Phillipians 4:13........

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. 





As I sat here this evening with a fire going in the fireplace, it was quiet as Pat was at the Halloween Parade serving hot dogs to Democrats and a few Republicans. This verse entered into my head as I thought of the next week or two that has evolved into what was suppose to be a quiet next two weeks to a busy, crazy, a biopsy, and trying to see if I am a candidate for the NCI MATCH Program. It was scheduled for two weeks from now but all has been moved to this coming Tuesday and Wednesday (Nov. 3 & 4). We will drive on the 2nd and catch some more beautiful fall foliage but it seems like we just got back from Texas yesterday (its been almost two weeks) and here we are leaving early Monday to get in the appr 12 1/2 to 14 hour drive.. That's the easy part ....for me. Not so easy for Pat who drives it all but is also the typical man who refuses to let me drive.

     I have been asking for a week if they will get the biopsy through my stomach like the other two OR through the back to get a piece of the lymph node. Well, today a man politefully told me they would be going through my back because the node is behind the intestines so I have to trust that all will go as planned and I will be in a hotel waiting out my 24 hour period before moving farther away from the hotel/hospital. They like for you to stay close by in case you are the slim percentage that has a problem afterwards and need to get to the hospital FAST! It will be a biopsy guided by a CT scan so that will help make sure they get to just the right location. I will be awake for the procedure but they did tell me I could be totally sedated but MOST people are not....so I will bite my upper lip and suck it up!

     The biopsy will be used for two things. One for the NCI MATCH Program and a piece for testing to see if I have the right sequencing for Immunotherapy. Kind of getting an added bonus by getting one biopsy for two different treatment plans.  I am not sure of how many "CHOMPS" they will have to take from the node but each one makes you wanna sit up and scream! L-O-U-D!  It sounds like a LARGE staple gun going off.  Okay.....maybe it's not quite as bad as I make it sound....but it's no picnic! There is a good chance I might not be eligible for either of the above mentioned program/therapy, but I refuse to leave any rock unturned with this cancer.
     There are some trials available if the above mentioned protocols fall through. It's a wait and see thing at the moment.  I did look at my schedule and I have appointments on Nov 3 & 4, then they want me back November 10th for a consult with a dr. Really?  I have requested it be moved to next week....if they won't give...then I guess we will bug our friends a while and see our favorite dog named Blondie Kate.
     To say I am a little apprehensive is an understatement. The best thing is....I am not afraid. I know God is with me and no matter what..... there is life after death. I also truly believe my time here on earth is not done. I am in the hands of some of the best doctors and surgeons in the U.S. ....so I will take a deep breath, and leave it all in the hands of a man higher than any of us. For He once spoke to me and said, "Do not be afraid for I am right beside you" and I know He is beside me.....every.single.minute!
     Prayers are appreciated and I will keep you all updated. Prayers for a safe biopsy and good results making me eligible for one of the protocols or that God leads me to the right treatment no matter where that might be.


     God is Good ALL the time~~~~~ ALL the time Good is GOOD!


Hugs,
Patty Corcoran