My next set of 21 days started Friday, October 4. Chemo round number five. My last set was a difficult time for me. The new immunotherapy drug Avastin gave me a whole new pile of side effects on top of the weakness from the chemo. There was extreme fatigue, headaches and body aches most of the 21 days. At my appointment on Friday, I was thankful my oncologist, Dr McGee said let's stop that Avastin for now and get you through the chemo. After that we can revisit Avastin or a different maintenance drug. I am very relieved to do that. I need to listen to my body and give it the best shot of fighting the chemo. We will figure out what happens next after that.

I did also have an appointment with a genetic counselor. A vile of blood was drawn Thursday for genetic testing. This gives us lots of information. They are specifically looking for the genes which would be positive for ovarian and breast cancer. These are genes I could have passed on to my children. This information will also help guide my team of oncologists to help in the decision of what maintenance drugs will be best for me. We should have results in two to three weeks.

My favorite surgeon in Billings, Dr. Alexis Hokenstad, had a three-month follow up virtual appointment with me this week. It was wonderful to talk with her again. She is on board to look at the genetic testing results when they are available and help in the decisions about my future.

How blessed am I to have a team of oncologists helping me.

And down the road, I can see it from here, I will have my sixth and final chemo on October 25. I will have another 21 days of chemo related symptoms, but I sort of know what to expect. Both oncologists said the chemo gets harder toward the end. I am ready to fight.

Thank you for your continued support. Thank you for your cards. Thank you for your calls. Thank you for your texts. Thank you for your emails. Thank you for your gifts. I am so blessed to have an army of prayer warriors lifting me up. 

I see God's hand in all that happens every day.