could not be more grateful for all of your help and support. THANK YOU!!
And, Dan the Cat continues to thrive on the farm. He is growing and getting into new things each day. Overall, he's got the best temperment and brings so much joy...
Comments
Cheryl TenBrink
Lou Albers
Sheri Hartkemeyer
Gina Scheetz
Loretta Vogt
marie Stratford
It fits nicely with your update lacey.
Faith. Easier for me to say trust. "You are healed by your trust".
Created with free will we sometimes think we need to plan and map our lives when what's ahead is an amazing mystery. He says "show up-- what you need will be provided". Trust and it's true. Doubt and it falls apart.
Yes to "optimistic hope" combined with powerful trust.
Plant an acorn. No amount of trust will cause a tulip to sprout.
In the mystery -- with trust -- we can wake to each day as the gift it is.
Wayne and kelsey love God and have strong faith. The biggest thing that has overwhelmed them is the gift of the outpouring of help they never imagined would surround them. PLEASE know the power of the gift of love YOU have chosen to give has lots bigger healing powers than the doctors, radiation and chemo.
There is nothing more powerful than being a part of a strong and supportive church family. Many reading this are in that "tribe". Derecho taught you it's not about a building. Others of us are connected to members of this family in a variety of different ways.....all here to give a cheer and whatever hand up we have to give.
"To help the least of us". In this case it's to help a woman and a family who has likely helped most of you in small, medium and huge ways.
Optimistic trust and hope.
It's wonderful how much light is in this experience that could be very dark but totally and completely is not.
It's spring. A time of birth and growth. A process much like living with cancer. Sending up a prayer for healthy cells to strongly invite the cancer cells to leave and / or die.
Dan was the first kitten of the five to purr. Wayne says he can hear the purr a room away. An angel they affectionately call "bastard dan".
Gather around and keep bringing her smiles. They have amazing healing powers and bring quality to the amazing days we are having..
Cathy Storjohann
Ron Andresen