We do not lose heart as we look into the things that are unseen

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

So Mom had her CT scan this past Tuesday (coincidentally on my bday). The results of this CT scan will reveal whether or not the chemo is working (chemo working = no new cancer cell growth, chemo not working = new cancer cell growth). At this appointment, Mom had asked the Dr. not to give her the results yet so that she could have a worry free vacation (yes, we leave TODAY for the vaca!). He agreed not to give her the results and off she went on her merry way.

Fast forward a few days, and Mom starts packing. Then she starts wondering... am I allowed to even swim after having been on chemo? Is it ok to be in chlorine and/or the ocean?? So she decides to email her doctor to get his perspective.

His response:

Ms. Neal, Swimming in ocean or pool are both no problem. You can swim anywhere you want. Use an SPF above 50 all the time. Your scans look good--there has been no growth of the tumors! So the chemo appears to be working. Hope that gives you a little lift before departing on your vacation. If you need to talk, let me know.

WHAAAAT!?!? The chemo is working???? His email was brief ... leaving us with so many questions, but ultimately we were just relieved that it is having a positive affect on mom's cancer! What GREAT news to get before we leave for our last family vacation!

So you might be asking - ok so what does this mean exactly?? When the doctor first gave us the diagnosis he said that the average person with this cancer upon diagnosis has 3-6 months left to live if they don't do chemo or if the chemo doesnt work for them. If the patient decides to move forward with chemo and the chemo works, on average they have 11-12 months to live after diagnosis. And 20-30% of those people live up to 2 years. Our prayer is that she does live 2 years longer, and given that the chemo is working - this is an actual possibility!

Answer to prayers!

I also wanted to quickly share with you some photos from a boating trip that Mom went on with her brothers and sister-in-laws!