Diagnostics and Keytruda #9

Thank you so much to everyone who was praying for us! Two night trains in a row makes for a hard trip, but still everything went smoothly. Yesterday morning our train got in to Kyiv late, but I was still on time for my scan. I don't like those scans because of how much the contrast hurts, but this time I didn't even feel it. After the blood tests and scans, we had breakfast in the nice restaurant at the clinic, then set out for a walk. They called us back almost right away, though, to let us know that our results were already in and my doctor was ready to see me.

I posted the basic idea on Facebook already, so there wouldn't be any suspense, but the details are that the biggest tumour was 47x38 mm in August and is now 38x25 mm; next biggest is not visible (but I can still feel something there, so we're a little puzzled); last one was 24x18, is 13x9; lung spot was 7 mm, is 5 mm; all affected lymph nodes are slightly smaller than they were. And my blood tests were decent, so we could do another Keytruda treatment, after I rested and drank water for a few hours.

Honestly, I was surprised that everything pulled together like that. Last week was really hard, and I thought it meant the end of Keytruda, or at least a break. But, we got a really helpful, really optimistic gastroenterologist in Kherson on our side, and all her supplements and medicines are making a difference. (So I can forgive her for an awful procedure she had me go through to get diagnoses!) Which means we keep going.

My next appointment in Kyiv is set for December 27.

After the clinic yesterday, we still had some time before our train, so we explored a little and enjoyed a nice dinner.

And then we came home. Oh, almost every time I've travelled back and forth, there has been someone I know, or at least am acquainted with, on the train with me. This time we were waiting to board, scanning the crowd, and joking about who it would be this time. It turned out to be the bookkeeper for the Christian institute and our church. Not only were we on the same train, we were in the same wagon. Usually we only see her once a year--for about a week--while she works on our residency renewal. Her daughter was recently diagnosed with cancer. We've been praying for each other from a distance, but it was nice to talk a little now.

I am so, so thankful: for good results, for good treatment, for friends and people we don't even know who are making this possible, for my home and family, and for so much more.

Our kids did well and had lots of fun while we were gone, so I'll try to write about some of that in the next few days. If I can get my eyes open.