End of Chemo
Teresa had her last chemo Wednesday (October 13, 2021). Her doctor determined that the current treatment was no longer effective. The cancer has spread to some small nodes on her liver, as well as a larger mass on top of her stomach. Her doctor is now consulting with two different pancreatic cancer specialists to see if there are other treatments that could be used. Mostly, these would be clinical trial drugs and newer treatments that are less available. There is no guarantee that these treatments would be available, covered by insurance, or effective.
Obviously, this is crushing news for us but has always been part of the expected outcomes. We are both sad about this, but our faith remains strong and we have the hope of eternal life before us. God gives each of us a cross to bear, and this seems to be the one we have now. And like Job, we must answer thus:
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:26–27
So, we will fight on, but this is a fight we know we will eventually lose.
We want to make one more extended trip. We are hoping to go to New Orleans and spend a few days enjoying some food and music. We are going to a monster truck rally next weekend, followed by a visit with our two oldest boys while we help them unpack into their new house. And we will be joining most of Teresa's family for Thanksgiving.
Going to New Orleans will depend on available funds. So I'm upping our GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/teresas-cancer-journey) to cover that trip and expected funeral expenses. I know many of you have generously donated, and I hate to even ask. But know that even if you cannot give, your continuted thoughts, well wishes, and prayers are gratefully wanted.
I'm finally working on getting some other pictures up, as well as videos from our Alaska and New Mexico trips. Hopefully you will see at least some of those soon.
Teresa, the kids, and I are grateful for your kindness and love. Know that we love you all.