February 16, 2006

Hi all,

So, believe it or not, the end of chemo has finally arrived!! In some ways it seems like yesterday that we started this whole journey and in some ways we feel like we've lived a lifetime in the past 7 months. Friday I will have my final chemo treatment. Unfortunately, mentally I'm already done; physically my body keeps reminding me that the cumulative effect of chemo is still happening. I'm trying to be patient when my body tires quickly and can't do what I want it to. I'll be dealing with my body recovering for a while I'm afraid.

We've been asked what is next for us... other than some major celebration! Because there was no cancer in the lymph nodes and it had not spread anywhere else in my body, full body scans are unnecessary. The chemo was for individual dormant cancer cells that may have travelled through my body. I will have ultrasounds periodically to check for anything new. I also will be on an antibody intravenously every other week until next December.

Tim and I have been talking a lot about this experience, what has happened and what we've learned, (too much to put in an email... I can hear your sigh of relief!!). I know I keep saying it, but God has truly been so good to us through it all. During times when we were floundering in fear and questions and unknown, God held our hand, did not let us fall and reminded us of how strong He is. Then He calmed the storm in our life and sustained us with His peace and grace. He has taken into account every detail and we are truly awed by how much He cares. We are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but we are so grateful that we have a God who is perfect beyond our imagination. While we would not wish cancer on anyone, or even ourselves again, we would not erase these past 7 months for anything. We actually are thankful for them.

We're also thankful for you... THANK YOU for your part in this journey. Without the people we know, (and even those we don't know), who have prayed for us this would have been a different experience. We are truly indebted to you. Know that I have prayed for you also. Remember that the same God who has sustained us loves you immeasurably and His greatest desire is to show that love to you. No matter what you are facing in your life, His peace is available to you too. He's just waiting for you to ask. As we've been so rudely reminded, life is incredibly short... don't try to live it without God.

Anyways, next time you hear from or see me, chemo will be over... YIPPEE!!!!!
Love you all...
Linnea, (and Tim too!)

p.s. We are blessed to have another nephew, A.J., born yesterday to Tim's sister and brother-in-law!!