Picking up where I left off on the May 2^nd post, the recovery weeks for round #5 were pretty tough.  Round 4, 5, and 6 brought a new side effect: a “taste change”.  Thankfully, it hasn’t lasted more than about a week, but when it is present, all food tastes “ruined.”  Actually, the first time I experienced it, I was making homemade hummus.  I could not figure out what I’d done to so completely mess up the recipe!  It tasted AWFUL.  The next thing I ate was a bagel with cream cheese.  When that also tasted disgusting, I put two-and-two together.  It was a side effect!  I am so thankful it does not last long.  It makes it very difficult to eat.

I had very little energy through round 5, which is tough as a mama.  I always want to “be there” for the kids, but I spent very little time with them during the round 5 weeks.  Thankfully, I bounced back and was present for the good week.  It was just in time: my mom got pretty sick, and went to Charlotte to recover.  Dad Chong was our hero and came within days to switch out with her.  He stayed for a week, and was a tremendous help.  The kids loved being with Yeh-Yeh!

My dear friends Sarah and Kirstin also came for a few days, and it was such medicine to my heart.  Good friendships are like that!  We had a precious time catching up, spending time together, being with the kids, watching the Royal Wedding.  It was very special.

When I went in for my 6^th and “final” chemo round last Monday, my doctor said he could not even feel a lump.  He said there was some dense tissue, but if I’d come in to see him, and he had done that physical exam, he would have followed up with me in a few months (ie. no big red flags).  Praise God!  He also told me some pretty exciting news.  If, when I have surgery on June 19^th, there is no cancer in my lymph nodes or breast (there is a complete “pathological response” to the chemo), then I have a greater than 90% chance of not having a reoccurrence of this cancer.  Music to my ears!

Please join us as we pray persistently, boldly, and trustingly to our good, good Father.  We are asking for a “perfect report card” on the day of surgery.  A complete pathological response to the chemo.  That every cancer cell has been destroyed, and would never return.

As for Round #6, it began as one of the smoother weeks!  I am so thankful.  After Rounds 4 and 5, I honestly did not expect this.  It has been a precious gift.  There have been a few bumps in the road.  I came down with a sinus infection a few days ago, and am starting on an antibiotic today.  But, I am so close to being able to climb out for what I hope is the last time.  A few days from now, the first weekend of June, is when I reasonably should begin feeling better and then I begin “climbing out”.  Gaining more and more energy.  The side effects heal up.  I am given the gift of normalcy once again.  Thank you for journeying with us and petitioning our powerful God on our behalf.  It means everything to us.