The ultrasound on March 28th confirmed all the hand measurements from my oncologist’s office: the tumor has been busy shrinking away. Praise you, God!
Ultrasound on 1/15/18: 6.0cm x 2.6cm x 5.4 cm
Ultrasound on 3/28/18: 2.2cm x 0.9cm x 2.9cm
When I was in for my 4th chemo treatment yesterday, my oncologist told me that when he figured the approximate mass of the tumor, it is only 7% of the size of when we started. 93% melted away! What excellent news.
As I head into my 4th “hard week” following the chemo infusion, it is so encouraging to hear this. It makes each side effect feel worthwhile. We are praying for several things as I continue with chemo:
- Praising God for no big outbreak of the rash I had in rounds 1 or 2. That made a big difference in round 3, and we are praying it will never return.
- Perseverance through the nausea, and that I would have wisdom in what to eat to help in regard to digestive health through the difficult weeks. I’ve always had an iron stomach, so it’s been a big change to have to so carefully watch what I eat
- Continued strength and wisdom for Gabe and our parents as they care for our kids through this season
- Wisdom as we meet with and choose a radiation oncologist, who will direct my radiation plan after surgery. Also, wisdom in choosing a plastic surgeon who will do my reconstruction after the mastectomy.
On the family front, we were busy during the good week visiting with our dear friend Nadia, and celebrating birthdays (Gabe’s and Nate turned 2!). I was so thankful that their birthdays “just happened to fall” on my good week, so I could be involved, and part of the celebrations. How special. Kai also started crawling and is busily exploring the world around him, dishwashers and all! A few pictures below.
Thank you for continuing to journey with us, pray for us, and encourage us. Your calls, texts, emails, letters, and especially prayer have meant the world to us in this season.
Treasures Gleaned 
Praising God for this wonderful news Leigh Anne and Gabe! We are praying with you as you head into this next week. Love, Scott and Tina
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Thank you, Scott and Tina!
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Such wonderful news. Always amazing how you can take something difficult and turn it into something beautiful. So full of grace.
Love, Liz
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Thank you, dear Liz. It was so good to see you a few weeks ago.
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My youth pastor used to say he was praying hard for me. I was never quite sure what that meant when I was younger, but I loved the sound of it. Well, Brett and Carol are praying hard for you precious sister! And for your steady Gabe, faithful and loving Mom and Dad Chong and for your life-long heroes Gary and Sharon. We love and miss you so much Leigh Anne and we wish you and Gabe were here to celebrate our big news with us this week. We’re praying you better sis so we can all have a giant party and celebrate our amazing Saviour. Kiss the babies for us. Brett and Carol.
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Thank you, Brett! We are so grateful for you praying hard for us and all of our parents. Gabe and I are thrilled for Stephen’s engagement.
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Our precious Leigh Anne, Jill has been keeping us up to date and we’re so grateful to be able to follow your journey through Treasures Gleaned. As usual, you are teaching us all through your shining light: this time, what grace in the face of the greatest of mountains. Please know that Ryan and I are holding you and Gabe so close in heart, and that I am praying for you daily. I am so thankful to God for all the miraculous healing He is bringing. With love and warmest of wishes, Eliza Ketchum
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Thank you, dear Eliza! You and Ryan and your kids are precious to us.
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Dr. Chong and Mrs. Chong I am absolutely grateful that you guys received great news! Mrs. Chong you are a very strong person that will fight through this. My aunt was just diagnosed with breast cancer last November and you have truly inspired me to stay positive and stay strong for her and to keep praying no matter what. I will keep your family in my prayers!
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Thank you so much, Sydney. I am eager to hear when this is in the rearview mirror for your aunt as well as us. We have been so grateful for the Raleigh Ophthalmology family through this season. What incredible support.
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Praising the Lord for his mighty work! What great news! I am praying for the requests above some of them are big decisions that I know the Lotd will guide you through. I pray the week is better than anticipated.
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Thank you so much, Gretchen!
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