This will not be a fashion post in the traditional sense. I won’t be showing you an outfit today or giving any style advice. I’ve held off on writing an update about my health since undergoing the TheraSphere treatment on my liver on March 11 because I needed time to wrestle with what’s been happening. Time to figure out how to “wear” the latest news.
The treatment itself went very well. I was in and out of the hospital in approximately eight hours and walked away feeling pretty good. A CT scan following the treatment showed that the vast majority of the radioactive microspheres that were injected during the treatment had been deposited on target at the site of the largest tumour on my liver while a minimal amount had reached a second smaller tumour and surrounding tissue. This was exactly what was hoped for.
Had that been all that the scan showed, I would have weathered the post treatment fatigue and mild nausea with ease, but unfortunately, it also showed a nodule elsewhere in my abdomen that has grown significantly since a previous scan five months ago. That raises concerns that the cancer has spread. Knowing the importance of being proactive and advocating for myself, I contacted my specialist’s office as soon as I read the scan report and was able to have a phone consult with her earlier this week. She is going to refer my case to the medical oncology team asking them to review my file and make recommendations.
So how do I deal with all of this?
I feel a bit like I did at the beginning of this journey over 10 years ago. Once again, I’m facing a huge unknown. At that time, I prayed for strength to walk this pathway with grace and I continue to ask for that. In my morning prayer time this week, I’ve been meditating on a snippet of scripture from 2 Peter 2:19. “… a man is slave to whatever has mastered him.” Whatever happens, I do not want to become a slave to fear!
You may remember that my one word for 2024 is hope. This beautiful graphic, which I found on Rare Disease Day, perfectly combines my word with the zebra ribbon representing rare diseases and more specifically, neuroendocrine cancer (NETS) which, though no longer considered rare, is definitely not well-known. Though the pathway may become rough, I am not giving up hope!
Clothe me in peace, hope, and inner strength.
Let that be my style!
Following Augustine 
Thank you for sharing your personal story, Elaine. I’m sure your faith and strength is an inspiration for others — I know it is for me. I’ll keep you in my prayers, particularly in this most holy week ahead.
Thank you for your kind words and your prayers, Beth!
I will be praying for you. There is always hope so don’t give up.
Thank you for your prayers, Valletta!
Praying for you, Elaine. Thank you for the image of wearing attitudes. Penny
Thank you for your prayers, Penny! As a very visual person, I love this kind of imagery which is also used in the Bible. Proverbs 31:5 speaks of a woman being “clothed with strength and dignity” and Psalm 30:11 says You “clothed me with joy.”
Praying! Thank you for sharing your choice to meditate on scripture and clothe yourself with peace and hope and inner strength. I am saving this post as an encouragement for hard times.
Also, thanks for the reminder that we need to be proactive and be our own advocates! It is so important that we make those phone calls, ask questions, and take what action we can.
Yes, staying on top of what’s happening and advocating for ourselves is very important. I’m glad you found my post encouraging.
Prayers!
Thank you, Ronali!
I will keep you in my prayers.Sent from my Galaxy
Thank you!
None of us know what lies ahead. All we know is that god is there walking beside us leading us the way he has always meant us to go. Prayers will always be coming your way for which ever road you are heading Elaine and family. Faith is the strongest healer we have.
You are right, Verna! We just need to live each day to the best of our ability and trust God for the rest.
I can’t help but feel your anxiousness at this time. Thank you for the update , such as it is. Sending love and special hugs.
Thanks, Brenda! Yes, I think some anxiety is inevitable at times like this, but I don’t want to be overwhelmed by it.
I continue to be inspired by your attitude and strength. You are in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. Godspeed on this new path of your journey.
Thank you, Jeannine!
Oh my, this was a difficult morning, I was about to write a note to you when the awful news from Princess Catherine came in. I wish the two of you the best, I have faith in modern medicine and the remarkable positive spirits of you both. May everything turn out well. You will certainly be in my thoughts as you go through this battle, JanF
Thanks, Jan! I too was sad to hear Princess Kate’s news. Such a young woman with a young family. I was really glad that she decided to share her diagnosis though and put an end to all the ridiculous speculation that’s been going on about her situation.
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Hi Elaine
My thoughts are with you ❤️ as you go through this journey
Thank you so much!
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